Clavis cantici, or, An exposition of the Song of Solomon

First, It may be objected, if Allegoric Scriptures be so to be expounded, and such Doctrines to be drawn from them; then why are such Scriptures set down under such figurative expressions? might they not be better in plain words? or might not such plain Scriptures be rather expounded, which bear such Doctrines with less difficulty?

First, It may be objected, if Allegorick Scriptures be so to be expounded, and such Doctrines to be drawn from them; then why are such Scriptures set down under such figurative expressions? might they not be better in plain words? or might not such plain Scriptures be rather expounded, which bear such Doctrines with lesse difficulty?

Ans. If this were urged, it would not only reflect on this Song; but on many places of Scripture, and also, on the expounding of such Scriptures; yea, it would reflect on the wisdom of the Spirit, and his Sovereignty, who may choose what way he pleases, to express his mind to his People, and what ever way he take to do this, sure, it is still the best, and it may warrant us to acquiesce in the way he hath taken to speak his mind, that it is he that speaks: Yet, there may be good ends given of this his way, or weighty reasons (even for our behove) why he speaks to his People in such terms, and language: As, 1. Here he putteth all the conditions of a Believer together, as in one Map, which are more sparsely, and as it were, here and there, to be found elsewhere through the Scriptures; We have them here compended together, in a sort of Spiritual dependence one upon another, and in a connection one with another. And they are put in a Song, to make them the more sweet and lovely; and under such Poetical and figurative expressions, as best agreeth with the nature of Songs, and Poetical Writings; that so Believers may have them together, and may sing them together, for the help of their memory, and upstirring of their affections.

Ans. If this were urged, it would not only reflect on this Song; but on many places of Scripture, and also, on the expounding of such Scriptures; yea, it would reflect on the wisdom of the Spirit, and his Soveraignty, who may choose what way he pleases, to expresse his mind to his People, and what ever way he take to do this, sure, it is still the best, and it may warrand us to acquiesce in the way he hath taken to speak his mind, that it is he that speaks: Yet, there may be good ends given of this his way, or weighty reasons (even for our behove) why he speaks to his People in such terms, and language: As, 1. Here he putteth all the conditions of a Believer together, as in one Mapp, which are more sparsly, and as it were, here and there, to be found elsewhere through the Scriptures; We have them here compended together, in a sort of Spiritual dependance one upon another, and in a connexion one with another. And they are put in a Song, to make them the more sweet and lovely; and under such Poetical and figurative expressions, as best agreeth with the nature of Songs, and Poetical Writings; that so Believers may have them together, and may sing them together, for the help of their memory, and upstirring of their affections.