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

9. There may be also something of Gods design here, to try the humility and sincerity of his people, if they will stoop to every way he useth, because it's his; and if they will love the Word, not as so, or so proposed, but as it cometh from him, and is his, and as such humbly receive it, as being that which (though it seem to others foolishness, yet) makes them wise unto Salvation. The mockers taunted Ezekiel's Message under this notion, that he spake Parables, Ezek. 20. 49. but Z•ch. 11. 10, 11. when the Prophet broke the two Staves (which was a dark and mysterious-like action) the poor of the flock waited on him, when (as it's like) others stumbled also. By all which, we may see why the Lord hath so compacted together, plain useful Doctrines, under such expressions in this Song; and also, why our undertaking to open it, may be well constructed, even though these same truths may elsewhere as clearly arise; yet, these truths are here in such a way connected together, and so not only proposed, but also commended unto us, as will not any where else be found.

9. There may be also something of Gods design here, to try the humility and since•ity of his people, if they will stoop to every way he useth, because it's his; and if they will love the Word, not as so, or so proposed, but as it cometh from him, and is his, and as such humbly receive it, as being that which (though it seem to others foolishnesse, yet) makes them wise unto Salvation. The mockers taunted Ezekiel's Message under this notion, that he spake Parables, Ezek. 20. 49. but Z•ch. 11. 10, 11. when the Prophet broke the two Staves (which was a dark and mysterious-like action) the poor of the flock waited on him, when (as it's like) others stumbled also. By all which, we may see why the Lord hath so compacted together, plain useful Doctrines, under such expressions in this Song; and also, why our undertaking to open it, may be well constructed, even though these same truthes may elsewhere as clearly arise; yet, these truths are here in such a way connected together, and so not only proposed, but also commended unto us, as will not any where else be found.