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

First, For the nature of this Scripture, It's a Song. Songs in Scripture, are such Portions, or Books thereof, as were especially intended to be made use of, for the praising of God, the edifying and comforting of his people, in singing of them. Three sorts of them were in use amongst the Hebrews (as the Titles of our Psalms do clear, and as they are mentioned by the Apostle, Eph. 5. 19.) 1. Psalms, such were used, both with voice and Instruments. 2. There were Hymns (so the 145 Psalm is entitled) such in the matter of them, were wholly made up of praise, and what immediately led to that. 3. There were spiritual Songs, which were more extensive in the matter, taking in Histories, cases, and exercises of all sorts; and might be sung with the voice, without Instruments, either publicly, or privately. Of this last sort, is this Song, intended to be made use of in the praises of God; and so composed, both for matter and manner, as it ⟨p. 44⟩might best attain that end, and prove edifying and comfortable also to Believers, in their singing of it.

First, For the nature of this Scripture, It's a Song. Songs in Scripture, are such Portions, or Books thereof, as were especially intended to be made use of, for the praising of God, the edifying and comforting of his people, in singing of them. Three sorts of them were in use amongst the Hebrews (as the Titles of our Psalms do clear, and as they are mentioned by the Apostle, Eph. 5. 19.) 1. Psalms, such were used, both with voice and Instruments. 2. There were Hymns (so the 145 Psalm is intituled) such in the matter of them, were wholly made up of praise, and what immediatly led to that. 3. There were spiritual Songs, which were more extensive in the matter, taking in Histories, cases, and exercises of all sorts; and might be sung with the voice, without Instruments, either publickly, or privatly. Of this last sort, is this Song, intended to be made use of in the praises of God; and so composed, both for matter and manner, as it ⟨p. 44⟩might best attain that end, and prove edifying and comfortable also to Believers, in their singing of it.