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

First, That singing of Believers cases, even their several cases, is allowable: Or, that singing of diverse and different cases, yea, even their saddest cases, is not inconsistent with, but very agreeable unto, the work of praise: Ye see, this is a Song for the nature ⟨p. 49⟩of it, which Song is to be sung, yet for matter, exceeding comprehensive of all sorts of cases, and these various.

There are (amongst others) five cases, in which to sing, doth sometimes stumble, at least, stick much with those who are weak and tender; All which, we will find cleared in the Brides practice of singing this Song.

First, It's doubted, if sad cases should be sung, seeing, James 5. 13. it's said, Is any man merry? let him sing Psalms. Ans. It's true, these who are merry should sing, but not only they, no more then only they who are afflicted, should pray; It's not our case, nor our cheerful disposition, but the duty that should be respected in this work of praise; yea, we should sing, for cheering our disposition, and mitigating and sweetening our crosses: So doth the Bride here sing her sufferings, Chap. 1. 6. Chap. 5. 7. when she was smitten; yea, her desertions, she putteth these also in a Song.

First, It's doubted, if sad cases should be sung, seing, Iames 5. 13. it's said, Is any man merry? let him sing Psalms. Ans. It's true, these who are merry should sing, but not only they, no more then only they who are afflicted, should pray; It's not our case, nor our chearful disposition, but the duty that should be respected in this work of praise; yea, we should sing, for chearing our disposition, and mitigating and sweeting our crosses: So doth the Bride here sing her suffeings, Chap. 1. 6. Chap. 5. 7. when she was smitten; yea, her deertions, she putteth these also in a Song.