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

3. When the matter is different from our case, some thinks it's hard to sing such Psalms. Ans. Certainly in this Song, there are different, yea, contrary cases; yet none can think, but a Believer may sing it all at one time. Yea, 2. There had never then, been a Psalm sung in public; for in no Congregation, can all the members ever be in one case. 3. The same might be objected against public Prayers also, seeing there may be many petitions that are not suitable to all joiners; yet hath the Lord commanded both public Praying and Praising.

3. When the matter is different from our case, some thinks it's hard to sing such Psalms. Ans. Certainly in this Song, there are different, yea, contrary cases; yet none can think, but a Believer may sing it all at one time. Yea, 2. There had never then, been a Psalm sung in publick; for in no Congregation, can all the members ever be in one case. 3. The same might be objected against publick Prayers also, seing there may be many petitions that are not suitable to all joyners; yet hath the Lord commanded both publick Praying and Praising.

4. When the matter, which is sung, is above us, being a thing we have not yet reached, and so cannot assert it in our particular condition as truth, As these words, Psal. 18. 20, 21. I have kept his ways, &c. Ans. By this Song, all, at least most part of ⟨p. 50⟩Believers, are made to sing many things, beyond their own attainments possibly; yea, Chap. 8. that phrase, My Vineyard which is mine, is before me, is of that same extent, with that, Psal. 18. 20. Yet will not any think, that the Spirit propounding this Song, and that Psalm, as a subject for public praise, did ever intend that none should sing it, but such as were as holy as David; yea, it would seem, that if either David or Solomon, had stuck to the absolute perfection which these words seem to hold forth (if they be expounded according to the strict rule of the Law, and be not taken in an Evangelic sense) that neither of them would, or could have sung them: yea, it's observable, that in this Song, there are spots mentioned; and not keeping of the Vineyard, Chap. 1. is one part of the Song, as well as keeping of it, Chap. 8. is another.