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

Thirdly, We would consider the notion, or capacity under which Believers join in this duty; for they join either as parts of the whole Church, and so they go about their part of the duty of praise (as the matter holdeth true in any member indefinitely, even as they join in prayers) so being that which is sung, be allowed matter for that end: Or, they join as true Believers, and then what points out infirmity, they look on it as agreeing to their flesh; what points out sincerity, they as spiritual, though not perfect, join on that account in the thankful acknowledging of it; what confesseth a sin, if guilty, they acknowledge it, if not, they bless God they are preserved by grace, yet they are made to see their corruption, which hath the seed of that sin in it, and take warning; as in singing the 51 Psalm is requisite, when all are not under that guilt, which David there confesseth.

Thirdly, We would consider the notion, or capacity under which Believers joyn in this duty; for they joyn either as parts of the whole Church, and so they go about their part of the duty of praise (as the matter holdeth true in any member indefinitely, even as they joyn in prayers) so being that which is sung, be allowed matter for that end: Or, they joyn as true Believers, and then what points out infirmity, they look on it as agreeing to their flesh; what points out sincerity, they as spiritual, though not perfect, joyn on that account in the thankfull acknowledging of it; what confesseth a sin, if guilty, they acknowledge it, if not, they blesse God they are preserved by grace, yet they are made to see their corruption, which hath the seed of that sin in it, and take warning; as in singing the 51 Psalm is requisit, when all are not under that guilt, which David there confesseth.

A fifth case in singing, which hath been matter of doubting to ⟨p. 53⟩some, is, when they are put to sing with others, who possibly are strangers to God. Ans. Such may be cleared from this, that the Bride joineth with the Daughters of Jerusalem, often they have a share in holding up this Song; so doth she go to the Watchmen, being willing to join with them who smote her: And certainly this and other Songs, being to be sung in public in the Congregation, and suc Congregation, as none will plead that it ought to have been separate from, it's clear they joined, and that upon the account of the former grounds.