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

First, Some acquaintance with the whole Word of God, but mainly the Book of the Psalms, and other Songs recorded in the Word; as also, with the Gospel, and such places as have most likeness to it.

2. Acquaintance with the cases of others, either by reading or mutual fellowship; but most of all it is requisite, that one have some experimental knowledge of the way of God towards his own heart: He who is so wise as to observe these things, even he shall understand this loving kindness of the Lord: Such kind of experience is one of the best Commentaries upon this Text.

2. Acquaintance with the cases of others, either by reading or mutual fellowship; but most of all it is requisite, that one have some experimental knowledge of the way of God towards his own heart: He who is so wise as to observe these things, even he shall understand this loving kindnesse of the Lord: Such kind of experience is one of the best Commentaries upon this Text.

3. Watchfulness over our selves, keeping our heart with all keeping, and studying a tender frame of spirit, that we may have a Conscience always void of offence towards God: Looseness all the Week will not be a frame for the Canticles. It is not the simple being of Grace, but the lively operation and exercise thereof, which prompts and disposes either to speak to purpose, or to hear of this with profit; He would grow in Grace who would grow in Knowledge here: Neither have others ground to expect that this secret of the Lord shall be with them, or that they shall be of a quick understanding, who fear him not: One may have Grace, and not a lively frame for this, except Grace be acting, and in exercise.

3. Watchfulnesse over our selves, keeping our heart with all keeping, and studying a tender frame of spirit, that we may have a Conscience alwayes void of offence towards God: Loosnesse all the Week will not be a frame for the Canticles. It is not the simple being of Grace, but the lively operation and exercise thereof, which prompts and disposes either to speak to purpose, or to hear of this with profit; He would grow in Grace who would grow in Knowledge here: Neither have others ground to expect that this secret of the Lord shall be with them, or that they shall be of a quick understanding, who fear him not: One may have Grace, and not a lively frame for this, except Grace be acting, and in exercise.