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

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.

4. Much conversing with the Bridegroom, especially by Prayer, that he who causes the dull to understand Doctrine, may manifest himself, and open our eyes to behold these wondrous things, and that he may bless us in the knowledge of his will in this we undertake, which so especially concerns Him and us; for, this Scripture may be dark to these who speaks on it, if this be not, and a sealed Book to you who hear it, if these things be wanting: Whereas, if these be in us and abound, we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of this piece of Sacred Scripture.

4. Much conversing with the Bridegroom, especially by Prayer, that he who causes the dull to understand Doctrine, may manifest himself, and open our eyes to behold these wondrous things, and that he may blesse us in the knowledge of his will in this we undertake, which so especially concerns Him and us; for, this Scripture may be dark to these who speaks on it, if this be not, and a sealed Book to you who hear it, if these things be wanting: Whereas, if these be in us and abound, we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of this piece of Sacred Scripture.