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

Now, that we may have the more clear access to speak profitably of the matter of this Song, and that our way of opening and applying of it (which may possibly in some things be different from others) may be the better cleared, We shall, 1. premit some Propositions concerning it. 2. Draw some Conclusions from these; both which we shall endeavour shortly to clear and confirm, as useful to be taken alongst in our proceeding.

Now, that we may have the more clear accesse to speak profitably of the matter of this Song, and that our way of opening and applying of it (which may possibly in some things be different from others) may be the better cleared, We shall, 1. premit some Propositions concerning it. 2. Draw some Conclusions from these; both which we shall endeavour shortly to clear and confirm, as useful to be taken alongst in our proceeding.

The first Proposition then is this, This Song is a piece of Divine Scripture, and a most excellent part thereof (which we shall speak ⟨p. 4⟩to more fully on the Title) and so of equal authority with other Scriptures (wherein holy Men spoke, as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost) and tendeth to the edifying of the Church, and making of the man of God perfect, even as they do. For,

First, This Song hath ever been received into the Canon, and accounted (as they speak) for Canonic, as the rest of the Scriptures were. It was never questioned by the Jews (as Mercer. praefat. ad Cant. cleareth) but was still received by them, and transmitted to the Gentile Churches, who received the Scriptures of the Old Testament from them, who had the Oracles of God in keeping: And that the same hath been universally received by Christians, may appear by the Records of the Councils, and Writings of the Fathers, where the Catalogue of the Books of the Holy Scripture is set down.