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

3. If all the parts of it were in the same way applicable to, and true, in the cases of Believers, then when it was written, even as now, or will be before the end, then it was not intended to be Prophetical, but Doctrinal, Narrative, and Consolatory: but the first is true; was there any Believer in Solomon's days, but these Commendations, Properties, Promises, Practices, &c. did agree to them, as they do to us? and was not Christs way such to them also, as it is to us?

3. If all the parts of it were in the same way applicable to, and true, in the cases of Believers, then when it was written, even as now, or will be before the end, then it was not intended to be Prophetical, but Doctrinal, Narrative, and Consolatory: but the first is true; was there any Believer in Solomon's dayes, but these Commendations, Properties, Promises, Practices, &c. did agree to them, as they do to us? and was not Christs way such to them also, as it is to us?

4. Consider further, if the scope of it be to set out Christ's way to his Church, and her's to Him, as is said; and if according to this scope, it should be made use of by a Believer in any time, ⟨p. 14⟩then it is not Prophetical, but Doctrinal, as hath been said: But the former is true, as is cleared. Therefore, &c.

5. If it be applicable to Believers, according to their several cases, and if it be the case agreeing with any part of this Song, which grounds the application of it to any party, and not the time when that case is not; then it is not Prophetical, deducing cases by times, but Doctrinal, &c. applying directions, warnings, and comforts to Believers cases, in whatsoever time.