A37032:70
Clavis cantici, or, An exposition of the Song of Solomon
Clavis cantici, or, An exposition of the Song of Solomon by James Durham ...
Edinburgh: printed by George Swintoun and James Glen, 1668
Clavis Cantici: OR, A KEY of the SONG, Useful for opening up thereof.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
6. The matter of it is the ordinary cases which are incident to Believers in all times, and what may make it look Prophetical-like, may be considered in the Exposition.
7. If it's scope be one and the same with other Allegories of this kind, then it is not Prophetical, but Doctrinal: But the former is true: Therefore, &c. The truth of both which, may appear by what is said, and will further appear in that which followeth.
We leave this then, and come again to the Proposition, to wit, that the great scope of this Song is to set out that mutual Love and Carriage, that is between Christ and his Church: That this Proposition, which is a main one, may be the more clear, we shall take it in five distinct Branches.
First, It holdeth out (we say) the Churches case, and Christ's care of her, in all her several Conditions, and under all Dispensations; Such as, 1. Her sinful infirmities, and failings in duties, Chap. 1. 6. Chap. 5. 2, and 3. and also, under liveliness in duties, Chap. 1. 2, 3, 4. and 5. 5. and almost throughout. (2.) Under Crosses, Chap. 1. 6. as being a Lillie among Thorns, and hated of the World, Chap. 2. 2. and also in Prosperity, wherein she is commended as terrible, Chap. 6. 10. (3.) As deserted and sick of Love, Chap. 3. 1, 2. and 5. 4, 5. and again, as enjoying her Beloved, Chap. 1. 4. Chap. 3. 4. 5. (4.) As under faithful Shepherds, and lively Ordinances, Chap. 1. 4. Chap. 3. 4, 5. and also, as under carnal Watch-men, Chap. 5. 7. And in all these, her various conditions, in all Ages, are painted forth, before Christs Incarnation, as well as now, without respect to any particular Time or Age; for, ceremonial things are not here meddled with, but what was spiritual: Beside, the Church then and now is one, as in the next consideration will be cleared. (5.) As in private, dealing