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

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 ⟨p. 15⟩with Christ, and longing after him, and praying for him, Chap. 4. 16. Chap. 8. 1. &c. almost throughout, and also what she was in public duties, going to the Watch-men, Chap. 5. 7. and Chap. 3, 3. and what she was in fellowship with others, Chap. 5. 8, 9. Chap. 6. 1, 2. (6.) It sets out Believers as more strong, and furnished with a greater measure of Grace, and Knowledge, and also, as more weak in Gifts, and Grace. (7.) And Lastly, It holds forth the same Believers, as more and less lively in their conditions.

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 livelinesse 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 injoying 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