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

This Book in it's matter, is a comprehensive sum of all these particulars formed in a Song, put together, and drawn as on a Broad, for the Believers edification; to show, 1. What should be, and will be their carriage when it is right with them, as to their frame. 2. What are their infirmities, and what they use often to fall into, even they who are Believers, that they may be the more watchful. 3. To show what they may meet with, that they may make for sufferings, and not stumble at them when they come. 4. That the care and love of Christ to them, in reference to all these, may appear, that they may know upon what grounds to comfort themselves in every condition, and may have this Song, as a little Magazine, for direction, and consolation in every condition.

This Book in it's matter, is a comprehensive sum of all these particulars formed in a Song, put together, and drawn as on a Broad, for the Believers edification; to shew, 1. What should be, and will be their carriage when it is right with them, as to their frame. 2. What are their infirmities, and what they use often to fall into, even they who are Believers, that they may be the more watchful. 3. To shew what they may meet with, that they may make for sufferings, and not stumble at them when they come. 4. That the care and love of Christ to them, in reference to all these, may appear, that they may know upon what grounds to comfort themselves in every condition, and may have this Song, as a little Magazine, for direction, and consolation in every condition.

Therefore this Song is not to be astricted to any particular Case or Time, and is (even by Bernard, Serm. 1.) therefore observed to differ from other spiritual Songs, in three things: 1. That it's penned upon no particular occasion, as others are, such as that of Moses, Exod. 15. and Judges 5. &c. 2. That it is composed by way of conference, between several Parties. 3. That there are in this conference, moe Parties than two; Christ, the Bride, Watchmen, Daughters of Jerusalem, &c. all which do show, it's extensiveness, and comprehensiveness, in respect of it's Subject and Use.