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

We proceed now, and shall draw some Conclusions from these Propositions.

First Conclusion. We may then warrantably read, and expone this Song; it being Scripture, it must be edifying, and ought to be made use of. It's true, this, and some other Scriptures, were ⟨p. 21⟩of old restrained by the Jews, from the younger sort, that none should read them, but these who were at thirty years of age: Origen marks four pieces of holy Scripture, thus restrained by them: The history of the Creation, Genes. 1. The description of Gods appearance, Ezek. 1. and of his Temple, Chap. 40. &c. And especially this Song, because, the matters in them were so sublime, that there needed more than ordinary humility and experience in those who should meddle with them: This indeed, saith men ought to be sober, and with holy fear search these Scriptures: but that restraint (if peremptory) was unwarrantable, seeing the Lord hath put none such on his people, as to any portion of sacred Scripture. And though this Song be obscurer than many other Scriptures; yet, generally the reading of it, and hearing of it, will affect; and as to the composing of the spirit, edify as much, as other more plain Scriptures: which sayeth, it's to be inquired into, that the meaning being found out, the profit reaped thereby, may be the more distinct and apparent.

First Conclusion. We may then warantably read, and expone this Song; it being Scripture, it must be edifying, and ought to be made use of. It's true, this, and some other Scriptures, were ⟨p. 21⟩of old restrained by the Jews, from the younger sort, that none should read them, but these who were at thirty years of age: Origen marks four pieces of holy Scripture, thus restrained by them: The history of the Creation,