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

First, There may be Doctrines drawn from this Song, in reference to all cases that are incident to a Believer. As, 1. In reference to the case of the Church, in all it's considerations, visible, or invisible, Catholic or particular. And, 2. In reference to the more private and personal cases of Believers, Doctrines instructing them both in faith and manners, &c. For the Doctrines must rise as extensively, as there scope and matter; and these are of a great reach and extent, as formerly hath been said: Such Doctrines then, when handled in this Song, would not be thought strange, nor unsuitable to it; but the broader they arise, the Spirit's wisdom and contrivance in this Song, will be the more wonderful and evident.

First, There may be Doctrines drawn from this Song, in reference to all cases that are incident to a Believer. As, 1. In reference to the case of the Church, in all it's considerations, visible, or invisible, Catholick or particular. And, 2. In reference to the more private and personal cases of Believers, Doctrines instructing them both in faith and manners, &c. For the Doctrines must rise as extensively, as there scope and matter; and these are of a great reach and extent, as formerly hath been said: Such Doctrines then, when handled in this Song, would not be thought strange, nor unsuitable to it; but the broader they arise, the Spirit's wisdom and contrivance in this Song, will be the more wonderful and evident.

2. These Doctrines, must not be taken from the words properly, but Allegorically understood, according to the intention of the Spirit in them, even as from Parables, and other clearer Allegories and figures in Scripture, it useth to be done.

3. These Doctrines so drawn, when rightly concluded from the Text and scope, are solid and sure, useful for faith and manners, as Doctrines drawn from other places of Scripture are: For, 1. It's certain, that many Scriptures are Allegorically set down, and is their authority therefore any way less than that of other Scriptures? And if their authority be such in themselves, as is the authority of other Scriptures; Then their Exposition and Doctrines drawn from them, must be solid and useful, as these that are drawn from other Scriptures: Or, 2. We must say, there is no use of such Scriptures, which were blasphemous; and if they be useful, there may be solid uses drawn from them, as from other Scriptures. 3. Our Lord useth Parables and Allegories often in the Gospel, and that in things relating both to faith and manners; which sayeth, the use of them is solid and safe, when they are rightly understood and applied.