A37032:98
Clavis cantici, or, An exposition of the Song of Solomon by James Durham ...
Edinburgh: printed by George Swintoun and James Glen, 1668
Title page: Internet Archive scan of the Early English Books microfilm
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.
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.
3. These Doctrines so drawn, when rightly concluded from the Text and scope, are solide 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 lesse 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 solide 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 solide 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 solide and safe, when they are rightly understood and applyed.
All the difficulty is in the right understanding of them, and because Allegories are frequent in Scripture, and this Song is wholly made up of Allegories: Therefore, both for removing prejudices, and facilitating our way, I shall speak something to these three. 1. We shall show what an Allegoric Exposition, or rather the Exposition of an Allegory is. 2. When it is necessary to understand a Scripture Allegorically. 3. How to walk in attaining the solid meaning or how to know if such a thing be the meaning, of an Allegoric Scripture.
All the difficulty is in the right understanding of them, and because Allegories are frequent in Scripture, and this Song is wholly made up of Allegories: Therefore, both for removing prejudices, and facilitating our way, I shall speak something to these three. 1. We shall shew what an Allegorick Exposition, or rather the Exposition of an Allegory is. 2. When it is necessary to understand a Scripture Allegorically. 3. How to walk in attaining the solide meaning or how to know if such a thing be the meaning, of an Allegorick Scripture.
For the First, There is a great difference betwixt an Allegoric Exposition of Scripture, and an Exposition of Allegoric Scripture: The first is that, which many Fathers, and School-men fail in, that is, when they Allegorize plain Scriptures and Histories, seeking to draw out some secret meaning, other than appeareth in the words; and so will fasten many sense upon one Scripture. This is indeed unsafe, and is justly reprovable; for, this maketh clear Scripture dark, and obtrudeth meanings on the words, never intended by the Spirit; As, suppose one speaking of Goliath's combat and David's, should pass by the letter, ⟨p. 23⟩and expound Goliath to be the Flesh, or the Devil, and David to be the Spirit, or Christ: Such Expositions, may have some pleasantness, but often little solidity; and such, who most commonly thus interpret Scripture, often fall in errors. As guilty of this fault, Origen is generally complained of, though moe also be guilty, as might be cleared by many instances.
For the First, There is a great difference betwixt an Allegorick Exposition of Scripture, and an Exposition of Allegorick Scripture: The first is that, which many Fathers, and School-men fail in, that is, when they Allegorize plain Scriptures and Histories, seeking to draw out some secret meaning, other than appeareth in the words; and so will fasten many sense upon one Scripture. This is indeed unsafe, and is justly reprovable; for, this maketh clear Scripture dark, and obtrudeth meanings on the words, never intended by the Spirit; As, suppose one speaking of Goliah's combat and David's, should passe by the letter, ⟨p. 23⟩and expound Goliah to be the Flesh, or the Devil, and David to be the Spirit, or Christ: Such Expositions, may have some pleasantnesse, but often little solidity; and such, who most commonly thus interpret Scripture, often fall in errors. As guilty of this fault, Origen is generally complained of, though moe also be guilty, as might be cleared by many instances.
2. An Exposition of an Allegoric Scripture, is, the opening and expounding of some dark Scripture (wherein the mind of the Spirit is couched and hid under Figures and Allegories) making it plain and edifying, by bringing out the sense according to the meaning of the Spirit in the place, though at first, it seemed to bear out no such thing: So, Matth. 13. Christ expoundeth that Parable or Allegory (for, though Rhetoricians make a difference between Similitudes, or Parables, and Allegories; yet, in Divinity, there is none, but that Allegories are more large and continued) calling the Seed, the Word; the Sower, the Son of man, &c. This way of expounding such dark Scriptures, is both useful and necessary, and was often used as edifying by our Lord to his Disciples: Now, it's this we speak of, which teacheth how to draw plain Doctrines out of Allegories, and not to draw Allegories out of plain Histories, or Doctrines.
2. An Exposition of an Allegorick Scripture, is, the opening and expounding of some dark Scripture (wherein the mind of the Spirit is couched and hid under Figures and Allegories) making it plain and edifying, by bringing out the sense according to the meaning of the Spirit in the place, though at first, it seemed to bear out no such thing: So, Matth. 13. Christ expoundeth that Parable or Allegory (for, though Rhetoricians make a difference between Similitudes, or Parables, and Allegories; yet, in Divinitie, there is none, but that Allegories are more large and continued) calling the Seed, the Word; the Sower, the Son of man, &c. This way of expounding such dark Scriptures, is both useful and necessary, and was often used as edifying by our Lord to his Disciples: Now, it's this we speak of, which teacheth how to draw plain Doctrines out of Allegories, and not to draw Allegories out of plain Histories, or Doctrines.
2. It may be asked then, When are we to account a place of Scripture Allegoric, and are we to seek out some other meaning, than what at first appeareth? Ans.
2. It may be asked then, When are we to account a place of Scripture Allegorick, and are we to seek out some other meaning, than what at first appeareth? Ans.
First, When the literal proper meaning looketh absurd like, or is empty, and nothing to edification; as when it is said, we must eat Christ's flesh, whereby believing is expressed: And so, these Scriptures that do command to pluck out the right eye, cut off the right hand, take up our cross, &c. All which, if literally understood, were absurd and ridiculous; and therefore, the mistaking such Scriptures, hath occasioned many errors, as that of the Anthropomorphites, attributing members, to wit, head, hands, feet, &c. to God; and passions, yea, infirmities, as anger, repenting, &c. because the Scripture speaking of God, after the manner of men, doth Allegorically attribute to him, eyes, hands, wrath, &c.
First, When the literal proper meaning looketh absurd like, or is empty, and nothing to edification; as when it is said, we must eat Christ's flesh, whereby believing is expressed: And so, these Scriptures that do command to pluck out the right eye, cut off the right hand, take up our crosse, &c. All which, if literally understood, were absurd and ridiculous; and therefore, the mistaking such Scriptures, hath occasioned many errors, as that of the Anthropomorphits, attributing members, to wit, head, hands, feet, &c. to God; and passions, yea, infirmities, as anger, repenting, &c. because the Scripture speaking of God, after the manner of men, doth Allegorically attribute to him, eyes, hands, wrath, &c.
2. These places of Scripture are to be accounted Allegoric, ⟨p. 24⟩which reach not the scope of edification, intended by them if literally understood; as when Christ hath spoken of sowing, the Disciples thought, that some more was intended than at first appeared; for, his aim could not be to discourse of Husbandry to them: So gathers the Apostle an Allegory from these words, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox, that treadeth out the corn. And so also, that and the like precepts, discharging the Jews, the sowing their fields with diverse grains, &c. Which though they be not wholly Allegoric, but have in the letter their own truth, yet, somewhat in these beyond what appears, was aimed at by the Spirit; for, saith the Apostle, doth God care for oxen? that is, that precept hath a further scope. 1 Cor. 9. 9, 10.
2. These places of Scripture are to be accounted Allegorick, ⟨p. 24⟩which reach not the scope of edification, intended by them if literally understood; as when Christ hath spoken of sowing, the Disciples thought, that some more was intended than at first appeared; for, his aime could not be to discourse of Husbandry to them: So gathers the Apostle an Allegory from these words, Thou shalt not muzle the mouth of the oxe, that treadeth out the corn. And so also, that and the like precepts, discharging the Jews, the sowing their fields with diverse grains, &c. Which though they be not wholly Allegorick, but have in the letter their own truth, yet, somewhat in these beyond what appears, was aimed at by the Spirit; for, saith the Apostle, doth God care for oxen? that is, that precept hath a further scope. 1 Cor. 9. 9, 10.
3. When a literal sense would obtrude some falsity on the Scripture, then such a Scripture is to be understood Allegorically; as when Christ said, Destroy this Temple, and I will build it up in three days; it is not to be understood of the material house, or Jewish Temple, because then Christ's word would not have had it's accomplishment; But Allegorically of his body: So, when Christ saith, Except a man eat his flesh, he shall not live, John, 6. 53. It cannot be understood literally, seeing all who have obtained life, did never eat his flesh in a carnal bodily way.
3. When a literal sense would obtrude some falsitie on the Scripture, then such a Scripture is to be understood Allegorically; as when Christ said, Destroy this Temple, and I will build it up in three dayes; it is not to be understood of the material house, or Jewish Temple, because then Christ's word would not have had it's accomplishment; But Allegorically of his body: So, when Christ saith, Except a man eat his flesh, he shall not live, Iohn, 6. 53. It cannot be understood literally, seing all who have obtained life, did never eat his flesh in a carnal bodily way.
4. Any Scripture is to be accounted Allegorical, when the literal sense agreeth not with other Scriptures, and is not repugnant to the analogy of Faith, or rules of right manners: As, when we are commanded to heap coals of fire upon the head of our enemy. Now, it were against the command of not avenging our selves, if literally and properly understood: It must therefore signify some other thing.
4. Any Scripture is to be accounted Allegorical, when the literal sense agreeth not with other Scriptures, and is not repugnant to the analogie of Faith, or rules of right manners: As, when we are commanded to heap coals of fire upon the head of our enemie. Now, it were against the command of not avenging our selves, if literally and properly understood: It must therefore signifie some other thing.
5. When a literal sense answereth not the present scope of the speaker, and the speaker would be thought impertinent, if his words were properly taken, then it would seem necessary to expound it as an Allegory; So Matth. 3. 10. when John is pressing repentance, he saith, The axe is laid to the root of the tree, &c. And that Parable of Christ's, Luk. 13. 7. speaking of the husbandman that spared his tree three years. If these places were only properly understood, they would not enforce repentance, which is aimed at; they must therefore be expounded, as having something more in them, of a deeper reach, which may conduce to that scope.
5. When a literal sense answereth not the present scope of the speaker, and the speaker would be thought impertinent, if his words were properly taken, then it would seem necessary to expound it as an Allegory; So Matth. 3. 10. when Iohn is pressing repentance, he saith, The axe is laid to the root of the tree, &c. And that Parable of Christ's, Luk. 13. 7. speaking of the husbandman that spared his tree three years. If these places were only properly understood, they would not inforce repentance, which is aimed at; they must therefore be expounded, as having something more in them, of a deeper reach, which may conduce to that scope.
And seeing, according to these rules, all the absurdities me• tioned would follow, if this Song were literally and properly expounded, it must therefore be taken Allegorically, and •he Doctrines must be drawn from it's inside, or scope, when the […] of the Allegory is laid by.
And seing, according to these rules, all the absurdities me• tioned would follow, if this Song were literally and properly expounded, it must therefore be taken Allegorically, and •he Doctrines must be drawn from it's inside, or scope, when the 〈…〉 of the Allegory is laid by.
But, 3. Because it's dangerous, to leave men to coin what Expositions they please of such Scriptures, therefore as upon the one hand; it's absurd to cast all Doctrines from them, as unsolid; so upon the other hand, we would see, what may fix us in a solid exposition, and so what may be esteemed a well grounded Doctrine, drawn from such an Allegory.
But, 3. Because it's dangerous, to leave men to coyn what Expositions they please of such Scriptures, therefore as upon the one hand; it's absurd to cast all Doctrines from them, as unsolide; so upon the other hand, we would see, what may fix us in a solide exposition, and sowhat may be esteemed a well grounded Doctrine, drawn from such an Allegory.
I shall, in order to our help in this, name five rules, whereof the last is safest.
First, Some Allegories at the first view seem plain, and imprint their meaning on these that have the least capacity, that it may be known, at least, what in general they aim at; And therefore, such are left frequently in Scripture unexpounded, and are used to press most obvious truths, such is that of John, Matth. 3. 10. The axe is laid to the root of the tree; and he hath his fan in his hand, &c. The meaning whereof, is at first obvious to be a peremptory certification pressing present repentance: So is the Parable of of the marriage, Matth. 22. 1. which at first view, appears to be understood of espousing Believers to Christ as their husband: And so Christ's command to take up the cross, &c. These, as to their meaning, are obvious; and we think such is this Song in it's general series; the very reading of it seems to imprint, that Christ and his people must be taken up as the parties, and the love here spoken of, must be such, as is betwixt them; and though particular expressions be dark, thus far it is obvious.
First, Some Allegories at the first view seem plain, and imprint their meaning on these that have the least capacity, that it may be known, at least, what in general they aim at; And therefore, such are left frequently in Scripture unexpounded, and are used to presse most obvious truths, such is that of Iohn, Matth. 3. 10. The axe is laid to the root of the tree; and he hath his fan in his hand, &c. The meaning whereof, is at first obvious to be a peremptory certification pressing present repentance: So is the Parable of of the marriage, Matth. 22. 1. which at first view, appears to be understood of espousing Believers to Christ as their husband: And so Christ's command to take up the crosse, &c. These, as to their meaning, are obvious; and we think such is this Song in it's general series; the very reading of it seems to imprint, that Christ and his people must be taken up as the parties, and the love here spoken of, must be such, as is betwixt them; and though particular expressions be dark, thus far it is obvious.
2. The meaning of an Allegory, may be gathered from the common use of such phrases and expressions, in our common use, so kissing and embracing, &c. signify love, and are expressions of mutual affection. In an Allegory then, these, and such like, are to express analogically some spiritual thing, answerable in our spiritual life to such things in our bodily life: Thus they express spiritual love, and the sense of it. Thus eyes, hands, feet, &c. applied to God, denote some singular property in him: If Allegorically applied to Believers, they denote some qualification ⟨p. 26⟩of the new man, that hath some analogy, and resemblance to these, as knowledge, activity, patience, &c. because, by our eye we see, by our hand we work, and by our feet we walk, and travel, &c. Thus are they transferred, to hold out some other thing than appeareth at first from the words, and the work of the Interpreter is to bring out the scope and matter in plain expressions, that it may look like the thing it is, and which is aimed at as the scope.
2. The meaning of an Allegory, may be gathered from the common use of such phrases and expressions, in our common use, so kissing and embracing, &c. signifie love, and are expressions of mutual affection. In an Allegory then, these, and such like, are to expresse analogically some spiritual thing, answerable in our spiritual life to such things in our bodily life: Thus they expresse spiritual love, and the sense of it. Thus eyes, hands, feet, &c. applyed to God, denote some singular property in him: If Allegorically applyed to Believers, they denote some qualification ⟨p. 26⟩of the new man, that hath some analogy, and resemblance to these, as knowledge, activitie, patience, &c. because, by our eye we see, by our hand we work, and by our feet we walk, and travel, &c. Thus are they transferred, to hold out some other thing than appeareth at first from the words, and the work of the Interpreter is to bring out the scope and matter in plain expressions, that it may look like the thing it is, and which is aimed at as the scope.
