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

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.