Canticle of Canticles

8 chapters

Chapter summaries

The Douay-Rheims’ own argument for each chapter. Tap a number above to read.

1. 1The Church of the Old Testament desireth Christ's coming in flesh, and the Christian Church prayeth for his coming in glory. 5. The Church outwardly afflicted, is inwardly fair. 8. Christ encourageth his spouse the Church. 12. She meditateth of his Passion, and Resurrection. 15. Christ praiseth his spouse, 16. she again praiseth him, with thanks for her repose, and present consolation.
2. 2Christ professeth himself the flower of mankind: yea Lord of all creatures. 2. The Church excelleth all other societies: in the Church the godly excel sinners, among the innocent and holy, the Virgin Marie surpasseth all. 3. The Church praising Christ resteth secure under his protection. 7. He for the weak's sake permitteth her not to be molested, till she be prepared to suffer with patience. 8. She feeling Christ's assistance, confesseth, and preacheth boldly his Gospel, and truth against all Pagans, and heretics. 9. Who though he shew not himself visibly, 10. yet encourageth her to approach unto him: 15. commandeth his pastors to destroy heresies. 16. And so she reposeth in him.
3. 3The Church finding Christ not in dark ignorance nor in philosophy but by his revealing himself to her, holdeth him for ever: 4. even till the Jews shall at last also find him. 5. Christ speaketh as before ch. 2. v. 7. 6. The Church of Christ admireth her own conversion from Gentility, now full of good works. 7. She also professeth that the ascending to eternal rest, is by fighting manfully, in observing the ten commandments, in the six days of this life: 10. even to blood, if need be, which is the highest degree of charity. 11. And inviteth all others to come unto Christ, who in the flesh which he took of his mother, was crowned in heaven after his Passion.
4. 4Christ again praiseth the beauty of his Church: her sincere and simple intention, her temporal occupations directed to God's glory, her pastors who like nurses give bread of good doctrine to little ones, her faith and good works, the preaching of Christ's Passion, the administration of Sacraments whereby the Church, Christ's mystical body, is joined to him her head, an inexpugnable fortress wherein both Jews and Gentiles are fed with the principles of Christian doctrine. 6. Christ dwelleth in mortified and devout minds. 7. The Church triumphant is without spot, and every particular soul entering into heaven; the B. Virgin Mother was also in this life always immaculate. 16. All temptations, whether they be in manifest cruelty or in flattering subtlety, make constant souls more grateful to God.
5. 5The spouse condescending to God's will is well content to suffer persecution: Christ again showeth his good liking in his spouse's patience, and willeth the glorious Saints to congratulate with the patient. 2. The spouse desireth to rest in meditation, but is called upon to help others, and urged by Christ's own example working for all mankind. 5. And so she employeth herself also in active life, still conserving a desire to return unto contemplation. 9. The devout confer together, describing the excellencies of Christ, 17. and resolve to seek him wheresoever he be.
6. 6The Church teacheth her children that Christ is delighted with the godly desires, and fruitful works of the faithful. 3. Christ again commendeth his Church, well composed of distinct orders (some governing, some retired in cloisters from this world, the rest also exercising works of mercy, in the troubles of this life) all together making a complete army, terrible to all enemies. 4. The more any contemplate God's Majesty, the better they perceive that he is incomprehensible. 7. Many true pastors, more hirelings, that also preach truth, but for temporal commodity: 8. and innumerable faithful souls in the Church, all which are but one body in unity of faith. 9. The voice of the old synagogue, admiring the beauty of Christ's Church. 12. The Church of Christ exhorteth the Synagogue of the Jews to return to Christ.
7. 7Christ interposeth his commendation of the Jews, who at last shall return to him with great fervour of faith and devotion: and so jointly praiseth his Church consisting of both peoples. 9. The Church, as it were taking the word out of Christ's mouth whiles he praised her, she returneth all the praise to him: 11. praying him to come and still remain with her: 13. acknowledging him to be the only Saviour of both old and new testament.
8. 8The Synagogue prosecuteth her prayer, desiring Christ's Incarnation. 3. Christ admonisheth worldly men not to molest those that serve him in contemplation, & other spiritual virtues. 5. Angels and other Saints of the triumphant Church admire the beauty of the Gentiles converted; which is also understood of every holy soul ascending from this world into heaven, And more singularly of the most glorious virgin mother of God. The Synagogue of the Jews was corrupt under the tree of Christ's Cross, when they cried: Crucify him, Crucify him. And again: His blood be upon us, and upon our children. Again: We have no King but Cæsar. &c. 8. Christ again sheweth his affection towards his Church of the Gentiles: calling her his own sister, and the Synagogue's sister, promising and bestowing on her many excellent benefits. 10. The Church of Gentiles rejoiceth in the strong defence, wherewith her Saviour hath established her. 11. Keepers of this vineyard, were the Prophets and Apostles, and their Successors are still the keepers thereof. 12. Christ sheweth that together with the pastors, himself especially hath care of his Church, always assisting the visible governors thereof with his invisible grace. 14. The whole Church militant well contented, yea desiring Christ's Ascension into heaven, prayeth him from thence to send abundance of his grace, that we may ascend the high mountains of perfect charity, and zeal of God's honour, & so he will vouchsafe to dwell therein. Amen.