SFS & The Canticle of Canticles

ToC | Preface | Introduction | Part-I | Part-II | Part-III

Introduction

Canon Henry Lemaire, in his study of the Images in the Writings of St. Francis de Sales[1], states that the Canticle of Canticles holds the first place, before all the other works of the Old and New Testaments, in the number of references, citations and images used by St. Francis de Sales, particularly in the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God.

Such a declaration would suffice to legitimize this work. But this statistical conclusion only confirms the impression which anyone can experience in the reading of St. Francis de Sales. His style immediately appears to us as profoundly warm, fervent and friendly. One senses that he loves us, even though he does not know us, and that he wishes to speak to us as one does with someone who loves ardently. Hence, where else will he have been able to find this “human ardour,” if not where the heart has been able to express itself freely? Quite naturally, one would think in the “Canticle of Canticles,” where one will encounter, almost without surprise, even remote lines cited in verse or tenderly evoked.

However, let us immediately forestall the objection as to why we present today, after so many labours, studies and biblical investigation, a four-centuries old work of commentaries on scriptural texts which are certainly contested today by the most well-informed critics.

Let us respond, right away, that the work of modern exegesis today only throws into better relief the problem which concerns us, because, far from doing away with the problem which the “Canticle of Canticles” poses, it actually underlines it with even more sharpness. Indeed, beyond the literal translation, beyond an effort at poetic translation, beyond the syntheses which each day are attempted here and there, it remains that this dialogue of two lovers, situated there in the midst of the sacred texts, is and always will be the “word of God.”

And what is the word of God, if not, above all, a language which should penetrate us to the heart and transform us by the reality which it signifies? Therefore, it is for the exegete, to present this language to us as authentically as possible, and for the saint, to aid us in living this life.

This is why we think that St. Francis de Sales, the “Doctor of Love,” has spoken marvelously about the Canticle and that he is particularly recommended for our involvement in the discovery of that Canticle which Daniel Lys has called “the most beautiful chant of creation.”[2]

Therefore, we wish to present to you, above all, an investigation, into the manner with which St. Francis de Sales has known, loved and practiced the Canticle and, in addition, a commentary on specific texts. We have been able, indeed, to bring about a certain “reconstitution” of a Canticle of Canticles as translated and commented on by St. Francis de Sales. The division into poem which we have chosen corresponds entirely to a work undertaken by the Saint in his youth. Finally, we have added some texts which, although not actually dealt with in the commentaries, express its atmosphere and inspiration. They witness eloquently to how much St. Francis de Sales had assimilated the canticle in his incomparable love for Christ Jesus.

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[1] Lemaire, Henri. Les Images chez St. Francois de Sales, (Paris: Nizet, 1962), pp. 29 ff.

[2] Lys, Daniel. “Le plus beau chant de la creation,” Etudes Theologiques et Religieuses (Montpellier), XXXIII, 1958.