331–396. Notwithstanding the authority and influence of the foregoing fathers, the allegorical interpretation was rejected by many at a very early age. And Gregory, bishop of Nyssa, in Cappadocia, born about 331, and died about 396, who wrote an extensive commentary upon this book, had strenuously to contend for the allegorical or spiritual interpretation, and severely condemned those who adhered to the literal meaning. The soul, he considers, as a spouse who enters into spiritual union with God. The most perfect and blessed way of salvation is here shown to those who wish to come to the knowledge of the truth. The following is a specimen of Gregory’s Commentary:— 2. Let him kiss me, &c., is the language of the soul to God, which has become worthy to speak to God face to face. Thy breasts are better than wine, that is, divine breasts are better than human wine. All human wisdom cannot equal the milk of the divine word. 3. Thy name, &c. This signifies that all the virtues are nothing to the graces received from above. Thus he finds some spiritual meaning in every part, for the confirmation of which some other part of Scripture is adduced. 331–420. Jerome, however, (born at Stridon in Dalmatia in 331, and died in the vicinity of Bethlehem in 420,) who was exceedingly fond of the Greek philosophers, and, like Origen, was instructed in Hebrew literature by the Jews, [77] as might have been expected, was not affected by the objections against the allegorical interpretation, but introduced it into the Western Churches. According to him, it is a nuptial and dramatic song on the occasion of the union of Christ with his Church or the soul of man. The bride and her companions, and the bridegroom and his companions are the interlocutors in the drama. He seems to have embraced almost entirely the theory and interpretation of Origen. 354–430. Augustin, who was born at Tagesta in Numidia, in 354, and died in 430, materially aided Jerome in the spread of the allegorical interpretation in the West. He regards the Song of Songs as describing “the holy loves of Christ and his Church.”