An exposition of Solomons book called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seen and allowedAn exposition of Salomons booke called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seene and allowed

And here Solomon (as hath been declared before) speaketh of mans works, that is to say,¹ such as are taken in hand of mans wisdom and counsel. This the interpreters not marking, think that he speaketh in this place of the corrupting of Gods creatures. Thus therefore understand, that all mans works and devises have their certain and appointed season of doing, beginning and ending, beyond mans power & ability, so that he speaketh against free will, because it is not in our power, to appoint the time, ⟨image 51⟩the mean, and the effect of our affairs, and that our enterprises and endeavours herein are utterly frustrated, but that all things go and come when God appointeth. This he proveth by the examples of mens works, which are ordered beside and above mans appointment, so that hereof he concludeth, that men are troubled in vain with their own devises, and can bring nothing to pass, for all they can do, until that time & hour cometh, that God appointeth. Hereto belongeth that saying in the Gospel: The hour is not yet come. Again: A woman while she is in travel hath pain and sorrow, because her hour is come. Thus the power of God comprehendeth all things under their appointed hours and seasons, so that no man can let or hinder them.

ANd here Salomon (as hath béene declared before) speaketh of mās workes, that is to say,