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

HE is no earnest labourer, no wakeful person, but a sluggard and sleeper, which careth not for his labour, but hindereth contemneth, and backbiteth other. This is to fold the hands: to do nought him self, but to hinder and let other. The like phrase is in the vj. of the Proverbs. Fold thy hands, and poverty shall come on thee as one that travelleth by the way. ¹Hereof it seemeth to come that Pliny saith: It bodeth some evil luck to fold the hands together, which was very well said of them but not understanded. Contrariwise of a diligent and good housewife it is said: Her hands laid hold on the spindle, that is, She doth earnestly mean it. Such foolish and naughty men doth God raise up to hinder and let our devises.

HE is no earnest labourer, no wakefull person, but a sluggard and sleper, which careth not for his labour, but hindreth contemneth, and backbiteth other. This is to fold the hands: to doe nought him selfe, but to hinder and let other. The like phrase is in the vj. of the Prouerbes. Fold thy handes, and pouertie shall come on thee as one that trauelleth by the waye. ¹Hereof it séemeth to come that Pliny saith: It bodeth some euill lucke to fold the handes together, which was very well sayd of them but not vnderstanded. Contrarywise of a diligent and good housewife it is sayd: Her handes layd hold on the spyndle, that is, She doth earnestly meane it. Such foolish and naughty men doth God raise vp to hinder and let our deuises.