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

For this is better then the sacrifices of fools.

For this is better then the sacrifices of fooles.

This is added by way of a Proverb,¹ to confirm this sentence. It is better to hearken to the word of God, then all the sacrifices and worshippings of fools. This he saith, because he would extol hearing and obeying of the word, above all works. For it is meetest of all, that we should hearken to the counsel of our God, as often as we come into the house of God. The wicked tyre and weary them selves in their works, forsaking the counsel of God.² And here mayst thou see what a fool signifieth with the Hebrews, not him that we call a dizzard, but him that harkeneth not to the word of God, ⟨image 78⟩or believeth it not with his hart, although otherwise he be never so prudent, because such men know not God, neither the things belonging to God, much less care they for them, but are vexed and carried about with cares, caring for that is not worthy to be cared for. Their care is how to do sacrifice. But lay thou hold on the best part: hearken to the word of God, and beware thou be not offended at it.

THis is added by way of a Prouerbe,¹ to confirme this sentence. It is better to harken to ye worde of God, then all the sacrifices and worshippings of fooles. This he saith, because he would extoll hearing and obeyeng of the word, aboue all workes. For it is méetest of all, that we should harken to the counsell of our God, as often as we come into the house of God. The wicked tyre and werye thē selues in their workes, forsakyng the counsell of God.