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

Because thorough a sad countenance, the hart is made better.

Because thorough a sadde countenaunce, the hart is made better.

This may be understanded two ways: first, through a sad countenance,¹ the hart, to say, of others is amended. So Paul in a Bishop requireth gravity in manners and conversation, that he offend not men by reason of lightness. &c. So Solomon would have him that is in authority, to rejoice in hart, but to show himself grave outwardly, that other might thereby be amended. For if a man behave himself in such wise, that his hart be merry, and his countenance grave, so that he show no lightness in his apparel and gesture, him will other fear and reverence, and his family will be of no dissolute demeanour.

THis may be vnderstāded two wayes: first, through a sad countenaunce,¹ the hart, to say, of others is amended. So Paule in a Byshop requireth grauitie in manners and cōuersation, that he offend not men by reason of lightnes. &c. So Salomon would haue him that is in auctoritie, to reioyce in hart, but to shew himselfe graue outwardly, that other might thereby be amended. For if a mā behaue himself in such wise, yt his hart be meary, and his countenaunce graue, so that he shew no lightnes in his apparell and gesture, him will other feare and reuerēce, and his familie will be of no dissolute demeanour.

1. 1With gravity men are amended, with levity they are offended.With grauitie men are amended, wyth leuitie they are offēded.