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

It is better to hear the rebuke of wise men then the song of fools. For the laughing of fools is like the cracking of thorns under a pot. This also is vanity.

It is better to heare the rebuke of wise men then the song of fooles. For the laughing of fooles is lyke the cracking of thorns vnder a pot. This also is vanitye.

HE calleth the opinions of fools,¹ a song, by a trim figure. Neither must it be transferred or understanded of Music, no more then that which goeth before of outward banqueting, but of the ⟨image 116⟩whole conversation of mans life, after the manner of the Hebrews, & according to their figure. And rebukes are doctrines and exhortations touching things to be done. This therefore he saith▪ Although thou seem to prevail nothing, yet must thou go forward with that thou hast in hand, & not cease from rebuking, although fools will give no ear: to the which thing Paul. 2. Timoth. 4. thus uttered: Reprove, rebuke, be instant in season, & out of season. I have taught and do teach that this world is vain, and that things can not be ordered after our counsels and deuyse. &c. When a fool heareth these rebukes, he draweth them an other way. Let us then do nothing saith he. But we must not cease for all this, neither from doing, nor from rebuking of vanities, neither from teaching and preaching, howsoever we seem to be contented, but must burst through all impediments and rebuke the ungodly. If I should have left of preaching of the word, because I see small fruit of the word but among a very few, & great perverseness and ingratitude of all the world, I should long sithens have held