The sermons of Master Henry Smith gathered into one volume. Printed according to his…The sermons of Maister Henrie Smith gathered into one volume. Printed according to his…

The whole narration doth show that Solomon wrote this book after his fall. When he had the experience of vanities, and seen the folly of the world, what evil comes of pleasure, and what fruit groweth of sin, he was bold to say, Vanity of vanities, &c. which he avoucheth with such protestation, as though he would justify it against many adversaries: For all the world is in love with that which he calls vanity. Therefore he puts to his name in the middest of his sentence, as if he would defend it against all comers: if any man ask, who broached this strange doctrine? the Preacher (saith Solomon ) To testify his hearty conversion to God, he calls himself a Preacher, in the witness of his unfeigned repentance, as if God had said unto him Thou being converted, convert thy brethren and be a Preacher, as thou art a King: ⟨p. 822⟩so when we are converted, we should become Preachers unto other, and show some fruits of our calling, as Solomon left this book for a monument to all ages of his conversion. Therefore they which write, that Solomon dyed in his sin, and that such a famous instrument of God went to the damned, do great wrong to the worthy King which gives them such an example to repent, and would correct their rash judgement, if they considered. First, that he was the clearest figure of Christ (except Melchizedek) which passed all Kings in prosperity, and all men in wisdom. Secondly that he was inspired by the Holy Ghost like the prophets,¹ to be one of the pens of God to write his holy word, the word of salvation, which was not fit for a reprobate. Thirdly, that GOD promised to his father, that he would not take his spirit and his mercy from him as he did from Saul, ²nor forsake him as he did Saul but correct him in another sort. Fourthly, that GOD is said to love him,³ therefore as Paul concludes that Jacob was elected,⁴ because,⁵ God saith,⁶