A34666:1035
A brief exposition with practical observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…
A brief exposition with practical observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that late pious and worthy divine, Mr. John Cotton ... ; published by Anthony Tuckney ...A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that late pious and worthy divine, Mr. John Cotton ... ; published by Anthony Tuckney ...
London: printed by T.C. for Ralph Smith, 1654
A BRIEF EXPOSITION UPON ECCLESIASTES. › VersesA BRIEFE EXPOSITION UPON ECCLESIASTES. › Verses
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Reason 2. Why it is followed with certain danger of destruction; because, First, it is ever joined with pride, which is a forerunner of destruction, Prov. 16.18. Secondly, it reflecteth imperfection and insufficiency upon Gods wisdom and word. For it is less dishonour to God, that a man do a sin against the word, then a good duty above the word. The one argueth frailty and imperfection in us; the other in God. Thirdly, it submitteth not it self to the righteousness of Christ, but men in it go about to set up a Saviour without Christ, and against him, Rom. 9.31, 32. with 11.7. Christ is indeed our Wisdom, 1 Cor. 1.24. and Righteousness, 1 Cor. 1.30. Jer. 23.6.
Reason 2. Why it is followed with certain danger of destruction; because, First, it is ever joyned with pride, which is a forerunner of destruction, Prov. 16.18. Secondly, it reflecteth imperfection and insufficiency upon Gods wisdome and word. For it is lesse dishonour to God, that a man doe a sinne against the word, then a good duty above the word. The one argueth frailty and imperfection in us; the other in God. Thirdly, it submitteth not it selfe to the righteousness of Christ, but men in it goe about to set up a Saviour without Christ, and against him, Rom. 9.31, 32. with 11.7. Christ is indeed our Wisdom, 1 Cor. 1.24. and Righteousness, 1 Cor. 1.30. Jer. 23.6.
Use 1. To prevent and refute the mis-applying of this Text to the reproach and discouragement of growth and forwardness in grace and Christian duties. Even the Heathen Philosopher Aristotle could say, Though virtue consisteth in a mediocrity between two extremes, yet not in a mediocrity of degrees of goodness, but in a hyperbole or excess. Politic. l. 7. c. 1. Yea, it reproveth the despising of legal duties; for though they be not righteousness, yet they are gifts of the Spirit, restraining from sin, constraining to duty, and a greater gift from God then riches or honour. Brass is good, only it is counterfeit, when it is put off for gold.