A34666:1036
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.
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.
Ʋse 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 vertue consisteth in a mediocrity between two extreams, yet not in a mediocrity of degrees of goodnesse, but in a hyperbole or excesse. Politic. l. 7. c. 1. Yea, it reproveth the despising of legall duties; for though they be not righteousnesse, yet they are gifts of the Spirit, restraining from sinne, constraining to duty, and a greater gift from God then riches or honour. Brasse is good, onely it is counterfeit, when it is put off for gold.
Use 2. To dissuade and direct from all this excess of righteousness here forbidden; not from the duties, but from taking them for our righteousness; when we have lived long in them, they are either our righteousness imputed or inherent.
Ʋse 2. To disswade and direct from all this excesse of righteousnesse here forbidden; not from the duties, but from taking them for our righteousnesse; when we have lived long in them, they are either our righteousness imputed or inherent.