A34666:1331
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.
Eccles. 8.16.17. 16. When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the Earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes.) 17. Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the Sun, because though a man labour to seek it out, yea further, though a wise man think to know it, yet shall not be able to find it.
Eccles. 8.16.17. 16. When I applyed mine heart to know wisdome, and to see the businesse that is done upon the Earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes.) 17. Then I beheld all the worke of God, that a man cannot finde out the worke that is done under the Sun, because though a man labour to seek it out, yea further, though a wise man thinke to know it, yet shall not be able to finde it.
IN the two former verses Solomon observed it as a great vanity, the promiscuous event and estate that befell good men and bad, especially through the mis-government of Princes. In these two verses he observeth the like promiscuous event and estate of both good and bad, from the work and providence of God. Which various dispensation of all events alike to all sorts of men (good and bad) Solomon ⟨p. 191⟩here setteth forth by the Adjunct thereof, his own serious meditation, and study, and enquiry after the reason of it, after the wisdom and counsel of Gods proceeding in it; which study and meditation of his, he enlargeth and amplifieth in these verses, and in the former part of the next Chapter. In these verses by two Adjuncts, First, By the restlessness and assiduity of it, so as he found no rest nor sleep night nor day, to seek out this matter, verse 16. Secondly, By the fruitlessness of it, he could not find what he sought. Which he setteth forth by a double amplification, à diversis; 1. Of labour in searching, though a man labour in seeking it out; 2. Of wisdom, yea if a wise man think and purpose, and profess to seek it, and to find it out, and to know it, yet he shall not be able to attain it, verse 17.