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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.
But yet all these being compounded and generated of the four Elements, do in the end return into them again by dissolution and corruption.
Use 1. To teach us (that which is Solomons scope) that the study of these natural things, is not available to the attainment of true happiness; For how should that which is restless (and as Solomons word is; full of labour) procure us settled rest and tranquillity, which accompanieth true happiness? The mind of man, as Philosophers have observed, is somewhat assimilated into the nature of the Object which it studieth, and is conversant about: as Mariners who are conversant about winds, and seas, and storms are more boisterous. Shepherds and Herds-men more brutish, Foresters more wild, Butchers more bloody, &c. So the study of these restless creatures leaveth the mind more restless.
Ʋse 1. To teach us (that which is Solomons scope) that the study of these natural things, is not available to the attainment of true happinesse; For how should that which is restlesse (and as Solomons word is; full of labour) procure us setled rest and tranquillity, which accompanieth true happinesse? The mind of man, as Philosophers have observed, is somewhat assimilated into the nature of the Object which it studieth, and is conversant about: as Mariners who are conversant about winds, and seas, and storms are more boysterous. Shepherds and Herds-men more brutish, Forresters more wild, Butchers more bloody, &c. So the study of these restlesse creatures leaveth the minde more restlesse.
In particular, the Study and Knowledge of the passing away of one Generation after another, showeth us our mortality and misery, and thereby yieldeth us grief and vexation, but no relief if we rest there.
In particular, the Study and Knowledge of the passing away of one Generation after another, sheweth us our mortality and misery, and thereby yeildeth us grief and vexation, but no reliefe if we rest there.