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…

To the latter he answereth, by opposing the strange and secret assistance, and success, and deliverance which God giveth unto men in the duties of their calling. Which he amplifieth by a comparison from the like secret assistance and deliverance which God giveth to the child fashioned in the womb, both in the framing of his spirit (or soul) and in the setting and ordering of his bones; which is a strange, yet ordinary secret in nature, like unto which all the works which a man undertaketh in his calling are fashioned and wrought of God, who worketh all, v. 5. And thus it cometh to pass, when God is pleased to put to his helping hand to us in the works of our calling; otherwise nothing prospereth in our hand.

To the latter he answereth, by opposing the strange and secret assistance, and successe, and deliverance which God giveth unto men in the duties of their calling. Which he amplifieth by a comparison from the like secret assistance and deliverance which God giveth to the child fashioned in the wombe, both in the framing of his spirit (or soule) and in the setting and ordering of his bones; which is a strange, yet ordinary secret in nature, like unto which all the works which a man undertaketh in his calling are fashioned and wrought of God, who worketh all, v. 5. And thus it commeth to passe, when God is pleased to put to his helping hand to us in the works of our calling; otherwise nothing prospereth in our hand.

From both which Solomon inferreth an exhortation to diligence, and fruitfulness in our calling, directly contrary to the former doubts and difficulties. The Objector propounded doubts and difficulties, and thereupon neglected to sow. But Solomon inferreth a contrary conclusion; therefore to sow more abundantly and diligently. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening let not thy hand rest, or cease. Reason whereof he giveth, from the uncertainty of the event or issue, reserved of God to this or that duty or work, For thou knowest not whether shall prosper, this or that; or whether both shall be alike good, v. 6.