A34666:1618
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. 11.5.6. 5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all, &c.
Eccles. 11.5.6. 5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit, nor how the bones doe grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all, &c.
IN these words Solomon exhorteth to fruitfulness in good duties, the duties of our calling especially those that are most behooveful in ill times: by removing the impediments, which are three: First, From the hazard and danger (yet uncertain danger) that may befall our selves, of which was spoken in verse 4. Secondly, From the difficulty which may be in sundry duties needful to be performed in ⟨p. 240⟩ill times, especially in case a mans calling require him to seek reformation of public evils, verse 5, Which he removeth by the unknown help and success, that God will cast in, & afford such hard attempts, which exceed the skill and strength of man. This he setteth forth by the like help of God ordinarily put forth in producing two great works, both of them far exceeding the strength and skill of man: First, As thou knowest not the way of the spirit, to wit, of its conveyance into the child bred in the womb, and its work there. Secondly, As thou knowest not the way of the bones in the womb of her that is with child: So thou knowest not the work of God which worketh all, verse 5. Thirdly, From the uncertainty of prosperous or good success; from whence Solomon gathereth rather a motive to continual fruitfulness in good duties upon all opportunities verse 6. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, &c. The expression is an Allegory taken from Husbandry, sow in all seasons, Morning, Evening, in Winter, in the Spring; for thou knowest not whether seed time shall prosper, &c.