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…

Excess of vanity] For therefore it is called by an not vain but vanity it self, yea, vanity of vanities; which is a superlative vanity, as holy of holies is a superlative holiness. Variety of vanities] for it is vanities in the Plural number, vanities of many sorts; University, or Universality of vanities] ⟨p. 262⟩All is vanity. The universality of all creatures is vanity, and all vanities is found in the creatures. The vanity the creature is subject to, is called the bondage of corruption, Rom. 8.20, 21. which is not meant of natural corruption, such as might be in beasts before the fall; for when generation was to be, there was to be corruption. But would have been no vanity, because the creature had then finished his work, as the silkworm (after a sort) hath done and so departeth. But he meaneth a corruption that fell upon the creature by the fall; which is a corruption, 1. Through enmity of one creature against another, when they also suffer most that are most innocent, Job 12.7, 8. 2. Through their inward debility, or infirmity, whence First, Their often abortions both in Cattle, Women, fruitful Trees, Olives, Vines, and Figs casting their fruit. Secondly, Their labour to bring forth what fruit they do yield, even beyond their strength, whence necessity in the soil of lying fallow; in living creatures of barrenness, Gen. 3.17, & 4, 12. Levit. 26.20. only weeds and Briers, and Thorns (and such fruits of the curse) are brought forth with more ease, Gen 3.17, 18. Thirdly, Through abuse, by making the creatures the objects of our best affections, Psal. 20.7. Prov. 18.11. Job 31.24. Isai: 44.17. Ezek. 16.15. Thus we place our Sovereign good in the creature comforts; and by making them instruments of wickedness whether against God or against man,