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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.
Reason 3, From mens prostituting of their souls to like or worse conditions then that of the souls of beasts; who of all the sons of men, in an estate of vanity (or nature) considereth or knoweth (that is acknowledgeth) the difference of his soul which goeth upwards, from the soul of the beast, which goeth downwards? For, men cleave to earthly things to maintain this life as do the beasts: both alike follow their sensual Appetites; immortal food and raiment of the soul is generally neglected. The immortal soul cannot feed upon bodily meats and drinks, nor be satisfied with silver or gold, but with the favour of God, the blood of Christ, the gifts of the spirit, the Ordinances of God, communion of Saints, &c. All which are neglected.
Reason 3, From mens prostituting of their souls to like or worse conditions then that of the souls of beasts; who of all the sons of men, in an estate of vanity (or nature) considereth or knoweth (that is acknowledgeth) the difference of his soul which goeth upwards, from the soul of the beast, which goeth downwards? For, men cleave to earthly things to maintaine this life as doe the beasts: both alike follow their sensual Appetites; immortall food and rayment of the soul is generally neglected. The immortal soul cannot feed upon bodily meats and drinks, nor be satisfied with silver or gold, but with the favour of God, the blood of Christ, the gifts of the spirit, the Ordinances of God, communion of Saints, &c. All which are neglected.
Use 1. To teach us to look at Magistrates and Courts of Justice as set up of God for trial of men, (as well as for other ends.) To try, First, Magistrates themselves [Magistratus indicat virum] Place of government trieth the spirit of a man, whether it be just or corrupt, liberal or covetous, valiant or fearful, for God or for man. Secondly, Subjects. ⟨p. 73⟩Prov, 28.12. for hidden read tried or searched; as Prov. 20.27. Gen. 44.12