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…

Secondly, From the cause of the worse appearance of present times from fond mistakings. As, First, In youth want of Judgement to discern and judge of good or evil. Thy Judgement then was green and raw; young mens spirits are green and cheerful, and so looking through a green glass (as it were) thou sawest all things green and pleasant. Old men are splenetic and sad, and see all things through dark and sad fumes, and so accordingly think hardly of them. Besides by better experience, old men now can discern much evil, which before they could not observe. Secondly, Through ignorance of history, which speaketh of as bad times as ours Or else through the choice that Historians make to tell of notable matters, and neglect common occurrences: besides its pleasant to read in stories of great wars, and exploits; but to feel them would seem Tragical. Thirdly, Through following sense in this conceit, evils present seem worst, as in governments so in the whole life of man. Fourthly, Through discontentment with a mans own personal condition, and envy at others, and vain glory in our selves; hence Nestor, Oh mihi praeteritos referat si, &c. Vitio malignitatis humanae vetera semper in laude, praesentia fastidio esse. Tacitus. Fifthly, Through curiosity, whilst men look more at others then themselves, whereas if every man laboured to amend himself, the times would soon amend.

Secondly, From the cause of the worse appearance of present times from fonde mistakings. As, First, In youth want of Judgement to discerne and judge of good or evil. Thy Judgement then was green and raw; young mens spirits are green and cheerful, and so looking through a green glasse (as it were) thou sawest all things green and pleasant. Old men are splenetick and sad, and see all things through darke and sad fumes, and so accordingly thinke hardly of them. Besides by better experience, old men now can discerne much evil, which before they could not observe. Secondly, Through ignorance of history, which speaketh of as bad times as ours Or else through the choyce that Historians make to tell of notable matters, and neglect common occurrences: besides its pleasant to read in stories of great warres, and exploits; but to feele them would seem Tragical. Thirdly, Through following sense in this conceit, evils present seem worst, as in governments so in the whole life of man. Fourthly, Through discontentment with a mans own personal condition, and envy at others, and vaine glory in our selves; hence Nestor, Oh mihi praeteritos referat si, &c. Vitio malignitatis humanae vetera semper in laude, praesentia fastidio esse. Tacitus. Fifthly, Through curiosity, whilest men look more at others then themselves, whereas if every man laboured to amend himselfe, the times would soon amend.