Annotations on the book of Ecclesiastes

2. But I was mistaken, there was an Error in my Vow. To this he gives a double ⟨p. 148⟩answer, and sets it on with weighty considerations: First, Look well before thou vow, that thou do not bring a bond of sin upon thy self: Suffer not thy mouth to cause thee to sin. Secondly, Take heed of pretending error and oversight, out of unwillingness to do what thou hast promised: Say not that it was an error. For consider, 1. Thou art in the presence of the Angel. 2. Thou provokest Gods anger. 3. The damage which by that anger thou wilt suffer, he will destroy the work of thy hands, disappoint thee in that benefit, the preservation whereof thou didst aim at in excusing thy Vow. 4. The folly of such vain excuses. There is a vanity in all parts of Worship when undertaken by fools or wicked men: the fools sacrifice, vers. 1. the fools voice, vers. 3. the fools vow, vers. 4. Divers vanities in all this, vers. 7.

2. But I was mistaken, there was an Errour in my Vow. To this he gives a double ⟨p. 148⟩answer, and sets it on with weighty considerations: First, Look well before thou vow, that thou do not bring a bond of sin upon thy self: Suffer not thy mouth to cause thee to sin. Secondly, Take heed of pretending errour and oversight, out of unwillingnesse to do what thou hast promised: Say not that it was an errour. For consider, 1. Thou art in the presence of the Angel. 2. Thou provokest Gods anger. 3. The damage which by that anger thou wilt suffer, he will destroy the work of thy hands, disappoint thee in that benefit, the preservation whereof thou didst aym at in excusing thy Vow. 4. The folly of such vain excuses. There is a vanity in all parts of Worship when undertaken by fools or wicked men: the fools sacrifice, vers. 1. the fooles voyce, vers. 3. the fooles vow, vers. 4. Divers vanities in all this, vers. 7.

Now having showed the vanities in the carnal performance of Divine Worship, he doth (as he had done formerly in the other Vanities which he spake of before) prescribe a Remedy of this also, viz. The inward principle of all Right and spiritual Worship which is to fear God, vers. 7.

Now having shewed the vanities in the carnal performance of Divine Worship, he doth (as he had done formerly in the other Vanities which he spake of before) prescribe a Remedy of this also, viz. The inward principle of all Right and spiritual Worship which is to fear God, vers. 7.

And because it might be objected, That Piety it self is not likely to secure a man's tranquility and peace, in as much as we find ⟨p. 149⟩poor and righteous men every where, all a Province over, oppressed and persecuted by great men in high place: he removeth this objection, 1. By showing the compassion of God and his Justice, He sees and regards it. 2. The greatness and power of God, that he is higher then any of those that oppress his servants, vers. 8.

And because it might be objected, That Piety it self is not likely to secure a man's tranquility and peace, in as much as we find ⟨p. 149⟩poor and righteous men every where, all a Province over, oppressed and persecuted by great men in high place: he removeth this objection, 1. By shewing the compassion of God and his Justice, He sees and regards it. 2. The greatnesse and power of God, that he is higher then any of those that oppresse his servants, vers. 8.

1. Substantial and Real wealth, in the profits and Fruits of the Earth, Corn, Cattle, &c.

1. Substantial and Real wealth, in the profits and Fruits of the Earth, Corn, Cattel, &c.

2. Instrumental, in that which is by mens agreement made a measure to other wealth, viz. silver and gold. Concerning both which he showeth, 1. The excellency of the former, in regard of real and general profit, before the later, verse 9. 2. The vanity both of the one and the other, when 1. inordinately loved. 2. Immoderately increased.

2. Instrumental, in that which is by mens agreement made a measure to other wealth, viz. silver and gold. Concerning both which he sheweth, 1. The excellency of the former, in regard of real and general profit, before the later, verse 9. 2. The vanity both of the one and the other, when 1. inordinately loved. 2. Immoderately increased.

This vanity is showed, 1. Absolutely, in that the Inordinate love of them is unsatisfiable, vers. 10. and that troubles and cares are proportionably increased in the Increase of them, vers. 11.

This vanity is shewed, 1. Absolutely, in that the Inordinate love of them is unsatisfiable, vers. 10. and that troubles and cares are proportionably increased in the Increase of them, vers. 11.

2. Comparatively, and that 1. in respect of any Real benefit and good in the fruition ⟨p. 150⟩of them. The owner hath no more true profit by them, (further then that he looks on them as his own) then any of his friends and servants, who are fed and clothed by them as well as he: only his cares are increased. 2. In respect of consequent rest and quietness, the servants heart is less troubled, his body more refreshed then the owners, vers. 12. 3. In regard of the evil effects of Riches:

2. Comparatively, and that 1. in respect of any Real benefit and good in the fruition ⟨p. 150⟩of them. The owner hath no more true profit by them, (further then that he looks on them as his own) then any of his friends and servants, who are fed and cloathed by them as well as he: onely his cares are increased. 2. In respect of consequent rest and quietness, the servants heart is lesse troubled, his body more refreshed then the owners, vers. 12. 3. In regard of the evill effects of Riches:

1. The damage and hurt which sometimes a man lays up with them against himself, vers. 13.

1. The damage and hurt which sometimes a man layes up with them against himself, vers. 13.

2. The uncertainty of their abode with a man, having hurt the owners, they perish themselves, vers. 14.

3. The certainty of parting with them, They must dye, they cannot carry one handful away with them, vers. 15, 16.

4. The sordid and uncomfortable use of them, vers. 17.

5. Impatience and fretfulness in parting with them, or in getting of them, vers. 17.

5. Impatiency and fretfulnesse in parting with them, or in getting of them, vers. 17.

Lastly, he gives the Remedy of this Vanity and Vexation, in the right use of Riches, viz. In a free and cheerful enjoyment of them: which is here commended,

1. By its goodness to the owners.

2. By its comeliness and commendableness towards others.

2. By its comelinesse and commendablenesse towards others.