Annotations on the book of Ecclesiastes

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.

Now he proceedeth to another Vanity, which is in Riches and outward possessions. They are of two sorts;

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.

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.

3. By its Equity, It is the fruit of a mans Own Labour, and provided for his Own Life.

4. The End of it, and his Right to it, It is His Portion, all that he is ever like to get by it, vers. 18.