Annotations on the book of Ecclesiastes

and of mirth, what doth it?] What good or profit bringeth it with it? Job 35.6, 7. Matth. 20.32. The interrogation bids a challenge to all the masters of mirth, that were to produce any one satisfactory fruit which it affordeth. Thus we see by the example of Solomon, that the heart cannot stay long on any one enquiry wherein it meeteth with dis-satisfaction, but it quickly hasteneth unto another, as a Bee flieth from flower to flower, when there is not enough in one to satiate it, as a sick man that removes from one bed, couch, chamber, unto another for ease, and finds none, Isaiah 57.10. Jer. 2.23, 36. 2. That in such kind of changes usually the heart goeth from better to worse, […] here Solomon from wisdom to pleasure• 3. Here is observable the nature of sensual ⟨p. 51⟩mirth, it tends towards excess, and so towards undecency and madness: for here is not condemned moderate, but excessive pleasure, when a man gives up his heart to it, and makes it the business of his life.

and of mirth, what doth it?] What good or profit bringeth it with it? Job 35.6, 7. Matth. 20.32. The interrogation bids a challenge to all the masters of mirth, that were to produce any one satisfactory fruit which it affordeth. Thus we see by the example of Solomon, that the heart cannot stay long on any one enquiry wherein it meeteth with dis-satisfaction, but it quickly hasteneth unto another, as a Bee flyeth from flower to flower, when there is not enough in one to satiate it, as a sick man that removes from one bed, couch, chamber, unto another for ease, and finds none, Esay 57.10. Jer. 2.23, 36. 2. That in such kind of changes usually the heart goeth from better to worse, 〈…〉 here Solomon from wisdome to pleasure• 3. Here is observable the nature of sensua• ⟨p. 51⟩mirth, it tends towards excess, and so towards undecency and madness: for here is not condemned moderate, but excessive pleasure, when a man gives up his heart to it, and makes it the business of his life.

V. 3. I sought in my heart] Upon serious deliberation, and further exploration of that good which men may in this life attain unto, finding that neither wisdom alone, nor pleasures alone, could bring me unto it, I purposed to temper them together; and since I found that wisdom and knowledge was accompanied with grief and sorrow, I intended to mitigate those griefs with bodily delights: and yet so, as that my wisdom might restrain those delights from any excess, and from disabling me in the duties which I owed to God or men.

V. 3. I sought in my heart] Upon serious deliberation, and further exploration of that good which men may in this life attain unto, finding that neither wisdome alone, nor pleasures alone, could bring me unto it, I purposed to temper them together; and since I found that wisdome and knowledge was accompanied with grief and sorrow, I intended to mitigate those griefs with bodily delights: and yet so, as that my wisdom might restrain those delights from any excess, and from disabling me in the duties which I owed to God or men.

to give my self unto wine] To draw my flesh with wine. Or, to draw forth my flesh unto wine. Abstinence doth shrink and contract the body, and keep it under, 1. Cor. 9.27. Dan. 1.10. feasting and mirth doth draw it forth, Psal. 73.7. That leanness or wasting of body which by hard studies I had contracted, I now purposed by more delicacy of living, and indulgence to draw forth into freshness, fullness and beauty again. Or, to draw with wine, to spend more time in feasting, banqueting, and delights then formerly ⟨p. 52⟩I had done. So drawing signifies sometimes continuance and prolongation of a business, Psal. 85.5. Isai. 13.22. Ezek. 12.28. So the glutton, Luk. 16.19.

to give my self unto wine] To draw my flesh with wine. Or, to draw forth my flesh unto wine. Abstinence doth shrink and contract the body, and keep it under, 1. Cor. 9.27. Dan. 1.10. feasting and mirth doth draw it forth, Psal. 73.7. That leannesse or wasting of body which by hard studies I had contracted, I now purposed by more delicacy of living, and indulgence to draw forth into freshness, fulness and beauty again. Or, to draw with wine, to spend more time in feasting, banqueting, and delights then formerly ⟨p. 52⟩I had done. So drawing signifies sometimes continuance and prolongation of a business,

yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom] Or, leading my heart by wisdom, resolving to keep such a temper, as to carry my self not licentiously, but wisely in the use of pleasures, to keep my self from being captivated unto, or swallowed up of these carnal delights, as using them not sensually, with a brutish excess, but critically and rationally to find out what real content they do afford unto the heart of an intelligent man. I did so give my flesh unto wine, as though I kept my heart for wisdom still.

yet acquainting mine heart with wisdome] Or, leading my heart by wisdom, resolving to keep such a temper, as to carry my self not licentiously, but wisely in the use of pleasures, to keep my self from being captivated unto, or swallowed up of these carnal delights, as using them not sensually, with a bruitish excesse, but critically and rationally to finde out what real content they do afford unto the heart of an intelligent man. I did so give my flesh unto wine, as though I kept my heart for wisdom still.

and to lay hold on folly] By folly, he meaneth those pleasures, the laying hold on which he found in the event to be nothing but folly. Thus to lay hold on them is fully to possess a mans self with them, and to embrace and apprehend them with all one• strength, Isa. 56.4. 1 Tim. 6.19. Phil. 3.12, 13. It may likewise seem to intimate thus ⟨p. 53⟩much, That he held folly from mixing with his pleasures, or coming into his heart along with them, to hold it as a man holds an enemy from doing him any hurt, Judg. 12.6. & 16.21.

till I might see what was that good for the sons of men] This was the end of his enquiring; it was not to drown himself in sensuality, but to discover what kind of course was that, which would render this present mortal life more comfortable to a man. He did it not viciously, but to make an experiment only. Solomon found in himself emptiness and indigency, he felt strong opposition after some good which might supply those wants; and he had active principles of reason to enquire what that good was, which Nature did so much want, and so greatly desire. And this reason and habitual wisdom he employed to the uttermost, to discover that good under heaven which might most perfectly satisfy the wants and desires of the reasonable soul.

till I might see what was that good for the sons of men] This was the end of his enquiring; it was not to drown himself in sensuality, but to discover what kind of course was that, which would render this present mortal life more comfortable to a man. He did it not vitiously, but to make an experiment only. Solomon found in himself emptiness and indigency, he felt strong opposition after some good which might supply those wants; and he had active principles of reason to enquire what that good was, which Nature did so much want, and so greatly desire. And this reason and habitual wisdome he imployed to the uttermost, to discover that good under heaven which might most perfectly satisfie the wants and desires of the reasonable soul.

under […] ] As before under the Sun. He was not ignorant, but that in the Heavens there was a supreme and infinite good, which the glorified soul should enjoy unto endless satisfaction; but he speaketh •here of that good under the Sun, which may most sweeten the mortal life of man.

under 〈…〉 ] As before under the Sun. He was not ignorant, but that in the Heavens there was a supreme and infinite good, which the glorified soul should enjoy unto endlesse satisfaction; but he speaketh •here of that good under the Sun, which may most sweeten the mortal life of man.

all the days of their life] That is, time good which is durable, and commensurate to the Soul that feeds on it. Now most of the things he here recounteth are only for some seasons of life; as painful studies, vigorous pleasures, active negotiations, when age and and infirmities come, they forsake him; and so these good things dye before the man that should enjoy them, 2 Sam. 19.35. Psal. 90.10. Eccl. 1•.3, 4, 5. Therefore in this enquiry, the duration of the good, is as requisite to be considered as the quality of it; whether it will continue with a man as a stay and comfort to him all the days of his life. Nothing will do this but godliness, Psal. 92.13, 14. There can be no time, no condition in a mans life, wherein the fear of God will not be comfortable unto him.

all the dayes of their life] That is, time good which is durable, and commensurate to the Soul that feeds on it. Now most of the things he here recounteth are onely for some seasons of life; as painful studies, vigorous pleasures, active negotiations, when age and and infirmities come, they forsake him; and so these good things dye before the man that should enjoy them, 2 Sam. 19.35. Psal. 90.10. Eccl. 1•.3, 4, 5. Therefore in this enquiry, the duration of the good, is as requisite to be considered as the quality of it; whether it will continue with a man as a stay and comfort to him all the dayes of his life. Nothing will do this but godliness, Psal. 92.13, 14. There can be no time, no condition in a mans life, wherein the fear of God will not be comfortable unto him.

Here we observe; 1. That in all these inquiries Solomon begins with his heart, thereby noting unto us, That the good which must satisfy a man, must bear proportion to his heart, and to his inward man. 2. That he tempers his pleasures and […] pains in seeking knowledge, together; teaching thereby, that the right use of pleasures, is not to take up the whole man, but to mitigate the bitterness and pains of severer studies thereby. 3. That a man hath never greater need of the bridle of wisdom, then when he is in ⟨p. 55⟩pursuance of carnal delights. 4. That pleasures and folly are very near of kin; and a very hard thing it is to hold folly so fast in, but that it will get loose, and immix it self in carnal delights. 5. That a free and full indulgence unto pleasures, though not upon sensual, but critical and more curious aims, will by degrees steal away the heart, & much abate more spiritual and heavenly delights: corruption ever creeping in with curiosity, Prov. 20.1. & 23.3, 6. It is a noble and high frame of spirit, to look out in every thing which a man undertakes, after that which is truly and principally good for his heart, in the use of that thing. 7. That the comfort of a mans life under heaven, is to be doing of that good which God hath given him his strength and life for. 8. That nothing is truly the good of a mans life, which is not commensurate in duration and continuance thereunto, and which will not properly minister comfort unto him into whatsoever various conditions of life, as sickness, poverty, bondage, disfavour, old age, &c. he may be cast into.

Here we observe; 1. That in all these inquiries Solomon begins with his heart, thereby noting unto us, That the good which must satisfie a man, must bear proportion to his heart, and to his inward man. 2. That he tempers his pleasures and 〈…〉 pains in seeking knowledge, together; teaching thereby, that the right use of pleasures, is not to take up the whole man, but to mitigate the bitterness and pains of severer studies thereby. 3. That a man hath never greater need of the bridle of wisdom, then when he is in ⟨p. 55⟩pursuance of carnall delights. 4. That pleasures and folly are very near of kin; and a very hard thing it is to hold folly so fast in, but that it will get loose, and immixe it self in carnal delights. 5. That a free and full indulgence unto pleasures, though not upon sensual, but critical and more curious aims, will by degrees steal away the heart, & much abate more spiritual and heavenly delights: corruption ever creeping in with curiosity,

V. 4. Having upon further deliberation, declared his purpose, to search for good amongst pleasures and bodily delights; he now showeth what magnificent and royal provisions he made, in order to that design, sumptuous diet, stately buildings, vineyards, gardens, orchards, ⟨p. 56⟩forests, parks, fish-ponds, honourable retinue of servants; possessions of all sorts of cattle; treasures of gold, silver, and all precious things; music vocal, instrumental; and all these in great abundance, as far as royal wealth could procure, largeness of heart desire, or exquisite wisdom contrive: In all which he took exceeding much joy and delight, being withheld by no manner of impediments from the full fruition of them; yet in the conclusion, he passeth the same censure here, as he had done before, That all was vanity, &c.

V. 4. Having upon further deliberation, declared his purpose, to search for good amongst pleasures and bodily delights; he now sheweth what magnificent and royal provisions he made, in order to that design, sumptuo•s diet, stately buildings, vineyards, gardens, orchards, ⟨p. 56⟩forests, parks, fish-ponds, honourable retinue of servants; possessions of all sorts of cattel; treasures of gold, silver, and all precious things; musick vocal, instrumental; and all these in great abundance, as far as royal wealth could procure, largenesse of heart desire, or exquisite wisdom contrive: In all which he took exceeding much joy and delight, being withheld by no manner of impediments from the full fruition of them; yet in the conclusion, he passeth the same censure here, as he had done before, That all was vanity, &c.

I made me great works] I did not stoop to base and inconsiderable things, to find out that pleasure which might satisfy my desires, but I sought it in magnificent works, becoming the royal state of a King; as Esth. 1.4. Of which works, he doth immediately subjoin a large catalogue.

I made me great works] I did not stoop to base and inconsiderable things, to find out that pleasure which might satisfie my desires, but I sought it in magnificent works, becomming the royal state of a King; as Esth. 1.4. Of which works, he doth immediately subjoyn a large catalogue.

I builded me; Or to my self, or for my self (it is Datrius's Commody) houses, large and stately, thirteen years in building, 1 Reg. 7.1—13. & 9.15, 17, 18, 19. Houses for habitation, and houses for state and pleasure; winter-houses, and summer-houses, Amos 3.15. David had built an house of Cedar before, 2 Chron. 2.3. but Solomon contenteth not himself with that.

vineyards] Cant. 8 11. David likewise had vineyards, and orchards, and cattle, and treasures, and servants set over all these, 1 Chron. 7.25 — 31. yet Solomon will have them in greater magnificence, having no wars nor troubles to interrupt him, as his father had.

vineyards] Cant. 8 11. David likewise had vineyards, and orchards, and cattel, and treasures, and servants set over all these, 1 Chron. 7.25 — 31. yet Solomon will have them in greater magnificence, having no wars nor troubles to interrupt him, as his father had.

V. 5. I made me gardens and orchards] Gardens for flowers, plants, spices, Cant. 6.2. orchards, or paradises for trees of all sorts; under which we may comprise forests and parks, or places for choicest cattle, Cant. 4.13, 14. Neh. 2.8. which were places of great pleasure and delight, Esth. 1.8.

V. 5. I made me gardens and orchards] Gardens for flowers, plants, spices, Cant. 6.2. orchards, or paradises for trees of all sorts; under which we may comprize forrests and parks, or places for choisest cattel, Cant. 4.13, 14. Neh. 2.8. which were places of great pleasure and delight, Esth. 1.8.

V. 6. pools of water, to water therewith the wood, &c.] Artificial ponds, and receptacles of water, whether arising from springs, or otherwise by aqueducts, and other means derived thither, 2 Reg. 18.17. These used to be in, or near great gardens, and near princely works, 2 Reg. 20.20. Neh. 2.14. & 3.15. Gen. 2.9, 10. Cant. 7.4. To water the wood or forrest, whereby he seemeth to mean the gardens and orchards, before mentioned, for the spaciousness of them. So a forrest is elsewhere called an orchard or paradise, Neh. 2.8. These things in these hot Countries, were accounted special blessings, and from thence they have their name, Josh. 15.19. These things he had as materials for his wisdom, 1 Reg. 4.33.

V. 6. pools of water, to water therewith the wood, &c.] Artificial ponds, and receptacles of water, whether arising from springs, or otherwise by aqueducts, and other means derived thither, 2 Reg. 18.17. These used to be in, or near great gardens, and near princely works, 2 Reg. 20.20. Neh. 2.14. & 3.15. Gen. 2.9, 10. Cant. 7.4. To water the wood or forrest, whereby he seemeth to mean the gardens and orchards, before mentioned, for the spaciousness of them. So a forrest is elsewhere called an orchard or paradise, Neh. 2.8. These things in these hot Countries, were accounted special blessings, and from thence they have their name, Josh. 15.19. These things he had as materials for his wisdome, 1 Reg. 4.33.