Annotations on the Book of Ecclesiastes, Title page
ANNOTATIONS ON THE BOOK OF Ecclesiastes.
LONDON, Printed by I. Streater, 1669.
ECCLESIASTES, OR, The Preacher.
The Argument.
THe Author of this Book both by the Style, and by the Title of it appeareth to have been Solomon, since no other Son of David was King in Jerusalem, but he. He seemeth to have written it in his old Age, when he took a more serious view of his past Life. The Honours, pleasures, wealth, wisdome, he had so abundantly enjoyed: The Errors and miscarriages which he had fallen into: the large experience, and many observations he had made, of things Natural, Moral, Domestical, Civil, Sensual, Divine: the Curious and Critical inquiry he had made after true happinesse, and what Contribution all things under the Sun could afford thereunto. Concerning which, He doth, 1. In the general discover the utter vanity and insufficiency of all things here below to make a man Blessed, in regard of their mutable nature, of their weaknesse and disproportion to the Soul of Man: of the weariness which is contracted by the studying of them: and the impossibility of ever drawing from them more then ha… been formerly extracted; and consequently the fruitlesse attempt of any that should ever after go about to receive satisfaction from them. 2. He demonstrateth this General Proposition touching the most Vain Vanity of all things under the Sun, by an Induction of those particulars, from which, above all others, men usually expect the greatest Contentment. Those are, 1. Wisdom and Knowledg both natural and moral, for inquiry whereinto no man was ever furnished with greater abilities and stronger inclinations in himself; or with more fitting provisions and assistants from without, then Solomon was, in regard of the greatnesse of his dignity and estate; and yet after all he concludeth, That Wisdome and Know…edge do but encrease Grief and Sorrow, so far are they from bringing such blessedness to the Soul, as may fully satisfie the desires thereof. 2. Pleasures and Delights, which he had as much advantage by his greatnesse to Enjoy, and by his wisdome to Examine, as ever any other man should have: and yet all the content he expected from them, did end in hatred of them, and despair of ever mending his condition by them. 3. Honour, greatnesse, and power in the World, concerning which, he sheweth that it is so far from making men happy, as that without the fear of God to correct and …emper it, it is the occasion of much wickednesse to those that have it, and of much misery to th…se that suffer under it: It usually breaking forth into oppression and violence, whereby men in power carry themselves like beasts towards their brethren, and shall themselves dye like beasts, undesired, and unlamented. It being likewise matter of much discouragement to men that are oppressed by it, making them weary of their lives, careless of their labours, resolved rather upon quiet idlenesse, then upon envied imployments; and to get what they can privately to themselves, then having been publickly useful, to …e repayed with no other Rewards then wrong and danger: by which means Society and Community of services amongst men, so greatly beneficial to publick interest, are obstructed and dissolved. 4. An outward form of Religion and of Divine Worship, into which foolish men by carnal confidence, and superficial performances, do also put diverse vanities, and make even Gods service unuseful to their Happinesse. 5. Riches and great Possessions, which are so far from satisfying the heart of man, as that they occasion more cares, lesse sleep, lesse quiet, are snares and occasions of much Hurt to the owners of them, who, living, possess them with sorrow; and dying, part with them with wrath and indignation: Having little benefit by them in their life, as having not power no enjoy them: nor in their death any comfort from them, as leaving them to they know not whom, being not at all exempted by them either from misery or mortality.
And having thus discovered the vanity of the principal things from whence the Heart of man might have expected satisfaction: He doth thereupon prescribe many excellent means for healing and abating of that Vanity, and for procuring tranquility unto the Mind, and peace and comfort to the life of a man. Such are, Contentation of heart in the sweet and fr…e Enjoyment of all outward Blessings, with thanksgiving, and in the fear of God. Quiet and Humble Acquiescency under the holy and powerful providence of God, in all the Events which befall us in the World. Sincerity of heart in his worship, and prudent Piety in our vowes, prayers, and addresses unto him. Patience of spirit under all the oppressions we meet with in the world. A composed preparedness of mind to undergo sorrows and afflictions. Prudent and pious moderation of spirit in our behaviour towards all men, that so we may preserve our names from Cal…mnie, and our persons from danger. Meekness, Charity, Patience towards such as offend, considering Common frailty, and our own weaknesse. Sobriety of mind, contenting our selves with a measure of wisdome and knowledge, and not busying our selves with things too high for us. Practical Prudence, which may render us beautiful in the eyes of others. Loyalty a…d obedience towards Magistrates, that our lives may not be made uncomfortable by their displeasure. Wisdome to discern of time and judgment. Preparedness of heart against inevitable evils. Submission to the Holy and invincible Providence of God, admiring his Works, adoring his Iudgments. Ioyful fruition of Comforts. Conscionable and industrious walking in our particular Callings. Wisdome how to carry our selves amidst the many Casualties which meet us in the World, so as that we may by our loyalty towards our Superiours decline the danger of displeasure from them: and by our Charity to Inferiours, lay up a good foundation for our selves, against the time to come. Lastly, Moderation in the use of Comf…rts here: And preparation by the fear of God, and keeping of his Commandements, for death and Iudgment hereafter. That by these means as our Life is sweet, so our Death may be welcome. That the Piety of our Youth may help us to bear the Infirmities of our Age, and to lift up our Heads in the day of Redemption.