Ecclesiastes

2. We shall corporeally behold the glorified body of Jesus Christ: And if it be a pleasant thing to behold the sun (Ecclesiastes 11:7), then how blessed a sight will it be to behold the Sun of Righteousness; to see Christ clothed in our human nature, sitting in glory above the a…

3. Labour. Ecclesiastes 1:8: all things are full of labour. Some labour in the mine, others among the muses: God has made a law — in the sweat of your brows you shall eat bread: but death gives a believer a Quietus est; it takes him off from his day-labour (Revelation 14:13).

2. God is an unmixed good: no condition in this life but has its mixture; for every drop of honey, there is a drop of gall. Solomon, who gave himself to find out this Philosopher's Stone — to search out for a happiness here below, he found vanity and vexation (Ecclesiastes 1:2).…

There is still something wanting, and a man would have more: the heart is always hydropical, it thirsts and is not satisfied. Solomon put all the creatures into an alembic, and when he came to extract the spirits and quintessence, there was nothing but froth, all was vanity (Ecc…

Ask that your joy may be full. Worldly joys can no more fill the heart than a drop can fill a cistern; they may please the palate or fancy (Plato calls them pictures of joy), but not satisfy the soul (Ecclesiastes 1:8). The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hear…

God enacted a law in Paradise, In the sweat of your brows you shall eat bread (Genesis 3:9). There is the labor of the hand in manufacture, and the labor of the mind in study (Ecclesiastes 1:8). All things are full of labor. But in the kingdom of heaven we shall be freed from ou…

6. If God gives us all, let God's giving excite us to thanksgiving; he is the founder and donor of all our blessings, let him have all our acknowledgments. All the rivers come from the sea, and there they return again (Ecclesiastes 1:7). All our gifts come from God, and to him m…

I tell you if we did but remember how we were prelate-bitten, we would not murmur, but give thanks. 2. There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:7). We say, Is there any sorrow like to my sorrow?

Sometimes it means as long as the world shall stand, or to the end of the generations of men. So it is said, Ecclesiastes 1:4. "One generation passes away and another comes; but the earth abides forever." Sometimes thereby is meant to all eternity.

3. The heart may be turned as streams of a river drawn through this part of the land, or this part (Prov. 21:1), and from nilling to willing, as the Lord thinks fit, according to God's will of precept; this is often the falling of the Church of Ephesus sinfully from their first…

THE Waters of the Sea in themselves, are brackish and unpleasant, yet being exhaled by the Sun, and condensed into Clouds, they fall down into pleasant Showers; or if drained through the Earth, their property is thereby altered; and that which was so salt in the Sea, becomes exc…

The Heathens [•]scribe this power to their god Aeolus; but we know this is the Royalty and sole Prerogative of the true God, who made Heaven and Earth; it is He that makes the storm a clam, Psal, 107. 29. And it is He that shifts and changes them from Point to Point as He please…

Third, this wisdom which should tend to universal quietness has almost constantly given universal disquietness to those in whom it has been most eminent. In much wisdom is much grief, Ecclesiastes 1:18. The great men of the world carry away the reputation of wisdom; really it is…

Those that will try experiments, smart for it in the issue. Solomon came home by weeping-cross (Ecclesiastes 1:14): I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold all is vanity and vexation of spirit. He has proved it to our hands: He had a large heart, and a…

The same is true of any other transporting object. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2), and (Job 15:31): Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity; for vanity shall be his recompense. (Romans 8:20): The creature is made subject to vanity.

4. The stability in the midst of changes. Ecclesiastes 1:4: One generation passes away, and another comes, but the earth abides forever. When man passes away, the earth stays behind him, as a habitation for other comers, and abides where it was, when the inhabitants go to and fr…

2 The creatures witness against disingenuity and ingratitude, against non-acknowledgment of being beholden to God; indeed the dullest among the creatures witness against this (Isaiah 1:3). God upbraids the ingratitude and rebellion of Israel, with the gratitude and services that…

It is a sore travel which the sons of men have under the sun; indeed, what has man of all his labor, and the vexation of his heart wherein he has labored? For all his days are sorrows, and his travel grief (Ecclesiastes 1:13; 2:22-23) — whether he increase wisdom and knowledge,…

3. Consider, that though you have much, and use it much, yet it will never satisfy, and therefore must needs vex: no satisfaction, no profit. A man's aim is satisfaction (Luke 12:19), but the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing (Ecclesiastes 1:8). Now if t…

Sin infects all that belongs to man: when man was created, God furnished his house for him, gave him the world and fullness thereof, and it was good; but, alas, how is it changed! (As I spoke before) for sin has made all that belongs to man very vanity, that is, empty and unprof…

Duties of humiliation, which have been of ancient practice in the Church, are to him, as new wine. But to an old and carnal heart, that lies under the state of vanity and corruption of nature, there is nothing new, no new thing under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). 2. David's exhort…

The whole creature (or creation) groans under vanity, either cannot do what it would or else misses of that good and end it intended, breeds nothing but vanity, brings forth nothing but vexation. It crooks all things so as that none can straighten them, makes so many wants that…

Psalm 17:15: I shall be satisfied when I awake with your likeness. Solomon says the eye is not satisfied with seeing (Ecclesiastes 1:8), but there the eye will be satisfied with seeing. God and nothing but God can satisfy.

What is it to cry the temple of the Lord? what is it to lay knowledge up and not lay it out? In this sense, he who increases knowledge increases sorrow (Ecclesiastes 1:18); his knowledge will but serve to condemn him. If knowledge separated from practice would make men happy, th…

2. There must be a deadness to learning, to books, and book-vanity (Ecclesiastes 12:12): There is no end of making many books, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Ecclesiastes 1:17: And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this…

Now if men which be but of short continuance, and of a shallow reach in comparison, are able to do such things, how much more easily may the Devil, having so great a measure of knowledge and experience, and being of so long continuance, having also marked the course of all estat…

How does the Soul sparkle as the Sun in its glory? This knowledge is comfortable; we may say of the Knowledge of Nature, as Solomon, Ecclesiastes 1:18. He that increases knowledge, increases sorrow.

It is kept all the year long. It bears the name of Vanity Fair, because the town where it is kept is lighter than vanity (Psalm 62:9); and also because all that is there sold, or that comes there, is vanity; as is the saying of the wise, “All that comes is vanity” (Ecclesiastes…

2. To be still with God is the most satisfying life, nothing else will do it. All the Rivers run into the Sea, yet the Sea is not full, Ecclesiastes 1.7. Let all the golden streams of worldly delights run into the heart of man, yet the heart is not full: strain out the quintesse…

Ecclesiastes 1:2. Vanity of Vanities, says the Preacher, Vanity of Vanities, all is Vanity. The Preacher here mentioned, is no less a Person than Solomon: and this whole Book is no other than his recantation Sermon.

Ecclesiastes 1:14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. To have a self-sufficiency in being and operation, and to be unsubordinate to any further end above himself, as it is utterly repugnant to the condition of…

A natural man sets up his happiness here, worships the golden image; but he that Christ has anointed with his eye-salve has a spirit of discerning, he looks upon the creature in its night dress, sees it to be empty and unsatisfying, not commensurate to a heaven-born soul. Solomo…

What Solomon says of wisdom, (Job 28:14) The depth says, it is not in me: and the sea says, it is not with me: the same may I say concerning satisfaction, every creature says, It is not in me. Take things most pleasing, and which we promise ourselves most content from, still out…

Ecclesiastes 5:10: He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver. Solomon had put all the creatures in an alembic, and distilled out the quintessence, and behold, all was vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Covetousness is a dry dropsy; the more a man has, the more he thirsts.

Thirdly, are riches and honor, being severed from true religion, but the pleasures of sin? then undoubtedly all recreations, all sports, and pastimes, severed from religion and a good conscience, are much more the pleasures of sin. This Solomon knew well: for, speaking of such m…

Certainly, the baser a man is, the more he affects carnal delights (Ecclesiastes 7:4). The heart of a fool is in the house of mirth, that which wise men prefer, is better than that which fools make choice of; pleasures are the choice of fools, wise men know them to be baits and…

But Christ the Lord of Time, and the Lord of the Sabbath, has sanctified and instituted the first day of the week, whereon he arose from the dead, for the commemoration of the great work of our redemption by him. And what can the man do that comes after the King? and in those th…

It remains that we should carefully examine that very confession of ours, or evangelical doctrine. That Christ was sent from the bosom of the Father, most perfectly furnished with knowledge of the divine will, so that nothing new was left to be drawn from the fountain of truth b…

Therefore as he that oppresses the heart with meat and drink abuses those benefits, and his action is unchristian, so he that spends much time, breaks his rest, and weans his mind from any duty of godliness, he abuses exercise or pastime: for of such abuse says Solomon, There is…

I neither desire nor allow any to bring crosses upon themselves, yet I would desire all to make the best use of any cross they are under, and to be acquainting themselves with their sin and infirmities, and with their hazard, and with such other things as may weight and compose…

Then there must be multitudes of pleasures, not one only in God; My heritage is pleasant above me, above my thoughts, or I have a goodly heritage. Solomon was a messenger who saw both lands, and he says, (Ecclesiastes 2:13) Then I saw that wisdom excelled folly, as far as light…

The drunkard sings and drinks, when Christ answers his bill he sighs. Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 2, in the days of his vanity sought to give himself to wine (verse 3), to lay hold on folly; and (verse 10) whatever his eyes desired he withheld not from them, he kept no joy from his…

1. Instances may be given, and have been given by all writers concerning the Hebrew tongue, wherein the prefixed letters sometimes answering the Greek praepositive articles, are redundant; and if at all emphatical, yet they do not at all limit, specify or determine. See Psalm 1:…

To this remembrance of former mercies, God adds secondly, a treble promise: first, that they should be [in non-Latin alphabet], Segullah, a word that has none to declare it by. We render it here, and elsewhere, a peculiar treasure (Ecclesiastes 2:8); it is rendered by our Apostl…

3. The end of this invitation, it was to eat and to drink with them. As under the notions of bread and water, or bread and wine, all necessaries for food are comprised; so under the actions of eating and drinking, the whole business of feasting is contained (Luke 12:19; Isaiah 2…

Alas, how insipid are all these things that we lay out our sweat and violence upon, they will not make us happy. King Solomon did as it were put all the creatures into an alembic, and distill out the quintessence of them, and behold all was vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:8). 1. These ea…

3. The heart may be turned as streams of a river drawn through this part of the land, or this part (Prov. 21:1), and from nilling to willing, as the Lord thinks fit, according to God's will of precept; this is often the falling of the Church of Ephesus sinfully from their first…

A second thing that promotes the interest and increase of separation, is Grindallizing. By Grindalizers, I mean the Conforming Nonconformists, or rather such as are Conformists in their profession, Half-Conformists in their practice, Nonconformists in their judgment, like the ol…

He has proved it to our hands: He had a large heart, and a large estate, and gave himself to pleasures to extract happiness from the creatures, to hunt after worldly satisfactions in a more artificial way than brutish sots, that merely act according to lust and appetite. Ecclesi…

Carnal comforts the more we use them, the more we are ensnared by them. Ecclesiastes 2:2. I have said of laughter it is mad: and of mirth, what does it? For what serious and sober use does carnal rejoicing serve?

And (Psalm 39:6): He disquiets himself in vain. By biting cares (Ecclesiastes 2:23): All his days are sorrows, and his travel grief; indeed his heart takes not rest in the night. (Ecclesiastes 4:8): There is no end of his labors, neither is his eye satisfied with riches.

Other delights that please the flesh feed corruption; but these corroborate and strengthen graces: they are so far from disordering the mind, and leading us to sin, that they compose and purify the mind, and make sin more odious, and fortify us against the baits of sense, which…

2. That moderate delight and contentment that we have in our earthly blessings is his allowance. The creature without God is like a deaf nut, when we crack it we find nothing (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25; Ecclesiastes 3:13). It is the gift of God, and it is one of the chiefest earthly…

Man's ground is overgrown with thorns, so that he has many an aching head and heart, many a sore hand and foot (before the year come about) to get a little livelihood out of this sin-cursed ground. Man's Paradise-like life was easy and pleasant, but now it is labor and pain, suc…

What do you get by all your gettings, to leave them all behind you? And it may be to them whom of all men you were most unwilling should enjoy them (Psalms 39:6, Ecclesiastes 2:18-21). To go naked out of the world is a sore evil, and no profit (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16).

There is this clear evidence that men's own wisdom is no security to them from death: that if it were otherwise we should see some difference between the wise and politic men of the world, and others, with regard to their liableness to early and unexpected death; but how is it i…

Therefore the most usual time of conversion, is between the third and the ninth hour, in our middle age, about twenty, and between thirty and forty; many are before, some are after, but most, and most usually, are worked upon at this time. There is (a good pleasure, as the origi…

Those who boast of comfort, but were never yet convicted nor broken for sin, have cause to suspect their comfort to be a delusion of Satan. It is like a madman's joy, who fancies himself to be a king, but of his laughter it may be said, it is madness (Ecclesiastes 2:2). The seed…

He had a key of knowledge to unlock nature's dark cabinet; so that if wisdom had been lost, it might have been found here, and the whole world might have lit their understanding at Solomon's lamp. He was an earthly angel; so that a carnal eye surveying his glory, would have been…

Faith is a grace that lives all upon the borrow; as when we lack water, we go to the well and fetch it; when we lack gold, we go to the mine; so faith goes to Christ, and fetches his strength into the soul, whereby it is enabled both to do and suffer; hence it is faith is such a…

Is it any joy for a man to be a terror to himself? Surely of the sinner's laughter it may be said, it is madness (Ecclesiastes 2:2). Whereas holy mourning is the breeder of joy; it does not eclipse but refine our joy, and make it better.

Why would you set your eyes on that which is not? (Proverbs 23:5). When Solomon had sifted out the finest quality and distilled the best of all created excellence, the result was: all was vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:11). The Greek word for vain signifies empty.

It is as if the thorns should set themselves in battle array against the fire; will the sinner go to measure arms with the great God? What Solomon says of laughter (Ecclesiastes 2:2), the same may be said of rebellion — it is mad. Disobedience is a sin against equity; we have ou…

And for riches (the silver goddess which men [reconstructed: adore],) what are they? 1. They are vain: I gathered me silver and gold and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces (Ecclesiastes 2:8), and behold, all was vanity, verse 11. That must needs be vain which ca…

Psalm 39:9. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because you did it. A mortified man is dead to the voice of men-singers and women-singers, and musical instruments of all sorts (Ecclesiastes 2:8), and houses, gardens, vineyards, orchards, great possessions, cattle, treasures, gold…

Though God give him some tastes and feelings, yet they are not as any earnest of a greater payment to follow, so as they are to the elect, even the first fruits, promising an ample harvest, but only a taste of precious wares, which oftentimes is given to merchants that never buy…

It is God's blessing alone which makes rich without sorrow (Proverbs 10:22), which by his fear, takes away the trouble of great treasures (Proverbs 15:16), which makes us enjoy the fruit of our labors (Psalms 128:2), which makes us eat and drink before him with cheerfulness; eat…

I add further, that by reason of this liberty purchased to us by Christ, we may use these and the like creatures of God, with joy and rejoicing. This is the profit that redounds to man, in the use of them, that he eat and drink, and delight his soul with the profit of his labors…

Use 2. The second Use is to perswade men to be throughly and seriously religious, as ever they would acquit themselves to be truly knowing and wise. Knowledge and wisdom are confessed excellencies among men (Ecclesiastes 2:13). Wisdom excels folly as much as light does darkness.

When a man has wisdom to apprehend the exquisiteness of his delights, and variety to keep out the [reconstructed: surfeit] of any one, he is then fittest to examine what compass of goodness or satisfaction is in them. First then Solomon kept his wisdom, he pursued such manly and…

There is this clear Evidence that Men's own Wisdom is no Security to them from Death; That if it were otherwise we should see some Difference between the wise and politic Men of the World, and others, with Regard to their Liableness to early and unexpected Death; but how is it i…

A. What scriptures do show that there is such a providence of God? Q. Many, and namely these (John 5:17; Ephesians 1:11; Acts 17:25, 28; Lamentations 3:37; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2, &c.). Q. How else may the same be proved?

It is a word spoken in season, that is beautiful and useful (Proverbs 25:11). Yes, every thing is beautiful in its own time, and not else (Ecclesiastes 3:11). And two things are especially to be considered by him who would order his doctrine aright, that his words may be fit, me…

For he was [in non-Latin alphabet], after the Order; [in non-Latin alphabet] is a redundant, and not a suffix. [in non-Latin alphabet] is from [in non-Latin alphabet] and signifies a state or order of things; [in non-Latin alphabet] Ecclesiastes 3:18. I said in my heart concerni…

For flesh and blood in scripture, signifies sometimes the original sin and corruption of nature, and sometimes man's nature subject to miseries and infirmities, or the body in corruption before it be glorified, and so it must be understood in this place. Lastly it is objected, t…

We have sense to feel the effects, but not heads to understand the reasons and methods of the divine government. Ecclesiastes 3:11: no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end. Though a man may see the beginning of God's works, yet is he able to wal…

So truly it is with every natural man, he is a natural idolater, he worships something besides God, he feeds upon ashes, some dry and unsavory, and unwholesome meat, which cannot profit him in the day of wrath, which gives not his soul any nourishment, for the soul of man is an…

Now if this be true of a word spoken in due time, it is much more true of a reproof delivered in due season. There is a time for all things (Ecclesiastes 3:1). And surely if everything that comes to pass in the world has its set time, and opportunity, reproof must needs have its…

We must know how to receive good and evil at his hand. He has made every thing beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11), every thing in that whole variety which his wisdom has produced. A well tuned heart must have all its strings, all its affections, ready to answer every touc…

It is as high a point of prudence to know when, as to know what to advise a distressed friend. Solomon tells us in general (Ecclesiastes 3:7), there is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; let me advise this for one particular time or season, to keep silence, namely the…

Is our Lord Jesus appearing for us in heaven, pleading our cause there, pleading it with his own blood, and shall not we be ready to appear for him on earth, and plead his cause though it were with the hazard of our blood? As it is then a time to keep silence, when we ourselves…

Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive: God will begin with them first. Solomon tells us, Ecclesiastes 3:4. There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance: Only (as Master Trap notes upon the Text) we must not inver…

Ecclesiastes 8:5. A wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment. There is a season to every purpose, Ecclesiastes 3:1. namely A nick of time, an happy juncture; when if a Man strikes in, he does his work effectually, and with much facility. Such Seasons Conscience convincet…

And (Leviticus 26). you will find a distinction between bread, and the staff of bread: we may have bread, yet not the staff of bread. Many have worldly comforts, but not with a natural blessing: (Ecclesiastes 3:13). That every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all…

All things are at the beck and signification of his will. But, (1.) Partly with respect to his own glory, he will do things in their proper season (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Every thing is beautiful in its time.

He does all things well. (Ecclesiastes 3:5) He has made every thing beautiful in its time, or in the true and proper season; therefore we that look upon providence by pieces, stumble at the seeming confusion, and uncertainty of what falls out, as if the affairs of the world were…

2. That moderate delight and contentment that we have in our earthly blessings is his allowance. The creature without God is like a deaf nut, when we crack it we find nothing (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25; Ecclesiastes 3:13). It is the gift of God, and it is one of the chiefest earthly…

Christ may dearly love his own, and yet delay to help them even in their extremity, till the fit time comes, wherein the mercy may be the more conspicuous. It is said (Ecclesiastes 3:11): "God has made every thing beautiful in his time." Before its time, God's work seems harsh a…

Brutish and foolish are synonymous and parallel expressions, as was hinted before; a heart void of understanding, is the heart of a beast, as is clear (Daniel 4:16, 34-36). 2 Sinful man is like the beast in sensuality, as if he were only belly-wise, and had no soul to mind, or a…

Let no duty be done out of its time. We are told in Ecclesiastes 3:11, God has made every thing beautiful in the time of it. There is a nick of time that we are to take for all we do.

There is not any duty enjoined upon us, but there is a season for it allowed to us. It is an observation about the things that shall be, in Ecclesiastes 3:1: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose. Thus it may be said about the things that should be, there…

The fourth thing is to show you when this spiritual wisdom is in season. Answer: At all times, spiritual wisdom is never out of season; Solomon says, there is a season to every thing, and a time to every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Yet there are two things he allots…

Hence again (to descend yet lower) there is a special period, a appointed time, for every part of this life, and so many courses (as I may term them) and frames of occasions which belong to any; so many seasons and several limits of time has he allotted to each particular. Thus…

What a little time we have to stay here — and let that hasten the cure. Solomon says there is a time to be born and a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:2), but mentions no time of living, as if that were so short it were not worth naming. The body is called a vessel (1 Thessalonians 4…

A good Christian brings forth seasonable fruit (Psalm 1:3): he that brings forth fruit in his season. Everything is beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11); that may be good at one time which at another may be out of season. There is a great deal of skill in the right timing o…

FIrst, he shows his subtilty in choosing the most proper and advantagious seasons for tempting. To every thing there is a season, Solomon says, Ecclesiastes 3:1. that is, a nick of time, which taken gives facility and speedy dispatch to a businesse; And therefore the same Wise m…

(2) What if God see not? (Ezekiel 9:9). (3) What if man perish as the beasts? (Ecclesiastes 3:19). It may be there is no heaven, nor hell.

Therefore take heed of letting slip that time when Christ carries himself as a nurse to us. There is a time for every purpose, and that lasts but for a season (Ecclesiastes 3:11-12). There is a certain season which God has appointed for every purpose; there is a time when the bu…

Guilty men are here acquitted, and innocent men are oftentimes condemned (Psalms 44:21). Solomon did from that consideration conclude, that things will one day be called over again, and another judgment be passed by him who is the supreme and righteous Judge of all the world (Ec…

And they do very ill wrest to this purpose that testimony of the Preacher which they have often in their mouths: No man knows whether he be worthy of hatred or love (Ecclesiastes 9). For (to speak nothing of how this place is in the common translation corruptly turned) yet very…

There is an appointed time, namely in God's eternal decree, for every thing, namely that falls out, every, either cross, or pleasing accident; for otherwise there is no such time, wherein we are bound to throw away that we have, so as we are to keep and get it. (Ecclesiastes 3:4…

Your way is in the sea, and your paths in the great waters, and your footsteps are not known. Ecclesiastes 3:11. No man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end. We are but of yesterday, and know nothing.

A man once justified shall never lose his justified estate, nor fall from it. For being the work of God, we may say of it as Solomon says in another case (Ecclesiastes 3:14), it must be for ever. When God has once justified a man, he will say as Pilate of his writing, what I hav…

1. First, that God has in his wisdom, set down certain and unchangeable times, for the accomplishment and issue of all things that are. There is a time appointed to every thing under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The speech of Solomon is general, and the meaning of it is this.

The cause of their dancing was spiritual joy, and the end of it was praise and thanksgiving. It may be alleged, that Ecclesiastes says, There is a time of mourning, and a time of dancing (Ecclesiastes 3), and David says, You have turned my joy into dancing (Psalm 30:1), and the…

(1) Because the souls of the faithful that departed before Christ's passion were made inhabitants of the same heavenly Jerusalem with the angels (Hebrews 12:22, 23). (2) Because the spirits and souls of the faithful that died before Christ suffered returned to God who gave them…

It is no wisdom in fighting with an enemy to give him the advantage of the ground; we give Satan advantage of the ground, when we are alone. Eve was foiled in the absence of her husband; a virgin is not so soon set upon in company (Ecclesiastes 4:10). Two are better than one.

Moreover they lose the benefit of those that should watch over them, Church communion is a good preservative against lusts. Woe to him, that is alone (Ecclesiastes 4:11). Stragglers are more easily surprised; they were scattered and became meat to the beasts of the field (Ezekie…

How often have I been benefited by their counsels — Ezra 10:3? How often refreshed, warmed, and quickened by their company — Ecclesiastes 4:10-11? How often have I fasted and prayed with them, taken sweet counsel with them, and gone to the house of God in company?

1. Friendship is necessary for every one that would live in the world, because man is [illegible], a sociable creature. Man was not made to live alone, but in company with others; for mutual society and friendship, and they that fly all company and live to and by themselves are…

But yet neither can he hence obtain any thing towards his design. Therefore, he proceeds, some expound it of the city Shilo, and then they interpret [in non-Latin alphabet] shall come, [in non-Latin alphabet], as that, the sun comes; that is, sets, or goes down (Ecclesiastes 4);…

Besides they observe the number of the verses at the end of every book: as also that [in non-Latin alphabet] in [in non-Latin alphabet] Leviticus 11:42 is the middle letter of the Law; [in non-Latin alphabet], Leviticus 10:16 the middle word; Leviticus 13:33 the middle verse; th…

In Neve Shalom lib. 10. cap. 9. They term it [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], the defilement of the Serpent; see 2 Corinthians 11:3. And [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], from Ecclesiastes 4 v. 13, an old and foolish King; so is that place interpreted in Midrash Coheleth. And this as we…

And yet I desire rather to raise the spirits of all above these troubles while they live, than satisfy them how they may desire freedom from them by death. When Solomon returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun, and beheld the tears of such as were…

Because wisdom and youth are seldom joined in one, and the ordinary course of this world is according to Job's observation (Job 10:12), who gives men advice to seek wisdom among the ancient, and in the length of days understanding; therefore if the comparison do stand between ma…

Section 3. The Wise man tells us, that he considered all travail and every right work, and that for this a man is envied of his neighbour, which says he, is vanity and vexation of spirit, Ecclesiastes 4:4. It cannot be denied, but that this often falls out through the Corruption…

By biting cares (Ecclesiastes 2:23): All his days are sorrows, and his travel grief; indeed his heart takes not rest in the night. (Ecclesiastes 4:8): There is no end of his labors, neither is his eye satisfied with riches. Men are full of biting cares, cruciating unquiet though…

Then covetousness gets into the heart by the eye; (1 John 2:15) love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him; and therefore the Apostle when he makes a division of sin, he says for all that is in th…

1. Friendship is necessary, because man is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a sociable creature. Man was not made to live alone, but in company with others, and for mutual society and fellowship; and they that fly all company and live to and by themselves, are counted inhumane: (Eccl…

Or, 2. Consider, covetousness itself may be a thief, and rob men of the use and comfort of their own possessions: the covetous man does always need, and is indeed the poorest man in the world (Ecclesiastes 4:8). There is one alone, there is not a second (he is a single man unmar…

This notwithstanding, the grace of God may and it will make a young man wise. The Scripture speaks of a wise child (Ecclesiastes 4:13), and of a child that is a hundred years old (Isaiah 65:20), and of young men that have the Spirit of God poured on them (Joel 2:28). The young m…

For he has none to help him up, if Jesus Christ does not recover him, who can? David fell and was restored, for he had one to help him up; but Judas fell and perished, for he was alone (Ecclesiastes 4:10). 7. This being but almost a Christian, provokes God to bring dreadful spir…

Verse 30: Hoshea smote him, and reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet]. So also (Esther 2:4), (Ecclesiastes 4:15), (2 Samuel 17:25), (Genesis 30:2), (1 Kings 16:10): Zimri reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet] (Ezekiel 16:32). Joseph heard that Archelaus did reign in the room of Herod his…

Beastly whoredom is but love and dalliance. So the sluggard qualifies and mollifies his shameful sloth with the sweet name of peace, and so lulls himself asleep in his sin: Better is a handful with quietness (so he terms his sloth) than two handfuls with labor and vexation (Eccl…

I acknowledge myself in a fault; and had I been here alone, I had by sleeping run the danger of death. I see it is true that the wise man says, "Two are better than one" (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Until now your company has been my mercy; and you shall have a good reward for your labor.

1. That every man in the beginning of the Sabbath, in the morning, do privately prepare himself to the public service that follows, by private prayer, by examination and humbling of himself before God, in respect of his particular sins. This the wise man exhorts to, when he says…

The third, to be as careful to bring good affections, as a good understanding. For affections are the feet that carry the heart, and Solomon bids us to take heed to our feet, when we enter into the house of God (Ecclesiastes 4:17). They are the very key of knowledge and memory;…

Use 1. It shows us what should not be our chief end, not to get great estates, not to lay up treasures upon earth: this is the degeneracy of mankind since the Fall, their great design is to compass the earth, and grow rich, and this they make their Finis ultimus, their chief end…

2. Afflictions on the godly are fruits of covenant-mercy (2 Samuel 7:14). But afflictions on the wicked are effects of God's wrath (Ecclesiastes 5:17). He has much wrath with his sickness.

Quest. But what is it to have other gods besides the true God? I fear upon search we have more idolaters among us than we are aware of. Resp. To trust in any thing more than God, is to make it a God. 1. If we trust in our riches, then we make riches our God: we may take comfort,…

4 Rule. If you would not offend in your tongue, ponder your words well before you speak. (Ecclesiastes 5:1) Be not rash with your mouth. Some speak vainly, because inconsiderately; they do not weigh their words before they speak them.

A thief may be let into the house at a window: So vain thoughts are let in at the eye. So that as we are bid to keep our feet when we enter into the house of God (Ecclesiastes 5:1), so we had need make a covenant with our eyes when we are in the house of God (Job 31:1), that we…

2. You covet that which will not satisfy you. Ecclesiastes 5:10: He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver. Solomon had put all the creatures in an alembic, and distilled out the quintessence, and behold, all was vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

Who shall call God to account? Who is higher than the Highest? (Ecclesiastes 5:8) What man or angel dare summon God to his bar?

But thirdly, he means it of discouragement and sorrow. As often we find in Scripture darkness to be taken: as Ecclesiastes 5:17. As on the contrary, light, because it is so pleasant a thing to behold, is put for comfort.

- 3. Again, we are here admonished to use the action of prayer with as great reverence as possible may be, and not to think of God in any earthly manner. - Well reasons Solomon (Ecclesiastes 5:2): Be not rash with your mouth to speak a word before God. - Why? He is in heaven, yo…

If a man be to come before an earthly prince, he will order himself in apparel, gesture and words, that he may do all things in seemliness and dutiful reverence: how much more are men to order themselves, when they are to appear before the living God? Ecclesiastes 5:1. Be not ra…

We have had a fair season, and we have seemed to be very busy, the Lord grant we do not sow the wind, as it follows in the next words, They have sown to the wind: This is a proverbial speech that signifies, the taking a great deal of pains to little purpose: as a man that should…

If a man be to come before an earthly prince, he will order himself in apparel, gesture, and words, that he may do all things in seemliness and dutiful reverence: how much more are men to order themselves, when they are to appear before the living God? Ecclesiastes 5:1: Be not r…

5. Again, we are here admonished to use the action of prayer with as great reverence as possible may be. Well reasons Solomon (Ecclesiastes 5:1): "Be not rash with your mouth to speak a word before God. Why?

More ready than any father, to grant that we ask according to his will, and therefore must be waited on, in request and suit, till we obtain (Luke 11:5 to the 14th verse). The second reason is, from the Subject, Which art in heaven, that is, full of all majesty and power, Heaven…

Or in blasphemy (Leviticus 14:11). When we use the name of God in an oath; according to the excellency of this duty, we must be diligently prepared by earnest and sufficient consideration of the person of the Lord, to whose judgment we must commit ourselves, of the cause, and ma…

My friends, you may not say what you please in the presence of God. Consider, God is in heaven, you are on earth, therefore be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter any thing before God, let your words be few, and well weighed (Ecclesiastes 5:2). The…

Baptism indeed saves (1 Peter 3:21), but that is not the baptism of water, but the stipulation of a good conscience, by the resurrection of Christ. The outward baptism without the inward, is not the mark of God's child, but the mark of the fool that makes a vow, and afterward br…

And certainly, some special preparation of our hearts and minds is necessary hereunto. This belongs to the keeping of our foot when we go to the house of God (Ecclesiastes 5:1), namely, to consider what we are to do, whither we are going, to whom we make our approaches, in the s…

And the Church of old had an apprehension of this truth, of the presence of an Angel or Angels in their assemblies, but so as to preside in them. Hence is that caution relating to the worship of God (Ecclesiastes 5:5, 6): Better it is that you should not vow, than you should vow…

O the happiness! the eternal happiness, that there is in being espoused to Christ, when the breath of all clay-idols and beloveds will be out, and Christ still fresh in the communicating of his fullness to his people! O what a sad heart will many have, who have forsaken this fou…

Keep your hearts therefore under this charge in all your accesses to God, and it will constantly open a door to that exercise of faith which we enquire after. Hereon, and herewith we shall be affected with a sense of our infinite distance from him, which is another means to stir…

God resists the proud. When passion vents itself, the Word of God, like Hercules's club, beats down this angry fury (Ecclesiastes 5:9). Anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Remissions and intermissions in our duties, are the first steps and degrees by which a soul declines and wastes, as to his spiritual estate. Your pains and diligence in the fields, makes your beds sweet to you at night (Ecclesiastes 5:12). Rest is sweet to a laboring man, whethe…

And beyond all controversy, we sin against God, and stumble many in headlong rushing upon duties, not looking to a spiritual frame of heart, in coming to the house of God, and not taking heed to the feet, and in yoking the cart before the horse. When we first sacrifice, and then…

So we should think of his dreadful presence when we come before him. (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and you on earth, therefore let your words be few: that is, he is exceeding g…

And should not we, much more, be qualified by the same consideration? If you see the violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, remember what a provoking creature sinful man is, and then you will not marvel at the matter (Ecclesiastes 5:8). The consideration of th…

Secondly, That the Lord will most certainly be avenged upon you for these things, except you repent. O read and tremble at the word of God, Ecclesiastes 5:4. When you vowest a vow to God, defer not to pay it: for he has no pleasure in fools; pay that which you hast vowed. But be…

2. That they covet not too much to make their children rich, and for that purpose live meanly and basely themselves, indeed and deprive themselves of many necessaries. An egregious point of folly is this, which Solomon has much taxed (Ecclesiastes 5:12). 3. That all needful duti…

The word must be received with meekness, and by faith applied to our souls, as an instrument designed to our endless good. When we have a peculiar reverence for God, and a respect to God in all our approaches; Ecclesiastes 5:1. Look to your feet when you go to the house of God:…

Our Lord dissuades us from it here, and his authority should sway with us: he knew the nature of prayer better than we do; for he appointed it, and he was often in the practice and observance of it. So we are directed to the contrary (Ecclesiastes 5:2): Be not rash with your mou…

I shall instance in five. 1. An idle and foolish loquacity, when men take a liberty to prattle anything in God's hearing, and do not consider the weight and importance of prayer, and what a sin it is to be hasty to utter anything before God (Ecclesiastes 5:2). It is a great irre…

3. This impresses an awe and reverence, if we look upon the glory of God manifested in Heaven, that [reconstructed: Bright] and luminous place. This is urged by the Holy Ghost, (Ecclesiastes 5:2) You are upon earth, and God is in Heaven; therefore let your words be few. [reconst…

It is an indispensible Duty incumbent on Christians to be Fearers of God. Ecclesiastes 5:7. Fear you God.

Such are the Workings of Gods bowels to his Children; though he may give them a severe rebuke, yet he will not cut off the entail of Mercy. 9. God deals well with his Children in Affliction, because though their condition be sad, yet it is not so bad as others: the Lord puts a d…

In temporal things there is no kind of fullness, you have not one worldly comfort, but you desire more of it. Ahab was a king, yet still he wants something, Naboth's vineyard: A man is not satisfied with abundance, neither is his soul filled with increase of worldly things, yet…

1. Comfort, while the word teaches us to look off from men to God, from providence to the covenant, from things temporal to things eternal, from men to God: as Moses feared not the wrath of the King, when he saw him that is invisible (Hebrews 11:27). And (Ecclesiastes 5:8): If y…

Desires are the vigorous motions of the will, when they are eager, impatient, and immoderate, then they discover this evil inclination of soul. So (Ecclesiastes 5:10). He that loves silver, shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loves abundance, with increase. This is a…

Distraction in duty — it's a great and usual evil, and one cause of it is the curiosity of the senses; how often do we mingle sulfur with our incense, and come to worship God having our hearts to the ends of the earth? Men let loose their eyes, and then away goes their hearts, a…

2. To keep up a fresh remembrance of our duty. Oblivion and inconsideration is a kind of ignorance for the time; though we habitually know a thing, yet we do not actually know a thing, till we consider of it (Ecclesiastes 5:1). They consider not that they do evil.

Whereas otherwise, when we consider not, we are stupid and sottish; None considers in his heart, is there not a lie in my right hand? I have burnt part in the fire (Isaiah 44:19). They offer the sacrifice of fools, for they consider not that they have done evil: they do not weig…

A man may appeal from the sentence of men, but this is judgment, this is as certain as if he were executed presently. There is injustice and oppression many times in the courts of men, but there's a higher than the highest regards it, and there be higher than they (Ecclesiastes…

Within a while, it will not be a pin to choose whether we have enjoyed much or little of this world's good things; but much will lie upon this, whether we have obeyed God, and glorified God, and accepted of Christ. The use of gold and silver ceases in the world to come: these th…

Sad will the account be that men will have to make for speaking, as for working of iniquity. On all these considerations, let me beseech you to take heed as to your words, and, first, let your words be few; and that not only in your commerce and conversation with men, but in you…

Oh sinful sin! But yet again; 2 Superstition is man's folly, as to religion, and this is younger brother to idolatry, it is of the same (venter) womb with idolatry: Superstition is not worshipping a false God, but the true God falsely, in a way that God commands not; but it teac…

I might instance in other things also, by which the Angels bear testimony against sin; they are present at our worship, and observe us, which is a great obligation to reverence, and a witness against immodesty (1 Corinthians 11:10). They take account of our vows (Ecclesiastes 5:…

That covetousness and all its gets or saves is unprofitable: for I pray consider. 1. All is not gain that's gotten; I will tell you what a wise man saw and said (Ecclesiastes 5:13): there is a sore evil under the sun, namely, riches kept by the owners thereof to their hurt; here…

Look upon the corruption of your families. May it not be said of them, as in (Ecclesiastes 5:3), The hearts of the children is full of evil. Instruct them, lest they be the children of Belial, to consume your eyes and grieve your hearts.

So (Psalm 102:1): I will pour out my meditation — that is, his prayer; meditation was the mint or anvil upon which our prayers should be made. And therefore divines refer it to the third Commandment as that which is a harbinger to all holy duties we do to God, stirring up the fa…

1. Those things which are not commensurate to the desires of the soul, can never make a man blessed; but transitory things are not commensurate to the desires of the soul; therefore they cannot render him blessed; nothing on earth can satisfy. Ecclesiastes 5:10: He that loves si…

Thus grace by a divine chemistry extracts heaven out of earth, and gives us not only the venison but the blessing. Grace satisfies; other riches cannot (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Riches can no more fill the heart than a triangle can fill a circle; but grace fills up every chink and hi…

He robs himself of necessaries. A man to whom God has given riches, yet God gives him not power to eat thereof (Ecclesiastes 6:2). He gluts his chest and starves his belly.

Ecclesiastes 6:6. Do not all go to one place? I remember an ingenious writer, who had been very copious in his publications, observed, that the best and most profitable were written after he was fifty years of age: it is supposed, then the judgment is ripened, and the genius is…

Secondly, a hidden birth. An untimely birth, is called a hidden birth, because it is hid from the eyes of others; abortives are unpleasing and undesirable spectacles, therefore they are covered and laid by; there is no remembrance of their form or likeness, therefore Solomon spe…

Is this profitable? No, 'tis a sore travail, for he has not power to eat thereof (Ecclesiastes 6:2). To fill his purse he starves his belly, and grudges himself victuals.

1. As they are men; such are those misers, which having great estates, yet can hardly afford themselves bread; who live sneakingly, and are ready to wish their own throats cut, because they are forced to spend something in satisfying nature's demands: This Solomon calls an evil…

1. It reproves them that prefer other things before salvation; who labor more for the bread that perisheth than for salvation. Their chief care is how to live in the world, and get a present subsistence; All the labor of a man is for his mouth (Ecclesiastes 6:7). The body shall…

Put money into a bag, and the bag remains leather or canvas still; but if it once get into the heart of a man, he is presently changed, his thoughts of himself greater, and of others meaner than they were before. This the Apostle says should not be so, for after all this, it is…

Not free indeed, until the Son make us free, so that this idol of free-will, in respect of spiritual things, is not one whit better than the other idols of the heathen: though it look like silver and gold, it is the work of men's hands, it has a mouth, but it speaks not, it has…

Fifthly from the certainty of an everlasting separation from them (verses 15-16), and this he says is a sore evil, which galls the heart of a worldly man, that has resolved upon no other heaven than his wealth, when sickness comes to snatch him away from this his idol, there is…

God keeps the best wine till last. If Cato the Heathen said, To me to die is gain; he saw mortality to be a mercy: then what may a believer say (Ecclesiastes 7:1). The day of death is better than the day of one's birth.

Here is implied, 1. That our first parents fell from their state of innocency. 2. The sin by which they fell, eating the forbidden fruit. 1. Our first parents fell from their glorious state of innocency (Ecclesiastes 7:29). God made man upright, but they have sought out many inv…

Such an herb is pleasure; if one feeds immoderately on it, he will go laughing to Hell. Such as make a God of pleasure, let them read but two scriptures (Ecclesiastes 7:4): The heart of fools is in the house of mirth. And (Revelation 18:7): How much she has lived deliciously, so…

When the tongue is on fire, it is the Devil that lights the match. Ecclesiastes 7:9. Anger rests in the bosom of fools: It may be in a wise man, but it rests in a fool. More are drunk with passion than wine: Jerome.

When Elias was taken up to Heaven, his mantle dropped off; so when the angels shall carry us up to Heaven, this mantle of sin shall drop off: we shall never complain more of an aching head, or an unbelieving heart. Use 1. If original sin be propagated to us, and will be inherent…

It is rare to hear of any who are enchanted and bewitched with this sin of adultery, that recover out of it. Ecclesiastes 7:26: Her heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands. Her heart is snares — that is, she is subtle to deceive those who come to her.

2. As the unregenerate cannot keep the moral law perfectly, so neither can the regenerate. Ecclesiastes 7:20: There is not a just man upon the earth that does good and sins not — in fact, that sins not in doing good. There is that in the best actions of a righteous man that is d…

Answ. The means for a quiet resignation to God's will in affliction is; 1. Judicious consideration (Ecclesiastes 7:14): In the day of adversity consider. When anything burdens us, or runs cross to our desires, did we but sit down and consider, and weigh things in the balance of…

Have you eaten of the tree whereof I commanded you that you should not eat? (Ecclesiastes 7:29) Lo, this only have I found, that God made man upright, but he has sought out many inventions. (Romans 5:12) Therefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and s…

Q. Who among men are tainted with sinne? A. All that are mere men, none excepted (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23 and 5:12). Q. How many sorts of sinne are there?

Q. What was that image of God? A. Principally it stood in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24; Ecclesiastes 7:29). Q. What was the knowledge that man was endued withal in that estate?

Q. What Scriptures do prove that Adam and Eve did fall from that state of innocency and purity wherein they were created? A. Many, but most especially the third chapter of Genesis, Ecclesiastes 7:29, Isaiah 43:27, Romans 5:12, 18, 19, 1 Timothy 2:14. Q. Who did fall?

So likewise on the contrary, darkness and distress of conscience is but a temporal chastisement as outward crosses are, differing from them only in the subject matter — the one being conversant about things of the outward man, this about the inward, namely, a man's spiritual sta…

Third, you will seek from Christ a new righteousness of sanctification also. For you will see that the common righteousness of nature and education will not please him, and Christ must be made sanctification to you (1 Corinthians 1:30) as well as righteousness. Nicodemus, though…

3. In that our Elders by faith obtained a good report: Here we learn the readiest and surest way to get a good name. A good name is a good gift of God; Ecclesiastes 7.3. It is a precious ointment.

Secondly, whereas God the Father is Creator of all things, and has given to man reason, understanding, and ability, more than to other creatures, we are taught to consider and meditate of the work of God's creation. This the wise man teaches us, saying, Consider the work of God…

A crown of glory shall she deliver to you (Proverbs 4:9). By espousing godliness, we are better than others (Ecclesiastes 7:8). And richer, being possessed of a golden mine; that is, The unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8).

Others enter with full sails, or as 'tis said, they have an abundant entrance ministered to them, and yet all is but little enough; spiritual things cannot exceed measure. But you will say, 'tis said (Ecclesiastes 7:16), Be not righteous over much. I answer, either 'tis meant of…

Objection: But many things are alleged against this position, and that with much seeming countenance from such Scriptures as these: Psalm 55:23, Bloodthirsty men shall not live out half their days. Ecclesiastes 7:17, Why should you die before your time? Psalm 102:24, O my God, t…

In this life of grace, you have this advantage which you have no where else. Ecclesiastes 7:4. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, that is, this life disposes us to think of death the end of all, which to do is wisdom. Deuteronomy 32:29. O that they were wise, the…

III. Now this light (or spiritual wisdom) God implanted in the mind of man in the very act of his creation. It was suited to the condition in which he was made and to the end for which he was made — indeed absolutely necessary (Ecclesiastes 7:29). Although, therefore, with respe…

According to this wisdom also, until a fitter occasion, this duty may be let pass, and with keeping the authority of the chief of the family, be winked at for a time. (Ecclesiastes 7:21. Apply not your mind to all the words that are spoken, seeing you ought not to hear your serv…

Fifth, take heed and beware of entertaining anything that holds and bars out grace, or of doing anything that may mar or quench the working or moving of grace; if you cannot get Christ entertained in your heart as you should, be sure to give it to no other; if you cannot get cor…

The Scripture is full to this purpose, in asserting, that not only all men are sinners as considered in their natural condition, but that even believers are sinful in part. For the same Apostle John that says (1 John 1:3), "Truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with his…

The Lord complains of a whorish heart, that plays the harlot with many lovers (Jeremiah 3:1), and heaven and saving grace stands on an indivisible point, like the number of seven; one added, one removed, varies the nature: no man is half in heaven, half in hell: almost a Christi…

The perfect ones have the fullest pitch of the noonday Sun of glory; it shall never be afternoon, nor the evening or twilight sky with them; nor shall any night-shadow, nor cloud go over their Sun. 5. In the kingdom of perfection there shall be no in-dwelling of a body of sin, n…

Still Antinomians betray their engine; if we say, even being justified we have no sin, we lie; and who can say I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from sin? And there is not a just man on earth, that sins not (1 John 1:10; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20). Then there cannot be…

Lastly, we must seek to be approved of men, not so much in regard of ourselves, as that, by this means God's glory may be more and more advanced: for our light must so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our father, which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).…

The necessity of holiness further argued from our own state and condition in this world, with what is required of us with respect to giving glory to Jesus Christ. Section 1. Another argument for the necessity of holiness may be taken from the consideration of our present state a…

This is the day of trouble in which God has bid you to call upon him. And contra, when comfortable Providences refresh us, it now informs us, this is the time to rejoyce in God according to the rule, Ecclesiastes 7:14 in the day of prosperiy be joyful. These precepts bind always…

The Fifth Direction. LAstly, Work up your hearts to those frames, and exercise those affections which the several Providences of God that are versant about you call for, Ecclesiastes 7:14 Suit your selves to answer the design and end of God in all Providences. As there are vario…

2. The goodness, unwearied and unchangeable love of the Lord Jesus Christ, putting in every day for us; not ceasing to plead in our behalf, notwithstanding our continual backsliding (1 John 2:1). 3. The experience which our own hearts have of the need, wherein we stand of others…

Lords Day Sabbath. §. 1 Solomon tells us, that in his disquisition after the nature and state of things in the world, this alone he had found out; that is absolutely and to his satisfaction; namely, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions (Ecclesiaste…

And these words are very consonant to those of our Apostle (Romans 5:12): As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death passed upon all men, for that, or because in him all have sinned. To the same purpose speaks the Targum on Ecclesiastes 7. v. 29. in the…

Shall we receive good and not evil? says he. It is Solomon's advice (Ecclesiastes 7:14): In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider. What shall we consider?

The apostle tells us, Romansans 1:20. what it is of God that his works reveal; even his eternal power and Godhead; or the Essential properties of his nature; but no more: Not any of the purposes of his grace, not any of the free Acts of his will; not pardon and forgiveness. Besi…

First, this will render a man more serviceable to God; and the fitter instrument to promote his honor and glory in the world. And therefore the Wise Man (Ecclesiastes 7:1) compares a good name to precious ointment; and in the comparison gives it the preference; for as precious o…

And therefore, though your gift be ready to be laid upon the altar, remember yourself, look inward, and see whether all be quiet and calm there; if there be no grudge, no anger against your brother: if you find any, either go first, and actually reconcile yourself to him, or if…

And Christians know, that there are changes in the right hand of the most High, in reference to their spiritual seasons. If there be a Spring time of the Gospel, there will also be an Autumn; if a day of prosperity, it will set in a night of adversity; for God has set the one ov…

The word there signifies the rising of the stomach, any being angry even to sickness; religious wrath is the fiercest wrath, now the soul cannot endure sin, trembles at it. I find a woman more bitter than death (says penitent Solomon) (Ecclesiastes 7:26). Conviction like a [reco…

Ib. 46. Matthew 6:4. Our corrupt inclination well considered, there is cause why our Savior should account them happiest that do most mourn; and why Solomon might judge it better to frequent mourning than feasting houses (Ecclesiastes 7:4), not better simply and in itself (for t…

Here then let it be observed, that the expression may refer either to the time present, or that which is to come. 1. With respect to the time present; and then it intends that God will cut short their lives, and hurry them out of the world before they should have died, according…

Envy would blast eminence; some are mad upon idols, they will blemish you, for you have vexed them. Others are burdened with payments, and they will say the former times were better than these (Ecclesiastes 7:10). Perhaps Solomon relates to his own times; they complain of Solomo…

It is but saying, there's no great harm done, or if there be, there was none intended, and perhaps it was an oversight, and so the offence being looked at through that end of the perspective which diminishes, it is easily passed by, and the distemper being taken in time goes off…

Our rule is, what we would that men should do to us, when we offend them, the same we should do to them, when they offend us, for this is the law and the prophets (Matthew 7:12). Solomon appeals to our own consciences herein (Ecclesiastes 7:22): for oftentimes also your own hear…

The danger of falling this way must needs be great, and the fall very desperate, because few that fall into it do ever rise again. I shall lay two very terrible Scriptures before you to this purpose, either of them enough to drive you speedily to Christ, or to drive you out of y…

James 3:2: In many things we offend all. And, Ecclesiastes 7:20: There is not a just man upon earth, that does good, and sins not: that is, that sins not either in omitting of good, or committing of evil. Our offences are either total or partial.

It is plain and uncontroverted, that Adam's Covenant in Paradise contained in it a perfect law and rule of natural righteousness, founded both in God's nature, and in man's, which in its perfect state of innocence was every way enabled perfectly to comply therewith. For the Scri…

To most proud spirits, disgraceful punishment is much more dreadful than painful (Psalm 22:7): All they that see me, laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head. A good name is more precious than life to some (Ecclesiastes 7:1): A good name is better than prec…

For what serious and sober use does carnal rejoicing serve? There is no profit by it, but much hurt and danger; therefore Solomon prefers sorrow before it (Ecclesiastes 7:3). Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

1. God is not bound to give an account of his actions to his creatures. If none may say to a king, what do you do (Ecclesiastes 8:4)? much less to God. It is sufficient, God is Lord paramount, he has a sovereign power over his creatures, therefore can do no injustice (Romans 9:2…

God can with the same breath that made us, dissolve us; his eyes are as a flame of fire; the rocks are thrown down by him (Nahum 1:6). Solomon says, Where the word of a king is, there is power (Ecclesiastes 8:4); much more where the word of a God is. O let us fear this mighty Go…

Neither needs it stumble any that this is attributed to the word of God, of which he seems to speak, for that is all one and to ascribe it to God. For as 'where the word of a king is, there is power,' says Solomon (Ecclesiastes 8:4), so where the word of God is, there is the pow…

He does oftentimes exercise great patience and forbearance, even then when vengeance might justly be expected and is called for; how long do you not avenge our blood? This commonly adds to the security of wicked men, and they learn to despise the threatenings of all the judgment…

And this is that property of God, without a due conception whereof we can never understand aright his righteousness in the government of the world. Ignorance of the nature of it and how essential it is to the Divine Being, is the occasion of security in sinning and atheism to un…

Men go on in sin from day to day and from year to year without repentance, nothing at all fearing the sentence of condemnation at the last day; like many who, for the obtaining of other men's goods, are neither kept in good order by the fear of arraignment or imprisonment. The o…

There is a grace dispensed in the way of God's providence which may be called, the grace of God, and is very liable to abuse; a word of that before I come to the main thing here intended. Thus we find the patience of God often abused, when the Lord keeps silence in heaven, and d…

Q. 2. What has been said in this, will also answer another question: why does God not immediately punish notorious offenders, since the best governments in the world are such as call the violators of the law to a speedy account to keep up the honor of justice? Thus the Epicures…

Now is the accepted time, the day of salvation, while you do enjoy the means of grace, while God is offering mercy in the Gospel it is the accepted time, therefore now is the time to seek the Lord. The misery of man is great upon him for not knowing his time, in Ecclesiastes 8:6…

First then, this point of doctrine is implied here, that coming to the grave is a thing common and certain to all men; I mean, that death, or a state of death and to be in the grave, in an ordinary way is common to all men; and whoever wants the privilege of burial, their condit…

The rich glutton (Luke 16) has the better life as to externals, and Lazarus had a poor, afflicted life — but when death comes, the rich glutton goes to hell, and Lazarus goes to the bosom of Abraham. This is laid down as a certain truth (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13): Though a sinner do…

Use 3. See here the necessity of making use of Christ's death, either you must do it, or die, and come under the curse of God yourselves; there is not a [reconstructed: middle way]; if you have sin, how will it be gotten put by and satisfied for? Not by your prayers; let be by a…

Stephen's mind was filled with such an incredible solace in the sense of God's love, that he showed no troubledness, but a mind so unconcerned and freed from all fear and sorrow, as if he had been among the angels of God in full glory, and not among his enemies who sought his bl…

For while men look to the outward appearance, and see the wicked have all they can wish, and the godly overwhelmed with miseries; they are troubled and doubt in themselves, whether the matters of this present life are governed by the hand of God, or whether all things are guided…

Some would put another sense on that expression of the Targumists, as though it intended nothing but God himself; and instances of the use of it in that sense have been observed. As (Ecclesiastes 8:17), If a wise man say [in non-Latin alphabet] in his word, that is, say in himse…

It is a sadder thing to have had a season and not to know it (that is, not to use it) than not to have had it. Solomon tells us (Ecclesiastes 8:6) that, because to every purpose there is a time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. Misery cannot be great t…

And first, it is called strong, in respect of its constraining power, whereby the person that loves, is led captive, and brought down as weak under it, so that he cannot withstand it: says she, love masters and will undo me, if it be not satisfied; love-sickness so weakens the s…

The Lord sees it better for them to be under ground than above ground; and therefore by a merciful providence sets them out of harm's way. Neither the corn nor tares can possibly resist the sharp and keen sickle, when it's applied to them by the reapers hand; neither can the god…

As to their understandings, they are foolish and perverse, they call evil good, and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). As to their wills and affections, they are engaged (Ecclesiastes 8:11): "The heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." They do nothing at all with a sinc…

It is evident, that neither good men nor evil men are in this life, openly distinguished in the observable providences of God, except in some special instances; love and hatred cannot be known by all that is before them (Ecclesiastes 9:1). Yes, the wise man has an observation, a…

He that in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost: that is, in Christian meekness and quietness of spirit, serves Christ, is acceptable to God and approved of men (Romans 14:17-18), and to whom else can we wish to recommend ourselves? Solomon (a very competent judge…

He hears and knows all that which is said against him, and against his truth and ways, and as a jealous God resents it. He has always power in his hands to punish the proudest of his enemies, nor would their immediate ruin be any loss to him, and yet sentence against these evil…

Amos 9. 8. Ecclesiastes 8:12. THE POEM.

It convinceth them clearly also that in matters of deep concernment, it is an high point of wisdom, to apprehend and improve the right seasons and opportunities of them Proverbs 10:5. He that gathers in summer is a wise Son. Ecclesiastes 8:5. A wise man's heart discerns both tim…

It may be learned from his constant way in governing the world; notwithstanding all provocations; yet he does good to men, causing his sun to shine upon them, sending them rain and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts with food and gladness. From this it was easy for them to c…

What egregious fools then are disobedient children: they regard neither God, their parents, nor themselves, but deprive themselves of their eternal happiness, hinder their welfare, and shorten their days. Fitly hereupon I may apply to undutiful children these words of the Psalmi…

To those that are in a state of sin, the continuance of life is a mercy, as it affords them time to repent and reconcile themselves to God. And the contrary is threatened as a curse, (Ecclesiastes 8:13) He shall not prolong his days, because he fears not God. For wicked men to h…

He could have said as Job (Job 29:3-4): His candle shined upon my head, by his light I walked through darkness, the secret of God was upon my Tabernacle. But alas now he must say, as (Ecclesiastes 8:6-7): because to every purpose there is a time and judgment, therefore the miser…

How the understanding is darkened and depraved, I showed above; that the heart is desperately wicked and deceitful beyond any knowledge but God's, the prophet assures us from God himself (Jeremiah 17:9), the mind and conscience is defiled (Titus 1:15-16). The will is become perv…

Set not upon this or that duty at a time when God calls to another duty. Tis said in Ecclesiastes 8:6, to every purpose there is a time and judgment. We may render all our duties like apples of gold in pictures of silver, by well timing of them.

Sinners are not only uninclined to that which is good, but wofully inclined to that which is evil. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11). The heart of a sinner is…

The believer's desires are seasonable, he desires grace in the season of grace, and seeks in a time when it may be found. The wise man's heart knows both time and judgment (Ecclesiastes 8:5). He knows his season, and has wisdom to improve it.

And it was too hard for all the art he had to help himself. The wise man makes it a conclusion, which is settled in the hearts of all the sons of men beyond all doubt (Ecclesiastes 8:11): Because sentence is not speedily executed, therefore the hearts of the sons of man are whol…

2. There are also cursed principles of corruption in natural men, that help to increase this barrenness. Original sin in man is not merely morally privative, or a disabling of man from doing good, by emptying him of the grace which he had at the first; but there is something mor…

Eighth, delay of the execution of justice. Ecclesiastes 8:11: Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. God forbears punishing, therefore men forbear repenting.

We may as well stop the chariot of the Sun, when posting to night, and chase away the shades of the evening, as escape this hour of darkness that is coming upon us all. None has power over the Spirit to retain it, neither has he power in the day of death, and there is no dischar…

15. There is a froward heart (Proverbs 17:20) that perverts and is crafty [illegible] to pervert. 16. A wicked heart (Proverbs 26:23) set on evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11, 17); foolishness is bound to the heart (Proverbs 22:15); a dissembling heart, when seven abominations are in it (…

There is a fixed time for judgment, and if the Lord delays execution until then, you have little cause to comfort yourself. Ecclesiastes 8:11-12: 'Because sentence against an evil work is not speedily executed, therefore the heart of people is set to do evil.' As if the wise man…

Let what will happen in the world, they that draw near to him are safe. The wise man says, surely I know that it shall go well with them that fear God (Ecclesiastes 8:12). Such as are very careful to walk with God, do sometimes experience wonderful temporal preservations: as we…

The Psalmist tells us (Psalm 146:4), in the day that the breath of man goes forth, his thoughts perish: he had many contrivances about sin, but now they are all cut off. So also (Ecclesiastes 8:12, 13): "Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged; yet su…

But they are like an herb that will flourish for a day or two with watering, although it have no root. For, a while after we see, that these men the more experience they have had of sin, the less they are afraid of it, as the Wise Man intimates (Ecclesiastes 8:11). And at length…

Men are very apt to abuse it to a quite contrary purpose, to the encouraging themselves in their evil ways. So Solomon observes (Ecclesiastes 8:11): Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do…

Now the reasons of this security are these. Because God pours not out the full measure of his wrath upon men, because he kindles not the pile of wrath that lies upon men, its reserved and concealed, not revealed from heaven, and so long, let God frown, ministers threaten, and sm…

Do you not see that such a man is an oppressor, and a profane person? yet grows rich and thrives in the world; and because God spares a wicked man still for the present, therefore he thinks all are but words, he shall be free from the punishment to come (as the Prophet says in t…

Let me open these particularly, that you may taste and try the truth of what now I deliver. I say the Lord Christ in this work of compunction lets into the heart of a secure sinner a marvelous fear and terror of the [reconstructed: direful] displeasure of God, of death, and hell…

Secondly, he leaves them to Satan (1 Kings 22:21, 22), because Ahab would not love Elijah nor Micaiah, therefore God justly gave them up to a lying fancy. Thirdly, sometimes God so far leaves men to themselves, as only to propound to them good objects, yet such as he knows they…

Or if like oil, the spirit is poured out to heal and bind up your wounds, and to make your heart cheerful (Psalm 104:15) (Luke 10:35). Grace makes the countenance shine (Ecclesiastes 8:1). God has acquainted you with his secret counsels (Acts 2:18).

Wisdom excels folly as much as light does darkness. There are some virtues and perfections that gain affection from men, as truth, and meekness, and kindness; but there are others that cause admiration and raise wonder, among these are knowledge and wisdom, which if they be in a…

Thus the Edomites here, they had been threatened, but they yet were in peace, and though the enemy was coming, they yet are secure. See also for this (Ecclesiastes 8:11; Ezekiel 12:22). Poor sinning man, though he might read the [illegible] of death in himself, yet is not willin…

So by our exact Bible-conversation we glorify God; though the main work of religion lies in the heart, yet our light must so shine, that others may behold it; the chief of building is in foundation, yet the glory of it is in frontispiece, so beauty in the conversation: when the…

It is a lesser hell: in the heart are legions of lusts, obdurateness, infidelity, hypocrisy, sinful aestuations, it boils as the sea with passion and revenge. Madness is in their heart while they live (Ecclesiastes 9:3). The heart is Officina Diaboli, the devil's shop or work-ho…

2. Their purity; the magistrates among the Romans were clothed in white, ergo called candidati, to show their integrity: Thus the queen, the Lamb's wife, is arrayed in fine linen pure and white, which is the righteousness of the saints (Revelation 19:8). 3. Their joy: white is a…

I now enjoy him whom my soul loves, I am possessed of a kingdom, my labour is over, but my joy remains. 11. If you do not take pains for the kingdom of heaven now, there will be nothing to be done for your souls after death: This is the only fit season for working, and if this s…

You may understand it thus; I will open it in three things only, and briefly. 1. There be all sorts of sin, there is every lust in the heart of every man: there is a mighty host, and army of sins, and lusts in the heart; and hence the heart is said to be full of evil (Ecclesiast…

We must distinguish between chance and mere chance. Chance is, when any thing comes to pass, the cause thereof being unknown not simply but in respect of man: and therefore in regard of men which know not the reason of things, we may say there is chance: and so the spirit of God…

When we lean to our own wisdom, we distrust the providence of God (Proverbs 3:5): trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. Trust in God and leaning to our own wisdom are opposed to one another as inconsistent; or when a man has some great co…

The things to be said concerning the theology of Jesus Christ — "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3) — and concerning that knowledge which He had and has through the personal union, and through the revelations given to Him by the Father…

God bestows those good things many times on those whom He hates, toward whom He is endowed with an immutable purpose of punishment, whom He has devoted to destruction, and whom He has declared to be destined for destruction and to be tormented with eternal punishments (Psalms 73…

To which, if the names of Idols be added, as it takes away this use, so it is abominable (Haggai 8:14; Zephaniah 1:5). Here is forbidden all carelessness rushing to oaths, without due consideration, yes, though the causes be just (Ecclesiastes 9:4; Jeremiah 4:2). The second thin…

Thus Satan most horribly dallied in the death of souls through the Pope, and therefore is the Papacy a slaughterhouse of consciences, and the very kingdom of the Devil. Now, to establish and confirm this pernicious and cursed error, they alleged the saying of Solomon (Ecclesiast…

That which Paul did in his religion, we must do in ours. The good things, that we are to do, we must do them with all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Our duty is to keep our hearts in the fear of God, and we must do it with all diligence (Proverbs 4:24).

Third, by pressing into the kingdom of God is signified greatness of effort. It is expressed in Ecclesiastes 9:10 by doing what our hand finds to do with all our might. And this is the natural and necessary consequence of the two things before mentioned; where there is strength…

We may say of them, as it is, Job 23. 8, 9. Behold, I go forward, but he is not there: and backward, but I cannot perceive him: an the left hand where he does work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him. If Providence in it self be a…

Let them be cast down, that have no God in trouble to turn to. (4.) Why should they be sad, as long as no outward dispensation of Providence, (be it never so sad) can be interpreted as a mark or sign of Gods hatred or Anger, Ecclesiastes 9. 2, 3. There is one event to the righte…

And first, Let it be considered, that we cannot know from the matter of the things before us, whether they be sanctified or unsanctified to us; for so consider'd, all things come alike to all; and no man knows either love or hatred by all the things that are before him. Ecclesia…

1. Because diligence is required in all matters concerning the body, therefore much more should you put forth diligence in all matters concerning the soul. Diligence is required in all matters concerning the body (Ecclesiastes 9:10): "Whatever you put your hand to, do it with al…

First, no man can infallibly and certainly judge of God's purposes about man's election, or reprobation, by any of the dispensations of God toward their bodies in the things of this life. Ecclesiastes 9:1-2: No man knows either love or hatred by anything that is before him. All…

And this you find was their ground of presumption (Hosea 12:8): Ephraim said, I am become rich, and I have found me out substance; in all my labor they shall find no iniquity in me, that is, sin. Ephraim would say, I am become rich, and have gotten me an estate, and now I am an…

For [in non-Latin alphabet] is the inward evil thoughts of the heart, or the first motion of sin. Moreover they do not unfitly describe it by other property; as Ecclesiastes 9:14, [in non-Latin alphabet]; the evil figment or concupiscence which is like to a great king; namely be…

Misery cannot be great to a man, because there is a time for every purpose, but because men are either so blind that they cannot see, or so sluggish that they will not make use of the proper time for every purpose. Thus the preacher himself expounds it (Ecclesiastes 9:12): For m…

In such cases we perswade men to acquiesce in the Judgement of their skilful Physitian, not alwayes to be wasting themselves in and by their own tainted imaginations, and so despond upon their own mistakes; but to rest in what is informed them by him, who is acquainted with the…

You have but your appointed time, and all your times are in the hands of God, and if once lost, they are lost for ever; the dead and damned can say, we have only heard the fame thereof with our ears, but alas are past the hopes of time-enjoyment or improvement. When your glass i…

This violence concerns men as Christians. Though heaven be given us freely, yet we must contend for it (Ecclesiastes 9:10). What your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

Shall we admire the gift, and forget the giver? Solomon speaks of a generation of men — madness is in their heart (Ecclesiastes 9:3). Sure they who draw near the world, and leave God, madness is in their heart.

Hence sinners are said in this time to be [illegible] up to themselves wrath against the day of wrath (Romans 2:5). It is evident, that neither good men nor evil men are in this life, openly distinguished in the observable providences of God, except in some special instances; lo…

Whatever vain opinion you have of your own wisdom, which is indeed but an indication of your folly, according to (Proverbs 26:16), the sluggard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men that can render a reason; yet this is a great truth of all men as they come into the world…

We are obliged to obey God in the covenant of works, and believe in Christ in the covenant of grace: suppose there had been no hire of life eternal in the one or the other; the Lord might stand on his points, and command as law-giver, and never come down as a covenanter, to hire…

Or suppose a pair of chariot-wheels were let loose in the top of a huge mountain, and should move down some hundred thousands of millions of miles for hundreds of years after the man who set them first a-work, were dead; so we fools believe that God gave a mighty strong shake or…

Now to set on this point a little further, and to make this plain to you: you shall see it in these three things. 1. Because all other things, as riches, poverty, health, sickness, &c. he dispenses these promiscuously, so, he gives riches to wicked men, &c. because as it is (Ecc…

If there be a cause for such a thing, the effect does follow; when there is no cause, then the effect does not, as a wise man does bring a thing to pass, but the foolish miscarry in them, we see the diligent hand makes rich, and he that labors not, has nothing; and things that a…

Happy is the soul that is in such a case (Psalm 144:14-15). The words of such wise men are heard in quiet, more than the cry of him that rules among fools, and this wisdom is better than weapons of war (Ecclesiastes 9:17-18). This is the quietness we should every one of us labor…

The grave is a quiet place, there the wicked cease from troubling (Job 3:17). Those that were most troublesome are there bound to the peace; and their hatred and envy (those great troublemakers) are there perished (Ecclesiastes 9:6). Whether we will or no, in the grave we shall…

And then lastly, to name no more, I pray you consider, that a custom of vain words and prophane Oaths, is as plain an indication and discovery of an unregenerate Soul, as any in the world. This is a sure [•]ign you are none of Christs, nor hast any thing to do with the promises…

And surely, it is every way as highly reasonable, that Men should mortifie, cast out, and cut off their dearest Lusts, rather than their Immortal Souls should sink and perish in the Storm of God's wrath. Life, indeed, is a precious Treasure, and highly valued by Men: You know wh…

I fear there are but few that own, act in submission to it, and are careful to return according to received benefit. Men do not consider, That their works are in the hand of God, Ecclesiastes 9:1. And even those that have the most immediate dependence upon Providence, as Merchan…

All this can he do, if he find the work stick, and meet with rubs and difficulties; yet does he not act to the utmost of his skill and power, at all times and with all persons; neither indeed need he so to do, the very propounding of an object, is enough to some, without any fur…

Death may challenge a part in our Fear. 1. Because it is such a serious thing, it is the in-let to eternity: and puts us into an unalterable estate. 2. Because of it's Proximity: it is nearer to us than we are aware : it may be within a few hours march of us. God may this night…

We have no other plea to evidence our sincerity but this. Use. It presses us whatever we do for the great God, to do it with all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). There is no weighty thing can be done without diligence; much more the keeping the commandment.

1. Either because of the storm of trouble raised by them, or persecution from them; and so it would note the outrageousness of those who have cast off the yoke, all fear of God, and respect to his law: and so also the imbecility and weakness of the saints, who are not able to st…

But alas now he must say, as (Ecclesiastes 8:6-7): because to every purpose there is a time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him, for he knows not what shall be, and who can tell him, when or how it shall be? And (Ecclesiastes 9:12): Man knows not his time…

As it is the best of comforts to have assurance of the love of God, and to be sealed to the day of redemption; so it is the saddest of judgments to be given up (as it is three times in one place, Romans 1) to their lusts, to a hardened heart, a seared conscience, a reprobate min…

In this world there is a door of hope, a day, an offer and means of grace, space for repentance, a Mediator in Heaven, a patient God, possibility of being blessed; but when once damned, the door is shut, it is in vain to knock; the day, offers, and means of grace are at an end;…

O that all unconverted men would consider the danger, the madness of their procrastinations. Tis said in Ecclesiastes 9:12, Man knows not his time. Man, discern your time as a flying time, and an uncertain time.

It is to be dispatched in a quiet time, in a time when there is no disturbance by passions within, or noises without. It is said in (Ecclesiastes 9:16), the words of wise men are heard in quiet: and no wise man will speak when there is not quietness enough to allow an audience f…

What could you say more wherein you may aggravate your fault in a most heavy manner? Is not this the express will of God, that a man should do with all his might what his hand finds to do (Ecclesiastes 9:10)? That he should abide in the calling to which God has called him (1 Cor…

How do vain young men strengthen each other in wickedness, and harden one another's hearts against the fear of God! How often have there been good hopes that these and those might have been persuaded to return to God, and lay hold on Jesus Christ, if they had not lived in such h…

But now in Christ God accepts us. Ecclesiastes 9:7: Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God now accepts your works. As Joseph presented his brothers before Pharaoh and brought them into favor with the king (Genesis 47:2), so the Lord…

Religion is a business of the greatest importance; the soul, which is the more noble and divine part, is concerned in it; and as we act our part here, so we shall be forever happy or miserable. The advice of Solomon in this case is most seasonable: whatsoever your hand finds to…

The body is called a vessel (1 Thessalonians 4:4); this vessel is filled with breath; sickness draws out its contents, and death empties it. Hasten your soul's cure; death is on its swift march, and if it surprises you suddenly, there is no cure to be worked in the grave (Eccles…

The Lord has enclosed this day for his own worship, and they lay God's day common: God has set a hedge about this commandment, Remember, and they break this hedge. But he who breaks a hedge, a serpent shall bite him (Ecclesiastes 10:8). The Sabbath-day in England lies bleeding:…

(John 3:31.) He that is of the earth, speaks of the earth: as it is a sign of godliness to be still speaking of heaven, to have the tongue tuned to the language of Canaan. (Ecclesiastes 10:12.) The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious. He speaks as if he had been already in…

He suggests not reasons only to persuade, but sets them on with words of affirmation and persuasion suggested along with them. Just as in argument a weak spirit is often borne down by a stronger, not by force of argument so much as by strength and violence of spirit — for many,…

Moses without fearing the King's wrath, went and led all the people away. And so must every one of us do: although dangers come, we must not fear, but stand fast in our profession, and go on in the duties of our calling: Ecclesiastes 10.4, If the spirit of him that rules rise up…

The tongue of the just is as choice silver (Proverbs 10:20). Gracious words drop as silver from him to the enriching the souls of others (Ecclesiastes 10:12). The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious.

So the Spirit of God does not all at once depart from men, but by degrees: first men suspect duties, then dispute against them, then shake them off, and then come to beastliness and profaneness. Or if you will take the graduation thus, first God is cast out of the closet, privat…

It is a sign a man is of a reprobate sense, when he is implacable and stiff; when life is gone, a man is stiff, not easy to be entreated. Thirdly, if it be that he has offended another man, he is easy to yield, and to acknowledge that he is in a wrong (Ecclesiastes 10:4). There…

And the truth is, that these vices are so contagious that they infect the whole body. To rise betimes, signifies as much as to do something carefully, as it is said in Solomon, Woe to the people whose Princes eat in the morning, that is to say, who place their chief care in feed…

He knows not how to put on those Garments; neither do they fit him. Ecclesiastes 10:15. It is Labour of the Fool, wearies every one of them; because he knows not how to go to the City.

And when it is so, not only does the Spirit work internally, but Providence also works externally in order to their reduction. The ways of sin are not only made bitter unto them, by the remorse of Conscience, but by those afflictive rods upon the outward man, with which God also…

Now all things without life are put into a degree, into a class or form below and inferior to those that have life. It is true that money answers all things (Ecclesiastes 10:19), money is equivalently sheep, and oxen, and asses, and camels. Money is equivalently bread, and meat,…

The second way how he explains and illustrates this, is more particular, by two comparisons, yet keeping still the former manner of expression, by way of question and admiration: The first is, how much better is your love than wine! Wine may be looked on in two respects, 1. As i…

1. A nobleness and greatness in respect of birth, that the Bride is honorably descended: From which we may learn, That believers (whatever they be in respect of the flesh) are of a royal descent and kindred, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), sons and daughters to the Lord God Al…

But where a people are so happy to be governed by those magistrates who have a whole constellation of divine attributes shining in them, magistrates that are just and merciful, wise and holy, they ought to give to them the greatest reverence that can belong to creatures, and to…

The naked name of living professors in the Church of Sardis, when it was but a name, is plagued with deadness, and so with withdrawing of influences (Revelation 3:1). The cock's clapping with the wings adds strength to the crowing; should we, if the iron be blunt, and the edge n…

This must be especially remembered and observed by as many as are under the yoke; who will certainly have most comfort in meekness, and patience, and silent submission not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse. It is good in such cases to remember our place, and…

The angel rebuked Hagar for flying from her mistress, though she dealt hardly with her, and obliged her to return and submit herself under her hands (Genesis 16:6, 9). If the spirit of any ruler rise up against you, and you be chided for a fault, leave not your place, as an infe…

Christian prudence is very much the beauty and strength of Christian piety. Though it will secure the welfare of our own souls if we walk in our integrity, yet it is necessary for the preserving of the credit of our profession, that we walk in wisdom, that wisdom of the prudent…

To preserve a good name, it will be meet for a husband or wife, wisely and seasonably to give one another notice of that good fame which is raised of them, thereby to provoke them both to give glory to God for the same (as the Apostle thanks God for that report which was spread…

And again — Et me mihi perfide prodis? Me mihi prodis? ait — And from there this word is taken, which is here used by the evangelist, [in non-Latin alphabet], or idle babbling over the same thing. And the Scripture represents this vain going over of the same things (Ecclesiastes…

2. The quantity, thousands, that is, thousands of pieces as that addition is used (Psalm 68:30): They shall submit themselves with pieces of silver, or talents, as the Chaldean Paraphrase expounds it. Money answers all things (Ecclesiastes 10:19); it can command all things in th…

That this is the common case of Jew and Gentile, that is, all men, the Apostle assures us (Romans 3:9-11). Yes, men themselves declare it; and I may say of man, as Solomon does of the fool (Ecclesiastes 10:3), when he walks by the way, he says to every one, that he is a fool; th…

4. One omission makes way for another; he that under pretense of unfitness to duty puts it off, makes himself fit for nothing more than to omit again (qui non est hodie, eras minùs aptus erit) he prepares and fits himself to be unfit for, and to omit duty: much and too long fast…

Then be not you so too; let your labor be equal to their dulness. We are told in (Ecclesiastes 10:10), If the iron be blunt, then a man must put to the more strength. You must be at the trouble to stoop to their capacities.

Wisdom gives subtlety to the simple, and sharpness to the idiot (Proverbs 1:4). Your dullness and heaviness should increase your diligence and endeavor and not discourage you when the tool is dull men [illegible] to more strength (Ecclesiastes 10:10). Every thing must have a beg…

A rotten conversation (when the constant tenor and frame of a man's course is corrupt and [reconstructed: vile]) it [reconstructed: declares] to all the world, who have wisdom to [reconstructed: discern], there is a reprobate, and an [reconstructed: ungodly] disposition within.…

All the guests shall be linked together with the golden chain of charity. Fourth, it will be a great supper in regard of the holy mirth (Ecclesiastes 10:19): A feast is made for mirth. At this supper there shall be joy, and nothing but joy (Psalm 16, last verse).

What a pity that this excellent soul should be made a vassal and put to grind in the mill, while the body sits in a chair of state! Solomon complains of an evil under the sun (Ecclesiastes 10:7): I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants on the earth. Is…

Yet for the further declaration of this, we will allege what the Scripture says in this point. Solomon says, "If the serpent bite when he is not charmed, no better is a babbler" (Ecclesiastes 10:11). Thus the words are in our English translation, but they may better be read acco…

As soon as Christ was risen from the grave, he was speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, Acts 1. 3. No sooner is a man risen out of the grave of Unregeneracy, but he is speaking of heaven, Ecclesiastes 10. 12. The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious: He s…

When Christian saw that the man was wise in his own conceit, he said to Hopeful whisperingly, “There is more hope of a fool than of him.” (Proverbs 26:12) And said, moreover, “When he that is a fool walks by the way, his wisdom fails him, and he says to every one that he is a fo…

1. Gold. The Sun does not shine so bright in our eyes as gold; 'tis the mirror of beauty, money answers all things, Ecclesiastes 10.19. But grace weighs heavier than gold; gold draws the heart from God.

Against this rule the rich glutton offended, who fared deliciously every day, without any difference of time or place (Luke 16). Solomon pronounces a woe to that land whose princes eat in the morning (Ecclesiastes 10:16). Saint Paul notes it a fault in a minister to be given to…

This sight of God will be very glorious: As when a king on his coronation day, shows himself in all his royalty and magnificence. 2. We shall corporeally behold the glorified body of Jesus Christ: And if it be a pleasant thing to behold the sun (Ecclesiastes 11:7), then how bles…

Why Nilus should overflow in summer, when by the course of nature the waters are lowest. How the bones grow in the womb (Ecclesiastes 11:5). If these things pose us, how may the infinite mystery of the deity transcend our most raised intellectuals.

Resp. Two ways. 1. By the suffrage of Scripture (Ecclesiastes 11:9, 12:14): For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing (Psalm 96:13). For he comes, for he comes to judge the earth.

This kingdom of heaven is adorned and bespangled with light (1 Timothy 6:16). Light is the glory of the creation (Ecclesiastes 11:7). The light is sweet: Hell is a dark dungeon (Matthew 22:13).

The sword of God's justice hangs over a sinner; and when the slender thread of life is cut asunder, the sword falls upon him. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth (Ecclesiastes 11:9). But know you for all these things God wi…

As on the contrary, light, because it is so pleasant a thing to behold, is put for comfort. And that so it is taken here is evident by that which is opposed in the next verse: 'Walk you in your light, yet you shall lie down in sorrow' (Ecclesiastes 11:7). But fourthly, of what k…

And this is not for a moment or a few years, but forever. You who spend your days in pleasure here and rejoice in them all — 'Remember the days of darkness, for they are many,' says Solomon (Ecclesiastes 11:8) — many indeed, days of eternal night that shall know no end, which no…

Partly because though God's call be not discerned in the acts of it, yet it may be discerned in the effects of it: conversion is evident, if not in feeling, yet in fruit. Many works of nature are for the convoy of them insensible, but the effects appear (Ecclesiastes 11:5). We k…

Those who openly wear Sin's Livery, may well be esteemed to be Sin's servants; and they shall not fail to receive Sin's wages. Let them at present bear it never so high, and despise all manner of convictions, they will find it bitterness in the latter end (Isaiah 50:11; Ecclesia…

Oh! let the Saints get a price upon the actions of righteousness, though there be much evil mingled, yet there's a great deal of the glory of God in every action. If we were but grounded in this principle it would make us abound in the work of the Lord; so in the morning and in…

This implies these two things, 1. A distinct aggravating of sin, when a man not only looks on himself as a sinner, but looks on his sin by reason of several aggravating circumstances as being above and beyond the sin of others, and abhors and loathes himself as the chief of sinn…

Assertion 1. The particular exact knowledge of the Lord's manner of drawing of sinners, may be unknown to many that are drawn. 1. In the very works of nature, the growing of bones in the womb, is a mystery; far more the way of the Spirit (Ecclesiastes 11:5). Do you know the bala…

3. Will you not read bloody justice pursuing sin on the blue stripes and scarlet wounds, on innocent Jesus' back and sides, his head and hands and feet? Will you, young men (Ecclesiastes 11:9), laugh and sin, and must Christ weep and shout and cry for pain, when he suffers for s…

The First End of them is to give light upon the earth, (v. 15.) that men may see how to dispatch their affairs with ease and cheerfulness. An ineffable blessing certainly! and such as the wisest man takes particular notice of, when he says, Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasa…

For though we imagine that we labor in vain, and spend our strength in vain (as the Prophet speaks) yet our work is with the Lord, and our labor with our God (Isaiah 49:4). And albeit we may seem to ourselves and others to cast away our goods in being beneficial to some, and (as…

The Manner of the Spirit's proceeding in them that are born of the Spirit, is very often exceeding mysterious and unsearchable: We, as it were, hear the Sound of it, the Effect of it is discernable; but no Man can tell whence it came, or whither it went. And 'tis oftentimes as d…

And this was the case of Job, chap. 6:11 he had given up all expectation of better days, and yet this man lived to see a resurrection of all his lost comforts with an advantage. Think how that change and unexpected turn of Providence affected his soul: it is with our hopes and p…

And be not discouraged, that you know not the direct season of deliverance. In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening, withhold not your hand, for you know not which shall prosper, this or that, or whether they shall be both alike good (Ecclesiastes 11:6). But proceed we…

4. The testimony of the Lord Jesus, witnessing what is done in this kind, to be done to himself (Matthew 25:35, 36, 37). 5. The promise annexed to it (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Proverbs 19:17; Deuteronomy 15:10; Matthew 10:4, 2). The way whereby it is to be done, is by appointing some…

If one, or two, or three, or many means we use, fail, we ought to try still, never despair of the end while the work is good and the means are fair; In the morning sow your seed (says the Preacher) and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you know not whether shall prosper…

Youth is oftentimes a time of great vanity and unmindfulness of God; many stains and spots are therein usually brought upon the consciences of men. Childhood and youth are vanity, Ecclesiastes 11:10. Not because they soon pass away, but because they are usually spent in vanity,…

1. They are bushy, or curled, not such as old men have, hairs here and there, but his are bushy, thick and handsome, such as young men in the flower and vigor of their youth use to have. 2. They are black; and that, 3. as a raven: black hair in these times and places was comely…

Now, what a check would such reflections as these are, throughly believed, and fixedly entertained, give to the mad youngster, in the midst of all his frolics, and mar all the mirth of his greedy lusts, turning it into bitterness? God therefore offers such a memento as this is t…

Wind fetches wind here, and fire begets fire, as cold flint creates hot fire: so the Atheists, let them pray that can pray; I am no Minister; but it has this, I am ready to pray, but the blame of my not praying, is to be laid on the Spirit, for the wind blows not; but this is bu…

God seeks of no man above that he has, or according to what he has not: and if you fail in what you have, what can you say for what you have not. The formal cause of the charity, is the pouring or drawing out of the soul to the hungry (Isaiah 58:10), in faith, in lending to God,…

The king's daughter that is espoused to Christ is all glorious within (Psalm 45:13). The working of grace in the soul is often represented as a regeneration, or being begotten again; and perhaps when this good work is called the hidden man of the heart, there may be some allusio…

(1.) To enlighten and direct us. Light is pleasant, says Solomon; it's a good thing to behold the Sun with our eyes (Ecclesiastes 11:7). If light natural be pleasant, what is light spiritual?

3. Consider the cursed issue of these things, of letting loose your eye and heart to vanity. When you please the eye you wound the heart, and make you unfit for your great account (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Rejoice O young man in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of…

Men are wicked because they are inconsiderate; there are arguments enough against sin, if they would but pause and weigh them seriously; but we do not think of heaven, and hell, and therefore they do not work upon us. Remember that for all these things God will bring you to judg…

Avoid the sins proper to this age (2 Timothy 2:22), flee youthful lusts, or the lusts of youth; there are some lusts almost peculiar to youth, as, 1. Ambition, vain glory, pride (1 Peter 5:5), which much appears in their odd, fantastic garbs and flaunting behaviors (as that text…

Even in laughter the heart is sad, it is not only at the end of laughter, but in it, while at it (Proverbs 14:13). While men are taking the pleasures of sin, they hear a "But remember you must die, and go to judgment," which chills and cools their heat (Ecclesiastes 11:9). We li…

This seems to be clear enough; yet because truths are seldom well improved till they be believed and are seldom believed till they are well proved, I shall therefore make this out more fully, that sin is worse than suffering, first by this argument in general: because sin is all…

Alas, what is it to have religion in your Bible, in your head and tongue, and yet have none in your heart and life! Do but think what you will say or do when you come to judgment, as Solomon tells the young man (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Take the course which you can own, and justify…

Remember that you shall then have no vizard, no disguise to cover you, but all men and angels must hear truly what you are. It was the warning in Ecclesiastes 11:9 — know you, that God will bring you to judgment. Even so know you, that you cannot avoid the day when God shall bri…

The time will come when He will reckon with us about all our time. It is said in (Ecclesiastes 11:9), O young man walk in the ways of your heart; but know you that for all these things, God will bring you into judgement. In like sort, let me say, Come, squander away your time, e…

Solemn Advice to Young Men. Ecclesiastes 11:9. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know you, that for all these things, God will bring you into judgmen…

Thus the secure sinner counted the Lord's patience a kind of connivance, and allowance of him in ungodly ways: I held my tongue and you thought wickedly that I was such a one as yourself, that God could wink at wickedness, look aside at the slips and swervings of the ungodly, an…

There is (a good pleasure, as the original has it) a season for every thing (Ecclesiastes 2:1), and this seems to be the fittest time for this work whether we respect man or God. A man at this age has better materials, as I may so say, wherein, or whereupon the frame of conversi…

Oh! that we [illegible] wise to consider these things, and because our [illegible] is short, and passes away, we would take hold [illegible] the opportunity present. But the young man replies: it is a good thing [reconstructed: for] the eye to behold the sun (Ecclesiastes 11:7).…

As we do not know that we shall prevail with them, when we have done all; but that they may continue in their impenitency; so on the other hand, we do not know but that we may be instrumental of doing them good, that which carnal reason takes discouragement from, that grace enco…

Fourth, consider how quickly the balance of Providence may turn; we ourselves may be brought to poverty, and then it will be no small comfort that we relieved others while we were in a capacity to do it. Ecclesiastes 11:2: Give a portion to seven, and also to eight, for you do n…

How the bones grow in the womb? Ecclesiastes 11.5. What is the reason of all occult qualities?

I saw the dead small and great stand before God; and the books were opened, and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works (Revelation 22:12). Whoever you are, God will have you to judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Know you, Go…

Why Nilus should overflow in summer, when by the course of nature waters are lowest; why the lodestone should incline to the pole star; why the Sea should be higher than the earth, yet not drown it. How the bones grow in the womb, Ecclesiastes 11. 5. Many of these things are rid…

Solomon saith truly the light is sweet. Ecclesiastes 11:7. But we can say, truly the Word is sweet, We have tasted Christ in a Promise, the Word hath caused an exuberancy of joy, Psalm 19:8.

It is kept all the year long. It bears the name of Vanity Fair, because the town where it is kept is lighter than vanity (Psalm 62:9); and also because all that is there sold, or that comes there, is vanity; as is the saying of the wise, “All that comes is vanity” (Ecclesiastes…

Thirdly, that hereby the uncertainty and instability of riches is corrected and fixed — the unstable turned into the stable. Fourthly, whereas worldly riches are only for the present time, they will not descend after a man when he dies; being put into good works, they are return…

2. The Law of God is a light that shines in a dark place, 2 Peter 1.19. It is our pole-star to guide us to heaven; it was David's candle and lantern to walk with, Psalm 119.105 now, light is sweet, Ecclesiastes 11.7. It is sad to want this light; those heathen who have not the k…

Oh be persuaded therefore to remember your sins past, and to consider of your ways now. All the profaneness of your heart, and life, all the vanity of your youth (Ecclesiastes 11:9), all your secret sins, all your sins against light and love, checks and vows; all that time where…

Godliness: Young man, believe me, those pleasures and delights which your heart is so much set upon, are brutish and very hateful to God, and do also debase your noble soul, which is of a sublime extraction. In fact, furthermore hear what wise Solomon says, Rejoice, O young man,…

God is [in non-Latin alphabet], a super-excellent Spirit, the Father of Spirits (Hebrews 12:9). 2. The soul is a spirit (Ecclesiastes 12:7). The spirit shall return to God that gave it.

Jeroboam's wife disguised herself that the prophet should not know her, but he discerned her (1 Kings 14:6). Why do you feign yourself to be another. The hypocrite thinks to prevaricate and juggle with God, but God will unmask him; (Ecclesiastes 12:14). God shall bring every wor…

3. When the bodies of the saints are in the sepulchre, their souls are in Paradise. The soul does not sleep in the body, but returns to God that gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). The soul immediately partakes of those joys the blessed angels do: when the body returns to dust, the sou…

How happy was the reign of Numa Pompilius, when the swords were beaten into plowshares, and the bees made their hives of the soldiers' helmets! Secondly, there is the grave, ancient father, who is venerable for old age; whose grey hairs are resembled to the white flowers of the…

4. The time we have to make sure of the heavenly kingdom is very short and uncertain; take heed it does not slip away before you have prepared for the kingdom. Time passes on apace, Cito pede praeterita vita: It will not be long before the silver cord be loosed, and the golden b…

But since there will certainly [illegible] time come wherein every son and daughter of Adam shall be brought forth to the bar, and pass an exact trial, it must needs speak it a piece of the highest prudence in them to be most carefully providing for it, and the most manifest fol…

What a grief is it to give the devil his young years, the strength of his body and wit, and to bring his withered old age unto God? Nay, be sure, God will not accept your rotten sacrifice of old age, but rather give you up to the devil, that he may have you altogether which has…

We must therefore spare these sharp and unsavoury censures, which some unadvisedly cast upon such men; for charity thinks not evil, 1 Corinthians 13, where it may think or suppose any possibility of good: But contrariwise, pray for them, and hope of their conversions, because we…

Seek it in this world, and it will fail us; but seek it in the sincere worship of God, and that will minister such comfort in this life, and such glory in heaven, as has a foundation, and will never fail us. Further, this must put us in mind of the holy King's advice; which is,…

Originally and absolutely this is the judgement of God, of him who made the world. And therefore is it often said that God shall judge the world (Deuteronomy 32:35, 36, Ecclesiastes 12:14), God the Judge of all (Hebrews 12:23). But the actual administration of it is committed to…

Give to charitable uses in time of health and prosperity. Distribute your silver and gold to the poor before the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, Ecclesiastes 12. 6. Qui cito dat bis dat.

We have cause to walk in God's ways, because we are always under his eye. Love is necessary, that we may keep God always in our hearts; and Fear, that we may keep him always in our eye: both of them are of great use, but Fear we now speak of, which is the true internal root of a…

Naked soul comes before naked God. Ecclesiastes 12:7 — "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God that gave it" — it is put out of house and home, and turned upon its Father again. This as to the soul's condition.

I conceive God has laid a covering over the hearts of Men and Angels, from his own free and wise will, and reserved that secret to himself: for God gave speech to men, and a way how Angels should communicate their thoughts to Angels, and Men, which is Angel-speaking; and this gi…

A word fitly spoken, Hebrew, a word spoken on his wheels, is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Surely Christ's words to a sinner ripe for conversion move on wheels, that is, in such order, as two wheels in one cart, they answer most friendly one to another in their moti…

Well then, anticipate that sad severe judgment, by judging yourselves, and deprecating his righteous judgment: I may say to you, Soul, as Solomon bespeaks Shimei, You know all the wickedness which your heart is privy to: and where are your prayers, and tears, and groanings in se…

Answer. The precepts of the moral law. The sayings of the wise are as nails or stakes fastened to range men in the compass of their own duties (Ecclesiastes 12:11). Again, the peace of God, or the assurance of our reconciliation with God, is a guard, to keep our hearts and sense…

The Apostle proceeds and says, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits. For the better understanding of which phrase, we are to know, that man consists of two essential parts, of soul, and body (Ecclesiastes 12:7): Dust (that is, the body) returns to the earth, w…

1 Peter 1:17. The Judge at the Day of Judgment, will not (for the Conviction of Men's own Consciences, and to manifest them to the World) go about to examine Men, as to the Method of their Experiences, or set every Man to tell his Story of the Manner of his Conversion; but his W…

Though perfect love cast out tormenting fear (1 John 4:18), yet perfect love calls in obeying fear. Hear the conclusion of all, says the Preacher (Ecclesiastes 12:13), Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man, or this is whole man. Fear is all duty,…

1. A man's way in the series of his carriage and deportment, as ordinarily his life is called a walk: so, (Ecclesiastes 5:1) Take heed to your feet, that is, to your carriage; hence the iniquities of the heels are spoken of (Psalm 49:5) to set out men's defects, that cleave to t…

We shall not stand to prove the authority of it: it carries a divine style in its bosom; nor is there need to inquire who was the penman of it, it being clear that Solomon, who was furnished with wisdom and understanding, as never a king before or since was, is honored to be the…

Fear is a most excellent preservative from sin; and a strong fence that God has set about his law, to keep us from breaking those bounds which he has prescribed us. And therefore the wise man gives us this advice (Ecclesiastes 12:13): Fear God and keep his commandments. And the…

Tribulation, anguish and wrath, to every soul of man that does evil; but glory, honor and peace, to every man that works good (Romans 2:9-10). Then it will appear what seed we sowed, what lives we lived; for God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whet…

But that it is an article of faith, commended to us by the infallible oracles of that God who cannot lie, or be mistaken, is written with sun beams in his word. Read for this, Ecclesiastes 12:14: God will bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good…

There is (says another) such curious workmanship in the eye, that upon the first sight of it some Atheists have been forced to acknowledge a God; especially that fifth Muscle in the eye is wonderful, whereby (as a learned Author observes) Man differs from all other Creatures, wh…

But in the close finds it in this: the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil, that is understanding. Under this fear is comprehended all religion, the inward and outward of it, all his worship and service, and all the observance of his commandments which is t…

They do not run in the channel of carnal generation, or fleshly descent; but they are immediately created by God. And it is said (Ecclesiastes 12:7): "The spirit returns to God which gave it." Well then, you see how in a general sense, and with what good reason God may be called…

What Fear is meant here? 1. Negatively; It is not meant (1) of a natural Fear, which is a tremor or palpitation of Heart, occasioned by the approach of some imminent danger, Ecclesiastes 12:5. Fears shall be in the way.

To the Law, to the Testimony. 3. He who Fears God keeps his commandments, Ecclesiastes 12:13. Fear God, and keep his commandments.

And it concerns every one, as soon as he comes to the use of reason, presently to mind his work both in regard of God and himself. 1. In regard of God, that he may not be kept out of his right too long (Ecclesiastes 12:1): Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. He is o…

For God does not judge of us by the lump, or by a general intention. It is not enough to plead at the day of judgment, you had a good scope, and a good meaning; for every action must be brought to judgment, whether it be good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14). When we reckon with our…

What is this way? God's commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13): Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. That was the result of Solomon's careful search in and about the ways of true happiness; he found that a constant, uniform, universal obedience, was…

3. That he may spend his youth in pleasure, and safely put off repentance till age. But (Ecclesiastes 12:1) we are told to remember our creator in the days of youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw near, when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them. And (Luke…

The mortality of the body, and the immortality of the soul shows that we are all strangers here: for if here we do not live for ever, and yet we have souls that will live for ever, there must be some other place to which we are tending. The body is dust in its composition and re…

Truths lose their efficacy when not remembered. On the other side, remembering God is made to be the immediate and next cause of our duty (Ecclesiastes 12:1): Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Youth would not miscarry so shamefully, if they did more often remember…

Your favor is better than life, better than all comforts, better in itself, for this is that which we are never weary of. A man may be weary of all outward comforts: days may come wherein there is no pleasure (Ecclesiastes 12). At that time the soul abhors dainty food (Job 33).

But: 1. Who made you? (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. It is a great advantage to call to mind whose creatures we are; for this will shame us that we have done no more than we have done for him, from whom we have all that we have, and this in…

3. Consider how unfit we shall be for God's service if we delay a little longer, when our strength is spent, and vigor of youth exhausted; when our ears grow deaf, eyes dim, understanding dull, affections spent, memory lost — is this a time to begin with God, and to look after t…

3. All our actions — they are sentenced in the Word. God has declared his mind concerning them (Ecclesiastes 12:14): God will bring every work into judgment: things will not be huddled up in that day. God will not accept of a general bill of account by lump, but every action he…

So secretly and curiously was the matter framed in passing through all the changes in the womb till it came to a perfect formation. Then for the soul, God infuses that (Ecclesiastes 12:7): "Then shall our dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit to God that gave it." G…

Natural life only gives us a capacity to enjoy the comforts of sense, which are base, dreggy and corruptive; but the special favor of God lets us into such consolations, as perfect the soul, and affects it with a greater pleasure than our natural faculties are capable of; life n…

1. He is a benefactor to all men; he has given them an immortal spirit, that shall abide forevermore. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) The dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the spirit to God that gave it. There is an immortal soul, that dwells in a mortal body.

Oh how did Solomon seek and search this and that, to the tiring and vexing of himself, till the true light guided him into the true way? How did he grope after happiness, but felt none, till he came to fear God, etc. (Ecclesiastes 12:13). 2 Man's darkness is evident by this, Tha…

Sin is the Devil's image; as when God made man, he made him in his own image; so when the Devil made man sin, he thereby made him his own image and likeness: and so I conceive the Devil meant that phrase, "You shall be like Gods, Elohim" (Genesis 3:5). He did not say, nor mean,…

So the father saw the prodigal, while yet afar off, while but thinking to return: indeed, he does search and try the heart to this very end, that he may give to every man according to his way (Jeremiah 17:9-10). God will judge righteous judgment (not according to appearance, as…

We cannot be too soon nor too much religious, but the sooner (and more) the better. If ever you mean to be religious, there is no time more proper than now, the present now, no day like today (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Remember now your Creator (as the word is, namely, God in Christ,…

And you, says Saint Peter of believers (1 Peter 2:9), are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, and (which is more glorious) a holy Nation: Oh therefore abstain from fleshly lusts, therefore show forth the virtues (and by them the praises) of him who has called you out of you…

But the service of God, this ever comprizes all our duty in it. It is the same that the Wise man refers to, in (Ecclesiastes 12:13): Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. There are diverse comprehensive and synonymous terms, by which our duty to…

The flesh had rather live an easy than a laborious life. Much study is a weariness of the flesh (Ecclesiastes 12:12). And so is other hard labor irksome to the flesh.