Ecclesiastes 1

Ecclesiastes 1:1

THe preacher] Hebrew Preacheresse. See the argument of this book.

Ecclesiastes 1:2

Of vanities] That is to say, most vaine: now he meanes to speak of whatsoever is separated from Gods grace, life, and spirit Vanity] A thing that hath no sound, nor true essence, hath no firme lastingnesse.

Ecclesiastes 1:3

What profit] The worldly man who liveth not in God, and worketh not by his spirit, labours to no end, and loseth all his labour in seeking any perfect content of mind in this world.

Ecclesiastes 1:4

One generation] Death which none can avoyd, is the great and generall argument to prove the vanity of all worldly things; for though the world doe last invariable in his owne being, yet man is not of that lastingnesse: neither can the world give it him: wherefore his happinesse is never the more for the lastingnesse of the earth, since he himselfe cannot last for to enjoy it. And on the other side, the world sheweth that it hath not the property of of the chifest good, which is to be eternall, and to eternize him who is the possessor of it.

Ecclesiastes 1:5

The Sunne] The continuall unquietnesse of men, imitating these creatures in the motion of their thoughts, and desires, is also a proofe of the fore-said vanity; for like the sunne they have no rest: like the wind they are in a turbulent agitation, which tirth and consumeth them: and like the Sea which is never filled, though the rivers continually runne into it, they are never satisfied, nor have not the true content of the mind.

Ecclesiastes 1:8

With seeing] Of new things, to desire them and follow them, although it be tryed, and beaten out with watching.

Ecclesiastes 1:9

The thing that] The delight also which man takes in this variety is false and vaine: for really there is nothing new: seeing that all things in all ages have beene of the same nature and kinde, and the vanity is onely in certaine outward appearances; in which true happinesse cannot consist.

Ecclesiastes 1:11

There is no] Man is deceived in thinking that hee hath found any new thing, wherein he may take content: and this proceeds from his forgetfulnesse, and ignorance of things which are past. Or the shew of novelty is quickly gone, and therefore there can no true happinesse be found in it.

Ecclesiastes 1:12

I the] I Solomon can speake of this vanity by mine owne experience, having imployed the gift of wisedome which God hath conferred upon me, in taking notice of the state, and affaires of the world, that I might the better supply and execute my place and Kingly office.

Ecclesiastes 1:13

This ore travell] True it is that every man is bound to seek and gaine whatsoever is necessary for his vocation: but this gaine, though it be vertuous, hath the same quality as other worldly things have: Namely, very toylsome, and no way effectuall to happinesse, and perfect content of the mind.

Ecclesiastes 1:15

That which is] No man, yea not Kings nor Princes, let them bee never so wise, and mighty, can remedy all evills, nor supply all defects; which is a great annoyance in publike Offices.

Ecclesiastes 1:16

I communed] As being grieved that I could not discharge my duty in my place, according to my desire, by mine owne wisedome, which was withstood and overcome by the great malice of men, which I knew not, nor could not remedy.

Ecclesiastes 1:17

And I gave] I thought it was fitting to accompany and strengthen my wisedome with a particular experience and mixture of the Art and termes of politick worldly wisedome, which before God is but meere folly. 1 Corinth. chapter the second, verse the sixth. But all this did but onely increase my travaile and discontent, seeing that with all this new endeavour, I could not attaine to mine end.