A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that late pious and worthy divine, Mr. John Cotton ... ; published by Anthony Tuckney ...

Eccles. 12. part of v. 9. with 10.

Yea he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many Proverbs.

10. The Preacher sought to finde out acceptable words; and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

SOlomon in teaching the people, he sought out, and weigh∣ed, and set in order words of weight and delight, words of uprightnesse and truth.

Solomon, though a wise man, (none like him;) yea, though immediately inspired by the Holy Ghost; yet he set all his Logick awork in teachings and writings to the people. For whereas there be three acts or exercises of Logick, 1 Invention; 2 Judgement; 3 Method; and in these three the whole work of Logick is accomplished; Solomon set all these a work to finde out a fit matter and words for the in∣struction of the people. Investigavit, he sought out, is the work of invention; libravit, trutinavit, he weighed (as in a ballance) is the work of judgement. He set in order, is the work of method.

Words of weight] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Proverbs, that is, words of weight, of power, of authority, such as are apt to sink, not only (like Davids stone into the forehead of Goliah) but into the heart of the stoutest.

Reason why so called, from their effect: First, as convincing and pressing down a proud spirit, 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. Secondly, lifting up an humble spirit, Isai. 66.2. & 50.4. Thirdly, di∣recting and ordering their own lives, and others, Ps. 119.125.

Words of delight, or acceptable words, not to the humours of the people, but first, to the good pleasure of God, Gal. 1.10. Secondly to the estate of the people, Gal. 4.20.

Reason 1. As being most suitable to the image of God in his children. These words are as a seale, their hearts as wax; For all delight springeth from correspondency between the faculty and the object.

Reason 2. As making us men of delight, first to God; se∣condly, to our brethren, Psalm 16.3.

Words or writings of uprightnesse or righteousnesse.

Reason 1. As suitable to Gods will, which is the rule of Right.

Reason 2. As aiming at right ends, the glory of God, the good of Churches, Commonwealths, Families, soules.

Reason 3. As making us upright.

Words of truth.

Reason 1. As proceeding from the Spirit of truth.

Reason 2. As speaking of all mens persons, estates; of God, his counsels and waies, as they be without errour or guile.

Reason 3. As making us true.

Object. 1. But Penmen of Scripture speak from immediate revelation, 2 Tim. 3.16. 2 Pet. 1.21. Therefore not in a way of Logicall discourse or study.

Answ. It followeth not; for God breatheth as well in meditation as in sodaine raptures, Jude 3. 1 Tim. 4, 13, 15. 2 Tim. 2.15.

Object. 2. Luke 21 14, 15.

Answ. It is a word of encouragement to Martyrs and Con∣fessours that suffer in a good cause, to expect immediate assistance, where they cannot wel forecast or premeditate to answer to sudden and unknown questions. Otherwise, if a man knew beforehand their Interrogatories, it were ex∣pedient to study how, and what to answer, Prov. 15.28.

Ʋse 1. To reprove wearisomness of the instructions taught in this book: When wil our Teacher have done with this argument? that we might have none of Christ; but indeed a gracious heart seeth the more need of Christ in the vanity of the creature.

Ʋse 2. To reprove the rejection of studied Sermons.

Ʋse 3. To teach Preachers the Imitation of Solomon in studious Invention, Judgement, and order of words, first of power; secondly, of delight; thirdly, of uprightnesse; fourthly, of truth, Jer. 48.10. Jude 3. Talents should be employed to best advantage.

Ʋse 4. Sermons may be elaborate without quotations.

Ʋse 5. To exhort to the diligent reading and hearing of Scripture, even Solomons books; they are studiously written: they are words of power, delight, uprightnesse, truth.