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Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher

Containing Salomons Sermons or Commentaries (as it may probably be collected) vpon the 49. Psalme of Dauid his father. Compendiously abridged, and also paraphrastically dilated in English poesie, according to the analogie of Scripture, and consent of the most approued writer thereof. Composed by H. L. Gentleman [i.e. Henry Lok]. Whereunto are annexed sundrie Sonets of Christian Passions heretofore printed, and now corrected and augmented, with other affectionate Sonets of a feeling conscience of the same Authors
  
  

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77

7. For what knowes he what shall succeed? he can not mend his fate,
8. In life, death, battell, sinne cannot protect the wickeds state.

7.

For it lies not (no doubt) in powre of man,

For he knowes not that which shal be: for who can tell him when it shalbe.


To iudge aright of sequels and euents,
Though (by obseruance of things past) we can
Sometimes right neere coniecture of intents,
As like to haue successe as we desire:
But none can iudge the truth that they require.
It is but chance not iudgement if they hit,
So many errors do incounter them:
Those future knowledges for God are fit,
And none but he, that priuileage can claime;
For as for Reuelations few are now,
And diuelish arts, Gods word will not allow.

8.

And how should he be able to foretell,

Man is not Lord ouer the spirit to retaine the spirit: neither hath he power in the day of death, nor deliuerance in battell, neither shall wickednesse deliuer the possessors thereof.


An others haps or actions, can you thinke,
That not foresaw, what to himselfe befell,
Nor knew his perill being at pits brinke?
Nor could deferre his death or destiny,
With all the care he did thereto apply?
That could not tell the place, the dart should light,
That he in battell flong against his foe?
That cannot saue himselfe amidst the fight,
But beares the brunt (perhaps) of ouerthroe?
No wicked slight or art can sinners saue,
But that they sure (in fine) their merits haue.