it be which calls forth their mirth and laughter, it is equally unprofitable and equally insane. So Solomon judged ; and]
We now proceed — II. To confirm his testimony —
Let us take a candid view of this matter : let us consider pleasure in its true light : let us consider its aspect on us,
1. As men —
[As men, we possess faculties of a very high order, which we ought to cultivate, and which, when duly improved, exalt and dignify our nature. But behold the votaries of pleasure ; how low do they sink themselves by the depravity of their taste, and the emptiness of their occupations ! A man devoid of wisdom may abound in mirth and laughter as well as he: and there will be found very little difference in their feelings ; except, as the more enlarged men's capacities are for higher objects, the keener sense will they have of the emptiness of their vain pursuits. In truth, we may appeal even to them- selves in confirmation of what Solomon has said : for there are no persons more convinced of the unsatisfying nature of such pursuits, than those who follow them with the greatest avidity. But let Scripture speak : " She that liveth in pleasure is dead whilst she liveth"." It is the fool alone that can say, " Let us eat, drink, and be merry "^."]
2. As sinners —
[As sinners we have a great work to do ; even to call to mind, and to mourn over, the sins of our whole lives, and to
seek reconciliation with our offended God The time,
too, which is afforded us for this is very short and very uncer- tain And, oh ! what an issue awaits our present exer- tions ; even heaven with all its glory, or hell with all its inconceivable and everlasting terrors ! Have persons so cir- cumstanced any time for mirth, or any disposition to waste their precious hours in laughter ? Is it not much more suitable to them to be engaged according to the direction of St. James, " Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter he turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness ; humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up^ ? " ]
3. As the redeemed of the Lord —
[What redeemed soul can contemplate the price paid for his redemption, and laugh ? Go, my Brother, to Gethsemane, and see thy Saviour bathed in a bloody sweat. Go to Calvary, and behold him stretched upon the cross. Hear his heart-
«= 1 Tim. v. 6. '1 Lukexii. 19. " Jam. iv. 9, 10.