The Pulpit Commentary — Ecclesiastes — Section 119

cherish such a sentiment or employ such language as this. For the disciple of Jesus Christ who really loves and follows his Divine Master has- I. CoMFORT IN HIS SORROWS. He never has reason to complain that there is "no comforter." Even if human friends and earthly consolations be lacking, there is One who fulfils his word, "I will not leave you comfortless;" "I wilt Mme to you;" "I will send you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth." Whether suffering from oppression, or from loss, or bereavement, or bodily distress, there are the "consolations which are in Jesus Christ;" there is the "God of all comfort" always near. . II. REST IN ms HEART, That peace of mind, that rest of soul which ~'I of simply mcalculable worth (Matt. xi. 28; Rom. v. 1); a sacred, spiritual calm, which the world "cannot take away." III. RESOURCES WHICH ARE UNFAILING. In the fellowship he bas with God, in the ele.ated enjoyments of devotion, in the intercourse he has with holy and earnest ·souls like-minded with himself, he has sources of sacred joy, "springs that do not fail." IV. THE SECRET OF HAPPTh"ESS IN ALL BIS HUMBLEST LABOUR. He does everything, even though he be a servant or even a slave, as "unto Christ the Lord;" and all drudgery is gone; life is filled with interest, and toil is crowned with dignity and nobleness. V. Joy IN UNSELFISH SERVICE OF HIS KIND. VI. HOPE IN DEATH.-C. Vers. 4-6.-Pra.ctical wisdom in the conduct of life. What shall we pursue- distinction or happiness? Shall we Rim to be markedly successful, or to bo quietly content? What shall be the goal we set before us? I. TEE FASCINATION OF SUCCESS. A great many men resolve to attain distinction in their sphere. They put forth "labour, skilful labour," inspired by feelings of 1·ivo.lry; they are animated by the hope of surpassing their fellows, of rising above them in the reputation they achic,e, in the style in which they live, in the income they earn, etc. 'l'here is VffY little that is profitable here. 1. It must necessarily be attended with a large amount of failure: where many run, "but one receiveth the prize." 2. The saLisfaction of success is short-lived; it soon loses its keen relish, and becomes of small account. 3. It is a satisfaction of a very low order. II. THE TEMPTATION TO INDOLENCE. Many men are content to go through life moving along a much lower level than their natural capacities, their educational advantages, and their social introductions fit them and entitle them to maintain. They crave quietude; they want to be free from ,the bustle, the worry, the burden of the strife of life; they prefer to have a very small share of worldly wealth, and to fill a very little space in the regard of their neighbours, if only they can be well left alone. "The sluggard foldeth his hands ; yea, he eateth his meat" (Cox). There is a measure of sense in this; much is thereby avoided which it is desirable to shun. But, on the other hand, such a choice is ignoble; it is to decline the opportunity; it is to retreat from the battle; it is to leave the powers of our nature and the opportunities of our life idle and unemployed. •• III. THE WISDOM OF THE WISE. This is : 1. To be contented with our lot;- not to be dissatisfied because there are others above us in the trade or the profession in which we are rngnged; not to be envious of those more successful than ourselves; to recognize the goodness of our Divine l<'ather in making us what we are and giving us what we ha vc. 2. To let our labours be inspired by high and elevating motives; to work with all our strength, because (1) God loves faithfulness; (2) we cannot respect ourselves nor earn the esteem of the upright if we are indolent or faulty; (3) diligence and <kvotcdness condnct to an honourable success, and enable us to render greater service Loth to Christ and to maukind.-C. Vcrs. 9-12.-Mutual service. There is a measure of separateness, and even of loneliness, which is inseparable from human life. 'fhere are times and occasions wh~n a man mu~t determine for himself what choice he will make, what course he will pursue. Each human soul must "bear its own burden" in deciding what shall be its f:n~l attitude toward revealed truth; what shall be its abiding relation to God; \1 htther it will accept or decline the cruwn of eternal life. N evertheles~, we thank ell. tv. 1-16.] ECCLESIASTES; on, THE PREACHER. 1C3