and depicting the sl:iepherd's "wonted sleep under a fresh tree's shade" as "far beyond a prince's delicates " (' Henry VI.,' act ii. sc. 5). IV. NOT SELDOM DISAPPOINT THE HOPES THEY HAVE RAISED. 1. The hope of never- failing happiness. The rich man hopes that in future years bis wealth will be to him a source of comfort (Luke xii. 19). As the years go by he discovers they have only been kept to his hurt (ver. 13)-if not physically or mentally, at least morally and spiritually (1 'l'im. ·vi. 10, 17); and the fact is often so, whether he discovers it or not. 2. The l.ope of never hnowing want. The rich man expects that, having safely locked them up in 'a ·prudent speculation, he will keep them at least during his lifetime; but. alas! the speculation turns out" an evil adventure," and his much-prized riches perish (ver. 14). 3. The hope of perpetuating his name. Once more the· rich man pleases himself with the prospect of founding a family by leaving his son the fortune he has heaped up by toil, thrift, and profitable speculation. By the time he comes to die he has nothing in bis hand to bequeath, and so is forced to bid farewell to his hopes and leave bis son a pauper. V. MusT EVENTUALLY.BE LEFT BY ALL. 1 . .Absolutely. However rich a man may grow in his lifetime, of all be has amassed he must divest himself at the grave's mouth, as Claudio in the prison is reminded by the duke- -" If thou art riob, thou art poor ; For, like an aSB whose back with ingots bows, Thou bear'st thy riches but a journey, And deatli unloo.ds tliee." (' Measure for Measure,' not iii. se. 1.) ., As he came forth of bis mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as be came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which be may carry away in his hand" (ver. 15; cf. Job i. 21); for as "we brought nothing into this world," so it is" certain we can carry nothiug out" (1 Tim. vi. 7)'. 2. Without compensation. '' What profit," then, the Preacher asks, bas the rich:man who has laboured all his days to amass wealth? The answer is, "Nothing! be bas simply laboured for the wind." Nor is this the worst. 'l'o have had a pleasant time of it before being obliged to part with his wealth would have been a ccmpensation, however slight, to the rich man; but for the most part even this is denied him. ,In order to amass his riches be bas commonly been found to, play the part of a miser, "eating in the dark to save candle-light, or working 1111 day and wa,iting till nightfall before he sits down to a meal" (Plumptre); or, if the words "ea.ting in darkness" be t~ken metaphorically, while gathering gold he hns passetl hi8 existence in gloom and sadness, having no light in his heart (Hcngstcubcrg), be ha~ fallen into sore ,vexation at the f,1ilure of mapy of hi.ii pl,ans, become morbidly dispose.!, "diseased in mind nnd body," and even waxed wrathful at God, hirnsolf, and all the world. LESSONS. 1. The d11ty of moderating one's pursuit of earthly riches. 2. The wisdom of laying up for one'~ self treasures iu heaven. 3. The happiness enjoyed by the poor.
Vers. 18-20.-The picture of a "good and comely" life. I. TBE LABOUR OF TIIF. HANDS nl!;WARDED. The toiler spends not his strength for nought and in vaiu (Im. xlix. f), but with tho swent of his brow earns for himself bread to cat, water to drink, 124 ECCLESIASTES; OR, THE PREACHER. [cu. v. 1-20.
and raiment to put on (Gen. xxviii. 20). Work and food the two first requisites of a good and comely life. II. THE GOOD THINGS OF LIFE ENJOYED, Not only hae the toiler the pleasant eatie- faction of _being able to earn ~hrough ~is personal exertione something, yea, enough, to eat and drmk and to clothe himaelf withal, but over and above he can eat and drink and wear that which he has 61\?'lled, and generally rejoice in that which his hands have won. Health and cheerfulness the next two requisites of a good and comely life. III. THE ILLS OF EXISTENCE FORGOTTEN, If not entirely exempt from ills, since there is no man born of woman who is not heir to trouble (Job v. 7; xiv, 1), yet these affect him so slightly and leave so small impression on his soul, that the even tenor of his life flows on, and he hardly remembers the days as they pass. Equanimity and hopefulness a third pair of requisites for a good and comely life. IV. THE GOODNESS OF REA VEN RECOGNIZED. A "good and comely" life differs .from mere animal existence in this, that it acknowledges all it receives and enjoys. as a portion marked out for it by the sovereign appointment, and bestowed upon it by the gracious bounty of God (Jas. i. 17). Gratitude and religion a fourth pair of requisites for a good and comely life. V. THE .APPROBATION OF GoD EXPERIENCED. The joy of .such a life, being morei than mere sensuous gratification, and springing up within the deep recesses of the soul, being in fact pure heart-joy, is not displeasing to God, but, on the contrary, is 1>Y him observed, answered, and confirmed. Peace and joy the last and highest pair of requisites for a good and comely life. Learn : 1. The propriety of striving after an ideal life. 2. The necessity' of aiming at improved surroundings of existence. 3. The impossibility of reaching Utopia either for the state or the individual without religion.