Vera. 2-4.-.A Divine paradox. To many readers these statements appear startling and incredible. The young are scarcely likely to receive them with favour, and to the pleasure-seeking and the frivolous they are naturally repugnant. Yet they are the embodiment of true wisdom; and are in harmony with the experience of the thoughtful and benevolent. l. FEASTING, LAUGHTER, AND MIRTH ARE TOO GENERALLY REGARDED IIY THE FOOLISH AS THE BEST PORTION AND THE ONLY JOY OF HUMAN LI.FE. 1. It is not denied that there is a side of human nature to which merriment and festivity are congenial, or that there are occasions when they may be lawfully, innocently, and suitably indulged in. 2. But these experiences are not to be regarded by reasonable and immortal beings as the choicest and most desirable experiences of life. 3. If they are unduly prized and sought, they will certainly bring disappointment, and involve regret and distress of mind, 4. Constant indulgence of the kind described will tend to the deterioration of the character, and to unfitness for the serious and weighty business of human existence. II. INTERCOURSE WITH THE SORROWFUL AND THE BEREAVED YIELDS MORE TRUE PROFIT THAN SELFISH AND FRIVOLOUS INDULGENCE. 1. Such familiarity with the house of mourning reminds of the common lot of men, which is also our own. In a. career of amusement and dissipation there is much which is altogether artificial. The gay and dissolute endeavour, and often for a time with success, to lose sight of some of the greatest and most solemn realities of this earthly existence. Pain, weakness, and so1Tow come, sooner or later, to every member of the human race, and it is inexcusable Jolly to ignore that with which every reflective mind must be familiar. 2. The house of mourniug is peculiarly fitted to furnish themes of most profitable meditation. The uncertainty of prosperity, the brevity of life, the rapid approach of death, the urgency of sacred duties, the responsibility of enjoying advantages and opportunities ouly to ho used aright during health and activity,-such are some of the lessons which are too often unheeded by the frivolous. Yet not to have learned these lessons is to have lived in vain. 3. The house of mourning is fitted to bring home to the mind the precious- ness of true religion. Whilst Christi,mity is concerned with all the scenes and circum• stances of our existence, and is as able to hallow our joys as to relieve our sorrows, it is evident that, inasmuch as it deals with us as immortal beings, it has a special service to render to those who realize that this earthly life is but a portion of our existence, and that it is a discipline and preparation for the life to come. Many have been indebted, under God, to impressions received in times of bereavement for the impulse which has animated them to seek a heavenly portion and inheritance. 4. Familiarity with scenes of sorrow, and with the sources of consolation which religion opens up to the afflicted, tends to promote serenity and purity of disposition. The restlessness and superficiality which are distinctive of the worldly and pleasure-seeking may, through the influences here described, be exchanged for the calm confidence, the acquiescenca in the Divine will, the cheerful hope, which aro the precious possession of the true children of God, who know whom they have believed, and are persuaded that he is abl<J to keep that which they have committed to him against that day.-'!'. Ver. 1.-The mischief of oppression ana bribery. There is some uncertainty as to the interpretation of this verse: the reference may be to the effect of injustice upon him who inflicts it; it may be to its effect upon him who suffers it. It is usual to regard the observation as descriptive of the result of oppression and bribery in the feel- 1:30 ECCLESIASTES; OR, THE PREACHER. [on. vu. 1-29,
iugs of irritation and despondency they produce upon the minds of those who are wronged, and upon society generally. l. JUSTICE _is_ THE ONLY SOL~D FOUNDATION FOR SOCIETY. There is moral law, upon which alone c1v1l law cn.n be WlSely and securely based. When those who are in power are guided i~ !heir administration of political affairs by a reverent regard for righteous- ness, trauqmlhty, and contentment, order and harmony may be expected to prevail. II. OPPRESSION, EXTORTION, AND VENALITY ON THE PART OF RULERS ARE INCOM· PATIDLE WITH JUSTICE AND WITH THB PUBLIC GOOD. Unjust rulers sometimes use the power which they have acquired, or with which they have been entrusted, for selfish ends, and in the pursuit of such ends are unscrupulous as to the means they employ. Such wrong-doing is peculiar to no form of civil government. It is to some extent checked by the prevalence of liberty and of publicity, and yet more by an elernted standard of morality, and by the influence of pure religion. But in the East corruption and bribery have been too general on the part of those in power. Ill. THE SPECIAL RESULT OF CORRUPTION AND OPPRESSION IS THE FUBTHEBAN0E AND PREVALENCE OF FOLLY AND UNREASON. To the writer of Ecclesiastes, who regarded wisdom as "the principal thing," it wa.~ natural to discern in mischievous principles of government the ea.use of general unwisdom and foolishness. 1. The governor himself, although he may be credited with era.ft and cunning, is morally injured and degraded, sinks to a lower level, loses self-respect, and forfeits the esteem or his subjects. 2. The governed are goaded to madness by the impossibility of obtaining their rights, by the curtailment of their liberties, and by the loss of their property. Hence arise murmurings, discontent, and resentment, which may, and often do, lead to conspiracy, insurrection, and revolution. IV. THE DUTY OF ALL UPRIGHT MEN TO BET THEIR FA0ES AGAINST BOOB EVIL PRACTICES. A good man must not ask-Can I profit by the prevalence of injustice? Will my party or my friends be strengthened by it? He must, on the contrary, tum away from the question of consequences; he must witness against venality and oppres- sion ; he must use all lawful means to expose and to put an end to such practices. And this he is bound to do from the highest motives. Government is of Divine authority, and is to be upon Divine p1inciples. Of God we know that "righteousness and judg- ment are the habitation of his throne." They are unworthy to rule who employ their power for base and selfish ends.-T.