Ecclesiastes 5

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. V.—Fearfully are men subjected to vanity: it 7 S enters not only into all their outward possessions, but even into their worship! Great need have we to take heed to our hearts, to our lips, and to our whole behaviour, in our religious performances, that they may not become means of dishonouring God and destroying ourselves. But, alas, often are they performed in a foolish and inconsiderate manner, our minds being no more serious in them than in an idle dream! and vows are often rushly made, and no less readily broken, in the view of Jesus and his angels and ministers. Very necessary is the constant faith and deep impression of God’s greatness and omniscience, and the future judgment, to make us serious and circumspect in our worship, and for enabling us to behold, or bear up under, oppression and persecution. God makes the highest to live on the same simple things as the poorest. There is very little to profit or please, and much more to hurt and vex, in riches, than we commonly think. The rich man’s servant often enjoys more benefit by his wealth than the rich man himself, while he suffers none of the vexation! Nay, the covetous miser gets no comfort in his wealth, and it is swept away, so that his children never come to the possession of it. Much happier is he who receives whatever he has as God’s free gift, and uses it to his glory. Little is he concerned at the evils which befall him in life when God favours him with solid comfort