Ecclesiastes 9

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IX.—It is a great mercy for the saints that they and all their works are in the hand and under the influence of God, their reconciled Father. Yet how often does he use them with as much severity in this world as if they were the most profligate sinners! Great is the mercy that there is an eternity at hand, when Providence so little distinguishes the righteous here in their condition, either in life or in death. Remarkable are the advantages which men have in this life for bettering their states, tempers, or hopes. But quickly death puts an end to them all; to all opportunities of preparing for eternity; and to all our intimacies, enjoyments, or affections, in this world. What need then have we soberly to relish the comforts of this life, relative to our spirits, our food, our raiment, and our relations! Quickly should we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, while we have opportunity; as we know not how soon our soul may be required of us. Carefully should we acknowledge God, and depend on him for direction in all our paths, as, without his assistance, we can obtain nothing good, but must fall into misery and ruin. Yet how stupid are most men, who neither regard wisdom itself, nor those who thereby do them the greatest services! It is necessary that we should always act from regard to the authority of God, and from a principle of love, as men may perhaps disregard the best works that we can do for them. But much more useful are wise discourses than all the noisy harangues which fools admire. And even one impenitent and presumptuous sinner is often a great plague to a family, a church, or nation