already been; there is a continual round of the same pains, disappointments, trials, afflictions, persecutions, &c.; and yet God will require (i. e. will revenge) the persecuted man. 16 And, moreover, notwithstanding the certainty of this, I saw under the sun the place of judgment, [that] wickedness [was] there; and the place of righteousness, [that] iniquity [was] 17* there. I said, however, in mine heart, and 18 reflected within myself, that God will finally judge the righteous and the wicked; (for there is a season for every purpose of GOD to take effect;) and he will, either here or hereafter, determine concerning every work, whether it be good or bad. Ch. xii. 14. SECT. X.-THOUGH LIFE, CONSIDERED IN I said in mine heart, I reflected within myself, concerning the estate of the sons of men, and I find it is so ordered, that God might manifest or prove them, and that they might see that they themselves are subject to death like 19 beasts. For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing, namely, death, befalleth them; as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that, in this respect, a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all animated nature [is] vanity, equally frail and mortal. 20 The bodies of all, whether men or beasts, go unto one place, the earth; for all their bodies are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. But, with respect to the living, or vital principle 21 within them, who knoweth, or can comprehend the immense difference between the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast 22 that goeth downward to the earth? Wherefore, though men as well as beasts die, yet, since their spirits return to God who gave them, I perceive that [there is] nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, and be contented; for that necessity of labouring [is] his portion appointed by the Almighty to prove him; (compare ver. 18;) for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Who shall lead him to discover what shall happen in this world after his death? SECT. XI.-VANITY IS INCREASED UNTO CHAP. IV. 1. So I returned, and considered all the oppressions of mankind that are done under the sun: and, behold, the tears of [such as were] oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors [there was] power; but they (i. e. the 2 oppressed) had no comforter. Wherefore, if this world and human pursuits are to be regarded as the things of highest value, I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive, inasmuch as it would be better to die than to endure the persecutions which are inflicted by tyranny and 3 vice. Yea, if this life and its pleasures were our all, better [is he] than both they which hath not yet been, who hath not seen or experienced the evil work that is done under the sun. SECT. XII.-THE VANITY OF PROSPERITY. 4* Again, I considered all travail, and every prosperous work, and I perceive that for this a man is envied of his neighbour, from which arise many evils. Hence this prosperity, much as it is sought after by the world, [is] also vanity, in respect to man's Chief Good, and rather produces vexation of spirit than real happiness. 5 SECT. XIII. THE VANITY OF FOLLY, OR Again, I considered that the fool, who hath made this world his all, foldeth his hands together in an agony of grief, when he finds earthly things to be only vanity; and eateth his own flesh, that is, destroys himself by unavailing sorrow and regret. Such is the worldling's 6 portion. It is clear, then, that better [is] an handful [with] quietness, even the bare necessaries of life, with the peace and tranquillity which religion bestows, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit, that is, than the largest possessions gained with trouble, and accompanied with disgust and anxiety. 7 SECT. XIV. THE VANITY OF COVETOUSNESS, Then again I returned, and I saw a vanity 8 under the sun, namely, that there is one certain individual who lives single and [alone,] and [there is] not a second, no heir to succeed him; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labour to amass wealth; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he,] For whom do I labour and bereave my soul of good? This penuriousness [is] also vanity, in regard to man's Chief Good; yea, it [is] a sore travail, an irksome and painful occupation. 9 SECT. XV. THOUGH SOCIETY HAS ITS ADVANTAGES, YET DOMINION AND EMPIRE ARE BUT VANITY. Again, two [are] better than one, or, in other words, it is better to live in society than in solitude: because they who live in that social state have a good reward for their labour which they are destined to undergo in life, reaping many advantages from their union; as, 10 for instance, if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but wo to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help 11 him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone?] 12 And if, in any contest, one prevail against him that is alone, two shall be able to withstand him: and, in proof of the utility of society, we may apply the old adage, that a threefold cord is not quickly broken. But, without wisdom, small are the advantages of society. Even in 13 regard to the highest rank, better and happier [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished: 14* for from the company of apostates he (i. e. the foolish king spoken of in ver. 13) comes to reign; although, even born to empire, he is destitute of the habits, the experience, and the prudence requisite for the administration of government. And in general, as to the con15*dition of kings, I considered the sentiments and conduct of all the living which walk under the sun, and I see clearly, that commonly they favour the second child, who is heir to the throne, and who shall stand up in his stead, S |