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THE 

BIBLICAL  MUSEUM : 

A  COLLECTION  OF  NOTES 
EXPLANATORY,  HOMILETIC,  AND  ILLUSTRATIVE, 

ON  THE 

flolp  §)criptures> 


ESPECIALLY    DESIGNED    FOR    THE    USE    OF    MINISTERS,    BIBLE. 
STUDENTS,  AND  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  TEACHERS. 


JAMES  COMPER  GRAY, 

Author  of  "  Topics  for  Teachers,"  "  The  Class  and  the  Desk,"  die.,  ^ 


OLD  TESTAMENT. 
VOL.  VIL 

<(onta(n(ng  ^roberbs :  StcUsiastrs :  Song  of  Solomon. 


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THE  BOOK  OF  PROVERBS^ 


lutrobucttoiT. 

I.  Title.  The  euperscription  of  the  book,  which  has  been  handed  down 
In  the  ]\Iasoretic  text,  and  which  rests  upon  several  passages  in  the  book 
itself  (as  i.  1,  x.  1,  xxv.  1),  may  be  more  correctly  rendered  Sayings  of  Solomon. 
(See  titles  in  the  LXX.  and  of  the  Vulgate.)  The  Heb.  word  does,  indeed, 
Bonietimes  describe  proverbs  in  the  true  sense,  or  general  practical  maxims, 
growing  out  of  the  spirit  of  a  people  and  expressed  in  a  popular  form  ;  but  in 
itself  it  signifies  only  resemblance,  likeness,  and  it  is  therefore  used,  according' 
to  Oriental  poetry,  to  designate  symbolic  or  parabolic  apothegms,  or  poetic 
and  philosophical  maxims  in  the  widest  sense.  (See  Dr.  Otto  Zockler's  Intro- 
duction.) II.  Author.  That  Solomon  was  the  author  of  the  principal  part 
of  this  book  has  never  been  doubted  ;  it  is,  no  doubt,  a  selection  from  the 
three  thousand  proverbs  which  he  is  said  to  have  spoken  (1  Kings  iv.  32).  It 
did  not,  however,  as  it  stands  proceed  from  him  :  from  xxv.  to  xxix.  inclusive 
they  are  said  to  have  been  arranged  by  order  of  King  Hezekiah  ;  xxx.  contains 
the  instructions  of  Agur  to  his  friends  Ithiel  and  Ucal ;  and  xxxi.  those  of 
King  Lemuel's  mother  to  her  son  {Litton).  It  seems  certain  that  the  collection 
was  arranged  in  the  order  in  which  we  now  have  it,  by  different  hands,  but  it 
is  not,  therefore,  to  be  concluded  that  they  are  not  the  productions  of  Solomon. 
Jewish  vn-iters  say  that  Solomon  wrote  the  Canticles  in  his  youth,  the  Proverbs 
in  his  riper  years,  and  Ecclesiastes  in  his  old  age  {Home).  III.  Scope.  "  To 
instruct  men  in  the  deeper  mysteries  of  true  wisdom  and  understanding,  the 
height  and  perfection  of  which  is  the  true  knowledge  of  the  Divine  wiU  and 
the  sincere  fear  of  the  Lord"  {Eoberts).  To  this  end  the  book  is  filled  with 
the  choicest  sententious  aphorisms,  infinitely  surpassing  all  the  ethical  sayings 
of  the  ancient  sages,  and  comprising  in  themselves  distinct  doctrines,  duties, 
etc.,  of  piety  towards  God,  of  equity  and  benevolence  towards  man,  and  of 
sobriety  and  temperance,  together  with  precepts  for  the  right  education  of 
children,  and  for  the  relative  situations  of  subjects,  magistrates,  and  sovereigns" 
{Home).  IV.  Characteristics.  "  It  may  be  rightly  called  a  book  of  good 
works  ;  for  Solomon  there  teaches  the  nature  of  a  godly  and  useful  life,  so 
that  every  man  aiming  at  godliness  should  make  it  his  daily  handbook  or  book 
of  devotion,  and  often  read  in  it  and  compare  with  it  his  life"  {Luther).  "  The 
Book  of  Proverbs  is  the  best  statesman's  manual  which  was  ever  written. 
An  adherent  to  the  political  economy  and  spirit  of  that  collection  of  apothegms 
and  essays  would  do  more  to  eradicate  from  a  people  the  causes  of  extrava- 
gance, debasement,  and  ruin,  than  all  the  contributions  to  political  economy 
of  Say,  Smith,  Malthus,  and  Chalmers  together"  {Coleriilge).  "All  the 
heathen  moralists  and  proverbialists  joined  together  cannot  furnish  us  with 
one  such  book  as  that  of  the  Proverbs"  {Stimrt).  "  The  Proverbs  are  so  justly 
founded  on  principles  of  human  nature,  and  so  adapted  to  the  permanent 
interests  of  man,  that  they  agree  with  the  manners  of  every  age,  and  may  be 
assumed  as  rules  for  the  direction  of  our  conduct  in  every  condition  and  rank 
of  life,  however  varied  in  its  complexion  or  diversified  by  circumstances  ;  they 
embrace  not  only  the  concerns  of  private  morality  but  the  great  objects  of 
political  importance"  {Gray).  "From  the  oratory  of  David  we  now  pass  to 
the  school  of  Solomon,  to  find  in  the  son  of  the  greatest  of  theologians  the 
first  of  philosophers"  {MichaelUs). 


Additional  Note. — The  Booh  of  Pro^'erhs  especially  adapted  for  young 
men. — "  The  leading  design  of  this  portion  of  God's  Word  is.  as  stated  in  the 
beginning  of  it,  to  give  to  the  young  men  knowledge  and  discretion  CI — 4), 
■which  it  especially  directs  him  to  seek  by  attention  to  the  pious  instructions 
of  liis  parents  (1 — 8,  vL  20 — ^23)  and  the  precepts  of  heavenly  wisdom.     It  *» 


synapsis. 


(Aeeording  to  Angus.) 

Part  I. — A  connected  discourse  on  the  Talue 
and  attainment  of  true  wisdom. .  i.— ix. 

Part  II.— Proverbs,  strictly  so  called,  ex- 
pressed with  much  force  and  sim- 
plicity   X.— xxii.  16. 

Part  III.— Contains  several  renewed  ad- 
monitions on  the  study  of  wisdom 
xxii.  17 — xxiv. 

Part  IV.— Proverbs  selected  by  the  men  of 
Hezekiah  ;  by  those,  that  is,  whom  he 
employed  to  restore  the  service  of  the 
Jewish  Church    xxv. — xxix. 

Part  v.— The  wise  instructions  of  Agur  to 
his  pupils  Ithiel  and  Ucal,  and  lessons 
addressed    to    Lemuel   by  his   mother, 

chiefly  enigmatical xxx. 

A.  picture  of  female  excellence  xxxi. 

(According  to  Nome.) 

Part  I.— The  proem  or  exordium   ....  i.— ix. 

Part  II.  — For  the  use  of  persons  who  have 

advanced     from    youth    to    manhood 

X. — xxii.  16. 

Part  III.— Principally  relating  to  rich  men 

and  nobles ;    a  miscellaneus  collection 

xxii.  17 — xxiv. 

Part  IV. — A  posthumous  appendix 

xxv. — Xxxi. 

(According  to  Litton.) 
Part  I. — An  exhortation  to  msdom  . .  i. — ix. 
Part  II. — Disconnected  moral  maxims 

X. — xxii.  17, 


Part  III.— Observations  on  wisdom 

xxii.  17— xxlt^ 
Part  IV.— Separate  maxims    ..  xxv.— xxix. 

Part  v.— The  supplement xxx.— xxit 

(According  to  ZOckler.) 
Part  I.— INTRODUCTORY. 

1.  Group  of  admonitory  discourses 

i.  8— iii.  35. 

2.  Group  of  admonitory  discourses 

iv.  1— vii.  27. 

3.  Group  of  admonitory  discourses 

viii.  1— ix.  18. 

Part  II.— ORIGINAL  NUCLEUS  OF  THB 
COLLECTION.  Genuine  Proverbs  of 
Solomon. 

1.  Difference  between    the    pious  and  un» 

godly  X.— XV. 

2.  Exhortations  to  obedience,  etc.  xvi.— xxii. 

Part  III.— ADDITIONS  MADE  BEFORE 
HEZEKIAH'S  DAY  to  the  genuine 
Proverbs  of  Solomon,  which  form  the 
nucleus  of  the  collection. 

1.  Addition  xxii.  17— xxiv.  22. 

2.  Addition xxiv.  23,  24. 

Part  IV.— GLEANINGS  BY  THE  MEN  OP 
HEZEKIAH. 

1.  Admonition  to  the  fear  of  God,  etc. . .  xxv. 

2.  Various  warnings xxvi. — ^xxix. 

Part  V.-THE  SUPPLEMENTS. 

1.  Words  of  Agur xxx. 

2.  Words  of  Lemuel,  etc xz^ 


indeed  a  storehouse  of  practical  wisdom.  It  is  a  guide  to  his  affections 
(iv.  6 — 2.3),  to  guard  him  against  those  temptations  to  which  youth  is  most 
exposed  (i.  10,  ii.  16—19,  v.  1—14,  vi.  24—35,  vii.  5—27,  ix.  13—18, 
xxiii.  26—35,  xxix.  3),  and  to  direct  him  with  regard  to  his  settlement  in  life, 
by  pointing  out  the  advantages  of  a  wise  (xiv.  1,  xix.  14,  xxxi.  lo — 31)  and 
the  evils  of  a  wrong  choice  (xi.  22.  xix.  13,  xxi.  9-19,  xxv.  24,  xxvii.  15.  16). 
It  moreover  gives  him  that  knowledge  of  the  world  wliich  will  abundantly 
supply  his  want  of  experience,  and  guide  his  feet  into  the  way  of  peace  in  his 
intercourse  with  it,  teaching  him  what  to  expect  and  how  to  act  under  the 
ever- varying  circumstances  in  which,  he  may  be  placed  "  {Nicholls). 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  1. 1-4. 


a  1  K.  iii.  12,  iv. 
29,  32;  Eco.  xii. 
9,  10. 

b  Miller,  who 
Bays  :  "  Proverb 
( prnrerhium  of 
tlip  Lat-..)i.^aTery 
good  tranj-lation, 
bee,  as  so  terse 
and  graphic  as  to 
be  proverbium 
(/or,  or  inslead 
of,  much  verbi- 
fl^e),  the  form  of 
speech  being  pre- 
gnant, and  by 
Borae  turn  or 
trope  crowding 
fnitlltim  in  parvo, 
the  idea,  pro  t-erbo 
or  pro  verbis  an- 
Bwerg  very  per- 
fectly." 

c  Ps.  cxix.  98— 
100;  2  Ti.  iii.  15 
— 17;lTh.v.  21; 
P8.  xvii.  4. 

vv.  1,  2.  Dr.  J. 
Jortin,  Ss.  iii. 
276. 

vv.  1—4.  J.  Aber- 
nelhy,  Ss.  iii.  1. 

d  Dr.  Thomas. 
Proverbs:  "The 
■wit  of  one  man, 
and  the  wisdom 
of  many."— £«/•; 
JRussell.  "Re  ni- 
nants  which,  on 
account  of  their 
sliortness  and 
correctness,  have 
been  saved  out  of 
the  wreck  and 
ruins  of  ancient 
philosophy."— 
Aristotle.  "Short 
sentences,  into 
•whicli.asin  rules, 
the  ancients  liave 
compressed  life." 
—  A  ri  r  i  c  0  I  a. 
"Well-known  and 
Well-used  dicta, 
framed  in  a  some- 
what out-of-the- 
way  form  or 
fashion."  —  Eras- 
mus. "Edge  tools 
of  speech,  which 
cut  and  penetrate 
the  knots  of  busi- 
ness and  affairs." 


CHAPTER  THE  FIRST. 

1 — 4.  (1)  proverbs,  root  of  Heb.  word  sigs.  either  to  rule,  or 
to  resemble :  so  these  Provs.  are  some  of  them  ma.ciins,  and  others 
parables ;  and  not  proverbs,  in  merely  the  current  and  popular 
sense.  Solomon,"  who  if  he  did  not  comjjo.se  all,  was  at  least 
the  compiler,  "  and  fixed  upon  all  the  sanction  of  an  approving 
inspiration."*  the  .  .  David,  son  and  father  may  well  be  proud 
of  ea.  other,  king  .  .  Israel,  a  great  nation,  and  a  great  king. 
It  was  this  Sol.  and  no  other  man,  with  or  assuming  the  name, 
who  wrote  this  book — a  royal  author  who  wrote  royally.  (2) 
know,'  become  acquainted  with,  wisdom,  piety:  this,  in  its 
widest  sense,  the  truest  wisdom,  instruction,  admonition ; 
warning  and  discipline,  perceive,  discern,  spiritual  insight., 
(3)  receive,  into  the  heart  as  principles  of  holy  living,  the  .  . 
wisdom,  the  correction  and  discipline  of  religion,  justice, 
or  right  walking  in  relation  to  God.  judgment,  true  opinion 
concerning  conduct,  custom,  equity,  what  is  right  and  reason- 
able towards  man.  (4)  subtilty,  cunning,  in  sense  of  skilful- 
ness  ;  in  discriminating  betw.  truth  and  error,  right  and  wrong, 
simple,  open,  candid  inquirer,  to  .  .  man,  this  bk.  pre-emi- 
nently one  for  youths,  knowledge,  of  morals,  discretion, 
in  speech  and  conduct. 

A  great  teacher  and  true  learner  (vr.  1 — 6). — In  tiese  six  verses 
we  have — I.  A  great  teacher.  1.  His  history,  the  son  of  a  great 
man,  the  king  of  a  great  people  ;  2.  His  lessons,  their  form  ;  3. 
His  design,  mental  and  moral  culture.  II.  A  true  learner.  1. 
A  wise  man  ;  2.  Attentive  ;   3.  Improving.'' 

Proverbs. — One  of  the  missionaries  was  working  up  into  prac- 
tical use  a  large  collection  of  national  proverbs  gathered  during 
many  years  of  extended  travel,  and  I  subjoin  a  few,  which 
especially  struck  me,  either  by  their  quaint  force  or  their  resem- 
blance to  our  own  wise  saws.  For  instance,  the  well-known 
warning  not  to  look  a  gift  horse  in  the  mouth,  has  its  equivalent 
in  Badaga,  one  of  the  Indian  tongues,  '■  If  any  one  offers  you  a 
buffalo,  do  not  ask  if  she  gives  milk  : "  and  the  Malayali  render- 
ing of  "  A  burnt  child  dreads  the  fire,"  is  identical  with  the 
corresponding  French  proverb,  "  A  scalded  cat  fears  cold  water," 
while  the  Hindu  version  is  very  picturesque  and  characteristic, 
' '  He  whose  father  was  killed  by  a  bear  is  afraid  of  a  black 
stump."  Again,  we  say,  "If  you  send  an  ass  on  its  travels  it  will 
not  come  back  a  horse,"  which  in  Tamil  runs,  ''  You  may  decorate 
an  ass,  but  that  will  not  make  it  a  horse  ; "  and  another  dialect 
expresses  nearly  the  same  idea  by  the  sententious  adage,  "  A 
donkey  may  grow,  but  he  will  never  be  an  elephant."  The 
European  proverbs  that "  No  man  is  a  hero  to  his  ralet  de  e/iambre," 
and  that "  Familiarity  breeds  contempt,"  are  tersely  and  pictu- 
resquely combined  in  the  Tamil  adage,  "  The  temple  cat  does  not 
fear  the  idol."  The  Malayalis  reprove  a  boaster  who  glories  over 
the  unfortunate,  with  the  pithy  remark,  "  Any  one  can  leap  a 
fallen  tree  ; "  and  their  proverb,  "  Running  Tip  and  down  the  boat 
does  not  bring  one  sooner  to  land."  is  a  keen  rebuke  to  those  who 
chafe  and  fret  under  circumstances  of  forced  inaction  ;  while  the 


Cap.  i.  5,  6.] 


PROVERBS. 


sacred  warning',  not  to  cast  pearls  before  swine  is  aptly  para- 
phrased by  the  question,  "  What  is  the  use  of  reading  the  Vedas 
to  a  wild  buffalo  ? "  A  few  more  Tamil  sayings  seem  well  worthy 
of  notice.  "  The  tears  of  the  oppressed  are  sharp  swords,"  reads 
like  a  sentence  ti'om  the  Proverbs  of  Solomon  :  and  "  The  flower 
out  ot  reach  is  dedicated  to  God."  is  surely  a  most  graceful  state- 
ment of  the  futility  of  day  dreams  of  service  and  sacrifice  in  the 
pathless  future.  "The  ant.  measured  by  its  own  hand  is  eight 
spans  long, '  expres-es  with  superior  elegance  and  force  the  gist 
of  more  than  one  English  proverb  ;  and  "  A  black  cow  may  give 
white  milk,"  is  an  ax^lage  admirable  for  terseness  and  point,  even 
if  doubtful  in  morality.  There  is  much  shrewdness  in  the  Servian 
proverbs,  "  Sj^eak  the  truth,  but  come  away  quickly  after,"  and 
"  WTien  an  old  dog  barks,  then  see  what  the  matter  is  ; "  and 
volumes  of  truth  and  beauty  are  summed  up  in  the  simple  saying, 
"  The  sun  goes  over  unclean  places  but  is  not  defiled."  Of  how 
many  bright  and  holy  lives  spent  in  labour  among  vice  and 
misery,  might  this  proverb  be  taken  as  the  fittest  motto  !  Russian 
proverbs  present  a  remarkable  combination  of  sound  common 
sense,  deep  religious  feeling,  and  pithy,  almost  coarse  expression. 
A  few  taken  almost  at  random  will  illustrate  all  three.  "Measure 
your  cloth  ten  times,  for  you  can  only  cut  it  once."  "  A  fool  can 
cast  a  stone  into  the  sea.  but  a  hundred  wise  men  cannot  get  it 
out."  "  If  you  knew  where  you  would  fall,  you  could  put  down 
straw."  "  Pray  to  God.  btit  row  towards  shore."  "  With  God 
go  over  the  sea  ;  v.'ithout  God  cross  not  the  threshold."  "  A 
mother's  prayer  saves  from  the  depths  of  the  sea."  "Fear  not 
the  rich  mans  frowns,  fear  the  beggar  "s  teais."  "  Love  me  when 
I  am  black,  when  I  am  white  every  one  will  love  me."  "  We 
cannot  go  to  church  for  the  mud,  but  we  may  get  to  the  tavern." 
"  Fleas  do  not  bite  each  other."  "  No  need  to  plant  fools,  they 
grow  of  themselves."  "  Ask  a  pig  to  dinner,  and  she  will  put 
her  feet  on  the  table."' 

5,  6.  (5)  wise  .  .  hear,"  1.  conscious  ignorance,  and  desire  to 
know,  are  fruits  of  wisdom  :  2,  who  is  there  who  may  not  teach 
something .'  and  ..  learning,''  1,  constantly  increasing;  2, 
learning  of  many  kinds,  and  all  useful,  and.  .  .  understand- 
ing/ I.e.  he  who  has  widened  his  knowledge  by  hearing,  shall  .  . 
counsels,"  i.e.  shall  learn  the  art.  and  attain  the  power  of  ruling. 
(6)  understand,  etc.,  "  The  climax  of  the  definition  of  wisdom." « 
"  Piety  or  wisdom  is  the  only  equipment  for  understanding  these 
Proverbs."/ 

Prorrrb.-:  (r.  6). — I.  Abundant  in  all  languages.  II.  As  a  rule 
spring  from  the  people.     III.  Marked  by  great  diversity  of  form. 

IV.  Since  so  popular,  natural  that  the  Spii-it  should  use  them. 

V.  Those  of  this  book  all  grave  and  good.f 
A  2J>'nrfrb  dcfned. — A  proverb  is  much  matter  decocted  into 

few  words.  .  .  .  Six  essentials  are  required  to  the  completing  of  a 
perfect  proverb,  namely,  that  it  be — 


"  By    reading   a 

man  does   as    it 

were     antedate 

his   life,  and 

makes    himself 

contenipor  arjr 

with    the    ages 

past.     And    tliis 

way  of  running 

up  beyond  one's 

I  real    nativity    is 

much     better 

than  Plato's  pre- 

existence  ;     b  e  - 

I  cause  here  a  man 

knows    s  o  ra  e- 

Itliing    of    the 

]  state  and  ig  the 

|Wioer   for   it, 

which  he  is  not 

iu  the  other."— 

Cullier, 

e    Orerland,    In- 
l"nd,     and     Up- 
\  land. 

I  "How     much 
I  m  o  r  e    doth     it 
i  cc.icern  us  to  be 
I  hearers    ere    we 
'offer     to     be 
jteachers     of 
others.     He   ga- 
tliers  that  hears, 
he    spends    that 
teaclieth.    If  we 
spend  before  we 
gather  we   shall 
soon  prove  bank- 
rupts. "-Z(p.  Hall. 


1.  Short, 

2.  Plain, 

3.  Common, 

4.  Figurative, 

5.  Ancient, 

6.  True. 


Otherwise  it  is  no 
proverb,  but  a 


1.  Oration, 

2.  Riddle, 

3.  Secret, 

4.  Sentence, 
6.  Upstart, 
6.  Libel.* 


a  Cases.-Apostlet, 
Ma.  .xiii.  11,  16; 
Jo.  ii.  22,  xii.  16  : 
Elhiopian  noble, 
Ac.  viii.  27—39  : 
S.  Paulus,  Ac. 
.xiii.  7 :  Bereans, 
Ac.  xvii.  11,  12  : 
Apollos,  Ac.  xviii. 
24—28 ;  1  Co.  iii. 
6. 

b  Ph.  iii.  12 ;  Pr. 
ix.  9  ;  Ex.  xviiL 
17-24;  1  Co.  iiL 
18. 

c  Ps.  cxix.  18,  33, 
34;  1  Co.  ii.9,10; 
He.  xiii.  9. 

d  Lit.  helmsmait- 
ships,  fr.  root  _ 
cord,  I.e.  rope  SI 
a  rudder. 

e  Stanley. 

f  Miller. 

g  Dr.  Amot, 

h  T.  Fuller. 


10 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  1. 7—0. 


holiness  the 
right  path  to 
knowledge 
a  Job  xxviii.  28  ; 
Ps.  cxi.  10 ;  Ecc. 
?iii.  13;  He.  xii. 
28,  29. 

6Cases.-Ca!n,Ge. 
iv.  6-8:  J/vp/mi 
and  Phineluts,  1 
S.  ii.  12:  Heho- 
boam,  1  K.  xii.  13. 

c  Ps.  xxxvi.  1 ;  Je. 

viii.  9. 

V.  7.  Or.  H.  More, 
Ss.  85;  W.  F. 
Vance,  Ss.  101  ; 
J.  Vonge,  Ss.  i. 
141;  IK.  Gresley, 
Ss.  139. 

Proverbs  are  — 
"Jewels  five 
■words  long,  that, 
on  the  stretch'd 
forefinger  of  all 
time,  sparkle  for 
^Yer."  -Tennyson. 

d  Ii.  T.  S. 

If  our  stock  of 
knowledge  be  not 
increasing,  it  is 
wasting. 


observe 

Farental 
instruction 
a  Cases.  —  Abra- 
ham, Ge.  xxii.  9 : 
Moses,  He.  xi.  23  : 
Samtiel,  1  S.  i.  28  : 
Solomon,  1  K.  iv. 
29,  3U;  2  Ch.  ix. 
8  ;  e/.  1  K.  xi.  5— 
11 :  Timolhy,  2 
Tim.  i.  5,  iii.  15. 

6  Ep.  vi.  2;  Co. 
iii.  20;  Je.  xxxv. 
18,  19  ;  Lu.  ii.  15  ; 
Jo.  xix.  27. 

vv.  7  -9.  //.  Good- 
xcin,  Ss.  ii.  262. 

V.  9.  A.  Ilalty.see 
English  Freachtr, 
i.  121. 

"As  letters  gra- 
ven in  the  body 
of  a  tree,  they 
grow  up  with  the 
tree,  and  the  fruit 
of  the  tree  grows 
up  with  the  tree, 
and  therefore  the 
twigs  break  not 
With  the   great- 


7.  fear  .  .  Lord,<*  1,  lodged  in  mind,  memory,  heart ;  2,  respect 
for  His  authority,  power,  presence  ;  .3,  holy,  filial  fear,  is  .  . 
knowledge,  the  first  and  t^/z/V/ thing,  in  all  true  knowledge: 
that  His  glory — and  therefore  our  good — may  be  advanced  by 
what  we  learn,  fools,*  the  hardened,  the  stupid,  sinners  who 
reject  Gods  rule,  despise,""  as  men  puffed  up  with  conceit, 
wisdom,  piety,  as  the  right  rule  of  life,  and  end  of  study,  in- 
struction, of  age,  holiness,  experience. 

'J'hc  root  of  knoivlv(lf]c  (r.  7). — I.  Show  the  advantage  of  know- 
ledge, even  of  worldly  knowledge ;  especially  of  the  higher 
knowledge,  of  the  way  of  salvation.  II.  Show  that  the  first  step 
in  this  higher  knowledge  is  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  He  who  feara 
God  will  study  the  best  things,  and  study  them  well. 

Two  hard  students. — In  the  early  part  of  the  reign  of  King 
William  III.,  the  University  of  Edinburgh  had.  at  the  same  time, 
two  bright  ornaments.  Dr.  Rule,  M.D.,  and  Mr.  Campbell,  Pro- 
fessor of  Divinity.  Dr.  Rule  was  also  an  acceptable  and  tried 
minister.  The  lodging-rooms  of  these  two  eminent  men  stood  so 
as  that  the  windows  were  opposite  to  each  other,  though  at  some 
distance.  Dr.  Rule  used  to  sit  up  late  at  his  studies,  and  it  was 
Professor  Campbell's  custom  to  rise  very  early  in  the  morning  ; 
so  that  many  times  the  doctor's  candle  would  not  be  put  out  by 
the  time  Mr.  Campbell's  was  lighted.  The  one,  their  friends 
used  to  caU  the  evening  star  ;  and  the  other,  the  morning  star. 
They  lived  together  in  great  love,  and  a  most  intimate  friendship 
subsisted  between  them  till  death.  The  doctor  died  but  a  little 
time  before  Mr.  Campbell.  When  the  tidings  came  to  Mr.  Camp- 
bell that  the  doctor  was  departed,  he  was  deeply  impressed.  He 
presently  recovered  himself,  and  said,  "  that  the  evening  star  waa 
gone  down,  and  the  morning  star  would  soon  disappear."  <* 
•  8,  9.  (8)  son,"  the  reader  is  addressed  with  parental  kindness 
and  authority,  father,*  obedience  to  a  father  the  finest  model 
of  subordination  in  patriarchal  times,  forsake,  as  old-womanish, 
or  old-fashioned,  the  .  .  mother,  which  she  practised  for  her 
good,  and  urges — out  of  her  loving  heai-t — for  thine.  (9)  they, 
being  6beyed.  ornament,  garland,  grace,  gracefulness :  i.e. 
a  beautiful  adornment,  and  .  .  neck,  emblem  of  authority 
gained  by  learning  and  obedience. 

Filial  lore  a  blosftom  of  beauty  (r.  9). — I.  God  the  Author  of  the 
family  constitution.  II.  Intended  the  parent  to  rule  in  the  world 
of  home.  III.  The  moral  beauty  of  children  found  in  obedience 
to  these  Divinely  appointed  home-rulers. 

Injiuence  of  a  mothrr\t  lore. — The  Rev.  Thomas  Binney,  when 
preaching  a  funeral  sermon  for  Mr.  Birrell.  who  died  while  a 
student  for  the  ministry,  mentioned  the  following  fact  in  con- 
nection with  his  early  career,  previous  to  his  conversion  : — 
"  "What  a  mysterious  thing !  What  a  mysterious,  magical, 
divine  thing,  is  a  mother's  love !  How  it  nestles  about  the 
heart,  and  goes  with  the  man,  and  speaks  to  him  pure  words, 
and  is  like  a  guardian  angel !  This  young  man  could  never 
take  any  money  that  came  to  him  from  his  mother,  and 
spend  that  upon  a  Sunday  excursion,  or  a  treat  to  a  theatre. 
It  was  a  sacred  thing  with  him  ;  it  had  the  impression  and  the 
inscription  of  his  mother's  image,  and  his  mother's  purity,  and 
his  mother's  jiiety,  and  his  mother's  love.  It  was  a  sacred  thing 
to  him  ;  and  those  things  that  he  felt  to  be  questionable,  or  f eU 


Cap.  1. 8, 0.] 


PROVERBS. 


11 


to  be  sinful,  were  always  to  be  provided  for  by  other  resources, 
and  by  money  that  came  to  him  from  other  hands.  Oh  !  there 
is  the  poetry  of  the  heart,  the  poetry  of  our  home  and  domestic 
aflFections,  the  poetry  of  the  religion  of  the  hearth  and  the  altar, 
about  that  little  incident  ;  and  it  strikes  me  as  being  perfectly 
beautiful." — My  molher  s  Bible. — On  one  of  the  shelves  in  my 
library,  surrounded  by  volumes  of  all  kinds,  on  various  subjects 
and  in  various  languages,  stands  an  old  book,  in  its  plain 
covering  of  brown  paper,  unprepossessing  to  the  eye,  and  appa- 
rently out  of  place  among  the  more  pretentious  volumes  that 
stand  by  its  side.  To  the  eye  of  a  stranger  it  has  certainly 
neither  beauty  nor  comeliness.  Its  covers  are  worn  ;  its  leaves 
marred  by  long  use  ;  its  pages,  once  white,  have  become  yellow 
with  age  ;  yet,  old  and  worn  as  it  is,  to  me  it  is  the  most  beauti- 
ful and  most  valuable  book  on  my  shelves.  No  other  awakens 
such  associations,  or  so  appeals  to  all  that  is  best  and  noblest 
within  me.  It  is,  or  rather  it  nas.  my  mother's  Bible — com- 
panion of  her  best  and  holiest  hours,  source  of  her  unspeakable 
joy  and  consolation.  From  it  she  derived  the  principles  of  a 
truly  Christian  life  and  character.  It  was  the  light  to  her  feet 
and  the  lamp  to  her  path.  It  was  constantly  by  her  side  ;  and, 
as  her  steps  tottered  in  the  advancing  pilgrimage  of  life,  and  her 
eyes  grew  dim  with  age,  more  and  more  precious  to  her  became 
the  well-worn  pages.  One  moraing  just  as  the  stars  were  fading 
into  the  dawn  of  the  coming  Sabbath,  the  aged  pilgrim  passed 
on  beyond  the  stars  and  beyond  the  morning,  and  entered  into 
the  rest  of  the  eternal  Sabbath — to  look  upon  the  face  of  Him 
of  whom  the  law  and  the  prophets  had  spoken,  and  whom  not 
having  seen  she  had  loved.  And  now  no  kgac}'  is  to  me  more 
precious  than  that  old  Bible.  Years  have  passed  ;  but  it  stands 
there  on  its  shelf,  eloquent  as  ever,  witness  of  a  beautiful  life 
that  is  finished,  and  a  silent  monitor  to  the  living.  In  hours  of 
trial  and  sorrow  it  says  :  Be  not  cast  down,  my  son  ;  for  thou 
shalt  yet  praise  Him  who  is  the  health  of  thy  countenance,  and 
thy  God.  In  moments  of  weakness  and  fear  it  says  :  Be  strong 
now,  my  son,  and  quit  yourself  manfully.  When,  sometimes, 
from  the  cares  and  conflicts  of  external  life,  I  come  back  to  the 
study,  weary  of  the  world  and  tired  of  men— of  men  that  are 
BO  hard  and  selfish,  and  a  world  that  is  so  unfeeling — and  the 
strings  of  the  soul  have  become  untuned  and  discordant,  I  seem 
to  hear  that  Book  saying,  as  with  the  well-remembered  tones  of 
a  voice  long  silent :  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled.  For  what 
is  your  life  ?  It  is  even  as  a  vapour.  Then  my  troubled  spirit 
becomes  calm  ;  and  the  little  world,  that  had  grown  so  great  and 
so  formidable,  sinks  into  its  true  place  again.  I  am  peaceful,  I 
am  strong.  There  is  no  need  to  take  down  the  volume  from  the 
shelf,  or  open  it.  A  glance  of  the  eye  is  sufficient.  Memory  and 
the  law  of  association  supply  the  rest.  Yet  there  are  occasions 
when  it  is  otherwise  :  hours  in  life  when  some  deeper  grief  has 
troubled  the  heart,  some  darker,  heavier  cloud  is  over  the  spirit  I 
and  over  the  dwelling,  and  when  it  is  a  comfort  to  take  down 
that  old  Bible  and  search  its  pages.  Then,  for  a  time,  the  latest ! 
editions,  the  original  languages,  the  notes  and  commentaries,  and 
all  the  critical  apparatus  which  the  scholar  gathers  around  him 
for  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  are  laid  aside  ;  and  the  plain  old 
Englifili  Bible  that  was  my  mother's  is  taken  from  the  shelf.'        j 


ness  of  the  weight 
of  it;  because 
they  grow  up  to> 
gather."— 6i66f. 

"  Be  very  vigilant 
over  tliy  cliilil  in 
the  April  of  his 
under  standing, 
lest  the  frosts  of 
M  a  y  n  i  p  his 
blossoms.  Wliile 
he  is  a  temier 
twig,  straigliten 
him  ;  whilst  he  is 
a  new  vessel, 
season  him; 
such  as  thou 
makesthim,  such 
commonly  shalt 
thou  find  him. 
Let  his  first 
lesson  be  obedi- 
ence, and  hi  3 
second  shall  be 
what  thou  wilt. 
1  Give  him  educa- 
I  tion  in  good 
I  letters,  to  the 
I  utmost  of  thy 
ability  and  his 
capacity.  Season 
1  his  youth  with 
I  the  love  of  his 
[Creator,  and 
I  make  the  fear  of 
1  his  God  the  be- 
I  ginning  of  his 
knowledge.  If  he 
have  an  active 
spirit,  rather 
rectify  than  curb 
it  ;  but  reckon 
idleness  among 
his  chief est 
faults.  As  his 
judgrment  ripens, 
observe  his  in- 
clination, and 
tender  him  a 
calling  that  shall 
not  cross  it. 
Forced  marriages 
and  calhugs  sel- 
dom prosper. 
Show  him  both 
the  mow  and  the 
plough  ;  and  pre- 
pare him  as  well 
for  the  danger  of 
the  skirmisli  as 
possess  him  with 
tlie  honour  of  the 
prize." — Quaiies. 
c  Dr.  Haven. 

The  end  of  learn- 
ing is  to  know 
God,  and  out  ol 
that  knowledge 
to  love  and  imi' 
tate  Him, 


12 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  1. 10-1^ 


a  Caaess.— Adam, 
Go.  lii.  6  :  Fro- 
p/ii'i.  I  K.  xiii.  J5 
—  l9,2i:Jt/w.i/ia- 
I'hdi.  1  K.  xxii.  J : 
Joiii'i.  2  Cli.  xxiv. 
17.  18 ;  (Jnliiliinis, 
Ca.  1.  6,  7,  iii.  1. 
b  Casei.— Joseph, 
Ge.  xxxix.  9,  lo: 
Micftinh,\  K.  xxii. 
13,  14  :  y»6,  ii.  9, 
10 :  I'fler,  Ac. 
viii.  18,  20:  Jesus, 
Ma.  vi.  3—10. 
c  jr.  ir.  H'Ay/A*-. 
"It  is  of  vast 
moment  to  be 
•just  ri^ht' when 
starting.  At 
Preston,  at 
JIalines,  at  many 
such  places,  the 
railway  lines 
go  gently 
asunder  ;  so  fine 
Is  the  angle  that 
at  first  the  ]>aths 
are  almost  paral- 
lel, ami  it  seems 
of  small  moment 
which  yo>i  select. 
But  a  little  fur- 
ther on  one  of 
them  turns  a 
corner,  or  drives 
into  a  tunnel,  and 
now  that  the 
speed  is  full  the 
angle  opens  up, 
ami  at  the  rate 
of  a  mile  a  mi- 
nute the  divided 
convoy  t  lies 
asunder;  one 
passenger  is  on 
the  way  to  Italy, 
another  to  the 
swamps  of  Hol- 
land ;  one  will 
step  out  in  Lon- 
don, the  other  in 
view  of  the  Irish 
Channel."— />/•./. 
Uamillon. 

a  Oomp.raocldng 
question  of  the 
tempter  concern- 
ing Job  (i.  9). 
"  Doth  Job  fear 
God  /or  nought  f" 

"The 'evil  doers' 
deride  their  vic- 
tims as  being 
righteous  gnilis, 
or 'in  vain.'  They 
get  nothing  by  it. 
It  does  them  no 
good."-.S>*.  Com. 

"  Sinners  are  es- 
■entially      bypo- 


10.  sinners,  ungodly  in  general  :  but  esp.  professional  and 
habitual  sinners,  entice,"  make  a  door  of  thee  :  lay  thee  open, 
consent  .  .  not,*  afford  thou  no  entrance.  Open  not  thy  heart 
to  their  friendship,  nor  thy  mind  to  their  plausible  suggestions. 

A  Ja the )•'.■!  >rflrni)iff  (r.  10). — I.  The  enticers  of  youth.  1.  From 
within  ;  2.  From  without.  II.  The  enticements.  1.  Pleasant ; 
2.  Alluring ;  .3.  Deceitful  :  4.  Dangerous.  III.  The  prescription. 
1.  Blunt  refusal ;  2.  Obstinate  resistance." 

A  child  tempt ed  to  diwbcdicnce. — A  boy  was  once  tempted  by 
his  companions  to  pluck  some  ripe  cherries  from  a  tree  which  hie 
father  had  forbidden  him  to  touch.  "You  need  not  be  afraid,"  said 
they,  "for  if  your  father  should  find  out  that  you  had  taken  them, 
he  is  so  kind,  that  he  would  not  hurt  you."  "  For  thaL  very  reason," 
replied  the  boy,  "  I  ought  not  to  touch  them  ;  for  though  my 
father  may  not  hurt  me,  my  disobedience  would  hurt  my  father." 
—  One  false  step. — A  boy  who  was  a  scholar  in  one  of  the  Sunday 
schools  in  Leeds,  was  on  his  way  to  school,  when  he  was  accosted 
by  some  others,  who  invited  him  to  join  them  in  a  walk.  At 
first  he  refused,  then  vacillated,  then  consented.  They  .«auntered 
into  the  principal  street  of  the  town  ;  then  into  a  yard,  climbed, 
upon  a  wall,  and  found  themselves  within  reach  of  the  window 
of  a  warehouse,  which,  on  trial,  they  found  unfastened.  Without 
reflecting  on  the  consequences,  some  of  them  opened  the  window 
and  got  in,  leaving  the  Sunday  scholar  to  keep  watch  on  the  wall. 
They  ransacked  the  place  until  they  came  to  a  desk,  which  by 
some  means  they  opened,  and  abstracted  a  sum  of  money.  Thia 
they  divided,  giving  to  their  companion  a  share  of  it.  Unknown 
to  them,  their  motions  had  been  observed,  and  their  object  sus- 
pected :  and  very  quickly  the  police  had  them  all  in  safe  custody. 
The  widowed  mother  of  the  Sunday  scholar  received  late  in  the 
day  the  intelligence  that  her  boy  was  in  prison  on  a  charge  of 
robbing  a  warehouse.  It  came  like  a  lightning  blast  upon  her 
spirit.  The  examination  of  the  boys  by  the  magistrate  soon 
followed;  and  notwithstanding  the  earnest  protestations  of  the 
boy,  and  the  solemn  assurance  of  his  widowed  mother  that  it  was 
his  first  offence,  the  evidence  of  participation  in  the  deed  was  so 
conclusive,  that,  in  common  with  his  guilty  guides  to  crime,  he 
was  sentenced  to  three  months'  imprisonment  in  the  House  of 
Correction.  That  was  too  much  for  his  yet  unhardened  heart ;  it 
was  a  stroke  which  nature  could  not  bear.  He  sickened  from 
that  hour,  and  at  the  expiration  of  about  three  weeks  a  message 
was  sent  to  his  widowed  mother  to  fetch  away  the  dead  body  of 
her  son.     He  died  emphatically  of  a  broken  heart. 

11 — 14.  (11)  if.  .  say,  if,  for  example,  their  enticement  take 
this  form,  come,  become  one  of  our  fraternity,  let .  .  blood, 
as  huntsmen  in  pursuit  of  their  calling,  for  .  .  cause,"  not 
offering  the  excuse  of  even  private  revenge.  (12)  let  US,  eto.^ 
as  a  pit  dug  by  hunter  suffers  not  the  prey  to  escape.  (13)  "we  . . 
substance,  but  how  if  the  law  presently  found  them  ?  we  .  . 
spoil,  and  our  memory  with  stings,  our  conscience  with  remorse, 
our  souls  with  guilt.  (14)  cast  .  .  us,»  wh.  involves  the  same 
lot  hereafter,  let .  .  purse,  and  one  punishment,  one  doom,  one 
hell.  All  this  an  example  of  the  unblushing  effrontery  with  wh. 
wicked  schemes  are  sometimes  proposed. 

Warning  against  temptation.  —  Introd. — What  sinners  are— 
what  it  ia  to  entice  (boys  suggesting  to  others  the  robbing  of  aa 


Cap.  1.15-19.] 


PROVERBS. 


13 


orchard,  etc.).  I.  Reasons  why  we  should  "not  consent."  1. 
Because  when  we  beg-in  to  sin  it  is  hard  to  stop.  (Boy  running 
down  hill  ;  prisoner  in  gaol — how  he  came  to  be  in  such  a  place  ; 
beginnings  of  t<in.)  Flee  from  all  appearance  of  evil.  2.  Because 
it  is  dangerous.  (Railv.'ay  train  thrown  off  line  by  log  of  wood  or 
stone.  Sin  throws  us  off  the  rails  of  God's  commands.  Laying 
bricks,  each  one  must  be  put  true,  or  the  building  may  become 
unsafe.  So  the  habits  we  form  day  by  day.)  3.  Because  it  is  dis- 
graceful. In  the  appearance  sin  gives  us,  and  in  the  company 
into  which  it  brings  us.  Effect  of  sin  on  the  countenance — 
anger,  deceit,  envy,  etc.  The  company  sin  brings  us  into  here 
and  hereafter.  Application  : — Need  for  pardon  of  the  sins  M^e 
have  committed,  and  for  grace  to  keep  us  from  sinning  still. 
How  we  may  gain  these.  "^ 

Power  of  filial  lore. — The  three  eons  of  an  Eastern  lady  were 
invited  to  furnish  her  with  an  expression  of  their  love  before 
she  went  a  long  journey.  One  brought  a  marble  tablet,  with  the 
inscription  of  her  name  ;  another  presented  her  with  a  rich 
garland  of  fragrant  flowers  ;  the  third  entered  her  presence  and 
thus  accosted  her,  "  Mother,  I  have  neither  marble  tablet  nor 
fragrant  nosegay,  but  I  have  a  heart  :  here  your  name  is  engraved, 
here  your  memory  is  precious,  and  this  heart  full  of  affection  will 
follow  you  wherever  you  travel,  and  remain  with  you  wherever 
you  repose." 

15, 16.  (15)  walk  not,  comp.  Ps.  i.  1.  refrain  . .  path,  do  not 

take  the  first  downward  step,  for  the  hill  is  slippery  and  steep. 
Avoid  the  very  beginnings  of  evil."  Do  not  parley  with  tempta- 
tion. (16)  run,  the  sign  of  their  eagerness,  evil,  of  all  sorts, 
wh.  in  the  end  is  sure  to  become  evil  unto  themselves,  shed 
blood,*  see  V.  11,  and  comp.  v.  18. 

Bfil  companion.thip. — Mr.  Jay  gives,  in  his  JReminlscences,  the 
following  mournful  account  of  a  young  man,  the  only  son  of  his 
predecessor  at  Bath.  He  had  good  abilities,  and  seemed  much 
inclined  to  become  truly  religious  ;  butie  "became  acquainted 
with  some  sceptical,  or  as,  by  a  patent  of  their  own.  they  call 
themselves,  free-thinking  young  men  ;  gave  up  the  house  of  God 
and  the  Sabbath.  Swimming  on  a  Sunday,  for  amusement  and 
experiment,  he  caught  a  chill,  which  brought  on  consumption. 
This  for  months  gave  him  warning,  and  space  for  repentance  ; 
but  it  is  to  be  feared  this  grace  of  God  was  in  vain.  During  his 
gradual  decline  he  refused  all  intercourse  with  pious  friends  or 
ministers  ;  and  when  his  good  nurse  entreated  him  to  call  me  in. 
as  I  lived  close  by,  and  there  had  been  such  an  intimacy  between 
us,  he  frowned  and  rebuked  her,  and  ordered  her  to  mind  her 
own  business.  On  the  last  day  of  his  life,  unasked,  I  ventured 
into  his  dying  chamber.  He  was  sensible,  but  exclaimed,  '  0 
Voltaire  !  Voltaire  1 '  He  then  raised  himself  up  in  the  bed,  and, 
wringing  his  hands,  again  exclaimed,  '  0  that  young  man  ! '  I 
said,  '  My  dear  sir,  what  young  man  ? '  With  a  countenance 
indescribable  he  answered,  '  I  will  not  tell  you.'  What  have  I 
seen  in  a  long  ministry  of  the  dire  effects  of  evU  associates  and  I 
licentious  publications  1 " 

17—19.  (17)  surely  ..  hird,  "strictly  speaking,  the  first 
proverb  in  the  book,"  and  supposed  by  some  to  mean  that  birds, 
•eeing  a  trap,  would  not  go  into  it ;  and  so  the  innocent  would 


critcs.  They  dare 
not    sliow    tlii-ir 
i  true     cliaracura 
to   their    fcllnw- 
I  men.    Were  tlicy 
I  to  ilo  .so,  instead 
i  of  enjoying  .'Social 
fcll<Av.-liii)     n  nii 
patronage,    thry 
would    be    shun- 
ned as  monsters. 
1  Hfnce    they    al- 
1  ways  work  umler 
mask,    and    love 
the  dark."-£i(n'id 
j  Thomas,  D.D. 

I  h  Better  trans,  as 
I  a  promise  or  offer, 
"  Thou  Shalt  cast 
in  thy  lot,"  etc., 
i.e.  thou  Shalt 
have  full  share  in 
all  we  get. 

c  Dr.  Neiolon. 


a  "The  devil  doth 
not  know  the 
,  hearts  of  men, 
I  but  he  may  feel 
their  pulse.know 
their  temper,  and 
s  o  accordingly 
can  apply  liiin- 
s  e  1  f  that  way 
the  tide  of  a 
man's  constitu- 
tion runs,  that 
way  the  wind  of 
temptation 
blows.  Satan 
tempts  the  ambi- 
tious man  witli  a 
crown,  the  san- 
guine man  with 
beauty,  the  covet- 
ous man  with  a 
wedge  of  gold." 
—An  Old  U'riler. 

b  Isa.  lix. 
iii.  16. 

V.  15.  Dr.  J.  Law- 
son,  ii.  456. 


;  Ro. 


Those  are 
marked  for  ruin 
that  are  deaf  to 
reproof  and  good 
counsel. 


a  "  The  sfnse  of 

the  proverb  is. — • 
the  wicked,  who 
think  thciuselvei 


14 


PROVERBS. 


fCap.  1.  20-2a 


BhrewJ  and  wisfi, 
areiiioresillyami 
fooli.sli  ttinii  oven 
the  birds  of  the 
air  ivliioh  flit  over 
their  heivl.s.  Tlie 
birds  flee  from 
tile  net  wh.  is 
spread  in  their 
siglit,  but  the 
wiclced  spread  a 
net  for  thunsel  res 
and  are  taken 
thereby."  — 
Wordsicorlh. 

b  Ps.  vii.  14—16. 

e  Ha.  ii.  9 ;  1  Ti. 

vi.  9, 10. 

d  Dr.  Thomas. 

e.  19.  Dr.  T.  Hunt, 
63. 

e  Whilecross 


a  The  personifi- 
cation nf  abstract 
qualities  is  ah  ef- 
ficient nioile  of 
producing  im- 
pression and  con- 
veying instruc- 
tion, esp.  to  the 
young. 

6  "Wisdom  goes 
where  all  public 
matters  go,  to  the 
great  squares  and 
places  of  busi- 
ness."— Miller. 

"  She  need  not  be 
ashamed  of  her 
teaching,  bee.  she 
is  a  true  friend  of 
the  people."-0«o 
Zockler. 

c  Ru.  iv.  1,  2. 

tiu.20,21.  A.Bur- 
Ttaby,  i. 


d  R.T.8. 


a  "The   three 

classes  are  ad- 
dressed in  a  gra- 
duated  scale. 
'Simple,'  open, 
fatally  open  to 
evil;  then  the 
'  scorners,'  mock- 
ing at  all  good  ; 
lastly,  the  '  fools ' 
is    the    darker 


be  vainly  huutcd  after.  The  point,  however,  is  not  that  a  net  ia 
vainly  set  when  the  bird  sees  it,  but  ]ust  the  opposite  :  in  vain 
the  bird  sees  it  when  it  is  set,  for  he  wilfully  and  foolishly  rushes 
into  it."  bird,  lit.  masttrofn  wing.  (18)  own  'blood,''  this  is 
the  unexpected  but  appropriate  issue  of  their  plottiugs.  (19) 
greedy  of  gain,'  and  so  strives  to  gain  it  unlawfully,  of  the 
owners,  better,  of  him  tliat  gets  it  in  jJosscssion.  It  becomes  a 
fatal  curse  to  him. 

Moral  traj/.f  (r.  17). — I.  Sin  lays  traps  for  souls.  Net  made  of 
sensuality,  avarice,  ambition,  etc.  II.  These  traps  are  laid  in 
secrecy.  Sin  works  insidiously — takes  advantage  of  ignorance, 
etc.  III.  These  traps  must  be  exjjosed.  This  the  work  of  the 
true  teacher. ■* 

Good  i(se  of  Bible  precept. — ^A  poor  boy  going  to  a  Sabbath 
school  was  met  by  a  companion,  who  invited  him  to  play  the 
truant ;  but  he  ab.solutely  refused,  and  went  to  school.  When 
this  came  to  be  known,  the  boy  was  asked  what  it  was  that  kept 
him  from  complying  wdth  the  temptation.  He  answered,  "  Be- 
cause I  read  in  my  Bible,  '  My  son,  if  sinners  entice  thee,  consent 
thou  not.'"* 

20,  21.  (20)  wisdom,  Heb.  cTiocmah,  fr.  chacam,  to  judge, 
decide.  Here  the  word  used  is  a  plural  one,  7ris-dorii.i.  for  all 
forms  of  wisdom.  We  may  express  the  ideas  of  the  word  by  the 
terms  intelligent  pietg,"  that  wisdom  of  which  the  "  fear  of  the 
lord  "is  the  beginning,  without,  out  of  doors,  streets,  or 
opf7i  squarra,  the  usual  resorts  of  men.*  (21)  place  of  con- 
course, lit.  n-here  confuxion  is;  the  hvni  of  crowded  market- 
places ;  noisy  places,  openings  of  the  gates,  where  the 
city  magistrates  held  their  courts,^  and  other  business  was  done, 
city,  poss.  the  citadel  ,■  or  the  interior  parts  of  the  city. 

Wisdoms  roicc  {vc.  20 — 29). — I.  An  awakening  appeal.  1.  By 
whom  it  is  made  ;  2.  The  places  in  which  it  is  addressed  ;  3.  The 
manner  in  which  it  is  delivered  ;  4.  The  persons  to  whom  it  is 
applied.  II.  An  important  exhortation.  I.  The  subject  to  which 
this  exhortation  refers — turn  iu  repentance,  with  full  purpose  of 
heart,  without  delay  ;  2.  The  inducement  to  do  this.  III.  A 
solemn  denunciation.  1.  Its  procimug  cause  ;  2.  Its  terrifio 
nature — aggravating  consideration. 

A  sceptic  in  a  storm. — Captain  Benson  relates  that  the  late 
Percy  Bysshe  Shelley,  who  made  no  secret  of  his  infidelity,  and 
who  seemed  to  have  spirits  which  no  danger  could  ajipal,  when 
overtaken  by  a  storm  at  sea,  while  sailing  in  Lord  Byrons  yacht, 
appeared  to  have  lost  all  energy,  and  the  horrors  of  approaching 
death  made  him  weep  like  a  child.  Those  holy  names  which  he 
never  before  pronounced  but  in  ridicule,  he  now  called  upon  in 
moving  accents  of  serious  prayer,  and  implored  the  protection  of 
that  Being  whose  existence  he  affected  to  disbelieve.'* 

22,  23.  (22)  simple,"  or  ignorant ;  those  who,  being  un- 
thoughtful  and  frivolous,  are  easily  drawn  aside  by  temptation, 
scorners,  who  ridicule  as  well  as  neglect  truth  and  goodness, 
snei'nng  at  sacred  things,  fools,  those  who  are  malignant,  and 
hate  knowledge.  The  marvel  of  grace  is  the  Divine  longsuilering 
with  such.  (23)  turn  you,  the  physical  movement  that  illus. 
the  moral  act  of  repentance.''  "Turn,  for  you  caw  do  it,  you  must 
do  it,  you  are  bound  to  do  it."    reproof,  but  not  reproof  only ; 


Cap.  i.  24,  25,1 


PROVERBS. 


15 


it  is  immediately  connected  with  promises  and  offers  of  grace, 
spirit,'  conq)-  Joel  ii.  28  ;  Ac.  ii.  17. 

Sinners  adnionislti'd  (r.  23). — I.  The  reproofs  He  administers. 
1.  By  the  Scriptures  ;  2.  By  ministers  :  ?>.  By  conscience  ;  4.  By 
Providence.  II.  The  submission  He  requires.  We  are  to  return 
— 1.  With  penitent  hearts  ;  2.  Believing  minds ;  3.  Fervent 
devotion ;  4.  Prompt  obedience.  III.  The  encouragement  He 
imparts.  1.  A  convincing  Spirit  ;  2.  Quickening  Spirit ;  3.  Com- 
forting Spirit ;  4.  Sanctifying  Spirit.'' 

Four  nnirersalists. — In  a  town  in  the  interior  of  America,  the 
board  of  select  men  who  governed  its  local  affairs  was  composed 
of  four  universalists  (or  men  who  contended  for  the  final  happi- 
ness of  all  mankind,  whether  believers  or  not)  and  a  pious 
physician.  They  acted  through  the  year  in  great  harmony  as  to 
the  business  of  the  town,  but  at  their  last  meeting  it  was  deter- 
mined to  attack  the  doctor.  After  they  had  finished  their  trans- 
actions, one  of  them  said,  "  Doctor,  we  have  been  very  happy  in 
being  associated  with  you  the  year  jDast,  and  that  the  business  of 
the  town  has  been  conducted  in  harmony,  and  to  the  satisfaction 
of  our  constituents.  We  have  found  you  to  be  a  man  of  good 
sense,  extensive  information,  unbending  integrity,  and  of  the 
purest  benevolence.  It  is  astonishing  to  us  that  a  man  of  your 
amiable  character  should  believe  the  doctrine  of  future  punish- 
ment." Tlie  doctor  replied,  "  Gentlemen,  I  should  regret  very 
much  the  forfeiture  of  the  good  opinion  which  your  partiality 
has  led  you  to  entertain  of  me.  Will  you  have  the  goodness  to 
answer  candidly  a  few  questions  ?  Do  you  believe  in  a  future 
state.'"  They  replied,  "  We  do."  "You  believe  that  death  will 
introduce  all  men  to  a  state  of  perfect  happiness  V  "  Of  this  we 
have  no  doubt."  "  Are  you  now  happy  ?"  "  We  are  not  ;  we  are 
far  from  it."  "'  How  do  men  act  when  they  are  unhapjjy,  and 
know  that  happiness  is  within  their  reach  ?"  "  They  endeavour 
to  attain  that  happiness."  "Do  you  believe  that  I  understand 
the  nature  and  operation  of  medicine  ?"  "  We  have  no  doubt, 
doctor,  of  your  skill  in  your  profession  :  but  what  has  that  to  do 
with  the  subject  ?"  "  In  this  box,"  said  the  doctor,  taking  a  tin 
box  in  his  hand,  "  are  pills,  which,  if  you  swallow  each  of  you 
one,  will,  without  pain,  carry  you,  within  one  hour,  out  of  this 
world  of  trouble  ;  and,  if  your  doctrine  be  true,  place  you  in  a 
world  of  perfect  felicity.  Will  you  accept  of  one  of  them  V 
*'  No,  sir."  "  Will  you  .'"  "  No,  sir."  When  they  had  all  refused 
the  doctor  said,  "  You  must  excuse  me,  gentlemen,  from  em- 
bracing your  doctrine  until  I  have  better  evidence  that  you 
believe  it  yourselves."     This  closed  the  debatff. 

24,  25.  (24)  because,  etc.,  there  seems  to  be  an  interval  of 
eilence,  during  wh.  Wisdom  waits  to  see  if  any  would  heed  her. 
None  accept,  so  her  voice  of  pleading  is  changed  for  one  of  judg- 
ment." refused,  to  stop  in  your  vdlful  ways,  and  give  heed  to 
me.  stretched  .  .  hand,  the  fig.  for  earnestness  in  beseeching.* 
(2.5)  set  at  nought,  regarded  as  unimportant  and  worthless. 
"  How  natural  therefore  the  doctrine  that  there  comes  a  time 
•when  we  have  sinned  away  the  day  of  grace  1""  "WOUld.  none 
of,  lit.  were  not  willing  or  inclined  to  it. 

Jiidgntent  follpns  dimhedience  {sv.  24 — 26). — I.  A  merciful 
visitation.  1.  Call;  2.  Entreaty;  3.  Counsel;  4.  Reproof.  II. 
Just  complaint.     1.   Neglect  ;   2.   Refusal ;   3.   Scorn.    III.  An 


sense  of  the  wor(1, 
liardened,  obsti- 
nate, perverse, 
hating  the  know- 
ledge they  have 
rejected."  — ^^t. 
Com. 

b  Eze.  xxxiii.  11 ; 
Isa.  Iv.  7. 

c  "  I  offer  to  you 
both  My  word 
outwardly  to 
your  ears,  and  a 
plentiful  measure 
of  ily  Spirit  to 
niake  that  word 
effectual  to  vou." 
—Bishop  Hall. 
d  Ela  in  400  Sks. 
r.  22.  Dr.  H. 
Hammond,  iv. 
675. 

Scratch  the  green 
rind  of  a  sapling, 
or  wantonly  twist 
it  in  the  soil,  and 
a  scarred  or 
crooked  oak  will 
tell  of  the  act  for 
centuries  to 
come.  How  for- 
cibly does  this 
figiu-e  teach  the 
necessity  of 
giving  right  ten- 
dencies to  the 
minds  and  hearts 
of  tlie  young ! 
"  Wouldst  thou 
but  receive  and 
hearken  to  the 
easiest  tilings  re- 
presented  by 
God,  these  would 
enligliten  and 
enlarge  thy  soul 
to  receive  more ; 
especially,  walk- 
ing by  the  Ught 
thou  hast,  be  it 
ever  so  little, 
that  incites  and 
draws  in  more." 
— Abp.  Leighton. 


a  Corap.  Isa.  brv. 
12,  Ixvi.  4 ;  Je. 
vii.  13,  14;  Eze. 
viii.  18. 

b  Job  xi.  13; 
Vs.  Ixviii.  31, 
Jxx.wiii.  9. 

c  Miller. 

Eo.  iii.  4,  6,  X.  2L 

rv.   24  —  2  6.     J. 

Penrcf,  387;  P, 
Skellon,  iii.  178. 


16 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  i.  26-31. 


d  W.  W.  WJtylhe. 

vv.  21—28.  Dr. 
i^is,;/,  i.  171. 

e  Gin. 

"  Be  diligent  in 
tlie  practice  of 
what  you  know  if 
you  woiiM  know 
more.  Believe  it, 
tluit,  is  tlieway  to 
gro  w.  "  —  Abp. 
Lvigiilon, 


ft  "The scorn  and 

derisiiin  with  wli. 
menlookonpriile 
and  malice,  baf- 
fled and  put  to 
shame,  lias  some- 
thinjf  that-,  an- 
swei's  to  it  in  the 
Divine  j  n  d  g- 
ment."-.5p^-.  Com. 

b  Coiiip.  Mat.  vii. 
26,  27. 

As  at  the  Horn, 
siege  of  Jerusa- 
lem, desolation 
suddenly  came  on 
heedless  Jews. 
Milton  says: 
"Childhood 
shows  the  man, 
as  morning  shows 
the  day."  Words- 
wort  h  writes : 
"Heaven  lies 
about  us  in  our 
infancy;  and 
the  child  is  father 
of  the  man." 
Wliile  Pope  re- 
marks :  "  Just  as 
the  twig  is  bout 
the  tree  is  in- 
clined." 

vv.  24—31.  H. 
Goodwin,  iii.  120. 


a  Comp.  Ln.  xvi. 
24—31. 

?)Isa.  iii.  10;  Eze. 
xi.  21 ;  Ko.  vi. 
21;  Ga.  vi.  7,8. 

"'The  fruit  of 
their  own  way' 
is  a  very  mixed 
metaphor,  but 
mraiis  what  the 
sinner  wins  to 
liiinself  by  the 
advance      he 


awful  threat.      1.    God's  laws  are  unchangeable ;    2.   He  haa 
plainly  declared  them  ;  3.  He  is  clear  of  the  sinners  blood.'' 

Mhimprorcd  pririlrges. — It  is  related  of  Jeine,  the  chief  of 
one  of  the  South  Sea  Islands,  who  had  offered  no  small  amount 
of  opposition  to  the  introduction  of  Christianity,  that  during-  a 
sickness  which  terminated  in  his  death,  he  manifested  more 
mental  distress  than  is  usually  seen  in  a  heathen.  He  often  ex- 
pressed a  wish  that  "he  had  died  ten  years  before."  And  why? 
ITic  light  of  life  and  love  had  been  shining  around  him,  but  he 
had  opposed  its  entrance  into  his  heart,  and  its  power  over  his 
people.  .  And  now,  having  loved  darkness,  in  darkness  of  soul, 
stung  by  an  upbraiding  conscience,  he  must  die.' 

26,  27.  (20)  laugh,  etc.,"  comp.  Ps.  ii.  4.  The  words 
"laugh,"  with  •'mock,"  depict  the  style  and  manner  in  wh. 
calamity  comes  upon  fools.  There  -will  be  no  grandeur  about  it, 
so  tliat  the  siniier  may  be  proud  of  his  very  woe.  It  will  be 
wholly  humiliiitiug.  fear  cometh,  or  enters.  (27)  desola- 
tion, or  a  storm,  suddenly  sweeping  down  on  you.''  whirl- 
wind, moving  with  fatal  rapidity  and  overwhelming  power, 
anguish,  at  an  intolerable  yet  hopeless  lot. 

A/lricc  of  a  (li/nig  fatlwr. —  A  gentleman  called  his  sons  around 
his  dying  bed,  and  gave  them  the  following  relation  :  "  WTien  I 
was  a  youth,  the  Spirit  strove  with  me,  and  seemed  to  say,  '  Seek 
religion  now  ;'  but  Satan  suggested  the  necessity  of  waiting  till 
I  grew  up,  becaitse  it  was  incompatible  with  youthful  amuse- 
ment. So  I  resolved  I  would  wait  till  I  grew  up  to  be  a  man.  I 
did  so,  and  was  then  reminded  of  my  promise  to  seek  religion  ; 
but  Satan  again  advised  me  to  wait  till  middle  age,  for  business 
and  a  young  family  demanded  all  my  attention.  '  Yes,'  I  said,  •  I 
will  do  so  ;  I  will  wait  till  middle  age.'  I  did  so  ;  my  serious 
impressions  left  me  for  some  years.  They  were  again  renewed  : 
conscience  reminded  me  of  my  promises ;  the  Spii-it  said,  '  Seek 
religion  now  :'  but  then  I  had  less  time  than  ever.  Satan  ad- 
vised my  waiting  tiU  I  was  old  ;  then  my  children  would  be 
settled  in  business,  and  I  should  have  nothing  else  to  do  ;  I  could 
then  give  an  undivided  attention  to  it.  I  listened  to  his  sugges- 
tion, and  the  Spirit  ceased  to  strive  with  me.  I  have  lived  to  bo 
old  ;  but  now  I  have  no  desire  as  formerly  to  attend  to  tte  con- 
cerns of  my  soul  ;  my  heart  is  hardened.  I  have  resist/ d  and 
quenched  the  Spirit ;  now  there  is  no  hope.  Ah-eady  I  feel  a  hell 
within,  the  beginning  of  an  eternal  misery.  I  feel  the  gijawings 
of  that  worm  that  never  dies.  Take  warning  from  my  ndserable 
end  ;  seek  religion  .now  ;  let  nothing  tempt  j'ou  to  put  off  this 
important  concern."     Then  in  the  greatest  agonies  he  expii'ed. 

28—31.  (28)  not  answer,  though  the  call  be  ever  so 
earnest."  early,  in  the  usual  sense  of  earnestly,  not  find 
me,  though  God's  gracious  promise  is,  "  They  that  seek  Me  early 
shall  find  Me."  (29)  for,  etc.,  this  verse  distinctly  gives  the 
reason  for  Divine  conduct  wh.  appears  to  be  so  strange.  God 
refused  to  answer  as  a  judgment  on  their  prolonged  wilfulness, 
did  not  choose,  i.e.  desire  and  seek,  fear  of  the  Lord,  wh. 
is  first  step  of  the  true  wisdom.  (30)  would  none,  did  not/ 
want  my  counsel.  (31)  eat  .  .  way,  reap  as  they  sowed  :  find 
out  to  their  surprise  what  is  the  true  fruitage  of  rebellioa  aod 


Cap.  I.  32.  33.1 


PROVERBS. 


17 


Too  late. — I  was  once,  says  the  Rev.  J.  East,  in  his  work  en- 
titled The  Vdliigc,  called  upon  to  visit  a  dying-  man  in  Bristol, 
under  the  following  cu-cumstances  :  He  had  not  entered  the 
church  for  many  years.  At  last  he  made  up  his  mind  to  go,  and 
on  the  morning  of  the  Sabbath  he  and  his  wife  went.  But  the 
door  was  closed,  the  church  being  under  repair.  They  returned 
home  disappointed.  In  the  evening  they  went  to  another 
church.  It  was  so  crowded  that  they  could  get  no  farther  than 
the  doorway,  and  were  unable  to  hear  a  word.  On  the  follow- 
ing Sunday  he  resolved  to  make  another  effort ;  but  while  he  was 
dressing  he  fell  down  in  an  aiioplectic  fit,  and  never  spoke  again  ! 
He  knew  me  when  I  entered  his  chamber.  I  preached  the  Gospel 
in  his  dying  ear,  but  he  was  speechless,  and  I  could  not  leai-n  the 
state  of  his  mind.  This  case  illustrates  some  parts  of  the  fii"st 
chapter  of  Proverbs  :  '•  Then  shall  they  call  upon  Me,  but  I  will 
not  answer  ;  they  shall  seek  Me  early,  but  they  shall  not  find  Me." 
The  procrastinating  sinner  may  say,  "  I  will  serve  God  by-and-by. 
He  shall  have  the  services  of  my  age  :"  and  God  may  say,  "  No  ; 
thou  shalt  not  have  old  age  to  offer  Me." 

32,  33.  (.32)  turning  away,  instead  of,  as  they  should, 
turning  towanh  Wisdom.  The  term  is  used  in  grave  irony, 
prosperity,  better,  the  cardcs-sness,  casyfulnesn,  false  security. 
"  The  easy-going  indifference  to  higher  truths  is  that  wh. 
destroys."  (33)  dwell  safely,  lit.  in  confidence."  quiet  from 
fear,  as  iUus.  by  the  wise  man  who  built  on  the  rock.'' 

'The  pro.?jH'?-ity  of  fools  (v.  32). — I.  Fools  are  men  with  weak 
minds  and  wicked  hearts— especially  the  latter.  II.  Such  often 
prosper  in  a  worldly  sense.  A  man  may  get  on  in  the  world  with 
little  knowledge  and  less  genius.  III.  The  prosperity  of  such 
often  leads  to  their  destruction."^ 

Vi.->it  to  a  dying  man. — "  I  once  attended,  on  his  dying  bed," 
Bays  Mr.  Ford,  '•  a  man  whose  early  history  had  given  promise  of 
better  things,  but  whose  goodness  was  as  the  morning  cloud  and 
the  early  dew.  As  I  entered  the  room  he  fixed  his  eyes  upon  me, 
with  a  fearful  expression  of  countenance,  and  in  the  spirit  and 
almost  in  the  very  language  of  the  Gadarene  demoniac,  ex- 
claimed, '  Why  are  you  come  to  torment  me  .''  I  rejDlied,  '  I  am 
not  come  to  torment  you  ;  I  am  come  to  tell  you  that  there  is 
mercy,  mercy  yet,  and  mercy  even  for  you.'  He  raised  his  arm 
with  vehemence,  and  said,  '  No  mercy  for  me  !  no  mercy  for  me  ! 
no  mercy  for  me  !  I  have  sinned  through  all ;  I  have  despised 
all.  I  am  dying,  and  I  am  damned !'  His  arm  fell,  and  he 
apparently  ceased  to  breathe.  I  thought  him  dead,  but  was  mis- 
taken ;  there  still  was  life ;  there  was  even  consciousness. 
Fetching  a  long-drawn  breath,  as  if  for  some  desperate  effort, 
and  covering  his  face,  with  the  evident  intention  of  concealing 
the  agony  which  was  written  there,  he  uttered  the  most  awful 
groan  I  ever  heard,  and  then  expired.  If  anything  could  in- 
crease the  horror  of  that  scene,  it  was  the  following  circum- 
Gtance  : — That  man  ascribed  the  ruin  of  his  soul  to  a  popular 
preacher,  whom,  on  some  public  occasion,  he  heard  deliver  a 
eermon  which  deeply  affected  him,  and  whom,  at  the  close  of  the 
service  he  was  delighted  to  meet  at  the  house  of  a  mutual  friend. 
But  great  was  his  disappointment.  The  individual  who  in  the 
piilpit  was  a  Boanerges,  in  the  parlour  played  the  mountebank, 
and  iu  either  character  he  seemed  perfectly  'at  home.'     His 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  B 


makes  upon  Ma 
path."— i/iHer. 

If  sinners  cast 
not  away  their 
sins  lor  God's 
sake,  God  will 
cast  them  away 
for  their  sins' 
sake. 

V.  28.  W.  Fenner. 
i.  29  ;  Dr.  W. 
Claaell,  iv.  387; 
T.  Arnold,  121. 

V.  31.  Dr.  2f. 
Carter,  189. 

"  By  the  Holy 
Scriptures  God 
expresses  His 
mind  to  us.  By 
prayer  we  ex- 
press our  mind  to 
God." — £p.  Hall. 


b  Matt.  vu.  24, 
25. 

So  illus.  fr.  Noah, 
Ge.  vi.  22,  vii.  23  ; 
He.  xj.  7 :  Ska- 
drach,  etc.,  Da.  iii. 
25  :  Daniel,  Da. 
vi.  10,  22.  Comp. 
also  Jno.  X.  28. 

c  H.  S.  Brown. 

V.    32.      Dr.    W. 

Bates,  ii.  205 ; 
Dr.  R.  SonUi,  iv. 
Gl:  Dr.A.TnbecIc, 
62 ;  R.  Baxter,  17. 

r.  33.  Bon.  G.  T. 
Noel,  ii.  1'14. 

The  Roman 
Censors  took  such 
a  distaste  to  the 
son  of  Afi-icanus 
fur  his  unworthy 
life  that  they 
drew  fi-oni  his 
finger  the  ring 
on  wliich  the 
image  of  his 
father  was  cn- 
graveil.  Because 
he  had  so  greatly 
fallen  off  from 
his  fatlier's  cha- 
racter,  they 
would  not,  they 
said,  alio",  him 
to  wear  in  a  ring 
the  likeness  of  a 
parent  who-sa 
image  lie  did  not 
bear  iu  his  mind 
or    heart.      Xh# 


18 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  ii.  1-5. 


children  of  Jesus, 
even  tlie  young- 
est, should  strive 
to  be  like  Him. 


«  Pr.  vii.  1 ;  Ps. 
oxixll. 

The  reception  and 
retention  of  Div. 
truths  are  both 
indicated  in  the 
terms  of  this 
verse. 

6  "  The  ear  must 
be  turned  away 
from  the  soumis 
of  earthly  plea- 
sure, the  din  of 
worldliness,  and 
the  voice  of  hu- 
man speculation, 
and  must  listen 
a  1 1  e  n  tively  to 
c  o  mmunioations 
from  the  spiritual 
and  eternal." — D. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

c  Pr.  i.  2,  xvi.  16. 

d  Mat.  xiii.  44 ; 
Lu.  XT.  8. 

B  e  ference    may 

poss.  be  to  seek- 
ing the  precious 
ores  in  dark 
mines. 

Job  xxviii.   12— 


e  Dr.  J.  Edmonds, 
f  Dr.  W.  A  mot. 

A  nobleman 
showed  a  friend 
his  large  collec- 
tion of  the  rich- 
est gems,  and  re- 
in a  rked  that 
they  yielded  him 
no  income.  The 
other  replied, 
that  he  had  two 
stones  that  cost 
him  ten  florins 
each,  that  yield- 
ed him  two  hun- 
dred florins  a 
year.  The  com- 
mon stones  were 
useful ;  the  idle 
treasures  useless. 

*v.  1—6.  C.  Chais, 
U.    83;    Dr.     J. 


adventures,  jokes,  and  anecdotes  kept  the  company  till  past  mid- 
nig-ht  in  a  roar  of  laughter.  The  consequence  may  be  easily 
imagined.  The  unhappy  man  who  was  doomed  to  witness  that 
incongruous  scene  persuaded  himself  that  Christianity  was  dis« 
believed  by  its  professional  advocatea,  and  thenceforth  he  treated 
it  as  unworthy  of  his  notice." 


CHAPTER  THE  SECOND. 

1 — 5.  (1)  receive  my  words,  simply,  take  them,  listen  and 
attend  to  them  ;  words  of  reproof,  counsel,  and  promise,  hide 
.  .  thee,  as  in  a  store,  or  treasury."  (2)  incline  thine  ear, 
or,  so  as  to  point  thine  ear  towards  :  sharpen,  or  prick  thine  ear, 
like  an  animal.*  Dispose  thyself  earnestly  to  seek  after  Div. 
truth,  heart,  bee.  head  knowledge,  of  spiritual  things  can 
never  suffice:  "with  the  heart  man  believeth ^unto  righteous- 
ness." apply,  or  bend.  (3)  criest  after,  the  sign  of  im- 
portunate earnestness,  knowledge,  Heb.  hinah,  discernment.* 
liftest,  as  if  to  eagerly  shout.  (4)  silver,  or  money,''  wh. 
engages  the  unwearying  toil  of  men.  (5)  fear,  the  right 
sentiment  to  entertain  towards  God,  and  the  right  knowledge  of 
Him  to  apprehend. 

The  treasure-trove  {vv.  1 — 5). — I.  There  is  a  precious  treasure. 
It  has  in  the  text  three  names, — wisdom,  knowledge,  understand- 
ing. II.  The  field  where  the  treasure  lies  :  the  Bible.  III.  The 
search  after  the  treasure  :  Bible  to  be  read  carefully,  prayerfully, 
perseveringly.  IV.  The  discovery  of  the  treasure  :  certain, 
joyous,  advantageous.' —  T/«€  seeking  (rv.  1 — i);  the  Jinding  {vv. 
5 — 9). — A  Father  speaks,  and  He  speaks  as  unto  children.  He 
demands  a  reasonable  service,  and  promises  a  rich  reward.  In 
the  fourfold  repetition  of  the  command  there  seems  an  order  of 
succession,  and  the  order  when  observed  is  both  comely  and  in- 
structive. It  combines  the  beauty  of  blossom  and  the  profit  of 
the  fruit.  I.  Receive  my  words.  II.  Incline  thine  ear.  III. 
Cry  after  knowledge.     IV.  Seek  her  as  silver.-^^ 

Treasure-trove. — Since  the  ancient  brotherhood  of  treasure- 
seekers  discarded  the  divining  rod,  the  "  hand  of  glory,"  and 
other  unlawful  appliances,  it  is  surjirising  how  successful  they 
have  been  in  disinterring  the  precious  relics  of  antiquity.  The 
researches  which  have  disclosed  the  literature,  arts,  and  arms  of 
ancient  Assyi-ia,  the  sculptures  of  the  Mausoleum  and  of  Olympia, 
the  plate-chest  of  Priam,  or  some  other  prehistoric  king,  the 
Mycenean  find,  and  the  antique  metal-work  unearthed  bj'  Di 
Cesnola  in  Cyprus,  were  all,  or  most  of  them,  founded  on  a 
careful  study  of  the  sites  and  of  the  literary  records  relating  to 
these  ;  while  Fortune  also  seems  to  have  specially  assisted  those 
who  were  striving  to  do  their  work  without  her  help.  Ancient 
art  in  marble — as  in  the  case  of  the  Olympian  statuary — must, 
we  fear,  always  be  found  sadly  defaced  and  mutilated  from  the 
effects  of  political  spite  as  well  as  of  time  ;  and  when  the  Chris- 
tianity of  the  first  centuries  had  made  its  peace  with  the  world 
the  monks  often  began  what  the  Goths  only  completed.  Work 
in  the  precious  metals,  however,  when  preserved  at  all,  is.  from 
the  circumstances  of  its  deposits,  usually  found  intact,  and  the 
great  gem  engravings  of  antiquity  are  most  of  them  lying  un- 


Cap.  ii.  6-9.] 


PROVERBS. 


19 


Ga  r  diner,  S81  ; 
Dr.  E.J.  Duriom, 
288  ;  //.  Goodwin, 
i.  239. 

Paulinus,  when 
he  was  told  that 
the  Goths  had 
sacked  Nola,  and 
plundered  him  of 
all  that  he  had, 
lifted  up  his  eyes 
to  heaven,  and 
said, "  Lord,Thou 
knowest  where  I 
have  laid  up  my 
treasure!" 
"Many  had 
proved  wise  if 
they  had  not 
thought  them- 
selves so."  —  Bp. 
Ball. 

"  We  ought  to 
glory  in  nothing, 
because  we  have 
j  nothing  of  our 
own."  —  Cyprian, 
g  London  Paper. 


injured  somewhere.  It  shows  the  extent  of  surface  under  which 
priceless  treasures  of  the  utmost  artistic  and  archEeological 
interest  may  be  hidden,  when  we  find  three  actual  or  probable 
discoveries  announced  at  once  from  three  different  quarters  of 
the  globe.  The  regalia  of  Cyrus  the  Great  is  reported  to  have 
been  found  accidentally  by  a  Russian  peasant  woman  on  the 
banks  of  the  Dniester,  near  the  spot  where  he  was  defeated  and 
slain  by  the  Scythians  in  the  sixth  century  before  Christ.  A 
thousand  years  later  Attila  was  buried  with  the  rich  spoils  of 
Rome,  in  the  same  part  of  the  world — according  to  the  annalists, 
in  the  bed  of  a  river  in  Modern  Roumania  temporarily  diverted 
from  and  again  returned  to  its  course.  From  Algeria  comes  news 
of  the  discovery  of  a  vault  of  Roman  construction  in  which 
Jugurtha  is  reported  by  tradition  to  have  stored  seventy-five  loads 
of  treasure,  after  his  defeat  by  Metallus  ;  and  to  cap  the  climax, 
certain  Yankee  speculators  are  said  to  be  hot  on  the  scent  of  the 
plant  of  the  renowned  Captain  Kydd  at  last.  This  reminds  us 
that  the  incomparable  Edison  has  expressed  himself  confident 
that  he  can  manufacture  electro-magnetic  instruments  bj'  which 
not  only  may  the  extent  and  richness  of  metallic  veins  be  indi- 
cated, but  also  the  nature  of  the  ore  they  contain — a  scientific 
divining  rod  calculated  to  throw  the  traditionary  one  completely 
into  the  shade.ff 

6,  7.  (6)  Lord  .  .  •wisdom,"  but  they  must  be  in  right  atti- 
tude of  mind  and  heart  to  whom  He  gives  it.  out  Of  his 
moutll,  not  by  unknown  agencies,  but  by  rational  instructions. 
(7)  sound  wisdom,  in  the  sense  of  Iwalthy,  nourishing,  and 
confirming,  buckler,  defending  us  with  the  efficiency  of  a 
skilfully  used  buckler.  Hgb.  maghen,  a  frequent  word  in  the 
Psalms.*  walk  uprightly,''  walkers  of  innocence ;  whose 
behaviour  is  sound. 

Good  wen  and  their  God  (rr.  6 — 9). — I.  The  description  of  men 
— righteous,  walking  uprightly,  His  saints.  II.  The  God  of  good 
men.  I.  As  to  what  He  is  to  creation  generally  ;  2.  As  to  what 
He  is  to  the  good  specially.  (1)  He  provides  for  their  instruc- 
tion ;  (2)  He  superintends  their  career ;  (3)  He  protects  them 
from  their  enemies.'' 

Uncertainty  of  earthly  possessions. — Some  years  since,  Prince 
Christopher,  brother  to  the  late  King  of  Hajiii,  came  over  to 
England  on  account  of  the  disturbed  state  of  St.  Domingo. 
After  meeting  with  disappointments  here,  the  prince  returned  to 
his  native  country  at  the  peril  of  his  life,  and  succeeded  in 
obtaining  some  papers  he  required.  During  his  sojourn  there  he 
married  a  young  lady  of  property,  whose  money  was  deposited 
with  an  opulent  branch  of  her  family  ;  but  a  teiTific  earthquake 
which  visited  that  ill-fated  country  swallowed  up  all  her  pro- 
perty, together  with  those  who  had  it  under  their  care.  How 
true  is  it  "  riches  are  not  for  ever  I" 

8,  9.  (8)  paths  of  judgment,  or  justice  ;  "  here  by  the  |  «  Oito  Zdckier. 
substitution  of  the  abstract  for  the  concrete  expression, '  paths  of  b  C  o  m  p .  P  s. 
the  just,'  and  therefore  essentially  synonjonous  with  the  '  way  of  l^'^^^u^'  g"^""- 
the  pious' in  the  second  clause.''"  "  God  defends  the  right  way, ,  ^ 
and  those  in  it."  saints,  not  the  absolutely  holy,  but  the  "'j^^g ''n^e^'^jn 
devout  and  God-fearing;*  those  "called  with  a  holy  calling."  tlieir integrity.'" 
(9)  righteousness,  etc.,  all  parts  of  man's  dutj  to  God  and    -Nichoiu. 

b2 


a  1  K.  iii.  9,  13 ; 
Ja.  i.  5,  lit  17. 

b  Ps.  iii.  10,  vii. 
10,  etc. 

c  "  The  greatest 
man  is  he  who 
chooses  right 
with  the  most 
invincible  resolu- 
tion, who  resists 
the  sorest  temp- 
tation from  with- 
in and  without, 
who  bears  tha 
heaviest  burdens 
cheerfully,  who 
is  calmest  in 
storms,  and  most 
fearless  under 
menaces  and 
frowns,  whose  re- 

I  liance  on  truth, 
on  virtue,  and  on 
Uod  is  most  un- 
faltering." — 

'  Seneca. 

\  d  Dr.  Thomas. 

I  V.  6.  ir.  Read- 
ing, ii.  667  ;  A, 
Totcnson,  40. 


20 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap  ii.  10-15. 


to  man.      Jno.  vii.   17.      every   good   path,   the  wliole  good 

tracks 

God  the  xa7trce  of  wiidom. — Some  of  the  courtiers  of  the 
Emperor  Sigismund,  having  no  taste  for  learning,  inquired  why 
he  so  honoured  and  respected  men  of  low  birth  on  account  of 
their  science.  The  emperor  replied — "  In  one  day  I  can  confer 
knighthood  or  nobility  on  many,  in  years  I  cannot  bestow  genius 
on  one.  Wise  and  learned  men  are  created  by  God  only.  No 
advantage  of  education,  no  favourable  combination  of  circum- 
stances can  produce  talents  where  the  Father  of  spirits  hath  not 
dropped  the  seeds  of  them  in  the  souls  whicAi  He  hath  made."'' 

10—12.  (10)  entereth.,"  as  v.  2.  pleasant,  so  as  not  to  be 
forr.ihly  sought,  but  willinf/lij,  as  for  personal  gratification.  (11) 
discretion,  or  reflection,  understanding,  or  discernment. 
(12)  way  of  the  evil,  from  either  accompanying  or  follo-sving 
them  in  their  wilful  and  wicked  paths,  froward  things,* 
Heb.  tahpuchoth,  fr.  hnpac,  to  pervert  and  overturn  :  so  meaning 
perrer.nty,  upturning  things. 

Beiiejitft  of  true  TviKdom.  Qrv.  10 — 12). — I.  "VMiat  these  benefits 
are.  1.  It  will  keep  us  from  the  society  of  ungodly  men  ;  2.  And 
from  their  snares  ;  3.  And  will  guide  our  feet  in  the  paths  of 
righteousness  and  peace.  II.  The  vast  importance  of  seeking 
after  it.  See  the  difference  between  the  wicked  and  the  righteous 
— 1.  In  this  world  ;  2.  And  in  the  world  to  come.  Learn — (1) 
To  form  a  right  estimate  of  religion  ;  (2)  To  let  it  have  its  full 
operation  on  our  souls.'' 

A  good  viands  last  words. — Mr.  Benn,  of  Highgate,  had  long 
been  the  subject  of  a  severe  affliction,  which  at  length  terminated 
his  valuable  life  before  he  had,  to  human  appearance,  reached  its 
meridian.  The  evening  before  his  departure  he  desired  all  his 
children  to  come  into  his  chamber,  and  placing  them  around  his 
dying  bed,  thus  addressed  them  : — "  You  all  know  that  I  am  soon 
going  to  be  removed  from  this  world  to  a  better  ;  and  I  trust 
that  you  are  walking  the  same  road,  and  will  soon  follow  me. 
You  all  know  the  road  ;  great  pains  have  been  taken  to  show  it 
to  you.  Where  is  it  to  be  found.'"  The  children  all  instantly 
replied,  "  In  the  Bible."  The  dying  parent  proceeded  :  "  Keep 
hold  of  that  chain  ;  it  will  never  mislead  you.  \\Tien  you  are  in 
doubt  whether  this  or  that  be  right,  ask  your  Bible  ;  see  if  your 
Saviour  would  have  done  so."  Addressing  the  elder  children,  he 
said,  "  Remember  you  are  to  teach  the  younger  ;  tell  them  aU  we 
have  taught  you,  and  try  to  make  it  a  pleasure."  To  his  eldest 
son  he  observed  :  "  When  you  go  into  the  world,  and  are  exposed 
to  persons  who  perhaps  vnll  ridicule  the  Saviour's  name  and  the 
Bible,  do  not  listen  to  them.  Seek  that  society  which  will  help 
you  to  practise  your  Bible ;  this  book  will  provide  comfort  for 
you  when  friends  forsake  you.  Every  other  comfort  in  this 
world  has  its  drawback,  and  is  transitory.  When  you  are  in  pain 
or  suffering,  write  upon  it,  '  The  road  to  heaven.'  ""* 

13—15.  (13)  paths  of  uprightness,  figured  by  a  straight 
line,  and  bright  with  the  smile  of  God"s  favour  :  level  paths, 
darkness,  without  any  light  of  God's  favour,  and  under  the 
darkness  of  His  frown."     (14)  frowardness,  etc..  lit.  the  j)er- 

_  _  _     rcr.9enr.ts  of  evil :  their  own  perversity  and  that  of  others  like 

iuk  aai  ""rougli, '  themselves.    (15)  crooked,*  in  contrast  with  the  "  level "  of  •• 


e  "Track  for  a 
wheel.  The 
Christian's  path 
is  a  rut,  or  de- 
finite tracking." 
—Miller. 

d  WhitecroM, 


a  "The  heart  is 
here,  as  always, 
nameil  as  the  cen- 
tre anil  organic 
basisof  the  entire 
life  of  the  soul,  as 
the  seat  of  desire, 
and  the  starting 
point  for  all  per- 
sonal self-deter- 
mination. The 
soul,  on  the  con- 
trary, appears  as 
the  aggregate 
^n'd  sum  total  of 
all  the  impulses 
and  efforts  of  the 
inner  man.  The 
former  desig- 
nates the  living 
centre,  the  latter 
the  totality  of  the 
personal  life  of 
man."  —  Otto 
Zockler. 

6  Ps.  1.  18. 

e  C.  Simeon,  if. A. 

t!t).  10, 11.  R.War- 
nfr,  iii.  2U0 ;  //. 
MarriQtl,  iv.  433. 
d  R.  T.  S. 

■"  For  our  actions 
let  His  Word  be 
our  guide,  and 
for  the  events  of 
things  and  all 
that  concern  us, 
let  His  good  plea- 
sure and  wise  dis- 
posing be  our 
will.  Let  us  give 
up  the  rudder  of 
our  life  into  His 
hand  to  be 
steered  by  Him." 
— Ahp.  Lcighton. 


a  Ra  xill.  12 ; 
Eph.  7.  11 ;  1  Th. 
V.  6. 

h  "  The  way  of 

Bin  is  labyrinth 


Cap.  ii.  16-19.1 


PROVERBS. 


21 


13.    froward,  a  term  wh.  may  be  represented  by  our  familiar 

"  wayward." 

Wicl/edness  and  wisdom  (ri:.  10 — 22). — I.  Wickedness.  1.  Its 
nature — epeech  corrupt,  habit  corrupt,  heart  corrupt,  influence 
cormpt ;  2.  Doom  of  wickedness — destruction,  extirpation.  II. 
Wisdom — 1.  Guards  the  innocent ;  2.  Delivers  the  fallen.'^ 

Early  vieDwries. — Mr.  Abbott  relates,  in  his  Mother  at  Home, 
that  some  time  ago  a  gentleman  in  one  of  the  most  populous 
cities  of  America  was  going  to  attend  a  seamen's  meeting  in  the 
Mariners'  Chapel.  Directly  opposite  that  place  there  was  a 
sailors'  boarding-hoBse.  In  the  doorway  sat  a  hardy,  weather- 
beaten  sailor,  with  arms  folded,  and  puffing  a  cigar,  watching 
the  people  as  they  gradually  assembled  for  worship.  The  gentle- 
man walked  up  to  him  and  said,  "  Well,  my  friend,  won't  you  go 
with  us  to  the  meeting  ?"  "  No,"  said  the  sailor  bluntly.  The 
gentleman,  who,  from  the  appearance  of  the  man,  was  prepared 
for  a  repulse,  mildly  replied,  "  You  look,  my  friend,  as  though 
you  had  seen  hard  days.  Have  you  a  mother?"  The  sailor 
raised  his  head,  looked  earnestly  in  the  gentleman's  face,  and 
made  no  reply.  The  gentleman,  however,  continued  :  "  Suppose 
your  mother  were  here  now,  what  advice  would  she  give  you  ?" 
The  tears  rushed  into  the  eyes  of  the  poor  sailor  ;  he  tried  for  a 
moment  to  conceal  them,  but  could  not ;  and  hastily  brushing 
them  away  with  the  back  of  his  rough  hand,  rose  and  said,  with 
a  voice  almost  inarticulate  through  emotion,  "  I'll  go  to  the 
meeting."  He  crossed  the  street,  entered  the  door  of  the  chapel, 
and  took  his  seat  with  the  assembled  congregation. 

16,  17.  (16)  strange  ■woman,"  though  the  idea  seems  to  be 
a  woman  who  has  made  herself  strange,  by  breaking  loose  from 
the  purities  and  duties  of  the  family,  reference  may  also  be  in- 
tended to  the  fascination  of  the  Phoenician  idolaters  introduced 
during  Sol.'s  reign,  flattereth,  and  so  overcometh  the  un- 
sophisticated and  inexperienced.  Lit.  smooths  her  words.  (17) 
guide  .  .  youtll,  her  parents  or  guardians  ;  prob.  referring  to 
her  husband,  whom  in  her  wilfulness  she  had  left,  covenant, 
etc.,  wh.  required  strict  holiness  of  life. 

Perils  in  the  deep  (rv.  12 — 19). — The  dangers  are  delineated 
here  in  exact  order,  continuous  succession,  and  increasing  power. 
I.  The  way  of  the  evil.  II.  Speaking  froward  things.  III. 
Leaving  the  paths  of  righteousness.  IV.  Walking  in  the  ways 
of  darkness.  V.  Rejoicing  to  do  evil.  VI.  Delight  in  the 
frowardness  of  the  wicked.* 

Temptation. — Gaze  not  on  beauty  too  much,  lest  it  blast  thee  ; 
nor  too  long,  lest  it  blind  thee  ;  nor  too  near,  lest  it  burn  thee. 
If  thou  like  it,  it  deceives  thee  ;  if  thou  love  it,  it  disturbs  thee  ; 
if  thou  hunt  after  it,  it  destroys  thee.  If  virtue  accompany  it, 
it  is  the  heart's  paradise  ;  if  vice  associate  it,  it  is  the  souls  pur- 
gatory.   It  is  the  wise  man's  bonfire,  and  the  fool's  furnace." 

18,  19.  (18)  inclineth,  sinks  down  to.  She  is  lost  to  every 
interest  of  virtue  and  goodness,  dead,  the  shades.  This  may 
intimate  the  certain  fate  of  all  who  yield  to  her  fiatteries."  Her 
house  is  a  Hades,  where  are  the  shades  of  those  who  have 
perished  by  her  blandishments.  (19)  return  again,  like 
death,  this  is  "  a  bourne  fr.  wh.  no  traveller  returns."  neitiier  .  . 
life,  there  is  no  resurrection  to  Life  and  purity. 


as  well  as  dark." 
— i>.  Thomas,  D.D. 

c  Dr.  Thomas. 

"  Wisdom  with- 
out innooency  ia 
knavery ;  iimo- 
cenoy  without 
wisdom  is  fool- 
ery :  be  therefore 
as  wise  as  ser- 
pents, and  inno- 
cent as  doves. 
The  subtilty  of 
the  serpent  in- 
structs the  iuno- 
cency  of  the 
dove ;  the  inno- 
oency of  the  dove 
corrects  the  sub- 
tilty of  the  ser- 
pent. Wliat  God 
hath  joined  to- 
gether, let  no 
man  separate."— 
Quarles. 


a  "Solomon 
warns  his  son 
against  that  very 
sin  of  wh.  he  was 
himself  after- 
wards guilty." — 
yVordsworlh. 

b  Dr.  W.  Amot. 

"  Wisdom  Is  the 
talent  of  buying 
virtuous  plea- 
sures at  the 
cheapest  rate." — 
Fielding. 

c  Quarles. 
He  that  is  not 
afraid  of  tempta- 
tion is  not  afraid 
cf  sin,  and  he 
tlint  is  not  afraid 
of  sin  is  in  danger 
of  being  de- 
stroyed by  it. 


a  "  Everything 
dies  under  the 
influence  of  (sen- 
sual) wicked- 
ness,—  sel  f-re- 
spect,  spiritual 
sensibility,  men- 
tal freedom,  tba 


22 


PnOVERBS. 


[Cap.  tli.  1,  2. 


freshness,  the 
vigour,  aud  the 
beauty  of  life." — 
D.  Thomas,  D.D. 

"  Example  is  • 
living  law,  wliose 
Bway  men  more 
than  all  the 
Written  laws 
t)bey."—Sedley. 

"  That  which  is 
dyed  with  many 
dippings  is  in- 
grain, and  can 
very  hardly  be 
■washed  out." — /. 
Taylor. 


a  "To  dwell  in 
the   land  is  the 

highest  blessing 
for  the  whole 
people  of  Israel 
and  for  indivi- 
dual men."— ^i)*. 
Com. 

Ex.  XI.  12;  Le. 
XXV.  18,  xxvi.  5; 
Ps.  xxxvii.  29. 

b  Job  rviii.  16 — 
18. 

«.  20.  H.  J.  Pott, 
ii.  425. 

r.  21.  /.  W. 
Wkkes,  23, 

The  highest 
point  of  wisdom 
is  to  be  wise 
against  our- 
selves. 

c  Dr.  Cheever. 


•  "  Looked  at  as 
a  book  for  the 
education  of  tlie 
young,  we  may 
see  in  each  sec- 
tion a  '  counsel ' 
to  be  learnt  and 
remembered,  day 
by  day,  so  as  to 
form  a  habit  of 
miud  by  the  fre- 


Ik'il  company. — Some  insects  take  their  colour  from  the  leaves 
they  feed  upon,  so  our  characters  will  receive  a  tinge  from  the 
books  we  read  and  the  conversations  we  listen  to.  He  who 
means  to  be  a  good  limner  (painter)  will  be  sure  to  draw  after 
the  most  excellent  copies,  and  guide  every  stroke  of  his  pencil 
by  the  better  pattern  that  he  lays  before  him  ;  so  he  who 
desires  that  the  table  of  his  life  may  be  fair,  will  be  careful  to 
propose  the  best  examples,  and  will  never  be  content  till  he 
equals  or  excels  them.  As  physicians  often  order  their  patients 
into  the  country  for  salubrity  of  air,  so  we  ought  to  avoid  eveiy 
place  the  moral  atmosphere  of  which  is  polluted  by  evil  example. 
A  desert  is  better  than  a  debauched  companion  ;  for  the  wildnesa 
of  the  place  is  but  uncheerful,  whilst  the  wildness  of  bad  persona 
is  infectious.  "  I  had  a  good  education  at  school,'"  a  criminal 
once  said,  "  but  it  was  the  education  of  the  streets  that  ruined 
me." 

20 — 22.  (20)  that,  etc.,  the  advice  and  warning  are  given 
that  the  youth  may,  at  the  outset  of  his  life,  be  wisely  guided  in 
his  choice  of  friends.  (21)  dwell,  settle,"  permanently  rest. 
Change  is  the  attendant  oft  all  wickedness,  stability  attends  all 
goodness.  (22)  cut  off,  by  sudden  calamity,  as  the  proper 
fruitage  of  their  wrong-doing,  rooted  out,*  fr.  the  esteem  of 
the  good,  fr.  the  sphere  of  improvement,  fr,  the  realm  of  mercy, 
and  fr.  the  domain  of  hope." 

Itiflnence  of  example. — Mr.  Brainerd  informs  ns,  that  when 
among  the  American  Indians,  he  stopped  at  a  place  where  there 
was  a  great  number,  and  offered  to  instruct  them  in  the  truths 
of  Christianity.  "  Why,"  said  one  of  them,  "  should  you  desire 
the  Indians  to  become  Christians,  seeing  the  Christians  are  so 
much  worse  than  the  Indians  1  The  Christians  lie,  steal,  and 
drink  worse  than  the  Indians.  They  first  taught  the  Indians  to 
be  drunk.  They  steal  to  so  great  a  degree,  that  their  rulers  are 
obliged  to  hang  them  for  it ;  and  even  that  is  not  enough  to 
deter  others  from  the  practice.  But  none  of  the  Indians  were 
ever  hanged  for  stealing  ;  and  yet  they  do  not  steal  half  so  much. 
We  will  not  consent,  therefore,  to  become  Christians,  lest  we 
should  be  as  bad  as  they.  We  will  live  as  our  fathers  lived,  and  go 
where  our  fathers  are,  when  we  die."  Notwithstanding  that 
Mr.  B.  did  all  he  could  to  explain  to  them  that  these  were  not 
Christians  in  heart,  and  that  he  did  not  want  them  to  become 
such  as  these,  he  could  not  prevail  on  them  to  accept  his  doctrine, 
but  left  them,  mortified  at  the  thought  that  the  wickedness  of 
some  who  professed  Christianity  should  produce  such  prejudices. 


CHAPTER  THE  THIRD. 

1,  2.  (1)  forget  not,  this  counsel  involves  the  duty  of  making 
effort  to  remember,  frequently  recalling,  and  using  well  all  aids 
to  keep  it  in  mind."  my  law,  or  my  teaching.*  which  is  con- 
tained in  the  following  verses.  "  Divine  revelation  has  all  the 
attributes  of  a  law — publicity,  authority,  practicability."  keep, 
or  watch  over,  as  one  does  who  guards  a  vineyard,  command- 
ments, the  particular  precepts  contained  in  the  general  law. 
(2)  length  of  days,  the  sign  of  Div.  favour  then  so  greatly 
desired,''  and  promised  as  one  of  the  chief  blessings  attending 


Cap.  iii.  3, 4.] 


PROVERBS. 


23 


obedience,  long  life,  Heb.  years  of  life,  with  the  emphasis  on 
life,  in  the  sense  of  health  and  energy,  peace,  as  the  sign  of 
prosperity.  Peace  has  always  been  l2ie  foremost  word  in  Heb. 
benedictions. 

The i)liilosophy  of  health  and  iJeace  (vv.  I,  2). — I.  Obedience  to 
moral  law  is  a  condition  of  physical  health.  1.  Physical  health 
requires  obedience  to  the  Divine  laws  of  our  being  ;  2.  Obedience 
to  the  Divine  laws  involves  the  study  of  them  ;  3.  A  hearty 
agreement  with  the  Divine  will  is  essential  to  secure  the  study 
of  His  laws.  II.  Obedience  to  moral  law  a  condition  of  spiritual 
peace.  Peace  requires  two  things.  1.  The  inward  harmony  of 
the  soul's  powers  ;  2.  The  sense  of  the  Divine  favour.'' 

Advantage  of  religion. — In  the  life  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Scott, 
lie  gives  us  an  account  of  a  female  servant,  belonging  to  his  con- 
gregation in  London,  who  was  taken  ill,  of  whom,  with  the 
assistance  of  kind  friends  who  knew  her,  he  took  care  for  many 
years.  She  was  thus  saved  from  the  workhouse,  and  made  com- 
fortable to  the  day  of  her  death.  And  who  was  this  servant 
girl  ?  She  was  one  who  in  early  life  spent  all  her  wages  as  a 
servant  in  support  of  her  aged  and  distressed  parents,  who  con- 
fidently believed  that  God  would  raise  her  up  friends  whenever 
she  might  need  them  ;  and  who  gave  herself  therefore  to  the 
duties  which  her  Bible  had  commanded.' 

3,  4.  (3)  mercy  and.  truth,  these  "are,  when  predicated  of 
man,  the  designation  of  those  attributes  in  wh.  the  normal  per- 
fection of  his  moral  conduct  towards  his  neighbour  expresses 
itself.""  "  The  two  elements  of  a  moraUy  perfect  character." 
bind  .  .  neck,''  like  a  charm  or  talisman  ;  but  better  far  than 
any  such,  "  the  neck  is,  in  Sol.'s  writings,  the  organ  and  symbol 
of  obedience."  "write  .  .  heart,  so  as  to  govern  your  very 
motives  and  feelings,  table,  or  tablet,  Je.  xvii.  1  ;  2  Cor.  iii.  3. 
(4)  good  understanding,  or  intelligence,  not,  as  marg.,  good 
succe.<is.     "  The  mind  which  is  firm  and  well-balanced."" 

Soul  literature  («'.  3). — Writing  is  a  very  ancient  art ;  the  pen- 
manship of  the  soul  is  a  writing  more  ancient  and  universal.  In 
this  art  every  man  is  a  busy  writer.  The  soul  registers  every 
impression  made  upon  it.  In  comparing  soul  writing  with  that 
of  the  pen  two  things  are  observable.  I.  Correspondence — both 
imply  readers  —  both  are  injurious  or  useful  —  both  require 
training.  II.  Dissimilarity.  Soul  writing  more  universal,  more 
useful  to  Christianity.  Note — 1.  Truth  written  by  the  soul  in 
the  life  is  more  legible  than  truth  Avritten  by  the  pen  ;  2.  Is 
more  convincing  ;  3.  Is  more  persuasive.  Consider — (1)  Life  is 
a  book  ;  (2)  The  book  of  life  should  be  a  Christian  book  ;  (3)  It 
will  soon  have  to  be  examined."* 

Speaking  the  truth. — A  little  boy.  named  Augustus,  was  sent 
by  his  mother  to  get  some  milk.  His  brother  wanted  to  go  in 
his  stead,  and  when  they  got  into  the  street,  he  tried  to  force 
the  pitcher  from  his  hand.  Augustus,  who  had  been  sent  by  his 
mother,  held  the  pitcher  fast,  till  at  last  it  fell  on  the  ground, 
and  was  broken  to  pieces  between  them,  and  Augustus  began 
to  cry  bitterly.  A  woman  who  was  in  the  street,  and  saw  how  it 
happened,  not  fearing  God,  told  him  to  say  when  he  went  home 
that  the  woman  who  sold  the  milk  had  broken  the  pitcher. 
Augustus,  wiping  his  eyes,  and  looking  steadily  at  the  woman, 
said,  "  That  would  be  telling  a  lie  1    I  will  speak  the  truth,  then 


quent  reenrrence 
of  the  same  im- 
pressions."— /S^*. 
Com. 

h  "  My  direction : 
the  orig.  term 
alhides  to  tlirow- 
ing  out  the  hand, 
as  if  to  guide  a 
passenger  in  his 
vfny."— Miller. 

c  Ps.  xxi.  4,  xcL 
16  ;  comp.  Ex.  xx, 
12 ;  1  Ki.  iii.  14, 

d  Dr.  Tfionuu. 

e  WhiUcroU, 


a  Otto  Zockler. 

b  "  Like  the  tolO' 
pkoth.  or  fillets 
prescribed  by  the 
Law  (Ex.  xiii. 
16)."  —  Words- 
worth. 

"  Take  '  mercy 
and  truth '  fr. 
the  soul  and  you 
take  the  verdure 
fr.  the  fields,  and 
leave  them  ia 
barrenness,  you 
take  the  light 
from  the  heavens 
and  leave  them  ia 
sackcloth.  With- 
out them  the  soul 
is  lost, — lost  to 
virtue,  nobility, 
usefulness,  and 
heave  n."  —  D. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

c  Ge.  xxxii.  3— 
4 ;  Lu.  ii.  62. 

d  Or.  Thotnai, 

V.  3.  Bp.  Backet, 

862. 

"  There  is  no- 
thing which 
makes  so  great  a 
difference  be- 
ween  one  maa 
and  another  as 
tlie  practice  of 
calm  and  serious 
thinking.  "— 
Abercrombie. 


24 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Hi.  5-a 


c  Isa.  xrn.  4. 

"  The  fundnraen- 
tal  principle  of 
all  religion  is  an 
entire  self-com- 
mitment to  the 
grace  and  truth 
of  God,  with  the 
abandonment  of 
every  attempt  to 
attain  blessed- 
ness by  one's  own 
strength  or 
wisdom."  —  Otto 
ZSckler. 

Ps.  xxxvlL  3, 
cxviii.  8,  9;  Je. 
is.  22. 

6  "Many  might 
Lave  attained 
■wisdom,  liad  they 
not  thonglit  they 
had  already  at- 
tained it." — 
Seneca, 

t  W.  W.  Whythe. 

9.  5.  Bp.  Beve- 
ridge,  vii.  259  ; 
G.  Carlton,  155  ; 
J.  Mason,  i.  224  ; 
Jt.  M'anD'/ord,  ii. 
349;  W.  Gresley, 
275. 

d  Dr.  Cheever. 


a  "  There  is  not 
a  greater  enemy 
to  the  power  of 
religion,  and  the 
fear  of  God  in  the 
heart,  than  con- 
ceitedness  of  our 
own  wisdom." — 
ifat.  Henry. 

6Fr.  A.-S.  nafta. 
iz.  na/u,  nave ; 
often  used  for  the 
centre  of  a  thing. 
A  depression  In 
the  centre  of  the 
abdomen, 
e  "There  Is, 
prob.,  a  rofei'pncc 
to  the  local  appli- 
cations used  by 
the  surgery  of 
the  period  as 
means  of  heal- 
ing.'"—.S>*.  Com. 

dJ)r.  TJwrms. 


my  mother  will  not  scold  me  ;  but,  if  she  should,  I  would  rather 
be  scolded  than  tell  a  lie." 

5,  6.  (5)  trust,  man,  being  a  dependent  creature,  must  trust 
some  one  ;  they  alone  are  truly  wise  whose  trust  is  in  the  Lord.*" 
all  thine  heart,  or  wholly,  without  letting  any  confidences  ia 
things  spoil  the  trust  in  God.  Q-wn  understanding,*  as  iif 
you  had  no  need  of  a  Divine  helper.  (6)  ackno'wledge  him, 
or  recognise  ;  have  regard  to  Him  and  His  will.  "  Recognise 
Him  as  the  unconditional  controller  over  all  thy  willing  and 
doing."     direct,  make  them  straight,  even,  and  prosperous. 

Leaning  on  God  (v.  5). — I.  The  trust  enjoined.  1.  Undivided  j 
2.  Exclusive ;  3.  Simple ;  4.  Uniform.  II.  Its  necessity  im- 
plied. 1.  Our  understandings  are  fallible ;  2.  False  guides 
abound.  III.  The  assurance  given.  1.  Directions  of  Providence  ; 
2.  Of  the  Word  ;  3.  Of  the  Holy  Spirit.' 

A  di'Lit  confounded. — A  deist,  on  a  visit  to  his  friends,  among 
other  topics  of  conversation,  enlarged  considerably  on  the 
suificiency  of  reason,  separate  from  Di'vine  assistance,  to  guide  us 
to  happiness.  To  whom  the  relative  present,  who  was  a  farmer, 
made  the  following  reply : — "  Cousin,  when  you  were  about 
fourteen  years  of  age,  you  were  bound  apprentice  to  your  trade, 
and  having  served  the  appointed  time,  you  soon  became  a 
master,  and  have  now  continued  in  business  about  twelve  years. 
I  wish  to  know  whether  you  could  not  prosecute  your  trade  at 
this  time  to  greater  advantage  than  when  you  first  embarked  in 
it  as  a  master  ?"  The  tradesman  admitted  that  his  experience 
in  business  was  of  considerable  value  to  him  ;  but  asked,  what 
relation  that  had  to  the  present  topic  of  discourse.  The  farmer 
answered,  "  You  were  come  to  the  perfect  use  of  your  reason, 
and  had  been  for  a  long  time  taught  how  to  manage  your  trade  ; 
and  if,  therefore,  your  reason  without  experience  was  insufficient 
to  preserve  you  from  many  errors,  in  so  plain  and  easy  a  business 
as  yours,  how  can  you  imagine  that  it  should  be  sufficient,  with- 
out Divine  assistance,  to  guide  you  to  heaven  ?"  The  deist  waa 
confounded.<* 

7,  8.  (7)  wise  .  .  eyes,"  Pr.  xxvii.  2  ;  Ro.  xii.  16.  fear,  etc., 
the  fear  of  God  both  making  us  quickly  sensitive  to  what  is  evil, 
and  fully  resolved  to  shun  it  whatsoever  form  it  may  take. 
(8)  health,  or,  as  marg.,  vicdicine.  na'vel,*  as  the  centra  of  the 
body  put  for  the  whole  body.  inarrO"W,  or  moistening."  hones, 
the  bodily  framework. 

Self-conceit  (y.  7). — I.  It  involves  self-ignorance.  Let  the 
wisest  think — 1.  Of  his  knowledge  in  comparison  with  what  is 
to  be  known  ;  2.  In  comparison  with  what  ought  to  be  known. 
II.  It  obstructs  mental  improvement.  1.  This  requires  an 
earnest  seeking  for  knowledge  :  2.  And  this  requires  a  deep 
sense  of  the  necessity  of  knowledge.  III.  It  destroys  social 
influence.  The  elements  of  social  power  are  intelligence,  gene- 
rosity, truthfulness,  humility.'' 

Conceit  natural  to  humanity. — ^Little  localised  powers  and 
little  narrow  streaks  of  specialised  knowledge,  are  things  men 
are  vory  apt  to  be  conceited  about.  Nature  is  very  wise  :  but 
for  this  encouraging  principle  how  many  small  talents  and  little 
accomplishments  would  be  neglected  1  Talk  about  conceit  as 
much  as  you  like,  it  is  to  human  character  what  salt  is  to  the 


Cap.  lil,  9-12.] 


PROVERBS. 


25 


oceau  ;  it  keeps  it  sweet  and  renders  it  endurable.     Say  rather   ''•  7.    Dr.  j.  Dis. 

it  is  like  the  natural  una-uent  of  the  sea-fowl's  plumag-e,  which    ^'''';,'^;  .^^  •  ^''• 

-      -     -      '^    -        -  '   --  I    _         o    >  R.MonUtouse.Bli 


enables  him  to  sh^d  the  rain  that  falls  on  him  and  the  wave  in 
which  he  dips.  When  one  has  had  all  his  conceit  taken  out  of 
him,  when  he  has  lost  all  his  illusions,  his  feathers  will  soon 

soak  through,  and  he  will  fly  no  more I  say  that  conceit  1 

is  just  as  natural  a  thing  to  human  minds  as  a  centre  is  to  a  | 
cii-cle.     But  little-minded  people's  thoughts  move  in  such  small  1 
circles  that  five  minutes'  conversation  gives  you  an  arc  long ! 
enough  to  determine  their  whole  curve.     An  arc  in  the  move- 
ment of  a  large  intellect  does  not  differ  sensibly  from  a  straight 
line.* 

9,  10.  (9)  honour,  etc.,  by  making  the  prescribed  free-will 
and  thank  ofFeriugs."  More  generally,  recognise  God's  hand  iu 
all  temporal  blessings,  and  be  thankful  to  Him.  substance, 
or  capital,  stock,  increase,  the  revenue  derived  from  it.  (10) 
■barns,  or  storehouses  of  various  kinds,  presses,  or  wine- 
vats,  into  which  the  produce  of  the  vineyards  and  oliveyards 
would  be  carried,  burst  out,  reference  is  to  the  bui'sting  of 
the  grape  under  the  treading,  not  to  any  breaking  of  the  over- 
full vats.* 

Capital  and  jy^'ofit  (v.  9). — A  grievous  malady  infests  mercan- 
tile life  at  the  present  day,  and  shows  itself  in  these  two  kindred 
features.  1.  A  morbid  forwardness  to  commence  business  with- 
out capital :  that  is,  an  effort  to  reap  an  increase  while  you  have 
no  substance  to  reap  it  from.  2.  A  morbid  forwardness  to  pro- 
secute business  to  an  enormous  extent  upon  a  very  limited 
capital ;  that  is,  an  effort  to  reap  more  increase  than  your  sub- 
etance  can  fairly  bear.*^ 

Trade  moraUtij. — The  Rev.  John  Parkhurst,  the  author  of  the 
Hebrew  and  Greek  Lexicons,  having  a  tenant  who  fell  behind  in 
the  jjayment  of  his  rent,  which  was  £500  per  annum,  it  was 
represented  to  his  landlord  that  it  was  owing  to  his  being  over- 
rented. A  new  valuation  being  made,  it  was  agreed  that,  for 
the  future,  the  rent  should  not  be  more  than  £4.50.  Mr.  Park- 
hurst justly  inferring  that  if  the  farm  was  then  too  dear,  it 
must  necessarily  have  been  always  too  dear,  unasked,  and  of  his 
own  accord,  immediately  struck  off  £.50  from  the  commence- 
ment of  the  lease  ;  and  instantly  refunded  all  that  he  had  pre- 
viously received  more  than  £450  per  annum.'' 

11,  12,  (11)  despise  not,  shrink  not  from."  be  "weary,  or 
loathe,  abhor,  his  correction,  wh.  is  always  paternal,  and 
the  means  to  gracious  ends.  (12)  whom  .  .  cbrrecteth,*  He. 
xii.  5 — 8.  delighteth,''  love  making  the  father  strong  to  bless 
the  child  with  needed  corrections.'' 

The  hearing  of  suffering  on  conversion  (v.  11). — Suffering  is 
altered  in  character  as  soon  as  we  enter  into  possession  of  the 
Divine  favour.  It  then  forms  a  part  of  the  plan  of  Divine  love. 
Suffering  has  not  ceased  to  bear  its  character  of  chastisement.  I 
I.  It  acts  as  a  dyke  against  the  overflow  of  evil  ;  it  incessantly  j 
restrains  and  thrusts  it  back.  II.  Suffering  is  not  a  blessing  i 
simply  because  it  acts  as  a  restraint :  but  also,  and  especially,  j 
because  it  acts  as  a  preparative.  It  is  a  bridle,  and  also  a  spur,  | 
urging  us  towards  the  cross.'  ' 

Sanctifying  ptrwer  of  aJHiction. — It  is  by  affliction  chiefly  that 


J.  Doughty,  231. 
e  Holmes. 


a  Ex.  xxil.  29, 
xxiii.  19,  .xxxiv. 
26  ;  De.  xxvi.  2 ; 
Mai.  iii.  10  ;  Lu. 
xiv.  13. 

'"Good,  the  mora 
c  o  m  m  u  n  icated, 
inoi-e  ab\mdant 
grows.'  "—Mil' 
Ion. 

b  Comp.  Joel  iv. 
18 ;  Am.  ix.  13. 

c  Dr.  Amot. 

V.  9.  C.  Clark, 
107  :  W.  Reading, 
iv.     2ie ;     /.   C. 

AlUler,  291. 

"  Enjoy  the  bles- 
sings of  this  day, 
if  God  sends 
them,  and  the 
evils  bear 
p  a  t  i  e  n  t  ly  and 
sweetly ;  for  this 
day  only  is  ours ; 
— we  a-e  dead  to 
yesterday,  and 
are  not  born  to 
to-morrow." — JB' 
remy  Taylor. 

d  M'/iHecross. 


a  "  Turn  not  with 
j  impatient  exacer- 
tiatiou  and  vio- 
1  e  n  t  revulsion 
from  the  disci- 
phne  of  Divine 
c  h  astisement, 
wli.  will  prove 
thy  obedience." 
—  Word.<tiortfi. 
Jobv.  17. 
b  "  From  this 
passage  it  ap- 
pears that  every 
Jewish  child  was 
taught  to  ac- 
k  n  owledge 
another  Father 
in  heaven   chaa- 


26 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  111.  13-ia 


tising  him,  even 

as  he  had   been 

chastised   by  his 

earthly    father." 

—Spk.  Com. 

c     "  For     whom 

Jehovah  lores  He 

corrects,  and,  as 

a  father,  does  the 

son  a  favour,"  so 

Miller  trans,  the 

passige. 

d  Comp.   He.  ii. 

10,  V.  8,  9. 

e  Dr.  E.  de  Pres- 

sensL 

/  Dr.  Johnson. 

a  O  the  blessed- 
ness of  the  man ! 
as  Ps.  i.  1, 

b  There  appears 
here  an  evident 
aUusion  to  the 
new  commerce  of 
Kol.'s  time  with 
Ophir,  etc. 

«  W.  W.  Whyihe. 

V.  13.  /.  Morgan, 
i.  201;  C.  Muljo, 
1 ;  jr.  Gresley, 
297. 

"  It  hath  pleased 
the  Holy  Gliost 
to  keep  the  names 
of  tlie  penman 
of  many  parts  of 
the  Scripture  in 
everlasting 
obscurity;  for  He 
borrows  no  coun- 
tenance or  autho- 
rity unto  any- 
thing that  pro- 
ceeds by  inspira- 
tion from  Him- 
self from  the 
names  of  men." 
—Dr.  Owen. 


the  heart  of  man  is  purified,  and  that  the  thoughts  are  fixed  on  a 
better  state.  Prosperity,  alloyed  and  irti  perfect  as  it  is,  haa 
power  to  intoxicate  the  imagination,  to  fix  the  mind  upon  the 
present  scene,  to  produce  confidence  and  elation,  and  to  make  him 
who  enjoys  affluence  and  honours  forget  the  hand  by  which  they 
were  bestowed.  It  is  seldom  that  we  are  otherwise,  than  by 
affliction,  awakened  to  a  sense  of  our  imbecility,  or  taught  to 
know  how  little  all  our  acquisitions  can  conduce  to  safety  or  to 
quiet ;  and  how  justly  we  may  ascribe  to  the  superintendence  of  a 
higher  power  those  blessings  which,  in  the  wantonness  of 
success,  we  considered  as  the  attainments  of  our  policy  or 
courage.-'^ 

13,  14.  ("13)  happy,  better.  Messed.^  wisdom,  or  goodneaa, 
the  true  wi:-dom.  getteth,  Heb.  draweth  out,  from  Gods  stores 
of  truth,  and  the  experiences  of  life.  Draws  out,  as  metals  by 
digging.  (14)  msrchandise,  traffic  m  it.*  Some  prefer  the 
word  "accamula'Jon.''  fine  gold,  the  technical  word  used  for 
the  native  gold,  in  the  nugget  or  the  dust. 

Spirit iinl  merchandise  (c.  14). — I.  The  trade.  1.  The  assets, 
capital,  stock  ;  2.  The  receipts,  present  joys,  promises  ;  3.  The 
liabilities,  obligations  ;  4.  The  accounts,  books,  correspondence. 
II.  Its  advantages.  1.  The  losses,  indolence,  negligence,  timi- 
dity ;  2.  The  profits,  large,  sure,  enduring.  III.  Its  requisites. 
1.  Promptness;  2.  Perseverance;  3.  Regularity;  4.  Attention.* 

A  poor  mail' If  n-i.sdom. — An  old  man,  of  very  acute  physiognomy, 
answering  to  the  name  of  Jacob  VVilmot,  was  brought  before  the 
Police  Court.  His  clothes  looked  as  if  they  might  have  been 
bought  second-hand  m  his  youthful  prime,  for  they  had  suffered 
more  from  the  rubs  of  the  world  than  the  proprietor  himself. 
"What  business?"  "None;  I'm  a  traveller."  "A  vagabond, 
perhaps  ? "  "  You  are  not  far  from  wrong  :  travellers  and  vaga- 
bonds are  about  the  same  thmg.  The  difference  is  that  the  latter 
travel  without  money,  and  the  former  without  brains."  "  WTiere 
have  you  travelled.''''  "All  over  the  Continent."  "For  what 
purpose?"  "Observation."  ■' What  have  you  observed  ?  "  "A 
little  to  commend,  much  to  censure,  and  very  much  to  laugh  at." 
"  Humph  1  what  do  you  commend  ?  "  "A  handsome  woman  that 
will  stay  at  home,  an  eloquent  preacher  that  will  preach  short 
sermons,  a  good  writer  that  will  not  write  too  much,  and  a  fool 
that  has  sense  enough  to  hold  his  tongue."  "  What  do  you 
censure  ? "  "  A  man  who  marries  a  girl  for  her  fine  clothing,  a 
d  Haven.  youth  who  studies  law  or  medicine  while  he  has  got  the  use  of 

his  hands,  and  the  people  who  elect  a  drunkard  to  office."  "  What 
do  you  laugh  at  ?  "  "  I  laugh  at  a  man  who  expects  his  position 
to  command  that  respect  which  his  personal  qualities  and  quali- 
fications do  not  merit."    He  was  dismissed.'' 

^  .  15,  16.  (15)  rubies,  Heb.  peninim,  either  red  coral,  or  more 

hand  in'"' the  prob.  pearls.  Sill ..  desire,  lit.  all  t/ii/ drlif/Jif.^.  (ifi)  in  . .  hana,- 
Bible everywhere)  she  is  valuable  in  herself,  and  also  in  the  things  that  she  brings 
means    one's    with  her,  1  Ki.  iii.  11 — 13. 

m?n''talit"^"?rl  ■^''"fJ^^  "/  '''".'/•«  '«  ^^^  hand  oj  nn.<:dom  (v.  16).— I.  It  is  not  a 
agtucyr-- Miller,  uniform  experience,  that  a  man  lives  long  who  lives  well,  such  a 
rule  would  not  be  suitable  to  the  present  dispensation.  II.  It  is 
io^'  .^' f;'^"^"'  true  that  all  wickedness  acts  as  a  shortener  of  life,  and  all  good- 
r<tffer,i.  613.  ^^^^  ^  ^^  lengthener  :  but  other  elements  enter,  and  compUc-at« 


Cap.  ii^  17, 18.] 


PROVERBS. 


the  result,  and  slightly  veil  the  interior  law.  Take  as  an  illus- 
tration, drunkenness,  which  is  selected  by  the  agents  of  assurance 
societies  for  their  calculations.  Other  sins,  if  human  eyes  could 
trace  them,  would  give  the  same  results.^ 

T/ie  worth  of  ivi'<dom. — If  the  mountains  were  pearl,  if  every 
eand  of  the  sea  were  a  diamond,  it  were  not  comparable  to  wisdom. 
Without  wisdom,  a  person  is  like  a  ship  without  a  pilot, — in 
danger  to  split  upon  rocks.  The  price  of  wisdom  is  above  rubies. 
Tlie  ruby  is  a  precious  stone,  transparent,  of  a  red  fiery  colour. 
It  is  reported  of  one  of  the  kings  of  India,  he  wore  a  ruby  of  that 
bigness  and  splendour,  that  he  might  be  seen  by  it  in  the  dark  ; 
but  wisdom  casts,  a  more  sparkling  colour  than  the  ruby  :  it  makes 
us  shine  as  angels.* 

17.  "ways,  properly  highways,  main  roads.  The  ways  along 
wh.  she  will  lead  those  who  devote  themselves  to  her.  pleasant- 
ness, "All  the  enjoyments  and  entertainments  of  sense  are  not 
comparable  to  the  pleasure  wh.  gracious  souls  have  in  common 
with  God  and  doing  good."<»  paths,  In/pathK,  smaller  side  roads, 
peace,*  such  as  may  ensure  peace  :  but  peace  may  here  mean 
"prosperity." 

Connection  hetn-een  holiness  and  happiness  (r.  17). — I.  State  the 
nature  of  holiness  :  it  is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  involves 
change  of  heart  and  life.  II.  Consider  the  certain  connection 
between  holiness  and  happiness.  1.  It  is  established  by  the 
deductions  of  reason  :  2.  Also  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  3.  Founded 
on  experience.  III.  The  reflection  which  this  subject  awakens. 
Learn  how  false  are  the  estimates  which  the  ungodly  form  of 
religion  when  they  represent  it  as  unfriendly  to  happiness." 
Wisdom  is  lihe  the  sun. — 

So  Wisdom  made  her  favourite  wise  of  heart, 
And  led  the  loved  one  through  all  holy  spheres 
And  dwellings  of  seraphic  bliss,  and  homes 
Of  perfect  pleasure  :  even  as  the  sun 
Wades  through  the  golden  waters  of  the  world 
Up  to  the  top  point  or  the  tower  of  time. 
Then  steep  descends,  down  to  the  lowest  nook 
Of  furthest  space.** 

18.  tree  of  life,  as  Ge.  ii.  9.  iii.  22  ;  Re.  ii.  7,  xxii.  2.  Per- 
Bonification  of  wisdom  as  a  fruitful  tree  giving  nourishment  and 
immortality.  But  the  former  personification  of  wisdom  as  a 
queen  remains  in  the  verse,  and  it  is  the  queen,  not  the  tree,  on' 
wh.  we  are  to  gain  and  keep  our  hold. 

The  blessedness  of  wixdom  (r.  18). — Wisdom — I.  Endows  with 
the  best  wealth.  1.  The  former  cannot  be  enjoyed  without  the 
latter  ;  2.  Has  a  very  transitory  existence  compared  with  the 
latter  :  i\.  Is  not  essential  to  the  blessedness  of  the  latter.  II. 
It  contributes  to  the  prolongation  of  life.  III.  It  secures  hap- 
piness in  all  departments  of  life.  IV.  It  restores  to  all  forfeited 
privileges." 

Th£  si/mpafhy  of  wisdom. — 

Some  there  are. 
By  their  ^ood  works  exalted,  lofty  minds 
And  meditative,  authors  of  delight 
And  happiness,  which  to  the  end  of  time 
Will  live,  and  spread,  and  kindle  ;  minds  like  these, 


27 


b  Dr.  Arnot. 

V.  16.  T.  Adams, 
858 ;  J.  Abf*T» 
nethy,  iii.  140 ; 
Dr.  W.  Lupinn, 
298;  T.  Wheal- 
land,  339. 

c  J.  Walson. 


a  Mat.  Henry. 

"  Her  ways  aro 
the  ways  of  chas- 
tity, justice, 
truthfulness, 
hol3'  affections, 
benevoleni 
activities,  and 
communings 
with  the  Great 
God,  and  from, 
these  pleasure 
must  inevitably 
s  p  r  i  n  g.'"  —  D. 
Thomits,  D.D. 
b  Matt.  .\i.  29,  30. 
c  C.  G  Iberl. 
V.  17.  Dr.  T. 
f/orinn,  2\6;  Bp. 
E.  Hopkins,  iv. 
354  ;  T.  Manlon, 
iv.  1038:  Dr.  R. 
South,  ii.  404_; 
Dr.  I.  Bar  rote,  i. 
1 ;  Bp.  Bereridge, 
V.  195  ;  L.  Sterne, 
iv.  153. 
d  Bailey. 


a  Dr.  Thotruu. 

v.  18.  T.  ilanton, 
V.  1037 ;  T.  Dale, 
V.311. 

Nohoily  giving 
any  attention  to 
old  Diogenes 
while  discoursing 
of  virtue  and 
philosophy,  he 
fell  to  singing  a 
fun  y  song;  and 
multitudes 
crowded  to  hear 
him.  "Yo  gods!" 
he  said,  "how 
much  more  is 
folly  admired 
than  nisdom  1" 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap  111.  19-23. 


6  Wordsworth. 

The  gem  cannot 
be  pnlishert  with- 
out friction,  nor 
man  perfected 
without  adver- 
sity. 


a  "  We  are  raised 
by  science  tn  an 
understanding  of 
the  infinite  wis- 
dom and  good- 
ness which  tlie 
Creator  has  dis- 
played in  all  His 
works."  —  Lord 
Brougham. 

h  Job  xxxtL  S7, 

28. 

e  Dr.  Thomat. 

d  A.Clark. 

"The  very  sight 
of  evil  is  dan- 
gerous, and  it  is 
hard  for  the  heart 
not  to  run  into 
those  sins  to 
which  the  eye 
and  the  ear  are 
inured.  Not  out 
of  love,  but  out 
of  custom,  we  fall 
into  some  of- 
fences. How 
many  have  fallen 
into  a  fashion  of 
swearing,  scof- 
fing, drinking, 
out  of  the  usual 
practice  of 
others,  as  those 
that  live  in  a  pes- 
tilential air  are 
infected  by 
diseases." — Bp. 
Hall. 

"  A  rooted  habit 
becomes  a  go- 
verning pri  n  - 
ciple.  Every  lust 
we  e  n  t  er  t  a  i  n 
deals  with  us  as 
Delilah  did  with 
Samson:  not 
only  robs  us  of 
our  strength,  but 
leaves  us  fast 
bownA."  —  TUlot- 


In  childhood,  from  this  solitary  being, 

This  helpless  wanderer,  have  perchance  received 

(A  thing  more  precious  far  than  all  that  books 

Or  the  solicitudes  of  love  can  do  !) 

That  first  mild  touch  of  sympiUhy  and  thought, 

In  which  they  found  their  kindred  with  a  world 

Where  want  and  sorrow  were.* 

19,  20.  (19)  the  Lord,  Sol.  now  turns  attention  fr.  what 
wisdom  is  to  man,  and  shows  how  it  is  related  to  God.  founded, 
or  created.  Advancing  knowledge  of  the  earth's  crust,  and 
history,  should  deeply  impress  on  us  the  wonderful  wisdom  of 
God  in  arranging  it  for  the  abode  of  man."  established,  or 
prepared,  set  firm.  (20)  depths,  cnmp.  Ge.  i.  7,  vii.  11.  The 
expression  may  well  refer  to  the  great  geological  changes. 
clouds  .  .  dew,*  this  is  not  a  strictly  scientific  statement,  as  the 
dew  is  formed  by  the  condensation  of  the  atmosphere.  But  we 
familiarly  speak  of  the  "falling  dew."  Dew  is  of  exceeding 
value  in  hot  countries. 

Wisdom  the  source  and  .tnvereign,  of  trorlds  (v.  19). — These 
words  give  us  two  ideas  of  the  universe.  I.  That  it  is  organised 
by  wisdom.  This  opposed — 1.  To  the  eternity  of  the  universe  ; 
2.  To  the  contingent  origin  of  the  universe.  II.  That  it  is 
organised  by  one  Being.  1.  The  unity  of  the  universe  shows 
this  ;  2.  The  Word  of  God  declares  this." 

The  dew. — If  clouds  are  necessary  to  produce  rain,  sunshine 
is  an  essential  to  the  formation  of  dew.  A  dewy  morning  only 
follows  a  day  whose  sun  has  well  warmed  up  the  earth.  It  is  neces- 
sary that  the  heat  should  readily  radiate  into  the  surrounding 
atmosphere  by  night.  When  the  surface  of  the  earth  thus  cools 
down  more  rapidly  than  the  incumbent  air  about  it,  and  when 
the  air  is  saturated  with  moisture,  then,  by  the  contact  of  tempe- 
ratures, the*air  becomes  unable  to  retain  its  moisture,  and  yields 
its  sprays  and  vapours  to  be  shaped  by  a  natural  law,  the  same 
which  rounded  the  world  out  of  chaos  and  orbed  the  universe  ; 
and  then  what  was  invisible  becomes  visible  m  drops  of  settling 
dew.  So,  whenever  dew  is  seen  to  fall,  there  must  first  have 
been  a  flowing  down  of  sunshine  in  the  day,  and  then  a  respon- 
sive current  of  warmth  uprising  in  the  night  toward  the  region 
whence  it  came.  The  earth  receives  and  yet  rettirns  the  heat  the 
heavens  gave,  and  as  if  to  reward  such  gratitude,  the  dew 
descends  to  refresh  and  gladden  its  beseeching  and  thankful 
breast.  So,  when  people's  hearts  are  hard,  and  dry.  and  desolate, 
it  may  be  because  they  lack  responsiveness  to  heaven's  gifts — 
for  want  of  gratitude  for  the  light  and  privilege  which  have 
shone  upon  them  all  their  days.  Teachers,  if  they  would  see  their 
classes  bright  and  happy,  and  parents,  if  they  would  have  glowing 
summer  in  their  homes,  and  have  young  hearts  themselves,  should 
be  open-souled  and  thankful,  and  teach  the  children  how  to  be 
grateful  for  daily  blessings.  Then  would  sun-warmth  from  the 
better  world  be  taken  in  through  the  gauze  of  form,  and  task, 
I  and  habit,  and  fashion  ;  then,  because  each  heart  would  be  flower 
instead  of  flint,  grass  instead  of  granite,  fruit  instead  of  fossil ; 
then  would  the  pearly  dewdrops  of  glory  glitter  all  over  a  school 
and  all  through  a  family,  like  an  immortal  morning.'' 

21,  22.  (21)  them,  i.e.  the  wisdom   and  discretion  of  th« 


Cap.  lit  23-S6.] 


PROVERBS. 


29 


second  clause,  depart  .  .  eyes,  keep  them,  by  never  letting 
them  be  out  of  sight.  Watch  them  as  you  would  priceless  jewels. 
(22)  life,  or  health,  vitality,  vigour,  grace,  or,  like  a  gracious 
ornament."  Religious  principles  give  a  refinement  and  graceful- 
ness to  character. 

Fiddity  to  2>i'inc>ple  (rv.  21 — 26). — The  advantages  connected 
with  fidelity  to  the  ethics  of  godliness  are  here  sketched,  and 
they  are — I.  Life.     II.  Ornament.     III.  Safety.     IV.  Courage.* 

The  office  and  the  man. — Alexander  the  Great  once  degraded  an 
officer  of  distinction,  by  removing  him  to  an  inferior  situation. 
He,  some  time  after,  asked  the  officer  how  he  liked  his  new  office. 
*'  It  is  not  the  station,"  replied  the  officer,  "  which  gives  conse- 
quence to  the  man,  but  the  man  to  the  station.  No  situation  can 
be  so  trifling  as  not  to  require  wisdom  and  virtue  in  the  perform- 
ance of  its  duties."  The  monarch  was  so  pleased  with  this 
answer,  that  he  restored  him  to  his  former  rank." 

23,  24.  (23)  not  stumlDle,  so  far  from  falling,  you  shall  not 
even  stumble."  (24)  liest  down,  etc.,  comp.  Ps.  iii.  5.'  afraid, 
bee.  you  will  have  no  consequences  of  sin  to  be  afraid  of.  sweet, 
as  is  that  of  the  innocent  child. 

Rules  of  sleep. — There  is  no  fact  more  clearly  established  in 
the  physiology  of  man  than  this,  that  the  brain  expands  its 
energies  and  itself  during  the  hours  of  wakefulness,  and  that 
these  are  recuperated  during  sleep.  If  the  recuperation  does  not 
equal  the  expenditure,  the  brain  withers — this  is  insanity.  Thus 
it  is  that,  in  early  English  history,  persons  who  were  condemned 
to  death  by  being  prevented  from  sleeping,  always  died  raving 
maniacs ;  thus  it  is  also  that  those  who  are  starved  to  death 
become  insane, — the  brain  is  not  nourished,  and  they  cannot 
eleep.  The  practical  inferences  are  three.  1st.  Those  who'think 
most,  who  do  most  brain-work,  require  most  sleep.  2nd.  That 
time  "  saved "  from  necessary  sleep  is  infallibly  destructive  to 
mind,  body,  and  estate.  3rd.  Give  yourself,  your  children,  your 
servants — give  all  that  are  under  you,  the  fullest  amount  of  sleep 
they  will  take,  by  compelling  them  to  go  to  bed  at  some  regular, 
early  hour,  and  to  rise  in  the  morning  the  moment  they  awake  : 
and  within  a  fortnight,  Nature,  with  almost  the  regularity  of  the 
rising  sun,  will  unloose  the  bonds  of  sleep  the  moment  enough 
repose  has  been  secured  for  the  wants  of  the  system.  This  is  the 
only  safe  and  sufficient  rule  ;  and  as  to  the  question  how  much 
sleep  any  one  requires,  each  must  be  a  rule  for  himself. — great 
Nature  will  never  fail  to  write  it  out  to  the  observer  under  the 
regulations  just  given.* 

25,  26.  (2.5)  sudden  fear,  such  will  come,  but  the  godly 
man  need  have  no  fears  in  such  times,  desolation,  etc..''  in 
this  Bk.  of  Prov.  sudden  calamity  is  regarded  as  a  usual  mode  of 
Div.  judgment  on  the  wicked.  (26)  thy  confidence,  the 
thought  of  "  Him  who  keepeth  Israel "  shall  comfort  you  and 
bring  you  peace,  being  taken,  either  in  a  trap,  or  taken  away 
by  the  floods  of  calamity. 

Confidence  in  God  the  tme  safeguard  from  temptation  {v.  2G). — 

I.  Do  not  say  God  is  your  confidence,  if  He  be  only  your  dread. 

II.  There  is   a   trust  which  only  the  unreconciled   experience. 

III.  Confidence  in  God  is  not  to  be  attained  by  a  wish  whenever 
you  please.    lY.  True  confidence  haa  a  power  for  good  on  the  life.* 


a  Pr.  i.  9. 

6  Dr.  Thomas, 

V.  21.  G.  J.  ZoU 
/(X'l/ffr.ii.  316;  J. 
Miller,  1U3. 

"  IMost  certainly 
t  li  a  t  superior 
wisdom  which 
corrects,  re- 
proves, and  in- 
forms  man 
agiiinst  his  own 
inchuation,  can 
be  no  part  of 
h  i  m  s  e  1  f." — 
Finilon. 

c  R.  T.  8. 


a  "  Thou  Bhalt 
ever  go  under  a 
double  guard, 
the  'peace  of 
God' within  thee, 
and  the  '  power 
of  God'  without 
thee." — Tiapp. 

b  Le.  ixyi.  6 ;  Pa. 
iv.  8. 


"  Come  sleep,  O 
sleep!  the  certain 
knot  of  peace,  the 
baiting-place  of 
wit,  the  balm  ot 
woe ;  the  poor 
mans  wealth,  the 
prisoner's  release, 
the  i  m  p  a  rtial 
judge  between 
the  high  and 
low."— iir  Philip 
Sydney. 

c  Dr.  Forbes 
WinslotB. 


a  Pr.  1.  27;  Pfc 

bLxiii.  19. 


"  When  wisdom 
and  innocency, 
like  Castor  and 
Pollux, appear  to- 
gether they  pre- 
siige  the  soul'* 
happiness."  ■«  /. 
Walton. 


30 


[Cap.  111.27-30, 


«  Bigg. 

"0  God,  I  have 
made  an  ill  use  of 
Thy  mercies,  if  I 
have  not  learnt 
to  be  content 
with  Thy  correc- 
ti  ons.  "  —  J)p. 
Hall. 


a  Troh.  It  ex- 
presses, in  this 
bold  form  of 
speech,  the  great 
8c  riptural 
thought  that  the 
80-called  posses- 
sion of  wealth  is 
tut  a  steward- 
ship: that  the 
true  owners  of 
■what  we  call  our 
own  are  those  to 
•whom,  with  it, 
Vre  may  do  good." 
— S}>k.  Com. 

b  Fausset. 

e  Dr.  Thomas. 

«.  27.  J.  Fisher, 
190;  J.  Seed,  ii. 
1 ;  Bp.  Porteus, 
iii.  359;  Dr.  W. 
Cooper,  i.  142  ;  R. 
Woodward,  36. 
"  On  folly's  lips 
eternal  talkings 
dwell  ;  wisdom 
speaks  little,  but 
that  little  well; 
so  lengthening 
shades  the  sun's 
decline  betray, 
but  shorter 
shadows  mark 
meridian  day." — 
Bishop. 

d  WliUecross. 


a  Dr.  Thomas. 

If  God  afflict  you, 
let  not  i  m  p  a  - 
tience  add  to  the 
affliction. 

"  Quietness  b  e  - 
fore  God  is  one  of 
the  most  difficult 
of  Christian 
graces;  to  sit 
■where  He  places 
us,  to  be  what  He 
•would  have  lis  to 
be,  and  as  long  as 
H  e  pleases.  "  — 
CeeiL 


Faith  the  link  between  God  and  man. — 
Religion  is  the  true  philosophy  1 
Faith  is  the  last  g^reat  link  'twixt  God  and  man. 
There  is  more  'wisdom  in  a  whispered  prayer 
Than  in  the  ancient  lore  of  all  the  schools  ; 
The  soul  upon  its  knees  holds  God  by  the  hand, 
Worship  is  wisdom  as  it  is  in  heaven  ; 
"  I  do  believe  !     Help  Thou  my  unbelief ! " 
Is  the  last  greatest  utterance  of  the  soul.' 

27—29.  (27)  -withhold  .  .  due,  the  godly  man  need  have 
only  one  anxiety,  that  of  "doing  good,"  all  the  good  he  can. 
Due,  not  as  having  business  claims,  but  the  claims  ■\vh.  belong 
ever  to  the  suffering  and  the  needy."  (28)  say  not,  comp.  Jas. 
ii.  15,  16,  V.  4.  "'Promptly  fulfil  all  obligations  both  of  justice 
and  charity."*  (29)  devise,  plan  and  put  in  practice, 
securely,  without  care  or  suspicion.  Not  for  a  moment  think- 
ing you  have  evil  designs.     So  do  not  abuse  confidence. 

Beneficence  (rv.  2(j  —  29). — I.  Human  beneficence  has  its 
claimants.  1.  What  you  have  is  given  in  truth  ;  2.  It  is  given 
for  distribution.  II.  Human  beneficence  is  limited  by  in- 
capacity. III.  Human  beneficence  should  ever  be  prompt  in  its 
services.  1.  Because  the  postponement  of  any  duty  is  a  sin  in 
itself  ;  2.  Because  the  neglect  of  a  benevolent  impulse  is  in- 
jurious to  self  ;  3.  Because  the  claimant  may  suffer  seriously  by 
a  delay  of  your  help.  IV.  Human  beneficence  excludes  all  un- 
kinduess  of  heart.'' 

3Iarshal  Turenne. — The  celebrated  Marshal  Turenne  observed 
in  his  army  an  officer  of  distinguished  birth  but  very  ill-mounted. 
He  invited  him  to  dinner,  and,  -when  the  repast  was  over,  took 
him  aside  and  said  to  him  in  the  kindest  manner,  "  I  have  a 
favour  to  ask  of  you,  sir  ;  you  may  perhaps  find  it  difficult  to 
grant,  but  I  trust  you  Avill  not  refuse  your  general.  I  am  old," 
continued  he,  "  and  even  a  little  infirm,  and  spirited  horses 
fatigue  me  ;  I  have  seen  you  have  one  on  which  I  think  I  should 
be  more  at  my  ease  :  and  if  I  were  not  afraid  to  ask  so  great  a 
sacrifice,  I  would  propose  that  you  should  give  it  to  me."  The 
officer  replied  by  a  profound  bow,  and  went  immediately  for  his 
horse,  which  he  led  into  Turenne's  stable.  The  next  day  the 
general  sent  him  one  of  the  best  and  handsomest  horses  in  the 
army.'' 

30.  strive  not,  either  in  private  contention  or  public  litiga- 
tion, "without  cause,  or  to  no  purjiose.  The  litigious  spirit 
is  unsuitable  to  the  good  and  godly  man.  It  leads  men  to  make 
occasions  of  quarrel  when  really  there  are  none. 

Strife. — Look  at  strife  in  two  aspects.  I.  As  a  principle  in- 
herent in  the  soul.     II.  As  a  principle  liable  to  perversion." 

Contention. —  Two  learned  physicians  and  a  plain,  honest 
countryman,  happening  to  meet  at  an  inn,  sat  down  to  dinner 
together.  A  dispute  presently  arose  bet"n'een  the  two  doctors  on 
the  nature  of  aliment,  w^hich  proceeded  to  such  a  height,  and 
was  carried  on  with  so  much  fury,  that  it  spoiled  their  meal,  and 
they  parted  extremely  indisposed.  The  countrjTiian,  in  the 
meantime,  who  understood  not  the  cause,  though  he  heard  the 
I  quarrel,  fell  heartily  to  his  meat,  gave  thanks  to  God,  digested 
,  it  well,  returned  in  the  strength  of  it  to  his  honest  labour,  and 


Cap.  lii.  31-34.] 


PROrt'RBS. 


31 


et  evening'  received  his  wages.  "  Is  there  not  sometimes,"  adds 
Bishop  Home.  "  as  much  difference  between  the  polemical  and 
the  praciica'  Christian?"* 

31,  32.  (.SI)  envy  not,  since  the  bad  man  is  often  pros- 
perous in  this  world,  the  godly  man  is  tempted  to  envy  him." 
oppressor,*  man  of  mischief,  or  rapacious  man.  (32)  froward, 
or  one  bent  out  of  right  ways,  secret,  Ps.  xxv.  14.  righteous, 
better,  the  straitflitfovivard. 

The  oppressor  (v.  31). — I.  His  character  is  not  to  be  envied. 
1.  Because  envy  is  in  itself  an  evil ;  2.  Because  there  is  nothing 
in  the  oppressor  to  be  desired.  II.  His  conduct  is  not  to  be 
followed.'^ 

Unirersalit]/  of  envy. — Envy  is  a  weed  that  grows  in  all  soils 
and  climates,  and  is  no  less  luxuriant  in  the  country  than  in  the 
court ;  is  not  confined  to  any  rank  of  men  or  extent  of  fortune, 
but  rages  in  the  breasts  of  all  degrees.  Alexander  was  not 
prouder  than  Diogenes  :  and  it  may  be,  if  we  M'ould  endeavour 
to  surprise  it  in  its  most  gaudy  dress  and  attire,  and  in  the  exer- 
cise of  its  full  empire  and  tyranny,  M'e  should  find  it  in  school- 
masters and  scholars,  or  in  some  country  lady,  or  the  knight,  her 
husband  ;  all  which  ranks  of  people  more  despise  their  neighbours 
than  all  the  degrees  of  honour  in  which  courts  abound  :  and  it 
rages  as  much  in  a  sordid  affected  dress  as  in  all  the  silks  and 
embroideries  which  the  excess  of  the  age  and  the  folly  of  youth 
delight  to  be  adorned  with.  Since,  then,  it  keejjs  all  sorts  of 
company,  and  wriggles  itself  into  the  liking  of  the  most  con- 
trary natures  and  dispositions,  and  yet  carries  so  much  poison 
and  venom  with  it,  that  it  alienates  the  affections  from  heaven 
and  raises  rebellion  against  God  Himself,  it  is  worth  our  utmost 
care  to  watch  it  in  all  its  disguises  and  approaches,  that  we  may 
discover  it  in  its  first  entrance,  and  dislodge  it  before  it  procures 
a  shelter  or  retiring-place  to  lodge  and  conceal  itself.'* 

S3,  34.  (33)  in  the  house,  abiding  constantly  with  them. 
•'  God  is  angry  with  the  wicked  everj'-  day."  habitation, 
though  it  be  but  a  cottage,  or  a  tent.  (3i)  scorneth,"  Jas.  iv. 
6  ;  1  Pe.  V.  h.  God  precisely  meets  man,  adapting  His  dealings 
with  him  to  man's  disposition,  lowly,  who  are  willing  to  receive 
Div.  instructions.* 

Fldrlify  to  conscience. — A  Christian  youth  was  in  the  service 
of  a  farmer,  who  wished  him  to  work  on  the  Lord's  daj'  more 
than  was  necessary  for  feeding  the  cattle,  watering  the  horses, 
and  such  like.  The  youth  remonstrated,  and  succeeded  in  getting 
time  to  attend  the  house  of  God.  But  one  Sunday,  much  against 
his  will,  he  was  compelled  to  work  upon  a  part  of  the  farm  on  a 
small  island  near  the  coast.  The  farmer  and  a  farm  servant 
went  with  him.  A  squall  came  on  and  upset  the  boat ;  all  were 
thrown  into  the  deep  water.  As  they  were  clinging  to  the  boat, 
an  ill-timed  jest  was  made  at  the  conscious  feelings  of  the  youth. 
"  1  say,  Jim,"  said  the  fanner,  "  whcre"s  youx-  religion  now  ? 
Will  it  heln  you  to  suim  ashore  ?"  "  My  trust,"  replied  Jim,  "  is 
iu  my  Gou  and  Saviour  ;  if  it  is  His  will,  I  shall  get  safe  to  land." 
At  this  moment  a  wave  rolled  iu,  turned  the  farmer  over,  and  he 
pank  to  rise  no  more.  The  same  wave  bore  one  of  the  oars  of 
the  boat  under  Jims  arm.  thus  enabling  him  to  reach  the  shore. 
One  of  the  many  illustrations,  even  in  this  world,  of  the  sayings , 


6  WhitecroH. 


a  Ps.  Ixxlii,  3, 

b  "  The  good  old 
rule  sufficeth 
them,  the  simple 
plan,  that  they 
should  take  who 
have  the  power, 
and  they  should 
keep  who  can."^ 
W.  Wurdsicorlfi. 
c  Dr.  Thomas. 

vv.  31, 32.  T.  Man. 
ton,  iv.  1044. 

d  Ld.  Clarendon. 

"To  pooh-pooh 
what  we  are 
never  likely  to 
possess  is  won- 
derfully easy. 
The  confirmed 
celibate  is 
loudest  in  his 
ilenunciatious  of 
matrimony.  I  n 
^-Esop,  it  is  the 
tailless  fox  that 
advocates  the 
disuse  of  tails. 
It  is  the  grapes 
we  cannot  reach 
that  we  call 
sout  "—.i£iieas 
iiage. 


a  Ps.  xviii.  28. 

"  God  will  scorn 
the  m,  and  lay 
them  open  to  the 
scorn  of  th • 
world." — Mat. 
Henry. 

b  "  Humility  la 
both  a  grace  and 
vessel  to  receive 
grace." — Trapp. 

V.  33.  /.  Ailing, 
Op.  ii.  p.  3,  351  r 
br.  J.  Orion,  ii. 
51;  J.Miller,n5. 

V.    34.       Sir    M. 

Hale,  ii.  126. 

"Well  may  w« 
think  our  sub- 
stance due  where 
we  owe  o  u  r« 
s  e  1  T  e  g . "  —  Bp 
Hall. 


32 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  iv.  1,  St 


t  R.T.3. 


a  Da.  xii.  2,  3. 

"  As  is  our  cha- 
racter so  are  we 
b"fore  Goil  ami 
His  universe,  ami 
so  will  be  our  ile- 
stiny  in  tlio  great 
h  er  eafter." — D. 
Tlwmis,  D.D. 

6  C.Simeon,  M.A. 

«.  35.  /.  Balguy, 
LI. 

"  Tou  shall  have 
him  ever  inquir- 
ing into  the 
estates  of  his 
equals  anri  bet- 
ters, wherein  he 
is  uot  more  desi- 
rous to  hear  all, 
than  loth  to  hear 
anything  o  v  e  r- 
gooii ;  and  if  just 
report  re  late 
ftught  better 
than  he  would, 
he  redoubles  the 
question,  as 
being  hard  to  be- 
li  e  v  e  what  he 
likes  uot.  Whom 
he  dares  not 
openly  backbite, 
nor  wound  with  a 
direct  censure,  he 
strikes  smootlily 
■with  an  over-cold 
praise."  —  Bishop 
Hall. 


•  0  o  m  p.  P  s. 
xxxiir.  11  ;  1  Th. 
li.  11 ;  1  Jno.  ii. 
12,  13, 18. 

6  "  The  author 
designs  to  repre- 
sent himself  as  a 
son,  and  the  ob- 
ject of  his  fa- 
ther's counsels 
and  warnings. 
The  pirn  w:is  to 
presei  "■,  the  ex- 
ample of  the  one 
sou  before  the 
many  sons." — 
Quo  ZOckler. 


of  the  wise  man,  "  Surely  He  scorneth  the  scorners ;  but  H« 

g-iveth  grace  unto  the  lowly." ' 

35.  wise,  made  wise  for  life  and  eternity  by  heeding  the 
teaching's  of  the  ti'ue  Wisdom,  glory,"  a  comprehensive  term 
for  all  honour  and  good,  promotion  of,  or  exalteth.  fools, 
who  are  wicked  more  than  foolish. 

The  rrivarda  of  n-i.irltim  and  fall y  {v.  3.5). — I.  Distinguish  the 
two  characters.  II.  Declare  their  proper  award.  III.  The  efFecb 
of  wisdom  on  our  condition  in  the  eternal  world.  There  the 
conduct  of  all  will  be  rightly  appreciated  ;  then  wisdom  and 
folly  will  ai^pear  in  their  true  light.  Recommend — 1.  A  re- 
trospect of  your  past  lives  ;  2.  A  prospective  view  of  futurity.* 

MnKuUon. — Massillon,  an  eminent  French  preacher,  in  the  first 
sermon  he  ever  delivered,  found,  upon  his  getting  into  the  pulpit, 
the  whole  audience  in  a  disposition  no  way  favourable  to  his  in- 
tentions ;  their  nods,  whispers,  or  drowsy  behaviour,  showed  him 
that  there  was  no  great  profit  to  be  expected  from  his  sowing  m 
a  soil  so  barren.  However,  he  soon  changed  the  disposition  of 
the  audience  by  his  manner  of  beginning.  "  If,"  said  he,  "  a 
cause  the  most  important  that  could  be  conceived  were  to  be 
tried  at  the  bar  before  qualified  judges  ;  if  this  cause  interested 
ourselves  in  particular  ;  if  the  eyes  of  the  whole  kingdom  were 
fixed  upon  the  event ;  if  the  most  eminent  counsel  were  em- 
ployed on  both  sides  ;  and  if  we  had  heard  from  our  infancy  of 
this  undetermined  trial  ;  would  you  not  all  sit  with  due  atten- 
tion and  warm  expectation  to  the  pleadings  on  both  sides  ? 
Would  not  all  your  hopes  and  fears  be  suspended  upon  the  final 
decision  1  And  yet,  let  me  tell  you,  you  have  this  moment  a  cause 
of  much  greater  importance  before  you  ;  a  cause  where  not  one 
nation  but  all  the  world  are  spectators  ;  tried  not  before  a  fallible 
tribunal,  but  before  the  awful  throne  of  Heaven  ;  where  nob 
your  temporal  and  transitory  interests  are  the  subjects  of  debate, 
but  your  eternal  happiness  or  misery  ;  where  the  cause  is  still 
undetermined  ;  but,  perhaps  the  very  moment  I  am  speaking 
may  fi.x  the  irrevocable  decree  that  shall  last  for  ever  ;  and  yet, 
notwithstanding  all  this,  you  can  hardly  sit  with  patience  to  hear 
the  tidings  of  salvation.  I  plead  the  cause  of  Heaven,  and  yet  I 
am  scarcely  attended  to."  * 


CHAPTER  THE  FOURTH. 

1,  2.  (1)  ye  children,  the  pupils  or  hearers  of  the  teacher  ol 
wisdom  are  so  called  in  affectionate  earnestness.  The  expression 
suggests  that  the  counsels  are  urged  with  a  paternal  authority." 
of  a  father,  who  had  been  a  son,  and  knew,  by  happy  ex- 
perience, the  value  of  parental  instruction  and  discipline.* 
understanding,  spiritual  discernment  of  that  which  is  right 
and  good,  (2)  good  doctrine,  oral  teaching  received  by  me, 
which  I  hand  over  to  you.  He  received  the  substance  of  it  from 
his  father.  la'W,  or  practical  directions  for  the  guidance  of 
life. 

A  reUffiom  home  (vv.  1 — 4). — I.  The  love  of  a  religious  homo. 
1.  Natural  love  :  2.  Spiritual  love.  II.  The  training  of  a  reli. 
gious  home.  The  teaching  was — 1.  Worth  retaining  ;  2.  Prao- 
tical :  3.  Quickening.    III.  The  influence  of  a  religiou*  homa 


Cap.  iv.  3— 6.  J 


PROVERBS, 


39 


For  this,  two  reasous.    1.  The  susceptibility  of  childhood  ;  2.  The 
potency  of  parental  affection."^ 

A  viother's  cuinmendation. — Shortly  after  a  number  of  people 
appeared,  supyjorting  a  young  man  upon  horseback,  who  had 
been  mortally  wounded.  His  mother  walked  on  before,  quite 
frantic  with  grief,  clapping  her  hands,  and  enumerating  the 
good  qualities  of  her  son.  '-He  never  told  a  lie,''  said  the  dis- 
consolate mother  ;  and  as  her  wounded  son  was  carried  in  at  the 
gate,  bitterly  did  she  exclaim,  "  He  never  told  a  lie, — no,  never." 
The  heathen  mother  considered  truth  so  important,  that  what- 
ever other  good  qualities  her  son  might  possess,  the  greatest  of 
all,  in  her  eyes,  was  his  veracity.'' 

3,  4.  (3)  father's  son,  specially  favoured  son,  because  in- 
dicated by  God  as  the  successor  to  the  throne."  tender,  in 
sense  of  gentle,  docile,  only  beloved,  or  the  darling  of  my 
mother,  so  receiving  her  special  care.*  (4)  he  taught  me, 
prob.  Dav.  did  not  leave  the  instruction  of  Sol.  to  others,  but 
himself  gave  instruction,  in  the  first  principles  of  truth  and 
duty. 

Filial  recollections  (vv.  3,  4). — I.  Of  a  father's  care.  II.  Of  a 
mother's  tenderness.  III.  Of  early  parental  instruction.  IV. 
How  do  we  regard  these  things  now  ?  V.  All  this  care,  tender- 
ness, and  instruction  are  for  our  advantage.  VI.  Our  present 
treatment  of  parents  will  embitter  or  gladden  future  recollections. 

3/aternal  injiucare. — "  Hook  back  to  the  period  when,  standing 
on  the  side  of  a  river,  a  broad  river,  when  about  to  shake  hands 
with  a  beloved  mother,  and  hear  a  long  farewell.  I  still,  still 
think  that  I  hear  her  pleading  ;  I  still  think  that  I  hear  that 
gentle  voice  sajdng,  '  0  my  son  1  my  son  !  make  me  happy  by 
promising  me  a  promise.'  I  still  think  I  see  the  tears  trickling 
over  her  venerable  cheeks,  which  I  saw  again  only  a  few  weeks 
ago,  when  I  bade  her  a  last  earthly  farewell.  I  still  think  I  see 
that  venerable  form  pleading  with  a  naughty  son,  when  he 
refused  to  promise  that  he  would  read  the  Word  of  God  every 
morning  and  every  evening.  When  I  look  back  to  that  period 
(and  all  my  feelings  are  still  the  same),  I  see  the  spot  where  we 
stood  ;  I  still  imagine  I  hear  the  tones  of  her  voice,  though 
now  her  lips  tremble  with  age  when  she  speaks  ;  I  still  think  I 
eee  her  countenance  brightening  up,  when  I  said,  '  Yes,  mother, 
I  shall  do  what  you  wish.'  In  obedience  to  that  promise,  I  read 
the  Word  of  God.  and  God  poured  out  His  Spirit  from  on  high. 
My  dark  heart  was  enlightened  ;  I  saw  the  Saviour — that  Saviour 
that  died  for  me  ;  and  from  that  day  to  the  present,  I  have  lived 
to  the  faith  of  the  Gospel."* 

5,  6.  (5)  get,"  as  a  permanent  possession,  a  ruling  principle, 
tinderstandlng,  discretion  to  choose  between  the  right  and 
the  wrong,  diserrnnu'n.t.  forget  not,  according  to  the  fixedne  s 
of  the  attention  will  be  the  safe  holding  in  memory,  decline 
not,  tufn  not  back  from.  Sol.'s  own  story  painfully  illus.  the 
danger  against  wh.  he  guards  others.  Temptations  to  turn  from 
the  principles  established  in  a  pious  youth-time  are  sure  to  come. 
(6)  forsake  her  not,  wisdom  is  here  personified  as  a  queen. 
She  represents  the  "  chief  good"  for  man*  (ch.  iii.  13 — 18).  pre- 
serve thee,  like  a  watchman.     She  stands  sentry  over  us." 

The  sunimum  bonuin  i^vo.  6 — i)).  —  I.   Here  is  the  eummum  : 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  O 


e  l>r.  Tltomat. 

V.  1.  R.  O-cil,  iii. 
145;  Sydney 
Smilh,  So2 ;  Dr. 
W.  B.  Collyer, 
334. 

d  Mungo  Park, 


a  1  Chr.  xxil.  8, 
xxviii.  6,  6. 

b  "  Noteworthy 
istheprominenea 
giveu  to  the  mo- 
ther's share  in 
traiuing  the 
child.  Among 
the  Israelites  and 
Egj-ptians  akne, 
of  the  nations  of 
the  whole  world, 
was  the  son's  re- 
verence for  the 
mother  placed 
side  by  side  with 
that  which  he 
owed  to  his  ttk- 
t\ieT."-Spk.  Com. 

"The  home  is  the 
most  potent  in- 
stitution in  the 
world.  Parental 
roofs  are  more 
influential  insti- 
tutions than  ca- 
thedrals. '  The 
old  arm  chair ' 
where  parents 
sat  is  mightier  to 
me  than  an3'  pul- 
pits ever  have 
been  or  ever  will 
b  e.  '  —  David 
Thomas,  D.J). 
"  For  the  term 
only  comp.  Ge. 
xxii.  2.  12 ;  Jna 
i.  3  ;  Eph.  i.  6. 
c  Dr.  Moffat. 

a  "  Lit.  htty.  An 
imitation  of  the 
exclamation  of  a 
merchant  who  is 
offering  his 
•w&Tes."  -Vmhreit. 
b  "  The  '  chief 
good  for  man ' 
must  be  intellec- 
tual, or  adapted 
to  the  higher  and 
nobler  part  of  our 
nature :  attain- 
able   bjr    oU,    of 


S4 


PROVERBS. 


(Cap.  Iv.  7-12. 


whatever  sex, 
age,  or  mental 
conform  alion  ; 
unimpaired  by 
distribution  ;  in- 
dependent of  the 
circumstances  of 
time  or  place ; 
incapable  of  par- 
ticipation to  ex- 
cess ;  composed 
essentially  of  the 
same  elements  as 
the  good  to  be 
enjoyed  in  a  fu- 
ture state." — 
Quoted  by  l>r. 
Thoinas. 
e  Miller. 
d  Dr.  Thomas. 

a  Miller. 
"The  highest 
thing  is  wisdom. 
Get  wisdom." — 
Otlo  Ziiciler. 
h  The  LXX.  ren- 
der "  place  thou 
stakes  about 
her,"  to  lift  her 
tip  as  if  she  were 
a  tree. 

Berlheioi  thinks 
the  idea  of  the 
word  used  is,  en- 
closing uith  a 
wall,  suggesting 
a  loving  clasp 
and  embrace. 
cComp.  Gal.vi.  8. 
V.  7.  IF.  Sironij, 
493;  Bp.  Wilkiiis, 
197  ;  Dr.  T.  Cnney, 
lii.  105  ;  J.  Mnsn'n, 
Iv.  259:  W.  lAin<t- 
horne,  i.  105  ;  B/i. 
Home,  V.  323  :  B. 
C.  Sjioioikn,  321 ; 
Bossuel,  xvii.  1  ; 
Dr.  W.  Dodd,  i. 
123. 

"Wisdom  is  of 
two  kinds  ;  there 
are  th  ose  who  are 
deemud  wise,  and 
those  who  are 
really  such ;  viz., 
those  who  are 
wise  "  after  the 
flesh,"  and  those 
who  are  wise 
"after  the 
Spirit." 


3G, 


a  Miller. 
b  Ps.  xviil. 
xci.  n. 
"  On  the  great 
highwny  of  life 
the  iitily  free  tra- 
vell'T  is  he  who  is 
spiritually  wise. 
Others  are  so  bur- 


bonum  described.     1.  The  possession  ;  2.  The  application  of  the 
highest  knowledge.      II.  Here  is  the  summum   bonum  sought. 

1.  Attentively;    2.    Constantly;    .S.    Lovingly;    4.    Supremely. 
III.  Here  is  the  summum  bonum  enjoj^ed.     1.  As  a  guardian ; 

2.  A  patron  ;  3.  Rewarder."* 

Avoiding  temptation. — It  is  said  that  a  Quaker,  having  to 
engage  a  coachman,  was  anxious  to  secure  a  competent  and 
trusty  person.  Three  candidates  presented  themselves,  and  the 
same  question  was  put  to  each.  "  Friend,  how  near  canst  thou 
drive  to  the  edge  of  a  precipice  without  upsetting  the  coach  ?" 
"  AVithin  a  foot."  was  the  reply  of  the  first.  ''Within  an  inch," 
was  the  reply  of  the  second.  The  third,  who  was  the  successful 
candidate,  answered,  •■  I  always  endeavour  to  keep  as  far  off  from 
a  precipice  as  possible."     The  moral  is  plain. 

7 — 9.  (7)  wisdom  .  .  thing,  lit.  a.f  the  height  of  wisdom  get 
wistdom :"  or,  the  beginning  of  wisdom  is  to  get  wisdom,  thy 
getting,  whatever  thou  seekest  to  acriuire.  understanding, 
here  as  usual  in  the  sense  of  practical  discernment,  such  appre- 
hension of  life  as  will  help  a  man  to  guide  his  way  aright 
through  it.  (8)  exalt  her,  set  her  high  in  thine  esteem. 
Extol  her  as  thy  greatest  good.*  promote  thee,  responding  by 
doing  for  us  what  it  is  in  our  heart  and  effort  to  do  for  her.* 
embrace  her,  as  a  loved  and  trusted  wife,  with  fond  affection. 
(9)  an  ornament,  ch.  i.  9.  deliver,  or  compass  thee  with,  for 
thy  protection.     Wisdom  shall  be  to  thee  beauty  and  strength. 

The  principal  thing  (r.  7).  —  I.  What  this  wisdom  is  not — - 
mere  knowledge,  scientific,  metaphysical,  etc.  Many  have  this 
kind  of  knowledge  who  are  not  wise  unto  salvation.  II.  AMiat 
it  is — religion  in  the  broad  and  personal  sense.  Fear  of  the 
Lord  the  beginning  of  wisdom.  III.  Why  the  principal  thing. 
1.  We  may  have  all  else  and  not  be  saved  ;  2.  We  may  have  none 
else  but  this,  and  then  shall  be  saved  ;  3.  It  is  the  principal 
thing  in  life,  death,  and  for  ever. 

ll'iadiim. — Knowledge  is  the  treasure  of  the  mind,  but  dis- 
cretion is  the  key  to  it,  without  which  it  is  useless.  There  are 
no  such  safeguards  as  virtue  and  wisdom.  The  one  secures  the 
soul,  the  other  the  estate  and  body.  "  Fortune  first  fools  the 
man  she  means  to  foil."  She  dares  not.  she  cannot  hurt  U9 
■while  we  continue  wise.  Discretion  sways  the  stars  and  fate. 
The  witty  Horace  says : — 

*'  In  short,  the  wise  is  only  less  than  Jove, 
Rich,  free,  and  glorious  ;  nay,  a  king  above 
All  earthly  kings." 
Sin  can  no  more  be  without  folly  than  fire  without  dryness  or 
water  without  moisture.     It  is  folly  that  opens  the  door  and  lets 
it  into  the  heart  and  retains  it  there. 

10 — 12.  (10)  years  ..  many,  or,  "my  words  shall  grow 
greater  to  thee  thTough  years  of  life.""  life,  the  word  here 
used  is  a  plural,  as  if  Sol.  embraced  in  thought  the  life  that  now 
is  and  that  wh.  is  to  come.  (11)  led  thee,  caused  thee  to  tread, 
referring  to  childhood.  Now  that  youth  was  come,  Sol.  was 
anxious  that  his  son  should  go  willingly  in  the  way  in  which 
childhood's  steps  h.ad  been  led.  right  paths,  or  •■  paths  of 
loveliness,"  or  righteouness.  (12)  not  to  be  straitened, 
there  shall  bo  ample  room  :  in  thy  life-journey  the  path  shall  fee 


Cap.iv.  13.) 


PROVERBS. 


S5 


clear  and  open,  and  obstacles  Bhall  disappear.*  runnest,  in 
thy  times  of  activity  or  haste. 

T/w  path  of  wisdom  (vv.  10 — 13). — 1.  The  path  of  wisdom  is 
known  only  by  teaching.  1.  By  precept ;  2.  By  example.  II.  The 
path  of  wisdom  is  fraught  with  true  blessings.  I.  Longevity  ; 
2.  Freedom  ;  3.  Safety.  III.  It  requires  the  most  vigorous 
steadfastness. "^ 

Shining  more  and  more. — "  If  you  only  have  candlelight,  bless 
God  for  it,  and  He  will  give  you  starlight ;  when  you  have  got 
starlight,  praise  God  for  it,  and  He  will  give  you  moonlight ; 
when  you  have  got  moonlight,  rejoice  in  it,  and  He  will  give 
you  sunlight ;  and  when  you  have  got  sunlight,  praise  Him  still 
more,  and  He  will  make  the  light  of  your  sun  as  the  light  of 
seven  days,  for  the  Lord  Himself  shall  be  the  light  of  your 
spirit."'' 

13.  take  fast  hold,  strictly,  "  fasten,  and  do  not  let  slack."" 
Hold  the  lessons  of  wisdom  with  a  firm  and  unrelaxing  tenacity. 
keep  her,  or  keep  watch  over  her.  thy  life,  exactly,  '*  she  is 
herself  thy  life." 

Holdfast  (('.  13). — I.  To  what  ?  Instruction,  If.  in  the  truth 
that  makes  wise  to  salvation — heavenly  wisdom.  II.  "When  1  At 
once — more  especially  in  the  time  of  youth.  Youth  the  time 
for  learning,  books,  trade,  etc.  III.  How  ?  With  desperate 
earnestness,  firm  grasp  ;  continue  holding,  hy  prayer,  thought,  etc. 
IV.  Why  I  She  is  thy  life.  1.  She  will  bless  thy  present  Life  ;  2. 
Save  thee  to  life  eternal. 

The  advantage  of  n-isdntn. — During  a  violent  stonn  in  Novem- 
bei,  1821,  a  vessel,  passing  through  the  English  Channel,  was 
driven  on  shore  near  Bcachy  Head,  and  the  whole  of  the  crew 
being  washed  overboard,  four  escaped  from  the  wreck,  only  to  be 
delivered,  as  they  thought,  to  a  more  lingering  and  fearful,  from 
its  being  a  more  gradual  and  equally  inevitable,  death  ;  for 
having  in  the  darkness  of  the  night  been  cast  upon  the  breakers, 
they  found,  when  they  had  climbed  up  the  highest  of  these  rocks, 
that  the  waves  were  rapidly  encroaching  on  their  asylum,  and 
they  doubted  not  that,  when  the  tide  should  be  at  its  height,  the 
whole  range  would  be  entirely  covered  with  water.  The  darkness 
of  the  night  prevented  anything  being  seen  bej^ond  the  spot 
upon  which  they  stood,  and  which  was  continually  decreasing  by 
the  successive  encroachments  of  each  advancing  wave.  The 
violence  of  the  storm  left  no  hope  that  their  feeble  voices,  even 
if  raised  to  the  uttermost,  could  be  heard  on  shore  ;  and  they 
knew  that  amidst  the  howling  of  the  blast  their  cries  could  reach 
no  other  ear  than  that  of  God.  What  human  arm  could  give  assist- 
ance m  such  a  situation  ?  Even  if  their  distresses  were  known, 
how  vain  were  the  help  of  man  !  The  circle  of  their  existence 
here  seemed  gradually  lessening  before  their  eyes  ;  their  little 
span  of  earth  gradually  contracting  to  their  destruction  : 
alread.v  had  they  receded  to  the  highest  points  and  already  the 
infuriated  waters  followed  them,  flinging  over  their  devoted 
heads  the  foremost  waves,  as  heralds  of  their  s]?eedily  approaching 
dissolution.  At  this  moment  one  of  these  wretched  men — while 
they  were  debating  whether  they  should  not,  in  this  extremity 
of  ill,  throw  themselves  upon  the  mercy  of  the  waves,  hoping 
to  be  cast  upon  some  higher  ground,  as,  even  if  they  failed  to 
reach  it,  a  sudden  would  be  better  than  a  lingering  death— in 
C  2 


dened  and  fet- 
tered that  there 
is  no  sprinp  of 
liberty  in  theil 
step  s."  —  Uav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

c  Dr.  Thomas. 

Men  are  running 
after  wisdom ; 
none  find  it  but 
those  who  find 
Christ. 

d  T.  Brookes. 


a  "One  rough 
grapple  is  not 
enough.  Wisdom 
glides  away,  if 
we  give  time  to 
the  arch  decei- 
ver."—J/i7ier. 
Pr.  iii.  18. 

I'.  13.  D.R.Afoss, 
i.  409  ;  S.  Perrott, 
231  ;  R.  Green' 
ham,  CU9. 
Eemember,Chri9- 
tian  soul,  that 
thou  hast  thia 
day,  and  every 
day  of  thy  life, 
"  God  to  glorify, 
Jesus  to  imitate, 
a  soul  to  savsy 
virtues  to  ac- 
quire, hell  to 
avoid,  heaven  to 
gain,  eternity  to 
prepare  for,  time 
to  profit  by, 
neighbours  t  o 
edify,  the  world 
to  despise,  devils 
to  combat,  pas- 
sions to  subdue, 
death,  perhaps, 
t  o  suffer,  and 
judgment  to  un- 
dergo." 

"  'Tis  not  yet  too 
late  ;  seize  Wis- 
dom ere  'tis  tor- 
ment to  be  wise ; 
that  is,  seize 
Wisdom  ere  she 
seizes  thee." — 
Yomuj. 

"  I  called  upon 
God,  and  the 
,«])irit  of  Wisdom 
came  to  me.  I 
preferred  her  be- 
fore sceptres  and 
tliroues.  and  es- 
teemed  richei 
nothiug'in  com* 


36 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Iv.  14. 16» 


parison  of  her. 
N  e  i  t  li  e  r  c  o  m- 
pareil  I  unto  her 
any  precious 
Btone,  because  all 
gold,  in  respect 
of  her,  is  as  a 
little  sand ;  and 
silver  shall  be 
counted  as  clay 
to  her.  1  loved 
her  above  health 
and  ber'ity,  and 
chose  to  have  her 
instead  of  lis;lit ; 
forth"  litr'.it  that 
Cometh  from  her 
neviT  Koeth  out." 
■ —  ir.'  ■ ,  luiH  ofiiolo- 
mnn. 
c  Burnett. 

a  Ps.  i.  1. 

"  Ventu'e  not 
Into  the  company 
of  those  tliat  are 
infected  with  the 
plague,  no,  not 
though  thou 
think  thyself 
guarded  with  an 
antidote." — Matt. 
Henry. 

b  W.  H.  Nncman. 

V.  14.  D.  W.  Coo- 
per, i.  371 ;  Dr. 
P.  Doddridge,  ii. 
119;  J.  Faincetl, 
ii.  313;  J.  made, 
i.  356. 

"'Hold  thy 
pea  eel'  savs 
Wisdom  to  Folly. 
'Hold  thy  peace!' 
replies  Folly  to 
Wisdom.  '  Fly  1 ' 
cries  Light  to 
Darkness :  and 
Darkness  eclioes 
back' Fly  1'  The 
latter  oliase  has 
heen  going  on 
since  the  begin- 
ning of  the  world, 
without  an  inch 
of  ground  gained 
on  either  side. 
May  we  believe 
that  the  result 
has  been  different 
in  the  contest  be- 
tween w  i  s  il  o  m 
and  folly."-//"  m 

"  For  many  years 
of  our  life  we  are 
forming  our- 
selves upon 
what  we  observe 
In  those  about  us. 
Welexrnnotonly 


this  dire  extremity,  one  of  these  despairing  creatures,  to  hold 
himself  more  firmly  to  the  rock,  gi-asped  a  weed,  which,  even 
wet  as  it  was,  he  well  knew,  as  the  lightning's  sudden  flash 
afforded  a  momentary  glare,  was  not  a  fucus,  but  a  root  of 
samphire  ;  and  he  recollected  that  this  plant  never  grows  under 
water.  This,  then,  became  more  than  an  olive  branch  of  peace, 
a  messenger  of  mercy.  By  it  they  knew  that  He  who  alone  can 
calm  the  raging  of  tlie  seas,  at  whose  voice  alone  the  winds  and 
the  waves  are  still,  had  placed  His  landmark,  had  planted  His 
standard  here  ;  and  by  this  sign  they  were  assured  that  He  had 
said  to  the  wild  waste  of  waters.  "  Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  and 
no  further."  Trusting,  then,  to  the  promise  of  this  angel  of  the 
earth,  they  remained  stationary  during  the  remainder  of  that 
dreadful,  but  then  comparatively  happy  night  ;  and  in  the 
morning  they  were  seen  from  the  cliffs  above,  and  conveyed  ia 
safety  to  the  shore.' 

14,  15.  (14)  enter  not,  avoid  the  very  entrances  and 
beginnings  of  evil  ways,  go  not,  or  walk  not ;  a  word  thafc 
indicates  the  bold,  arrogant  walk  of  the  presumptuous,  evil 
men,  as  ch.  i.  10 — 19."  (1.5)  avoid  it,  as  one  well  instructed 
in  its  way,  and  not  enticed  by  attractive  appearances,  turn 
from  it,  so  as  to  free  thyself  from  its  fascination. 

C'ltrio.sity  a  temptation  to  sin  (vi\  14,  lo). — Curiosity  strangely 
moves  us  to  disobedience,  in  order  that  we  may  have  experience 
of  the  pleasure  of  disobedience.  If  Satan  can  get  us  to  sin  once,  he 
can  easily  make  us  sin  twice  or  thrice,  till  at  length  we  are  taken 
captive  at  his  will.  The  great  thing  ia  religion  is  to  set  off 
well — to  flee  temptation.  1.  Because  it  is  hardly  possible  to 
delay  our  flight  without  rendering  flight  impossible  ;  2.  Familiarity 
with  evil  thoughts  must  be  the  consequence  of  allowing  them  to 
be  present  with  us,  even  if  we  do  not  admit  them  into  our 
heart ;  3.  Sinning  once  makes  continuance  in  sin  easy  ;  4.  This 
leads  to  spiritual  slavery.* 

Avoid  evil  company. — In  the  year  1706,  when  the  ship  Duff 
was  preparing  to  take  out  the  missionaries  from  the  London 
Missionary  Society,  Mr.  Cox,  one  of  the  directors,  was  one  day 
walking  in  the  street,  when  he  was  met  by  a  very  fine-looking 
boy  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  who.  stopping  him,  said.  "  Pray, 
sir,  have  you  some  management  in  the  ship  that  is  going  out 
with  the  missionaries .'  "  "  Yes.  I  have,  my  .young  man,"  said  Mr. 
Cox.  '■  I  should  like  very  much,  sir,  to  go  out  with  her  as  a 
cabin-boy."  "  Would  you  ?  "  said  Mr.  Cox  ;  "  have  you  any 
parents  I  "  "  I  have  a  mother."  said  the  boy,  "  but  no  father." 
"  And  is  your  mother  willing  that  you  should  go  ? "  "  Oh  yes, 
sir,  very  willing."  IMr.  Cox  then  desired  the  boj'  to  call  at  hia 
house,  and  to  bring  his  mother  along  with  him,  that  she  might 
speak  for  herself.  At  the  time  appointed,  the  boy  and  hia 
mother  came,  and  she  having  declared  her  willingness  that  her 
son  should  go,  the  matter  was  accordingly  settled.  In  the 
course  of  the  conversation,  a  gentleman  who  was  present,  in 
order  to  tiy  the  boy,  said  to  him,  "  So  you  wish  to  go  to  sea  ?  " 
''  Yes.  .sir.  in  the  missionarj'  ship."  ''  And  you  can  swear  a  good 
round  oath,  I  suppose?"  Shocked  at  the  very  idea  of  such  a 
thing,  the  ingenuous  little  fellow  burst  into  tears,  and  exclaimed, 
"  If  I  thought  there  would  be  swearing  aboard  at  all,  I  would 
not  go.'"  —  Temptation  resisted.— Th.Q  following  incident  ^n  tha 


Cap,  Iv.  16, 17.) 


PROVERBS. 


37 


early  career  of  James  Nisbet,  the  publisher,  for  many  years  a 
member  of  the  Sunday-School  Union  Committee,  is  related  by  Dr. 
Hamilton,  in  his  work  on  the  parable  of  the  "  Prodig-al  Son  : " — 
"  On  a  wintry  day  in  1803  a  lad  left  his  native  Kelso  so  sad  at 
heart  that,  as  he  stood  that  nij^ht  on  the  bridg-e  at  Berwick,  the 
tear  had  almost  frozen  on  his  cheek.  It  was  his  eighteenth 
birthday  when  he  found  himself  for  the  first  time  in  our  great 
labyrinth,  and  on  one  of  the  first  evenings  after  his  arrival  a 
youth,  who  from  the  same  vicinity  had  gone  up  to  town  the 
previous  year,  took  him  out  to  see  the  sights.  The  stroll  ended 
in  a  sort  of  blind  alley,  and  as  his  companion  knocked  at  a  door 
it  was  opened  by  some  light-looking  girls,  evidently  well  ac- 
quainted with  their  visitor.  With  instant  revulsion  the  new 
comer  started  back,  for  instinctively  he  felt  that  it  was  '  the 
house  which  inclineth  unto  death.'  In  much  agitation  he  ex- 
claimed. '  Oh, ,  where  are  you  going  ? '  and  he  entreated  his 

companion  to  come  away.  That  companion  only  laughed  and 
went  in,  and  as  our  friend  sought  his  way  back  to  his  lodging 
he  felt  very  desolate.  It  was  a  cold  and  dreary  night,  and  in  his 
disheartened  mood  he  thought  that  London  must  be  a  devouring 
monster,  which  swallowed  up  whatever  came  into  it,  and  changed 
it  into  the  likeness  of  its  own  deformity.  Here  in  a  few  months 
it  had  made  a  virtuous  youth  a  profligate,  and  as  if  walking 
amidst  snares  and  pitfalls  and  .strange  mysteries  of  iniquity,  he 
trembled  for  himself.  The  whole  thing  was  too  painful  for  him 
till  he  went  into  the  sanctuary.  But  next  Sabbath  he  inquired 
his  way  to  Swallow  Street.  There  he  found  the  worship  which 
he  had  learned  to  love  beyond  the  Border,  and  as  he  listened  to 
the  earnest  sermon  he  began  to  feel.  '  God  is  in  this  place.'  The 
little  church  brightened  into  a  Bethel,  and  helped  to  cheer  the 
following  week  :  and  then  came  an  introduction  to  the  minister, 
and  a  class  in  the  Sunday  school,  and  the  acquisition  of  one  good 
friend  after  another,  till  at  last  the  streets,  which  at  his  first 
arrival  were  haunted  by  gloomy  phantoms  and  cruel  ghosts,  grew 
populous  with  brethren  in  the  Lord  :  till  he  who  had  himself 
been  so  graciously  preserved  became  distinguished  for  his  efforts 
in  preserving  and  strengthening  younger  brethren."  "  It  was 
on  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  that  eventful  day  that  our  venerable 
friend,  his  heart  overflowing  with  gratitude  to  God,  told  us  this 
incident.  By  that  time  he  was  an  honoured  citizen,  and  his  name 
well  known  throughout  the  churches.  Numbers  of  ministers  and 
missionaries  knew  him.  Many  widows  and  orphans  knew  him. 
Nearly  all  our  religious  societies  and  benevolent  institutions  knew 
James  Nisbet." 

16,  17.  (10)  sleep,  etc.,  strong  figs,  to  express  the  excited  zeal 
of  sinners  in  doing  evil."  (17)  eat  .  .  violence,  what  they 
have  got  to  support  them  has  been  obtained  by  dishonesty  and 
violence.* 

Lifing  for  sin  (rv.  Ifi,  17). — We  have  here  a  sad  description  of 
the  desperately  wicked — I.  Finding  his  joy  in  life  in  ill-doing. 
II.  In  causing  the  ruin  of  othei-s.  III.  Living  on  ill-gotten 
gains.  Few  of  the  ungodly  reach  to  this  height  of  wickedness 
suddenly  :  they  began  by  consorting  with  the  wicked,  and  hence 
their  final  character. 

A  ittrange  reproof. — A  Welshman  was  for  some  time  awfully 
habituated  to  the  vice  of  drunkenness,  but  was  at  length  restored 


their  phrases,  but 
tVieir  iiLannera. 
The  civility  and 
courtesy  which, 
in  a  well-ordered 
family,  are  c<;u- 
stantly  seen  by 
its  younger  mem- 
bers,  cannot  fail 
to  influence  their 
deportment,  and, 
whatever  their 
natural  vulgarity 
may  be,  will  dis- 
pose them  to 
check  its  appear- 
ance.  Let  the 
descendant  of  the 
meanest  cot- 
tager  be  placed 
from  his  infancy 
where  he  per- 
ceives every  one 
mindful  of  de- 
corum, the  marks 
of  his  extract  ioa 
are  soon  oblite- 
rated ;  at  least, 
his  carriage  does 
not  discover  it. 
And  were  the 
heir  of  a  duke- 
dom to  be  con- 
tinually in  the 
kitchen  or  stable, 
tlie  young  lord 
would  soon  be 
recognised  only 
byhis  clothes  and 
title :  in  other 
respects,  he 
might  be  taken 
for  the  son  of  a 
groom  or  the 
sculhon."  —  Jkam 
ISoUoii. 


a  "The  fearful 
stage  of  debase- 
ment, when  the 
tendency  to  sin 
islikethecraving 
for  stimulnnts, 
as  a  condition 
without  whic  h 
tliere  can  be  no 
repose."  —  Spk. 
Com. 

b  Comp.  De.  xvt 
3       Ps.     cxxtH 
2  ;  Am.  ii.  8. 
Another      inter- 


38 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  iv.  18, 19. 


pretation  is  sug- 
gested, "They  eat 
■wickedness  as 
bread,  and  drink 
violence  aswiiie." 
Conip.  Job  XV.  16, 
xxxiv.  7. 
«  Clieever. 


a  "  The  Orient 
light  of  dawn, 
■Vfli.  goes  forth 
Bnd  sliines  to 
the  stedfast  day." 
—  Wordsicortli. 

"'That  grows 
and  brightens 
even  to  tlie  estab- 
lishing of  the 
day,'  alhiiting  to 
tlie  supposed  sta- 
tionary position 
of  the  sun  at 
n  oon."  —  Otto 
Zockler. 

b  "  The  capacity 
of  the  soul  for 
infinite  develop- 
ment, its  eternal 
craving  for  some- 
thing better,  the 
Increase  both  of 
its  desire  and 
power  for  furtlier 
advancement  as 
It  progresses,  as 
well  as  the  assur- 
ances of  Goil's 
W  0  r  d,  demon- 
strate that  we 
are  made  for 
progress." —  Dau. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

Comp.  fig.  in  2 
Sa.  x.tiii.  4. 

e  Dr.  Noah  Porter. 

d  II.  Grove. 

e  Hive. 

"  The  wise  and 
active  conquer 
difficulties  by 
daring  to  at- 
tempt them."  — 
Rowe. 


to  sobriety  by  the  following  singular  incident.  He  had  a  tame 
goat,  which  would  follow  him  to  the  alehouse  he  frequented. 
One  day,  by  way  of  frolic,  he  gave  the  animal  so  much  ale  that 
it  became  into.\icated.  What  particularly  struck  the  Welshman 
was  that  from  that  time,  though  the  creature  would  follow  him 
to  the  door,  he  never  could  get  it  to  enter  the  house.  He  was 
thereby  led  to  see  how  much  his  sin  had  sunk  him  beneath  a 
beast,  and  from  that  period  became  a  sober  man.'' 


a  Schulten$. 

b  1  Sa.  ii.  9  ;  Job 
xviii.  6,  6,  18, 
xxiv.  1.3  ;  Is.  lix. 
10;  Jiio.  iii.  19, 
xi.  lO.xii.  35,36. 

"All     Bin 


18.  just,  the  man  who  ever  seeks  to  do  rifiht :  not  the 
"justified"  man  of  the  New  Test,  shining  light,  of  the 
morning.  shineth,  brightens,  clears,  or  grows,  on  to  the 
noontide  fulness."  more  and.  more,  ever  advancing  and 
increasing.* 

Pr(i(i re.s.'i  of  tJie  ririhtenn.<;  and  the  wirlied  (vv.  18,  19). — T.  At 
the  commencement  of  both  there  are  difficulties  to  be  overcome. 

II.  These  difficulties,  by  perseverance,  are  gradually  diminished. 

III.  Similar,  also,  in  some  respects,  are  the  means  by  which  they 
are  both  advanced  :  they  are  alike  subject  to  the  power  of  habit. 

IV.  As  they  approach  their  end  they  afford  clearer  and  more 
decisive  indications  of  the  eternal  state  to  which  they  lead.' — 
Adrnntagcs  of  a  religion-^  life  (v.  18). — I.  It  affords  certainty  and 
evidence.  II.  Beauty  and  excellence.  III.  Pleasantness  ;  action  ; 
reflection ;  hope.  IV.  Instructive.  V.  Progressive.  VI.  In  the 
end  consummate  perfection.  Application — 1 .  To  those  who  are 
not  just  in  the  Gospel  sense  ;  2.  To  those  who  are."* — 'The  course 
of  a  good  life. — A  good  life  is  like  the  course  of  the  sun. 
Picture  the  sun  shining  through  a  bright  summer  day.  I.  How 
quiet.  II.  How  regular  and  sure.  III.  How  enlivening.  IV. 
How  progressive.' 

The  j)ath  of  the  jnst. — Many  a  man  has  sadly  failed  and 
clouded,  if  he  has  not  totally  darkened,  the  close  of  his  life 
history  ;  because  he  was  not  just,  he  lacked  courage  to  defend  the 
truth  against  obloquy.  Erasmus,  who  might  have  been  a  star  of 
the  Reformation,  was  but  a  comet,  because  he  was  too  timid  to 
place  himself  beside  Luther  and  other  champions  of  Protestant- 
ism. Far  different  was  the  career  of  such  a  man  as  John  Huss. 
In  his  boyhood  we  see  the  small  but  glowing  spark,  which  could 
prompt  him  to  trust  his  hand  into  the  flames,  when  he  had  been 
reading  a  martyr's  life,  to  see  how  far  he  himself  could  endure. 
We  do  not  wonder  that  on  his  way  to  the  stake,  Huss  could 
calmly  smile  as  he  witnessed  the  burning  of  his  books  :  and 
when  fastened  thereto,  sing  a  Bohemian  hymn,  until  his  voice 
was  stifled  by  the  smoke.  A  blind  man  may  have  a  fuU  belief 
in  the  brilliancy  of  a  daylight  he  cannot  behold,  and  the  course 
of  Christian  life  is  at  times  similar.  As  Sir  H.  Vane  wrote  to 
his  wife  not  long  before  his  execution,  "  This  dark  night  and 
black  shade  which  God  hath  drawn  over  us  may  be,  for  aught  we 
know,  the  ground  colour  of  some  beautiful  piece  that  He  is 
now  exposing  to  the  light." 

19.  as  darkness,  "  a  perpetual  sunset."  "  Comp.  Job  iii.  6, 
X.  22,  thick  darkness  :  midnight  gloom,  know  .  .  stumble,* 
as  no  light  of  religious  knowledge  points  out  to  them  their 
peril.'^. 

'The  way  of  the  iriclted  (r.  19). — I.  The  traveller  prefers  dark- 
and  i  ness  to  liglit,  because  his  deeds  are  evil.    His  way  is  morally 


Cap.  iv.  20-24.] 


PROVERBS. 


39 


wickedness  io 
man's  spirit  hatb 
tlie  central  forc« 
and  energy  of 
bell  in  it.  ann  ig 
pprpet  ually  press- 
ing down  to- 
wards it  as  to- 
wards its  own 
place.  Christ's 
burden,  which  is 
nothing  else  but 
true  godliness,  is 
a  winged  thing, 
and  travels,  bears 
itself  upwards  on 
its  own  wings, 
soaring  aloft  to- 
wards God ;  so 
the  devilish  :.  ■ 
ture  is  alway. 
within  the  cen- 
tral attractions 
of  hell,  and  its 
own  weight 
instigates  and 
a  c  c  e  1  e  r  ates  its 
motion  thither." 
—Old  Author, 
quoted  by  Thomas, 

r.  19.  Dr.  J. 
Langhorne,  L  37. 


dark  even  at  midday.  Whatever  his  conceit,  opinions,  hopes,  he 
18  often  doubtful  and  perplexed.  II.  The  way  full  of  ruggedness. 
Small  objects  make  weary  feet  stumble.  Things  that  the 
believer  will  easily  surmount  cause  him  to  fall — as  little  temp- 
tations ;  little  difficulties.  III.  There  is  safe  walking  through 
this  world,  only  in  the  new  and  living  way. 

The  improfideiU  trarelln. — A  certain  traveller,  who  had  a 
distance  to  go.  one  part  of  his  road  leading  through  green  fields, 
and  the  other  through  a  tangled  road  of  brambles  and  thorns, 
made  great  preparations  for  the  first  part  of  his  journey.  He 
dressed  himself  in  light  and  gay  clothes,  and  put  a  nosegay  in 
his  bqsom,  and  taking  a  light,  slender  cane  in  his  hand,  nimblj* 
proceeded  on  his  way  along  the  beaten  path  across  the  green 
meadows.  The  sun  shone  in  the  skies,  and  on  went  the  traveller, 
comfortably,  pleasantly,  and  delightfully.  After  a  while,  the 
road  became  rugged,  and,  by  the  time  night  drew  on,  the  traveller 
■was  in  a  pitiable  plight.  His  provisions  were  exhausted  :  his 
clothes  wet  through,  and  partly  torn  from  his  back  by  the  briars  ; 
his  flowers  were  faded  ,  and,  weary  as  he  was,  his  slender  cane 
would  not  bear  his  weight ;  a  stream  of  water  was  before  him, 
and  darkness  around  him.  "  Alas  !  "  said  he,  smiting  his  breast, 
"  I  am  hungry,  and  have  no  food  ;  wet  to  the  skin,  and  have  no 
dry  clothes  ;  weary,  and  have  no  staff  to  rest  on  ;  I  have  a  stream 
to  cross,  and  here  is  no  boat  ;  I  am  bewildered,  and  have  no 
guide  ;  it  is  dark,  and  I  have  no  lantern.  Fool  that  I  am  ! — why 
did  I  not  provide  for  the  end  of  my  journey,  as  well  as  the 
beginning  ? "  Time  is  hastening  away.  We  are  all  travellers. 
Life  is  the  beginning,  death  the  end  of  our  journey. 

20 — 22.  (20)  my  son,  some  think  that  in  the  prev.  rv.  Sol. 
has  been  repeating  the  instructions  he  received  f  r.  his  father,  and 
that  in  the  20th  i:  he  begins  again  his  own  counsels  to  his  son. 
incline,  etc.,  as  r.  10.  (21)  not  depart,  or  escape  by  being 
neglected."  keep  them,  by  constant  obediences,  and  constant 
watchings.  (22)  health,  marg.  vtediciiie,  or  healing.  This 
they  become,  as  they  preserve  the  young  man  from  the  vices 
destructive  of  health. 

Divine  principles  (vv.  20 — 22). — I.  The  method  of  gaining 
them.  There  must  be — 1.  The  attentive  ear;  2.  The  steadfast 
look  ;  3.  The  enshrining  heart.  II.  The  blessedness  of  having 
them.     1.  They  are  life  :  2.  Health— health  of  all  kinds.' 

Running  into  temptation. — Jortin,  in  his  remarks  on  Ecclesias- 
tical History,  relates  the  story  of  a  colloquy  between  a  father  of 
the  second  century  and  an  evil  spirit  in  a  Christian,  whom  he 
Bought  to  expel.  Upon  inquiring  how  he  dared  be  so  impudent 
as  to  enter  a  Christian,  the  evil  spirit  replied,  "  I  went  not  to 
church  after  him.  but  he  came  to  the  playhouse  after  me,  and  find- 
ing him  upon  my  own  ground,  I  sought  to  secui'e  him  for  myself." 
Whatever  becomes  of  the  story,  the  moral  of  it  deserves  attention. 
The  evil  spirit  rarely  possesses  any  who  are  careful  of  their  asso- 
ciations, and  avoid  all  appearances  of  evil." 

23,  24.  (23)  keep,  or  keep  watch,  and  guard,  heart,  re-  „  « Regard  th« 
garded  as  the  central  citadel.''  all  diligence,  above  all  heart  as  the  very 
keeping.  "  The  heart,  as  the  chief  object  of  moral  watchfulness,  |  ^^ ' '  '"^ 'I*"  ^j,*"^"  y 
is  plainly  nothing  but  the  conscience,  the  moral  consciou-suees  of  i  ^J\^^  xhe  im- 
man,"*    issues  of  life/  fig.  from  the  fountains  and  wells  of ,  portance  of  keep- 


a  " '  Let  them  not 
be  withdrawn.'" 
— Bettheau. 


b  Dr.  Thomas. 

See  G.  J.  Zolli- 
koffer,  ii.  359  ; 
T.  Dwight,  i.  298. 

"  Men  of  wit  and 
parts  need  never 
be  driven  to  in- 
direct courses."— 
Oticay. 

Many  think  it 
great  to  have  a 
strong,  deter- 
mined will.  Few 
think  it  greater 
to  have  none. 

e  Dr.  Dei/child. 


40 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Iv.  26  -7a. 


Ing  the  heart  is 
Bhown  in  the  fact 
that  the  Heb. 
word  (Ifh)  heart 
occurs  in  the  Bk. 
of  Prov.  ninety 
times."  —  Words- 
worih. 

"  Guard  thy  heart 
as  the  great  cen- 
tral' guard-post,' 
and  no  out  sta- 
tion will  be  cut 
oft:'— Miller. 

b  Otto  Zdckler. 

c " A  1 1  vital 
p  r  i  n  c  i  pies  are 
lodged  there  (in 
the  heart),  and 
only  such  as  are 
good  and  holy 
will  give  you 
pleasure.  The 
exercises  of  re- 
ligion will  be 
pleas.ant  when 
they  are  uatural 
and  flow  easily 
out  of  their  own 
fountains. ' '-  Juh  n 
Howe. 

d  Stems  and 
Twigs. 

V.  23.  /.  Medf,  i. 
231  ;  T.  WalsoH, 
629;  J.  Fltu-el.v. 
417  ;  Dr.  J.  Bar- 
row, iii.  1  ;  Jip. 
Beveridge,  vi. 
358;  Abp.' Sharp. 
i.  3iO  ;  J.  Seni,  i. 
231  ;  Dr.  P.  D«d- 
dridiie.  ii.  263 ; 
Dr.j.Trnpp.l'ib; 
Dr.  N.  Lardner, 
X.  589;  Dr.  S. 
Chandler,  in.  261. 

"  No  action  will 
be  considered  as 
blameless  unless 
the  will  was  so ; 
for  by  the  will 
the  act  was  dic- 
tated."—A'n^ca. 

•  Old  Humphrey- 


a  MiUrr. 
fc  "  A  life  of  in- 
tegrity requires 
attention  to 
heart,  eyes, 
speech,  couduil." 
•~Fausset 
"He  who  reigns 


the  East,  wh.  were  watched  over  with  jealous  care.  (Song  Sol. 
iv.  12.)  (24)  froward  mouth,  crookedness  of  mouth,  per- 
verse, or  swerving,  or  quarrelling,  lips,  the  agents  in  forming 
words. 

The  heart's  diieases  and  dangers  (r.  23). — The  heart  is  the  type 
of  the  affections,  which  are — 1.  The  source  of  mental  activity  ; 
2.  Of  moral  life.  We  need  the  exhortation  because — I.  Of  the 
diseases  to  which  the  heart  is  liable.  1.  Induration,  or  harden- 
ing ;  2.  Softening  :  3.  Atrophy,  or  wasting  away  ;  4.  Palpitation; 
5.  Enlargement.  II.  The  dangers  of  the  heart.  1.  It  may  be 
enfeebled  for  lack  of  nourishment  ;  2.  Stabbed  ;  3.  Poisoned  ;  4. 
But  the  greatest  danger  is  one  that  cannot  affect  the  corporeal 
heart.  You  may  be  robbed  of  it.  Pleasure,  applause,  worldly 
gain,  pride,  will  all  try  to  gain  possession  of  it.  You  cannot 
keep  it  yourself,  therefore  give  it  unreservedly  to  God.** 

Keeping  the  heart.— The  heart  is  a  lanij),  which  the  High  and 
Holy  One  has  entrusted  to  our  care  :  keep  it  well  trimmed  then, 
keep  it  with  all  diligence  :  let  it  not  resemble  those  of  the  foolish 
virgins,  who  took  no  oil  with  them  ;  but  rather  look  unto  God 
for  fresh  supplies  of  His  grace,  that  you  be  not  terrified  at  the 
midnight  cry.  "  Behold,  the  bridegroom  cometh  ;  go  ye  out  to 
meet  him." — The  heart  is  a  .ship;  keep  it  with  all  diligence. 
Look  to  the  hull  and  the  rudder,  the  masts,  the  sails,  and  the 
rigging.  Have  au  eye  to  the  crew,  aud  take  especial  care  what 
merchandise  you  put  aboard  ;  mind  that  you  have  plenty  of 
ballast,  and  that  you  carry  not  too  much  sail.  ]\Iind  that  you 
have  a  heavenly  Pilot  at  the  helm.  Be  prepared  for  storms, 
for  you  will  have  them,  whether  you  are  prepared  for  them  or 
not.  Encourage  the  hope  of  a  fair  voyage  and  a  happy  arrival 
at  a  heavenly  haven. — The  heart  is  a  temple.  "  Know  ye  not  that 
ye  are  the  temple  of  God .'  "  Have  a  care  that  you  keep  it  with 
all  diligence :  keep  it  pure  aud  undefiled.  Let  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  be  found  within  it.  Let  your  prayers  be  set  forth  as 
incense,  and  the  lifting  up  of  your  hands  as  the  evening  sacrifice. 
Let  your  offerings  be  without  spot  or  blemish,  remembering  that 
"  the  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit,"'  aud  that  "  a  broken 
and  a  contrite  spirit  He  will  not  despise."  Dedicate  the  temple 
of  your  hearts  to  the  Lord  of  lords  and  King  of  kings,  and  use 
all  diligence  in  seeking  that  it  may  be  filled  with  His  glory. — The 
heart  is  a  besieged  city,  and  liable  to  attacks  on  all  sides.  Go 
round  about  it ;  tell  the  towers  thereof,  and  mark  well  the  bul- 
warks. WTiile  you  defend  one  part,  keep  a  good  look-out  on  the 
other  ;  while  you  build  up  the  bastion  here,  let  not  the  gateway 
be  left  defenceless  there.  Shells  may  be  thrown  over  the  walls, 
and  sappers  may  mine  a  way  under  them.  Be  alive  !  be  dili- 
gent !  post  your  sentinels  !  have  a  watchword  I  take  care  whom 
you  let  in,  and  whom  you  allow  to  go  out.  Cluster  your  troops, 
and  see  that  there  be  no  traitors  among  them.  Y'ou  have  plenty 
to  do,  and  plenty  to  attend  to ;  keep,  then,  your  heart  with  all 
diligence. « 

25 — 27.  (2.'))  right  on,  the  fig.  for  pursuing  a  direct  and 
straightforward  course.  The  restless,  wandering  eye  leads  to 
evil,  and  shows  that  there  is  no  fixedness  of  purpose  (26) 
ponder,  or  well  consider.  ''Make  smooth  each  foot-plaui?ng."* 
established,  marg.  ordered  aright.  (27)  turn  not,  l>e.  v  32. 
Avoid  all  by-paths,* 


Cap.  V.  1—4.1 


PROVERBS. 


41 


Sprntnal  anatomy  :  the  feet  (vv.  26,  27).— I.  The  feet's  natural 
course  1.  Found  in  the  way  of  evil  ;  2.  Which  has  diverse 
paths;  ^.  These  paths  fatalin  their  termination.  II.  Transition 
of  the  feet  to  the  vp-ay  of  righteousness.  1.  Consideration  :  2. 
Arrestment ;  S.  Abandonment  of  evil  way  ;  4.  Prayer  ;  5.  De- 
cision. III.  The  feet  consecrated  to  the  Divine  service.  1.  They 
stand  on  a  rock  ;  2.  Enjoy  liberty  ;  3.  Established  by  the  Lord  ; 
4.  Guided  in  the  way  to  life  eternal.' 

Bcfi'i  ailing  n-i'lJ. — It  is  of  vast  moment  to  be  "just  right"  when 
Btarting.  At  Preston,  at  Malines,  at  many  such  places,  the  rail- 
way lines  go  gently  asunder  ;  so  fine  is  the  angle  that  at  first 
the  paths  are  almost  parallel,  and  it  seems  of  small  moment 
which  you  select.  But  a  little  further  on  one  of  them  turns  a 
corner,  or  drives  into  a  tunnel,  and  now  that  the  speed  is  full  the 
angle  opens  up,  and  at  the  rate  of  a  mile  a  minute  the  divided 
convoy  flies  asunder.  One  passenger  is  on  the  way  to  Italy, 
another  to  the  swamps  of  Holland  :  one  will  step  out  in.  London 
the  other  in  view  of  the  Irish  Channel.' 


within  himseU, 
and  rules  pas- 
s  i  o  n  s,  desires, 
and  fear.s,  is  more 
than   a  king."— • 

I  Milton, 
c  Dr.  Bums. 

I  vv.  24—27.     J.  n. 

I  Neieman,  iii.  2l'8  ; 

I  A.      Ruberls.     ii. 

I  321 ;  Dr.  R.  Moss, 
vi.  447  ;    Dr.    W. 

i  F.     Hook,     263 ; 

I  J.    <S (I  urin,   iv. 

I  285  ;  T.  Divvjhl,  y. 

!  96  ;  Dr.  H.  Blair, 
iii.     351  ;     /.     /. 
Conybeare,  Bump, 
Lee.  ii.  395. 
d  Dr.  J.  Uamilton. 


CHAPTER  THE  FIFTH. 

1,  2.  (1)  my  "Wisdom,"  learnt  by  actual,  and  poss.  dear,  ex- 
perience, bow,  or  "incline."  (2)  regard,  discretion,  or, 
maintain  a  wise,  prudential  consideration  ;  a  circumspect  de- 
meanour.* lips,  etc.,  lit.  "  and  thy  lips  shall  keep,"  etc.  Thou 
shalt  have  the  prompt,  wise  answer,  at  thy  tongue's  end,  when- 
ever temptation  comes. 

The  strange  woman  and  the  wife  (vv.  1 — 10). — I.  Solomon's 
warning  to  young  men  against  a  wrong  connection  with  women. 
The  strange  woman's— 1.  Conduct ;  2.  End  ;  3.  Victims.  II. 
Solomon  8  recommendation  of  a  right  connection  with  woman. 
Marriage.'' 

Uril  companion.'thip  to  he  avoided. — It  would  not  be  complaisance, 
but  cowardice — it  would  be  a  sinful  softness,  which  allowed 
affinity  in  taste  to  imperil  your  faith  or  your  virtue.  It  would 
be  the  same  sort  of  courtesy  which  in  the  equatorial  forest,  for 
the  sake  of  its  beautiful  leaf,  lets  the  liana  with  its  strangling 
arms  run  up  the  plaintain  or  orange,  and  pays  the  forfeit  in 
blasted  boughs  and  total  ruin.  It  would  be  the  same  sort  of 
courtesy  which,  for  fear  of  appearing  rude  or  inhospitable,  took 
into  dock  the  infected  vessel,  or  welcomed,  not  as  a  patient  but  a 
guest,  the  plague-stricken  stranger. '' 

3,  4.  (3)  strange  ■woman,"  one  outside  of  the  true  family 
bonds  and  relationships,  ch.  ii.  16.  drop  .  .  honeycomb,  drops 
sweetness,  or  what  seems  to  be  sweetness  ;  distil  honey,  month, 
or  palate,  smoother  than  oil,  and  therefore  insinuating  and 
persuasive.  But  her  enticing  promises  are  deceitful.  (4)  her 
end,*  her  future,  in  the  sense  of  her  reward.  When  the  gloze  is 
removed  the  real  thing  is  bitter  and  ruinous,  'wormwood. 
Be.  xxix.  18.  two-edged  sword,  lit.  as  a  sword  of  mouths, 
with  more  than  one  mouth.' 

The  ])ro!^titute  (v.  3). — I.  We  have  here  a  description  of  her. 
1.  Her  vile,  unclean,  flattering,  enticing  speech  :  2.  Her  fate  : 
her  end  bitter,  physical  suffering,  mental  anguish,  spiritual  dis- 
tress.   II.  A  word  to  her.    1,  You  are  somebody's  child  ;  think  of  | 


a  "  The  conneo- 

tion  of  wisdom 
and  understand- 
ing is  frequent ; 
tlie  first  denotes 
the  use  of  wise 
means  for  wise 
ends;  the  other 
the  exercise  of  a 
proper  discrimi- 
nation in  theii 
dis  covery."  — 
Faussel. 

b  Sol.'s  lectures 
are  not  designed 
to  fill  our  heads 
with  n  o  t  i  ons, 
with  matters  of 
nice  speculation, 
or  doubtful  dis- 
putation, but  to 
guide  us  in  the 
government      of 

;  ourselves, that  we 
may     act      pru- 

I  deiitly,  so  as  be- 
comes us.  and  so 

'  as  will  be  for  our 

i  true  interest." — 

i  Malt.  Iffiiri/. 

I  c  Dr.  Tlicmns. 

I  d  Dr.  J.  Ninnilton. 

;  a  "The  following 
!  description  lias 
j  been  regarded  by 
ancient  exposi- 
tors us  having  a 
double  sense.  1. 
As  a  portrait  of  a 
harlot,  especially 
one  of  foreign  ex- 
traction :  and  2. 
As  bein;,'  a  repro- 
sent:itiun  of  the 
aUurement«      at 


42 


PaO  VERBS. 


[Cap.  V.  5— O. 


unsound  doctrine 
and  corrupt  wor- ! 
ship."  —  Wordi- , 
vorlh.  I 

b  Ps.  xxxvii.  37,  i 
38,  Ixxiii.  17. 

c  "  Tlie  physical 
and  moral  s\iCfer- 
ing  of  the  deluded 
prolligate  are 
not  ori  ou  s  1  y 
terrible." — Faus- 
tel. 

d  a.  Crabb. 


a  "  Take  hold  on 

hell,  as  if  to  pull 
It  swiftly  and 
suddenly  upon 
the  sinner."  — 
Matt.  Henry. 

"Strong  figs,  of 
misery  are  these ; 
but  not  too 
strong.  The 
horrid  memories, 
the  seLf-rernorse, 
the  ruined 
health  and  repu- 
tation, the  blast- 
ed hopes,— what 
misery  are 
t  li  e  s  el"—  Dai\ 
'Jliuinus,  D.D. 

t  Miller. 

The  hcentious 
never  love  ;  and 
wlieu  even  levity 
preponde  rates, 
there  is  seldom 
any  pure  and 
ardent  passion. 

•'Tis  beauty 
that  doth  oft 
make  women 
proud ;  'tis  virtue 
that  doth  make 
them  most  ail- 
mired;  'tis 
modesty  that 
makes  them  seem 
divine  1" — iShake- 
tpeare. 


o  "Or,  to  the 
Injured  husbaml, 
who  will  punish 
the  paramour  of 
bis  faithless  wife 


the  old  time,  etc. ;  2.  You  are  ruining  body  and  soul ;  3.  Ruining 
others  as  well ;  4.  The  woman  that  was  a  sinner  found  mercy ; 
mercy  for  you. 

The  xcnuiiallM,  the  vohipttiary,  and  the  epicure. — The  sensualist 
lives  for  the  indulacence  ot  his  senses  :  the  voluptuary,  from  ciih//j- 
tan.  pleasure,  is  devoted  to  his  pleasures,  and  as  far  as  these 
pleasures  are  the  pleasures  of  sense,  the  voluptuary  is  a  sensualist ; 
the  epicure,  from  ipicurus,  is  one  who  makes  the  pleasures  of 
sense  his  god,  and  in  this  sense  he  is  a  sensualist  and  a  volup- 
tuary. In  the  application  of  these  terms,  however,  the  sensualisfc 
is  one  who  is  a  slave  to  tnt  grossest  appetites  ;  the  voluptuary 
is  one  who  studies  his  pleasuies  so  as  to  make  them  tiie  most 
valuable  to  himself  ;  the  epicure  is  a  species  of  voluptuary  who 
practises  more  than  ordinary  refinement  in  the  choice  of  his 
pleasures."* 

5,  6.  (5)  go  dO'WTl,  and  so  lead  her  votaries  down,  hell," 
Shi'ul,  not  here  Gehenna.  Sheol  equals  Hades^.  the  lower  word, 
the  place  of  departed  spirits  ;  but  here,  significantly,  the  place  of 
those  dying  unblessed.  ((>)  ponder,  ch.  iv.  26.  moveable, 
unsteady  as  an  earthquake.  "  When  disgusted  with  one  course 
of  sin,  she  glides  into  another."''  thou  .  .  them,  many  coms. 
prefer  to  read,  ''  that  she  may  not  know  them,"  so  as  to  recognise 
their  evil. 

The  tricha  of  harlotry  (v.  6). — Tlie  harlot  lives  by  diverting 
attention,  lulling  suspicion,  glides  about  in  the  dark  hours,  knows 
her  victims  are  ashamed  of  being  seen  in  her  company,  assumes 
the  dress  and  manner  of  virtuous  women.  Her  ways  are  movable, 
she  is  restless,  loves  change,  as  also  it  is  necessary  to  her  calling  : 
hence  she  flits  to  the  casino,  singing-saloon,  theatre,  gin-palace, 
etc.  ;  seeks  to  drown  the  senses  of  her  victim  in  mirth,  and 
pleasure,  and  drink  :  and  by  deluding  him  with  hopes  of  stolen 
pleasures,  prevents  him  from  pondering  the  path  of  life. 
The  true  ini.'isiori  of  ivoman. — 

'Tis  woman's  to  nourish  affection's  tree, 

And  its  fruit,  domestic  bliss  shall  be  ; 

'Tis  hers  to  cultivate  with  patient  toil. 

Each  heaven-born  plant  in  the  heart's  deep  soil; 

And  fruits  and  tiowers  her  toil  shall  greet. 

Richest  flavours  and  odours  on  earth  that  meet. 

'Tis  woman's  to  fashion  the  infant  mind. 

To  kindle  its  thoughts,  and  its  hopes  unbind  ; 

To  guide  its  young  wing  in  the  earliest  flight, 

And  lure  it  to  worlds  of  unsullied  light ; 

To  teach  him  to  sing  in  his  gladsome  hours, 

Of  a  Saviour's  love,  with  an  angels  powers  1 

'Tis  woman's  to  bind  up  the  broken  heart, 

And  soften  the  blending  spirit's  smart ; 

"With  the  balm  that  in  Gileads  garden  grows, 

'With  the  stream  that  from  Calvaiy's  fountain  flows  ; 

And  to  light  in  this  M'orld  of  sin  and  pain, 

The  lamp  of  love  and  of  joy  again. 

7 — 9.  (7)  ye  children,  comp.  my  .<!on.  r.  1.  This  advice  con- 
cerns all  young  men.  not  the  one  son  only.  It  is  invaluable 
advice  for  all.  (8)  remove,  etc.,  avoid  the  very  approaches  of 
her  allurements.     "  Let  thy  way  in  hfe  be  far  off  from  her." 


/" 


Cap.  V.  10, 11.] 


PROVERBS 


43 


not  nigh,  for  sensual  temptations  may  come  when  we  are  weak 
to  resist.  So  better  avoid  the  very  scenes  of  temptation.  (9) 
honour,  in  whatever  it  consists,  character,  health,  or  wealth. 
None  can  be  kept  by  those  who  fall  into  the  strang-e  woman's 
hands,     cruel,"  such  the  temptress  is  sure  to  become  in  the  end. 

^'fie  safe  iraij  of  encape  (r.  8). — Abstain  from  the  appearance  of 
evil  ;  do  not  expose  yourself  to  unnecessary  temptation  :  let  none 
over-estimate  his  power  of  resistance  ;  even  those  who  would  seek 
her  salvation  had  better  do  so  in  company  with  others.  All  this 
because  falling  into  her  snare  involves  loss  of  honour,  etc.,  and 
the  worse  than  loss  of  the  best  years  of  life. 

A  prodigal. — A  pious  mother  had  a  prodigal  son.  He  was 
about  to  leave  her  and  go  to  sea.  As  a  last  resource,  she 
placed  a  Bible  in  his  chest,  with  a  prayer  to  God  for  His  blessing 
upon  it.  Year  after  year  passed  away,  and  nothing  was  heard  of 
the  wanderer.  But  the  eye  of  his  mother's  God  was  upon  him. 
A  long  time  after,  a  clergyman  was  called  to  visit  a  dying  sailor. 
He  found  him  penitent  and  prepared  to  die.  He  had  in  his  pos- 
Bession  a  Bible,  which,  he  said,  was  given  to  him  by  a  dying  ship- 
mate, who,  expiring  in  the  hope  of  the  glory  of  God,  gave  it  to 
him  with  his  parting  blessing.  On  the  blank  leaf  was  found 
written  the  name  of  John  Marshall,  the  pious  mother's  prodigal 
Bon.  He  was  the  brother  of  Mrs.  Isabella  Graham,  whose  interest- 
ing memoirs  have  profited  many  readers.' 

10,  11.  (10)  wealth,  marg.  strengtli ;  but  equivalent  to  pro- 
perty, possessions,  the  results  of  the  putting  forth  of  strength. 
Comp.  the  prodigal,  who  "  wa.sted  his  substance  with  riotous 
living."  The  goods  and  business  of  the  sensual  man  are  soon 
"sold  up,"  his  earthly  prospects  are  ruined  through  his  bad  com- 
panions and  self-indulgent  ways.  (11)  mourn,  etc.,  as  Sol.  did, 
Eccle.  vii.  26.  flesh,  etc.,  sensual  vices  being  productive  of 
iniserable  and  shameful  diseases. 

The  doom  of  the  lihertine  {vv.  10,  11).— I.  Waste  of  wealth.  It 
is  spent  to  garnish  the  house  of  sin  ;  is  so  much  taken  from  home- 
scenes,  and  legitimate  pleasures,  and  benevolence.  II.  Waste  of 
health.  Regard  for  these  words  of  God  would  make  the  C.  D. 
Acts  needless,  as  they  are  a  premium  to  vice.  Note  the  corrup- 
tion of  licentious  nations,  as  the  Turks,  etc.  Ill,  Waste  of  teai-s. 
Mourning  at  the  last  is  too  late  for  proving  the  repentance  to  be 
gpenuine. 

The  n'oe  of  ovomen. — 

So  soon  men's  passion  passes  !  yea,  it  sinks 

Like  foam  into  the  troubled  wave  which*ore  it. 

Merciful  God  !  let  me  entreat  Thy  mercy  ! 

I  have  seen  all  the  woes  of  men — pain,  death, 

Remorse,  and  w  orldly  ruin  :  they  are  little, 

Weighed  with  the  woe  of  woman  when  forsaken 

By  him  she  loved  and  trusted.     Hear,  too,  thou  I 

Lady  of  Heaven,  ]\Iother  of  God  and  man. 

Who  made  the  world  His  brother,  one  with  God — 

Maid-mother  !  mould  of  God.  who  wrought  in  the© 

By  model  as  He  doth  in  the  world's  womb, 

So  that  the  universe  is  great  with  God ; 

Thou  in  whom  God  did  deify  Himself, 

Betaking  Him  into  mortality, 

As  in  Thy  Son  He  took  it  into  Him, 


with  merciles* 
severity,  per- 
chance sell  him 
as  a  slave,  or  even 
take  his  life," — 
Olto  Z6ckler. 

Ro.  vi.  23. 

A  British  noble- 
man,  seeing 
his  nephew  leav- 
ing a  house  of  ill- 
fame,  said  to 
him,  "Do  not  be 
ashanierl  to  come 
out  of  that  place  ; 
rather,  in  future, 
be  ashamed  to  go 
in." 

"  Women  are  soft, 
mild,  pitiful,  and 
flexible."- iS/iajt«« 
speare. 

b  Cheever, 


!'y.  11, 12.  W.Jay, 

iii.  298. 

vv.    12—13.     Bp. 
mison,  i.  135. 

When  Leti,  the 
historian,  was 
one  day  attend- 
ing the  levee  of 
Charles  II,,  he 
said  to  him, 
"  Leti,  I  hear 
that  you  are 
writing  the  His- 
tory  of  the  Court 
of  England." 
•'  Sir,  I  have  been 
for  some  time 
preparing  ma- 
terials for  sucli  a 
history."  "  Take 
care  that  your 
work  give  no 
offence,"  said  the 
prince.  Leti 
replied,  "  Sir,  I 
will  do  what  I 
can,  but  if  a  man 
were  as  wise  as 
Solomon,  he 
would  scarcely  be 
able  to  avoid 
giving  offence." 
■'Wh.v,  then," 
rejoined  the 
king,"  be  as  wise 
as  Solomon; 
write  proverbs, 
not  hi^torieai" 


44 


aBaUey. 


a  "  Tlie  puWio 
Bcanilal  of  the 
Bin  is  brought  in 
as  its  last  as?!»ra- 
vating  feature." 
— Spt.  Com. 

b  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

"  The  sun,  power- 
ful as  it  is,  can- 
not di  scover 
What  is  at  the 
bottom  of  a 
mudily  pool,  so 
God  cannot  be 
revealed  to  a  sin- 
ful, muddy,  de- 
praved heart." — 
Eev.  Thomas 
Junes. 

"  It  is  better  and 
Bafer  to  ride 
alone  than  to 
have  a  thief's 
company;  and 
such  is  a  wicked 
man,  who  will 
rob  tliee  of  pre- 
cious time,  if  he 
do  thee  no  more 
mischief.  The 
Kazarites.  who 
might  drink  no 
■wine,  were  also 
forbidden  to  cut 
grapes  whereof 
wine  is  made ;  so 
we  must  not  only 
avoid  sin  in  itself, 
but  also  the 
causes  and  occa- 
sions thereof, 
amongst  which  is 
bad  company." — 
Spencer. 

e  Brook. 

a  "  The  wife  is 
appropriately 
compared  with  a 

fountain In 

antiquity,  and 
esp.  in  the  East, 
the  possession  of 
a  spring  was  re- 
garded as  a  preat 
and  even  sacred 
tin  MET.  Thus  the 
mother  of  Sarah 
is  compared  to  a 
well-spring."  Is. 
U.  V-UmbreU. 


PROVERBS.  [Cap.  V.  12— 17. 

And  from  the  temporal  and  eternal  made 
Of  the  soul-world  one  came  and  ever  God  I 
Oh,  for  the  sake  of  thine  own  womanhood, 
Pray  away  aught  of  evil  from  her  soul ; 
And  take  her  out  of  ansruish  unto  Thee, 
Always,  as  Thou  didst  this  one." 

12 — 14.  (12)  and  say,  in  the  languag-e  of  bitter  and  hopelcsa 
remorse,  how,  i.e.  in  what  an  inexcusable  way.  not  obeyed, 
warnings  that  after  awhile  are  seen  to  have  been  full  of  wisdom 
and  full  of  love.  (14)  all  evil,  the  remorseful  confes.sion  of 
near  approach  to  exposure  and  destruction.  "  How  narrowly  I 
escaped  condemnation  before  the  assembled  congregation,  and 
execution  by  stoning."" 

The  sinner's  retro.^)ect  (iv.  12,  13). — I.  The  sinner's  retrospect. 
Two  classes  of  men.  1.  Those  who  feel  some  painful  conse- 
quences of  their  past  conduct ;  2.  Those  who  are  sensible  that 
they  have  not  answered  the  great  ends  of  life.  II.  The  sinner's 
alternative.  We  must  either  attend  to  the  voice  of  instruction 
in  the  Gospel,  or  carry  remorse  into  eternity.  Advice  : — 1. 
Endeavour  to  view  everything  in  the  light  of  eternity  ;  2. 
Spend  each  day  as  you  will  wish  you  had  spent  it  in  the 
future.* 

Purity  of  heart. — God  is  for  that  man,  and  that  man  is  for 
God,  who  carries  about  with  him  a  pure  heart.  Heart  purity 
makes  a  man  the  darling  of  heaven.  Many  affect  pure  language, 
pure  houses,  pure  habits,  pure  hands,  pure  air,  pure  meat,  pure 
drink,  pure  gestures,  etc.,  who  yet,  for  want  of  purity  of  heart, 
shall  never  see  the  face  of  God  in  glory.  Heart  purity  speaks  a 
man  eternally  happy.  Holiness  is  that  noble  principle  which 
fits  a  man  for  the  happiest  sight  of  God  :  it  makes  a  man  a  meet 
companion  for  God,  both  here  and  hereafter.  Without  this  prin- 
ciple no  man  can  have  communion  with  God  in  this  world  ; 
much  less  can  he  have  communion  with  God  in  heaven,  if  this 
precious  principle  of  holiness  be  not  seated  m  his  heart.  It  will 
not  stand  with  the  holiness  of  God,  to  have  anjiMng  to  do  vvith 
those  that  have  no  principles  of  holiness  in  them.  It  is  a  prin- 
ciple of  holiness  that  fits  a  man  for  the  service  of  God,  that  fits  a 
man  for  fellowship  with  God,  that  fits  a  man  for  walking  with 
God,  that  fits  a  man  for  correspondence  with  God.  that  fits  a 
man  for  the  delight  of  God,  and  that  fits  a  man  for  an  everlasting 
fruition  of  God.  And  therefore  certainly  without  holiness  there 
is  no  happiness-  without  a  principle  of  purity  there  can  be  no 
seeing  of  the  facS  of  God  in  glory.« 

15 — 17.  (15)  own  cistern,  seek  thy  satisfaction  within  the 
circles  of  pure  family  relationships."  running  waters,  which 
flow  freshly  into  the  cistern.''  "  Only  the  natural  fountain-head 
can  pour  forth  purling  waters,  living,  fresh,  cool  for  drinking. 
(16)  thy  fountains,"  fig.  for  thy  children.  Or  more  prob.  the 
verse  should  be  made  interrogative,  and  read  thus,  "  Shall  thy 
streams  flow  abroad  as  water- brooks  in  the  streets?"  (17)  only 
thine  own,  or.  for  thyself  alone. 

Familji  joi/.'s  (v.  1")). —  I.  A  painter  lays  down  a  dark  ground  to 
lean  his  picture  on.  and  thereby  bring  its  beauty  out.  II.  The 
Lord  condescends  to  bring  His  own  institution  forward  in  rivalry 
with  the  deceitful  pleasures  of  sin.    III.  Although  the  stream  ia 


Cap.  V.  18-21.] 


PROVERBS. 


45 


very  pure,  a  small  bulk  of  foreign  matter  will  sensibly  tinge  it. 
IV.  Not  only  abstain  from  evil,  but  do  the  good  demanded.'' 

77ii'  Christian  like  a  cinterii.—  A  Christian  is  not  unfitly  repre- 
perte  I  by  a  water  cistern,  such  as  may  be  found  in  every  house 
in  th  '  city  of  Glasgow.  For  its  supply  each  cistern  is  dependent 
upon  a  highland  lake  many  miles  away.  When  the  cistern  is  full. 
a  valve  shuts  off  the  inflowing  current,  and  it  ceases  entirely.  If 
the  water  in  the  cistern  is  frozen,  nothing  can  be  given  out,  and 
neither  can  more  flow  in.  The  water,  however,  may  be  perfectly 
free  to  flow,  but  from  some  obstruction  none  may  be  dispensed. 
If  this  continues  long,  the  water  in  the  cistern  will  become  cor- 
rupt and  unwholesome.  Let,  however,  the  water  flow  by  the 
right  channel,  and  become  a  refresher  and  purifier  in  the  house- 
hold, and  then  the  more  the  cistern  gives  out,  the  more  it  will  be 
able  to  take  in.  So  is  it  with  the  Christian,  since  the  heart,  once 
an  empty  cistern,  has  been  brought,  by  faith,  into  communica- 
tion with  the  Heavenly  Fountain. 

18,  19.  (18)  T^e  blessed,  in  family  prosperities  attending 
conjugal  fidtlity."  rejoice,  in  her  society.  (19)  hind  .  .  roe,* 
the  most  tender,  gentle,  and  beautiful  creatures  of  the  East, 
ravished,  Uf.  intoxicated,  i.e.  fully  satisfied. 

Narriaqe  (v.  18). — I.  This  points  to  early  marriage.  This 
best  for  health,  peace,  happiness,  and  home.  II.  It  points  also 
to  equality  of  age  and  rank.  In  the  natural  course  of  things 
those  are  most  likely  to  see  their  children  advance  to  adult  age 
before  they  pass  away.  Late  marriages  often  result  in  young 
widows  and  helpless  orphans. 

Mcaninri  of  irife. — And  now  let  us  see  whether  the  word  wife 
has  not  a  lesson.  It  literally  means  a  weaver.  The  wife  is  the 
person  who  weaves.  Before  our  great  cotton  and  cloth  factories 
arose,  one  of  the  principal  emplojTnents  in  every  house  was  the 
fabrication  of  clothing  :  every  family  made  its  own.  The  wool 
was  spun  into  thread  by  the  girls,  who  were  therefore  called 
6}  insters ;  the  thread  was  woven  into  cloth  by  their  mother, 
who,  accordingly,  was  called  the  weaver,  or  the  wife  ;  and 
another  remnant  of  this  old  truth  we  discover  in  the  word  heir- 
loom, applied  to  any  old  piece  of  furniture  which  has  come 
down  to  us  from  our  ancestors,  and  which,  though  it  may  be  a 
chair  or  bed,  shows  that  a  loom  was  once  a  most  important 
article  in  every  house.  Thus  the  word  wife  means  weaver  ;  and 
as  Trench  well  remarks,  "in  the  word  itself  is  -wrapiied  up  a 
hint  of  earnest,  in-door,  stay-at-home  occupations,  as  being  fitted 
for  her  who  bears  this  name." 

20,  21.  (20)  strange  woman,  foreign  harlot,  who  will 
entice  both  to  sensuality  and  idolatry.  (21)  before  .  .  Lord," 
taking  the  highest  ground  of  persuasion.  Not  merely  for  pru- 
dential reasons,  but  in  the  "  fear  of  the  Lord,"  we  should  live 
chastely,  soberly,  and  godly.  Sen.^ual  sins  may  be  indulged  in 
Becret,  but  the  Lord  observes  and  weighs  all  our  actions. 

Keeping  the  heart. — We  are  not  to  destroy  our  appetites  and 
passions,  but  to  keep  them  in  subordination  :  keeping  the  heart 
is  not  murdering  it.  It  is  an  old  saying  that  "  eternal  vigilance 
is  the  price  of  liberty."  It  seems  as  though  there  were  no  word 
80  far-reaching  as  the  word  "  watch."  Vigilance  is  the  price  of 
everything  good  and  great  in  earth  or  heaven.     It  was  for  his 


b  "  Do  not  steal 
water       froni 

ottiers,  as  the 
strange  woman 
entices  tliee  to 
do." -yVordsicortk. 

c  "  Wedded  love 
streams  forth  in 
blessing  on  all 
ari'und,  on  chil- 
dren, and  on 
neighbours,  and 
in  the  streets, 
precisely  because 
the  wife's  true 
love  is  given  to 
the  husband 
on\y."-Sj>k.  Com. 

d  Dr.  Amot. 


I  a  "  Tender,  wen- 
regulated  domes- 
tic   affection    is 

,  the  best  defence 
against  the  va- 
grant desires  of 
unlawful  pas- 
sion s."  —  Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 
"  Marriage  is  th« 
mother  of  the 
world,  and  pre- 
serves kingdoms, 
and  fills  cities 
and  churches, 
and  heaven  it- 
E  e  1  f."  —  Jeremy 
Taylor. 

b  "  In  the  whole 
circle  of  Arab, 
and  Persian 
poetry,  the  ante- 
lope and  the  ga- 
zelle  are  tlie 
chosen  images  of 
beauty  -litlie  of 
limb,  graceful  in 
motiuu,  dark  and 
lustrous  of  eye, 
fleet  and  strong, 
the.v  served  with 
equal  fitness  for 
the  masculine 
and  feminine 
types  of  it." — 
4f*.  Com. 

a   Job    xxxi.   4, 

.\xxiv.  21  ;  Pr. 
.\v.  3 ;  Jer.  xvi 
17,  x.xxii.  19. 

V.  21.  Dr.  ir.  De- 
laune.  149;  Dr. 
J.  Leiaiid.  ii.  201 ; 
G.  Carr.i  312;  /. 
F.  Morgan,  i.  131. 

A  father  said  to 
his  sou,  who  was 


46 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  vi.  1,2. 


at  a  Sabbath 
school,  and  had 
attemleci  to  what 
he  heard  there, 
"  Carry  this  par- 
cel  to  such  a 
place."  "  It  is 
Sabbath,"  replied 
the  other.  "  Put 
it  in  your 
pocket,"  replied 
the  father.  '•  God 
can  see  in  my 
pocket,"  answer- 
ed the  child. 

"  He  who  hath 
many  friends, 
hath  none."  — 
Arittotle. 


a"HaMt  hath  so 
Tast  a  prevalence 
over  the  human 
mind  that  there 
is  scarce  any- 
thing too  strange 
or  too  strong  to 
be  asserted  of  it. 
The  story  of  the 
miser,  who  from 
long  accustom- 
ing to  cheat 
others,  came  at 
last  to  cheat 
himself,  and  with 
great  delight  and 
triumph  picked 
his  own  pocket 
of  a  guinea  to 
convey  to  his 
hoard,  is  not  im- 
possible or  im- 
probable. —/"ieM- 
ing. 

Pr.  i.  31 ;  Jer.  ii. 
19. 

b  Secrecy  is  the 
Btudy  and  hope 
of  the  wicked. 
A  sinner's  chief 
labour  is  to  hide 
his  sin;  and  his 
labour  is  all  lost. 
Sin  becomes  the 
instrument  of 
punishing  sin- 
ners -  r  e  t  r  i  b  u- 
tion  in  the  system 
of  nature,  set  in 
motion  by  the  act 
of  sin." — Arnot. 
e  3  oh  iv.  21, 
xxxvl.  12. 
d  G.  Brooks, 
e  Day. 

a  The  word  used 
in  K.V.  primarily 
means   to    inter- 


faithful  vig-ilance  that  the  memory  of  the  Pompeiian  sentinel  ia 
embalmed  in  poetry  and  recorded  in  history.  Nothing  but  un- 
ceasing watchfulness  can  keep  the  heart  in  harmony  with  God'a 
hcarc.  It  was  a  stormy,  boisterous  night.  The  dark  clouda 
hung  over  us,  and  the  wind  came  with  tenfold  fury.  The 
sea  rolled  in  mountains,  and  the  proud  ship  seemed  but  a 
toy  amid  those  tremendous  billows.  Far  up  on  the  ma.?t,  on 
the  look  out,  the  sailor  was  heard  to  cry,  "  An  iceberg  on 
the  starboard-bow!"  "An  iceberg  on  the  larboard-bow!" 
The  deck-officer  called  to  the  helmsman,  "  Port  the  helm 
steadily  !"  and  the  sailors  at  the  wheel  heard  and  obeyed.  The 
officers  were  roused,  for  there  was  danger  on  board  to  three 
hundred  precious  souls.  The  captain  spent  a  sleepless  night, 
pacing  the  deck  or  cabin.  Gigantic  icebergs  were  coming 
against  the  vessel,  and  eternal  vigilance  was  the  price  of  our 
safety  in  that  northern  sea.  And  so  it  is  all  through  human 
life.  How  grand  is  be  who  keeps  his  heart !  Fortunes  may 
depart,  loved  ones  pass  away,  but  blessed  the  man  or  woman  who 
keeps  the  heart  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

22,  23.  (22)  iniquities,  etc.,  illus.  in  Saul,  Ahithophel, 
Haman,  etc.«  cords  of  his  sins,  the  sins  constantly  indulged 
become  at  last  enslaving  cords,  as  is  seen  in  the  case  of  the 
drunkard.*  (23)  without  instruction,'^  i.e.  without  having 
gained  it.  Or  better,  '•  for  lack  of  correction."  The  understand- 
ing being  that  the  wicked  man  has  had  instruction  offered,  but 
has  refused  to  receive  it.  his  folly,  as  if  he  were  drunk.  The 
same  word  is  used  as  is  trans,  ravished  in  v.  19.  We  may  trans. 
"  made  insane." 

Sinful  habits  (v.  22). — I.  Their  formation.  1.  One  sin  leads  to 
another  by  reducing  sense  of  odiousness  ;  2.  By  strengthening 
wrong  principle  ;  3.  By  rendering  necessary  for  purposes  of  con- 
cealment ;  4.  By  multiplying  opportunities  for  commission ;  H. 
By  lessening  the  power  of  resistance.  II.  Their  power.  1.  As 
seen  in  the  criminal ;  2.  In  the  drunkard ;  3.  S'n'indler  :  4. 
Errorist  ;  5.  Gospel-despiser.  Apply: — (1)  Beware  what  habita 
we  form  ;  (2)  Mark  the  increased  difficulty  of  conversion  ;  (3) 
Watch  over  the  religious  education  of  the  young.'' 

Victory  nver  self. — A  man  that  is  born  a  conqueror  over  hia 
own  corruptions  and  over  himself,  he  is  greater  than  ever  was 
the  greatest  conqueror  ;  and  it  is  better  to  be  made  in  this  kind 
a  victor  over  his  own  passions  than  to  be  universal  emperor  over 
all  the  world.  Saith  Seneca,  there  are  many  men  that  have  sub- 
dued principalities,  kingdoms,  cities,  towns,  and  countries,  and 
brought  them  under  their  own  mastery  ;  but  there  are  few  that 
have  guided  themselves,  but  still  there  is  a  tiger  within  them 
that  disgraceth  and  obscureth  their  outward  conquest  by  reason 
of  foul  seethings  and  corruptions  in  their  own  flesh  :  therefore, 
for  a  man  to  get  the  victory,  and  to  overcome  himself,  is  to  get 
the  victory,  and  to  overcome  all  the  world  ;  for  man  is  a  micro- 
cosm, a  little  world,  as  St.  Austin  saith.' 

CHAPTER  THE  SIXTH. 

1,  2.  (1)  surety,"  if  thou  hast  given  thy  name  as  security. 
Jewish  law  was  very  severe  on  sureties,    stricken  thy  hand. 


Cap.  vl.  3—8.) 


PROVERBS. 


the  form  or  sign  by  which  a  pledge  was  taken.*  stranger, 
prob.  the  alien  money-lender,  either  Phoenician  or  Eg-yptian.  who 
•will  be  sure  to  demand  the  literal  execution  of  his  bond.  (2) 
snared,  etc..  prob.  in  some  fixed  form  of  words,  and  not  by 
writing,  the  contract  was  made. 

Social  gnrefijs/i >/).'>  {rr.  1 — .5). — Solomon  here  speaks  of  surety- 
ships as  an  evil.  I.  To  be  deplored.  There  are  always  two 
things  necessary  to  make  it  justifiable.  1.  The  case  should  be 
deserving  ;  2.  You  should  be  fully  competent  to  discharge  the 
obligation.  II.  As  an  evil  very  easily  contracted.  III.  To  be 
strenuously  removed.  Deliver  thyself — 1,  Promptly;  2.  Be- 
seechingly ;  3.  EiTectively.* 

Snri'fyship. — Beware  of  suretyship  for  thy  best  friends.  He 
that  payeth  another  man's  debts  seeketh  his  own  decay.  But  if 
thou  canst  not  otherwise  choose,  rather  lend  thy  money  thyself 
upon  good  bonds,  although  thou  borrow  it  :  so  shalt  thou  secure 
thyself  and  pleasure  thy  friend.  Neither  borrow  money  of  a 
neighbour  or  a  friend,  but  of  a  stranger,  where  paying  for  it, 
thou  shalt  hear  no  more  of  it ;  otherwise  thou  shalt  eclipse  thy 
credit,  lose  thy  freedom,  and  yet  pay  as  dear  as  to  another.  But 
in  borrowing  of  money  be  precious  of  thy  word,  for  he  that 
hath  care  of  keeping  days  of  payment  is  lord  of  another  man's 
purse.'' 

3 — 5.  (3)  no"W,  i.e.  at  once,  and  earnestly,  "when,  better, 
since  thou  art  come  into  the  snare,  humble  thyself,  bow 
thyself  down,  stamp  with  thy  foot,"  hasten,  make  sure,  or 
press  hotly  upon.  The  idea  is  that  by  persuasion,  or,  if  need  be, 
by  threats,  the  bond  should  be  got  back.''  (4)  give,  etc.,  make 
it  a  matter  of  absorbing  interest.  (5)  roe,  ch.  v.  19.  The 
gazelle. 

Condition  of  a  svitor. — 

So  pitiful  a  thing  is  suitor's  state — 

Most  miserable  man,  whom  wicked  fate 

Hath  brought  to  court  to  me  ;  for  had  I  wist, 

That  few  have  found,  and  many  a  one  hath  miss'd  I 

Full  little  knowest  thou — thou  hast  not  tried — 

What  hell  it  is  in  suing  long  to  bide  ; 

To  lose  good  days,  that  might  be  better  spent, 

To  waste  long  nights  in  pensive  diiscontent ; 

To  speed  to-day.  to  be  put  back  to-morrow. 

To  feed  on  hope,  to  pine  with  fear  and  sorrow  ; 

To  have  thy  prince's  grace,  yet  want  his  peers'; 

To  have  thy  asking,  yet  wait  many  years  ; 

To  fret  thy  soiil  with  crosses  and  with  cares, 

To  eat  thy  heart  through  comfortless  despairs  ; 

To  fawn,  to  crouch,  to  wait,  to  ride,  to  run, 

To  spend,  to  give,  to  want,  to  be  undone.' 

6 — 8.  (6)  ant,  a  creature  whose  restless,  unwearied  activity 
is  very  remarkable.  A  proverbial  emblem  of  industry."  (7) 
no  guide,  etc..  there  were  all  the  signs  and  results  of  organisa- 
tion, yet  no  leadership  ;  all  depended  on  the  diligence,  skill,  and  | 
activity  of  each  individual.*  (8)  provideth,  etc.,  this  has  been  I 
questioned,  but  it  is  certainly  true  of  some  kinds  of  ants.  | 

A  secular  nernwn  on  fores^iglit  (vv.  6 — 11). — Creation  full  of 
teachers.     Here  we  gather  round  an  insect.     Lessoa  taught  by 


47 

trea  ve.  A  man 
iiiieriroren  with  a 
stranger  is  one 
implicated  in  the 
same  account. 

Ge.  xliii.  9. 

b  Job  xvii.  3  ;  Pr. 
xvii.  18,  xxii.  26; 
Eze.  xvii.  18. 

c  Dr.  Tlioims. 

"  Aristotle  de« 
fineth  frienrlsliip 
to  be  a  love  of 
another,  not  for 
any  good  \ve  get, 
but  merely  for 
the  party's  sake 
who  is  beloved." 
—  Anltwny  Bur- 
gess. 

d  Ld.  Burleigh. 


a  Be  to  porta* 
nate. 

b  '■  Solomon  here 
advises  the  man 
who  has  made 
liimself  surety  for 
a  friend,  to  urge 
that  friend  im- 
portunately t  o 
pay  his  debt  to 
the  creditor,  and 
so  to  deliver  him 
who  was  surety 
for  him." — Bede. 

"  He  that  has  no 
friend  and  no 
enemy,  is  one  of 
the  vulgar,  and 
without  talents, 
power,  or 
energy.  "-^  ra  ler. 

c  Sir  W.  Raleigh. 


I  Improvid'-nt 
sluggards  usually 
want  sureties. 
Hence  such  are 
advised  to  indus- 
try by  the  anf« 
example. 

b  "When  T  bopan 
to  employ  work- 
men in  tliis  oouu< 


48 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  vl.6— 8. 


try    (Syria)    no- 
thing     annoyed 
me  more  than  the 
necessity  to  hire 
also   an   nrersrrr,  | 
or   to  fulfil    this 
office  myself.  But  I 
I  soonfounii  that  I 
this  was  univer- 
sal, and   strictly 
necessary.      The  | 
workmen,    every  j 
way    unlike    the  | 
ant.will  not  work  1 
at  all  unless  kept  | 
toit,,'ind  directed 
in  it  by  an  over- 
seer, wlio  is  him-  j 
self  a  perfect  spe- 
cimen    of     lazi- 
ness."— Thnnunn, 
Land  and  Book. 

e  Dr.  J.  Parker. 

d  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

A  write*  in  the 
QiKirlrrly  Revific 
remarks  that  the 
Arabians  hold 
the  wisdom  of  the 
ant  in  such  vene- 
ration that  they 
used  to  place  one 
of  these  insects 
In  the  hand  of  a 
newly  -  born  in- 
fant, repeating 
these  words, 
"  Slay  the  boy 
turn  out  clever 
and  skilful." 
vv.  6—8.  W.  Ber- 
riman,  i.  253  ;  T. 
Monlon,  v.  1U29; 
/>.'((« />?/""!/,  3-in; 
Dr.  W.  D'dd,  iii. 
168;  R.  WaU-er,. 
iii.  127;  /.  Cal- 
throp,  i.  228. 
"  So  numerous 
were  the  ants, 
and  so  great  was 
the  mischief  wh. 
they  committed, 
that  the  Portu- 
guese called  this 
Insect  the  '  King 
of  Brazil ;'  but  it 
is  said  by  Piso, 
that  an  active 
husbandman 
easily  drove  them 
away,  either  by 
means  of  fire  or 
of  water;  and  the 
evil  which  they 
did  was  more 
than  counter- 
halanced  by  the 
incessant  war 
wh.  they  waged 
against  all  other 


the  ant  is  foresight.  Foresight  a  faculty  almost  Divine.  A  wise 
foresight  makes  life  pleasant — I.  By  economising  time.  II.  By 
systematising  duties.  III.  By  diminishing  difficulties.  Apply. — 
Every  life  has  a  summer,  so  also  a  winter  :  prepare.* — The 
sluijgnrd  reproved  (rv.  6—10). — Address  the  sluggard— I.  In  a 
way  of  humiliating  reproof.  Consider  the  ant.  1.  Her  wise 
foresight  ;  2.  Her  voluntary  labour  :  3.  Her  prudent  care.  II. 
In  a  way  of  solemn  warning.  1.  Reflect  on  the  awfulness  of  thy 
state  ;  2.  Reflect  also  on  the  vanity  of  thy  excuses.  Address — (1) 
Those  who  have  never  yet  been  awakened  ;  (2)  Those  who  being 
awakened  are  disposed  to  slothful  habits."* 

Anf.^  .storing  up  food. — Most  modem  entomologists  have  denied 
that  ants  store  up  corn,  and  have  suggested  that  the  resemblance 
of  the  pypa.  or  chrysalis  of  that  insect,  to  a  grain  of  wheat  waa 
the  foundation  of  the  supposed  error.  It  has  been  further  re- 
marked that  Solomon's  language  might  merely  mean  that  the 
ant  gathered  food  when  food  was  plentiful — in  fact,  "  made  hay 
while  the  sun  shone."  But  Colonel  Sykes  discovered  at  Poona, 
in  India,  a  species  of  ant  which  stores  up  the  seeds  of  a  kind  of 
millet ;  and  a  correspondent  of  the  Atlienceum  states,  m  a  recent 
number  of  that  journal,  that  a  pile  of  wheat  having  been  left  on 
a  threshing-floor  in  the  island  of  Zante,  it  was  subsequently 
found  to  have  been  plundered  by  ants.  On  one  of  the  nests  of 
these  little  pilferers  being  opened, '"two  good-sized  tin  cansful 
of  grain  "  were  discovered  in  it.  The  observations  of  Israel's 
royal  naturalist  are  thus  substantially  confirmed. — The  follow- 
ing extracts  from  Livingstone's  Travels  in  South  Africa  afford 
interesting  illustrations  of  the  habits  of  this  insect  : — "  The 
country  between  Linyanti  and  Sesheke  is  perfectly  flat,  except 
patches  elevated  only  a  few  feet  above  the  sun-ounding  level. 
There  are  also  many  mounds  where  the  gigantic  anthills  ot  the 
country  have  been  situated,  or  still  appear  ;  these  mounds  are 
evidently  the  work  of  the  termites.  No  one  who  has  not  seen 
their  gigantic  structures  can  fancy  the  industry  of  these  little 
labourers  ;  they  seem  to  impart  fertility  to  the  soil  which  has 
once  passed  through  their  mouths,  for  the  Makololo  find  the  sidea 
of  anthills  the  choice  spots  for  rearing  early  maize,  tobacco,  or 
'  anything  on  which  they  wish  to  bestow  especial  care."  On  the 
banks  of  the  Chobe  he  tells  us  he  found  some  of  the  anthills 
thirty  feet  in  height,  and  of  a  base  so  broad  that  trees  gi-ovv  on 
,  them.  "  The  white  ant  keeps  generally  out  of  sight,  and  works 
I  under  galleries  constructed  by  night  to  screen  them  from  the 
'  observation  of  birds.  At  some  given  signal,  however,  I  never 
could  ascertain  what,  they  rush  out  by  hundreds,  and  the  sound 
I  of  their  mandibles  cutting  grass  into  lengths  may  be  heard  like 
1  a  gentle  mnd  murmuring  through  the  leaves  of  the  trees.  They 
I  drag  these  pieces  to  the  doors  of  their  abodes,  and  after  some 
hours'  toil  leave  o£E  work,  and  many  of  the  bits  of  grass  may  be 
;  .seen  collected  around  the  orifice.  They  continue  out  of  sight  for 
I  perhaps  a  month,  but  they  are  never  idle.  On  one  occasion  a 
'  good  bundle  of  grass  was  laid  down  for  my  bed  on  a  spot  which 
j  was  quite  smooth  and  destitute  of  plants.  The  ants  at  once 
I  sounded  a  call  to  a  good  supply  of  grass.  I  heard  them  incessantly 
i  nibbling  and  carrying  away  all  that  night,  and  they  continued 
I  all  next  day  (Sunday),  and  all  that  night,  too,  with  unabated 
j  energy.    They  had  thus  been  thirty-six  hours  at  it,  and  seemed 


Cap.  vi.  9.] 


PROVERBS. 


49 


as  fresh  as  ever.  ...  At  some  of  their  operations  they  beat 
time  in  a  curious  manner.  Hundreds  of  them  are  enq;aged  in 
building  a  larg-e  tube,  and  they  wish  to  beat  it  smooth.  At  a 
signal  tney  all  give  three  or  four  energetic  beats  on  the  plaster 
in  unison.  It  produces  a  sound  like  the  dropping  of  rain  off  a 
bush  when  touched.  These  insects  are  the  chief  agents  employed 
in  forming  a  fertile  soil.  But  for  their  labours  the  tropical 
forests,  bad  as  they  are  now  with  fallen  trees,  would  be  a  thou- 
sand times  worse.  They  would  be  imi^assable  on  account  of  the 
heaps  of  dead  vegetation  lying  on  the  surface,  and  emitting 
worse  effects  than  the  com]iaratively  small  unburied  collections  do 
now.  Ants  surely  are  wiser  than  some  men,  for  they  learn  by 
experience.  They  have  established  themselves,  even  on  these 
plains,  where  water  stands  so  long  annually  as  to  allow  the  lotus 
and  other  aqueous  plants  to  come  to  maturity.  When  all  the 
ant-horizon  is  submerged  a  foot  deep,  they  manage  to  exist  by 
ascending  to  little  houses,  built  of  black  tenacious  loam  on  stalks 
of  glass,  and  jilaced  higher  than  the  line  of  inundation.  This 
must  have  beeu  .the  result  of  experience,  for  if  they  had  v.'aited 
till  the  water  actually  invaded  their  terrestrial  habitations,  they 
would  not  have  been  able  to  procure  materials  for  their  aerial 
quarters,  unless  they  dived  down  to  the  bottom  for  every  mouthful 
of  clay.  Some  of  these  upper  chambers  are  about  the  size  of  a 
bean,  and  others  as  large  as  a  man"s  thumb." 

9.    how  long,  etc.,  comp.  ch.  xxiv.  30 — 34. 

A  iff  ate  of  liiti  a  state  of  ulccj)  (r.  9). — I.  The  state — 1.  A  state 
of  forgetf ulness ;  2.  Of  inserusibility  ;  3.  Of  inactivity  ;  4.  Of 
danger.  II.  The  change.  It  is  awaking — 1.  To  a  due  sense  of 
our  position  as  fallen  beings  ;  2.  To  the  duty  of  seeking  a  right 
relation  to  G-od  in  the  only  way  in  which  it  can  be  found  ;  3.  To 
an  habitual  realisation  of  the  powers  of  the  world  to  come.  III. 
The  appeal.  1.  You  have  slept  too  long  already  ;  2.  The  longer 
you  sleeiJ,  the  more  difficult  to  awake  ;  3.  All  awake  but  you — 
heaven  ;  hell ;  4.  You  have  a  great  work  to  accomplish  :  your 
sleep  may  be  prolonged  and  deepened  into  the  sleep  that  knows 
no  waking." 

Idleness  not  enjoijment. — So  far  from  complete  inaction  being 
perfect  enjoyment,  there  are  few  sufferings  greater  than  that 
which  the  total  absence  of  occupation  generally  induces.  Count 
Caylus.  the  celebrated  French  antiquary,  spent  much  time  in 
engraving  the  plates  which  illustrate  his  valuable  works.  When 
his  friends  asked  him  why  he  worked  so  hard  at  such  an  almost 
mechanical  occupation,  he  replied,  "  Ji?  grave  povr  ne  pas  me 
pendre,''—"'  I  engrave  lest  I  should  hang  myself."  When  Xapoleon 
was  slowly  withering  away,  from  disease  and  ennni  together,  on 
the  rock  of  St.  Helena,  it  was  told  him  that  one  of  his  old 
friends,  an  ex-colonel  in  his  Italian  amiy,  was  dead.  "  What 
disease  killed  him  ?  "  asked  Napoleon.  "  That  of  having  nothing 
to  do.'  it  was  answei-ed.  •'  Enough,"  sighed  Napoleon,  "  even  i 
hafl  he  been  an  emperor."  Nature  has  beneficially  provided  that 
if  the  greater  proportion  of  her  sons  must  earn  their  bread  by  the 
sweat  of  their  brow,  that  bread  is  far  sweeter  from  the  previous 
effort  than  if  it  fell  spontaneously  into  the  hand  of  listless 
indolence.  It  is  scarcely  to  be  questioned,  then,  that  labour  is 
desirable  for  its  own  sake,  as  well  as  for  the  substantial  results 
which  it  affords  ;  and,  consequently,  that  it  by  no  means  lessens. 

VOL.  VII.      O.T.  D 


verniin.  In  some 
parts  of  South 
America  they 
march  periodi- 
cally in  ariiiief, 
SHch  mjTiads  to- 
gether, that  the 
sound  of  their 
coniiug  over  the 
fallen  leaves  may 
be  heard  at  some 
distance.  Theia- 
habitants,  know- 
ing the  season, 
are  on  the  watch, 
and  quit  their 
houses,  which 
these  tremendous 
but  welcome 
visitors  clear  of 
centipedes,  furty- 
leps,  scorpions, 
snakes,  every 
living  t  h  i  ng; 
and  having  done 
their  wo'-k,  pro- 
ceed upon  their 
way." — Soulhey. 


a  G.  Brooks. 

"  Idleness  is  the 
very  rust  and 
canker  of  the 
soul  :  the  devil's 
cush'on,  pillow, 
chiel  reposal ;  his 
very  tide-time  of 
temptation,  as  it 
were,  wherein  he 
carries  with 
much  care,  and 
withovit  contra- 
diction, the  cur- 
rent of  our  cor- 
rupt affections  to 
any  cursed  sin." 
— Bolton. 

"Idleness  Is  the 
bane  of  body  and 
of  mind;  the 
nurse  of  naughti- 
ness ;  the  step- 
mother of  disci- 
pline ;  one  of  the 
seven  deadly 
sins;  the  cushion 
ui)on  which  the 
deWl  chiefly  re- 
poses ;  a  great 
cause  not  only  of 
melancholy,  but 
of  many  other 
disea.scs  ;  for  the 
mi  ml  is  naturally 
active  ;  and  if  it 
be  not  occupied 
about  some 
honest    business, 


50 


PROVERBS. 


ICap.  vl,  10.  11. 


It  rushes  into 
misohief,  or  sinks 
Into  m  e  1  a  n- 
choly." — Burton. 

b  Dr.  Potter. 

"  The  idle  man  is 
the  devil's 
cushion,  on  \vh. 
he  taketh  his  free 
ease  :  who,  as  he 
is  incapable  of 
any  good,  so  is  he 
fitly  ilisposed  for 
all  evil  motions. 
The  standing 
water  soon  stink- 
eth  ;  whereas  the 
curr  en  t  ever 
keeps  clear  anil 
cleanly ;  convey- 
in  g  down  a.  1 1 
noisome  matter, 
that  might  infect 
it,  by  the  force  of 
its  stream.  If  I 
do  but  little  good 
to  others  by  my 
endeavours,  yet 
this  is  great  good 
to  me, — that  by 
my  labour  I  keep 
myself  from 
hurt."— .«/).  //((//. 

e  H.  W.  Beecher. 


a  "  An  ironical 
imitation  of  the 
language  of  tlie 
lazy  man." — Otto 
Zockler. 

h  "The    Heb., 

richer  than  the 
English,  employs 
3  synonymes  for 
sleep.  A  little 
sleep,  slumber, 
folding  of  the 
hands,  as  for  a 
.i  i  e  s  I  a." —  Spk. 
Com. 

"  It  is  false  and 
indolent  hu- 
mility  wh.  makes 
people  sit  still 
and  do  nothing, 
because  the}-  will 
not  believe  they 
are  capable  of 
doing  much,  for 
everybody  can 
do  something. 
Everybody  can 
set  a  good 
example,  he  it  to 
many  or  to  few : 
everybody  can  in 
some  degree  en- 
courage     virtue 


but  rather  adds  to,  the  general  chance  of  happiness,  that  nearly 
all  the  members  of  society  should,  in  some  shape  or  other,  be 
placed  under  an  ob'ig'atioa  to  labour  for  their  support.' — Fartinien 
to  hi'  made  h)j  n'orl{. — Few  conceive,  or  are  taught  to  conceive, 
that  by  a  law  of  God  as  fundamental  as  the  law  of  gravitation,  and 
as  universal  as  human  society,  success  in  life  is  the  equivalent  of 
industry,  knowledge,  prudence,  and  perseverance,  and  not  th<» 
result  of  chance.  The  exceptions  are  few  and  rare  and  occasional, 
in  which  it  would  be  found  to  come  from  anything  in  the  nature 
of  real  luck.  It  is  the  effect  of  definite  causes  ;  and  happines,s 
would  make  great  strides  if  there  could  be  a  conviction  settled 
in  the  hearts  of  the  young  throughout  the  land  that  to  make 
one's  fortune  means  to  give  a  fair  equivalent  of  thought  or  skill 
or  labour  for  that  fortune.  For  men  go  out  to  hunttheir  fortune, 
to  fire  it  upon  the  wing,  to  take  it  as  it  runs  through  the  forest. 
They  mean  to  find  it  already  made.  They  do  not  understand 
that  they  must  make  it  themselves  if  they  are  to  have  it.  Tea 
thousand  young  hearts  are  to-day  looking  at  New  York  as  th" 
goal  of  their  ambition,  without  asking  whether  they  have  health 
to  bear  its  strains  ;  without  pausing  to  consider  whether  they 
have  virtue  to  withstand  its  temptations  ;  without  troubling 
themselves  to  ascertain  whether  they  have  the  nerve  to  maintain 
themselves  in  the  midst  of  its  competition  :  without  giving  a 
moment's  thought  to  the  question  as  to  whether  they  have  a 
natural  fitness  for  its  duties.  They  see  only  the  great  and  glowing 
picture  of  their  fancy,  and  by  night  and  by  day  they  think  that 
all  would  be  well  if  they  could  but  rid  themselves  of  their 
country  clogs,  and  enter  the  Elysian  fields  of  city  life.  This 
vision  attracts  multitudes,  as  by-and-by  it  will  mock  them.« 

10,  11.  (10)  a  little  sleep,  graphic  description  of  the  feeling 
and  wishes  of  the  sluggard."  folding  .  .  sleep,  the  well-known 
attidude  of  one  who  is  settling  himself  down  to  sleep.*  (11) 
travelleth,  lit.  one  who  looks  backwards  and  forwards,  i.e.  a 
highwayman,  armed,  man,  lit.  a  man  of  a  shield.''  "  The 
habit  of  indolence  is  more  fatally  destructive  than  these 
marauders." 

Characferi.ifics  of  idleness. — It  was  a  great  vanity  in  Dionysius 
that  he  would  needs  be  the  best  poet :  and  in  Caligula,  that  he 
would  needs  be  the  best  orator  :  and  in  Nero,  that  he  would 
needs  be  the  best  fiddler.  And  so  they  became  the  three  worst 
princes — minding  other  men's  business  more  than  their  o^vn 
callings.  So  it  is  very  great  vanity  in  many  profes.sors  to  mind 
more  other  men's  business  than  their  own  :  from  the  society  of 
such  saints  we  must  withdraw.  No  man  is  too  noble  to  have  a 
calling.  If  iron  had  reason,  it  would  choose  rather  to  be  used  in 
labour,  than  to  grow  rusty  in  a  comer.  By  the  law  of  Mahomet, 
the  Grand  Turk  himself  was  to  be  of  some  trade.  The  hour  of  idle- 
ness is  the  hour  of  temptation.  An  idle  pei-son  is  the  devil's  tennis 
ball,  tossed  by  him  at  his  pleasure.  God  ordained  that  the  neck 
of  the  consecrated  ass  should  be  broken  (Ex.  xiii.  13).  instead  of 
sacrificing  it :  peradventure,  because  that  animal  hath  ever  been 
the  hieroglyphic  of  sloth  and  laziness.  Among  the  EgjTitians 
idleness  was  a  capital  crime.  Among  the  Locrians,  he  that  lent 
money  to  an  idle  person  was  to  lose  it.  Among  the  Corinthians, 
idle  persons  were  delivered  to  the  carnifex.  By  the  laws  of 
Solon,  idle  persons  were  to  suffer  death.     The   ancients   call 


Cap.  vl.  12-15.J 


PROVERBS. 


61 


idleness  the  burial  of  a  living-  man  ;  and  Seneca  had  rather  be 
Bick  than  idle.  Now,  shall  nature  do  more  than  gi-ace  ?  Shall 
poor  blind  heathens  be  so  severe  against  idle  persons,  and  shall 
Christians  embrace  them  ?  Should  they  not  rather  turn  their 
backs  upon  them  and  have  no  intercourse  with  them  M^ho  think 
themselves  too  great,  or  too  good,  to  hold  the  plough  ?  ** 
Tlie  two  ivorkers. — 

Two  workers  in  one  field 

Toiled  on  from  day  to  day  ; 
Both  had  the  same  hard  labour, 
Both  had  the  same  small  pay, 
With  the  same  blue  sky  above, 
The  same  green  grass  below : 
One  soul  was  full  of  love, 
The  other  full  of  woe. 

One  leaped  up  with  the  light, 

With  the  soaring  of  the  lark ; 
One  felt  it  ever  night. 

For  his  soul  was  ever  dark. 
One  heart  was  hard  as  stone, 

One  heart  was  ever  gay  ; 
One  worked  with  many  a  groan, 

One  whistled  all  the  day. 

One  had  a  flower-clad  cot 

Beside  a  merry  mill  ; 
Wife  and  children  near  the  spot 

Made  it  sweeter,  fairer  still. 
One  a  wretched  hovel  had, 

Full  of  discord,  dirt,  and  din  ; 
No  wonder  he  seemed  mad, 

Wife  and  children  starved  within. 

Btill  they  worked  in  the  same  field. 

Toiled  on  from  day  to  day  ; 
Both  had  the  same  hard  labour, 

Both  had  the  same  small  pay. 
But  they  worked  not  with  one  will ; 

The  reason  let  me  tell : 
Lo  !  the  one  drank  at  the  still, 

And  the  other  at  the  well. 

12 — 15.  ("12)  naughty  person,  lit.  man  of  Belial.  De.  xiii. 
13.  "walketh,  etc..  '"he  walks"  (lit.)  in  crookednes/t  of  mouth  : 
the  speech  of  such  a  one  is  tortuous  and  crafty."  (13) 
wlnketh.,*  using  mute  signs  to  convey  his  meanings,  and  so 
deceiving  those  who  do  not  know  the  signs,  speaketh  .  .  feet, 
making  significant  gestures.  "  All  the  means  by  wh.  man  holds 
intercourse  with  man  are  turned  to  instruments  of  fraud  and 
falsehood."' <■  (14)  frowardness,  Pr.  ii.  14.  deviseth  mis- 
chief, cunning  being  the  talent  of  the  weak  and  lazy,  (lo) 
calamity,  lit.  rr>t.i/ii>iff  nri;//it.  broken,  shivered  to  pieces. 
Without  remedy,''  ^ee  ch.  v.  22. 

A  bad  man  (r.  12). — We  have  here — I.  The  portrait  of  a  bad 
man.     He  is — 1.  Perverse  in  speech;  2.  Artful  in  conduct;   3. 
Mischievous  in  purpose.     II.  The  doom  of  a  bad  man.     It  is — 1, 
Certain  ;  2.  Sudden ;  3.  Irremediable.' 
02 


and  religion,  and 
di  scountenanca 
vice  and  folly ; 
everybody  has 
some  one  whom 
they  c:ui  advise 
and  instruct,  or 
in  f^onie  way  lielp 
to  guide  through 
life.  '-.Wss  Talbot. 
c  "  One  that  lias 
waited  forafiglit 
knows  how 
slowly  tl«e  armed 
men  seem  to 
come  up.  They 
may  be  hours 
passing  the  inter- 
vening space. 
There  is  no  sound 
of  them.  They 
are  not  on  the 
roads,  or  on  the 
air,  neither  ia 
sight  or  echo,  and 
yet  they  are 
com'ny  on .'  The 
intervening  time 
is  the  sluggard's 
sleeping  time, 
and  it  seems  an 
a.ge."— Miller. 
i\  11.  T.  Boston, 
vi.  449. 
d  T.  Brooks. 
"  Kather  do  what 
is  nothing  to  the 
purpose,  than  be 
idle ;  that  the 
devil  may  find 
thee  doing.  The 
bird  that  sits  is 
easily  shot,  when 
fliers  'scape  the 
fowler.  Idleness 
is  the  dead  sea 
that  swallows  all 
the  virtues,  and 
the  s  e  1  f-m  a  d  e 
sepulchre  of  a 
living  man."  — 
Quarles. 


a  "  Idleness  and 
vice  are  allied. 
Though  indolent 
in  acts,  he  ac- 
tively and  habi- 
tually is  ill-na» 
tured  in  speech." 
— Faussel. 

One  author  calla 
idleness  "The 
most  corrupting 
fly  that  can  blow 
o  n  the  humak 
mind." 


62 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Vl.  16. 17. 


6  Pr.  X.  10;  Ps. 
XXXV.  19. 
c  "  He    suggests 
w  i  c  k  e  duess    to 
otliers  by  un- 
godly    signals, 
winks,      innuen- 
does, and  gesticu- 
lations."- Words- 
worth. 
d  Da.  xi.  45. 
e  Dr.  Thomas. 
f  Robert* 


a  Comp.  Job  v. 
19 ;  Pr.  XXX.  15, 
18,  24  ;  Am.  i..  ii. 
Arnot  notices  tlie 
parallel  between 
the  7  cursed 
things  here  and 
the  7  blessed 
things  in  the  v. 
chap.  Matt. 

b  Ps.  cxxxi.  1 ; 
also  Job  xxi.  22, 
xl.  11 ;  Pr.  xx.\. 
13. 

"  As  thou  desirest 
the  love  of  Ood 
and  man,  beware 
of  pride.  It  is  a 
tumour  in  the 
mind,  that  breaks 
and  poisons  all 
thy  actions;  it  is 
a  worm  in  thy 
treasure,  vvh.  eats 
asd  ruins  tliy 
estate :  it  loves 
no  man  —  is  be- 
loved of  no  man ; 
It  dis))arages  vir- 
tue in  another  by 
detraction  ;itdis- 
rewards  goodness 
in  itself  ti.y  vain- 
glory :  the  friend 
of  the  flatterer, 
the  mother  of 
envy,  the  nurse 
of  fury,  the  sin 
of  devils,  and  the 
devil  of  mankind, 
it  hates  supe- 
riors :  it  scorns 
inferiors :  it  owns 
no  equals :  —  in 
short,  till  thou 
hate  it,  God  hates 
thee." — Qtiarlfs. 

vv.   16  —  19.       J. 

Steele,  83. 

•  Dr.  Thomai, 


Speaking  with  tlie  feet  and  Jingers. — It  should  be  remembered 
that  when  people  are  in  their  houses  they  do  not  wear  sandals, 
consequently  their  feet  and  toes  are  exposed.  When  guests  wish  to 
speak  with  each  other  so  as  not  to  be  observed  by  the  host,  they 
convey  their  moaning  by  the  feet  and  toes.  Does  a  person  wish  to 
leave  a  room  in  company  with  another,  he  lifts  up  one  of  his  feet, 
and  then  suddenly  puts  it  down  on  the  ground. — He  teacheth  vtfi- 
his  fingers. — When  merchants  wish  to  make  a  bargain  in  the 
presence  of  others  without  making  known  their  terms,  they  sit 
on  the  ground,  have  a  piece  of  cloth  thrown  over  the  lap,  and 
then  put  each  a  hand  under,  and  thus  speak  with  the  fingers. 
When  the  Brahmins  convey  religious  mysteries  to  their  disciples, 
they  teach  with  their  fingers,  having  the  hands  concealed  in  the 
folds  of  their  robes. .'' 

16,  17.  (16)  these  .  .  hate,  a  common  Heb.  form  of  climax." 
yea,  seven,  this  number  usually  represents  complefene.is,  either 
for  good  or  evil,  abomination,  De.  vii.  25.  These  evil  things 
are  all  found  in  the  "  man  of  Belial,"  v.  12.  Specially  regarded 
as  a  man  who  sows  discord.  (17)  proud  look,  lit.  ei/es  of  hfti- 
wftM.*  The  spirit  that  leads  men  to  orerralvc  themselves,  and 
imdervalve  all  about  them,  lying  tongue,  a  sure  sign  of  the 
,  corrupt  heart,  hands  .  .  hlood,  heartlessly  cruel,  both  towards 
God's  innocent  creatures  and  towai'ds  the  man's  brethren. 
I  Is.  lix.  7. 

I  Seve)i  ahominahle  things  (cr.  16 — 19). — Here  is  a  catalogue  of 
evils  specially  odious  to  God.  I.  Haughty  bearing,  implies — 
I  1.  Self- ignorance  ;  2.  Unkindness  ;  3.  Irreverence.  II.  Verbal 
falsehood.  1.  Which  implies  a  wrong  htrart  ;  2.  Has  a  bad 
social  tendency.  III.  Heartless  cruelty,  implies — 1.  Lack  of 
sympathy  with  God's  creatures  ;  2.  "Vi'ith  God's  mind.  I'V. 
"Vicious  scheming.  V.  Mischievous  eagerness.  VI.  Social 
slander.  VII.  Disturbing  strife.  Subject  shows — 1.  The  moral 
hideousness  of  the  world  ;  2.  The  immaculate  piu'ity  of  God  ;  3. 
j  The  true  mission  of  the  godly." 

The  heart. — If  we  ask  why  the  heart  is  chosen  rather  than 
I  any  other  organ — or,  rather,  than  the  understanding,  or  judg- 
I  ment.  or  memory — we  find  our  answer  in  the  fact  that  the  under- 
standing may  be  always  subject  to  circumstances,  or  may  be 
:  enfeebled  by  disease  ;  the  judgment  may  be  in  error,  and  the 
'  memory  may   fail.      In   the    Scriptures,    the  word  heart  is   by 
metonymy  used  as  implying  the  understanding.    It  is  represented 
as   being  the  soat  of  the  will  and  the  conscience.     There   are 
j  three  reasons  why  the  hnart  is  chosen.   1.     A  pathological  :  it  is 
I  the   fountain   of   life,   through  which  the   blood  passes,   to   be 
distributed  to  every  part  of  the  system.     Stop  the  heart,  and 
I  death  follows.    2.  The  heart  is  the  region  of  sensibility.    "VVTien 
I  the  great  passions  of  hope  and  fear,  of  love  and  hate,  of  joy  and 
j  sorrow,  take  hold  of    a  man,  he  realises  the  sensation   in   the 
j  region  of  the  heart.     3.  The  intellect  is  controlled  by  the  heart, 
I  more  than  the  ho.art  by  the  intellect.     Men  do  not  follow  their 
i  thinkings,  but  their  feelings  ;  yet  there  are  teachers  proclaiming 
a  religion  of  pure  intellect,  excluding  the  passions  or  feelings  of 
the  soul.     Christianity  appeals  to  the  emotions.      Some  of  the 
colder  members  of   the  Church — for  there  are  icebergs  in  the 
i  Church    as    much    as    in    Greenland — are    insensible   to    these 
I  emotions,  and  when  a  man  sings  for  joy,  he  is  put  down  as  a  fit 


Cap,  vl,  18-21.] 


PROVERBS. 


53 


subject  for  a  madhouse. 
else  but  Christianity. 


We  may  have  excitement  in  everything 


18,  19.  (18)  deviseth,  eis.,  or  fabricating  empty,  vrortliless 
devices."  feet  .  .  mischief,  Ro.  iii.  15.  Not  only  doing  mis- 
chief, but  doing  it  caf/crl//.  (19)  false  .  .  lies,  lit.  one  that 
hreatliL's  lies.  The  social  slanderer.*  Heb.  word  used  is  pnach,  to 
blow  out ;  often  used  in  a  bad  sense,  soweth.  discord,  by  tale- 
bearing, ill-natured  stories,  the  look  or  shrug  of  the  shoulders, 
etc.     Making  mischief  between  relations  and  neighbours. 

Social L^ >i. — "Call  it  not  socialism,  call  it  devilism,  for  it  has 
made  me  more  a  devil  than  a  man,"  exclaimed  a  poor  dying  man, 
in  my  neighbourhood,  says  Mr.  James,  to  one  of  our  town  mis- 
sionaries, who  visited  him  on  his  death-bed.  "  I  got  into  com- 
pany that  led  me  to  socialism,  and  to  drinking.  I  rejected  the 
Bible,  denied  the  Saviour,  and  persuaded  myself  there  wag  no 
hereafter  ;  and  as  the  result  acted  the  part  of  a  bad  father  and  a 
bad  husband.  I  have  the  testimony  of  my  master  that  I  was  a 
steady  and  respectable  man  until  I  listened  to  the  Owenites  ;  but 
since  that  time  I  have  become  a  vagabond,  and  they  who 
formerly  knew  me  have  shunned  me  in  the  streets.  The  system 
of  the  Owenites  is  worse  than  that  of  Paine."  "  Such."  adds 
Mr.  James,  "  is  the  testimony  of  a  dying  victim  and  martyr  of 
socialism,  and  a  similar  confession  has  been  made  by  many 
others.  I  have  seen  the  husband,  once  moral,  happy,  and  useful, 
as  long  as  he  professed  religion  ;  and  have  seen  him  in  his 
misery,  poverty,  and  ruin,  since  he  has  thrown  it  off :  I  have 
heard  the  impassioned  accents  of  his  heart-broken  wife,  so  far  as 
weakness  allowed  her  to  be  impassioned,  exclaiming,  as  she 
looked  at  her  miserable  companion,  '  Oh,  sir,  he  has  been  a 
changed  man  ever  since  he  went  among  the  Owenites  1 '  Such  is 
socialism."'' 

20,  21.  (20)  father's,  pfc.  the  usual  formula  at  the  beginning 
of  a  new  section,  ch.  i.  8.  (21)  bind  them,  like  a  charm,  or 
amulet."    tie  .  .  neck,  as  were  amulets.* 

Mother's  lam  (v.  20). — The  injunction  is  in  form  addressed  to  a 
grown  son,  that  he  forsake  not  in  manhood  his  mother's  law.  In 
the  pliant  time  of  childhood  the  character  is  moulded  chiefly  by 
the  mother.  The  mother  should  be  much  with  her  children.  In 
the  case  of  mothers  who  live  in  aSluence,  perhaps  trifling  is  the 
most  pressing  danger.  But  the  command  of  this  passage  is 
directly  addressed  to  the  child .« 

2'he  drowning  hoy  and  lii.i  Bible. — At  a  meeting  of  the  Aberdeen 
Auxiliary  Bible  Society  some  years  since,  the  following  pleasing 
anecdote  was  related  by  an  eye-witness  of  the  scene.  "  Last 
year,"  said  he,  "  a  vessel  from  Stockholm  was  driven  upon  our 
coast  in  a  tremendous  gale,  and  became  a  total  Avreck.  Her  condi- 
tion was  such  that  no  human  aid  could  possibly  preserve  the  crew. 
In  a  short  while  after  the  vessel  struck  she  went  to  pieces.  The 
persons  on  shore  beheld  with  grief  the  awful  state  of  those  on 
board,  but  could  render  them  no  aid.  They  all  perished  except 
one  lad  ;  and  he  was  driven  by  the  waves  upon  a  piece  of  the 
Wreck,  entwined  among  the  ropes  attached  to  the  mast.  Half 
naked  and  half  drowned,  he  reached  the  shore.  As  soon  as  they 
rescued  him,  they  saw  a  small  parcel  tied  firmly  round  his  waist 
with  a  handkerchief.    Some  thought  it  was  his  money ;  others 


a  "  The  Div.  eye 
penetrates  the 
heart.  He  sees 
all  that  passes 
there,  not  nnly 
the  deep  plots  of 
evil,  the  elabo- 
rate schemes  ol 
thought,  and  the 
deliberate  p  u  r- 
poses,  but  ideas 
and  eraotion-s  in 
the  most  inci- 
pient and  fugi- 
tive forms.  lie 
judges  the  man 
as  He  sees  Him 
t  h  e  r  e."  —  Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

b  The  slanderer 
does  harm  to 
three  persons  at 
once :  to  him  of 
whom  he  says  the 
ill,  to  him  to 
whom  he  says  it, 
and  most  of  all 
to  himself,  in  say- 
ing it. 

p.  18.  Bp.  Hop- 
kins, 117. 

V.  19.  J.  I.  S.  CeU 
lerur,  ii.  138. 


a  Like  the  fillets 
of  the  Law, 
prayer-bands. 

b  "  Perhaps  the 
superstition  most 
common  at  pre- 
sent is  that  of 
charms.  People 
of  every  rank  and 
station  in  society, 
and  of  every 
creed  and  sect, 
employ  them. 
They  are  hung 
round  the  neck, 
or  hid  away  in 
the  bosom.  .  . 
Those  most  in  re- 
pute are  brief 
sentences  from 
their  relipioua 
books,  written 
with  certain  for- 
malities, and  fre- 
quently accom- 
panied with 
!  cabalistic  d  i  a- 
l  grams,  drawn  by 
those  skilled  in 
I  thesa  magi«  my* 


54 


PROVERBS. 


Cap.  vi.  20.  21. 


steries."  —  Thorn- 
ton. 

Pr.    i.  9,    iil.  3; 

Song  Sol.  iv.  9. 

»!•.  20-22.  W.Mav, 
61  ;  J/'Jti.  G.  T. 
Nod,  ii.  85. 
C  Dr.  A  mot. 
"Mother!  How 
many  delightful 
associations  clus- 
ter arounil  that 
word  I  The  inno- 
cent smiles  of 
infancy,  the  gam- 
bols of  boyliood, 
and  the  hai>piest 
hours  of  riper 
years  1  'When  my 
heart  aches  at 
the  world's 
■wickedness,  and 
my  limbs  are 
Weary,  and  my 
feet  bloody,  tra- 
VeUing  the 
thorny  path  of 
life,  I  am  accus- 
tomed to  sit  down 
and  close  my 
eyes,  and  send 
my  spirit  back  to 
the  days  of  early 
life."— jO/-.  T/wni- 
ion. 

"See  a  fond 
mother  encircled 
by  her  children  : 
with  pious  ten- 
derness  she 
looks  around ,  and 
her  soul  even 
melts  with  ma- 
ternal love.  One 
she  kisses  on  its 
cheek,  ami  clasps 
another  to  her 
bosom  ;  one  she 
sets  upon  her 
knee,  and  finds  a 
seat  upon  her 
foot  for  another. 
And  while,  by 
their  actions,  by 
their  lisping 
words,  and  ask- 
ing eyes,  she  un- 
derstands their 
numberless  little 
wishes,  to  these 
Bhe  dispenses  a 
look,  and  a  word 
to  those  ;  and. 
Whether  she 
grants  or  refuses. 
Whether  slie 
emilos  or  frowns. 
It  is  all  in  tender 
love.  Such  to  us, 
though  infinitely 
high  and  awful,, 


the  ship's  papers  ;  and  others  said  it  was  his  watch.     The  hand- 
kerchief was  unloosed,  and  to  their  surprise  it  was  his  Bible, — a 
Bible  g-iven  to  the  lad"s  father  by  the  Britit^h  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society.     Upon  the  blank  leaf  was  a  prayer  written,  that  the 
Lord  mio^ht  make  the  present  g^ift  the  means  of  saving  his  son's 
soul.     Upon  the  other  blank  leaf  was  an  account  of  how  the  Bible 
came  into  the  father's  hands,  with  expres.sions  of  gratitude  to  the 
society  from  which  he  received  it.     To  this  was  added  a  request 
to  his  son  that  he  would  make  it  the  man  of  his  counsel  ;  and 
I  that  he  could  not  allow  him  to  depart  from  home  without  giving 
him  the  best  pledge  of  his  love, — a  Bible  ;  although  that  gift 
deprived  the  other  parts  of  the  family.     The  Bible  bore  evident 
marks  of  having  been  often  read  with  tears." — Infivcnce  of  a 
Chrijitian  mother. — There  was  once  an  obscure  and  pious  woman 
.  living  in  a  city  in  the  south  of  England.     History  is  silent  re- 
specting her  ancestry,  her  place  of  birth,  or  her  education.     She 
had  an  only  son,  whom,  in  his  infancy,  she  made  it  her  great 
business  to  instinict,  and  train  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
of  the  Lord.     At  seven  years  of  age  his  mother  died,  and  a  few 
years  after  he  went  to  sea,  and  became  at  length  a  common  sailor 
in  the  African  slave  trade.    He  soon  became  a  great  adept  in  vice 
— a  swearer  most  horribly  profane  ;  and  though  younger  than 
many  of  his  companions  in  years,  he  was  the  oldest  in  guilt.    But 
he  could  not  shake  off  the  remembrance  of  his  pious  mother's  in- 
structions.    Though  dead  and  in  her  grave,  she  seemed  speaking 
to  him  still.     After  many  alarms  of  conscience,  and  many  pun- 
gent convictions,  he  became  a  Christian,  and  subsequently  one  of 
the  most  successful  ministers  of  the  Gospel  our  country  ever  pro- 
duced.    Of  course,  through  the  labours  of  the  converted  son,  we 
may  now  trace  the  influence  of  the  ])ious  mother.     In  addition  to 
his  great  ministerial  labours,  he  wrote  many  evangelical  works, 
and  few  authors  have  done  more  to  extend  the  power  of  religion. 
He  was  highly  eloquent  and  greatly  useful  in  religious  conversa- 
tion ;  and  his  hymns,  whose  use  in  divine  worship  is  almost  com- 
mensurate with  the  extension  of  the  English  language,  are  of  the 
most  elevated  and  evangelical  character.     Follow  that  mother's 
influence  farther.     Her  son  was  the  means  of  the  conversion  of 
Claudius  Buchanan,  who  subsequently  became  a  minister  of  the 
Gospel,  and  went  to  the  East  Indies.     Here  he  occupied  a  respon- 
sible station  ;  and  his  labours  in  behalf  of  the  English  popula- 
tion, and  for  the  improvement  of  the  moral  and  spiritual  con- 
dition of  the  natives,  are  deservedly  ranked  among  the  noblest 
achievement*   of  Christian  philanthropy.      His  little  work  en- 
titled The  Star  in  the  Eaat  was  the  first  thing  that  attracted  the 
attention  of  Adoniram  Judson  to  a  mission  in  the  East  Indies. 
Hence,  had  it  not  been  for  that  mother's  faithfulness,  her  son 
might  never  have  been  converted.  Dr.  Buchan.an  never  been  con- 
verted, nor  that  tr.nin  of  causes  put  in  operation  which  are  now 
shedding  such  a  flood  of  light  on  Burmah  and  the  surrounding 
regions.     The  converted  sailor  was  also  the  means  of  the  conver- 
sion of  Thomas  Scott  from  the  dark  mazes  of  Socinianism  to  the 
belief,  practice,  and  preaching  of  evangelical  truth.     He  was  a 
very  successful  preacher  for  a  good  portion  of  his  long  life  in  the 
metropolis  of  England — engaged  wiih  vigour  and  zeal  in  every 
enterprise  that  he  thought  conducive  to  the  moral  welfare  and 
salvation  of  man.    He  was,  too,  the  author  of  a  very  valuable 


Cap.  vi.  22—24.] 


PROVERBS. 


B5 


commentary  on  the  Bible,  almost  unequalled  in  its  practical  ten- 
dency and  the  extent  of  its  circulation.  To  that  pious  mother's 
intiuence,  operating  through  the  efforts  of  her  son,  all  this  is 
easily  traced.  Besides,  to  the  connection  of  her  son  with  the  poet 
Cowper,  the  evangelical  character  aud  great  religious  influence  of 
Cowper's  poetry  are  doubtless  to  be  greatly  attributed.  It  was  by 
the  heavenly  counsels,  and  pra^'ers,  and  letters  of  his  clerical 
friend,  that  the  poet's  piety  was  deepened,  and  the  gloom  of  his 
mind  dispersed.  Again,  to  this  same  minister's  influence,  in  con- 
nection with  that  of  Doddridge,  the  conversion  of  Wilberlorce  is 
traced  by  some.  For  fourteen  years  after  he  first  saw  Wilberforce. 
and  until  his  conversion,  he  made  him  the  constant  subject  of  his 
prayers.  And  with  what  glorious  results  was  the  conversion  of 
Wilberforce  fraught  to  the  interests  of  man  !  What  vast  contri- 
butions did  he  make  with  his  princely  fortune  to  objects  of  bene- 
volence !  To  his  influence,  in  a  great  degree,  may  we  impute  the 
abolition  of  the  African  slave  trade,  and  in  subsequent  years  the 
emancipation  of  slaves  in  the  British  West  Indies  ;  for  the  former 
etep  prepared  the  way  for  taking  the  latter.  In  addition  to  this, 
Wilberforce  was  the  author  of  A  I'ractical  Victv  of  Chriiftianity, 
which  did  much  to  commend  spiritual  religion  to  the  higher 
classes  of  his  countrymen,  and  which,  since  his  dtath,  has  been 
widely  circulated,  and  widely  useful.  This  book  was  the  means 
of  the  conversion  of  Legh  Richmond,  the  author  of  the  Dairi/man's 
Dauffhtc?',  which  has  been  the  means  of  the  conversion  of 
thousands.  Such  are  some  of  the  stupendous  and  glorious  results 
of  one  holy  woman's  efforts  to  educate  her  son  for  God— a  wide 
and  mighty  posthumous  influence  which  an  angel  might  feel 
honoured  to  exert.  Who  was  she  ?  The  mother  of  the  Rev.  John 
Newton. 

22 — 24.  (22)  -when,  efo.,  evidently  referring  to  the  "law  of 
obedience  "to  parental  counsels,  not  to  the  mere  amulet,  goest  .  . 
Sleepest  .  .  awakest,  terms  reioresenting  the  variety  of  the  ex- 
periences of  the  traveller,  through  all  which  high  moral  princi- 
ples will  keep  and  bless."  (23)  lamp,  or  candle.*  the  law,  of 
moral  purity,  light,  revealing  temptation,  and  the  paths  of 
sin.  reproots,  or  convictions  of  error.'  (24)  evil  ■woman, 
woman  of  evil,  ch.  li.  16.  flattery,  that  would  entice  thee  to 
evil  ways,**  lit.  pom  the  smoothness  of  the  tongue  of  the  strange 
woman. 

The  Ji-ihermmi  and  the  light. — There  was  a  fisherman  once, 
whose  hut  was  situated  on  a  high  and  rock-bound  coas^-.  Near 
by  was  a  snug  cove,  with  a  smooth,  sandy  beach,  where  he  was 
accustomed  to  draw  up  his  little  boat,  and  frum  which  he  went 
forth,  day  by  day,  to  engage  in  his  toilsome  occupation,  on  the 
waters  of  the  stormy  sea.  One  day  he  went  out,  as  usual,  to 
spend  the  day  in  fishing.  He  toiled  on,  with  encouraging 
Buccess,  till  towards  the  close  of  the  afternoon,  when  looking  up 
to  the  sky,  he  saw  threatening  signs  of  an  approaching  storm. 
Immediately  he  hauled  up  his  lines,  resolving,  if  possible,  to 
reach  his  home  before  the  gathering  tempest  should  burst  upon 
him.  But  he  had  a  long  distance  to  go,  and  the  wind  was  ahead, 
and  the  sea  was  rough,  and  the  storm  came  on  fast,  and  the  day 
was  almost  gone.  Yet  with  a  brave  and  trusting  heart,  he  turned 
the  bow  of  his  boat  in  the  right  direction,  and  began  to  row 
towards  home.    Right  manfully  did  he  bend  upon  his  oars,  and 


is  Providence ;  so 
it  watches  over 
us,  comforting 
these,  providing 
fur  those,  listen- 
ing to  all,  and 
assisting  every 
one;  and  if 
sometimes  it  de- 
nies the  favour 
we  implore,  it 
denies  but  to  in- 
vite our  more 
earnest  prayers; 
or,  if  seeming  to 
deny  a  blessing, 
it  grants  one  in 
the  refusal."  — 
J\  rummucher. 
"  The  mother's 
heart  is  the 
child's  school- 
room."—  Btecher. 
Kapfileon  being 
asked,  "What  is 
the  great  want 
of  the  French 
nation  ?"  replied, 
"Mot  h  e  r  si  " 
Some  children 
being  asked  if 
they  knew  any 
one  who  was 
always  good,  one 
replied,  "Yes, 
sir,  I  know  one 
— my  mother." 


a  "  The  Word  of 
God  will  be  our 
guide,  guard,  and 
companion." — 
Mall.  Henry. 

b  Ps.  cxix.  105. 

c  Trans.  "And  in 
the  way  of  life  ia 
admonitory  dis- 
cipline. '  '—Miller. 

d  "  The  descrip. 
of  the  young 
man's  temptress 
and  her  beguiling 
and  fascinating 
methods  is  so  life- 
like and  minute, 
that  it  needs 
neither  explana- 
tion nor  com- 
m  e  n  t."  —  Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 
r.  22.  G.  Lam 
berl,2Gl;  J.  Bul- 
lar,  366. 

)■.  23.  J.  Matojt, 
i.  131. 

"And  wisdom 
dwells  in  secret, 
and  on  high,  aa 
do  the  stars.  Th» 


66 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  vi.  25—29. 


sun'3  diurnal 
glare  is  for  the 
daily  heul;  but 
for  the  wise,  the 
coM  pure  radi- 
ance of  the  iiiglit- 
b  o  r  n  1  i  ff  h  t, 
■wherewith  is  in- 
spiration of  the 
truth." — Bailey. 

Wlien  Eudamides 
heard  old  Xeno- 
crates  disputing 
solongaliout  wis- 
dom, he  intiuii-ed 
very  gravely 
but  a  r  c  h  1  y, 
"  If  the  old  man 
be  yet  disputing 
aud  inquiring 
concerning  wis- 
dom, what  time 
will  he  have  left 
to  use  it  ?  " 

"  For  character 
groweth  day  by 
day,  and  all 
things  aid  it  in 
unfolding,  and 
the  bent  unto 
good  or  evil  may 
be  given  in  tlie 
hours  of  in- 
fancy."— Tupper. 

e  Rills  fr.  Foun- 
tain of  Life. 


his  boat  flew  rapidly  over  the  white-capped  billows.  But  darker 
and  darksr  grew  the  heavens  above  him  ;  and  soon  all  traces  of 
dayligfht  had  disappeared.  The  outline  of  the  coast  had  faded 
from  his  view,  and  he  could  no  longer  see  any  of  those  well- 
known  landmarks  by  which  he  was  accustomed  to  direct  his 
coui'sc.  He  went  as  near  the  coast  as  he  could  without  being 
dashed  against  its  jagged  rocks.  And  then  he  rowed  on  until  he 
was  exhausted  ;  but  no  sign  of  his  hut,  or  of  the  little  cove  near 
by,  could  he  discover.  The  storm  raged  fiercer,  and  the  night 
grew  darker.  Hope  died  away  within  him,  and  death  .stared 
him  in  the  face.  He  expected  every  moment  that  his  frail  boat 
would  be  swallowed  up  in  the  stormy  waters.  But  just  then  a 
faint  ray  of  light  met  his  eye.  It  renewed  his  strength.  He  rowed 
on  more  heartily.  Veiy  soon  he  found  that  it  proceeded  fi'om  the 
window  of  his  own  little  hut.  It  guided  him  to  the  cove  he  was 
accustomed  to  enter.  He  drew  his  boat  uj)  safely  on  the  sand, 
and.  grateful  for  his  own  deliverance,  before  he  went  to  bed  that 
night  he  trimmed  the  lamp,  and  filled  it  with  oil,  and  set  it  in 
the  window  of  his  humble  dwelling,  that  its  friendly  light  might 
shine  out  upon  the  stormy  sea,  and  perhaps  guide  some  other 
tempest-tossed  voyager  to  a  place  of  safety.  And  as  long  as  he 
lived  he  continued  this  practice.  It  was  very  proper  that  he 
should  do  this.  He  made  a  right  use  of  the  lamp  himself,  and 
then  he  tried  to  extend  the  benefit  of  it  to  others.  And  this  is 
just  what  we  should  do.  We  have  God's  wonderful  lamp.  It  is 
shining  all  about  our  path.  It  shows  us  how  we  may  sail  over 
life's  stormy  sea,  so  as  to  reach  the  haven  of.  enduring  rest  and 
safety  at  last.  But  there  are  multitudes  of  our  fellow- creatures 
who  are  tossed  on  this  tempestuous  sea,  without  a  single  ray  of 
light  to  guide  their  way.  What  is  our  duty.'  Should  we  not 
send  this  wonderful  lamp  to  them  ?  This  is  all  they  need.  It 
is  abundantly  able  to  guide  them  to  the  only  place  where  they 
can  find  safety.' 

25,  26.  (2.5)  lust,  the  term  for  vehement  and  unbridled 
desire."  take  thee,  as  in  a  trap.  eyelids,  wh.  Eastern 
women  paint  to  enhance  their  beauty.*  "  With  which  she 
throws  amorous  and  captivating  glances  at  her  lover.""  (2G) 
whorish,  strictly  one  who  sells  herself  for  hire.''  piece  of 
iDread,  the  sign  of  uttermost  poverty,  adulteress,  the  aban- 
doned woman  who  is  unfaithful  as  a  wife  is  ever  more  violent 
and  ruinous  than  the  harlot,  liunt,  lay  snares  for ;  take,  as 
fish,  with  a  hook. 

Danqcr  of  sin. — We  might  illustrate  the  evil  of  sin  by  the 
following  comparison  : — ''  Suppose  I  were  going  along  a  street, 
and  were  to  dash  my  hand  through  a  large  pane  of  glass,  what 
harm  would  I  receive  ?"  "  You  would  be  punished  for  breaking 
the  glass."  "Would  that  be  all  the  harm  I  should  receive.'" 
•'  Your  hand  would  be  cut  by  the  glass."  "  Yes,  and  so  it  i3 
with  sin.  If  you  break  God's  laws,  you  shall  be  punished  for 
breaking  them,  and  your  soul  is  hurt  by  the  very  act  of  breaking 
them.'' 

«Ga.  \-l.  7, 8.  27 — 29.  ("27)  take,  take  and  heap,  as  if  his  bosom  were  a 

J  "  He  iliat  keeps  ,  flrg.p^'ij^.  Breaking  phvsical  laws  absolutely  insures  physical 
those 'oyilH.ame  P<^nalties  :  quite  as  certainly  moral  woe  follows  on  moral  trans- 
that goDs in  with   gressions."     (28)  gO,  or  walk.     (29)  SO,  c^c,  "so  inconceivable 


a  Matt.  y.  23. 

&"Pos.sibly  point- 
ing to  the  E.  cus- 
tom of  painting 
them  on  the  out- 
side with  knhl, 
so  as  to  give 
brightness  and 
langui.shing  ex- 
pression to  the 
eyes." — S/^k.  Com. 
e  Olio  Zockler. 
2  Ki.  ix.  30. 
d  A.  -  S.  h6re; 
Ger.  hure ;  W. 
hurnu,  from 
huriaw.  to  hire  ; 
hur  meaning 
wages,  hire. 


Cap.  vi.  30-33.] 


PROVERBS. 


57 


is  it  that  the  adulterer  should  follow  his  unlawful  intercourse 
without  evil  consequences  and  just  retribution.'* 

U_tf'ects  of  evil  habits. — At  the  first  arrival  of  the  Europeans  in 
America  it  was  not  uncommon  to  find  Indians  who  were  above 
a  hundred  years  old.  They  lived  frugally  and  drank  pure  water. 
Brandy,  rum,  wine,  and  all  the  other  strong  liquors,  were  utterly 
unknown  to  them.  But  since  the  Christians  have  taught  them 
to  drink  these  liquors,  and  the  Indians  have  found  them  but  too 
palatable,  those  who  cannot  resist  their  appetites  hardly  reach 
half  the  age  of  their  parents.'' 

30,  31.  (30)  despise  a  thief,  regard  him,  i.e.,  with  the  same 
feeling  as  they  do  the  other  sinner."  iiuilgry,  the  assumption 
is  that  hunger  is  the  great  impulse  to  stealing.  But  this  is  only 
the  most  mitigated  form  of  stealing.  (81)  found,  found  out. 
sevenfold,  Ex.  xxii.  1—4.  all  the  substance,  if  that  is 
necessary  to  provide  ample  restitution. 

Special  need. — "  In  the  iirst  year  of  my  marriage,"  relates  a 
pious  German,  "  I  had  one  day  not  a  farthing  in  the  house,  when 
my  wife  came  and  asked  me  for  a  thaler  to  pay  the  weaver  who 
was  to  bring  her  some   cloth  home  in  the  evening.     There  was 
not  a  person  in  the  village  of  whom  we  could  borrow  money  ; 
and  my  wife  buret  into  tears.     I  tried  to  comfort  her  by  telling 
her  that  our  heavenly  Father  knew  what  we  needed,  and  that 
perhaps  the  bad  weather  might  prevent  the  weaver  from  coming 
that  day.     I  commended  the  matter  to  the  Lord,  for  I  saw  no 
means  of  human  help.     In  the  evening  my  wife  hastily  entered 
the  room,  and  said,  '  The  weaver  is  here  !'     I  was  just  taking  i 
down  a  book  from  the  shelf  above  me  when,  at  the  very  moment,  | 
a  piece  of  money  rolled  out  of  it,  and  fell  rattling  on  the  table. 
My  wife  and  I  stood  motionless  :  we  felt  distinctly  the  presence  i 
of  God,  who  so  exactly  knew  what  we  needed,  and  bestowed  it 
npon  us  at  the  very  moment  when  we  required  it."     The  money  | 
had  been  put  in  the  book  some  time  belore.  been  forgotten,  and  | 
was  thus  providentially  discovered  in  the  time  of  need. 

32,  33.   (.32)  understanding,   discernment,   either  of  the 
ein  or  of  the  consequences:  or  hearf.  as  marg..  in  the  sense  of! 
"  right  feeling  ;"  destitute  both  of  moral  principle  and  of  pru-  j 
dence.      (33)    wound     and    dishonour,   better,   stripes    and' 
disgrace ;     stripes    from    the    insixlted    husband,    and     shame 
from  the  people,  who  hoot  the  detected  man.     wiped   away, 
there  is  no  possible  forgiveness  to  be  expected  from  his  injured 
brother. 

llie  foolish  flies. — A  dervish  once  went  into  a  confectioner's 
ehop.     The  confectioner,  to  honour  him,  poured  some  honey  into 
a  dish  before  him.     Immediately  a  swarm  of  flies  settled,  as  was  i 
their  wont,  upon  the  honey  :  some  upon  the  edge  of  the  dish,  but . 
the  greater  number  in  the  middle.     The  confectioner  then  took 
up  a  whisk  to  drive  them  off.  when  those  upon  the  side  flew  ! 
away  with  ease,  but  the  others  were  prevented  from  rising  by  j 
the  honey  clinging  to  their  wings,  and  were  involved  in  ruin,  j 
The  dervish  noticed  this,  and  remarked,  "  That  honey-dish  is  like  ' 
the  world,  and  the  honey  like  its  pleasures.     Those  who  enjoy  j 
them   with    moderation    and    contentment,    when  the  whisk  of 
death  approaches,  not  having  their  heai^ts  filled  with  the  love  of 
them,  can  with  ease  escape  its  snare;  while  all  who,  like  thej 


them,  and 
touches  them, 
ciuiuot  long  pre- 
serve his  iiino- 
cency ;  he  thrusts 
h  j  m  s (  1 f  into 
teiiiptatidn.  .'.nd. 
so  throws  liimself 
out  of  Gods  pro- 
tection."—  Matt. 
Jleni-.i. 
c  W/ntecrost, 


a  "  The  laws  of 

modern  society 
have  reversed  the 
nia.xinis  tf  SoL, 
and,  to  the  dis- 
Iionour  of  Chris- 
tian nations,  an 
adulterer.  wlio 
steals  wliat  is 
most  precious  to 
a  man,  and  what 
is  irretrievable, 
is  treated  by  the 
law  %vitli  more 
lenity  tl  an  a 
thief,  who  robs 
liim  of  what  is  of 
compara  tively 
little  value,  and 
may  eas-ily  be  re- 
placed."—  Words- 
tciirih. 

"Even  God  Is 
sr.id  to  be  unr.Ue 
to  use  force 
against  neces- 
sity."— Pla/c. 
"  N  e  c  e  s  s  i  t  y  Is 
stronger  far  than 
aj:t."—..£schyius. 


"  Believers  do  not 
regulate  their 
m;;rriape  relation 
by  caprice.  They 
do  not  ask 
divorce  at  every 
gust  of  passion, 
as  one  does  not 
amputate  a  limb 
bee.  it  is  con- 
vulsed  with 
pain." — Augus- 
tine. 

"A  husband  or 
wife  guilty  o( 
iiilultery  ceases 
to  be  such; 
hence  ho  does  not 
put  away  a  wife, 
but  the  ailulter- 
ess."— /fc  H'etU. 


68 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Vil.  l-^i 


a    Fr.  the    Bin- 
duslani. 


"Trifles  light  as 
air,  are  to  the 
jealous  confirma- 
tions strong  as 
proofs  of  Holy 
Writ."  —  iS/KU-c- 
speare. 

"With  grouml- 
less  fear  he  tlius 
his  soul  fleceives, 
what  frenzy 
dictates,  jealousy 
believes." — Gay. 

a  Thomson. 


a  "  The  pupil  of 
the  eye  is  the 
emblem  of  a  pre- 
cious possession 
guarded  with 
peculiarly  watch- 
ful care.  See 
De.  ,\.xxii.  10 ; 
Ps.  xvii.  8  ;  Zee 
ii.  12."  —  0  It  0 
Zockler. 

b  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 
There  is  not  one 
great  truth  in 
the  Old  Testa- 
ment which  is 
not  just  as  true 
now  as  when  it 
was  written ;  nay, 
rather  those 
truths  rose  like 
stars,  and  now 
they  shine  like 
suns.  We  uuder- 
staml  so  mncli 
more  than  the 
Hebrews  of  old, 
that  our  faith 
ought  to  exceed 
theirs,  even  as 
the  plant  ex- 
ceeds tlie  germ. 
«  R.  Pollock. 

a  De.  vi.  8,  xi. 
18. 

^  Matt.  xii.  50. 

"There  is  not  a 
sou  of  Ailam, 
whatever  bis 
condition  may 
be,  whether  in 
prosperity  or  in 


foolish  flies,  have  given  themselves  wholly  to  their  sweetness, 
will  meet  with  destruction.  '" 

34,  35.  (31)  jealousy,  that  of  the  man  whose  home  ia 
ruined  by  the  adulterer,  not  spare,  when  his  chance  of 
avenging  himself  may  come.  (3."j)  ransom,  to  buy  off  from 
punishment  the  detected  sinner  :  lit.  "  He  will  not  accept  t/ce 
face  of  any  ransom."  gifts,  in  hope  of  appeasing  his  wrath. 
The  agony  ofjealonKij. — 

But  through  the  heart 
Should  jealousy  its  venom  once  diffuse, 
'Tis  then  delightful  misery  no  more, 
But  agony  unmix'd,  incessant  gall, 
Corroding  every  thought,  and  blasting  all 
Love's  paradise.     Ye  fairy  prospects  tiien, 
Ye  beds  of  roses,  and  ye  bowers  of  joy, 
Farewell ! — ye  gleamiugs  of  departed  peace, 
Shine  out  your  last !     The  yellow-tinging  plague 
Internal  vision  taints,  and  in  a  night 
Of  livid  gloom  imagination  wraps." 


CH AFTER  TEE  SEVENTH. 

1,  2.  (1)  my  son,  etc..  the  usual  commencement  of  a  new 
section  :  recalling  the  attention  of  the  listeners,  lay  up,  so  aa 
to  be  ready  for  use  when  temptation  comes.  (2)  apple  .  .  eye, 
lit.  an  the  little  man  in  thine  eije.'^  Obs.  how  carefully  this  is 
guarded  by  Nature  with  the  eyelid. 

Love  to  the  Holif  Scriptures  {rr.  1 — 4). — Show — I.  The  respect 
we  should  pay  to  the  counsels  of  Divine  wisdom.  1.  They  should 
be  treasured  up  with  diligence  :  2.  They  should  be  watched  over 
with  care  :  3.  They  should  be  kept  ready  for  use  ,  4.  They  should 
be  guarded  with  tenderest  affection.  II.  The  benefits  which  we 
shall  derive  from  a  due  attention  to  them.  1.  We  shall  be  deli- 
vered from  evil  ;  2.  We  shall  be  carried  forward  in  safety  to 
everlasting  life.* 

2'he  Bible  a  gn'tde. — 

Star  of  Eternity  I  the  only  star 
By  which  the  bark  of  man  can  navigate 
The  sea  of  life,  and  gain  the  coast  of  bliss 
Securely  ,  the  only  star  which  rose  on  timo, 
And  on  its  dark  and  troubled  billows  still, 
As  generation,  drifting  swiftly  by. 
Succeeded  generation,  threw  a  ray 
Of  heaven's  own  light,  and  to  the  hills  of  God — 
The  eternal  hills — pointed  the  sinner's  eye.' 
3 — 5.  (3)  bind  .  .  fingers,  as  were  the  words  of  the  Law  to 
be  bound  by  the  Mosaic  injunction."     Or,  as  inscriptions  upon 
rings.     (4)  wisdom,  wh.  had  previously  been  personified  as  a 
woman,   a  queen.      sister,'   companion.      The  word    suggests 
simple  and  pure  relationships  and  intercourses,     kinswoman, 
or  friend  :  the  one  known  by  thee,  in  familiar  intercourse.     (5) 
keep  thee,  by  engaging  and  absorbing  all  thine  interests,  and 
by  giving  thee  timely  warnings  and  good  advice.      Strang© 
woman,  ch.  v.  3. 


Cap.  vii.  6—9. 


PROVERBS. 


59 


Anthentlcity  of  the  Bible. — There  are  four  grand  arguments 
for  the  truth  of  the  Bible.  I.  The  miracles  it  records.  II.  The 
prophecies  it  contains.  III.  The  goodness  of  the  doctrine.  IV. 
The  moral  character  of  the  penman.  The  miracles  flow  from 
Divine  power,  the  pi'ophecies  from  Divine  understanding,  the 
excellence  of  the  doctrine  from  Divine  goodness,  and  the  moral 
character  of  the  penman  from  Divine  purity.  Thus  the  Bible 
stands  upon  four  immovable  pillars— the  power,  the  understand- 
ing, the  goodness,  and  the  purity  of  God.*^ 

Adaptation  of  the  Bihle. — It  is  indeed  an  admirable  evidence 
of  the  truth  and  Divine  origin  of  the  sacred  volume,  that  for  its 
impoi'tant  practical  purposes — especially  for  the  great  end  of  the 
Bouls  salvation — it  is  just  as  intelligible  to  the  humble  but  pious 
cottager  as  it  is  to  the  most  learned  and  cultivated  among  man- 
kind. The  rough  ■Greenlander  and  Esquimaux,  the  untutored 
inhabitant  of  New  Zealand  or  Otaheite,  the  wandering  North 
American  Indian,  the  superstitious  and  degraded  Hindoo  and 
Chinese,  the  Hottentot  of  South  Africa,  the  negro  and  Mala- 
gassee — ignorant  and  uncultivated  man  in  almost  every  part  of 
the  world — have  all  been  found  capable,  with  the  aid  of  the  most 
simple  Chi-istian  teaching,  of  understanding  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
eo  far  as  relates  to  their  main  purpose — I  mean  that  of  instruct- 
ing us  in  the  knowledge  of  God  and  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  ; 
and  the  same  book  has  been  the  means  of  imparting  the  same 
knowledge  to  the  polite  and  civilised  Greek  and  Roman,  as  well 
as  to  the  Bacons,  Lockes,  Boyles,  Addisons,  and  Newtons  of 
the  modem  times — the  most  refined  and  philosophical  of  our 
species.'* 

6 — 9.  (6)  ■window,  "  the  latticed  opening  of  the  kiosk  of  an 
Eastern  house,  overlooking  the  street.'' °  This  latticed  arrange- 
ment was  necessary  for  the  circulation  of  fresh  air.  (7) 
simple  ones,  young  men  having  nothing  to  do.  and,  seeking 
their  pleasure,  only  too  easily  putting  themselves  in  the  way  of 
temptation.  void,  of  understanding,  better,  discernment. 
(8)  corner,  street-corners  being  always  favoured  meeting-places, 
went,  etc.,  sauntered  along  the  way  by  her  house  :  like  buzzing 
moth,  putting  himself  in  the  way  of  temptation.*  (9)  twilight, 
the  later  evening,  fr.  9  to  12  o'clock." 

A  .md  sight  (r.  7). — "VVTio  is  the  young  man  void  of  under- 
standing ?  I.  He  is  one  who  pays  more  attention  to  his  outward 
appearance  than  to  his  inner  character.  II.  He  is  one  who  seeks 
happiness  without  rather  than  within.  III.  He  is  one  who 
identifies  greatness  with  circumstances  rather  than  with  cha-  '\ 
racter.  I"V.  He  is  one  who  is  guided  more  by  the  dictates  of  his  ; 
own  nature  than  by  the  counsels  of  experience.  V.  He  is  one  i 
who  lives  in  show  and  ignores  realities.''  ^ 

A  word  in.  season.— One  Sabbath  morning,  while  the  late  Rev. ; 
Dr.  Bedell,  of  Philadelphia,  was  preaching,  a  young  man  passed  , 
by  with  a  numbei  of  companions  as  gay  and  thoughtless  as 
himself.  One  of  them  proposed  to  go  into  the  church,  saying.  \ 
"  Let  us  go  and  hear  what  this  man  has  to  say,  that  everybody^is  I 
running  after."  The  young  man  made  this  awful  answer,  '•  No, 
I  would  not  go  into  such  a  place  if  Christ  Himself  was  preach-  ' 
ing."  Some  weeks  after,  he  was  again  passing  the  church,  and  | 
being  alone,  and  having  nothing  to  do,  he  thought  he  would  go  ; 
in  vrithout  being  observed.     On  opening  the  door,  he  was  struck  | 


adversity,  ia 
temptation  orde 
liverance,  in 
liealth  or  sick- 
ness, but  he  may 
find  in  this 
Book  some  balmy 
comfort  to  the 
quieting  of  his 
conscience  and 
to  the  advance- 
ment of  his  salva- 
tion. In  short, 
tlie  Holy  Bible  ia 
the  great  light  to 
our  paths,  our 
comfort  ia 
affliction,  our 
shield  and  sword 
against  Satan.the 
school  of  wisdom, 
the  testimony  of 
God's  favour,  and 
the  food  and 
nourishment  of 
our  souls."  —  2i 
Halites. 

e  D.  Simpson. 

d  J.  J.  Gumey. 


a  Spk.  Com. 

Ju.  V.  28. 

b  "  The  verb  used 
is   fairly  chosen, 
as  it  always  ex- 
presses a  certain 
care   and   inteu- 
tion  in  his  going. 
We  say,  substaa- 
'  tially,  '  he    mea- 
[  sures    his    steps, 
I  he    paces  before 
her  door.'" — I'm- 
breil. 

c  "Young, 
'  simple,'  in  the 
bad  sense  of  the 
word  ;  open  to  all 
i  m  p  r  essions  of 
evil;  empty- 
headed  and 
empty  -  licartod ; 
lounging  near 
tlie  house  of  ill- 
repute,  not  as  yet 
deliberately  pur- 
posing to  sin.  but 
placing  himself 
in  tlie  way  of  it, 
wanilcring  idly 
to  see  one  of 
whose  beauty  he 
had  hoard." — 
Spi:  Com. 


60 


PROVERBS. 


Cap.  vll.  10-16i 


f.7.  S.  Partridije, 
ii.  219;  a.  M.it- 
t/ieif,  ii.  155  ;  JJj\ 
Dehon,  ii.  510. 
d  Dr.  T}wmas. 
"For  nothing 
lovelier  can  be 
fouml  in  woman, 
than  to  Etuily 
hon  "liolfl  gooii, 
and  socd  works 
in  lier  husband 
to  promote."  — 
Milton. 


a  Otto  Zockler. 

h  Tit.  ii.  P 

"T -mptation  to 
licentiousni'ss.  — 
There  is  not  a 
more  tried  shaft 
in  all  S  a  t  a  n's 
quiver  than  this : 
a  persuasion  to 
men  to  bear 
themselves  too 
bold  upon  the 
favour  of  God. 
'Tliou  art  the 
elect  and  r  e- 
deeiiied  of  God; 
sin  because  grace 
hath  aboundeil  ; 
sin,  that  it  may 
abouml.  Thou 
art  safe  enough 
though  thou 
offend ;  be  not 
too  much  nn  ad- 
Tersary  to  thine 
own  liberty.'  " — 
Hall. 

"Dress  drains  our 
cellar  dry,  and 
keeps  our  larder 
lean." — Cowper. 


o  "The  harlot 
uses  the  techni- 
cal word  (Lev. 
lii.  1)  for  the 
'  peace-offerings,' 
and  makes  them 
the  starting 
point  for  her 
ein.    They  have 


with  awe  at  the  solemn  silence  of  the  place,  thouo-h  it  was  much 
crowded.  Every  eye  was  fixed  on  the  preacher,  who  was  to  begin 
his  discourse.  His  attention  was  iustaatly  caught  by  the  text^ 
Prov.  vii.  7.  His  conscience  was  smitten  by  the  power  of  truth. 
He  saw  that  he  was  the  young  man  described.  A  view  of  his 
profligate  life  passed  before  his  eyes  ;  and  for  the  first  time  he 
trembled  under  the  feeling  of  sin.  He  remained  in  the  church 
till  the  preacher  and  congregation  had  passed  out,  then  slowly 
returned  to  his  home.  He  had  early  received  infidel  i)riDcipks  ; 
but  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  had  aroused  him  in  his  folly,  led  him  to 
a  constant  attendance  on  the  ministry  of  Dr.  B.,  who  had  be  n 
the  instrument  of  awakening-  his  mind.  He  cast  away  his  be- 
setting sin,  and  gave  himself  to  a  life  of  virtue  and  holiness  He 
afterwards  declared  openly  his  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
his  desire  to  devote  himself  to  His  service. 

10 — 12.  (10)  attire,  peculiar  in  form  and  colours,  so  as  to 
attract  attention,  harlot,  Ge.  xxxiv.  31.  subtil,  Ge.  iii.  1, 
wary,  cunning,  "  one  whose  heart  is  guarded  and  inaccessible, 
who  locks  up  her  plans  and  counsels  deep  in  her  breast."  (II) 
loud,  prob.  bustling,  or  bold,  stubborn,  fretting  against  the 
pure  restraints  of  home,  not  submissive,  in  her  house,  where 
every  right-minded  woman  ought  to  be  in  the  night  time.*  (12) 
streets,  where  we  might  be  sure  she  only  intends  wantonness 
and  mischief. 

On  the  word  attire. — Attire  only  occurs  four  times  in  the 
Bible — once  as  a  verb,  and  three  times  as  a  noun-substantive  : 
"  and  with  a  linen  mitre  shall  he  [i.e.  the  high  priestj  be 
attired,"  i.e.  his  head  shall  be  folded  with  the  mitre  (Le.  xvi.  4) ; 
"  there  met  him  a  woman  with  the  attire  of  an  harlot"  (Prov. 
vii.  10) — here  the  Hebrew  word  is  a  general  one,  signif5'ing 
"  putting  on,"  but  probably  refers  to  the  head  as  the  most  con- 
spicuous member.  "  Can  a  maid  forget  her  ornaments,  or  a 
bride  her  attire /"  (Jer.  ii.  32) — here  the  Hebrew  word  signifies 
"  girdle,"  but,  as  it  might  be  all  round  the  head,  or  a  "fillet," 
our  translators  pi'obably  took  it  in  that  sense.  The  same  trans- 
lators however,  not  very  consistently,  rendered  the  same  word 
"  ornaments  of  the  legs,"  in  Isaiah  iii.  20,  perhaps  because  they 
had  appropriated  "bonnet"  to  the  preceding  word,  which  is, 
however,  a  •'  foot  chain  "  (Gesen.),  or  "  armlet"  (Furst).  Lastly, 
Exek.  xxiii.  15  :  "  Girded  with  girdles  about  their  loius,  exceeding 
in  dyed  attire  upon  their  heads,"  where  the  translation  should  be, 
according  to  De  Wette,  "  herahhdngnulen  b'ntdeyi"  (overlapping 
turbans).  In  xslv.  17,  "tire,"  etc.,  is  undoubtedly  a  head-djes=». 
and  in  2  Kings  ix.  30,  "Jezebel  tired  her  head"  (Heb.  "  adorned'' 
her  head).  Wedgwood  is  no  doubt  right  in  restricting  this  word 
primarily  to  the  head,  and  connecting  it  with  old  French 
afour.  Shakespeare  uses  "  tire"  for  a  head-dress.  The  Persiaa 
word  "  tiara"  is  not  found  in  the  Bible. 

13—15.  (13)  caught  him,  as  if  in  playful  joke,  kissed 
him,  as  if  she  cared  for  him.  impudent  face,  or  "  she 
strengthened  her  face ;"  putting  on  her  most  fascinating  looks. 
(14)  peace  .  .  me,  lit.  peace  offerings  are  vpon  ?«<?."  Her  way 
of  saying  she  had  a  religious  feast  on  that  night,  and  would  be 
glad  for  him  to  come  and  share.  (15)  tO  meet  thee,  &p  as  to 
give  thee  a  personal  invitation. 


Cap.  vii.  16-20.] 


PROVERBS. 


6X 


to  be    eaten 

t  li  e     same 
that   they 
o£Fered."   — 
Com. 

on 

clay 
are 
Spk. 

vv.    14,    15 
Jiall,  61. 

N. 

6  Holford. 

Modesty. — 

"  In  distant  climes  a  plant  there  grows, 

Which  from  the  touch  its  leaves  will  close, 

And  trembling-  turn  itself  away 

If  aught  approach  its  fragile  spray  ; 

Its  kindred  plant  they  say  abides 
■  Unseen  our  northern  clime  beneath. 

From  ev'ry  idle  gaze  it  hides, 

And  shrinks  at  ev'ry  ruder  breath  ; 

Amid  the  snows  it  thrives  the  best 

Which  jruard  the  virgin's  spotless  breast, 

'Tis  Modesty  !  a  lovelier  flow'r 

Than  spring's  first  snowdi'op,  born  'mid  rebruai7's  show'r.* 

16 — 18.  (16)  carved,  this  word  is  better  connected  with  the 
previous  sentence.  "  variegated  coverings  of  tapestry,"  or  with 
the  following."  fine  linen,  for  wh.  Egy^jt  was  noted.  (17) 
perfumed,  etc.,  the  Eastern  love  of  strong  scents  is  remarkable, 
and  they  are  used  as  incentives  to  passion.  "  These  verses  point 
to  the  art  and  commerce  wh.  flourished  under  Solomon."  (18) 
cinnamon,  imported  prob.  fr.  Ceylon. 

Enxtci'ii  hcds. — "  The  time  for  taking  our  repose  was  now  come, 
and  we  Vv^re  conducted  into  another  large  room,  in  the  middle  of 
which  was  a  kind  of  bed,  without  bedstead  or  curtains.  Though 
the  coverlet  and  pillows  exceeded  in  magnificence  the  richness 
of  the  sofa,  which  likewise  ornamented  the  apartment.  I  foresaw 
that  I  could  expect  but  little  rest  on  this  bed,  and  had  the 
curiosity  to  examine  its  make  in  a  more  particular  manner. 
Fifteen  mattresses  of  quilted  cotton,  about  three  inches  thick, 
placed  one  upon  another,  formed  the  groundwork,  and  were 
covered  by  a  sheet  of  Indian  linen,  sewed  on  the  last  mattress. 
A  coverlet  of  green  satin,  adorned  with  gold  embroidered  in 
embossed  work,  was  in  like  manner  fastened  to  the  sheets  :  the 
ends  of  which,  turned  in,  were  sewed  down  alternately.  Two  large 
pillows  of  crimson  satin,  covered  with  the  like  embroidery,  in 
which  there  was  no  want  of  gold  or  spangles,  rested  on  two 
cushions  of  the  sofa,  brought  near  to  serve  for  a  back,  and  in- 
tended to  support  our  heads.  The  taking  of  the  pillows  entirely 
away  would  have  been  a  good  resource,  if  we  had  had  any 
bolster  ;  and  the  expedient  of  turning  the  other  side  upwards 
having  only  served  to  show  they  were  embroidered  in  the  same 
manner  on  the  bottom,  we  at  last  determined  to  lay  our  hand- 
kerchiefs over  them,  which-,  however,  did  not  prevent  our  being 
very  sensible  of  the  embossed  ornaments  underneath."* 


a  "  striped  coveiw 
lets  of  Unen  of 
Egyfxt." 

"That  modest 
grace  subdu'd 
iijy  soul,  tl^at 
chastity  of  look 
which  seems  to 
hang,  a  veil  of 
purest  hght,  o'er 
all  her  beauties, 
and  by  forbid- 
ding most  in- 
flames desires."— 
Vcung. 

b  Barun  du  Toll. 

'•  The  excellence 
of  a  circle  lies  in 
its  roundness, 
not  its  bigness. 
The  rim  of  a 
threepenny  bit  is 
a  true  circle,  and 
w  o  u  1  d  not  be 
mended,  but  only 
magnified,  if 
swelled  till  it 
equalled  in  size 
the  tire  of  a  cart 
wheel,  or  dilated 
till  it  touched 
the  outline  of  a 
planet.' -5.  Coleg. 


19,  20.  (19)  goodman,  or  husband.  So  she  assures  him 
that  there  is  safety  from  fear  of  detection.  (20)  a  bag  of 
money,  so  plainly  intends  to  be  away  a  long  time.  _  time 
appointed,  or.  till  the  next  new  moon,  i.e.  a  fortnight's  time. 

Pleasvvea  that  md  in  death. — There  are  some  pleasures  that 
bring  pain  as  their  fruit,  just  as  things  standing  m  the  sun.shine 
throw  from  them  a  black  shadow.  They  are  like  the  smooth, 
beautiful  serpent,  they  cany  a  sting.  Fable  tells  of  a  bee  that 
found  a  pot  of  honey  ready  made,  and  thought  it  would  he  fine 
to  save  all  the  trouble  of  flying  about  the  meadows  and  gathering 
its  sweet  stores,  little  by  little,  out  of  the  cups  of  flowers,  and 
began  to  sip  out  of  the  "dish.    Then  it  went  on  and  revelled  in 


Jerome  write?  of 
a  brave  woman, 
who,  being  upon 
the  rack,  bade 
her  persecutora 
do  their  worst, 
for  she  was  re- 
solved to  die 
rather  than  lie. 


62 


PROVE  BBS. 


[Cap.  vil.  21—25, 


a  Dr.  J.  Edmond. 


a  •^ph  Com. 

b  "  As  a  maa  in 

chains  to  the 
punishment  of 
the  f  o  o  1."  — 
}\'ordsu'oiih. 
"Think'st  thou 
tnere  are  no  ser- 
poacs  in  the 
TiuriJ  but  thnse 
who  slide  along 
the  grassy  sod, 
and  stiiiGT  the 
luckless  foot  that 
presses  them  ? 
There  are  who  in 
tlie  path  of  social 
life  do  bask  their 
spotted  skins  in 
fortune's  sun, 
auii  sting  the 
soul."  —  Joanna 
Biillie. 

"  Those  who  are 
in  the  power  of 
evil  habits  must 
conquer  them  as 
they  can  ;  ami 
conquered  tliey 
must  be,  or 
neither  wisdom 
nor  happiness 
cau  be  attained  : 
but  those  wlio 
are  yet  suhi'ect  to 
their  infiufuce 
may,  by  timely 
caution,  preserve 
their  freedtim  : 
they  may  eCfec- 
tuaily  resolve  to 
escape  the  tyran  t, 
whom  they  will 
very  vainly  re- 
solve to  conquer." 
• — Jolinson. 
c  F.  W.  Rubertson. 

"1     can    bear 

scorpions'  stings, 
tread  fields  of 
Are  ;  in  frozen 
gults  of  cold 
eternal  lie ;  be 
tcss'd  aloft 
through  tracts  of 
endless  void,  but 
cannot  live  in 
Bhame,"— yort«Hrt 
Btiillie. 

"  The  humblest 
trade  has  in  it 
elliowroom  fir  all 
thevirtues.  That 
buclcster  can  be 


the  sweets ;  but  "when  it  began  to  get  tired  and  cloyed,  it  found, 
poor  bee  !  that  its  wings  were  all  clogged  and  would  not  open, 
nor  could  it  drag  its  body  out  of  the  mass.  So  it  died,  buried 
in  pleasure." 

21—23.  (21)  fair  speech,  the  word  empToyed  is  that  usually 
trans,  doctrine.  "The  use  of  the  same  word  has  a  keen  irony 
about  it  wh.  it  is  difficult  to  convey  in  another  language.'"" 
forced  him,'  to  get  over  all  his  prudence,  his  virtue,  and  hia 
fears.  (22)  straightway,  as  by  a  sudden  impulse,  as  an 
OX,  blindly,  not  thinking  that  he  is  going  to  his  destruction. 
as  a  fool,  goes  on  his  foolish  way,  never  thinking  that  the 
penalties  must  come.*'     (28)  li"ver,  put  for  the  vitals  generally. 

A  life  of  dcgradatinn. — Degradation  means  the  application  of 
a  thing  to  purposes  lower  than  that  for  which  it  was  intended. 
It  is  degradation  to  a  man  to  live  on  husks,  because  they  are 
not  his  true  food.  "We  call  it  degradation  when  we  see  the 
members  of  an  ancient  family,  decaj^ed  by  extravagance,  working 
for  their  bread.  It  is  not  degradation  for  a  born  labourer  to 
work  for  an  honest  livelihood.  It  is  degradation  for  them,  for 
they  are  not  what  they  might  have  been.  And,  therefore,  for  a 
man  to  be  degraded,  it  is  not  necessary  that  he  should  have  given 
himself  up  to  low  and  mean  practices.  It  is  quite  enough  that 
he  is  living  for  purposes  lower  than  those  for  which  God  intended 
him.  He  may  be  a  man  of  unblemished  reputation,  and  yet 
debased  in  the  truest  meaning  of  the  word.  We  were  sent  into 
this  world  to  love  God  and  to  love  man  :  to  do  good  ;  to  fill  up 
life  with  deeds  of  generosity  and  usefulness  ;  and  he  that 
refuses  to  work  out  that  high  destiny  is  a  degraded  man.  He 
may  turn  away  revolted  from  everything  that  is  gross.  Hia 
sen.suous  indulgences  may  be  all  marked  by  refinement  and 
taste.  His  house  may  be  filled  with  elegance.  His  library  may 
be  adorned  with  books.  There  may  be  the  sounds  in  his  man- 
sion whioh  can  regale  the  ear,  the  delicacies  which  can  stimulate 
the  palate,  and  the  forms  of  beauty  which  can  please  the  eye. 
There  may  bo  nothing  in  his  whole  life  to  offend  the  most 
chastened  and  fastidious  delicacy  ;  and  yet.  if  the  history  of  all 
this  be,  powers  frittered  upon  time  which  were  meant  for 
eternity,  the  man  is  degraded  ;  if  the  spirit  which  was  created 
to  find  its  enjoyment  in  the  love  of  God  has  settled  down  satis- 
fied with  the  love  of  the  world,  then  that  man  has  turned  aside 
from  a  celestial  feast  to  prey  on  garbage.' 

24,  25.  (24)  hearken,  making  a  most  impressive  application. 
(2.5)  decline,  from  the  counsels  and  the  principles  of  wisdom 
and  of  purity. 

Tdltin;/  rare  of  the  heart. — The  great  defect  in  our  system  ot 
education  is  that  it  turns  a  man  away  from  himself.  Many  a 
schoolboy  can  describe  the  continents  and  islands  of  the  earth, 
trace  out  the  intricacies  of  the  jilanetary  system,  naming  suns 
and  moons  and  stars,  who  would  stand  abashed  should  you  ask 
him  the  number  of  bones  in  the  human  body,  or  to  trace  out  the 
marvellous  nervous  .system  that  God  has  given  him.  This  begins 
in  the  nursery,  and  is  carried  all  the  way  up  through  the 
University.  True,  there  is  some  improvement  in  later  days,  and 
those  sciences  relating  more  particularly  to  the  philosophy  of 
man's  being  have  been  introduced,  but  they  have  not  the  pro- 


Cap.  vlii.  1-6.] 


PROVERBS. 


63 


minence  they  should  have  over  mathematics  and  the  languages. 
Now.  Christianity  turns  man's  attention  to  himself.  No  other 
teacher  ever  equalled  Christ  in  this  respect.  He  painted  for  us 
the  picture  of  man  given  up  to  the  wildness  of  his  own  passions, 
and  of  man  in  his  renewed  state,  comely  to  look  upon.  The 
inspired  writers  direct  mankind  to  the  spring  of  life,  the  source 
of  power  and  fountain  of  strength  in  themselves,  and  imme- 
diately thereafter  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  we  are  not 
surprised  that  Solomon  shows  that  in  man  himself  are  the 
elements  of  life  and  death,  of  heaven  and  hell. 

26,  27.  (26)  cast  down,  as  on  a  field  of  battle,  strong 
men,  better.  »iif/h/i/  /io.'<t.i.     (27)    to  hell,  ch.  ii.  18,  v.  5. 

I'l^niix. — The  Emperor  Hadrian  very  innocently  asked  Epic- 
tetus  why  Venus  was  painted  naked.  The  philosopher  replied, 
because  she  always  reduces  her  followers  to  such  poverty  that 
they  have  no  clothes.  The  Italians,  more  knowing,  have  a 
proverb,  BcUa  fniiina  eke  ride,  ruol  (li>\  borm  cite pianqe :  the 
smiles  of  a  pretty  woman  are  the  tears  of  the  purse  ;  the  latter 
must  be  drained  to  en:<ure  the  continuance  of  the  former. 


CHATTER  TEE  EIGHTH. 

1 — 3.  (1)  cry,  making  also  her  good  and  gracious  invitations 
to  the  young.  put  .  .  voice,  loudly  and  persuasively."  (2) 
hi^  places^  fr.  which  the  passers-by  may  be  observed, 
places  of  the  paths,  in  the  very  midst  of  the  roads.  (3) 
gates,  where  so  many  are  coming  and  going,  coming  .  . 
doors,  at  the  very  entrance  of  the  city,  so  as  to  secure  all. 

Till'  voice  of  Dirine  wi.tdom  {re.  1 — 14). — I.  It  is  a  voice  striving 
for  the  ear  of  all.  She  cries — 1.  In  the  most  commanding  scenes 
of  life  :  2.  In  the  ordinary  thoroughfares  of  life  ;  3.  In  the  most 
crowded  districts  of  life.  II.  It  is  a  voice  worthy  of  the  ear  of 
all:  because  her  communications  are  —  1.  Perfect:  2.  In- 
telligible ;  3.  Precious ;  4.  Exhaustless ;  5.  E,ectifying ;  6. 
Original.* 

The  hrightness  of  wisdom. — 

Wisdom,  blest  beam  ! 

The  brightness  of  the  everlasting  light  I 

The  spotless  mirror  of  the  power  of  God  1 

The  reflex  image  of  th'  all-perfect  Mind  ! 

A  stream  translucent,  flowing  from  the  source 

Of  Glory  Infinite  !  A  cloudless  light ! 

Defilement  cannot  touch,  nor  sin  pollute 

Her  unstain'd  purity  ! ' 
4 — 6.  (4)  men  .  .  sons  of  man,  a  distinction  is  designed 
between  the  stronger  and  experienced,  and  the  weaker  and  inex- 
perienced. (.'))  wisdom,  or  subtlety  in  a  good  sense  ;  prudence; 
rules  of  self-restraint,  and  pure  ordei-ing  of  life,  understand- 
ing, or  discernhirj.  (f))  excellent  things,  princely  things, 
such  as  are  suitable;  for  a  prince,  or  posa.  jflai'i  things."  right, 
and  tending  to  righteousness.''  . 

A  .9coJfe>: — A  scoffing  infidel  of  considerable  talents,  being 
once  in  the  company  of  a  person  of  slender  intellect,  but  of 
genuine  piety,  and  supposing  no  doubt  that  he  should  obtain  an 


true,  and  honest, 
and  honourable — 
what  more  can 
Rothschild  be?" 
— /S.  Coley. 


As  the  nature  of 
trees  and  plants, 
of  their  roots, 
stocks,  stems, 
and  boughs,  is  in 
the  seed  ;  So  the 
cause  of  our 
transgressions  is 
our  own  corrup- 
tion, whereby  we 
are  moved  to  dc 
evil,and  hindered 
to  do  good. 


a  "  The  publicity 
and  universality 
of  the  call  con- 
trast with  the 
secrecy  and  in- 
trigues of  the 
wicked."  —  FauS' 
set. 

"  Wisdom  is  seen 
everywhere  i  a 
the  niaterial  uni- 
verse, but  her 
sublimest  revela- 
tion is  in  the  per- 
son of  tlie  8on  of 
G  o  a."  —  Dav. 
Thomas.  D.D. 
vv.  1—5.  J.  Nor- 
ris.  iii.  232. 
b  Dr.  Thomas. 
W  i  s  d  o  m  was 
personified  by  the 
Greeks  as  Athene 
or  Minerva,  a 
goddess  who  had 
no  mother,  but 
s  13  r  a  n  g  fully 
armed  from  the 
head  of  Jupiter. 
All  true  wisdom 
is  from  above, 
c  Ilaiimth  Jfore. 

a  "  The  sense  is 
—I  will  speak  of 
the  mysteries  of 
the  kinijdom  oi 
hcHien."  —Words- 
worth. 

b  "  This  wisdom 
is  ever  in  the 
world.  Iler  voice 
is  everywhere ;  it 
rings  through  the 


64 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  vUl.  7-13. 


agos.  It  is  high 
above  nil  the  tu- 
mults of  the  na- 
tions. The  voices 
of  generations 
are  hushed  in 
graveyanls  ami 
in  seas,  but  this 
voice  sounds  on  ; 
it  cannot  be 
silenced."  -»  Dai\ 
Thomas,  D.D. 

a  "  Those  who 
discern  things 
that  differ,  who 
know  good  and 
evil,  readily  .sub- 
scribe to  the  rec- 
titude of  all  Wis- 
dom's ,  dictates, 
and  tlierefore, 
without  ni  u  r- 
muring  or  dis- 
puting, govern 
themselves  b  y 
the  m."  —  Mall. 
Henry. 

Is.  x.xxv.  8. 

Somebody  says 
that  politeness  is 
like  an  air- 
cushion;  thore 
may  be  nothing 
in  it,  but  it  eases 
our  jolts  wonder- 
fully. 

6  R.  T.  3. 


tm.  10,  11.  Bp. 
ilallb'j,  363;  0. 
J.  ZolUkoffer,  i. 
234. 

Some  persons 
proceed  as  if  they 
expected  to  ob- 
tain wisdom  as 
some  Chinese 
philosophers 
thought  oysters 
got  their  pearls, 
by  gaping. 


a  Mat.  X.  18. 

6  Spk.  Com. 

V.  1.3.  D.  Lamont, 
i.  257. 

"Wisdom  is  the 
olive  that  spring- 
eth  from  the 
heart,  bloonieth 
on  the  tongue, 
and  beareth  fruit 


easy  triumph  in  the  display  of  hiH  ung-odly  wit,  put  the  followiug 
question  to  him  :  "I  under.'itand,  sir,  that  you  expect  to  go  to 
heaven  when  you  die  ;  can  you  tell  me  what  .sort  of  a  place 
heaven  is?"  '•  Yes,  sir,"  replied  the  Christian  ;  "heaven  is  a  pre- 
pared place  for  a  prepared  people  ;  and  if  your  soul  is  not  pre- 
pared for  it,  with  all  your  boasted  wisdom  you  will  never  enter 
there." 

7 — 9.  (7)  speak,  or  meditate,  wickedness,  not  untruth 
only,  but  all  kinds  of  enticement  to  wroug-doing.  (8)  froward, 
\\t.  n-rcatlii'd ;  twisted,  contradictory  to  truth.  (9)  that  under- 
standeth,  who  is  wise  enough  not  to  despise,  but  to  open  his 
heart  to  receive,  the  counsels  of  wisdom.  The  man  who  wishes 
to  order  his  life  by  the  teachings  of  wisdom." 

The  n'ord  ''fro/rard." — Froward  is  used  by  our  translators  for 
five  Hebrew  words,  of  which  two  have  the  force  of  turning  aside, 
and  the  other  three  of  being  twisted  or  perverted.  The  majority 
of  instances  are  in  the  Proverbs  (chaps,  ii..  iii.,  iv.,  vi.,  viii.,  x., 
xi.,  xvi.,  xvii.,  xxi.,  xxii.).  According  to  Wedgwood  it  properly 
means  "  from-ward,"  as  opjiosed  to  "  toward."  Hence  "  toward  " 
as  an  adjective  is  used  in  a  favourable  sense.  The  two  words  are 
opposed  in  7'aiiiin//  of  tlie  tilircn\  act  v.,  scene  2  : — ■ 

Vincentlo. — 'Tis  a  good  hearing,  when  children  are  toward. 

Luci'utio. — ^But  a  harsh  hearing,  when  women  are  froward. 

Pri-nchinq  .iclf,  and  Christ. — When  Bernard  had  once  preached 
a  very  eloquent  sermon  on  a  public  occasion,  the  people  greatly 
applauded  him  :  but  his  own  mind  was  much  dejected.  On  the 
following  day  he  again  preached,  but  with  the  utmost  simplicity, 
which  did  not  so  well  please  his  audience.  When  spoken  to  on 
the  subject,  he  declared  his  conviction  that  in  the  latter  instance 
only  had  he  discharged  his  duty  ;  "  for,"  added  he,  '"yesterday  I 
preached  Bernard,  but  to-day  Jesus  Christ." 

10,  11.  (10)  not  silver,  i.e.  as  being  preferable  to  gaining- 
silver,  knowledge,  practical  knowledge  lor  the  guidance  of 
life  is  meant,  choice  g'Old,  tried,  selected,  precious.  (11) 
wisdom,  etc.,  comp.  Job  xsviii.  15  ;  Ps.  xix.  ID  ;  Pr.  iii.  15,  xvi. 
10.     rubies,  Heb.  pniinim.  prob.  pearls. 

Worth  of  n-ixdom. — If  the  mountains  were  pearl,  if  every  sand 
of  the  sea  were  a  diamond,  it  were  not  comparable  to  wisdom. 
Without  wisdom  a  person  is  like  a  ship  without  a  pilot,  in  danger 
to  split  upon  rocks.  The  price  of  wisdom  is  above  rubies.  The 
ruby  is  a  precious  stone,  transparent,  of  a  red,  fiery  colour.  It  is 
reported  of  one  of  the  kings  of  India,  he  wore  a  riiby  of  that 
bigness  and  splendour,  that  he  might  be  seen  by  it  in  the  dark  ; 
but  wisdom  casts  a  more  sparkling  colour  than  tlae  ruby,  it  makes 
us  shine  as  angels. 

12,  13.  (12)  prudence,  or  svhtlc^i/ ;  the  wisdom  of  the 
serpent,  wh.  our  Lord  commended."  '•  Practical  tact  and  insight 
needed  for  the  life  of  common  men."*  witty  inventions, 
skilful  counsels :  sagacious  counsels.  (13)  fear  .  .  evil, 
hating  evil  is  one  sure  sign  of  it  (Job  i.  1).  froward,  ch.  ii. 
12,  vi.  14. 

E.rampleofvindom. — The  property  of  cords  contracting  their 
length  by  moisture  became  generally  known,  it  is  said,  on  the 
raising  of  the  Egyptian  obelisk  in  the  square  facing  St.  Peter's, 
at  Rome,  by  order  of  Pope  Sixtus  V.     The  great  work    ;vaa 


Cap.  viii.  14—17.] 


PROVERBS. 


65 


nndertaken  in  the  year  1586 ;  and  the  day  for  raising  the 
obelisk  was  marked  with  great  solemnity.  High  mass  was 
celebrated  at  St.  Peter's ;  and  the  architect  and  workmen  re- 
ceived the  benediction  of  the  pope.  The  blast  of  a  trumpet 
was  the  given  signal,  when  engines  were  feet  in  motion  by  an 
incredible  number  of  horses  ;  but  not  until  after  iifty-two  un- 
successful attempts  had  been  made,  was  the  huge  block  lifted 
from  the  earth.  As  the  ropes  which  held  it  had  somewhat 
stretched,  the  base  of  the  obelisk  could  not  reach  the  summit  of 
the  pedestal ;  when  a  man  in  the  crowd  cried  out,  "  Wet  the 
ropes  I"  This  advice  was  followed  ;  and  the  column,  as  of  itself, 
gradually  rose  to  the  required  height,  and  was  placed  upright  on 
the  pedestal  prepared  for  it. 

14—16.  (14)  sound  wisdom,  Heb.f?/.97;///ya7i,  the  very  ^'.f.ypnrf 
of  things,  whence  they  derive  their  soundness  and  strength," 
com}),  ch.  ii.  7.  have  strength,  as  a  possession,  result,  or  attri- 
bute of  wisdom.  Understanding  is  a  constant  source  of  power. 
(1.5)  by  me,  or  in  the  exercise  of  wisdom  only  can  rulers  main- 
tain authority,  princes,  lit.  those  who  engrave  just  decrees. 
(16)  princes,  a  different  word  from  that  in  former  v.''  This 
means  leaders,  commanders. 

The  avtliorifi/  of  Uirine  n'lsdom  (vv.  15 — 21). — Wisdom  here 
speaks  of  herself  as  the  queen  of  the  world.  I.  In  the  exercise 
of  her  authority  she  determines  the  destiny  of  rulers.  1.  It 
inspires  all  the  good  actions  of  kings  ;  2.  It  controls  all  the  bad 
actions  of  kings.  11.  In  the  exercise  of  her  authority  she  has  a 
special  regard  for  the  good.  1.  It  loves  its  lovers  :  2.  Is  acces- 
sible to  her  early  seekers.  III.  In  the  exercise  of  her  authority 
she  has  the  distribution  of  the  choicest  blessings  for  mankind. 
1.  One  enriches  the  man  himself  ;  2.  Is  substantial ;  3.  Is  more 
permanent.' 

T/ic  all-iri.'^e  God. — He  is  best  able  to  counsel,  none  like  Him. 
He  is  a  M'onderful  Counsellor.  He  is  furnished  with  knowledge, 
wisdom,  faithfulness  ;  He  sees,  observes,  considers,  understands 
all  things,  with  their  consequences  and  causes.  He  is  engaged 
to  counsel.  His  goodness  engages  Him  :  this  will  not  suffer 
poor  souls  blindly  to  run  upon  their  own  ruin.  His  truth  engages 
Him  :  He  must  be  as  good  as  His  word ;  He  has  promised  to 
guide  the  meek."* 

17.  I  love,  "  Div.  wisdom  has  heart  as  well  as  intellect ;  it 
glows  with  sympathies  as  well  as  radiates  with  counsels.  Love 
is  its  genius,  its  root,  its  essence.""  love  me,  bee.  love  secures 
the  devotion  of  the  whole  being.  We  give  ourselves  wholly  to 
those  whom  we  love,  seek  me  early,  diligently,  as  one  who 
rises  early  to  accomplish  a  purpose  ;  but  including  the  idea  of 
early  in  life.* 

MoUvrs^  to  early  piety  {v.  17). — I.  God  has  given  you  peculiar 
encouragements  to  seek  Him  while  you  are  young.  II.  Youth  is 
for  many  reasons  incomparably  the  best  time  for  seeking  the 
Lord.  in.  God  has  a  right  to  your  best  services.  IV.  Let  me 
urge  upon  you  the  happiness  you  will  secure  by  having  God  for 
your  fi'iend.  V.  Let  me  urge  upon  you  the  danger  of  delay.  VI.  A 
distinguished  place  in  heaven  is  the  certain  result  of  early  piety. — 
TlwHe  whom.  ChrM  lores. — I.  The  foundation  of  that  love  which 
Christ  feels  for  all  who  love  Him  was  laid  in  eternity.    II.  Christy 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  B 


in  the  actions." 
— E.  Grym'eslone. 

"  K  u  o  w  1  e  il  g  e 

may  not  be  as  a 
courtesan,  for 
pleasure  and 
vanity  only ;  or 
as  a  bond-wo- 
man, to  acquire 
and  gain  for  lier 
master's  use ;  but 
as  a  spouse,  for 
generation,  fruit, 
and  comfort."— 
Lord  Bacon. 


a  Wordsxcorth. 

"  This  wisdom  is 
ever  in  the  world. 
H  er  voice  is 
everywhere  ;  it 
rings  through 
the  ages.  It  is 
high  .abuve  the 
tumults  of  the 
nations.  The 
voices  of  genera- 
tions are  hushed 
in  graveyards 
and  in  seas  ;  but 
this  voice  sounds 
on ;  it  cannot  be 
silenced."  —  Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

b  V.  15,  Heb.  ro- 
zenim  ;v.  16,  Heb. 
sai-im. 

Da.  u.  21;  Ro. 
xiii.  1—6. 

c  Dr.  Thomas. 

d    G.    Barker 


(1659). 


a  Comp.  Jno.  xiv. 
21  ;  Mat.  vii.  7,  8. 

6  Illus.  of  early 
seekers  after  God, 
Joseph,  l:^all)uel, 
David,  Obadiah, 
Josiah,  Daniel. 

"  Give   God    the 

blossom  of  your 
life ;  put  Him  not 
off  with  the  fallen 
lea.vei."-iVichijlis. 

"  Early  life  is 
the  time  to  seek 
wisdom.  Our 
moral  metal  is 
fluid  in  youth, 
and  we  can   be 


66 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  vlil.  17. 


tun  Into  any 
niould;  in  age  it 
becomes  liani  as 
thfi  granite,  or 
the  steel.  Itniuit 
be  souglit  to  lie 
obtained,  anil  tho 
Booner  in  life  the 
bo  tt  er."— Air. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

€  Dr.  E.  Payson. 

v.n.  Dr.  J.Donne, 
vi.  1  ;  J.  Aber- 
nelliij,  iii.  166  ; 
Dr.  J.  Onifse,  1U4  ; 
Dr.  S.  Chandler, 
iv.  461;  Dr.  N. 
Lard  Iter,  x.  171  ; 
Dr.  W.  Dmld,  i.  1 ; 
Dr.  E.  Payson,  iii. 
48J. 

d  Dr.  Guise. 

"Piety  is  tlie  only 
proper  anil  aile- 
qnatereli'.'f  of  de- 
caying man.  He 
that,  grows  old 
witliout  religious 
hopes,  as  he  de- 
clines into  imbe- 
cility, and  feels 
pains  and  sorrows 
incessantly 
crowding  upon 
him,  falls  into  a 
gulf  of  buttom- 
le.=is  misery,  in 
which  every  re- 
flection must 
plunge  him 
deeper  and 
d  e  e  per."— y(y/j«- 
ton. 

"Industry  has  a 
firmer  innscle,  is 
less  annoyed  by 
delays  and  re- 
pulses, and,  like 
water,  bends 
itself  to  the 
shape  of  the  soil 
over  which  it 
flows,  and  if 
checked,  will  not 
rest,  but  acc\i- 
mulates,  and 
mines  a  passage 
benca'  h,  or  seeks 
a  side-race,  or 
rises  above  and 
overflows  the 
obstruction. 
What  genius  per- 
form-! at.  one 
Impulse,  industry 
pain?  by  a  suc- 
cession of  blows. 
la  orUioary  mat- 


loves  those  who  love  Him,  because  He  has  done  and  buffered  so 
much  for  their  salvation.  III.  Because  they  are  united  to  Him 
by  Btrongf  aud  indissoluble  ties.  IV.  Because  they  possess  His 
spirit  and  wear  His  image.  V.  Because  they  rejoice  in  and 
return  His  affection.  Learn: — 1.  Answer  the  (luostion.  Does 
Chri.st  love  me  /  2.  He  will  love  those  most  who  are  most  ready 
to  return  His  affection  :  8.  How  happy  are  they  who  love  !  4. 
luducements  to  love  Christ.''  —  Early  .feehem  eneournficd.  —  I. 
What  it  is  to  seek  Christ  early.  It  is  to  seek  Him  earh'  with 
respect — 1.  To  the  time  of  life  ;  2.  To  the  day  of  grace  ;  3.  To  all 
other  things.  II.  Their  peculiar  encouragements.  1.  Most 
pleasing  to  Him  ;  2.  It  is  the  ordinary  course  of  Divine  grace  to 
be  found  of  such  :  3.  They  have  fewer  obstructions  than  others  ; 
4.  Ther.Q  are  peculiar  promises  to  them.  Apply: — (1)  The  sin  of 
seeking  tnose  things  that  hinder  the  seeking  of  Christ :  (2)  Pray 
over  the  encouragements  till  they  are  found  effectual :  Q^)  Let 
early  seekers  go  on  to  seek  Him  in  all  His  ways ;  (4)  Let  not 
older  sinuers  think  themselves  excluded  from  all  hope.'' — Early 
cinirer.^iom. — The  moment  children  are  capable  of  sinning — 
breaking  God's  law — that  moment  they  are  capable  of  repenting, 
of  turning  to  God,  of  understanding  the  doctrines  and  precepts 
of  the  Bible — repentance,  faith,  and  a  holj'  life.  Children,  taught 
as  they  should  be  from  early  infancy,  know  and  feel  that  it  is  an 
evil  and  bitter  thing  to  sin  against  God.  and  that  wisdom's  v.-ayu 
are  ways  of  i)leasantness,  and  all  her  paths  ai-e  paths  of  peace. 

"  Just  as  the  twig  is  bent,  the  tree's  inclined." 

A  young  lady  in  a  Sabbath  school,  a  few  mornings  since,  asked 
her  class  how  boon  a  child  should  give  its  heart  to  God.  One 
little  girl  said,  ''"When  thirteen  years  old:"  another,  "ten;" 
another,  '"six."'  Then,  at  length,  the  last  child  in  the  class  spoke: 
"  Just  as  soon  as  we  know  who  God  is."  "  I  love  them  that  love 
Me  ;  and  those  that  seek  Me  early  shall  find  Sle"  (Prov.  viii.  17). 
Parent,  where  is  your  faith  /  "  According  to  your  faith  be  it 
unto  you,"  "All  things  are  possible  to  him  that  believeth." 
•'  Seek  fu'st '' — for  your  little  one.s — "  the  kingdom  of  God  aud  His 
righteousness,  and  all  things  shall  be  added  unto  you."  Samuel 
was  a  little  child  when  he  ministered  unto  the  Lord,  and  heard 
His  voice.  "  And  he  grew,  and  the  Lord  was  with  him  :  and  the 
Lord  revealed  Himself  to  Samuel  at  fehiloh."  Paul,  speaking  of 
little  Timothy,  says,  '"  From  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  Holy 
Scrii)turcs.  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation, 
through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  These  are  examples  left 
on  record  by  the  Spiiit  of  grace,  to  teach  us  what  may  be  done, 
in  the  strength  and  wisdom  of  the  Most  High.  The  Holy  Siiirit 
never  strikes  more  ])Owerfully  than  in  early  childhood.  Ihe  late 
Countess  of  Huntingdon  was  only  a  little  child  when  she  gave 
her  heart  to  Christ ;  and  she  was  not  only  rich  in  this  wo'ld.  but 
eminently  "  rich  in  faith,  and  an  heir  of  the  kingdom."  "Who 
can  rend  the  early  conversion  aud  life  of  the  wife  of  President 
Edwards,  and  doubt  her  being  a  child  of  God  ?  or  the  thrilling 
narrative  which  he  gives  of  Phoebe  Bartlett,  a  child  but  five  yenrs 
old  ,'  For  seventy  years  she  testified  to  God's  love  in  revealing 
Himself  to  a  child.  In  the  late  memoirs  of  Rev.  Dr.  Justin 
Edwards  it  is  stated  that  the  heavenly  conversion  and  Christian 
spirit  manifested  in  her  last  sickness  were  the  means  of  spiritual 


Cap.  viii.  18, 19.] 


PRO  VERBS. 


67 


life  to  this  eminent  servant  of  Christ.  One  who  has  long  been  a 
"  mother  in  Israel,"  and  whose  deep  spirituality  and  holy  life  had 
given  her  an  extended  influence  of  the  happiest  kind,  was  wont  to 
say.  she  could  not  remember  the  time  when  she  did  not  love  Christ 
and  find  her  greatest  delight  in  doing  His  will.  In  her  life  and 
in  her  death  she  has  given  the  most  satisfactory  evidence  of 
religion  p)ure  and  undefiled. 

I'outhJ'til  pii'ty. — A  little  girl  in  London,  about  four  years  of 
age,  was  one  day  playing  with  her  companions.  Taking  them 
by  the  hand,  she  led  them  to  a  shed  in  the  yard,  and  asked  them 
all  to  kneel  down,  as  she  was  going  to  pray  to  God  Almighty  : 
"  but  don't  you  tell  my  mamma,"  said  she,  "  for  she  never  prays, 
and  would  beat  me  if  she  knew  that  I  did."  Instead  of  keeping 
the  secret,  one  of  her  playmates  went  directly  and  told  this  little 
girl  s  mother,  who  was  very  much  struck,  but  for  the  present 
took  no  notice.  Some  time  after,  on  her  going  within  doors,  her 
mother  asked  her  what  she  had  been  doing  in  the  yard.  She  tried 
to  avoid  giving  a  direct  answer.  The  question  being  repeated, 
the  answer  was  the  same  ;  when  her  mother  having  promised 
not  to  be  angry  with  her.  and  pressing  the  inquiry  by  very  kind 
words,  she  said,  "  I  have  been  praying  to  God  Almighty."  "  But 
why  do  you  pray  to  Him  ? "  "  Because  I  know  He  hears  me,  and 
I  love  to  pray  to  Him."  "  But  how  do  you  know  He  hears  you '] " 
This  was  a  difficult  question  indeed  ;  but  mark  her  reply.  Putting 
her  little  hand  to  her  heart,  she  said,  "  Oh,  I  know  He  does,  because 
there  is  something  here  that  tells  me  He  does."  This  language 
pierced  her  mother's  heart,  who  was  a  stranger  to  prayer  herself, 
and  she  wept  bitterly.  "  I  love  them  that  love  Me ;  and  they 
that  seek  Me  early  shall  find  Me."' 

18,  19.  (18)  riches,  see  ch.  iii.  Ifi.  durable  riches,  in- 
creasing, or  accumulating  riches."  "With  perhaps  an  allusion  to 
the  transitory  character  of  merely  earthly  riches.''  righteous- 
ness, Sfcr.  20.  (19)  my  fruit,  comp.  fig.  ch.  iii.  14,  18.  fine 
gold,  or  refined  gold  from  the  ore.  revenue,  or  return  to  those 
who  trade  with  me."^ 

BeUgiun  in.vahmble  (v.  19). — Money,  which  answereth  all  things, 
cannot  touch  some  things.  Let  us  look — I.  To  that  which  is 
brought  before  us  in  the  text — wisdom.  1.  It  is  spiritual  :  2. 
Divine  ;  3.  Holy,  practical.  II.  Its  incomparable  worth.  1.  Value 
of  gold,  etc.,  premised  ;  precious  metals  convenient  medium  of 
commerce,  beautiful  in  themselves,  for  the  earthly  good  they 
Becure  ;  give  power  of  extended  usefulness,  often  ameliorate 
afflictions  and  extend  duration  of  life  ;  2.  Wisdom  is  better,  in 
its  nature,  adapted  to  higher  order  of  things  and  being,  because 
of  supreme  blessings  which  it  brings  ;  better  as  to  duration,  as  to 
the  highest  influences,  as  to  abi-olute  essentiality.  Apply  :— (1) 
Value  gold,  etc.,  rightly  ;  (2)  Wisdom  more.'' 
Kiimvlrdfie  and  ivitidom. — 

Knowledge  descries  alone,  wisdom  applies ; 
'  That  makes  some  fools,  this  niaketh  none  but  wise. 
In  my  aftiictions,  knowledge  apprehends 
Who  is  the  Author,  what  the  cause  and  ends  : 
It  finds  that  patience  is  my  sad  relief. 
And  that  the  hand  that  caused  can  cure  my  grief. 
To  rest  contented  here  is  but  to  bring 
Clouds  without  rain,  and  heat  without  a  spring ; 
£  2 


ters  they  differ 
only  in  rapidity 
of  execution,  and 
are  upon  one 
level  before  men, 
who  see  the 
result  but  not  the 
process." — //.  W. 
needier. 

"  We  meet  a  class 
that  we  can  only 
liken  to  lead, — 
heavy,  dull; 
body,  brains, 
arms,  and  legs 
made  of  about 
the  same  ma- 
terial;  mind, 
heart,  pluck, 
made  of  the 
same  dead,  dull, 
dark,  cr  o  c  k  y, 
muddy  sub- 
stance ;  no  more 
life  or  elasticity 
than  a  dead  lump 
of  lead." — liead. 

e  Whilecrost. 


a  Ps.  IxH.  10. 

6  When  King  De- 
metrius had 
sacked  and  razed 
the  city  of  Me- 
gsra  to  the  very 
foundations,  he 
demanded  of 
.Stilpo,  tlie  philo- 
sopher,  what 
loi^ses  he  had  sus- 
tained. "  None 
at  all,"  said  Stil- 
po, "  for  war  can 
make  no  spoil  of 
virtue." 

"  The  special  idea 
conveyed  is  that 
of  a  treasure  piled 
up  for  many 
years,  ancient 
wealth." — Sjik. 
Cvm. 

c  He.  iii.  18. 
d  Dr.  Burns. 

"  Wisdom  is  oft- 
times  nearer 
when  we  stoop, 
than  when  we 
soar."—  Word*' 
tcorth. 


68 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  vlll.  20-24. 


•  Quartet, 


o  "'Wisdom  beiiiff 
riclios  itiiii  lioii- 
our,  til  ere  is 
enougli  in  wis- 
dom's self  to 
make  a  heritage 
of  for  them  that 
lovelier.  In  fact, 
our  eternal  heir- 
dom will  be  this 
peerless  wis- 
dom." — Miller. 

"The    man    of 

knowledge  lives 
eternally  after  his 
death,  wliilo  his 
members  are  re- 
duced to  dust  be- 
neath the  tomb. 
But  the  ignorant 
man  is  dead,  even 
while  he  walks 
upon  the  earth  : 
ho  is  numbered 
■with  living  men, 
and  yet  c.KisCeth 
not." — Anon. 

»  Roget. 


a  The  ancient 
Fathers  regarded 
this  passage  as 
referring  to  the 
eternal  genera- 
tion of  Christ. 

6  "  A  world  of 
waters,  'great 
deeps'  lying  in 
darkness,  this 
was  the  picture 
of  the  remotest 
time  of  which 
man  could  form 
any  conception, 
and  yet  the  co- 
existence of  the 
uncreated 
wisdom  with  tlie 
-eternal  Jehovah 
was  before  that." 
—Spk.  Com. 

t.  22.  T.  Chemi- 
nais,  ii.  1 ;  /. 
Brine,  441. 

«.  23.  E.  Erstine, 
iU.  390. 

"Knowledge 
always  desires  in- 
crease :  it  is  like 
fire,  which  must 


But  sacred  wisdom  doth  apply  that  good 
"Which  simple  knowledore  barely  understood. 
AVi.^dom  coucludes.  and  in  couclu.sion  proves 
ITiat  wheresoever  God  corrects  He  loves." 

20,  21.  (20)  I  lead,  or  walk,  inviting  others  to  follow, 
righteousness,  essentially  right  paths,  so  right  towards  God, 
and  right  towards  man.  paths  of  judgment,  ways  of  life  to 
which  good  counsel,  not  mere  accident  or  self-will,  directs.  (21) 
inherit  substance,  all  who  seek  wisdom  being  sure  to  find 
full  satisfaction  in  wisdom  herself." 

27ie  benefits  of  hiiowlcdijc. — The  more  we  extend  our  knowledge 
of  the  operations  of  the  creative  power,  as  manifested  in  the 
structure  and  economy  of  organised  beings,  the  better  we  become 
qualified  to  appreciate  the  intentions  with  which  the  several 
arrangements  and  constructions  have  been  devised,  the  art  with 
which  they  have  been  accomplished,  and  the  grand  comprehensive 
plan  of  which  they  form  a  part.  By  knowing  the  general  ten- 
dencies of  analogous  formations,  we  can  sometimes  recognise 
designs  that  are  but  faintly  indicated,  and  trace  the  links  which 
connect  them  with  more  general  laws.  By  rendering  ourselves 
familiar  with  the  handwriting,  where  the  characters  are  clearly 
legible,  we  gradually  learn  to  decipher  the  more  obscure  passages, 
and  are  enabled  to  follow  the  continuity  of  the  narrative  through 
chapters  that  would  otherwise  appear  mutilated  and  defaced. 
Hence  the  utility  of  comprehending  in  our  studies  the  whole 
range  of  the  organised  creation,  witJa  a  view  to  the  discovery  of 
final  causes,  and  obtaining  adequate  ideas  of  the  power,  the 
wisdom,  and  the  goodness  of  God.* 

22—24.  (22)  possessed  me,  the  best  word  for  conveying' 
the  idea  that  wisdom  was  of  the  very  essence  of  God  from  the 
absolute  beginning."  before  his  works,  the  things  of  the 
material  creation.  (2.3)  set  up,  Spk.  Coin,  thinks  should  be,  "  I 
was  anointed;"  perhaps  better  is,  ordained,  inaugurated.  (24) 
no  depths,  sec  Gen.  i.  At  first  there  was  but  chaos,  "  emptiness 
and  confusion."*     abounding  with,  or  laden  with. 

'fhe  Redeemer'' s  deliijht  ui  the  children  of  men  {v.  23). — Define 
wisdom,  and  take  the  word  to  mean  the  Messiah.  I.  The  striking 
picture  which  is  here  presented.  1.  Christ  in  His  state  of  pre- 
existence;  2.  The  mutual  affection  and  joy  between  Him  and 
His  Father  ;  3.  The  feelings  with  which  He  regarded  this  lower 
world,  and  the  beings  by  whom  it  was  to  be  occujiied.  II.  The 
important  precepts  which  are  here  enforced.  1.  Listen  to  His 
voice  ;  2.  Perseverance  in  the  pursuit ;  3.  Reward  attending  it ; 
4.  Sin  of  those  who  reject  the  authority  of  Christ. 

The  imperfection  of  hnovledge. — Among  the  Romans,  Nasica 
was  called  Corculum  for  his  pregnancy  of  wit ;  among  the 
Grecians,  Dcmocritus  Abderita  was  called  wisdom  itself  ;  among 
the  Britons,  Gildas  was  called  the  sage  ;  among  the  Jews.  Aben 
E'.ra  was  called  Hechachan.  Thoy  said  of  him  that  if  know- 
ledge had  put  out  her  candle,  at  his  brain  she  might  light  it 
again  ;  and  that  his  head  was  the  throne  of  wisdom.  Among 
the  Israelites  was  Ahithophel,  M'hose  counsel  was  an  oracle. 
Here,  now,  was  a  pack  of  wise  men  :  but  why  the  Nile  should 
overflow  in  the  summer,  when  waters  are  at  the  lowest ;  or  why 
the  loadstone  should  draw  iron  to  it,  or  incline  to  the  polestar, — 


Cap.  vlii.  25-29.] 


PROVERBS. 


69 


which  of  them,  with  all  their  knowledge,  can  give  a  reason  of  ^e  fiKt  Jdndied 
either?  Aad  as  in  human,  so  in  Divine  knowledge:  the  most  l^y  ^owe  e.xtcraal 
acute  and  judicious  have  and  must  acknowledge  their  ignorance, !  "fiu"  'aitcixlarda 
and  deplore  their  errors  on  divers  points.  AVe  know  but  in  part,  propagate  iuelf." 
If  He  that  learned  His  divinity  among  the  angels,  to  whom  the  i  —J'-'i'^^on. 
Holy  Ghost  was  an  immediate  tutor,  knew  but  in  part,  it  is  well  ^  svenecr 
with  us  if  we  know  but  part  of  that  part." 


25,  26.  (25)  settled,  Job  xxviii.  9,  xxxviii.  6.  before  the 
hills,  Ps.  xc.  2.  (26)  fields,  or  open  unoccupied  commons,  or 
plains,  highest .  .  world,  the  first  clods  of  the  earth  :  the  first 
atoms  of  the  dust. 

Wisdom  of  God  in  creation. — ^Were  the  air  divested  of  its  un 
dulating  quality,  we  should  be  deprived  of  all  the  advantages  of 
speech  and  conversation,  and  of  all  the  pleasures  of  music.  Were 
it  deprived  of  its  reflective  powers,  the  sun  would  appear  in  one 
part  of  the  sky  in  dazzling  brightness,  while  all  around  would 
appear  dark  as  midnight,  and  the  stars  would  be  visible  at  noon- 
day. Were  it  deprived  of  its  refractive  powers,  instead  of  the 
gradual  approach  of  day  and  night,  which  we  now  experience, 
we  should  be  transported  all  at  once  from  midnight  darkness  to 
the  splendours  of  noonday  ;  and  at  sunset  should  make  a  sudden 
transition  from  the  splendours  of  day  to  all  the  horrors  of  mid- 
night. In  fine,  were  the  oxygen  of  the  air  completely  extracted, 
destruction  would  seize  on  all  the  tribes  of  the  living  world, 
throughout  all  the  regions  of  earth,  air,  and  sea." 

27 — 29.  (27)  a  compass,  or  circle,  referring  to  the  great 
vault  of  heaven,  which  appears  like  a  circle  or  a  dome.  (28) 
fixed  the  clouds,  lit.  made  firm,  or'  gtronij.'^  strengthened, 
etc.,  better  trans.  "  when  the  fountains  of  the  deep  raged  violently." 
(29)  decree,  etc.,  comp.  Job  xxxviii.  4, 10,  11.*  his  command- 
ment, or  the  shore  He  fixed  for  their  restraint. 

Magnitude  of  creation. — This  earth  wanders  not  alone  ;  but  a 
Bweet  fellowship  of  sister-spheres  is  bound  to|-ether,  cheering 
each  other  from  afar,  and  from  one  telling  it  to  all  of  a  mutual 
law  and  indissoluble  bond.  Within  the  limits  of  this  smaller 
economy  burns  the  sun,  so  that  in  the  act  of  creation,  from  which 
our  abode  arose,  we  necessarily  include  all  the  planetary  appa- 
ratus, knowing  that  there  the  centre  was  fixed,  and  that  each 
globe  was  launched  in  its  circlings  around  it.  The  mundane  and 
sublunary  form  only  a  little  fragment  of  the  work,  an  inferior 
department  of  the  great  transaction.  And  what  are  the  few 
worlds  which  sweep  with  us  about  the  same  source  of  life  and 
light .'  Massive,  ponderous  in  themselves ;  some  of  them  im- 
mensely larger  than  our  own,  running  wider  revolutions,  and 
drawing  after  them  brighter  trains.  But  even  this  one  solar 
family,  recognising  and  claiming  members  in  the  outskirts  of 
space, — it  is  as  nothing  to  what  the  eye  can  command,  nothing  to 
the  visible  1  Wliat  constellations  are  thrown  over  the  firmament 
in  all  the  profusion  of  beauty  and  magnificence  !  And  when  the 
unaided  sense  has  roamed  to  its  utmost  ken,  and  gazed  to  its 
utmost  strength,  it  may  call  the  instruments  of  science  to  its 
assistance  ;  and  it  shall  look  out  on  ampler  territories,  and  take 
hold  of  larger  notices.  Now  we  leave  our  nook.  We  speak  in  no 
terms  of  exaggeration  when  we  describe  what  we  see  as  beds, 
and  floors,  and  clouds,  of  stars.    As  we  pierce  the  awful  altitudes,  i 


"  Knowlerlga 

hatli  two  pillars, 
learning  and  dig- 
c  r  e  t  i  o  n.  The 
greatest  scholar 
without  his  two 
eyes  of  discretion 
and  honesty,  ia 
like  blind  Sam. 
son ;  apt  to  nf 
good,  able  t< 
much  nii.scUiet,'" 
— T.  Adams. 

"To  be  wise  too 
late  is  the  e.\act- 
est  definition  ol 
a  fool." — Young. 

a  Dr.  Diet. 


a  "The  clondg 
are,  as  in  Job 
xxvi.  8,  xxxviii. 
37,  conceived  of 
as  bags,  which 
only  in  case  they 
are  suitably  se- 
cured and  do  not 
burst,  prevent 
the  mighty  out- 
pouring of  the 
upper  waters 
upon  the  earth." 
—0.  Zockler. 

b  Ge.  i.  9,  10;  Pi 
civ.  9. 

rr.  27—31.  P.  H. 
May,  3. 

"  In  nature  all  is 
managed  for  tho 
best  with  the 
utmost  frugality 
and  just  reserve, 
profuse  to  none 
but  bountiful  to 
all ;  never  em- 
ploying on  one 
thing  fnore  than 
enough,  but  with 
exact  economy 
retrenching  the 
superfluous,  and 
adding  force  to 
what  is  principal 
in  pviTytliing," 
— ShaJ'tesburjf. 


70 


PROVERBS. 


[Oap.vlll.30-3a 


Who  is  wise  ? 
"He  that  win- 
neth,"  not  riches, 
not  hoiionr:^,  hut 
"  souls,  is  wise." 

e  Dr.  R.  W.  Ha- 
milton. 


a  "  This  falls  in 
best  with  the 
special  point  of 
the  whole  pas- 
sage, the  creative 
energy  of  wis- 
dom."-i>ii'.  Com. 

6  "  Redemption  is 
no  after  tliought 
in  the  Div.  pro- 
cedure. The 
world  was  built 
asits  theatre,  and 
Christ  was  fore- 
ordained before 
its  foundation. 
Its  redemption 
was  c  o  n  t  e  m- 
plated  by  Him  in 
eternity,  and  was 
then  a  source  of 
i  o  y ."  —  D  a  !'. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

For  connection  of 
this  passage  with 
the  Div.  Word, 
Logos,  com  p.  I 
Jno.  i.  3,  18 ;  Col. 
L  17,  etc. 

c  G.  Brooks. 

J.  Flavel,  i.  42. 

t'.  .31.  Dr.  E.  Pay- 
son,  iii.  72. 

4  Qrtndon. 


a  Spi.  Com. 

b  Dr.  A.  Fletcher. 

Bp.  Fulford,  i. 
172. 

v.  Z\  34.  Dr.  J. 
Erskim,  i.  135. 

"Hell  fire  burns 
with  rage,  and 
meets  with  fuel 
fully  prepared  for 
it,  when  God 
doous  unto  it  a 


we  ascend  to  new  wonders.  Apertures  constantly  open,  and  we 
are  ju.st  suflFcircxi  a  glimpse  into  them.  Heaven  fiprcact'?  above 
heaven,  now  arraug^ements  stand  revealed,  and  celestial  bodies, 
in  .'*hapos  hitherto  undeveloped,  flame  as  at  the  portal  of  the 
Eternal  Throne,  to  guard  its  access  and  proclaim  its  tenublen^^ss. 
Yet  even  there  are  proofs  that  diiscovery  has  not  closed  its  re- 
searches ;  still  avenue  verges  from  avenue,  and  height  rises  iuto 
height.  And  after  all,  this  is  Vjut  the  outer  court  of  "  His  high, 
and  holy  place."  « 

30,  31.  (30)  one  brought  up,  or  as  directress  of  the  work. 
"  I  was  as  His  artificer.""  daily  delight,  comp.  the  Divine 
complacency  in  the  daily  works  of  creation.  Ge.  i.  4,  10,  12,  31. 
(31)  habitable  part,  lit.  in  the  world  of  His  earth  ;  i.e.  in  the 
whole  of  His  creation,  but  with  special  reference  to  man  as  the 
crown  of  Gods  creation.* 

The  joji  (if  IJhrist  in  the  world  (r.  31). — I.  As  the  medium  of 
the  manifestations  of  the  Divine  perfections.  II.  As  the  home 
of  a  race  of  rational  and  accountable  creatures.  III.  As  the 
scene  of  His  own  incarnation.  IV.  As  the  battle-field  on  which 
He  conquers  all  His  enemiCvS.  V.  As  the  theatre  of  His  works  of 
benevolence  and  compassion.  VI.  As  the  territory  within  which 
He  was  to  erect  His  kingdom." 

Creation,  for  erer  in  progre.s.t. — How  close  does  it  bring  the 
Creator  to  us  to  regard  Him,  not  so  much  as  having  n«.de  the 
world,  as  still  engaged  in  making  it ;  i.e.  by  supplying  the  life 
on  which  its  laws,  aud  thus  its  being  and  incidents,  depend.  It 
is  an  ill-constructed  theology  which  regards  God  as  having 
created  only  in  past  ages.  A  gorgeous  sunset,  the  leafing  of 
a  tree  in  the  sweet  .spring-time,  betokens  the  Divine  hand  no 
less  palpably  than  did  the  miracles  which  provided  the  hungry 
multitudes  of  Galilee  with  food.  Depend  upon  it  (says  an 
eloquent  preacher),  it  is  not  the  want  of  greater  miracles,  but 
of  the  soul  to  pejTceive  such  as  are  allowed  us  still,  that  makes  us 
push  all  the  sanctities  into  the  far  spaces  we  cannot  reach.  The 
devout  feel  that  wherever  God's  hand  is.  there  is  miracle  ;  and  it 
is  simply  an  undevoutness  which  imagines  that  only  where 
miracle  is,  can  there  be  the  real  hand  of  God.  He  who  will  but 
discern  beneath  the  sun,  as  he  rises  any  morning,  the  supporting 
finger  of  the  Almighty,  may  recover  the  sweet  and  reverent 
surprise  with  which  Adam  gazed  on  the  first  dawn  in  Paradise  ; 
and  if  we  cannot  find  Him  there — if  we  cannot  find  Him  on  the 
margin  of  the  sea,  or  in  the  flowers  by  the  wayside — I  do  not 
think  we  should  have  discovered  Him  any  more  on  the  grass  of 
Gethsemane  or  Olivet.'' 

32,  33.  (32)  unto  me,  wisdom,  now  conceived  as  "  wide  as 
the  universe,  eternal  as  Jehovah,  ordering  all  things  ;  no  longer 
merely  as  prudence,  calculation,  and  human  experience."" 
blessed,  etr.,  seePs.  cxix.  1,  2,  cxxviii.  1.  (33)  refuse  it  not, 
from  .any  disposition  of  self-will  or  pride. 

Fenrinf]  Chrisit  (v.  32). — No  sight  solovely  as  a  religious  youth. 
I.  To  hearken  to  Christ  is  to  hear  His  voice,  which  deserves  to  be 
heard  ;  is  a  kind  voice,  an  entreating  voice,  a  pardoning  voice, 
a  comforting  voice.  II.  To  hearken  to  Christ  is  to  believe  Hia 
Gospel  :  Christ  speaks  in  the  Gospel,  speaks  to  you,  that  He  died 
for  you  to  receive  all  the  blessings  made  known  in  the  Gospel. 


Cap,  vill.  34—36.] 


PROVERBS. 


71 


III.  To  hearken  to  Christ  is  to  obey  His  laws.     In  this  obedience 
of  faith  true  blessedness  is  found.* 

The  end  of  hnomh'(l<je. — The  knowledge  we  acquire  in  this 
world  I  am  apt  to  think  extends  not  beyond  the  limits  of  this  life. 
The  beatific  vision  of  the  other  life  needs  not  the  help  of  this 
dim  twilig-ht ;  but  be  that  as  it  will,  I  am  sure  the  principal  end 
why  we  are  to  get  knowledge  here,  is  to  make  use  of  it  for  the 
benefit  of  ourselves  and  others  in  this  world  ;  but  if  by  gaining 
it  we  destroy  our  health,  we  labour  for  a  thing  that  will  be 
useless  in  our  hands ;  and  if  by  harassing  our  bodies  (though 
with  a  design  to  render  ourselves  more  useful),  we  deprive  our- 
selves of  the  abilities  and  opportunities  of  doing  that  good  we 
might  have  done  with  a  meaner  talent,  which  God  thought 
sufficient  for  us,  by  having  denied  us  the  strength  to  improve  it  to 
that  pitch  which  men  of  stronger  constitutions  can  attain  to.  we 
rob  God  of  so  much  service,  and  our  neighbour  of  all  that  help 
which,  in  a  state  of  health,  with  moderate  knowledge,  we  might 
have  been  able  to  perform.  He  that  sinks  his  vessel  by  over- 
loading it,  though  it  be  with  gold  and  silver  and  precious  stones, 
will  give  his  owner  but  an  ill  account  of  his  voyage.*^ 

34 — 36.  (34)  ■watching,  lit.  .w  uk.  to  br  net  n-afchinrj.  Wisdom 
renewing  the  earnestness  and  high  purpose  day  by  day.  (35) 
life,  the  symbol  of  all  good  and  blessing,  favour,  or  gracious 
acceptance.  (36)  smneth  against,  better,  misf:eth  me. 
wrongeth  .  .  soul,  "  sin  is  folly,  and  the  greatest  sinner,  what- 
ever his  talents  and  attainments  may  be,  is  the  greatest  fool.'' 
love  death,  or  act  as  if  they  did." 

The  hle,s.s-cdne.ss  of  fearing  Chri.st  (r.  34).— Early  piety  is  not 
only  lovely,  but  blessed.  I.  Good  childien  who  hear  Christ  are 
blessed  with  wisdom.  Two  kinds  of  wisdom,  human  and  Divine  ; 
the  former  we  get  from  human  teachers,  the  latter  from  Christ. 
Christ  as  a  teacher.  II.  They  are  blessed  with  purity.  III. 
With  pardon.     IV.  With  adoption.* 

Advantage  of  knowledge. — In  England,  a  man  of  small  fortune 
may  cast  his  regards  around  him.  and  say,  with  truth  and  exul- 
tation, '•  I  am  lodged  in  a  house  that  affords  me  conveniences  and 
comforts,  which  even  a  king  could  not  command  some  centuries 
ago.  There  are  ships  crossing  the  seas  in  every  direction  to  bring 
me  what  is  useful  to  me  from  all  parts  of  the  earth.  In  China, 
men  are  gathering  the  tea-leaf  for  me  :  in  America,  they  are 
planting  cotton  for  me  ;  in  the  West  India  Islands,  they  are 
preparing  my  sugar  and  coffee :  in  Italy,  they  are  feeding  silk- 
worms for  me  ;  in  Saxony,  they  are  shearing  the  theep  to  make 
me  clothing  ;  at  home,  powerful  steam-engines  are  spinning 
and  weaving  for  me.  making  cutlery  for  me,  and  pumping  the 
mines,  that  the  materials  useful  to  me  may  be  procured.  My 
patrimony  was  small,  yet  I  have  post-coaches  running  day  and 
night,  on  all  the  roads,  to  carry  my  correspondence  ;  I  have  roads, 
and  canals,  and  bridges  to  bear  the  coal  for  my  winter  fire  :  nay, 
I  have  protecting  fleets  and  armies  around  my  happy  country, 
to  secure  my  enjoyments  and  repose.  Then  I  have  editors  and 
printers,  who  daily  send  me  an  account  of  what  is  going  on 
throughout  the  world,  among  all  these  people  wlio  serve  me. 
And  in  a  corner  of  my  house,  I  have  books  ;  the  miracle  of  all 
my  possessions,  for  they  transport  me  instantly  not  only  to  all 
pliices.  but  to  all  times.     By  my  books,  I  can  conjure  up  before 


head  full  of  lipht 
and  a  heart  full 
of  lusts ;  those 
who  know  Qod'a 
will  but  do  it  not, 
do  but  caiTy  a 
torch  with  them 
to  hell,  to  fire 
that  pile  which 
must  for  ever 
burn  them." — 
Hp.  Hopkins. 

"  How  often  has 
wisdom  knocked 
at  human  hearts 
lint  to  repay  their 
hospitality  1 "  — 
Yuuny. 

c  Lockt, 


a  Pr.  !v.  13,  22, 
vii.27 ;  Eze.  xviii. 
31. 

"Those  that  of- 
fend Christ  do 
the  greatest 
wrong  to  them- 
selves; they 
wound  their  own 
consciences, 
bring  a  blot  and 
stain  upon  their 
souls,  wli.  reniiers 
them  odious  in 
tlie  eyes  of  God, 
and  unfit  for 
communion  with 
Him  :  they  de- 
ceive themselves, 
destroy  them- 
selves."— J/((/<. 
Heniij. 

b  Dr.  A.  Fletcher. 

"In  the  perform- 
ance of  its  sacred 
offices  it  fears  no 
danger,  spares  uo 
expense,  looks  in 
the  volcano,  dives 
into  the  ocean, 
perforates  the 
earth,  wings  its 
flight  into  the 
skies,  encircles 
the  globe,  e  x- 
p  1 0  r  e  s  sea  and 
land,  contem- 
plates the  dis- 
t  a  n  t,  examines 
the  minute,  com- 
prehends  the 
great,  .ascends  to 
till'  subhiiic-no 
plne<>  too  reirota 
for  its  graoft  no 


72 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Ix.  1—4. 


heavens  too 
exalted  for  its 
reach."— Z)e  »';« 
Clinton. 

•  Dv.Arnott. 


a  Note  the  simi- 
larities bet.  this 
parable  and  some 
of  those  given  by 
our  Lord,  e.n. 
The  Great  Sup- 
per, the  Wedding 
Peast. 

6  "Wisdom  build- 
ed  her  house  and 
erected  seven  pil- 
lars, \vh.  number 
designates  the 
unity  of  t  li  e 
Churches,  inas- 
much as  seven 
expresses  univer- 
Bality."— 5^  ^M- 
gustine. 

"The  Church  Is 
here  called  the 
house  of  Wisdom, 
■who  is  said  to 
have  hewn  out 
seven  pillars,  bee. 
they  are  sup- 
ported  by  the 
strength  of  Him 
■who  is  perfect, 
and  bee.  seven  is 
the  number  of 
perfection." — St. 
Gregory. 

Comp.  Jas.  iii.  17; 
Re.  i.  4, 12. 

c  Isa.  V.  22  ;  Pr. 
xxiii.  30. 

d  C.Simeon, M. A. 

•  Bailej/. 


a  Plato  had  in- 
scribed on  the 
door  of  his  school, 
"  Let  none  but 
geom  etricians 
enter  here;"  but 


me,  to  vivid  existence,  all  the  great  and  good  men  of  antiquity  ; 
and  for  my  individual  satisfaction,  I  can  make  them  act  over 
again  the  most  renowned  of  their  exploits  :  the  orators  declaim 
for  me  ;  the  historians  recite  ;  the  poets  sing  :  in  a  word,  from 
the  equator  to  the  pole,  and  from  the  beginning  of  time  until 
now,  by  my  books,  I  can  be  where  I  please."'^ 


CHAPTER  THE  NINTH. 

1,  2.  (1)  builded  her  house,"  where  she  may  entertain  all 
who  seek  her.  seven  pillars,  seven,  as  usual,  indicating  com- 
pleteness, perfection.'  Pillars,  as  the  emblem  of  strength. 
Roofs  were  usually,  in  ancient  times,  supported  by  pillars.  (2) 
killeth,  etc.,  lit.  killed  her  killing.  Flesh  was  a  part  of  the 
provision  at  Eastern  banquets,  mingled  her  "wine,  it  seems 
that  myrrh  and  other  spiees  were  used  to  increase  the  flavour  of 
wines. "■ 

Wisdom's  feast  (vv.  1 — 6). — A  parable.  Wisdom  generally  used 
to  signify  religion  ;  sometimes  a  name  to  signify  Christ.  I.  The 
feast  prepared.  1.  The  banqueting-hoiise  is  built;  ordinances  ; 
2.  Feast  prepared.  II.  The  invitation  given.  Those  invited  are 
the  simple,  those  who  want  something  ;  the  invitation  is  to  joxl* 
The jf/^fince  of  nnsdom. — 

The  most  material,  immaterial 
Departments  of  pure  wisdom  are  despised. 
For  well  we  know  that,  properly  prepared, 
Souls  self-adapted  knowledge  to  receive, 
Are  by  the  truth  desired,  illumined  ;  man's 
Spirit,  extolled,  dilated,  clarified. 
By  holy  meditation  and  divine 
Lore,  fits  him  to  convene  with  pxarer  powers. 
Which  do  unseen  surround  us,  aye,  and  gladden 
In  human  good  and  exaltation  ;  thus 
The  face  of  heaven  is  not  more  clear  to  one 
Than  to  another  outwardlj' ;  but  one 
By  strong  intention  of  his  soul  perceives, 
Attracts,  unites  himself  to  esi^ences 
And  elemental  spirits  of  wider  range, 
And  more  beneficent  nature,  by  whose  aid 
Occasion,  circumstance,  futurity. 
Impress  on  him  their  image,  and  impart 
Their  secrets  to  his  soul  :  thus  chance  and  lot 
Are  sacred  things  ;  thus  dreams  are  verities. 
The  soul  which,  like  the  mountain  lakelet,  lifts 
Its  gaze  to  heaven  alone,  will  learn  ere  long 
To  read  the  cloudy  forms  of  future  days 
Which  glass  them  in  its  vision  :  or  perceive, 
Clear  through  the  crystal  egg  of  time,  the  play 
Of  spirits  and  forecomingness  of  things.' 

3,  4.  (3)  maidens,  servants  ;  the  female  word  may  be  chosen 
bee.  wisdom  is  represented  as  a  queen,  or  bee.  of  the  attractions 
presented  by  the  wicked  woman  in  ch.  vii.  highest  places, 
conspicuous  places.     (4)  simple,  ojien.  humble,  and  sincere." 

The  educational  temple,  or  Christianity  school  (rr.  1 — 6).— 


Cap.lx.  5,6.] 


PROVERBS. 


73 


The  school  which  wisdom  has  reared  for  man  in  Christianity. 
I.  The  firmness  of  its  structure.  II.  The  adaptation  of  its  pro- 
visions— nature — variety.  III.  The  invitations  of  its  messengers 
— earnest — universal.     IV.  In  the  blessedness  of  its  aim.* 

'J'he  iisr,  of  hnuwh-drir. — Half  our  pleasures,  our  best  pleasures, 
the  most  innocent  and  congenial  to  our  nature  as  rational  beings, 
are  derived  from  the  acquisition  of  ornamental  knowledge,  the 
pursuit  of  entertaining  science,  or  the  practice  of  elegant  arts. 
So  far,  therefore,  as  mental  recreation  is  requisite  for  man,  the 
study  of  such  things  may  be  justified  without  referring  to  any- 
thing but  the  satisfaction  of  the  individual  himself  in  his  vacant 
hours.  But  beyond  the  point  of  strict  necessity  for  relaxation 
this  reason  will  never  extend.  There  must  be  a  higher  aim,  an 
honourable  and  substantial  end  to  be  gained,  before  any  con- 
siderable employment  of  the  powers  of  the  understanding  in  the 
acquisition  of  any  lighter  species  of  intellectual  attainment  can 
be  fairly  vindicated  ;  and  that  vindication  the  difficulties  of 
Scripture  afford.  For  the  golden  chain  of  science  is  so  firmly 
and  admirably  formed,  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  take  a.way 
the  least  link  without  injuring  the  strength  and  beauty  of  the 
whole.  Since,  therefore,  the  whole  body  of  knowledge  tends, 
in  consequence  of  the  existence  of  difiiculties.  to  the  elucidation 
of  Scripture,  the  cultivation  even  of  the  merely  ornamental 
parts  of  learning  is  requisite  to  the  defence  of  revelation,  and, 
consequently,  justifiable  in  a  still  larger  extent  than  it  would 
otherwise  have  been.  The  minutest  branches  of  philosophy,  and 
the  most  trivial  recreations  of  the  mind,  thus  become  important 
in  a  religious  point  of  view.  We  are  evidently,  therefore,  deeply 
indebted  to  the  difficulties  of  Scripture,  because  by  making 
every  species  of  knowledge  subservient  to  the  illustration  and 
vindication  of  religious  truth,  they  have  dignified  and  sanctified, 
as  it  were,  the  scientific  amusements  of  our  leisure  hours,  and 
heightened  the  pleasure  of  studying  the  subordinate  branches 
of  literature,  by  teaching  us  that  we  may  be  usefully  employed, 
even  in  our  intellectual  relaxations." 

5,  6.  (.5)  bread  ,  .  wine,  this  may  be  compared  with  our 
Lord's  words  in  the  institution  of  the  Lord's  Supper."  (6)  foolish.,* 
always,  in  Scrip.,  conceived  as  also  wicked.  Foolish  in  following- 
the  devices  and  desires  of  their  own  hearts. 

The  iitoraJifi/  of  trade. — A  carpenter,  who  was  tired  of  making 
an  honest  living,  came  to  a  gentleman  in  Philadelphia  with  a 
petition  for  a  tavern  license,  which  he  requested  him  to  sign. 
The  gentleman  looked  at  him,  and  asked  him  why  he  did  not 
stick  to  his  plane  and  bench.  The  answer  was,  "  Tavern-keeping 
is  a  more  lucrative  trade  ;  I  want  to  get  richer."  "  Well,  but  do 
you  not  think  you  will  be  affording  additional  facilities  to 
di'unkards  to  destroy  themselves  ?"  '•  Perhaps  I  shall."  "  Do 
you  not  believe  that  at  least  five  men  every  year  will  die 
drunkards  if  you  succeed  in  getting  a  license  ?"  "  A\Tiy,  I  never 
thought  of  that  before  ;  but  I  suppose  it  would  be  so."  "  Then, 
if  the  Lord  lets  you  keep  tavern  for  ten  years,  fifty  men  will 
have  died  through  your  agency  ;  now,  what  becomes  of  the 
drunkard  ?  Does  he  go  to  heaven  ?"  "  I  suppose  not."  "  I  am 
sure  he  does  not,  for  no  drunkard  shall  inherit  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  Wliat  becomes  of  him,  then  ?"  "  Why,  he  must  go  to 
hell."    "  Well,  do  you  not  think  it  will  be  just  if  the  Lord,  at 


on  the  portals  of 
tlie  Chris tiau 
scliool  is  written, 
"  Wlioso  is  sim- 
ple, let  him  turn 
in  hither." 

6  Dr.  Thomas. 

I  '■  T  h  e     govern- 
Iment    of    the 
I  t  o  11  g  u  e,     c  o  n- 
j  sidered  as  a  sub- 
I  ject  of  itself,  re- 
I  iatcs    chiefly    to 
I  conversation ;  to 
I  that  kind  of  dis- 
'  course      vv  h  i  c  h 
usually    fills    up 
the  time  spent  ia 
fritncily     meet- 
ings aoid  visits  of 
civility.    And 
the  danger  is,  lest 
persons  entertain 
themselves     and 
otliers  at  the  ex- 
pense of    their 
wisdom  and  their 
virtue,  and  to  the 
injury  or  offence 
of    their    neigh- 
bour.   If    they 
will  observe,  and 
keep   clear  of 
these,  they  may 
be   as    free,  and 
easy,   and    unre- 
served   as    they 
can      desire."— 
Bishop  Buller, 

c  Benson. 


a  Lu.  xxii.  19, 20. 

b  "  No  coming  to 
this  feast  in  the 
tattered  rags  of 
the  old  Adam : 
you  m  u  s  t  r  e- 
linquish  your 
former  evil 
courses  and  com- 
panies. ' ' —  Trapp. 

V.  5.  J.  Brydane, 
iv.  1. 

V.  6.  G.  J.  ZoUi- 
kpffer,  ii.  151 ; 
Abp.  Seeker,  ix. 
309. 

"  Wisdom  con- 
sists in  the  choice 
of  the  best  ends, 
and  the  use  of 
the  most  appro- 
priate means  to 
accomplish  those 
ends." -Ji.Wa(son. 


74 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Ix.  7—9. 


«  WhUecrou. 


a  "  Here  caution 
is  piven  liow  we 
tenJer  reprehen- 
sions to  arrogant 
and  scornful  na- 
tures, whose 
manner  it  is  to 
esteem  it  for  con- 
tumely, and  ac- 
cordingly to  re- 
turn it." — Lord 
Bacon. 

b  Wordsworth. 

c  Dr.  Thomas. 

V.  8.  R.  W.  Dibdin, 
159. 

d  WhUecrou, 


a  "The  more  a 
wise  man  learns 
the  more  he  loves 
wisdom." — Fa  us- 
sel. 

"  Here  is  distin- 
gviished  the  wis- 
dom brought  into 
habit,  and  that 
wh.  is  but  verbal, 
and  swimming 
only  in  conceit ; 
for  the  one  upon 
the  occasion  pre- 
sented is  quick- 
ened and  re- 
doubled, the 
otlier  is  amazed 
and  confused." — 
Lord  Bacon. 
b  Iota  in  400  Sks. 
v.  9.  M.A.Meilan, 
ii.  73. 

"The  sea  does  not 
contain  all  the 
pearls,  the  earth 
does  not  contain 
all  the  treasures, 
and  the  flint- 
stone  does  not 
contain  all  the 
diamonds,  since 
the  head  of  man 


the  end  of  ten  years,  sends  j'ou  down  to  hell  too,  to  look  after 
those  fifty  drunkards  ?"  The  man  threw  down  his  petition, 
went  back  to  his  honest  occupation,  and  was  never  tempted  to 
desire  a  license  again." 

7,  8.  (7)  reproveth  a  scorner,"  comp.  Mat.  vii.  1—5.  a 
blot,  "or  rather  /t/.v  blot,  he  will  be  sullied  with  his  stain."* 
(8)  hate  thee,  for  pointing  to  his  wilful  ways,  and  spoiling  hi3 
pleasure  in  walking  in  them. 

Ih'prodf  {vv.  7 — 9). — The  text  leads  us  to  consider  reproof  in 
two  aspects.  I.  As  injuriously  administered.  II.  As  usefully 
administered.  1.  By  rebuking  a  wise  man  you  enlist  his  affec- 
tion ;  2.  By  instructing  a  wise  man  you  render  him  a  benefit."^ 

A  reproof. — The  Rev.  John  Maclaurin,of  Glasgow,  well  known 
to  the  world  by  his  valuable  Christian  writings,  in  passing  one 
day  along  the  street,  was  disturbed  by  the  noise  of  some  dis- 
orderly soldiers.  One  of  them  particularly,  just  as  Mr.  Maclaurin 
approached  them,  uttered  this  awful  imprecation.  "  God  damn 
my  soul,  for  Christ's  sake !  "  The  good  man,  shocked  with 
hearing  such  blasphemous  language,  went  up  to  him.  and  laying 
his  hand  on  the  shoulder  of  the  man,  said  to  him  with  peculiar 
mildness  and  solemnity,  •'  Friend,  God  has  already  done  much  for 
Christ's  sake  :  suppose  He  should  do  that  too,  what  would  become 
of  you?"  It  was  a  word  in  season,  and  it  came  with  power. 
The  conscience  of  the  soldier  sunk  under  the  reproof.  He  was 
led  not  only  to  reform  the  evil  habit  of  swearing,  to  which  he 
had  long  been  addicted,  but  to  reflect  on  his  ways,  and  to  turn  to 
the  Lord.  He  became  a  real  Christian  ;  and  proved  the  sound- 
ness of  his  conversion  by  maintaining  to  the  end  of  his  life  a 
conversation  becoming  the  Gospel."* 

9.  yet  "wiser,  bee.  he  will  wisely  use  the  instructions." 
The  iri.ir  man  made  wher  by  mxtructi,o)i  (t\  9). — I.  Take  a  more 
accurate  view  of  the  wise  man.  and  inquire  who  it  is  that  may 
be  taken  for  such.  1.  He  proposes  some  end,  and  pursues  it 
rationally  ;  2.  A  good  man  ;  3.  Moral  goodness  the  end  he  has  m 
view.  II.  The  text  supposes  that  instruction  may  be  given  even 
to  a  wise  man  for  his  advantage.  1.  No  truly  wise  man  will 
account  it  impossible  to  increase  his  wisdom  :  2.  He  will  wish  it 
to  be  increased  ;  3.  He  will  account  himself  happy  to  have  in- 
struction from  any  source.  III.  That  when  instruction  is  given 
to  a  wise  man  he  will  yet  be  waser  ;  for  he  will — 1 .  Endeavour 
to  find  out  the  motives  of  the  person  giving  it :  2.  He  will  con- 
sider the  tendency  of  the  instruction  given  ;  3.  He  will  pray  that 
he  may  see  what  is  most  valuable.* 

A  j>fl)rerfnl  .<<ermon. — It  is  related  of  Dr.  Manton.  that  havin* 
to  preach  before  the  Lord  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  London,  he 
chose  a  subject  in  which  he  had  an  opportunity  of  displaying  hia 
learning  and  -judgment.  He  was  heard  with  admiration  and 
applause  by  the  intelligent  part  of  his  audience  :  hut  as  he  was 
returning  from  dinner  with  the  Lord  Mayor,  a  poor  man  follow- 
ing him  pulled  him  by  the  sleeve  of  his  gown,  and  asked  him  if 
he  was  the  gentleman  that  preached  before  the  Lord  IMayor.  He 
replied  he  was.  "Sir,"  said  he,  "I  came  with  hopes  of  getting 
some  good  to  my  soul,  but  I  was  greatly  disappointed,  for  I  could 
not  understand  a  great  deal  of  what  you  said  :  you  were  quite 
above  my  comprehension."    "Friend,"  said  the  doctor,  "if  I 


Cap.  Ix.  9.] 


75 


c  R.  T.  S. 

"  Wisdom's  sell 
oft  seeks  to  sweet 
retired  solilu'le  ; 
wliere,  witli  tier 
best  nurse,  Coa- 
templation,  she 
plumes  her 
featliers,  and  lets 
grow  her  wings, 
that  in  the 
various  bustle  of 
resort  were  all 
too  ruffled,  and 
sometimes  im- 
pa.ii'(i.."—Millon. 

"  It  is  by  the 
individual  effort 
of  many  com- 
bined, that  all 
mighty  worlvs  o( 
man  are  accom- 
plished —  build- 
ing great  ships, 
constructing 
vast      machines, 


have  not  given  you  a  sermon,  you  have  given  me  one.  By  the  I  encloses  wi». 
grace  of  God,  I  will  not  play  the  fool  in  such  a  manner  again."'  1  'lt)m."— &adi. 
—  Im))roremc'nf  of  time. — While  my  body  is  dressing,  not  with  an 
effeminate  curiosity,  nor  yet  with  rude  neglect,  my  mind  ad- 
dresses itself  to  her  ensuing  task,  bethinking  what  is  to  be  done, 
iwid  in  what  order,  and  marshalling  (as  it  may)  my  hours  with 
my  work.  That  done,  after  some  while's  meditation,  I  w  alk  up 
to  my  masters  and  companions,  my  books  ;  and  sitting  down 
amongst  them  with  the  best  contentment,  I  dare  not  reach  forth 
my  hand  to  salute  any  of  them  till  I  have  first  looked  up  to 
heaven,  and  craved  favour  of  Him  to  whom  all  my  studies  are 
duly  referred  ;  without  whom  I  can  neither  profit  nor  labour. 
After  this,  out  of  no  great  variety  I  call  forth  those  which  may 
best  fit  my  occasions,  wherein  I  am  not  too  scrupulous  of  age. 
Sometimes  I  put  myself  to  school  to  one  of  those  ancients  whom 
the  Church  hath  honoured  with  the  name  of  Fathers,  whose 
volumes  I  confess  not  to  open  without  a  secret  reverence  of  their 
holiness  and  gravity  ;  sometimes  to  those  later  doctors,  who  want 
nothing  but  age  to  make  them  classical  ;  always  to  God's  Book. 
That  day  is  lost  whereof  some  hours  are  not  improved  in  those 
divine  monuments  :  others  I  turn  over  out  of  choice,  these  out  of 
duty.  Ere  I  can  have  sate  unto  M^eariness,  my  family,  having 
now  overcome  all  household  distractions,  invite  me  to  our  common 
devotions,  not  without  some  short  preparation.  These,  heartily 
pei'formed.  send  me  up  with  a  more  strong  and  cheerful  appetite  ,'  levelling  or 
to  my  former  work,  which  I  find  made  easy  to  me  by  intermission  j  a" '"u'n't^aT"'^^ 
and  variety.  Now.  therefore,  can  I  deceive  the  hours  with  change  :  bridging  rivers 
of  pleasures — that  is,  of  labours.  One  while  my  eyes  are  busied,  {  and  charms,  etc, 
another  while  my  hand,  and  sometimes  my  mind  takes  the  burden  I  ?* ,.  |?,  .^•^'  *^* 
from  them  both.  One  hour  is  spent  in  textual  divinity,  another  j  ;ng  of' the  wheels 
in  controversy ;  histories  relieve  them  both.  Now,  when  my  of  a  watch  or 
mind  is  M^eary  of  others'  labours,  it  begins  to  undertake  its  own  : '  '^'<'*^''  ^^^^  ^^  *«!'* 
sometimes  it  meditates,  and  winds  up  for  future  use  ;  sometimes 
it  lays  forth  its  conceits  into  present  discourse,  sometimes  for 
itself,  often  for  others.  Neither  know  I  whether  it  works  or 
plays  in  these  thoughts  ;  I  am  sure  no  sport  hath  more  pleasure, 
no  work  more  use.  Only  the  decay  of  a  weak  body  makes  me 
think  these  delights  insensibly  laborious.  Thus  could  I  all  day 
(as  ringers  use)  make  myself  music  with  changes,  were  it  not 
that  this  faint  monitor  interrupts  me  still  in  the  midst  of  my 
busy  pleasures  a~id  enforces  me  both  to  respite  and  repast.  I 
must  yield  to  both  :  while  my  body  and  mind  are  joined  together 
in  these  unequal  couples,  the  better  must  follow  the  weaker. 
Before  my  meals,  therefore,  and  after,  I  let  myself  loose  from  all 
thoughts,  and  now  would  forget  that  I  ever  studied.  A  full 
mind  takes  away  the  body's  appetite,  no  less  than  a  full  body 

makes  a  dull  and  unwieldy  mind After  my  later  meal  my 

thoughts  are  slight :  only  my  memory  may  be  charged  with  her  |  d  Bp.  jiail 
ta.sk  of  recalling  what  was  committed  to  her  custody  in  the  day  ; 
and  my  heart  is  busy  in  examining  my  hands  and  mouth,  and  all  i  ^^.^^  ^^^.  ](„o^y. 
other  senses,  of  that  day's  behaviour.  And  now  the  evening  is  j  ledge  given  to 
come,  no  tradesman  doth  more  carefully  take  in  his  wares,  clear  I  keep,  but  to  im- 
his  shop-board,  and  shut  his  windows,  than  I  would  shut  up  my ,  [)p(}|jg  ^^^y,  wel 
thoughts  and  clear  my  mind.  That  student  shall  live  miserably  '  is  lost  inconceal- 
who,  like  a  camel,  lies  down  under  his  burden.  All  this  done,  '•  m  e  n  t."— ,fl«Aoj» 
calling  together  my  family,  we  end  the  day  with  God.''  I  ^'*"' 


the  hour  of  the 
day.  It  is  by 
tlie  individual 
revolution  of  the 
various  wlieels, 
each  in  its 
proper  place,  ot 
the  great  iron 
works  of  our 
country  that  so 
much  material 
is  produce'!  and 
wealth  acquired. 
Upon  this  par- 
ticular, illustra- 
tions abound  in 
every  part  of 
nature  and  of 
art," — John  Bate, 


".Seldom    ever 


76 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Ix.  10-15. 


a  "The  kn  ow- 
ledge  of  the  holy. 
in  whatsoever  of 
God  or  creature, 
it  may  liave  an 
example  or  be 
made  to  appear." 
—J.  Miller. 

b  Dr.  Thomas. 

V.  10.  P.  Pill/-,  ii. 
193  :  Dr.  ./.  I/iinf, 
ii.  273;  Di:  ^V. 
S/ierloci,  ii.  25 ; 
Ab/j.  Seeker,  Hi.  1  ; 
Bp.  S/ierh'ck,  iii. 
52;  P.  If.  Maty, 
iii.  17 ;  C.  Girdle- 
tton,  iiL  171. 


a  Comp.  Job  xxii. 
2,  3,  XXXV.  6  -  9 ; 
Ko.   xi.   35 ;    Ee. 

xxu.  11, 12. 

"  Every  man  has 
in  himself  a  con- 
tinent of  undis- 
covered charac- 
ter. Happy  is  he 
who  acts  the 
Columbus  to  liis 
own  soul." — Sir 
J.  Stevens. 


b  Spk.  Com. 
Ga.  vi.  6. 
e  Oxenden. 


a  Dr.  Thomas. 

"  'Tis  tliine  to 
Curbthepas.sions' 
maddning  sway, 
and  wipe  the 
mourner's  bitter 
tear  away  :  'tis 
thine  to  soothe, 
when  hope  itself 
has  fled,  and 
cheer  with  angel 
smile  the  suffer- 
er'  8  bed:  to 
give  to  earth  its 
charm,  to  life  its 
eest,  one  only 
task  —  to  bless, 
and  to  be  blest." 
— Graham. 

"  Most  females 
will  forgive  a 
liberty  ratlier 
toac    a    slight : 


10,  11.  (10)  fear,  etc.,  ch.  i.  7  ;  Eccl.  xii.  13.  of  the  holy, 
a  plural  epithet  in  apposition  with  Jehovah."  (11)  days,  etc., 
ch,  iii.  10,  X.  27. 

Chnractcr  (vv.  10 — 12). — Nothing  bo  important  to  man  aa 
character.  Here  we  have — I.  The  foundation  and  blessedness  of 
a  g-Qod  character.  1.  The  foundation  ;  2.  The  blessedness.  II. 
The  solemn  personality  of  character,  whether  good  or  bad.* 

A  renmrhable  character. — During  the  session  of  Congress.  Mr. 
Jefferson  pointed  out  Roger  Sherman  to  a  friend,  saying,  "  That 
is  Mr.  Sherman,  of  Connecticut,  a  man  who  never  said  a  foolish 
thing  in  his  life."  Mr.  Macon  said  of  him,  "  He  had  more 
common  sense  than  any  man  I  ever  knew."  Fisher  Ames  said, 
"  If  I  am  absent  during  a  discussion  of  a  subject,  and  conse- 
quently know  not  on  which  side  to  vote,  I  always  look  at  Roger 
Sherman  ;  for  I  am  sure  if  I  vote  with  him,  I  shall  vote  right." 
He  was  a  pious  man,  faithful  in  his  closet,  in  his  family,  on  the 
bench,  and  in  the  senate  house.  Such  character  is  valuable  as  it 
is  rare. 

12.  "wise  for  thyself,  wisdom  will  bring  its  own  reward,  as 
also  will  folly."  '•  This  verse  asserts  the  great  law  of  personal 
retribution.  Whatever  thou  doest,  thou,  and  none  other,  shall 
reap  the  fruits  of  it."  * 

Car  ring  character. — Did  you  ever  watch  a  sculptor  slowly 
fashioning  a  human  countenance  ?  It  is  not  moulded  at  once. 
It  is  net  struck  out  at  a  single  blow.  It  is  painfully  and  labori- 
ously wrought.  A  thousand  blows  rough-cast  it.  Ten  thousand 
chisels  polish  and  perfect  it.  put  in  the  fine  touches,  and  bring 
out  the  features  and  expression.  It  is  a  work  of  time  ;  but  at 
last  the  full  likeness  comes  out,  and  stands  fixed  and  unchanging 
in  the  solid  marble.  So  does  a  man  carve  out  his  own  moral 
likeness.  Every  day  he  adds  something  to  the  work.  A  thou- 
sand acts  of  thought  and  will  and  effort  shape  the  features  and 
expressions  of  the  soul.  Habits  of  love,  piety,  and  truth,  habits 
of  falsehood,  passion,  or  goodness,  silently  mould  and  fashion  it, 
till  at  length  it  wears  the  likeness  of  God,  or  the  image  of  a 
demon.' 

13 — 15.  (13)  foolish  woman,  representing  the  sensuous, 
self-indulgent  life.  Comp.  ch.  vii.  simple,  in  the  bad  sense. 
knowing  nothing,  and  caring  to  know  nothing.  Self-indul- 
gence ruins  intelligence,  and  plucks  away  all  care  for  wisdom. 
(14)  high  places,  or  conspicuous  places.  (!.''>)  gO  right  on, 
if  so  be  she  may  induce  them  to  turn  aside  from  duty  to  indul- 
gence. 

The  minlifry  of  trmpfathn  (rr.  13 — 18). — I.  As  conducted  by 
dei)raved  woman.  1.  She  is  ignorant ;  2.  She  is  clamorous  ;  3. 
She  is  audacious  :  4.  She  is  persuasive.  II.  As  directed  to  the 
inexperienced  in  life.  1 .  All  men  are  pa-ssengers  ;  2.  Tempta- 
tion is  busy  in  the  path  of  each.  III.  As  tending  to  a  most 
miserable  destination.  1.  This  woman  obtaineth  guests  ;  2.  They 
are  ruined  ;  3    Ruined  contraiy  to  their  intention." 

The  voice  of  ivoman. — There  is  one  part  of  woman's  education 
often  forgotten  or  neglected — the  culture  and  formation  of  a 
gentle  voice.  It  is  a  great  gift  of  nature  to  be  aided  by  culture 
— an  instrument  of  powerful  influence  for  good.  I  speak  not  of 
singing  hymns  now,  and  of  culture  for  harmony  and  musical 


Cap.  X.  1.1 


PROVERBS. 


77 


purposes,  though  these  tend  to  God's  praise,  or  to  give  innocent 
amusement :  but  this  g^entle  voice  will  be  able  to  guide  and  per- 
suade to  good  the  manly  heart  of  a  faithful  husband,  \^i\\ 
mitigate  sorrow,  lessen  trial,  and  speak  of  hope  and  joy  to  her 
dearest  friends  and  connections,  in  accents  at  once  powerful  and 
pleasing.  Let  us  then  be  careful  in  our  schools  to  cultivate  this 
most  valuable  acquirement.  How  different,  in  all  respects,  for  a 
family,  for  friends  and  neighbours,  are  the  kind,  gentle,  persua- 
Bive  accents  I  have  described  from  sounds  we  sometimes  (alas  I 
too  often)  hear  in  the  close  abodes  of  poverty  and  trial — high, 
harsh,  female  treble  tones  of  bitter  import,  scolding  and  re- 
proaching, and  driving  away  from  the  hearth  and  home  (perhaps 
to  sorrow  and  to  sin)  the  husband  and  the  children.* 

16 — 18.  (16)  simple,  etc.,  obs.  the  foolish  woman's  imitation 
of  the  call  of  wisdom,  v.  4.  (17)  stolen  waters,  etc.,  pleasures 
are  attractive  bee.  they  are  forbidden."  (18)  depths  of  hell, 
Sheol.  "'Behind  the  scene  of  voluptuousness  is  seen  the  world 
of  the  dead.     The  spectres  of  past  transgressions  hatmt  it."* 

The  pleasures  of  pmhihited  sin  (r.  17). — This  argues  not  only  a 
bold  contempt  but  an  impudent  defiance — I.  Of  God's  law — in 
that  the  waters  are  sweeter  for  being  stolen.  II.  Of  God's  curse. 
The  bread  is  eaten  in  secret  for  fear  of  discovery  and  punish- 
ment ;  and  the  sinner  takes  a  pride  in  having  so  far  baffled  his 
convictions  and  triumphed  over  them,  that,'  notwithstanding 
that  fear,  he  dares  commit  sin.  and  can  make  himself  believe 
that  being  eaten  in  secret  it  shall  never  be  discovered  or 
reckoned,  for  sweetness  and  pleasantness  is  the  bait ;  but  by  the 
tempter's  own  showing,  even  that  is  so  absui-d,  and  hath  such 
alloys,  that  it  is  a  wonder  how  it  can  have  any  influence  upon 
men  that  pretend  to  reason." 

Queen's  influence  on  the  female  character  of  Britain. — The  un- 
eullied  purity  of  Her  Majesty's  private  life,  and  the  noble 
example  she  afforded  to  the  women  of  Great  Britain,  was 
attended  with  an  effect,  the  benefit  of  which  was  deeply  felt 
throug-h  the  whole  of  her  reign,  and  may,  as  we  trust  it  will, 
extend  to  ages  yet  unborn,  since  upon  the  conduct  of  the  female 
sex  mainly  rests  the  edifice  of  the  public  as  well  as  private 
morals.  No  woman,  however  elevated  her  rank  or  powerful  her 
connections,  if  her  reputation  was  known  to  have  suffered  the 
slightest  taint,  was  permitted  to  appear  in  the  presence  of  Her 
Majesty.  Her  fine  reply  to  Lady  ,  when  soliciting  per- 
mission to  present  Lady  ,  and,  when  refused,  saying  she 

did  not  know  what  to  tell  her  disappointed  friend,  will  long  be 
remembered  and  repeated  :  "  Tell  her,"  said  the  queen,  "you  did 
not  dare  to  ask  me."'' 


CHAPTER  THE  TENTH. 

1.  proverbs,  or  collection  of  maxims ;  without  any  neces- 
eary  connection.  The  two  sentences  composing  one  verse  are 
often  antithetical,  wise  son,  one  who  is  godly,  ready  to 
receive  parental  guidance,  and  the  higher  instructions  of 
Divine  Wisdom,  foolish  son,  one  who  is  wilful,  only  seeking 
eensual  indulgences,  mother,  mentioned  with  no  special  pur- 
pose, only  to  vaiy  the  sentence  from  the  previous  one." 


and  if  any  woman 
were  to  hang  a 
man  for  stealing 
her  picture, 
although  it  were 
set  in  gold,  it 
would  be  a  new 
case  in  law  ;  but 
if  he  carriod  off 
the  setting,  and 
left  the  portrait, 
I  would  not 
answer  for  his 
safety." — C'olion. 

b  Slaney, 


a  Eo.  vii.  7. 

"A    proverb, 

meaning  that  for- 
bidden delights 
are  sweet  and 
pleasant,  as  fruits 
of  risk  and  dan- 
ger."—/"((uiief. 

b  Sjk.  Com. 

Comp.  Pr.  ii.  19, 
19,  vii.  27. 

vv.  17,  18.  T. 
Adams,  157. 

c  i1/.  Henry. 

"  It  is  a  great 
mistake  to  sup- 
pose that  a 
woman  with  no 
heart  will  be  aa 
easy  creditor  in 
the  exchange  of 
aiiection.  I'here 
is  not  on  earth  a 
more  merciless 
exacter  of  love 
from  others  than 
a  thoroughly 
seltish  woman ; 
and  the  more  un- 
lovely slie  grows, 
the  more  jea- 
lously and  scru- 
pulously she  ex- 
acts love  to  the 
utmost  farth- 
ing."-Mrs.  Stowe. 
d  Fercy  Aiiec. 


a  Some  writers, 
however.see  some 
point  in  this  re- 
ference to  the 
mother,  e.  a., 
"  Here  is  distin- 
guished that  fa- 
thers have  most 
comlort  ol  tb« 


78 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  Z.  1. 


good  proof  of 
their  sons ;  but 
the  raotliprs  have 
most  rtiicnmfort 
of  their  ill  proof, 
because  women 
have  little  dis- 
cerning of  virtue 
but  of  fortune." 
— Lo7'd  bacun. 

I  Dr.  Thomas. 

V.  1.  S.  Oijd.-n, 
331. 

•  Aversion  from 
reproof  is  not 
wise.  It  is  a 
mark  of  a  little 
mind.  A  great 
man  can  afford 
to  lose ;  a  little 
ihsignificant  fel- 
low is  afraid  of 
being  snuffed 
out." — Cecil.  j 

A  Polish   prince 
■was    accustomed 
to  carry  the  pic- 
ture of  his  father 
always    in    his 
bosom ;    and    on 
any     particular 
occasion     he, 
■would  take  it  out  ^ 
and  view  it,  and 
Bay,  "  Let  me  do  i 
nothing    unbe- 
coming so  excel- 
lent a  father." 

•'What    if    God 
should    place  in 
your   hand    a 
diamond,  and  tell 
you    to    inscribe 
on  it  a  sentence, 
which  should  be 
read  at   the  last 
day,  and   shown 
there  as  an  index 
of    your    own 
thoughts   and 
feeUngs  1     What 
care,     what 
caution,      would 
you    e.xercise   in 
the     selection  1 
Now,  this  is  what 
God     has    done. 
He     has    placed 
before    you    the  ' 
immortal    minds  i 
of  your  children,  j 
more     imperish-  i 
able     than     the  I 
diamond,    o  '  | 
■which    you    are  | 
about  to  inscribe 
every    day    and 
every    hour,    by 
your      instruc- 
tions,   by    your | 


The  child  and  the  parent  (r.  1). — I.  The  holy  character  of  the 
child  gladdens  the  heart  of  the  parent — 1.  Because  he  sees  in 
such  conduct  the  best  results  of  such  training' ;  2.  And  the  beat 
guarantees  for  his  son's  happiness.  II.  The  unholy  character  of 
the  child  saddens  the  heart  of  the  parent.* 

jRepriHif.H  from  Dr.  W'aiiffh. — At  one  of  the  half-yearly  ex- 
aminations at  the  Protestant  Dissouters'  Grammar  School,  at 
Mill  Hill,  the  head  master  informed  the  examiners  that  he  had 
been  exceedingly  tried  by  the  misconduct  and  parvers^-ne.ss  of  a 
boy  who  had  done  something  very  wrong  :  and  who.  though  he 
acknowledged  the  fact,  could  not  be  brought  to  acki^owledge  the 
magnitude  of  the  offence.  The  examiners  were  requested  to  ex- 
postulate with  the  boy,  and  try  if  he  could  be  brought  to  feel 
and  deplore  it.  Dr.  Waugh  was  solicited  to  undertake  the  task, 
and  the  boy  was,  in  consequence,  brought  before  him.  "  Ho'w 
long  have  you  been  in  the  school,  my  boy  V  asked  the  doctor. 
"  Four  months,  sir."  "  When  did  you  hear  from  your  father 
last?"  '■  My  father's  dead,  sir."  "Ay!  alas  the  day  !  'tis  a  great 
loss,  a  great  loss,  that  of  a  father.  But  God  can  make  it  up  to 
you,  by  giving  you  a  tender,  affectionate  mother."  On  this  the 
boy,  who  had  previously  seemed  as  hard  as  a  flint,  began  to 
soften.  The  doctor  proceeded  :  "  Well,  laddie,  where  is  your 
mother?"  "  On  her  voyage  home  from  India,  sir."  "Ayl  good 
news  for  you,  my  boy  :  do  you  love  your  mother  ?"  "  Yes,  sir." 
"And  do  you  expect  to  see  her  soon?"  "Yes,  sir."  "Do  you 
think  she  loves  you.''"  "Yes.  sir,  I  am  sure  of  it."  "Thea 
think,  my  dear  laddie,  think  of  her  feelings  when  she  comes  here 
and  finds  that,  instead  of  your  being  in  favour  with  every  one, 
you  are  in  such  deep  disgrace  as  to  run  the  risk  of  expulsion, 
and  yet  are  too  hardened  to  acknowledge  that  you  have  done 
wrong.  Winna  ye  break  your  poor  mother's  heart,  think  ye? 
Just  think  o'  that,  my  lad."  The  poor  culprit  burst  into  a  flood 
of  tears,  acknowledged  his  fault,  and  promised  amendment. — • 
Collateral  henejxtx  of  Sunday  school.t. — From  the  Slalybridge 
Sunday-School  Union  Report  of  1847  we  transcribe  an  aiiectiug 
incident : — "The  father  of  one  of  our  scholars  was  a  drunkard, 
dog-fighter,  etc.,  spent  his  Sabbaths  in  public-houses  with  bad 
company,  singing  profane  songs,  taking  God  s  name  in  vain,  and 
he  frequently  went  home,  beat  his  wife,  and  turned  her  and  the 
children  out  of  doors  ;  yet,  amid  all  this,  the  mother  was  anxious 
to  keep  the  children  at  the  Sunday  school  ;  the  eldest  boy  was 
very  attentive,  and  at  home  obedient  ;  the  good  he  received"  from 
his  teacher  being  reduced  to  practice,  the  father  began  to  take 
knowledge  of  his  dutiful  son.  The  superintendent  having  re- 
quested the  scholars  to  invite  their  parents  and  friends  who 
went  to  no  place  of  worship  to  come  to  the  evening  service,  this 
bay  invited  his  parents,  but  did  not  succeed  the  first  time.  On 
Sunday  following  he  again  invited  them  to  go  with  him  to  the 
house  of  God  ;  both  father  and  mother  went  with  him,  to  the 
astonishment  of  all  who  observed  it.  The  father  attended 
several  Sundays  in  siicces.sion,  and  remarked  that  the  preacher 
was  preaching  to  him  particularly.  Subsequently  a  few  friends 
met  at  his  house  for  prayer  and  conversation  ;  he  began  to  sorro'sv 
for  sin.  and  also  to  be  anxious  to  sit  with  the  children  in  the 
Sunday  school  ;  the  superintendent,  to  encourage  him,  put  him 
to  teach  a  class,  aad  a  reading  aud  spelling  book  were  given  hiin 


Cap.  X.  2-4.] 


PRvyi:{iBs. 


79 


for  his  improvement  at  home  during  the  week.  Every  Sunday 
morning  he  is  now  found  in  his  class,  with  his  little  flock  around 
him,  teaching  with  all  the  eai'nestness  and  simplicity  possible. 
His  son  has  been  added  to  the  church,  two  religious  services  are 
held  weekly  in  his  house,  and  he  and  his  wife  are  to  be  received 
into  church  fellowship  shortly.  But  this  is  not  all ;  the  neigh- 
bourhood in  which  he  lives  had  been  proverbial  for  its  wickedness  ; 
three  families  who  had  neglected  divine  worship  are,  through  the 
instrumentality  of  this  family,  in  regular  attendance  upon  the 
means  of  grace." 

2.  treasures  of  wickedness,  ill-gotten  gains,  .ice  ch.  xi.  4. 
There  may  be  intended  a  comparison  between  the  relative  values 
of  wealth  and  of  character,  rigllteousness,  including  generally 
good  character,  and  specifically  benevolence,  death,  the  real  sting 
of  wh.  is  the  sense  of  sin." 

Wealth  and  character  (rr.  2. 3). — I.  The  worthlessness  of  a  wicked 
man's  wealth.  It  does  not  profit  him — 1.  In  the  way  of  making 
him  truly  happy  :  2.  In  obtaining  the  true  love  of  his  fellow 
men  ;  3.  In  the  dying  hour  or  in  the  future  world.  II.  The  value 
of  a  righteous  man's  character.' 

Da  rid  Jhime. — Hume,  the  historian,  received  a  religious  educa- 
tion from  his  mother,  and  early  in  life  was  the  subject  of  strong 
and  hopeful  religious  impressions  ;  but  as  he  apjiroached  man- 
hood they  were  effaced,  and  confirmed  infidelity  succeeded. 
Maternal  partiality,  however  alarmed  at  first,  came  at  length  to 
look  with  less  and  less  pain  upon  his  declension,  and  filial  love 
and  reverence  seemed  to  have  been  ab  orbed  in  the  pride  of 
philosophical  scepticism  :  for  Hume  applied  himself  with  un- 
wearied, and,  unhappily,  with  successful  efforts,  to  sap  the  foun- 
dation of  his  mothers  faith.  Having  succeeded  in  this  dreadful 
work,  he  went  abroad,  and  as  he  was  returning-,  an  express  met 
him  in  London,  with  a  letter  from  his  mother,  informing  him 
that  she  was  in  a  deep  decline,  and  could  not  long-  survive  :  she 
said,  she  found  herself  without  any  support  in  her  distress  :  that 
he  had  taken  away  that  only  source  of  comfort  upon  which,  in 
all  cases  of  affliction,  she  used  to  rely  :  and  that  she  now  found 
her  mind  sinking  into  despair.  She  did  not  doubt  that  her  son 
would  afford  her  some  substitute  for  her  religion  ;  and  she  con- 
jured him  to  hasten  to  her,  or  at  least  to  send  her  a  letter,  con- 
taining such  consolations  as  philosophy  could  afford  to  a  dying 
mortal.  Hume  was  overwhelmed  w-ith  anguish  on  receiving  this 
letter,  and  hastened  to  Scotland,  travelling  day  and  night ;  but 
before  be  arrived  his  mother  expired.  No  permanent  impression 
Beems,  however,  to  have  been  made  on  his  mind  by  this  trying 
event ;  and,  whatever  remor.se  he  might  have  felt  at  the  moment, 
he  soon  relapsed  into  his  previous  hardness  of  heart.  Thus  it  is, 
that  false  philosophy  restores  the  sting  to  death,  and  gives  again 
the  victory  to  the  grave." 

3,  4.  (3)  soul,  put  for  life :  comp.  Ps.  xxxvii.  2.5.  casteth, 
c^r.,  better  read,  "  He  will  repel  the  greedy  desires  of  the  wicked." 
The  godly  man  may  be  sure  of  not  wanting  "  any  good  thing  ;  " 
but  for  him  to  desire  and  press  for  riches  would  be  to  fail  in  the 
true  submission  and  dependence  on  God.  f4)  slack  hand,  evi- 
dently careless,  idle,  indifferent.  The  hand  of  one  who  does  not 
feel  the  burden  and  responsibility  of  life."  diligent,  lit. 
sharpened} 


spirit,  or  by  your 
example,  some- 
thing wliich  will 
remain,  and  be 
exliibited  for  or 
against  you  at 
tlie  judgment- 
day.  "-Z*;-.i'i(^Wil. 


a  "  Tlie  highesi 
opulence  of  the 
dead  sinner  is  of 
no  possible  profit; 
but  the  righte- 
ousness of  the 
saved  sinner, 
even  without  any 
opulence  at  all, 
is  a  fortune  ;  for, 
like  the  '  charm 
of  the  lamp.'  it 
makes  for  him 
everlasting  bles- 
sed n  ess."  —  J, 
Miller, 
b  Dr.  Thomas. 

r.2.  W.JI.  Starr, 
183. 

Unsullied  po- 
verty is  always 
happy ;  while  im- 
pure wealth 
brings  with  it 
many  sorrows. 
Keputation  is 
rarely  propor- 
tioned to  virtue. 

"  We  have  seen  a 
thousand  people 
esteemed  either 
for  the  merit 
they  had  not  yet 
attained,  or  for 
that  they  no 
longer  pos- 
sessed. "-5?.  Evre- 
mend. 

c  R.  T.  S. 


a  Tlie  word  used 
lit.  means  deceit' 
fnU  in  the  sense 
of  failing  of  its 
purj'ose. 

t  Pr.  xii.  24. 

"  WLat  is  indos* 


80 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.x.3,  4. 


try  ?  It  doth  not 
consist  merely  in 
action,  for  that 
Is  incessant  in 
all  persons.  Our 
miml  bein?  like 
a  ship  in  the  sea, 
if  not  stoereil  to 
sonie  good  pur- 
pose by  reason, 
gets  tossfiil  by 
tli  e  waves  of 
fancy,  or  driven 
by  tlie  winds  of 
temptation  some 
•whither :  bnt  the 
direction  of  our 
mind  to  some 
good  end  without 
roving',  or  think- 
ing in  a  straiglit 
and  steady 
course,  and  draw- 
ing after  it  our 
active  powers  in 
execution  there- 
of, doth  consti- 
tute industry." — 
Quoted  bij  D. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

«.  4.  A.  Gi-av, 
463;  G.  J.  Zoin- 

ioffer,  ii.  262 ;  A". 
Warner,  ii.  361. 

"  Is  not  the  field, 
with  lively  cul- 
ture green,  a 
Bight  more  joyous 
than  the  deail 
morass  ?  Do  not 
the  skies,  witli 
active  ether 
cle.an.and  fann'd 
by  sprightly 
zephyrs,  far  sur- 
pass tlie  foul 
November  fogs 
and  slumbrous 
mass  with  which 
sad  Nature  veils 
her  drooping 
face  ?  Does  not 
the  mountain 
stream,  as  clear 
as  glass,  gay- 
danoing  on,  the 
putriil  pool  dis- 
grace ?  Til  e 
same  in  all  holds 
true,  but  chief 
in  human  race." 
—Thomson. 

"  Never  compare 
thyself  with 
those  that  are 
below  thee  in 
what  is  worthy 
or  eminent,  but 
with  tliose  that 
are  above  thyself. 
. . .  Compare  thy- 


Indiisfnj  ayid  contcntmi-nt. — A  noble  instance  of  contentment  is 
g-iven  in  the  life  of  the  late  William  Roscoe,  Esq.  That  gifted 
man  was  almost  entirely  self-taug'ht,  and  indebted  to  hi.s  own 
efforts  for  his  rise  from  a  very  humble  station,  his  father  having 
been  the  master  of  a  public-house,  with  gardens  and  a  bowling- 
green,  at  Liverpool.  Mr.  Roscoe  aftervvards  represented  this,  hia 
native  town,  in  Parliament,  was  universally  respected,  and  be- 
came distinguished  as  the  author  of  the  Lift'  of  I'opr  Leo  X.. 
and  of  the  Life  of  Lorenzo  dc  Medici.  In  an  account  of  his 
early  days,  written  by  himself,  he  saj's  :  "  Having  quitted  school 
at  twelve  years  old,  I  now  began  to  assist  my  father  in  his  agri- 
cultural concerns,  particularly  iu  his  business  of  cultivating 
potatoes  for  sale,  of  which  he  every  year  grew  several  acres,  and 
which  he  sold,  when  produced  early  in  the  season,  at  very 
advanced  prices.  His  mode  of  cultivation  was  entirely  by  the 
spade  ;  and  when  raised  early  they  were  considered  iu  that  part 
of  Lancashire  as  a  favourite  esculent.  When  they  had  attained 
their  proper  growth,  we  were  accustomed  to  carry  them  to  the 
market  on  our  heads,  in  larga  baskets,  for  sale,  where  I  was 
generally  entrusted  with  the  disposal  of  them,  and  soon  became  a 
very  useful  assistant  to  my  father.  In  this  and  other  laborious 
occupations,  particularly  in  the  care  of  a  garden,  in  which  I  took 
great  pleasure,  I  passed  several  years  of  my  life,  devoting  my 
hours  of  relaxation  to  reading  my  books.  This  mode  of  life  gave 
health  and  vigour  to  my  body,  and  amusement  and  instruction  to 
my  mind  ;  and  to  this  day  I  well  remember  the  delicious  sleep 
which  succeeded  my  labours,  from  which  I  was  again  called  at 
an  early  hour.  If  I  were  asked  whom  I  considered  to  be  the 
happiest  of  the  human  race,  I  would  answer,  those  who  cultivate 
the  earth  by  their  own  hands." — AdL-antage.<i  of  indu-strij. — The 
blessing  of  God  doth  so  follow  it,  that  more  have  been  made 
honourable  by  their  diligence  than  by  their  birth.  "  The  hand  of 
the  diligent  maketh  rich,'  saith  Solomon  ;  and  in  another  place, 
"  The  soul  of  the  diligent  shall  be  made  fat : "  and  elsewhere, 
••  The  hand  of  the  diligent  shall  bear  rule.'  From  servants  many 
have  grown  to  be  masters,  from  bindings  to  be  officers,  through 
their  diligence — as  we  see  in  Jacob,  Joseph.  David,  with  many 
more.  Witness  also  the  Romans,  who  raised  their  commonwealth 
thereby,  and  stood  not  upon  terms  of  blood  :  some  of  them  were 
fetched  from  the  plough  ;  some  from  other  places  mean  and 
base.  Cicero,  Fabius,  Quintius,  and  others,  witness  these  things. 
Justinius,  of  a  diligent  herdboy  became  a  diligent  soldier  :  of  a 
diligent  soldier,  a  great  commander ;  of  a  commander,  the 
emperor  of  the  world,  and  one  of  the  best.  The  kings  of  Hungary 
were  derived  from  Lechus  the  Second,  who  was  a  husbandman,  in 
remembrance  whereof  he  caused  his  wooden  soles  or  shoes  to  be 
reserved  in  his  castle,  for  all  posterity  to  remember  how  and  m 
what  sort  he  first  came  into  court.  And  if  we  should  come 
nearer  home,  how  many  judges  and  bishops  of  this  land,  of 
mean  descent,  have  risen  to  honour  by  it !  .  .  .  Oh,  then,  let  us 
fall  iu  love  with  diligence  !  Which  way  can  we  cast  our  eyes 
and  want  arguments  .'  Look  up  to  heaven,  and  without  diligence 
no  getting  thither  ;  for  that  crown  we  must  run,  and  strive,  and 
work.  Look  down  to  hell,  and  without  diligence  no  escaping 
that  ;  prayers  and  tears  must  help  to  quench  those  flames.  Look 
upon  the  earth,  and  without  diligence  no  blessing  can  be  hoped 


Cap.  X.  5-7.] 


PROVERBS. 


81 


for  from  it.  God  speed  the  plough  1  let  the  land  miss  his  tillage, 
and  where  is  the  increase  .'  but  the  oftener  it  is  turned,  com- 
passed, and  ploughed,  the  surer  it  proves  to  the  husbandman's 
content.  We  read  in  story  of  one  Furius  Cresinus,  a  Roman,  Avho 
was  accused  of  witchcraft  in  drawing  awaj  the  fat  of  other  men's 
land  into  his  own,  for  that  every  year  he  had  great  crops,  and  his 
neighbours  small  or  none  ;  this  they  thought  came  by  enchant- 
ment, and  thereof  he  was  questioned  in.  judgment.  The  poor 
man  brings  with  him  all  his  tools  of  husbandry — heavy  mattocks, 
weighty  ploughshares,  full-fed  oxen,  all  his  irons  much  bigger 
and  stronger  than  his  neighbours',  and,  lastly,  his  daughter,  a 
strong  and  big  maid,  who  was  his  helper  in  his  bu^iness,  and 
Betting  all  these  before  his  judges  and  accusers,  cried  out  in 
these  "words, '' IJcsc  sv7if ,  Qiiirit('S,TenrJiciaviea  /"  "  This  daughter, 
these  oxen,  these  tools,  are  the  instruments  of  my  witchcraft,  and 
besides  these  I  use  none,  and  these  with  diligence  I  apply.'  This 
is  the  way  to  have  great  and  good  crops  both  of  grain  and  grace, 
if  thou  lay  thy  hand  Math  diligence  to  the  plough,  and  have 
fitting  instruments.  But  withal,  ever  with  the  ploughman  be 
looking  up  upon  the  sun  ;  and  with  the  pilot,  who,  as  he  holdeth 
his  hand  upon  the  stern,  hath  his  eye  upon  the  star.  For  it  is 
good  ground,  a  good  husbandman,  and  God's  blessing,  that  bring 
good  crops,  whether  for  soul  or  body.<^ 

5.  gathereth,  the  ripened  harvest  into  threshing-floor  or 
barn,  son,  or  man.  Son  may  be  esjecially  used  bee.  these 
proverbs  and  counsels  are  addressed  to  the  young.  The  wise  son 
watches  for  opportunities,  and  does  the  work  of  the  season, 
eleepeth,  in  mere  listless  idleness,  or  for  mere  enjoyment." 
*'  Life  is  a  short  day,  but  it  is  a  working  day." 

Tlie  day  of  giace  (v.  5;.— It  is — I.  A  short  time,  and  therefore 
calls  for  diligence.  The  King's  business  requirer.  haste.  II.  A 
limited  time,  beyond  which  there  is  no  mercy.  Eccles.  ix.  10  ; 
Luke  xiii.  9.  III.  A  varying  time,  as  summer  days  are  longer 
than  winter  days,  and  there  are  sunny  days  and  cloudy  days  ;  but 
the  rainbow  of  God's  mercy  is  seen  only  in  the  day  of  grace. 
"We  should  look  for  it  in  vain  in  the  night  of  eternal  darkness.' 

Dr.  Franldin. — Dr.  Franklin,  in  his  Mniioh-s,  mentions  a 
merchant,  named  Denham,  who  failed  in  his  business  at  Bristol, 
compounded  with  his  creditors,  and  went  to  America.  In  a  few 
years  he  accumulated  a  plentiful  fortune,  returned  to  England 
in  the  same  ship  with  Franklin,  called  his  creditors  together  to 
an  entertainment,  and  paid  the  full  remainder  of  his  debts,  with 
interest  up  to  the  time  of  settlement." 

6,  7.  (6)  'blessings,  praises  and  thanks.  Benedictions, 
violence,  etc.,  may  be  read,  •'  The  mouth  of  the  wicked  covereth, 
or  concealeth  violence.'"  The  idea,  however,  may  be,  His 
detected  and  exposed  iniquity  shall  be  like  a  muzzle  on  his  mouth. 
He  shall  be  struck  speechless.  (7)  is  blessed,  for  a  blessing,  as 
an  excellent  and  inspiring  example,  rot,  be  worm-eaten,  useless. 
He  ca  n  only  be  used  to  point  a  warning.* 

The  memory  of  the  jii.st  (r.  7).— What  multitudes  have  passed 
away  ;  in  what  different  lights  are  the  human  beings  of  the  past 
presented  to  our  thoughts  ;  how  odious  are  some,  but  of  the  just 
their  memory  is  blessed.  I.  Self- evidently  so,  for  the  mind 
blesses  it,  reverts  to  it  with  complacency.     II.  They  are  practical 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  F 


self  with  thos& 
that  are  mere 
learned  or  vise 
tlmn  thyself,  and 
thea  thou  wilt 
see  matter  to 
kfep  tliee  hum- 
He.  .  .  .  The  most 
of  the  learning 
that  this  age 
glories  of,  is  but 
an  extract  or 
collection  of 
what  we  find  in 
those  men  of 
greater  parts; 
only  we  think  we 
have  done  gi-eat 
matters  if  we 
digest  it  into 
some  other 
method,  and  put 
in  here  and  there 
a  small  pittance 
of  our  own,  or 
quarrel  at  sonie- 
tliing  that  the 
ancients  de- 
livered in  soma 
odd  particulars." 
^Sir  M.  Hale, 
c  Arrowsmith. 

a  "To  sleep  when 
the  plenteous 
harvest  lies  ready 
fc>r  the  sickle  is 
the  extremest 
sloth."-S}ik:  Com. 
"  He  who  gets 
knowledge  and 
wisdom  in  the 
days  of  his  youth 
gathers  in  sum- 
mer, and  he  will 
have  the  comfort 
and  credit  of  his 
industry ;  but  he 
who  idles  away 
the  days  of  his 
youth  will  bear 
the  shame  of  his 
indolence  when 
he  is  old." — Matt. 
Jlenry. 

b   S.    O.    Bouet, 
M.A. 
c  WMtccross. 

a  "  The  violence 
wh.  the  wicked 
has  done  is  as  a 
bandage  over  his 
mouth,  reducing 
hini  to  a  silence 
and  shame  like 
that  of  the  leper 
or  the  CO  n- 
demned  criminal, 
whose  '  face  is 
covered.' " —  Spk, 
C<m. 
b  Fs.  ix.  6, 0. 


82 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  X.  8-10. 


Abp.  Sfctei;  vii. 
S07 ;  J.  Foster,  u. 
220. 

e  J.  Foster. 
"  One    man    has  i 
kiii'incss     deep 
vitliin  him ;  ami 
when    tlie    occa- 
sion    comes    thi' 
rinil   or   shi^ll    is  I 
crackeil,  ainl  t!ii'  I 
kernel   is  found.  ' 
Such    a    man's 
heart,    too    lung  ; 
clouded,     like    a 
sun  in  a  storm-  ! 
nuffled    day,] 
slioots     through  ■ 
some      opening  | 
rift,    and    glows  j 
for  a   perind    in  , 
glory.    But  there 
are  other  natures  i 
tliat  are   always  , 
cloudless.     With 
tliem   a  cloud  is 
the     exception,  j 
shining    is    t he  ' 
rule.'   -Beech,  r.     , 
" I  pray  you  very 
solemnly   to   put  ; 
that    idea    of 
ku  0  .ving     all 
things  in  heaven 
and  earth  out  of 
your   heads.      It 
is  very  little  that 
'We    can    ever 
know,  either    of 
the  ways  of  Pro- 
vidence   or    the 
laws  of  existence. 
But     that    little 
is    enougli,     and 
e.xacily  enough." 
— /tusiin. 
d  Montgomery. 

a  "  He  adopts 
crooked  ways  in 
order,  as  he 
thinks,  to  be  able 
to  practise  ini- 
quity more  .se- 
cure and  unob- 
served ;  but  lie  is 
ever  known  ami 
exposed,  he  must 
himself  always 
fear  reciignition. 
and  this  gives  to 
his  walk  '  inse- 
curi  ty.'" —  Ra- 
ce tsc/ii,  t  h  r  u' 
Lanije. 

\  Wordsworth. 

c  Stem*  and  Twigs. 


illustvatious.  verifying  examples  of  the  excellence  of  true  reli- 
gion. III.  We  regard  them  as  diminishing  to  our  view  the 
[  repulsiveness  and  horror  of  death.  IV.  As  combined  with  the 
whole  progress  of  the  cause  of  God  on  earth.  Apply: — 1.  Is  it 
not  a  reasonable  obiect  of  Christian  desire  to  leave  a  memory 
that  shall  be  blessed  ?  2.  While  the  best  are  in  course  of  time  for- 
gotten by  men,  their  everlasting  remembrance  is  with  God." 

'The  pnwrr  of  kiiidnc^.i. — Fenelon  was  a  Roman  Catholic,  and 
Archbishop  of  Cambray,  in  France.  He  was  a  man  of  the  finest 
feelings,  of  the  greatest  benevolence,  and  he  uniformly  practised 
the  law,  "  overcome  evil  with  good."  He  was  kind  and  affable 
to  the  lowly,  mild  and  courteous  to  the  ignorant,  philanthropic . 
to  the  miserable,  and  ever  gentle  both  to  friend  and  foe.  The 
consequence  was  that  he  won  all  hearts.  His  diocese  'WM  often 
the  theatre  of  war  ;  but  the  English,  Germans,  and  Dutch  even 
surpassed  tlie  inhabitants  of  Cambray  in  their  love  and  venera- 
tion for  him.  At  such  times  he  gathered  the  wretched  into  hia 
residence  and  entertained  them  ;  for  his  known  goodness  had 
surrounded  him  wilh  a  power  which  even  contending  armies 
could  not  resist ;  and  the  consequence  was  that  his  dwellings 
were  safe,  even  when  towns  and  villages  were  lying  in  smoking 
ruins  around  him.  The  following  is  an  instance  of  his  great 
kindness  : — He  observed  one  day  that  a  peasant,  who  had  been 
driven  from  his  home,  and  to  whom  Fenelon  had.  given  shelter, 
ate  nothing.  He  inquired  the  reason.  "  Alas !  my  lord,"  said 
the  poor  man,  "  in  making  my  escape  from  my  cottage  I  had  not 
time  to  bring  off  my  cow,  which  was  the  support  of  my  family. 
The  enemy  will  drive  her  away,  and  I  shall  never  find  another  so 
good."  Fenelon,  availing  himself  of  his  privilege  of  safe  conduct, 
immediately  set  out,  accompanied  by  a  single  servant,  and  di-ove 
her  back  himself  to  the  peasant.  By  thus  walking  according  to 
the  law  of  overcoming  evil  with  good,  he  gained  the  afl'ectiou  of 
all.  The  peasantry  loved  him  as  their  father ;  and.  long  after  his 
death,  their  tears  would  flow  when  they  said,  "  There  is  the  chair 
ou  whicli  our  good  archbishop  used  to  sit  in  the  midst-  of  us  :  we 
shall  see  him  no  more. '  What  a  crown  of  unfading  glory  the 
law  of  love  gave  him  \'' 

8—10.  (8)  receive,  etc..  be  billing  to  submit  to  rules, 
prating  fool,  lit.  fool  of  lips,  a  braggart,  shall  fall,  be 
brought  to  a  humiluitiug  downfall :  or  shall  be  beaten.  (9) 
walketh  surely,  or  securely,  safely,  perverteth,  acteth 
deceitfully,  known,  found  out  and  punished.<»  (10)  worketh, 
ch.  vi.  i:}.     "  In  craft  and  malice  behind  a  man's  back."* 

The  vprif/ht  (r.  <)). — I.  Observe  a  few  paradoxes.  1.  He  who 
walks  uprightly  is  he  who  leans  upon  God  ;  2.  Who  bears  his 
own  burden  :  ;i  Who  ever  bows  before  God  ;  4.  Wio  waits  for 
God  :  5.  WTio  runs  in  the  way  of  Gods  commandments.  II.  Call 
to  mind  a  few  truisms.  1.  He  never  walks  alone;  2.  He  is 
always  safe  ;  3.  He  is  comparatively  free  from  alarm  ;  4.  He  is 
never  neglected:  5.  He  is  not  disappointed  at  last.  III.  A  few 
questions.  1.  Is  your  heart  changed  .''  2.  Do  you  avoid  all  known 
sin  !  .S.  Do  you  seek  the  approval  of  God  I  4.  Do  you  continually 
endeavour  to  do  the  right .' ' 

A  rvlc  for  t(tn,'t?:<<. — Xo  one  who  wishes  that  conversation 
should  be  pleasant  to  his  neighbours  as  well  as  himself  should 
speak  more  than  two  or  three  sentences  at  once.    However  much 


Cap.  X.  11,12,] 


PROVERBS. 


83 


he  may  have  to  say,  it  will  be  all  the  more  agreeably  said  for 
giving  others  the  opportunity  of  assenting,  illustrating,  qualify- 
ing, or  even  contradicting.  The  ball  needs  to  be  returned  by  the 
o^'posite  pla^'cr  to  make  a  lively  game.'* 

11.  well  of  life,  or  fresh  flowing  spring,  ever  pouring  forth 
healing,  helpful  v/ords,  Jer.  ii.  13,  xvii.  13  ;  Pro.  iv.  10.  violence, 
etc..  see  v.  6. 

The  .speech  of  the  good  (v.  11). — Speech  is  one  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguishing faculties  of  man  :  here  that  of  a  good  man  is  com- 
pared to  a  well  of  life.  I.  It  is  natural.  II.  Clean.  III. 
Refreshing.     IV.  Life-giving." 

Mr.  Jlcrccij  and  Dr.  Doddridge. — Mr.  Hervey,  in  a  letter,  says  : 
"I  have  lately  seen  that  most  excellent  minister  of  the  ever- 

ble~sed  Jesus,  Mr. .     I  dined,  supped,  and  spent  the  evening 

■with  him  at  Xorthampton,  in  company  with  Dr.  Doddridge,  and 
two  pious  ingenuous  clergymen  of  the  Church  of  England,  both 
of  them  known  to  the  learned  world  by  their  valuable  writings  ; 
and  surely  I  never  spent  a  more  delightful  evening,  or  saw  one 
that  seemed  to  make  nearer  approaches  to  the  felicity  of  heaven. 
A  gentleman  of  great  worth  and  rank  in  the  town  invited  us  to 
his  house,  and  gave  us  an  elegant  treat ;  but  how  mean  was  his 
provision,  how  coarse  his  delicacies,  compared  with  the  fruit  of 
my  friend's  lips ! — they  dropped  as  the  honeycomb,  and  were  a 
well  of  life." 

12.  hatred  .  .  strifes,  litigations,  disputes,  either  family  or 
Bocial.  love,  one  element  of  wh.  is  the  Pauline  charity,  wh. 
"  beareth  all  things,  and  seeketh  not  her  own."  "  COvereth,  "  by 
ignoring  them,  by  palliating  words,  by  considerate  and  concilia- 
tory demeanour."* 

Hatred  a)ul  Jove  {v.  12). — Here  we  have — I.  The  great  mischief- 
maker — hatred.  Consider  the  strifes  it  causes  in  nations,  com- 
munities, families.  II.  The  great  peace-maker — love.  It  is  an 
element ;  its  liome  is  the  heart  of  God — the  God  of  peace.  It  is 
an  agent ;  its  grand  messenger  is  Christ — the  Prince  of  peace. 
1.  It  restores  order  ;  2.  It  pardons  offences.' 

Speaking  gently. — 

Speak  gently  !     It  is  better  far 

To  rule  by  love  than  fear  ; 
Speak  gently — let  no  harsh  words  mar 

The  good  we  might  do  here  1 

Speak  gently  !  Love  doth  whisper  low 
The  vows  that  true  hearts  bind  ; 

And  gently  Friendships  accents  flow- 
Affection's  voice  is  kind. 

Speak  gently  to  the  little  child  ! 

Its  love  be  sure  to  gain  : 
Teach  it  in  accents  soft  and  mild  : 

It  may  not  long  remain. 

Speak  gently  to  the  young,  for  they 

Will  have  enough  to  bear — 
Pass  through  this  life  as  best  they  may, 

'lis  full  of  anxious  care  1  1 

F2 


d  Rlaciwood'i 
Mag. 


a  Dr.  Thomas. 

"  Such  as  thy 
wonis  are  such 
will  thy  affec- 
tions be  esteem- 
ed ;  and  such  will 
thy  deeds  as  thy 
affections,  and 
such  t!iy  life  as 
thy  deeds."— /So- 
crates. 

"Great  men's 
words,  saith  one, 
are  like  dead 
men's  shoes ;  he 
may  go  barefoot 
that  waiteth  for 
them."~J,  Trapp. 


a  1  Cor.  xiiL 
b  O.  Zockler. 
"Love   hath    a 
large  mantle." — 
Trnpp. 

Pr.  xvii.  9  ;  Jaa 
V.  20  ;  1  Pe.  iv.  8 ; 
1  Cor  xiii.  4. 
c  Ur.  Thomas. 
"  Speech  is  too 
often  not,  as  the 
Frenchman  de- 
fined it,  the  art 
of  concealing 
thought,  but  of 
quite  stifling  and 
suspending 
thought,  so  that 
there  is  none  to 
conceal." — Car- 
lyle. 

"When  you 
speak  to  any, 
especially  of 
quality,  look 
them  full  in  the 
face,  other  ges- 
tures betraying 
want  of  breeding, 
confidence,  or 
honesty;  de- 
jected eye  con- 
fessing, to  most 
judgments,  guilt 
or  folly."—/". 
Osboim. 

"la  the  use  of  the 


Si 


[Cap.  z.  13-10^ 


toiij^uo  God  hath 
distinguished  us 
from  beasts,  and 
by  the  well  or 
ill  usinprit  we  are 
distinguished 
from  one 
another;  and, 
therefore,  though 
silence  be  inno- 
cent as  death, 
harmless  as  a 
rose's  breath  to  a 
distant  passen- 
ger, yet  it  is 
ratner  tfce  state 
of  death  t  h  a  n 
life." — Jeremy 
Taylnr. 

"He  that  is 
graceless  in  a  day 
of  grace  will  be 
speechless  in  a 
day  of  judg- 
ment."— Mead. 

d  Bates. 


a  Egyptian  pro- 
verb— "A  youth 
has  a  back  tliat 
he  may  attend 
to  his  teacher." 

&  T  h  e  greatest 
talkers  liave 
always  the  least 
to  say. 

e  Dr.  Thomas. 

"The  tongue  of 
the  fool  is  the 
key  of  his  coun- 
sel, which  in  a 
wise  man  wis- 
dom hatli  in 
keeping." — So- 
crates. 

"Words  are 
often  everywhc-'re 
as  the  minute 
hands  of  tlie  soul, 
more  important 
than  even  tlie 
hour-hands  of 
0,ctioiM." -Richter. 

d  Signora  Fer- 
rari. 


a  "The  facts  of 
human  sucioty 
are  not  ignored. 
Below  the  sur- 
face    of      tills     I', 

there  piTliaps 
lies  a  grave 
irony.    The  rich 


Speak  gently  to  the  aged  one, 

Grieve  not  the  careworn  heart ; 
The  sands  of  life  are  nearly  run — 

Let  each  in  peace  depart ! 

Speak  gently,  kindly,  to  the  poor ; 

Let  no  harsh  tone  be  heard  ; 
They  have  enough  they  must  endure, 

Without  an  unkind  word  ! 

Speak  gently  to  the  erring  :  know, 

They  may  have  toil'd  in  vain  ; 
Perchance  unkindness  made  them  so  : 

Oh,  win  them  back  again  ! 

Speak  gently  !    He  who  gave  His  life 

To  bend  man's  stubborn  will. 
When  elements  were  in  fierce  strife, 

Said  to  them,  "  Peace,  be  still  1 " 

Speak  gently  !     'Tis  a  little  thing 

Dropij'd  in  the  heart's  deep  well. 
The  good,  the  joy,  which  it  may  bringf, 

Eternity  shall'tell.'' 

13,14.  (13)  lips,  or  spoken  words,  rod,  etc.,  punishment 
like  that  wh.  comes  to  the  idle  and  foolish  schoolboy."  void, 
etc.,  wh.  is  surely  seen  by  his  foolish  talk.  (14)  lay  up,  store  it 
in  memory  and  in  heart ;  and  is  cautious  in  displaying  it. 
mouth.  .  .  foolisll,  wdio  tell  out  all  they  know,  speedily  reveal 
their  emptiness,  and  pluck  away  all  confidence  that  may  have 
been  felt  in  them.* 

Contrasts  {v.  13). — Here  is — I.  An  intellectual  contrast.  The 
intelligent  man — 1.  Communicates  wisdom  ;  2.  Accumulates 
wisdom.  Compare  this  with  the  ignorant  man.  II.  A  social 
contrast.     III.  A  moral  contrast.'^ 

Sjji'aJiinr/  and  .^inr/hif/. — Little  or  no  attention  is  paid  to  the 
tone  in  which  children  speak,  consequently  they  too  often  con- 
tract bad  habits  of  intotiation  from  the  earliest  age  ;  and  as  they 
grow  up  what  is  mere  habitual  tone  is  mistaken  for  their  natural 
voice.  From  this  inattention  to  intonation  in  early  years  pro- 
ceeds much  rlifficulty  in  the  voice  for  singing  ;  and  it  is  not  un- 
frequently  the  cause  of  diseast^s  of  the  throat  and  chest.  It  is 
but  a  part  of  this  evil  system  that  a  most  injui'ious  habit  prevails 
among  the  young  ladies  of  the  present  day  of  speaking  in  a 
subdued  muffled  tone,  or  what  might  be  called  a  semi-falsetto,  in 
conspquence  of  which  very  few  natural  voices  are  heard.  It 
must  be  understood.  T  speak  more  particularly  of  English  ladies, 
as  foreigners  generally  speak  in  the  natural  tone  of  their  voice. 
I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  hundreds  of  young  ladies 
bring  upon  themselves  serious  chest-affections  from  a  bad  habit 
of  speaking  and  singing.'' 

15.  rich,  man,  in  harmony  with  the  whole  teaching,  this 
must  mean  the  wealth  of  the  i/oad  rich  man :  not  any  mere 
accumulation  of  money,  povei't^y,  wh.  exposes  them  to  the 
power  of  every  national  calamity.  The  poor  are  always  the  first 
to  feel  depressions  of  trade,  disease,  or  famine." 

I'he  money  jjon-er  {v.  15). — Here  is  a  description  of  what  ia, 


Cap.x.  16, 17.] 


PROVERBS. 


85 


rather  than  a  prescription  of  what  ought  to  be.  It  is  an  inte- 
restinjj  fact  that  the  Jews  wield  this  powder  in  a  gi-eater  degree 
than  any  other  people.  Over  against  this  power  stands  the 
counterparti — weakness.  A  large  proportion  of  the  penniless  are 
in  a  gi-eater  or  less  degree  reckless.'' 

liich  for  a  mo  men  f. — The  British  ship  Britannia  was  wrecked 
off  the  coast  of  Brazil,  and  had  on  board  a  large  consignment  of 
Spanish  dollars.  In  the  hope  of  saving  some  of  them,  a  number 
of  barrels  were  brought  on  deck,  but  the  vessel  went  to  pieces  so 
fast  that  the  only  hope  for  life  was  by  taking  at  once  to  the 
boats.  The  last  boat  was  about  to  push  off,  when  a  young  mid- 
shijjman  went  back  to  see  if  any  one  was  still  on  board.  To  his 
surprise  there  sat  a  man  on  deck  with  a  hatchet  in  his  hand, 
with  which  he  had  broken  open  several  of  the  casks,  the  contents 
of  which  he  was  now  heaping  up  about  him.  "  ^\^lat  are  you 
doing  there  .'■'  shouted  the  youth.  "  Don't  you  know  the  ship  is 
fast  going  to  pieces  ?"  "  The  ship  may  go,"  said  the  man  ;  "  I 
have  lived  a  poor  wretch  all  my  lite,  and  I  am  determined  to  die 
rich."  His  remonstrances  were  answered  only  by  another  Hourish 
of  the  hatchet,  and  he  was  left  to  his  fate. 

16,  17.  (16)  labour,  his  earnings,  acquisitions."  The  Ileb. 
word  includes  the  result  as  well  as  the  process  of  labour,  to 
life,*  put  for  all  success  and  blessing  (ch.  xi.  19).  fruit,  better, 
profit,  to  sin,  his  successes  encourage  him  to  further  acts  and 
designs  of  self-will.'^  Some  trans,  this  to  expiation.'^  i.e.  they  are 
all  demanded  by  justice,  and  are  all  consumed  for  the  expiation 
of  his  sins.  (17)  way.  He,  better  read,  ''A  way  to  life  is  he 
who  heedeth  correction  :"  i.e.  such  a  man  guides  others  to  life. 
His  example  is  efficacious,  erreth,  better  as  marg.  causeth  to 
err,  puts  others  astray. 

The  7iif/gardline.<ts  of  increa.nng  wealth. — A  young  man  was  in 
the  receipt  of  a  decent  salary  in  some  merchanfs  office — just 
enough  to  provide  him  with  every  comfort  and  some  luxuries, 
but  nothing  to  spare  "  worth  saving,"  as  we  say.  He  was  liberal 
to  the  full  measure  of  his  ability,  and  brought  out  his  guinea  to 
religious  and  benevolent  objects  as  freely  as  any.  He  had  a 
bequest  from  a  distant  relative  (some  three  or  four  thousand 
pounds,  I  believe)  suddenly  left  him.  Now.  mark  the  sequel,  and 
see  what  a  fool  human  nature  can  make  of  itself.  My  informant 
tells  me  that  a  gentleman  who  had  been  in  the  habit  of  receiving 
this  man's  annual  contribution  to  some  philanthropic  society, 
congratulated  himself  that  on  his  next  visit  to  the  happy  legatee 
he  should  probably  get  '•  first-fruits,"  '■  thank-offerings,"  besides 
the  annual  guinea.  A  few  months  after  the  bequest  he  called, 
and,  to  his  surprise,  found  the  metamorphosed  man  would  not 
give  him  a  farthing.  No  representations  of  the  astonished 
visitor  could  make  the  slightest  impression.      At  last  he  said. 

"  Why,  Mr. ,  you  always  used  to  be  most  liberal,  and  I 

cannot  account  for  your  present  moo<l  at  all.  I  thought  that 
having,  as  I  hear,  come  in  for  a  considerable  legacy,  you  would 
probably  have  doubled  your  subscription."  ''  That,"  said  the  un- 
happy man,  '•  is  the  very  reason  why  I  can  give  you  nothing. 
While  I  was  in  receipt  merely  of  my  salary  I  could  save  nothing, 
but  now  that  I  have  a  larger  sum.  which  I  am  not  compelled  to 
touch,  and  which  will  go  on  accumulating,  every  little  I  can  add 
to  it  will  teU."     And  from  this  he  could  not  be  beaten  off. 


man,  trusting  in 
his  riches,  is 
tempted  to  make 
them  Lis  strcng 
city — to  have  no 
other  tower  of 
strength.  Comp. 
Pr.  xviii.  11."— 
Spk.  Coin. 

b  Dr.  Arnot. 

r.  15.  Dr.  J. 
Langhorne,  i.  204. 

"  Man  wants  but 
little  here  below, 
nor  wants  that 
little  long." — 
Goldsmith. 


a  2  Jno.  8. 
b  "  According  to 
the   constitution 
of     things 
righteous  labour 
tends    to    life, 
bodily,     mental, 
and     spiritual : 
the    life  of   self, 
and   the   life    of 
others." — Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 
c  1  Tim.  vi.  10; 
Ro.  vi.  21, 
d  Hitzig. 

"  When  a  miser 
conteuts  himself 
with  giving  no- 
tliing,  and  saving 
what  he  has  got, 
and  is  in  other 
respects  guilty  of 
no  injustice,  he 
is,  perhaps,  of  all 
bad  men,  the 
least  injurious  to 
society  ;  the  evil 
lie  does  is  pro- 
perly  nothing 
more  than  the 
omission  of  the 
pood  he  might 
do.  If  of  all  the 
vices  avarice  is 
the  most  gene- 
rally detested,  it 
is  the  effect  of  an 
avidity  common 
to  all  men  :  it  is 
because  men  hate 
those  from  whom 
they '  can  expect 
n  o  "t  1)  i  n  g.  The 
greedy  misera 
rail  at  sordid 
misers."  —  Helu*' 
tiiu. 


86 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  z.  18—21. 


a    '•  Of    all    the 

vices  to  wli.lium. 
nature  is  subject, 
treachery  is  tlie 
most    infamous 
and     detestable,  ' 
being     com -I 
pouuded  of  fraud.  I 
cowardice,    and  I 
revenge.     Tlie  j 
greatest     wrong  i 
■will    not   justify  i 
it,  as  it  destroys  { 
those    principles  \ 
of  mutual  confi-  i 
dence     and     se-  1 
curity     by     wh, 
jnly  society  can 
«xi&t." —Quoted 
tv  Dav.   Tlionuis, 
D.D. 

"  All  wickedness 
is  weakness." — 
Milton. 

t».  18.  Dr.J.Bar- 
roic,  i.  480  ;  S. 
O.j.ien,  419  ;  Dr. 
J.  Totlie,  321;  /. 
Wilder,  37. 
b  Cgden. 

a  Job  xxxY.  16  ; 
1  Ti.  V.  13. 
"  Of  the  eleven 
Apostles.as  Peter 
spake  most  so  he 
erred  most. "  — 
£p.  Hall. 
b  "Never  speak 
but  when  you 
have  something 
to  say.  Where- 
fore s  h  o  u  1  d  s  t 
thou  run,  seeing 
thou  hast  no 
t  i  d  i  ngs  T'—Bp. 
Butler. 

"  He  is  wise  that 
hath  learned  to 
speak  little  with 
others,  and  much 
with  himself  and 
.God.  How  much 
might  be  gained 
for  our  souls  if  we 
■would  make  a 
right  use  of  this 
silence!" —  Arch. 
Leighlnn. 
e  W.  W.  Will/the. 
d  Whitecrou. 


a  "A  popular  and 
proverbial  cir- 
cumlocution for 
the  idea  of  utter 
nothingness  o  r 
■wort  hlessness." 
—0.  Zbckler. 

b  "The  wise 
guide    others  to 


18.  with  lying  lips,  better,  u  of  lying  lips.  "It  is  often 
honey  on  the  lips  and  venom  in  the  heart.""  slander,  to  play 
reputations,  fool,  worthy  to  be  despised  and  spurned.  The 
word  used  means /c/^,  sfi/jj/d.  He  thinks  it  is  the  victim  that  ia 
deceived,  but  forgets  that  God  is  the  avenger  of  all  such. 

Chavacfi'v. — Ileputation,  of  all  possessions,  is  the  most  valu- 
able, next  to  a  good  conscience,  to  which,  indeed,  it  of  right 
belongs,  and  from  which  it  naturally  springs.  The  root  lies  out 
of  reach  of  injury.  Your  innocence,  by  Gods  grace,  no  one  can 
take  fi"om  you  without  your  own  consent  :  but  the  fruit  of  a  fair 
reputation,  so  beautiful  and  fragrant,  and  in  all  resjiects  so 
precious,  this,  alas  I  hangs  exposed  to  the  assault  of  every 
passenger ;  the  lowest,  as  he  goes  along,  can  fling  a  stone  up- 
wards, and  laugh  to  see  the  prize  fall,  though  he  cannot  gather 
it.  We  have  an  account  somewhere  of  a  certain  tribe  of  savages 
who  are  possessed  of  a  persuasion  that  whenever  they  have  slaia 
a  man  they  are  immediately  endowed  with  all  his  good  qualities, 
which  they  think  are  transfused  from  the  soul  of  the  dead  into 
the  person  that  has  killed  him.  You  will  not  wonder  that 
murders  are  frequent  in  that  country,  and  that  it  is  very  dan- 
gerous for  a  man  of  merit  to  be  found  unguarded  among  people 
of  such  principles.* 

19.  multitude  of  ■words,"  much  talking  puts  a  man  ia 
great  danger  of  saying  foolish  and  sinful  things,  refrainetll, 
restraineth,  holdeth  in  wise  governance.* 

^]'im/cd  ivord.i  (r.W). — I.  The  tongue's  license.  1.  Hyperbole; 
2.  Egotism  ;  3.  Trifling  ;  4.  Ribaldry  ;  5.  Talebearing  ;  6.  Slander. 
II.  Its  evil  result.  1.  The  dissipation  of  religious  life  ;  2.  The 
uncontrollable  diffusion  of  the  slander  ;  3.  The  Satanic  malignancy 
of  the  temper." 

Ih'proof. — Phoebe  Bartlet,  a  very  little  girl,  went  with  some 
other  children  to  gather  plums  in  a  neighbouring  orchard.  On 
bringing  some  of  the  fruit  home,  her  mother  mildly  reproved 
her,  and  said  she  ought  not  to  have  gathered  the  plums  without 
leave,  because  it  was  sin  :  God  had  commanded  her  not  to  steal. 
The  child,  not  being  sensible  of  the  e'vil  before,  seemed  greatly 
sur|orised,  and,  bursting  into  tears,  cried  out,  •'  I  won't  have  these 
plums  !"  and  turning  to  her  sister  Eunice,  very  earnestly  said  to 
her,  "  Why  did  you  ask  me  to  go  to  that  plum  tree .'  I  should 
not  have  gone  if  you  had  not  asked  me."  The  other  children  did 
not  seem  much  concerned  ;  but  there  was  no  pacifying  Phoebe. 
Her  mother  mentioned  the  circumstance  to  the  owner  of  the 
tree,  and  requested  of  him  that  she  might  have  the  plums  ;  but 
still  she  was  deeply  affected,  and  being  asked  what  it  was  that 
troubled  her  now,  she  said  that  she  wept  "  because  it  was  sin." 
She  declared  that  if  Eunice  were  to  ask  her  a  hundred  times  she 
would  not  go  again,  and  she  retained  an  aversion  to  that  fruit 
for  a  long  time  after. "^ 

20.  21.  (20)  choice  silver,  of  exceeding  value  are  the 
words  he  speaks,  little  worth,"  lit.  is  rZ;YW.<,  or  thiti  Jilings. 
(21)  feed  many,  with  sound  instruction  and  guidance,  for 
want  of,  better,  "through  him  who  wanteth  understanding."* 

tSpeech  of  iri.sc  and  foolish  (v.  20). — I.  The  speech  of  the  good 
man  is  valuable,  that  of  the  other  is  worthless.  II.  The  speech 
of  the  good  man  is  nourishing,  tliat  of  the  other  is  killing.    TTL 


Cap.  X  22-25.] 


PROVERBS. 


87 


The  speech  of  the  good  man  is  wise,  that  of  the  other  is  foolish. 
IV.  The  speech  of  the  good  mau  is  acceptable,  that  of  the  other 
is  perverse.'^ 

Biding  the  ionrjue. — Socrates,  the  ecclesiastical  historiographer, 
report.s  a  story  of  one  Pambo,  a  plain,  ignorant  man,  who  came 
to  a  learned  man,  and  desired  him  to  teach  him  some  psalm  or 
other.  He  began  to  read  unto  him  the  thirty-ninth  Psalm,  "  I 
said,  I  will  take  heed  to  my  waj's.  that  I  sin  not  with  mj'  tongue.'" 
Having  passed  this  first  verse,  Pambo  shut  the  book,  and  took 
his  leave,  saying  that  he  would  go  learn  that  point  fiist.  When 
he  had  absented  himself  for  the  space  of  some  months,  he  was 
demanded  by  his  reader  when  he  would  go  forward.  He 
answered,  that  he  had  not  yet  learned  his  old  lesson  ;  and  he 
gave  the  very  same  answer  to  one  that  asked  the  like  question 
forty-nine  years  after. "^ 

22.  it  maketh  rich,  not  the  fruits  of  man's  toil,  but  the 
blessing  wh.  God  makes  to  rest  upon  it  is  the  true  riches, 
addeth,  trans,  ''and  labour  added  nothing  beside  it,"*""  i.e.  as 
eupplementary  to  the  Div.  blessing. 

The  moral  pluinea  of  life  (r.  22). — There  are  five  things  in  these 
verses  of  great  moral  significance.  I.  Wealth  making  hapjjy. 
II.  Mischief  done  in  sport.  III.  Justice  done  to  all.  IV.  In- 
dolence causing  vexation.  V.  Character  revealed  in  its  issues.* 
■ — God'.f  hlensing  the  great e-nt  rielies  (r.  22). — I.  In  what  respects 
the  b!es.«ing  of  God  may  be  said  to  make  rich.  1.  Because  it  is 
in  reality  the  source  of  all  wealth  :  2.  Because  it  is  in  itself  the 
greatest  wealth.  II.  The  peculiar  happiness  of  the  person  so 
enriched.  1.  With  all  other  riches  there  is  a  mixture  of  sorrow 
to  embitter  them  ;  2.  To  the  wealth  God  gives  He  adds  no  sorrow. 
I.earn — (1)  In  what  spirit  to  address  your.selves  to  every  duty  in 
life  ;  (2)  What  to  look  for  as  your  chief  portion." 

Effect.f  of  ivenlth. — I  have  a  rich  neighbour  that  is  always  so 
busy  that  he  ha-  no  leisure  io  laugh  ;  the  whole  business  of  his 
life  is  to  get  money,  and  more  money,  that  he  may  still  get  more 
and  more  money  :  he  is  still  drudging  on.  and  says  that  Solomon 
says.  "  The  hand  of  the  diligent  maketh  rich."'  And  it  is  true 
indeed  :  but  he  considers  not  that  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  riches 
to  make  a  man  happy  :  for  it  was  wisely  said  hj  a  man  of  great 
observation,  that  "  There  may  be  as  many  miseries  beyond  riches 
as  on  this  side  them."  And  yet  God  deliver  us  from  pinching 
poverty,  and  grant  that,  having  a  competency,  we  may  be  content 
and  thankful.  Let  us  not  repine,  or  so  much  as  think  the  gifts 
of  God  unequally  dealt,  if  we  see  another  abc;und  Avith  riches, 
when,  as  God  knows,  the  cares  that  are  the  keys  that  keep  those 
riches  hang  often  so  heavily  at  the  rich  man's  girdle,  that  they  i 
clog  him  with  weary  days  and  restless  nights,  even  when  others  j 
eleep  quietly.  We  see  but  the  outside  of  the  rich  man's  happi- 
ness :  few  consider  him  to  be  like  the  silkworm,  that,  when  she 
seems  to  play,  is  at  the  very  same  time  spinning  her  own  bowels, 
and  consuming  herself :  and  this  many  rich  men  do,  loading 
themselves  with  corroding  cares,  to  keep  what  they  have  probably 
unconscionably  got.** 

23—25.  (23)  sport,  it  is  his  pleasure  and  play."  hath 
wisdom,  for  his  recreation  and  refreshment.  (24)  the  fear, 
i.e.  the  thing  wh.  he  fears.    "  Whatsoever  a  man  soweth,  that 


safety ;  the  fool, 
empty  -headed 
and     empty- 
hearted,  involves 
others  like  him- 
self   in   destruc- 
ti  on  .  "  —  Sj>k. 
Com. 
Ho.  iv.  6. 
c  Dr.  Thomas. 
V.  20.    T.  Munton, 
iv.  1053. 

r.21.  T.  Newman, 
ii.  SG9. 


d  Spencer. 


a  "  This  is  not  to 
betaken  literally, 
as  though  per- 
chance labour 
were  in  itself  cast 
aside,  and  the 
Oriental  i  n  d  o  ■■ 
lence  commend- 
ed :  nor  again  is 
the  privilege 
given  to  the 
pious  of  being  re- 
leased from  ordi- 
nary human  toils, 
and  of  folding 
their  hands  in  re- 
liance on  their 
powerful  Friend  : 
the  aim  is  only, 
after  the  empha- 
tic and  onesided 
manner  of  the 
proverb,  to  make 
prominent  the 
other  side  of  the 
case,  overlooked 
by  restless  toil- 
ers."— Hup/eld. 

Eccl.  V.  19. 

6  Dr.  Thomas. 

c  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

"Great  wants 
proceed  from 
great  wealth  ; 
but  they  are  un- 
dutiful  children, 
for  they  siuk 
wealth  down  to 
poverty."~//ow»«. 

d  I.  Walton 


a  Lit.  "  It  Is  Ilk* 
a  laugh  to  the 
fool,  to  exeout* 
evil  couDseL" 


88 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  X.  26,  27. 


6  Ga.  vi.  7;  Job 
iii.  25  ;  Pr.  xi.  27  ; 
Is.  Ixvi.  4. 

e  J.  Miller. 

d  Ps.  cxxv.  1. 

*  /.  Banyan. 

V.  21.  R.  Dukes, 
345  ;  T.  Knowles, 
11102. 


a  Diiv.  Thomas, 
D.D. 

"Perhaps  the 
nearest  approach 
in  the  whole  book 
to  the  humor- 
ous."— Spk.  Com. 

"  Idleness  is  a 
constant  sin,  and 
labour  is  a  duty. 
Idleness  is  the 
devil's  home  for 
temptation,  and 
for  unprotitable, 
distracting  mu- 
sing ;  while  la- 
b  0  u  r  profiteth 
others  ami  our- 
•elves." —  Baxter. 

h  Swinnocke. 


a  J.  Miller. 

Virtue  is  the 
surest  road  to 
longevity ;  but 
vice  moets  with 
an  early  doom. 

"  How  long  shall 
■we  sit  in  our  jwr- 
ticoes  pr.aising 
idle  and  musty 
virtues,  w  h  i  c  h 
any  work  woiiM 
make  imperti- 
nent ?  As  if  one 
■were  to  begin  the 
day  with  long- 
suffering,  a  n  d  I 
hire  a  man  to  hoe  i 
his  potatoes." — 
Thoreau. 


shall  he  also  reap."*  be  granted,  by  God.  (2.'5)  whirlwind, 
2  Ki.  ii.  1.  By  the  fig',  of  the  great  storm  is  indicated  the  .wdtlen- 
ne.1.1,  the  thoronqlnieifx.  and  the  hclplr.i-inc-ia  of  the  sinner's  ruin.* 
everlasting  foundation,  cnmp.  Mat.  vii.  24—27.'' 

The  desire  of  the  r'uihtemix  r/rantrd  (v.  24). — I.  Who  is  the 
righteous  man?  1.  Whom  God  counts  so  ;  2.  Whom  Goii  makes 
so;  3.  Who  is  practically  righteous.  II.  What  are  his  desires  ? 
1.  Communion  with  God  :  2.  Enjoyment  of  holy  ordinances  :  3. 
The  personal  presence  of  God.  III.  What  is  meant  by  their 
being  granted?  IV.  Application.  1.  There  are  other  desires 
than  those  of  the  righteous  ;  2.  Art  thou  righteous  1' 

26.  vinegar,  or  the  sour  wine  used  by  the  peasants,  smoke, 
of  wood,  wh.  makes  the  eyes  smart.  SO,  causing  like  annoyance 
and  vexation,  sluggard,  who  loiters  on  his  errands.  '•  Lazi- 
ness is  bad  for  the  man  himself,  but  is  most  vexatious  to  those 
who  are  unfortunate  enough  to  employ  him  in  their  service.'"" 

Idle  j^eople. — Idle  persons  are  like"  wens  in  the  face,  which 
receive  of  the  body's  nourishment,  but  serve  only  to  disfigure  it. 
Those  that  are  no  workers  in  God's  account  are  "  disorderly 
walkers."  Augustus  built  an  Apragopolis,  a  city  void  of  busi- 
ness ;  but  God  made  not  the  world  to  be  the  nursery  of  idleness. 
The  Ethiopians  (as  the  historian  observeth)  would  acquaint  their 
youth  that  they  were  born  to  labour,  by  accustoming  them 
betimes  to  fling  great  stones.  Ainong.st  the  Turks  every  man 
must  follow  some  trade,  the  Grand  Seigneur  himself  not  ex- 
cepted. The  ei'n.vn-es  moritin  among  the  Romans  were  to  observe 
who  were  diligent,  who  were  jiegligent  in  their  vocations,  and 
accordingly  to  commend  or  condemn  them.  The  Grecians,  ac- 
cording to  Solon's  law,  were  great  discouragers  of  them  that, 
like  vermin,  lived  only  to  eat  what  others  earn.  The  council  of 
the  Areopagites  inquired  how  every  man  lived,  and  punished 
such  as  they  found  idle.  The  devils  themselves  are  diligent 
about  their  deeds  of  darkness  ;  creatures  void  of  life  are  service- 
able in  their  places  and  stations  ;  angels,  nay,  God  Himself,  is 
always  working.  An  idle  person  cannot  find,  either  in  heaven 
or  hell,  a  pattern.*" 

27.  prolongeth  da.ys,  a  statement  frequently  repeated  in 
this  book  ;  here  the  antithesis  may  be  tlms  ex])re.=ised.  "  The  fear 
of  Jehovah  makes  great  days,  but  the  years  of  the  wicked  shall 
be  made  little." 

The  .spiritual  monk. — A  certain  brother  came  to  the  convent 
at  Mount  Sinai,  and  finding  all  the  monks  at  work,  shook  his 
head  and  said  to  the  abbot.  "  Labour  not  for  the  meat  which 
perisheth."  and  "  Mary  hath  chosen  that  good  part."  ''  Very 
well."  said  the  abbot,  and  ordered  the  good  brother  to  a  coll  and 
gave  him  a  book  to  rea^l.  The  monk  retired,  and  sat  hour  after 
hour  all  day  long  alone,  wondering  much  that  nobody  called 
him  to  dinner  or  offered  him  any  refreshment.  Hungry  and 
wearied  out.  the  night  at  length  arrived  :  he  left  his  solitary 
cell,  and  repaired  to  the  apartment  of  the  abbot.  •'  Father,''  says 
he,  "  do  not  the  brethren  oat  to-day  ?"  "  Oh  yes,"  replied  tlao 
abbot,  ''  thoy  have  eaten  plontifullj'."  "  Then  how  is  it.  f.ither." 
said  the  monk,  "  that  you  did  not  call  me  to  partake  with  them  ?" 
"Because,  brother,"  replied  the  abbot,  you  area  spiritual  man, 
and  have  no  need  of  carnal  food.     For  our  part  we  are  obliged 


Cap.  X.  28-32.] 


PROVERBS. 


89 


to  eat,  and  on  that  account  we  work  ;  but  you,  brother,  who 
have  chosen  '  the  good  part,'  you  sit  and  read  all  the  day  long, 
and  are  above  the  want  of  the  meat  that  perisheth."  "  Pardon  me, 
father,"  said  the  monk,  "  I  perceive  my  mistake." 

28.  gladness,  bee.  it  shall  surely  gain  its  fruition,  perish," 
in  that  day  when  all  human  works  are  tried  by  fire,  and  the 
worthless  burned  up. 

True  and  false  hope  (v.  28). — I.  All  men  cherish  some  sort  of 
hope.  II.  True  hope  ends  in  happiness.  III.  False  hope  ends  in 
disappointment.* 

Falae  hojie. — A  "hope"  is  to  some  like  a  passport,  which  one 
keeps  quietly  in  his  pocket  till  the  time  for  the  journey,  and 
then  proJuces  it.  Or  like  life-preservers,  which  hang  useless 
around  the  vessel  until  the  hour  of  danger  comes,  when  the 
captain  calls  on  every  passenger  to  save  himself  :  and  then  they 
are  taken  down  and  blown  vip.  and  each  man,  with  his  hope 
under  his  arm,  strikes  out  for  the  land  :  and  so  such  men  would 
keep  their  religions  hope  hanging  until  death  comes,  and  then 
take  it  down  and  inflate  it,  that  it  may  buoy  them  up,  and 
float  them  over  the  dark  river  to  the  heavenly  shore.  Or  as  the 
inhabitants  of  Block  Island  keep  their  boats  hauled  high  upon 
the  beach,  and  only  use  them  now  and  then,  when  they  would 
cross  to  the  mainland  ;  so  such  men  keej?  their  hopes  high  and 
dry  upon  the  shore  of  life,  only  to  be  used  when  they  have  to  cross 
the  flood  that  divides  this  island  of  time  from  the  mainland  of 
eternity."^ 

29,  30.  (29)  way  of  the  Lord,  the  Div.  order  of  the  world. 
In  the  long  run  it  surely  turns  out  to  be  for  the  upright,  and 
against  the  wicked,  strength,  both  mental  and  moral."  '"A 
fortress,  wherever  he  goes  he  is  in  a  castle."*  (30)  never  be 
removed,  comj).  ch.  xiii.  3  ;  Ps.  sxxvii.  22. 

The  Lord's  iraij  {v.  29). — I.  The  Lord  has  a  way  for  man  to 
walk  in.  1.  He  has  a  way  for  Himself  ;  2.  He  has  a  way  for 
His  creatures  ;  3.  He  has  a  way  for  man,  the  way  of  social  justice 
and  Divine  worship.  II.  The  man  who  walks  in  this  way  gets 
strength.  1.  Intellectual  strength;  2.  Moral  strength;  3.  In- 
creasing strength.' 

The  way  of  the  Lord. — The  ways  of  the  Lord  confirm  upright 
hearts.  They  make  upright  hearts  strong — strong  to  withstand 
temptations,  strong  to  conquer  corruptions,  strong  to  rejoice 
under  afflictions,  strong  to  perform  the  most  heavenly  duties, 
strong  to  improve  the  most  spiritual  mercies  ;  the  ways  of  the 
Lord  make  strong,  they  confirm  such  hearts  as  walk  in  them. 
The  most  renowned  and  honoured  saints  that  ever  breathed  on 
earth,  and  that  are  now  triumphant  in  heaven,  have  walked  in 
these  ways  of  God.'^ 

31,  32.  (31)  bringeth  forth,  "  as  a  tree  full  of  life  and 
Ban  brings  forth  its  fruit,  cut  off,  or  cut  down,  as  are  unfruitful 
trees."  (32)  know,  find  always,  as  if  iustinctively,  what  is 
acceptable,  frowardness,  all  kinds  of  deceit  and  ill-nature.* 
Lit.  "  is  perversions  and  dcistructions."  There  is  a  "  forwardness 
that  is  distasteful  to  all  consciences,  and  repugnant  to  the  heart 
of  God  and  the  good.""^ 

A  go-tft'iping  tcnr/ve. — A  man  who,  for  a  moment's  gossiping 
gratification,  drops  an  idle  word  affecting  a  neighboia''s  character,  j 


a  JcS3  viii.  23,  xi. 
20 ;  Ps.  cxii.  10. 

b  W.  W.  Whythe. 

V.  28.  W.  G. 
Barnes,  ii.  11.9 ; 
lir.  H.  Blair,  r.  1. 

"Hope  Is  the 
daughter  of 
Faith,  but  such 
as  is  a  staff  to  her 
aged  Biother,  and 
will  produce  a 
bold  and  wise 
profession  of  the 
trutli  before  men, 
as  also  prayer  to 
God.  It  is  as  the 
cork  upon  the 
net :  though  the 
lead  on  the  one 
side  sinks  it 
down,  yet  the 
cork  on  tlie  other 
keeps  it  up." — 
J.  Trapp. 

c  Beecher. 

a  The  more  we 
do  in  the  service 
of  God,  the  more 
we  are  enabled  to 
do. 

b  Woj'dsworth. 

r.  29.  K.  Ecimer, 
2G  ;  G.  J.  ZoUikof- 
fer,  i.  262. 

c  Dr.  Thomas. 

"He  that  knows 
a  httle  of  the 
world  will  ad- 
mire it  enough 
to  fall  down  and 
worship  it ;  but 
he  that  knows  it 
most  wiU  most 
despise  it." — 
Colton. 

d  T.  Brockes. 


a  "  The  abuse  of 
God's  gift  bt 
speecti  will  lead 
uliiniately  to  its 
forfeiture.  There 
shall,  at  last,  be 
the  silence  of 
shame  and  con- 
f  u  sic  n." — Spt. 
Com. 

J  "When  God's 
honour  and    tlia 


90 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zl.  1,  a. 


ediftoation  and 
iijiproveiuent  of 
ou'j  s  neigliboui- 
is  not  the  chief 
end  of  our  speak- 
in;?,  it  is  a  si'^n 
that  Eternal  Wis- 
dom has  not  yet 
wholly  sanctificjil 
our  hearts." — 
Sarkf. 

e  Die.  Thomas, 
D  D. 

Jas.  iii.  13. 
d  F.  W.  Riberlson. 


a  Le.  :dx.  36  ;  De. 
XXV.  13—16. 

6  Corap.  Mat.  vii. 
12;  Phi.  iv.  8; 
1  Th.  iv.  6. 
*'  As  religion  to- 
wards God  is  a 
brancli  of  uni- 
versal righteous- 
ness (h<?  is  not  an 
honest  man  that 
is  not  devout),  so 
righteousness  to- 
wards men  is  a 
branch  of  true 
religion  ;  for  he  is 
not  a  godly  man 
that  is  not 
honest,  nor  can 
he  expect  that 
his  devotion 
should  be  accept- 
ed."-J/rt/.  Henry. 

e  H.  S.  Brown. 


d  JoUiffe. 


18, 


a   Pr.    xvi. 
xviii.  12. 

"  What  is  pride  ? 
It  is  inordinate 
self-appreciation. 
It  is  the  putting 
of  too  high  an  I 
estimate  on  self. 
This  feeling 
comes  to  a  soul. 
It  is  not  born  in 
lt."-l)av.  Tkomis, 
D.D. 

b  "  Lowly  souls 
become  full  of 
wisdotn,  as  the 
low  place  be- 
comes full  of 
wa'-er."  —  Rabbi- 
nical parajihrase. 

Lu.  xiv.  10, 11. 

eDr.  Tliomat. 


resembles  that  Scotchman  who,  from  partiality  to  the  flora  of 
his  native  land,  sowed  a  little  thistle-down  in  the  British  colony 
whore  he  had  raised  his  tabernacle,  and  where  that  nuisance  to 
agriculturists  had  been  unknown  up  to  that  time.  It  grew 
and  flourished  ;  and  breezes — like  the  active  wind  of  talk,  that 
soon  propagates  a  slander- — carried  the  winged  seeds  hither  and 
thither,  to  found  for  their  obnoxious  species  thousands  of  new 
homes.  It  is  as  unsafe  to  keep  company  with  one  whose  tongue 
is  hung  too  loosely  as  to  ride  in  a  vehicle  whose  linchpins  are 
loose.'* 


CHAPTER  THE  ELEVENTH. 

1.  false  'balance,"  used  literally,  but  also  as  representing^ 
all  unrighteous  dealings.  With  the  keen  bargaining  spirit 
characteristic  of  the  Jews,  this  must  always  have  been  to  them 
a  bessttiug  sin.''  just  weight,  lit.  a/uU  stone,  bee.  stones  were 
used  instead  of  metal  weights. 

Weifjht.f  and  mcasxrcs  (r.  1). — I.  The  text  brings  before  ua 
this  solemn  and  important  truth,  that  God  sees  and  takes  notice 
of  all  business  transactions.  II.  The  just  weight  being  the 
simple  bub  expresf5ive  representation  of  all  fair  dealing,  the 
words  now  before  us  mean  that  all  fair  dealing  is  God's  delight. 
III.  There  must  be  just  dealing-  towards  God  as  well  as  towards 
man."" 

Punishment  of  fraud  in  the  East. — The  kind  of  fraud  here 
referred  to  was  held  in  great  detestation,  and  frequently  visited 
with  severe  punishment  when  detected.  "  A  police  officer  ob- 
serving one  morning  a  female,  not  a  native,  carrj'ing  a  large 
piece  of  cheese,  inquired  where  she  had  purchased  it.  Being 
ignorant  of  the  vendor's  name,  she  conducted  him  to  his  shop, 
and  the  magistrate  suspecting  the  quantity  to  be  deficient  ia 
weight,  placed  ib  in  the  scales,  and  found  his  suspicions  verified  ; 
whereupon  he  straightway  ordered  his  attendants  to  cut  a  portion 
of  flesh  from  the  delinquent's  jjerson  equivalent  to  the  just 
measure.  The  order  was  instantly  executed,  and  the  sufferer 
bled  to  death."'' 

2.  pride  cometh,  lit.  "there  hath  come  pride,  and  there  will 
come  shame,"  i.e.  on  the  proud."  lowly,*  derived  from  the 
Chaldee  to  conceal,  and  denotes  strictly  those  who  hide  them- 
selves, or  renounce  self. 

The  advent  and  evil  of  pride  (r.  2). — I.  The  advent  of  pride. 
How  does  ib  come?  1.  By  associating  only  with  inferiors;  2. 
By  practically  ignoring  the  true  standards  :  3.  By  a  practical 
disregard  to  the  majesty  of  God.  II.  The  evil  of  pride.  See 
Bible  examples.     ].  Shame  of  folly  :  2.  Shame  of  guilt.' 

Pride. — The  foulest  stain  and  highest  absurdity  in  our  nature 
is  pride.  And  yet  this  base  hedgehog  so  rolls  himself  up  in  his 
bristly  coat  we  can  seldom  get  a  sight  of  his  claws.  It  is  the 
root  of  unbelief.  Men  cannot  submit  to  the  righteousness  of 
Christ,  and  pride  cleaves  to  them  like  a  pitched  shirt  to  the  skin, 
or  like  leprosy  to  the  wall.  No  sharp  culture  of  jiloughing  and 
harrowing  will  clear  the  ground  of  it.  The  foul  weed  will  be  sure 
I  to  spring  up  again  with  the  next  kindly  rain.  This  diabolical  sin 
has  brought  more  scourges  on  my  back  than  anything  else  ;  and 


Cap.  xi.  3.] 


PROVERBS. 


91 


it  is  of  so  insinuating  a  nature  that  I  know  not  how  to  part 
with  it.  I  hate  it.  and  love  it ;  I  quarrel  with  it,  and  embrace 
it ;  I  dread  it,  and  yet  suffer  it  to  lie  down  in  my  bosom.  It 
pleads  a  right,  through  the  fall,  to  be  a  tenant  for  life  ;  and  has 
such  a  wonderful  appetite,  that  it  can  feed  kindly  both  on  grease 
and  garbage — will  be  as  warm  and  snug  in  a  cloister  as  a  palace, 
and  be  as  much  delighted  with  a  fine  prayer  as  a  foul  oath.'' 

3.  integrity,  wholeness,  simplicity,  sincerity,  guide  them, 
by  giving  them  the  keen,  quick  sense  of  right  and  wrong." 
pBrverssness,  or  slijiperiness,  perhaps  ill-nut ure.  destroy 
them,  with  violence. 

The  value  of  integrity  (v.  3). — I.  Direct  attention  to  the  in- 
trinsic worth  and  excellency  of  integrity.  1.  It  is  in  exact 
correspondence  with  the  character  and  mind  of  our  Creator  ;  2. 
It  is  conformity  to  the  Divine  will  ;  3.  It  imparts  stability  and 
strength  to  all  the  other  virtues  and  excellencies  of  the  human 
character.  II.  The  benefits  and  advantages  which  it  confers 
upon  the  individual  who  possesses  it.  1.  It  guides  him  in  the 
affairs  of  life  ;  2.  It  saves  from  doubts  and  misgivings  :  3.  It 
secures  the  good  wishes,  assistance,  and  co-operation  of  others  ; 
4.  It  produces  peace  and  satisfaction  of  mind  :  5.  It  has  advan- 
tages also  for  the  season  of  adversity.  III.  The  benefits  which 
it  confers  upon  society  at  large.  1.  Society  makes  efforts  to 
secure  integrity  between  man  and  man  ;  2.  It  confers  the  power 
to  do  good  ;  3.  It  commends  religion  and  the  Christian  profession  ; 
4.  It  has  great  benefits  in  the  final  issue  of  things.'' 

Onee  too  often. — There  is  an  old  Grecian  legend  of  a  diver  who 
boasted  of  his  skill  to  bring  up  treasures  from  the  sea.  To  test 
his  power  the  people  threw  many  a  silver  cup  and  many  a  golden 
coin  into  deeji  water,  all  of  which  he  brought  to  the  surface 
•with  triumph.  But  one  day  a  disguised  fiend  threw  a  tinsel 
crown  into  a  whirlpool,  and  challenged  the  confident  diver  to 
bring  it  up,  promising  him,  if  he  succeeded,  the  poM-er  to  wear 
it,  and  to  transmit  it  to  his  children.  Down  he  sprang  after 
the  bauble,  but  the  Nereids  of  the  sea,  hearing  the  clangour  of 
the  crown  when  it  fell  upon  the  grottoes,  closed  around  him  as 
he  vas  grasping  the  prize,  and  held  him  fast  till  he  perished. 
The  most  daring  may  dare  once  too  often  ;  folly,  though  long 
successful,  will  plunge  its  victim  into  ruin  at  last. 

Putting  off  repentance. — A  hermit  was  conducted  by  an  angel 
into  a  wood,  where  he  saw  an  old  man  cutting  down  boughs  to 
make  up  a  burden.  When  it  was  large  he  tied  it  up,  and 
attempted  to  lift  it  on  his  shoulders  and  carry  it  away.  But 
finding  it  very  heavy,  he  laid  it  down  again,  cut  more  wood,  and 
heaped  it  on,  and  then  tried  again  to  carrj^  it  off.  This  he  re- 
peated several  times,  always  adding  something  to  the  load,  after 
trying  in  vain  to  raise  it  from  the  ground.  In  the  meantime  the 
hermit,  astonished  at  the  old  man's  folly,  desired  the  angel  to 
explain  what  this  meant.  "You  behold,"  said  he,  "  in  the  foolish 
old  man  a  representation  of  those  who.  being  made  sensible  of  the 
burden  of  their  sins,  resolve  to  repent,  but  soon  grow  weary,  and 
instead  of  lessening  their  burden,  increase  it  every  day.  At  each 
trial  they  find  the  task  heavier  than  before,  and  so  put  it  off  a 
little  longer,  in  vain  hoping  that  they  will  by-and-by  be  more 
able  to  accomplish  it.  Thus  they  go  on  adding  to  their  burden 
tiU  it  grows  too  heavy  to  be  borne,  and  then,  in  despair  of  God's 


V.  2.  M.  A.  MeU 
Inn.  i.  58;  R, 
Warner,  iii.  213. 

d  J.  Berridge. 


a  Eph.  v\.  14 ; 
1  Pe.  iii.  13. 

6  R.  Redpath, 
SI.  A. 

V.  3.  Dr.  n.  Blair, 
iv.  313;  Dr.  V. 
Knox,  vi.  112. 

"An  entirely 
honest  man,  in 
the  severe  sense 
of  the  word, 
e.Nists  no  more 
tlian  an  entirely 
dishonest  knave ; 
the  best  and  the 
worst  are  only 
approximations 
to  those  qualities. 
Wlio  are  those 
that  never  con- 
tradict them- 
selves? Yet 
honesty  never 
contradiotsitself. 
Who  are  they 
who  always  con- 
tradict them- 
selves? Yet 
knavery  is  mere 
self-  contradic- 
tion. Thus  the 
knowledge  of 
man  determines 
not  the  things 
tliemselves,  but 
their  propor- 
tions, the  quan- 
tum of  congru- 
ities  and  incon- 
gruities."—  La- 
rater. 

A     mother     ex- 
plained   to    her 
little     daughter, 
who    could    not 
comprehend   her 
father's      death, 
that     God     had 
sent  for  him.  and 
would  by-and-by 
'  send    for    them 
all,     how     soon 
they    could    not 
I  tell.  "  Well,  then, 
mother,"  said  the 
'  child,  "if  God  is 
:  going  to  send  for 
■  us  soon,  and  wa 
'  don't  know   just 
when,  hadn't  we 
better   begin  ta 


92 


[Cap  xl.  4, 


pack  up  and  get 
ready  to  go  ? " 
T)ii3  incident, 
related  to  the 
wounded  and 
dying  inmates 
of  an  army 
hospital,  was  tlie 
means  of  niiicli  i 
good. 

e  S.  S.  Times. 

Neglecting  pre- 
paration for 
eternity  is  like 
the  traveller 
across  the  desert, 
or  throiigli  a 
hostile  wilder- 
ness, who  pro- 
vides nothing  for 
his  journey ;  Uke 
the  ambassador 
to  a  far  country, 
who  forgets  his 
massage ;  like  tlie 
invited  guest 
who  put  not  on 
the  wedding- 
garment  ;  like 
the  fool  who 
counselled  h  i  s 
soul  to  take  its 
ease,  while  God's 
voice  called  him 
to  judgment. 

d  Bp.  Villers. 


•  "A  good  con- 

Bcience  will  make  j 
death  easy,  and  I 
take  off  the  terror 
of  it ;  it  is  the 
privilege  of  the 
righteous  only 
not  to  be  hurt  of 
the  second  death, 
anil  so  not  much 
hurt  by  tlie  first." 
— Mat.  Henry. 

"  Probity  is  as 
rarely  in  accord 
with  interest  as 
reason  is  with 
passion." — Sanial 
Dubaj/, 


mercy  and  with  their  sins  unrepented  of.  they  lie  down  and  die, 
Turn  again,  my  son,  and  behold  the  end  of  the  old  man,  whom 
thou  sawest  heai)ing  up  a  load  of  boughs."  The  hermit  looked 
and  saw  him  in  vain  attempting  to  remove  the  pile,  whiuh  was 
now  accumulated  far  beyond  his  strength  to  raise.  His  feeble 
limbs  tottered  over  their  burden,  the  poor  rsmaias  of  his  strength 
were  fast  ebbing  away,  the  darkness  of  death  was  gathering 
around  him,  and  after  a  convulsive  and  impotent  attempt  to  lift 
the  pile,  he  fell  down  and  expired. ' 

Bible  Vtfjht  refusi'd. — I  once  happened  to  be  on  a  vijit  to  a 
great  castle,  situate  on  the  top  of  a  hill.  There  was  a  steep  cliff, 
at  the  bottom  of  which  was  a  rapid  river.  Late  one  night,  there 
was  a  person  anxious  to  get  home  from  that  castle,  in  the  midst 
of  a  thunderstorm.  The  night  was  blackness  itself  ;  the  woman 
was  asked  to  stop  till  the  storm  was  over,  but  she  declined  ;  next 
they  begged  her  to  take  a  lantern,  that  she  mi.;ht  be  able  to  keep 
upon  the  road  from  the  castle  to  her  home.  She  said  she  did  not 
require  a  lantern,  but  could  do  very  well  without  one.  She  went. 
Perhaps  she  was  frightened  by  the  storm — I  know  not  the  cause 
—but  in  the  midst  of  the  darkness  she  wandered  from  the  path, 
and  fell  over  the  cliff ;  the  next  day  that  swollen  river  washed  to 
the  shore  the  poor  lifeless  body  of  this  foolish  woman.  How 
many  such  foolish  ones  are  there  who.  when  the  light  is  offered 
to  them,  only  say,  '•  I  am  not  afraid  ;  I  fear  not  my  end  I  "  and 
how  many  have  perished  because  they  have  refused  the  light  of 
God's  truth,  which  would  have  guided  them  on  the  road  to 
heaven.'' — ''  Iloneitty  is  the  bat  poUi-y." — A  poor  but  honent  youth. 
— A  lad  who  was  on  his  way  to  an  uncle,  to  ask  aid  for  a  sick 
sister  and  her  children,  found  a  wallet  containing  a  sum  of  money. 
The  help  sought  was  refused,  and  the  distressed  family  was 
pinched  with  want.  The  boy  revealed  his  fortune  to  his  mother, 
but  expressed  a  doubt  about  using  any  portion  of  the  money. 
She  confirmed  his  good  resolution,  and  the  pocket-book  waa 
advertised,  and  the  owner  found.  Being  a  man  of  wealth,  upon 
learning  the  history  of  the  family,  he  presented  the  whole  sum 
to  the  sick  mother,  and  took  the  boy  into  his  service,  who 
ultimately  became  one  of  the  most  successful  merchants  of  the 
day.  Honesty  always  brings  its  reward, — to  the  conscience  if 
not  to  the  pocket. 

4.  day  of  ■wrath.,  any  time  of  national  calamity,  such  as  a 
siege.  Then  riches  rather  increase  the  peril  than  provide  a  safe- 
guard, righteousness,  the  men  of  character  are  always  the 
men  of  influence  and  power  in  times  of  calamity,  from  death, 
peril  of  death." 

The  Indian  and  the  quarter  of  a  dollar. — An  Indian  visiting 
his  white  neighbours,  asked  for  a  little  tobacco  to  smoke,  and  one 
of  them  having  some  loose  in  his  pocket,  gave  him  a  handful. 
The  day  following,  the  Indian  came  back,  inquiring  for  the  donor, 
saying  he  had  found  a  quarter  of  a  dollar  among  the  tobacco. 
Being  told  that,  as  it  was  given  him.  he  might  as  well  keep  it.  he 
answered,  pfiintiiig  to  his  breast,  "  I  got  a  good  man  and  a  bad 
man  here  ;  and  the  good  man  say,  it  is  not  mine,  I  must  return 
it  to  the  owner  ;  the  bad  man  say,  why  he  gave  it  you.  and  it  is 
your  own  now  :  the  good  man  say,  that  not  right,  the  tobacco  is 
your'',  not  the  money  ;  the  bad  man  say.  never  mind,  you  got  it, 
go  buy  some  dram  :  the  good  man  say,  no,  no,  you  must  not  do 


Cap.  xl.  5—8.] 


PROVERBS. 


93 


eo  :  so  I  don't  know  what  to  do  ;  and  I  think  to  go  to  sleep  ;  but 
the  good  man  and  the  bad  kept  talking  all  night,  and  trouble  me  ; 
and  now  I  bring  the  money  back,  I  feel  good." 

5,  6.  (5)  direct,  marg.  rectify  ;  make  plain,  fall  .  .  ■wicked- 
ness, wh.  thus  is  found  to  bear  quite  other  fruitage  than  he  ex- 
pected. (G)  taken,  as  if  in  a  trap,  naiiglitiness,  1  Sa.  xvii.  28. 

Character  inherited. — An  old  man  died  a  few  years  ago  in  the 
Massachusetts  State  prison.  He  was  seventy-six  years  old,  and 
had  spent  the  last  eight  years  of  his  life  in  a  cell  in  that  gloomy 
jail.  His  wife  for  years  had  been  a  prisoner  there  too,  and  so 
had  his  daughter,  and  seven  of  his  sons.  Were  not  "  the  iniquities 
of  the  father  visited  upon  the  children  ? "  In  that  same  State, 
peventy  years  ago.  a  good  minister  died,  who  for  forty-one  years 
had  been  a  beloved  pastor  over  the  same  church.  Pie  was  the 
fourteenth  eldest  son  of  the  same  name  and  family  who  had  been 
a  preacher  of  the  Gospel.  Since  his  death,  one  hundred  of  his 
descendants  have  been  Christians,  and  eight  of  his  sons  and 
grandsons  have  also  been  ministers.  Through  that  blessed  family, 
for  many  long  years,  the  Great  Father  of  love  has  been  '•  showing 
mercy  to  thousands  of  them  that  love  Him  and  keep  His  com 
mandments." 

7.  expectation,  wh.  concerned  no  more  than  the  things  of 
this  life,     unjust  men,  lit.  qfranifie.'<,  men  of  vanity." 

The  terrihJe  in  human  hi.ttory  (t-.  7). — There  are  two  terrible 
events  here.  I.  Death  meeting  the  wicked  man.  1.  Death  does 
not  wait  for  reformation  of  character ;  2.  The  greatest  enemies 
of  God  and  His  universe  are  overcome.  II.  Hope  leaving  the 
human  soul.* 

Spirals  death-hed. — Francis  Spira,  an  Italian  lawyer,  embraced 
Christianity,  discovered  great  zeal  in  its  diffusion,  and  was  dis- 
tinguished for  his  extensive  knowledge  of  the  Gospel.  When  he 
found  that  he  was  likely  to  suffer  for  the  sake  of  Christ,  he  pub- 
licly recanted  ;  and  soon  after,  being  seized  with  illness,  and 
having  the  prospect  of  death  before  him,  he  was  visited  by  several 
eminent  Christians,  who  conversed  and  prayed  with  him,  but  with- 
out avail.  He  died  in  a  state  of  the  most  awful  despair,  declaring 
the  impossibility  of  his  finding  mercy  at  the  hands  of  God. 

8.  is  delivered,  from  calamities  wh.  fall  upon  the  wicked." 
in  his  stead,  takes  his  place,  enters  into  the  trouble.'' 

Trouble  in  relation  to  the  ririhteoiia  and  the  trichrd  (r.  8). — All 
men  are  in  trouble.  I.  The  righteous  are  going  out  of  trouble. 
1.  Now  partially  :  2.  In  the  future  comiiletely.  II.  The  wicked 
are  going  into  trouble.  1.  The  trouble  they  are  going  to  is  un- 
mitigated ;  2.  Unending.' 

A  marfi/r. — It  is  related,  in  the  memoirs  of  the  celebrated 
William  Whiston,  that  a  Protestant,  in  the  days  of  Queen  Mary, 
of  the  name  of  Barber,  was  sentenced  to  be  burned.  He  walked 
to  Smithfield,  was  bound  to  the  stake,  the  fagots  were  piled 
around  him,  and  the  executioner  only  waited  the  word  of  com- 
m;ind  to  apjjly  the  torch.  At  this  crisis,  tidings  came  of  the 
queen's  death  ;  the  officers  were  compelled  to  stay  proceedings 
till  the  pleasure  of  Elizabeth  should  be  known  :  and  thus  the  life 
of  the  good  man  was  spared,  to  labour,  with  some  of  his  descen- 
dants, successfully  in  the  service  of  the  Lord  Jesus  and  His 
Church.- 


r.  5.  R.  W.  Dibdin, 
242. 

"  A  good  name  la 
properly  that  re- 
putation of  vir- 
tue that  every 
man  may  chal- 
lenge as  his  right 
anil  due  in  the 
opinions  of 
otlicrs,  tin  he  has 
made  forfeit  of  it 
by  the  vicious- 
ness  of  his  ac- 
tions."— South, 


a  "  Immortality 
and  a  future  re- 
tribution are  pre- 
sumptively sug^ 
gested  in  this 
passag  e."  —  0. 
Zocklei'. 

b  Dr.  Thomat, 


a  "  This  proposi- 
tion cannot  be 
the  result  of  ex- 
peri  men  t  al  obser- 
vation, but  only 
the  fresh  vigor- 
ous expression  of 
faitfi  in  God's 
justice,  such  as 
believes  where  it 
does  not  see." — 
Elslt-r. 

b  Est.  v.  14,  vii. 
10;  Da.  iii.  22,  vi. 
22.  21. 

c  Dr.  Tlwvms. 
"I  bless  God." 
said  Dr.  Watts, 
'•  I  can  lie  down 
with  comfort  to- 
nishfc.  not  being 
anxious  whether 
I  awake  in  this 
world  01 
another." 
dR.T.S. 


94 


PROVE/IBS. 


[Cap.  xl.  9—134 


If  /)r.  T.'iomi.t. 
"  \Viien  Aliixun- 
d-T  SAW  hi  ill -elf 
wouii  led  iiiiil  in 
lUng^T  of  death, 
he  tlien  saw  the 
vanity  of  those 
flatterers  that 
woiilil  have  pcr- 
auailed  him  lie 
was  a  goil.  So 
\v  h  e  u  we  see 
those  things 
upon  which  we 
set  our  hearts,  as 
if  our  chief  good, 
as  if  a  deity  were 
iu  them,  to  be 
wonuded  and 
ready  to  perish, 
let  us  learn  to 
•Iter  our 
thoughts  of 
them,  to  take  off 
our  hearts  from 
them.'-Jeremia/i 
Burroughs. 
h  C.  Spencer. 

a  "The  'mouth 
of    the    wicked,' 
the    channel    of 
impieties,    false- 
hood s,   impuri- 
ties,   and    innu- 
merable  per- 
nicious  errors, 
has  caused  in  all  | 
ages,  and  is  still  | 
causing,   the  I 
overthrow  of  I 
States." — Dav.  I 
Tltoma.1,  D.D. 

».  11.  W.Reading, 
ii.  578. 

b  Dr.  Thomas. 

"  Morality  is  that 
relation  or  pro- 
portion w  h  i  c  h 
actions  bear  to  a 
given  rule.  It  is 
generally  used  in 
reference  to  a 
good  life."— C. 
Buck. 

"Talk  they  of 
morals,  O  thou 
bleeding  Lamb  I 
The  grand  mo- 
rality is  love  of 
Thee." — Voung. 

e  Adam  Smith. 


a  Faitsset. 
Sheridan  spoke 
in  his  day  of  a 
set  of  "  malicious, 
prating,  prudent 
gossips,   both 


9.  hypo3rito,  Job  viii.  13.  mouth,  the  agrent  of  his  decep- 
tions. "  Tlie  artifices  of  that  shrewdness  which  is  the  instrument 
of  wickedness."     through  knowledge,  or  superior  discernment. 

lliipocrtsij  and  lawn-lrdijc  (r.  9). — From  the  text  we  may  iuier  — 

1.  That  hypocrisy  is  destructive.     It — 1.  Implies  the  i)ernicious  ; 

2.  Employs  the  pernicious.     II.  That  knowledg-e  is  restorative." 
Unirfrsnlitii  of  hjipocriKy. — The  Emperor  Frederick  III.,  when 

one  said  unto  him  he  would  go  and  find  some  place  where  no 
hypocrites  inhabited,  told  him  he  must  travel,  v'hcn.  far  enough 
beyond  the  Sauromatie.  or  the  Frozen  Ocean  ;  for  yet.  when  he 
came  there,  he  should  find  a  hypocrite  if  he  found  himself  there. 
And  it  is  true  that  every  man  is  a  hypocrite.  Hypocrisy  is  a 
lesson  that  every  mau  readily  lakes  m  It  continues  with  age,  it 
appears  with  infancy  :  the  wise  and  learned  practise  it ;  the 
duller  and  more  rude  attain  unto  it.  All  are  not  fit  for  the  wars  ; 
learning  must  have  the  picked  and  choicest  wits  ;  arts  must  have 
leisure  and  paius  ;  but  all  sorts  are  apt  enough,  and  thrive  in  the 
mystery  of  dissimulation.  The  whole  throng  of  mankind,  the 
whole  world,  is  but  a  shop  of  counterfeit  wares, — a  theatre  of 
hypocritical  disguises.     Grace  is  the  only  antidote.* 

10,  11.  (10)  goeth  well  with,  in  the  prosperity  of.  Perhaps 
meaning  when  the  righteous  are  set  in  places  of  authority  and 
honour,  shouting,  the  shout  of  rejoicing  at  the  loss  of  evil 
influence.  (11)  blessing,  implying  the  active  benevolence  :  or 
the  prayers  he  offers  for  the  city's  good.  The  term  may,  however, 
mean  the  blessing  wh.  God  gives  the  city  for  the  sake  of  the 
righteous  who  are  in  it.  mouth  of  the  wicked,  the  medium 
for  the  expression  of  their  evil." 

Public  cimxcience  In  relation  to  moral  rltaracter  {vr.  10,11). — 
The  words  lead  us  to  notice — I.  The  public  conscience  in  relation 
to  the  righteous.  1.  It  is  gratified  by  his  prosperity  ;  2.  It 
acknowledges  his  usefulness.  II.  Public  conscience  in  relation 
to  the  wicked.  1.  It  rejoices  in  their  ruin  ;  2.  It  acknowledges 
their  mischief.* 

Jhyard  to  the  ride.i  of  moralify. — The  regard  to  the  general 
rules  of  morality  is  what  is  properly  called  a  sense  of  duty  :  a 
principle  of  the  greatest  consequence  in  human  life,  and  the  only 
princijile  by  which  the  bulk  of  mankind  are  capable  of  directing 
their  actions.  There  is  scarce  any  man  who.  by  discipline,  educa- 
tion, and  example,  may  not  be  impressed  with  a  regard  to  the.se 
general  rules  of  conduct,  as  to  act  upon  almost  every  occasion 
with  tolerable  decency,  and,  through  the  whole  of  his  life,  avoid 
a  tolerable  degree  of  blame.  Without  this  sacred  regard  to  the 
general  rules  of  morality,  there  is  no  man  whose  conduct  can  be 
much  depended  upon.  It  is  this  which  constitutes  the  most 
essential  difference  between  a  man  of  principle  and  honour  and 
a  worthless  fellow.  The  one  adheres  on  all  occasions,  steadily  and 
resolutely,  to  his  maxims,  and  preserves  through  the  whole  of  his 
life  one  even  tenor  of  conduct.  The  other  acts  variously  and 
accidentally,  as  humour,  inclination,  or  interest  chance  to  be 
uppermost.' 

12,  13.  (12)  despiseth,  showeth  contempt  for:  reviles. 
Only  the  heartless  man  is  unable  to  find  some  goodness  in  others. 
holdeth  his  peace,  watchful  lest  he  should  make  mischief. 
He  is  considerate  of  the  reputation  of  others.    (13)  talebearer, 


Cap.  xi.  14, 15.] 


PROVERBS. 


95 


"one  trading  as  a  pedlar  in  scandal,  whose  propensity  to  talk 
leads  him  to  betray  confidence.""  faitlxful  spirit,  so  one  who 
can  be  trnsoed.* 

Ti/2)e!i  of  character  in  social  life  (vv.  12, 13). — Here  four  distinct 
types  of  character.  I.  The  insolent.  II.  The  respectful.  III. 
The  tattler.     IV.  The  trustworthy."^ 

Character  formed  by  association.. — A  man's  belief  is  not  the 
only  thing-  that  works  upon  him.  There  is  a  great  mistake  in 
Baying  that  as  a  man  believes  so  is  he,  if  you  mean  that  his  cha- 
racter depends  upon  his  belief  in  any  technical  theological  truth. 
What  a  man  is  depends  in  a  great  measure  uijon  his  father  and 
mother,  and  brothers  and  sisters,  and  friends  ;  that  is,  it  depends 
partly  on  the  things  that  he  believes,  and  partly  ujion  the  influ- 
ences that  are  working  upon  him  in  the  family,  in  the  society, 
and  in  the  party  to  which  he  belongs.  There  are  a  thousand  and 
one  circum.stances  that  have  much  to  do  with  what  a  man  is,  and 
his  character  is  not  formed  alone  by  his  technical  beliefs.'* 

14.  no  counsel,  power  to  steer  or  guide  :  no  helmsmanship  ; 
lit.  no  piloting  of  a  ship  by  ropes  :  ch.  i.  5.  multitude  of 
counsellors,  assuming  that  they  are  wise  ones." 

Wisdom  the  n-ant  oj  states  (v.  14). — This  verse  implies  three 
facts.  I.  The  people  require  government.  II.  The  government 
required  must  be  that  of  intelligence.  III.  The  necessary  intel- 
ligence must  be  reached  by  consultation.* 

The  facultfi  of  speech. — The  due  and  proper  use  of  any  natural 
faculty  or  power  is  to  be  judged  of  by  the  end  and  design  for  i  differ,'  we  shall 
which  it  was  given  us.  The  chief  purpose  for  which  the  faculty  j '"'''''  y^^''  i^  t" 
of  speech  was  given  to  man  is,  plainly,  that  we  might  communi-  { liaerand  be  the 
cate  our  thoughts  to  each  other,  in  order  to  carry  on  the  affairs  |  iietu'r  able  to 
of  the  world  ;  for  business,  and  for  our  improvement  in  know- 1  fletermine."— 
ledge  and  learning.     But  the  good  Author  of  our  nature  designed  \  ^^"''  •^""'^■ 

'  Comp.  Pr.  XY.  2a, 
.XX.  18,  xxiv.  6. 


male  and  femaJfi, 
who  murder  cha- 
racters to  kill 
time;  and  will 
rob  a  young  fel- 
low of  his  good 
name  before  he 
has  years  to 
know  the  value 
cf  it." 

b  "  Faifhfulness 
is  shown  not 
only  in  doing 
what  a  man  has 
been  commis- 
sioned to  do,  but 
in  doing  it 
quietly,  and 
without  ga  rru- 
\ity."—^pk.  Ccm. 
c  Dr.  TUl  mas. 
d  Beechn: 


n  "  In  our  private 
affairs  we  shall 
often  find  it  to 
our  advantage  to 
advise  with 
many.  If  tliey 
agree  in  their  ad- 
vice our  way  will 
be  the  more 
clear ;    if    they 


us  not  only  necessaries,  but  likewise  enjojTuent  and  satisfaction, 

in  that  being  He  hath  graciously  given,  and  in  that  condition 

of  life  He  hath  placed  us  in.     There  are  secondary  uses  of  our 

faculties  :  they  administer  to  delight,  as  well  as  nece.s  ity  :  and 

as  they  are  equally  adapted  to  both,  there  is  no  doubt  but  He 

intended  them  for  our  gratification,  as  well  as  for  the  support '" .^^'"^"  ^P^''^^  is 

and  continuance  of  our  being.     The  secondary  use  of  speech  is  to  j  ^',^y"  ^^^  ^°^^ 

time,    and    its 
<l(>me     of     ages, 


h  Dr.  Tliomas. 

v.U.  Dr.  M.  Holt, 
ii.  48. 


please  and  be  entertaining  to  each  other  in  conversation.     Thi 
is  in  every  respect  allowable  and  right :  it  unites  men  closer  in 
alliances  and  friendships  ;  gives  us  a  fellow-feeling  of  the  pros-  !  nJgi"ty' w^bifner* 
perity  and  unhappiness  of  each  other  ;  and  is  in  several  respects   i  n  g   gallery, 
serviceable  to  virtue,  and  to  promote  good  behaviour  in  the  world.    r"und  which  the 
And,  provided  there  be  not  too  much  time  spent  in  it,  if  it  were    ""pi'iso'ied    ut- 
considcred  only  in  the  way  of  gratification  and  delight,  men  must    reverberates  for 
have  strange  notions  of  God  and  of  religion,  to  think  that  He    ever."— y.  Mar- 
can  be  offended  with  it,  or  that  it  is  any  way  inconsistent  with    ""«'«• 
the  strictest  virtue.     But  the  truth  is,  such  sort  of  conversation,    c  Bp.  Butler. 
though  it  has  no  particular  good  tendency,  yet  it  has  a  general 
gootl  one :    it    is    social   and    friendly,  and  tends  to    promote 
humanity,  good-nature,  and  civility." 

15.  surety,  strikes  hands,  as  the  sign  of  entering  into  a  com-  '  "  A  money- 
pact,  a  stranger,  perhaps  a  foreigner,  one  with  whom  he  has  ^^  "  "^  ';''•"  H  " 
only  business  relations,  smart  for  it,  by  the  exaction  of  his  present  tense ;  ha 
bond,    is  sure,  or  secure.  leudri  you  iu  ttia 


96 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xl.  16-19. 


conditional 
mood ;  kft'ps  you 
In  the  subjunc- 
tive ;  and  ruins 
you  in  t  li  e 
future."—^  ddi- 
ton. 

u  I.  Selden. 


a  1  Ps.  iii.  1 — i. 

V.  16.  Bp.  Ken, 
113. 

"  The  prevailing 
manners  of  an 
age  depend, 
more  than  we  are 
aware  of,  or  are 
willing  to  allow, 
on  tlie  conduct 
of  the  women. 
This  is  one  of  the 
principal  tilings 
on  which  the 
great  macldne  of 
society  turns. 
Those  who  allow 
the  influence 
which  female 
graces  have  in 
contributing  to 
polish  the  man- 
ners  of  men 
would  do  well  to 
reflect  how  great 
an  influence  fe- 
male morals  must 
also  have  on  their 
conduct."  -Blair. 


a  "  The  good  Sa- 
maritan, w  li  o 
bathed  the 
wounds,  and  pro- 
vided for  the 
wants  of  a  plun- 
dereil  Jew,  ob- 
tained a  greater 
profit  on  tlie 
transaction  than 
the  sufferer  who 
was  saved  by  his 
benevolence.  "  — 
Arnot. 

Ps.  xU.  3;  Mat. 
V.  7. 

e.  17.  Dr.  A.  Rees, 
iv.  448. 


a  1  Cor.  ix.  11 ; 
2  Cor.  ix.  6  ;  Jas. 
iii.  18  ;  Gal.  vi.  8. 
b  Zeta  in  400 
Sks. 

V.  18.  A  Hiernn, 
I.  393  ;  Dr.  J.  Ab- 
badie,  L   61',   I. 


Mortgage. — In  case  I  receive  a  thousand  pounds,  and  mortgage 
as  much  land  as  is  worth  two  thousand  to  you.  if  I  do  not  pay 
the  money  at  such  a  day.  I  fail.  Whether  you  may  take  my  land 
and  keep  it  in  point  of  cou.science  1  Answer.  If  you  ha/1  my  land 
as  security  wholly  for  your  money,  then  you  are  not  to  keep  it ; 
but  if  we  bargain  so.  that  if  I  did  not  repay  your  thousand  pounds 
my  land  should  go  for  it,  be  it  what  it  will,  no  doubt  you  may, 
with  a  safe  conscience,  keep  it ;  for  in  these  things  all  the  obliga- 
tion is  servabojidem." 

16.  gracious  "woman,  prob.  intended  for  personification  of 
fjrnce.  A  gracious  woman  is  a  sensible,  God-fearing  woman, 
honour,  virtue  and  character  being  to  her  what  riches  are  to 
men." 

A  secret  for  the  ladies. — There  are  women  who  cannot  grow 
old — women  who,  without  any  special  effort,  remain  alwa.ys  young 
and  always  attractive.  The  number  is  smaller  than  it  should  be, 
but  there  is  still  a  sufficient  number  to  mark  the  wide  difference 
between  this  class  and  the  other.  The  secret  of  this  perpetual 
youth  lies  not  in  beauty,  for  some  possess  it  who  are  not  at  all 
handsome ;  nor  in  dress,  for  they  are  frequently  careless  in  that 
respect,  so  far  as  the  mere  arbitrary  dictates  of  fashion  are  con- 
cerned ;  nor  in  having  nothing  to  do,  for  these  ever  young  women 
are  always  as  busy  as  bees,  and  it  is  very  well  known  that  idle- 
ness will  fret  people  into  old  age  and  ugliness  fajster  than  over- 
work. The  charm,  we  imagine,  lies  in  a  sunny  temper — neither 
more  nor  less — the  blessed  gift  of  always  looking  on  the  bright 
side  of  life,  and  of  stretching  the  mantle  of  charity  over  every- 
bodj^'s  faults  and  failings.  It  is  not  much  of  a  secret,  but  it  is 
all  that  we  have  been  able  to  discover,  aud  we  have  watched  such 
with  great  interest,  and  a  determination  to  speak  truthfullj'-  for 
the  benefit  of  the  rest  of  the  sex.  It  is  very  provoking  that  it  is 
something  which  cannot  be  corked  up  and  sold  for  five  shilliuga 
a  bottle  ;  but  as  this  is  impossible,  why,  the  most  of  us  will  have 
to  keep  on  growing  as  ugly  aud  disagreeable  as  usual. 

17.  merciful  man,  one  of  a  generous,  charitable  disposition. 
"Charity  is  twice  blessed.'" "  cruel,  as  regardless  of  the  wants 
and  sufferings  of  others,  his  own  flesh,  poss.  intimating  that 
such  a  man  would  be  of  a  niggai'dly  or  penurious  disposition. 

3Iatthew  IlaJe  and.  the  poor. — It  is  said  of  the  excellent  Lord 
Chief  Justice  Hale,  that  he  frequently  invited  his  poor  neighbours 
to  dinner,  aud  made  them  sit  at  table  with  himself.  If  any  of 
:  them  were  sick,  so  that  they  could  not  come,  he  would  send  pro- 
i  visions  to  them  warm  from  his  own  tal)Ie.  He  did  not  confine 
'  his  bounties  to  the  poor  of  his  own  parish,  but  diffused  supplies 
1  to  the  neighbouring  parishes  as  occasion  required.  He  always 
1  treated  the  old,  the  needy,  and  the  sick,  wdth  the  tenderness  and 
,  familiarity  that  became  one  who  considered  they  were  of  the  same 
i  nature  with  himself,  and  were  reduced  to  no  other  necessities  but 
such  as  he  himself  might  be  brought  to. 

I      18,  19.  (18)  deceitful  work,  such  it  will  surely  prove  to  the 
■  man  himself  who  does  it.     sure  reward,  permanent  aud  satisfy- 
ing return."     (li))  life,  used  inclusively  of  all  true  and  lasting 
blessings. 

I      The  deceitf Illness  of  sin  (v.  18).— We  have  here— I.  Opposite 
characters.     II.  Opposite  practices.     III.  Opposite  results.     To 


Cap.  xl.  18, 19.] 


PROVERBS. 


97 


the  righteous  there  is — 1.  A  certain  reward  ;  2.  A  suitable 
reward  :  3.  A  satisfying  re  ward  ;  4.  An  abiriing  reward.  Advise: — 

(1)  Pause  and  inquire  if  such  a  change  has  been  effected  in  you  ; 

(2)  Pray  for  convincing  and  converting  grace;  (3)  Persevere 
through  evil  and  good  report.'' — 'Jhc  racavd  of  rtijlift'on.ttifss  {v. 
\'i)). — I.  pLighteousness  proves  the  spiritual  life  to  be  begun  in 
our  souls  :  evil  shows  that  our  souls  are  still  dead  in  sin.  II. 
Righteousness  is  connected  with  the  spiritual  nourishment  which 
maintains  life  ;  evil  with  the  neglect  of  such  nourishment,  which 
occasions  death.  III.  Righteousness  leads  to  courses  of  action 
which  prolong  life  ;  evil,  from  its  very  nature,  conducts  to  death. 
IV.  Righteousness  associates  us  with  those  who  are  alive  to  God, 
thus  helping  to  maintain  life  in  the  soul  :  evil  unites  lis  with 
those  who  are  spiritually  dead,  and  brings  us  into  the  same  state 
with  them.  V.  Righteousness  ensures  the  Divine  protection,  so 
that  life  is  guarded  and  defended  ;  evil  incurs  CTod's  wrath,  which 
is  death.  VI.  Righteousness  conducts  to  life  everlasting  in 
heaven  ;  evil  to  eternal  death  in  hell. 

'Uw  violrt-xmvi'r. — One  beautiful  spring  morning,  a  little  child 
Bat  on  the  stone  at  his  father's  door,  in  the  sunshine,  playing 
with  a  number  of  small  seeds.     He  threw  them  about  carelessly, 
until  there  was  only  one  left.     "  I  will  plant  this  in  the  earth," 
said  he.     So  he  ran  to  a  bank,  and  having  made  a  tiny  hole,  he 
laid  the  shining  seed  vs-ithin  it.  and  covered  it  up.  raising  a  little 
heap  of  earth  above  it  to  mark  the  spot,  that  he  might  return  to 
look  at  it  again.     And  the  spring  sunbeams  smiled  upon  the 
mound  where  the  little  seed  lay  buried,  and  the  gentle  dew  and 
refieshing  rain  moistened  it.     Thus  was  it  nourished,  till  at  last 
it  opened  its  smooth  case,  and  spread  its  clasping  fibres  round  it, 
and  grew,  and  grew,  until  two  little  green  leaves  passed  up  above 
the  soil :  these  soon  raised  themselves  higher,  and  at  length  it 
became  a  full-grown  plant,  with  two  tiny  buds.  whicTi  soon  ex- 
panded into  sweet  blue  violets.     But  the  child  did  not  see  them, 
for  he  was  far  away.     When  autumn  came,  these'  sweet  flowers 
faded,  and  in  their  place  came  two  little  bags  of  seed,  and  as 
soon  as  they  were  ripe,  they  showered  down  on  the  earth  a  great 
number  of  seeds,  like  the  one  the  little  child  had  planted.     "While 
the  stem  cold  winter  lasted,  these  little  seeds  lay  snugly  in  their 
bed  of  earth  :  but  when  the  mild  spring  sunshine  beamed  once 
more,  they  too  sprang  up,  spreading  their  green  leaves  and  open- 
ing their  graceful  flowers  beside  the  parent  plant ;  and  every 
succeeding  season  there  sprang  up  more  violet  plants,  until  the 
bank  was  covered  with  their  luxuriant  green  leaves,  and  such  a 
number  of  violets  opened  their  modest  flowers,  that  the  air  was 
filled  with  their  fragrance,  and  the  passers-by  jjaused  to  admire 
the  lovely  spot :  and  many  took  seeds  away  to  plant  in  their 
gardens,  and  a  little  city  child  carefully  carried  a  young  plant  to 
her  humble  home,  and  placed  it  in  a  box  in  her  father's  window, 
that  it  might  smile  upon  her  with  its  sweet  blue  eyes.     Thus 
years  went  by.     The  little  boy  was   now   a  man  in   a  far-off 
country,  but  his  heart  still  loved  his  childhood's  home,  and  there- 
fore he  crossed  the  seas  and  visited  it  again  in  the  sweet  spring- 
time.    When  he  came  to  the  bank  of  violets,  he  jiaused  to  breathe 
the  delicious  perfume  ;  then  he  remembered  how,  in  his  infant 
play,  he  had  sown  the  solitary  seed.     "  Can  it  be,"  he  asked,  as 
he  looked  in  astonishment  at  the  spot,  "  that  all  these  have 
VOL.  VII.     O.T.  G 


Priest,  38  ;  W. 
Laget,  ii.  172  ;  P. 
iluuclion,  ii.  53  ; 
G.  J.  Zollikcffer, 
ii.250;  H.J. Hus- 
tings, 369. 
».  19.  Dr.  R. 
Oi-nres,  iv.  433. 
"Evil  is  easily 
I  discovered. 
i  There  is  an  in- 
I  finite  variety. 
Good  is  almost 
unique.  But 
some  kinds  of 
evil  are  almost  as 
difficult  to  dis- 
cover as  that 
which  we  call 
good ;  and  often 
particular  evil  of 
this  class  passes 
for  good.  It 
needs  even  a  cer- 
ttiin  greatness  of 
soul  to  attain  to 
this,  as  to  that 
which  is  good." — 
Pascal. 

"  Good  sense  and 
good  nature  are 
never  separated, 
though  the  ig- 
norant world  has 
thought  other- 
wise. Good  na- 
ture, by  which  I 
mean  beneficence 
and  candour,  is 
the  product  o  f 
right  reason, 
which,  of  neces- 
sity, will  give 
allowance  to  the 
failings  of  others, 
by  considering 
tliat  there  is  no- 
thing perfect  in 
mankind;  and  by 
(list  iuguishing 
that  which  comes 
nearest  to  excel- 
lency, though  not 
absolutely  free 
from  faults,  will 
certainly  produce 
a  candour  in  the 
judge." — Dryden, 
'■  "lis  good  na- 
ture only  wins 
the  heart:  it 
moulds  the  body 
to  an  easy  grace, 
and  brightens 
every  feature  o£ 
the  face:  it 
smoothes  the  un- 
polished tongue 
with  eloquence, 
and  adds  p  e  r- 
suasion  to  t  h  a 
finest  sense.""» 
Stillingflfet. 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xl.  20-22. 


a  Ps.  xxxvli.  25, 
86. 

"No  combina- 
tion of  men,  how- 
ever great  in 
Dumber,  vast  in 
wisdom,  mighty 
in  strength,  af- 
fluent in  r  e  - 
sources,  can 
prevent  punish- 
ment from  be- 
f  alii  ug  the 
wicked.  It  must 
come.  The 
moral  constitu- 
tion of  the  soul, 
the  justice  of  the 
universe,  and  the 
slmightiness  o  f 
God,  render  all 
human  efforts  to 
avoid  it  futile. 
'Be  sure  your  sin 
will  find  you 
out. '"  —  Da  V. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

Ge.  xi.  1—8. 

h  Dr.  Arnot. 

«.21.  J.H.Nexc- 
man.  Subjects  of 
t/t€Dai/,Si);  J.  A. 
Blade,  ii.  328. 


«  "  Nose  -  rings 
were  fastened  in 
the  central  divi- 
sion of  the  nose, 
and  hung  down 
over  the  mouth : 
they  have  been 
ornaments  in 
common  use  in 
the  East  from 
the  time  of  the 
patriarchs  down 
to  the  present 
day." — Delitzsch. 
Ge.  xxiv.  22,  47  ; 
Is.  iii.  21. 
6  "'Without 
taste ; '  void  of 
the  subtle  tact 
and  grace,  with- 
out which  mere 
beauty  is  as  ill- 
bestowed  as  the 
nose-ring,  not  on 
a  fair  woman's 
face,  but  in  the 
Bnout  of  an  un- 
clean beast."— 
^k.  Com. 


sprung  from  the  one  I  planted  ? "  Then,  stooping,  he  gathered  a 
flower,  and  as  he  thoughtfully  gazed  on  its  simple  beauty  he 
exclaimed,  "  I  will  never  waste  a  seed  again  I " 

20,  21.  ("20)  froward,  in  sense  of  wilful,  upright,  steadily 
waiting  on  God  for  counsel  and  guidance,  prepared  to  follow 
cheerfully  in  His  way.  (21)  hand  in  hand,  a  fig.  for  com- 
bining together,  taken  from  the  custom  of  clasping  hands  in 
suretyship,  seed  .  .  delivered,  though  they  may  be  aloue  and 
unaided." 

God's  anger  ivlfh.  the  rciclied  (?'.  20). — To  think  that  God  is  only 
"  angry  with  the  wicked  "  is  but  half  a  truth  :  and  half  a  truth 
becomes  practically  a  lie.  To  picture  our  Father  in  heaven  all 
in  shade  is  to  hide  half  His  loveliness,  and  keep  His  creatures 
terrified  away.     There  is  another  side  to  His  character.* 

Ilaiul  to  hand. — ''  Tlnntqh  hand  jV'(/i  in  hand."  This  is  literally 
"  hand  to  hand,"  the  italicised  words  being  added  by  our  transla- 
tors ;  and  interpreters  differing  about  the  meaning  of  the  phrase 
"  hand  to  hand."  Fiirst  looks  upon  it  as  a  formula  of  assurance, '"the 
hand  upon  it ; "  but  Gesenius,  comparing  the  Arabic,  considers  it 
a  formula  of  succession,  "  for  all  generations."  What  our  trans- 
lators meant  is  seen  in  the  note  of  the  Genevan  Version,  which 
preceded  theirs,  and  was  the  same  rendering:  ''Though  they 
make  never  so  many  friends,  yet  shall  they  not  escape."  The 
Septuagint  turned  the  phrase  somewhat  differently  :  "  He  that 
unjustly  strikes  hands  shall  not  be  unpunished."  Others  take 
the  Hebrew  word  as  meaning  "  blow."  "  Blow  after  blow 
the  wicked  will  not  be  amended."  It  may  be  objected  to  the 
interpretation  of  Gesenius  and  De  Wette  that  '"  from  generation 
to  generation  "  is  expressed  in  various  other  ways,  principally  by 
Bor.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Authorised  Version  is  in  accordance 
with  OrienflM  usage  :  ''  When  two  persons  make  a  contract,  they 
bring  the  palms  of  their  hands  into  contact,  and  then  raise  them 
to  their  lips  and  foreheads."    • 

22.  jewel,  better,  rlnrj,  with  reference  to  the  Eastern  nose- 
ring, worn  by  ladies."  swine's  snout,  fr.  this  it  appears  that 
in  ancient  SjTia  swine  wore  such  rings  to  prevent  them  from 
doing  mischief,  fair  ■woman,  of  attractive  personal  appear- 
ance, without  discretion,  Jit.  one  who  has  turned  aside  in 
respect  to  taste  :  one  who  lacks  moral  sensibility.*  One  of  a 
loose  and  dissolute  conversation.'^ 

Bedizened  n-ickednexs  (r.  22).— I.  Here  is  a  very  incongruous 
conjunction  in  one  j)erson.  II.  Here  is  a  very  revolting  con- 
junction in  one  person.  III.  Here  is  a  verj'  common  conjunc- 
tion in  one  person.  1.  Wickedness  is  promoted  by  personal 
attractions  ;  2.  Wickedness  is  fond  of  personal  attractions.'' 

Taste. — 

WTiat  then  is  taste,  but  those  internal  powers 
Active,  and  strong,  and  feelingly  alive 
To  eaqji  fine  impulse  ?  a  discerning  sense 
Of  decent  and  sublime,  with  quick  disgust 
For  things  deformed  or  disarranged  or  gross 
In  species  ?     This  nor  gems,  nor  stores  of  gold. 
Nor  purple  state,  nor  culture  can  be.'itow  ; 
But  God  alone,  when  first  His  active  hand 


Cap.  xi.  23.] 


PROVERBS. 


Imprints  the  secret  bias  of  the  soul. 
He,  mighty  Parent !  wise  and  just  in  all, 
Free  as  the  vital  breeze  or  light  of  heaven, 
Reveals  the  charms  of  natui-e.' 

Lore  of  drcxK  :  Vs  hanefvl  hifliicnce. — The  Apostle  Paul  enjoins 
eimplicity  of  dress  upon  Christian  females,  as  that  which  becomes 
a  professor  of  godliness.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Judson  relates,  during 
his  early  labours  in  Burmah,  that  he  found  the  love  of  finery 
araong.st  the  native  females  one  of  the  great  difficulties  in  the 
way  of  his  success.  The  converts  were,  however,  induced  to 
make  this  as  well  as  other  sacrifices  as  an  evidence  of  their  love 
for  Christ.  Perhaps  Christian  females  have  not  sufficiently  re- 
garded this  subject  in  the  light  of  a  duty,  or  teachers  considered 
the  influence  of  their  example  upon  their  scholars.  In  the  report 
of  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Norris  on  schools  inspected  in  Cheshire.  Salop, 
and  Staffordshire,  in  18(ifl.  he  expresses  his  satisfaction  at 
noticing  an  improvement  in  the  matter  of  dress,  especially  among 
the  younger  teachers.  He  remarks  that  the  serious  importance  of 
simplicity  in  dress,  on  the  part  of  schoolmistresses  and  their 
pupil-teachers,  cannot  be  too  earnestly  impressed  upon  them. 
Such  as  the  teacher  is,  such  will  her  hundred  scholars  be.  more 
or  less.  If  she  is  dressy,  they  too  will  be  dressy  ;  but  with  this 
difference — she  is  dressy  to  please  her  fancy,  they  are  di-essy  to 
their  ruin.  If  a  dressy  teacher  could  see.  with  her  mind  s  eye. 
all  the  consequences  of  her  example,  beginning  with  the  admiring 
glance  at  her  flounces  or  ribands,  and  then  the  pause  before  the 
shop  window,  the  squandering  of  the  hardly  won  or  (it  may  be) 
ill-gotten  sixpences  and  shillings,  the  awakened  vanity,  the 
courting  of  attention,  the  street  flaunting  and  worse. — if  all  this 
could  be  brought  before  the  young  schoolmistress,  as  in  a  vision, 
ehe  would  understand  the  full  meaning  of  these  words,  •'  Whoso 
shall  offend  one  of  these  little  ones,  it  were  better  for  him  that  a 
millstone  were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and  that  he  were  di-owned 
in  the  depth  of  the  sea."  Mr.  Norris  says  he  has  wondered 
sometimes  that  school  managers  did  not  see  the  necessity  of 
speaking  to  their  teachers  more  plainly  on  the  subject.  These 
remarks,  though  addressed  to  female  teachers,  contain  a  truth 
equally  applicable  to  male  teachers. 

23.  desire,  or  mere  wish.  Set  in  contrast  with  the  exppcfa- 
Hon.  or  strong  confidence,  of  the  wicked  :  as  ch.  x.  28.  only 
good,  wh.,  therefore,  can  only  bring  to  him  prosperity  and 
blessing,  -wratll,  that  wrath  of  God  wh.  surely  attends  on  all 
self-willed,  violent,  and  wicked  ways,  however  prosperous  for  the 
time  they  may  seem." 

^leeltiicKs  iUvxtrafcd  hij  fhe  elder  tree. — This  timber  is  the 
softest,  and  can  without  difficulty  be  split,  cut,  and  wrought, 
and  yet  experience  proves  that  it  does  not  rot  in  water.  The 
greater  part  of  the  city  of  Venice  stands  upon  piles  of  elder, 
which,  sunk  in  the  sea.  form  the  foundation  of  massive  build- 
ings. It  is  the  same  with  meek  hearts.  There  is  no  better 
foundation  for  important  undertakings  of  public  or  private 
utility,  than  that  intelligent  modesty  which  is  gentle  indeed, 
and  ready  to  yield  as  far  as  a  good  conscience  will  allow,  but 
which,  nevertheless,  lasts  and  continues  stable  in  the  flood  of 
contradiction.* 

o2 


e  Matt,  ffenry. 
d  Dr.  T/uina's. 
e  Akeiuidi'. 

"As  a  thief,  by 
law  burned  in 
the  forehead  for 
tlieft,  ouglit,  so 
often  as  he 
looketh  in  a 
glass  and  per- 
ceiveth  the  scar 
thereof,  to  think 
upon  and  detest 
liis  inclination  to 
that  vice  ;  so  our 
garments,  being 
as  the  scar  in  the 
forehead  of  our 
first  parents  and 
ourselves  for 
their  ambition, 
in  that  they 
sought  to  be  hke 
unto  God,  should, 
by  the  sight  of 
them  only,  put 
us  in  mind  to 
renounce  all 
priile  and  am- 
bition."—  Caw- 
dray. 

"A  celebrated  old 
general  used  to 
dress  in  a 
fantastic  manner 
by  way  of  making 
himself  better 
known.  It  is 
true,  people 
would  say,  '  WTio 
is  that  old  fool  ? ' 
but  it  is  also 
true  that  the 
answer  was, 
'That  is  the 
famous  general, 
who  took  such  a 
place.' " — Petcy. 


a  "This  V.  tells 
ns  what  the  de- 
sire and  expec- 
tation of  the 
wicked  are,  and 
how  they  will 
prove,  what  they 
irould  have,  and 
what  they  shall 
h  a  V  e."  —  Atatt. 
Henry. 

Ps.  X.  17,  Ixxiii. 
25;  Is.  xxvi.  8; 
Ro.  ii.  7—11. 

r.  23.  /.  Bunyartf 
iii.  1771;  Zolli- 
koffer,  i.  297. 

b  QottholdL 


100 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xi.  24—23, 


a  "  John  Ho- 
ward, when  he 
pri^w  sail  about 
)ii-.  piety,  put  on 
Ills  hat, and  went 
alxnit  among  the 
poor.  He  catne 
back  a  gainer." 
—Miller. 

h  "  Avarice  is  an 
anomaly  in  the 
universe ;  all  else 
gives  out  what  it 
receives,  but  as 
a  monster  this 
clutches  and  re- 
t  a  i  n  s."  —  Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

c  P  r.  X 11  i.  4, 
xx\'iii.  25 ;  Pa. 
xxii.  29;  Is.  x. 
16,  xvil.  4 ;  2  Cor. 
ix.  6—11. 

d  "  The  water 
that  falls  in  re- 
freshing and  fer- 
tilising irriga- 
tion is  not  lost, 
but  becomes  a 
fair  stream, 
fringed  with 
flowers,  and  over- 
hung with  trees. 
So  the  bounty  of 
the  lilieral  man, 
wh.  rains  down 
blessings,  will 
flow  on  for  ever 
in  a  beautiful 
river."  —  Wurds- 
icorth. 

e  Am.  viii.  4 — 6. 

/  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

V.  24.  Dr.  J.  Grnne, 
203;  Dr.  J.  Dis- 
ney, i.  315. 

r.  26.  J.  Dowries, 
ii.  239. 

g  Whitecross. 

"Cast  forth  thy 
act,  thy  word, 
into  the  ever- 
living,  ever- 
working  uni- 
verse :  it  is  a 
seed-grain  that 
cannot  die  ;  un- 
noticed to-day, 
it  will  be  found 
flourishing  as  a 
banyan  grove, 
perhii))s,  alas,  as 
a  hemlock  forest, 
after  a  thousand 
years." — Carlyle. 

"  The  Hebrews 
bare    a    saying, 


24 — 26.  (24)  scattereth,  in  a  good  sense;  makes  "a 
generous  distribution  of  benefactions."  The  figure  is  taken 
from  the  hand-sower,  increasetli,  by  gaining  spiritual  good." 
"  There  is  a  distribution  that  enricheth  the  soul  of  the  distri- 
butor." -witlilioldetlx  .  .  meet,  is  sparing,  niggardly,  and 
avaricious.*  poverty,  the  miser's  feeling  of  poverty ;  and 
poverty  of  God's  true  blessings,  which  alone  make  rich.  {2b) 
liberal  soul,  lit.  iln'  i-onl  of  bics.ii/i(j.  fat,«"the  sleek,  well- 
filled  look  of  health  becomes  the  figure  of  prosperity." 
watereth,  lit.  he  that  raineth  shall  himself  become  a  ricer.* 
(26)  withholdeth  corn,  to  force  up  the  price.*  selletli  it, 
at  a  fair  price. 

Christian  liberality  (r.  25). — ^These  words  lead  us  to  see — I. 
The  spirit  we  should  possess.  1.  A  spirit  of  liberality  ;  2.  A 
spirit  of  benevolence.  II,  The  benefits  that  will  accrue  to  the 
possessor  of  it.  1.  From  the  very  exercise  of  the  principle 
itself  ;  2.  From  the  immediate  agency  of  Almighty  God.  Hence 
we  may  clearly  see — (1)  From  whence  comes  that  leanness  of 
which  many  complain  ;  (2)  What  encouragement  we  have  to 
proceed  in  the  work  before  us.-'^ 

lieward  of  generosity. — Nearly  half  a  century  ago,  when  a 
coach  ran  daily  between  Glasgow  and  Greenock,  by  Paisley,  on  a 
forenoon,  when  a  little  past  Bishopton.  a  lady  in  a  coach  noticed 
a  boy  walking  barefooted,  seemingly  tired,  and  struggling  with 
tender  feet.  She  desired  the  coachman  to  take  him  up.  give  him 
a  seat,  and  she  would  pay  for  it.  When  thpy  arrived  at  the  inn 
in  Greenock,  she  inquired  of  the  boy  what  was  his  object  in 
coming  there.  He  said  he  wished  to  be  a  sailor,  and  hoped  some 
of  the  captains  would  engage  him.  She  gave  him  half-a-crown, 
wished  him  success,  and  charged  him  to  behave  well.  Twenty 
years  after  this,  the  coach  returning  to  Glasgow  in  the  afternoon 
on  the  same  road,  when  near  Bishopton.  a  sea-captain  observed 
an  old  lady  on  the  road  walking  very  slow,  fatigued  and  weary. 
He  desired  the  coachman  to  put  her  in  the  coach,  as  there  was 
an  empty  seat,  and  he  would  pay  for  her.  Immediately  after, 
when  changing  horses  at  Bishopton,  the  passengers  were  saun- 
tering about,  except  the  captain  and  old  la<ly,  who  remained  in 
the  coach.  The  lady  thanked  him  for  his  kindly  feeling  towards 
her,  as  she  was  now  unable  to  pay  for  a  seat.  He  said  he  had 
always  sympathy  for  weary  pedestrians,  since  he  himself  was  in 
that  state  when  a  boy,  twenty  years  ago,  near  this  very  place, 
when  a  tender-hearted  lady  ordered  the  coachman  to  take  him 
up  and  paid  for  his  seat.  "  Well  do  I  remember  that  incident," 
said  she  ;  "  I  am  that  lady,  but  my  lot  in  life  has  changed.  I 
was  then  independent ;  now  I  am  reduced  to  poverty  by  the 
doings  of  a  prodigal  son."  "  How  happy  am  I,"  said  the  captain, 
■•  that  I  have  been  successful  in  my  enterprises,  and  am  return- 
ing home  to  live  on  my  fortune  :  and  from  this  day  I  shall  bind 
myself  and  heirs  to  supply  you  -with  twenty-five  pounds  per 
annum  till  your  death.? — Kindness  remembei-ed. — Soon  after  the 
county  of  Lichfield,  in  America,  began  to  be  settled  by  the  English, 
a  strange  Indian  arrived  at  an  inn.  and  asked  the  hostess,  as  the 
evening  was  atlvancing,  to  provide  him  some  refreshment ;  at  the 
same  time  observing  that  from  failure  in  hunting  he  had  nothing 
to  pay,  but  promising  compensation  whenever  he  succeeded.  The 
plea  was,  however,  in  vain  :  the  hostess  loaded  him  with  oppro- 


Cap.  zl.  24-26.] 


PROVERBS. 


101 


brious  epithets,  and  declared  that  it  was  not  to  throw  away  her 
earnings  on  such  creatures  as  himself  that  she  worked  so  hard. 
But  as  the  Indian  was  about  to  retire,  with  a  countenance  ex- 
pressive of  severe  suffering,  a  man  who  sat  by  directed  the  hostess 
to  supply  his  wants,  and  promised  her  full  remuneration.  As 
soon  as  the  Indian  had  finished  his  supper,  he  thanked  his  bene- 
factor, assured  him  that  he  should  remember  his  kindness,  and 
engaged  that  it  should  be  faithfully  recompensed  whenever  it 
was  in  his  power.  For  the  present,  he  added,  he  could  only 
reward  him  with  a  story,  which,  with  the  permission  of  the 
hostess,  he  wished  to  tell.  This  being  given,  from  complacency 
in  the  prospect  of  payment,  the  Indian,  having  found  that  his 
benefactor  read  the  Bible,  thus  proceeded  :  "  Well,  the  Bible 
say,  God  made  the  world,  and  then  He  took  him,  and  looked  on 
him,  and  say.  It's  all  very  good  !  Then  He  made  light,  and  took 
him,  and  looked  on  him,  and  say,  Its  all  very  good !  Then  He 
made  dry  land  and  water,  and  sun  and  moon,  and  grass  and  trees, 
and  took  him,  and  looked  on  him,  and  say.  It's  all  very  good  ! 
Then  He  made  beasts,  and  birds,  and  fishes,  and  took  him,  and 
looked  on  him,  and  say.  It's  all  very  good  !  Then  He  made  man, 
and  took  him,  and  looked  on  him,  and  say.  It's  all  veiy  good  !  Then 
He  made  woman,  and  took  him,  and  looked  on  him,  and  He  no  say 
one  such  word."  The  feelings  of  the  hostess,  as  the  Indian  now 
withdrew,  may  be  easily  imagined.  The  arrow  which  had  been 
so  acutely  barJDed  could  not  fail  to  penetrate  her  bosom.  "  Acts 
of  unkindness,"  says  the  proverb,  "  are  like  young  birds  ;  they 
always  come  home  to  roost."  She  had  violated  the  law  of  bene- 
volence, and  deep  mortification  was  one  of  the  forms  in  which 
the  penalty  was  to  be  paid.  The  spectator  of  her  punishment 
had  occasion,  some  years  after,  to  go  into  the  wilderness  between 
Lichfield  and  Albany,  where  he  was  taken  prisoner  by  an  Indian 
scout,  and  carried  to  Canada.  On  his  arrival  at  the  principal 
settlement  of  the  tribe,  it  was  proposed  by  some  of  the  captors 
that  he  should  be  put  to  death  ;  but  during  the  consultation  an 
old  woman  demanded  that  he  should  be  given  up  to  her,  that  she 
might  adopt  him  for  a  son  who  had  been  lost  in  the  war. 
Accordingly  he  was  given  up  to  her,  and  he  passed  the  succeed- 
ing winter  in  her  family,  amidst  the  usual  circumstances  of 
savage  hospitality.  While,  in  the  course  of  the  following  summer, 
he  was  at  work  alone  in  the  forest,  an  unknown  Indian  came 
and  asked  him  to  go  to  a  place  he  pointed  out,  on  a  given  day  : 
and  to  this  he  agreed,  though  not  without  some  apprehension 
that  mischief  was  contemplated.  His  fears  increased,  his  promise 
was  broken  ;  the  same  person  repeated  his  vi.sit.  and  after  excusing 
himself  in  the  best  way  he  could,  he  made  another  engagement, 
and  kept  his  word.  On  reaching  the  appointed  spot  he  found 
the  Indian  provided  with  ammunition,  two  muskets,  and  two 
knapsacks  ;  he  was  ordered  to  take  one  of  each,  and  followed  his 
conductor,  under  the  conclusion  that  had  he  intended  him  injury, 
he  might  have  despatched  him  at  once.  In  the  daytime  they 
shot  the  game  that  came  in  their  way,  and  at  night  they  slept  by 
the  fire  they  had  kindled  ;.  but  the  silence  of  the  Indian  as  to  the 
object  of  their  expedition  was  mysterious  and  profoi;nd.  After 
many  days  had  thus  passed,  they  came  one  morning  to  the  top  of 
an  eminence,  exhibiting  a  number  of  houses  rising  in  the  midst 
of  a  cultivated  country.     The  Indian  asked  his  companion  if  he 


that  God  is  mors 
delighted  in  ad- 
verbs tlmn  in 
nouns  ;  'tis  not 
so  much  the 
matter  that's 
done,  but  the 
matter  how  'tis 
done,  that  God 
minds.  Not  how 
much,  but  iiow 
well  I  'Tis  the 
well-doing  that 
meets  with  a 
well  -  done.  Let 
us  therefore 
serve  God  not 
nominally  or 
verbially,  but  ad- 
verbially."—  Ven- 
ning. 

"  As  the  sun 
never  leaves  off 
shining,  though 
clouds  some- 
times obscure  its 
light  ;  so  we 
must  never 
cease  to  do  well, 
even  to  our 
enemies  and 
persecutors." — 
Cincdray.    . 

"  When  thy  hand 
hath  done  a  good 
act,  ask  thy  heart 
whether  it  was 
well  done." — 
Fuller. 

"  The  mountains 
are  the  most 
stable  objects  iu 
the  material 
world  ;  nature's 
noblest  emblem 
of  immutability. 
But  these  have 
'  change '  written 
upon  their  stu- 
pendous brows. 
Time  is  furrow- 
ing them  with 
WTinkles — wear- 
ing down  their 
colossal  forms. 
Atmospheric  in- 
fluences are  sub- 
jecting them  to 
continual  waste 
and  decay.  The 
hoary  crowned 
Alp  is  included 
in  the  doom, 
'AH  these  things 
shall  be  dis- 
solved.' But 
more  enduring 
tlian  mountains 
of  primeval 
granite  is  God's 
k  i  n  d  n  e  ss." — H 
W.  Beecher. 


102 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xl.  27-2©, 


h  Dr.  Dicioht. 

a  "  The  meaning 
Is,  tliat  he  wlio 
desires  gooi],  ab- 
solutely, for  its 
own  pake,  is  also 
u  n  c  o  n  s  c  iously 
strivina;  after  tlie 
favour  which  at- 
tends goodness." 
— Spk.  Com. 

Matt.  vi.  33. 

b  Ps.  vii.  14—16. 

e  Dr.  Tltomas. 

».  27.  A.  Mat- 
doitald,  221. 


a  Pr.  X.  15 ;  Ps. 
xlix.  6  ;  1  Ti.  vi. 
17. 

J  Ps.  i.  3,  xcii. 
12  ;  Je.  xvii.  8. 

C  Zockler. 

"When  those 
■who  take  root  in 
the  world  wither, 
those  that  are 
grafted  into 
Christ  and  par- 
take of  His  root 
and  fatness  shall 
be  fruitful  and 
flourish  1  ng." — 
Mntt.  Henry. 

d  Dr.  Thomas, 


a  "Home  Is  the 

one  place  where 
hearts  are  sure 
of  each  other.  It 
Is  the  place  of 
confidence.  It  is 
the  place  where 
•we  tear  off  that 
mask  of  guarded 
and  suspicious 
coldness  wli.  the 
world  forces  us 
to  wear  in  self- 
defence,  and 
where  we  pour 
out  the  unre- 
served communi- 
cations of  full 
and  confiding 
hearts.  It  is  the 
spot  where  e.x- 
jvessions  of  ten- 


knew  the  ground,  and  he  eagerly  repeated,  "  It  is  Lichfield."  Hia 
guide  then  recalled  the  scene  at  the  inn  some  years  before,  and, 
bidding  him  farewell,  exclaimed,  "  I  that  Indian !  Now  I  pay 
you  ;  go  home  1"* 

27.  diligently,  or  early  in  the  morning ;  the  Eastera  sign 
of  diligence  was  rising  eai-ly  and  setting  about  a  thing  earnestly, 
good,  for  others,  favour,  both  from  men  and  from  God." 
mischief,  or  the  injury  of  others,  it,  viz.,  that  wh.  he  desires 
and  seeks  for  others.* 

Good  and  evil  {v.  27). — I.  As  objects  of  pursuit.  1.  Some 
pursue  good  ;  2.  Some  pursue  evil.  II.  As  sources  of  destiny. 
These  pursuits  bring  different  results  to  the  soul.  1.  The  one 
procureth  favour  ;  2.  The  other  disfavour." 

Diligence. — A  friend  of  mine,  says  Mr.  Gurney,  one  day  in- 
quired of  the  then  Lord  Chancellor  how  he  managed  to  get 
through  so  much  busine.-s.  "'  Oh,"  said  his  lordship,  •'  I  have 
three  rules  :  the  first  is,  I  am  a  whole  man  to  one  thing  at  a 
time  ;  the  second  is,  I  never  lose  a  passing  opportunity  of  doing 
anything  that  can  be  done  ;  and  the  third  is,  I  never  entrust  to 
other  people  what  I  ought  to  do  myself." 

28.  trustetll  .  .  riches,  wealth  itself  is  not  an  evil,  but 
trust  in  wealth  rather  than  in  God  is  the  very  essence  of  evil." 
branch,  or  /ra/.*  "A  fresh  green  leaf  on  a  tree,  in  contrast 
with  the  withered  falling  leaf,  to  wh.  the  fool  should  rather  be 
compared  who  tru.sts  in  his  riches."  ° 

Trusting  in  r'lclies  (v.  28). — I.  Here  is  a  common  tendency. 
Wealth  as  an  object  of  trust — 1.  Is  spiritually  unsatisfying  :  2. 
Necessarily  evanescent.  II.  Here  is  a  terrible  catastrophe. 
Shall  fall!     1.  Whence?  2.  Whither?  3.  When?  4.  Why?'' 

Jn-ifabiUty  of  human  greatnc.%'i. — How  many  sad  illustrations 
does  history  supply  of  the  passage  we  have  just  quoted  !  The 
Duke  of  Clarence,  having  offended  his  brother,  Edward  IV.,  was 
condemned,  in  1478.  on  unjust  pretences,  and  privately  executed 
in  the  Tower.  According  to  common  report,  he  was  dro-wned  in 
a  butt  of  wine.  The  king,  when  it  was  too  late,  felt  the  horrors 
of  fratricide.  When  the  nobles  would  sometimes  plead  for  the 
pardon  of  some  retainer  condemned  to  suffer  for  his  crimes, 
Edward  would  recall  the  death  of  Clarence,  and  exclaim,  '•  Oh, 
unhappy  brother,  no  one  would  speak  for  you  !" 


29.  troubleth,  with  niggardly  and  worrying  ways  :  by  his 
greediness  for  gain,  the  "wind,  used  as  the  type  of  disappoint- 
ment and  dissatisfaction.  No  gains  are  of  any  value  if  to  ^^■in 
them  we  sacrifice  the  peace  and  joy  of  our  home."  servant,  he 
so  ruins  his  o%vti  mind  by  his  evil  ways  that  he  becomes,  as  a 
slave,  dependent  on  those  who  have  understanding. 

Famili/  life  (r.  29). — The  words  imply  three  things.  I.  That 
peace  should  be  the  grand  aim  of  all  the  members  of  the  domestic 
circle.  II.  That  there  are  some  members  who  breali  the  peace  of 
their  domestic  circle.  III.  That  those  who  break  the  jieace  of 
their  domestic  circle  are  fools.  1.  They  get  no  good  by  it;  2. 
They  get  degradation  by  it.* 

A  liome-trouhler. — "  I  called,"  snid  a  minister,  "  some  time  atro 
to  see  a  mother.  She  was  in  distress  :  she  not  only  wept,  but 
wept  aloud.  '  What  is  the  matter  ?'  I  inquired.  '  0,  my  child.' 
and  she  wept  again — '  0,  my  child  is  committed  to  prison,'  and 


Oap.sii.l.] 


PROVERBS. 


103 


again  she  wept, — '  0,  my  child  is  just  committed  to  prison,  and  I 
fear  he  will  never,  never  return  to  his  father's  house  ;'  and  she 
wept  again,  and  with  all  my  firmness  I  could  not  forbear  weeping 
too.  I  was  afraid  to  ask  the  cause.  I  did  not  need,  for  she  said, 
'  0  that  theatre  !  he  was  a  virtuous,  kind  youth,  till  that  theatre 
proved  his  ruin.'  This  was  her  testimony — it  M-as  the  young 
man's  also."  "  One  theatre,''  said  a  learned  and  observant  judge, 
"destroys  more  souls  than  fifty  churches  can  save."' 

30,  31.  (30)  fruit,  that  wh.  the  righteous  man  says  and 
does  ;  the  result  of  his  moral  integrity."  tree  of  life,  a  growth 
fr.  wh.  there  spiings  forth  life  for  many,  winneth,  etc., 
better,  "A  wise  man  winneth  souls."''  (31)  recompensed, 
■with  just.  Divine  recognition  of  their  failings  and  sins.  "The 
righteous  is  punished  for  his  lesser  sins,  or  as  a  discipline  ;  much 
more  the  wicked.'"'' 

A  n-ord  to  n-innns  ofsovis  (v.  30). — I.  For  he  has  a  blessing  in 
the  winning.  1.  The  best  v/ay  to  keep  our  own  souls  in  health 
is  to  seek  those  of  others  :  2.  The  best  way  to  benefit  our  brethren 
is  to  seek  souls.  II.  For  he  has  a  blessing  in  the  won.  1.  Every 
soul  we  win  for  Christ  is  a  token  of  His  favour  ;  2.  Causes,  or 
should  cause,  more  watchfulness  ;  3.  Is  an  additional  helper  for 
us.  III.  For  he  has  a  blessing  stored  up  in  heaven.  1.  Exalted 
position — '-shine  as  the  stars;"  2.  Perpetual  preferment — "'for 
ever  and  ever  ;"  3.  Unbounded  delight.'' 

\y  inning  souls. — The  following  is  language  held  by  a  colporteur 
of  the  American  Tract  Society,  in  Florida  : — A  colporteur  must 
count  the  cost,  admonished  by  Him  who  came  to  seek  and  to 
save  that  which  was  lost.  Bodily  strength  and  vigour  of  health 
are  prerequisites.  He  must  be  willing  to  abide  with  the  poorest 
and  most  ignorant  of  our  fellow-men,  and  be  content  with  the 
humblest  fare  ;  cheerfully  endure  cold  and  heat,  hunger  and 
thirst,  labour  and  fatigue,  if  souls  may  be  benefited  and  the 
kingdom  of  our  Redeemer  promoted.  Above  all,  he  needs  an 
entire  reliance  on  the  Divine  aid  and  guidance,  and  must  have 
his  own  heart  subdued  by  the  Spirit  of  God.  Though  I  have 
Bunk  in  the  bogs,  and  have  extricated  myself  only  by  excessive 
labour  ;  have  broken  down  in  the  midst  of  a  difficult  stream,  in 
the  sickly  and  hot  season,  and  waded  out  with  my  boxes  of 
books  ;  have  been  lost  two  days  in  the  woods  without  food  for 
myself  or  horse  ;  have  lain  in  the  wild  forest,  far  from  any 
habitation,  while  the  storm  was  raging  about  me,  or  only  the 
howling  of  wolves  and  of  other  wild  beasts  was  heard  ;  yet  these 
trials  of  hunger,  thirst,  and  exposure  are  of  little  account  if  I 
can  but  win  souls  to  Christ." ' 


CHAPTER  THE  TWELFTH. 

1.  instruction,  in  the  wider  sense  of  discipline,  wh.  comes 
through  the  providences  and  experiences  of  life,  knowledge, 
the  practical  knowledge  that  enables  a  man  to  guide  his  life 
ari^iht.  reproof,  wh.  comes  so  surely  in  the  providential  deal- 
ings of  God.  brutish,  incapable  of  being  influenced  by  reason 
aud  experience." 


derness  gush  out 
without  any 
sense  of  awk- 
wardness, and 
without  any  fear 
of  ridicule." — /*. 
W.  Robertson. 

b  Dr.  Tlwmas. 

c  Whitecross. 

a  "The  fruit  of 
a  life  is  the  in- 
voluntary and 
regular  expres- 
sion of  what  the 
man  is  in  heart 
and  soul." — Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

b  Da.  xii.  3 ;  Ja. 
V.  19,  20;  1  Cor. 
ix.  19,  22,  23. 

c  1  Pe.  iv.  18. 

"  God  would  have 
us  read  our  sina 
in  our  judg- 
ments, that  we 
might  both  re- 
pent of  our  sins, 
and  give  glory  to 
His  justice." — 
Bp.  Ball. 

d   Stems    and 

Twigs. 

V.  30.  H.  Wilkin- 
son, i.  49 ;  J.  At- 
liene,Rem.  47;  J. 
Craig,  i.  384 ;  J, 
Benson,  i.  150;  J, 
Newton,  v.  191 ; 
E.  Bather, m.bZO. 

V.  31.  P.  Pule,  li 
530;  Syd.  Smith, 
154 ;  W.  Nind,  i. 
285. 

e  Cheever, 


ft"  The  difference 
bet.  man  and 
brute  hes  chietly 
in  the  capacity 
of  the  former  for 
progress  and  im- 
provement, and 
that  capacity  d» 


104 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xU.  3—4. 


pends  upon  his 
willing  iipss  to 
submit  to  liisci- 
pline  anil  eiluca- 
tiou."— .S/<X-.  Com. 
Ps.  xlix.  m.lxxiii. 
22,  xcii.  6;  I'r. 
XXX.  2. 

"  Those  that  de- 
sire to  live  in 
loose  faniiliirs 
and  societies, 
■where  they  may 
be  under  no 
check,  that  stifle 
the  convictions 
of  their  own  con- 
Boiences,  and 
count  those  their 
enemies  who  tell 
them  the  truth, 
are  the  bi-utish 
here  meant." — 
^att.  Henry. 

b  Dr.  Thomas. 

V.  2.  P.  Skelton, 
111.  272;  Dr.  S. 
Johnson,  i.  121. 

a  Ps.  i.  3,  XV.  5  ; 
Je.  xvli.  8. 

"•Tis  Nature's 
law  that  none, 
the  meanest  of 
created  thino:s,  of 
forms  created  the 
most  vile  a  n  'd 
brute,  the  dullest 
or  most  noxious, 
shoul d  exist 
divorced  from 
good — a  spirit 
and  pulse  of  good, 
a  lite  and  soul  to 
every  mode  of 
being  inseparably 
linked." — Words- 
worth. 

h  American  Mag. 


a  Eu.  ill.  11;  Pr. 

xxxii.  16. 

b  "  Lit.  a  worm- 
eating,  i.e.  a  ruin 
inwardly  under- 
mining and 
slowly  ilestroy- 
ias."—O.Z<}Mer. 

e  Dr.  Thomas. 

A  virtuous  wo- 
man is  a  source 
of  honour  to  her 
husband ;  a  vici- 
ous one  causes 
Itim  disgrace. 


Good  and  ceil  (v.  1). — Good  and  evil  are  presented  in  three 
aspects.  I.  In  relation  to  intelligence.  1.  The  good  loves  in- 
struction ;  2.  The  evil  hates  intelligence.  II.  In  relation  to 
Divine  judgment.  1.  The  good  secures  the  favour  of  God  :  2, 
The  evil  incurs  condemnation.  III.  In  relation  to  their  stand- 
ing. 1.  Tlie  evil  have  no  stability  ;  2.  The  good  are  fii-mly 
established.* 

JS'dfr-  on  prudence  find  rectitude. — Rectitude — from  the  Latin 
word  reotiLt,  right,  straight.  Prudence  —  wisdom  applied  to 
practice.  Prudence  is  principally  in  reference  to  actions  to  be 
done,  and  due  means,  order,  season,  and  method  of  doing  or  not 
doing.  Pliny  reported  of  one  Oresianus,  who  from  a  little  piece 
of  ground  got  much  wealth,  and  more  than  his  neighboni-s  could 
from  a  great  quantity,  whereupon  he  was  accused  of  witchcraft ; 
but  to  defend  himself  he  brought  forward  his  servants  and 
instruments  of  labour  on  the  day  of  trial,  and  said.  "  These,  O 
Romans,  are  all  my  witchcrafts  ;  I  say  not  to  my  servants,  '  Go 
and  do  this,'  but  '  Come,  let  us  do  this  and  that,'  and  so  the 
work  goeth  on.  The  keys  that  men  keep  in  their  pockets  and 
use  every  day,  wa.-t  brighter  and  brighter  ;  but  if  they  be  laid 
aside  and  hung  by  the  walls  they  soon  giow  rusty." 

2,  3.  (2)  obtaineth,  or  drmv.'i  out.  man  .  .  devices,  the 
Heb.  has  no  word  for  wicked.  It  means  ••  the  man  of  plots  ;" 
perhaps  suggesting  the  man  of  mere  intellect  without  goodness. 
(3)  established,  set  firm.  The  apparent  prosperity  of  the 
wicked  became  a  sore  puzzle  oftentimes  to  the  righteous,  so  they 
needed  such  an  as.surance  as  this.  root,  representing  the 
righteous  as  a  firmly-established  tree."  Comp.  our  Lord's  fig. 
Matt.  vii.  21—27. 

Guided  hij  integrity. — A  company  of  boys  in  Street, 

Boston,  one  day  after  school,  were  engaged  in  snowballing. 
William  had  made  a  good  hard  snowball.  In  throwing  it  he 
•'  put  in  too  much  powder,"  as  the  boys  say — he  threw  it  too 
hard — and  it  went  further  than  he  intended,  right  through  a 
parlour  window.  All  the  boys  shouted:  " There,  you'll  catch  it 
now.  Run,  Bill,  run  !"  They  tlten  took  to  thek  heels.  But  the 
brave  William  straightened  up  and  looked  sober,  as  he  said.  "  I 
shall  not  run."  He  then  started  directly  for  the  house  where 
the  window  had  been  broken.  He  rang  at  the  door,  acknow- 
ledged what  he  had  done,  and  expressed  his  regret.  He  then 
gave  his  name,  and  the  name  of  his  father,  and  his  father's  place 
of  business,  and  said  the  injury  should  be  repaired.* 

4.  virtuous  woman,  not  merely  a  chaste  woman,  but  one 
in  whom  is  strength  of  character :  a  woman  of  power ;"  a 
capable  woman  ;  one  in  whom  her  husband  can  fully  trusc. 
crown,  or  garland  ;  the  emblem  of  honour  and  renown,  of 
gladness  and  of  joy.  Her  cai'e  and  wise  ruling  in  the  hoiise 
crown  him  with  prosperity  and  happiness,  makatll  ashamed, 
by  incompetency  or  self-indulgence,  rottenness,  etc.,''  bee.  no 
prosperities  can  endure  wastefulness  in  the  home. 

The  queen  of  the  household  (v.  4). — In  that. — I.  She  exercises  a 
control  over  him — crown  the  insignia  of  rule.  II.  That  she 
confers  a  dignity  upon  him — a  crown  is  a  dignity.  1.  Her 
excellence  justifies  his  choice  ;  2.  Her  management  enriches  hia 
exchequer  ;  3.  Her  influence  exalts  his  character." 


Clap.  zli.  4.1 


PROVERBS. 


105 


The  honxehohl  qneen. — 

Eyes  not  down-dropp'd,  nor  over  bright,  but  fed 
With  the  clear-pointed  flame  of  cliastity  : 

Locks  not  wide  dispread, 
Madonna-wise,  on  either  side  her  head  ; 
Sweet  lips,  whereon  perjietually  did  reign 
The  summer  calm  of  g'olden  charity, 

Were  fixed  shadows  of  thy  fixed  mood, 
Revered  Isabel,  the  crown  and  head, 
The  stately  flower. of  female  fortitude, 

Of  perfect  wifehood  and  pure  lowlihood. 


A  courage  to  endure  and  to  obey — 
A  hate  of  gossip  parlance,  and  of  sway, 
Crown'd  Isabel,  through  all  her  placid  life, 
The  queen  of  marriage — a  most  perfect  wife."* 

WomatCs  voice. — 

Not  in  the  swaying  of  the  summer  trees. 

When  evening  breezes  sing  their  vesper  hymn- 
Not  in  the  minstrel's  mighty  symj^honies. 

Nor  ripples  breaking  on  the  river's  brim, 
Is  earth's  best  music  ;  these  may  have  awhile 
High  thoughts  in  happy  hearts,  and  carking  cares  beguile. 

But  even  as  the  swallow's  silken  wings. 

Skimming  the  water  of  the  sleeping  lake, 
Stir  the  still  silver  with  a  hundred  rings — 

So  doth  one  sound  the  sleeping  spirit  wake 
To  brave  the  danger,  and  to  bear  the  harm — 
A  low  and  gentle  voice — dear  woman's  chiefest  charm. 

An  excellent  thing  it  is  !  and  ever  lent 

To  truth  and  love,  and  meekness  ;  they  who  own 

This  gift,  by  the  all-gi'acious  Giver  sent. 
Ever  by  quiet  step  and  smile  are  known  ; 

By  kind  eyes  that  have  wept,  hearts  that  have  sorrow'd — 

By  patience  never  tired,  from  their  own  trials  borrow'd. 

An  excellent  thing  it  is  when  first  in  gladness 
A  mother  looks  into  her  infant's  eyes — 

Smiles  to  its  smiles,  and  saddens  to  its  sadness- 
Pales  at  its  paleness,  sorrows  at  its  cries  ; 

Its  food  and  sleep,  and  smiles,  and  little  joys — 

All  these  come  ever  blent  with  one  low  gentle  voice. 

An  excellent  thing  it  is  when  life  is  leaving — 

Leaving  with  gloom  and  gladness,  joys  and  cares — 

The  strong  heart  failing,  and  the  high  soul  grieving 
With  strangest  thoughts,  and  wild  unwonted  fears ; 

Then,  then  a  woman's  low  soft  sympathy 

Comes  like  an  angel's  voice  to  teach  us  how  to  die. 

But  a  most  excellent  thing  it  is  in  youth, 

"V\Tien  the  fond  lover  hears  the  loved  one's  tone, 

That  fears,  but  longs,  to  syllable  the  truth — 
How  their  two  hearts  are  one,  and  she  his  own  ; 

It  makes  sweet  human  music — Oh  !  the  spells 

That  haunt  the  trembling  tale  a  bright-eyed  maiden  tells  I ' 


V.  4.    R.  Snaiosely 

i.  163. 

d  Tennyson. 

"The  very  first 
of  human  Ufa 
must  spring  from 
woman's  breast; 
your  first  small 
words  are  taught 
you  from  her 
lips ;  your  first 
tears  quench'd 
by  her,  and  your 
last  sighs  too 
often  breathed 
out  in  a  woman's 
hearing,  when 
men  have  slirunk 
from  the  ignoble 
care  of  watching 
the  last  liour  of 
him  who  led 
them." — Lord 
Byron. 

"Oh,    woman! 

that  some  one 
of  you  will  take 
an  evei  lasting 
pen  into  your 
hands,  and  grave 
in  paper  (which 
the  writ  shall 
make  more  last- 
ing than  the 
marble  monu- 
ments) your 
matchless  virtues 
to  posterities  ; 
which  the  de- 
fective race  of 
envious  man 
strives  to  con- 
ceal! "-Beaumont 
and  Fletcher. 

"  III  -  temper  in 
woman. — Fie,  fie  I 
unknit  that 
threat'ning  un- 
kind brow  ;  and 
dart  not  scornful 
glances  from 
those  eyes,  to 
wound  thy  lord, 
thy  king,  thy 
governor ;  it 
blots  thy  beauty, 
as  frosts  bite  tha 
meads;  con- 
founds  thy  fame, 
a  s  whirlwinds 
shake  fair  buds ; 
and  in  no  sense 
is  meet,  or 
amiable."~iS/ioi^ 
speare. 

e  Edwin  Arnold 


106 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zii.  5-9. 


a  "  Upon  the  re- 
gula'i'iii  of  our 
t  li  o  u  g  li  t  s  (i  e- 
pends  tlie  regu- 
i»;ion  of  our 
lives.  To  think 
■wc-Il  is  the  way 
to  act  rightly." — 
Piiletj. 

b  Spk.  Com. 

"  Thoughts  are 
the  Dio.st  woniler- 
fiil  tliiiiKsiii  con- 
neoti'.n  witli  hu- 
man life.  They 
are  tlie  factors  of 
characfcr.  and 
the  prinvil  forces 
of  lii  story.  By 
thought  man 
builds  up  his  own 
worM,  and  it  is 
ever  to  hiiu  the 
realest  world."  — 
Dav.  Thomas, 
D.O. 

"  So  sjjake  the 
cherub,  and  his 
grave  rebuke, 
severe  in  youtli- 
ful  beauty,  adiled 
grace  invincible  : 
ahash'd  the  devil 
stood,  and  felt 
how  awful  good- 
ness is." — ililluH. 

eR.T.S. 


a  Hit'Jg. 

b  "  Better  is  he 
that  laboureth, 
and  aboundeth 
in  all  things, 
than  lie  that 
boasteth  himself 
and  w  a  n  t  e  t  h 
bread."—  Words- 
worth. 

"Respectable  me- 
diocriiy  is  b"-ter 
than  boastful  po- 
V  e  r  t  y."  —  is^,k. 
Com. 

"  That  man  is  to 
be  accounteri 
poor,  of  whatever 
rank  he  be,  and 
sutlers  the  pains 
of  poverty,  whose 
expenses  exceed 
his  resources; 
and  no  man  is, 
properly  speak- 
ing, poor,  but 
\ie."—Puley. 


5 — 7.  (5)  thoughts,  or  purposes."  right,  aim  at  simple 
justice  and  righteousness.  "  Habits  of  good  and  evil  reach 
beyond  the  region  of  outward  act  to  that  of  impulse  and  voli- 
tion."* counsels,  or  deliberate  plans,  contrasted  with  casual 
thoucrhts  of  the  rifjhteou-^.  deceit,  not  truih,  or  righteousness, 
or  charity,  (ti)  words,  or  expressed  designs,  for  blood,  ch. 
i.  II,  18.  deliver  them,  either  the  righteous  themselves,  or 
those  whom  tliey  defend  from  the  wicked.  (7)  overthrown, 
Ps.  xxxvii.  31 — 3(1. 

Moral  cimfrasts  (rr.  .5— 7).— I.  "Hiought.  If  the  thought  of 
the  righteous  is  right,  his  words  and  actions  will  correspond.  If 
the  counsels  of  the  wicked  are  deceit,  what  must  his  thought 
have  been  I  II.  Word.  The  deceitful  words  of  wickedness  are 
to  lure  men  to  destruction,  but  the  plain  and  honest  speech  of 
truth  is  to  extricate  men  from  the  snare  of  the  wicked.  Ill, 
Destiny.  The  wicked  are  overthrown  in  position  and  the 
reputation  of  man  and  God.  while  the  righteous  will  be  secure. 

A  Siindaif  .scholar. — Little  Jane  was  a  Sunday  scholar  whom 
every  one  of  her  Christian  friends  loved.  Whatever  seat  was 
vacant  at  nine  o'clock  on  a  Sunday  morning,  hers  was  always 
filled.  She  was  so  poor  that  potatoes  and  bread  constituted  her 
only  sustenance,  while  she  was  the  victim  of  a  severe  and 
wasting  ague.  She  called  on  her  teacher  one  Monday,  who  saw 
traces  of  disease,  hunger,  and  exhaustion  in  her  expre.-sive  coun- 
tenance, and  forced  some  nutritious  food  upon  her.  Jane 
retired  into  a  corner,  and  hastily  ate  one  half  only  of  this  oppor- 
tune luxury ;  the  other  half  was  stealthily  committed  to  her 
empty  pocket.  The  action  did  not  escape  the  keen  eye  of  her 
teacher.  "  Jane,  my  dear,"  said  the  teacher,  '•  what  are  you 
saving  it  for  ?  I  am  sure  you  can  eat  it  all."  The  little  invalid 
looked  cr.nfused,  as  she  answered,  '•  It  is  for  my  brother  Tommy  ; 
he  has  got  the  ague  too.'" " 

8,  9.  (8)  according  to,  lit.  at  the  mouth,  or  direction  of. 
In  exact  proportion  to.  wisdom,  or  practical  shrewdness, 
perverse  heart,  lit.  the  crooked  in  heart.  "  The  perverse 
man,  who  does  not  see  things  as  they  are,  and  therefore  acts  per- 
versely and  injixdiciously.""  be  despised,  or  cnnie  to  shame. 
(9)  hath  a  servant,  or  /.?  a  .irrmut  to  hitmrlf,  sets  to  work  to 
earn,  is  willing  to  labour,  honoureth  himself,  with  the 
foolish  idea  that  labour  is  ignoble,  and  so  lets  his  hands  hang 
idle.*    A  hit  at  the  impoverished  pride  of  birth. 

The  basi.t  of  rrprttation  (v.  8). — I.  Hollow  praise  is  sometimes 
given  to  men  for  other  things — as  knowledge,  title,  accidental 

t  good  fortune.     II.  True  praise  is  based  on  wisdom,  because  when 

:  rightly  understood  it  denotes  moral  qualities  of  a  high  order. 
The  wise  mau  is  humble,  charitable.  sagaci<ms,  God-fearing. 

!  I'owrr  of  kno)rhd(je  and  force  of  example. — One  day,  in  the 
year  1814,  a  workman  hurried  into  Stephenson's  cottage  with 
the  startling  information  that  the  deepest  main  of  the  colliery 

j  ^^  as  on  fire  !  He  immediately  hastened  to  the  pit-head,  about  a 
hundred  _yards  off.  whither  the  women  and  children  of  the 
colliery  were  running,  with  wilduess  and  terror  depicted  in  every 
face.  In  a  commanding  voice  Stephenson  ordered  the  engine- 
man  to  low('r  him  down  the  shaft  in  the  corve.  There  was 
danger,  it  might  be  death,  before  him,  but  he  must  go.  He  was 
Boon  at  the  bottom,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  men,  who  were 


Cap.xil.  10, 11.] 


PROVERBS. 


107 


paralysed  at  the  danger  which  threatened  the  lives  of  all  in  the 
pit.  Leaping:  from  the  corve  on  its  touching  the  ground,  he 
called  out,  "  Are  there  six  men  among  you  who  have  the  courage 
to  follow  me?  If  so,  come,  and  we  will  put  the  fire  out."  The 
Killingworth  pitmen  had  the  most  perfect  confidence  in  their 
engine-wright.  and  they  readily  volunteered  to  follow  him. 
Silence  succeeded  the  frantic  tumult  of  the  previous  minute, 
and  the  men  set  to  work  with  a  will.  In  every  mine,  bricks, 
mortar,  and  tools  enovigh  are  at  hand,  and  by  Stephenson's  direc- 
tion the  materials  were  forthwith  carried  to  the  required  spot, 
where,  in  a  very  short  time,  a  wall  was  raised  at  the  entrance  to 
the  main,  he  himself  taking  the  most  active  part  in  the  work. 
The  atmospheric  air  was  by  this  means  excluded,  the  fire  was 
extinguished,  most  of  the  people  in  the  pit  were  saved  from 
death,  and  the  mine  was  preserved.' 

10.  regardeth,  knoweth.  "All  true  sympathy  and  care 
must  grow  out  of  knowledge.  The  righteous  man  tries  to  J^'non' 
the  feelings  and  life  even  of  the  brute  beast,  and  so  comes  to 
care  for  it.""  his  beast,  esp.  the  animal  that  in  any  way 
renders  him  service.*  tender  mercies,  or  hon-eh.  The  refe- 
rence is  prob.  to  the  action  of  the  wicked  towards  their  fellow- 
men  ;  and  the  contrast  intended  may  be  thus  expressed  :  "  The 
righteous  more  regards  a  beast  than  the  wicked  a  man."' 

Buty  to  animaJis  {v.  10). — I.  Consider  the  relation  of  man  to 
the  lower  creatures.  He  is  their  lord,  ruler — not  torturer.  They 
are  to  minister  to  his  need,  not  to  the  violence  of  his  passions  or 
vicious  curiosity.  A  word  on  vivisection.  II.  Out  of  this  con- 
sideration will  grow  a  proper  regard  for  the  life  of  dumb  crea- 
tures. Animals  kept  for  use  will  be  cared  for,  properly  fed,  not 
overtasked.  The  enforced  confinement  of  pet  animals  should  be 
compensated  by  kind  treatment.  III.  A  proper  regard  for  the 
lower  animals  would  very  much  affect  what  is  called  sport. 
Christian  legislation  has  already  abolished  many  of  the  pastimes 
that  involved  cruelty  to  animals,  and  inscribed  on  the  statute 
book  laws  against  such  cruelty.  IV.  Disregard  is  the  evidence 
of  a  brutal  mind,  and  degrades  man  to  the  level  of  beasts  of 
prey. 

Cruel  drlverx. — He  very  often  mingled  with  affairs  in  the 
street  as  he  passed  along.  One  day,  when  he  saw  a  man  beating 
his  horse  brutally,  he  stepped  up  to  him  and  said  very  seriously, 
"  Dost  thou  know  that  some  people  think  men  change  into 
animals  when  they  die?"  The  strangers  attention  was  arrested 
by  such  an  unexpected  question,  and  he  answered  that  he  never 
was  acquainted  with  anybody  who  had  that  belief.  "  But  some 
people  do  believe  it,"  rejoined  Friend  Hopper;  "and  they  also 
believe  that  animals  may  become  men.  Now  I  am  thinking  if 
thou  shouldest  ever  be  a  horse,  and  that  horse  should  ever  be  a 
man  with  such  a  temper  as  thine,  the  chance  is  thou  wilt  get 
Borne  cruel  beatings."  Having  thus  changed  the  current  of  his 
Bngry  mood,  he  proceeded  to  expostulate  with  him  in  a  friendly 
way,  and  the  poor  beast  was  reprieved,  for  that  time  at  least."* 

11.  tilleth  his  land,  with  foresight  and  diligence,  satis- 
fied, with  the  sure  rewards  of  his  toil,  vain  persons,"  those 
who  have  no  need  of  toil,  and  have  others  as  servants  or 
retainers  dependent  on  them.      The  lot  of   such  retainers  is 


"  Bad  company  is 
like  a  nail  driven 
intoapostjWhich 
after  the  first 
and  second  blow 
may  be  drawn 
with  Uttle  diffi- 
culty; but  being 
once  driven  up 
to  the  head,  the 
pincers  cannot 
take  hold  to 
draw  it  out,  but 
\viiich  can  only 
be  done  by  the 
destruction  of 
the  wood."  — 
Augustine. 
c  Smiles'  Life  of 
Sttphenson. 

a  Spk.  Com.  Ge. 
xxxiii.  13,  14. 

6  "  God  put  all 
under  the  do- 
minion of  man : 
some  to  serve 
him  in  one  way, 
and  some  in  an- 
other ;  some  to 
charm  his  eye 
with  their 
beauty,  others  to 
delight  his  eax 
with  their  music ; 
some  to  supply 
him  with  food, 
others  with 
clothing;  some 
to  save  his  own 
muscular 
strength  in  doing 
his  work,  and 
otliers  to  bear 
him  about." — 
Bav.  Thomas,D.D. 

c  Fausset. 

"The  tender  mer- 
cies of  the  wicked 
are  cruel  even  to 
m  e  n."  —  Words- 
worth. 

V.  10,  P.  Stock' 
dale,  85 ;  R. 
Mayotc,  S5 ;  Dr. 
D.  Cressirell,  195  ; 
Dr.  T.  Chalviert, 
xi.  247. 

d  Life  of  I,  T. 
Hopjier. 


a  Zikkler  pre« 
fers,  with  t7m« 
brei  I,  Bertheau, 
etc.,  to  translate 
vain  things,  vani* 


108 


PROVEnSS. 


[Cap.  xli.  12, 13, 


ties  and  idle 
neises. 

6  Man  sliould 
not  eat  of  lidney 
like  a  ilmue  from 
ottiers,  labours. 

"He  did  not  se- 
Oluile  Himself 
into  the  ooustaiit 
retireineiitii  of  a 
cloister,  nnr  into 
the  further  re- 
cesses of  a  wilder- 
Uess  (as  some 
others  have 
don-),  but  con- 
Trera-il  freely  and 
Indifferently 
with  all  sorts  of 
men— even  the 
most  contemp- 
tible and  odiou; 
sort  of  men,  pub- 
licans and  sin- 
ners; like  the 
Bun,  with  an  im- 
partial b  0  u  n  t  y, 
liberally  impart- 
ing liis  pleasant 
light  and  com- 
fortable warmth 
to  all." — Barrow. 


'•  Zockler. 
»  Miller. 


■The  meaning 
Is,  tlie  wicked  de- 
sire to  be  as  apt 
in  all  the  strata- 
gems by  wh.  ail- 
vantage  is  taken 
of  others  as  tlie 
most  cunning  of 
evil  riien." — Dav. 
T/iomiis,  D.D. 


•The  net  of  evil 
men  is  that  in 
wh.  they  are 
taken,  the  judg- 
ment of  God  in 
wh.  they  are  en- 
snared. Tliis  tliey 
run  into  with 
such  a  blind  in- 
fatuation that  it 
seems  as  if  they 
were  inlove  wiHi 
their  own  de- 
struc  tion. ' ' — Spk. 
Com, 


hero  indicated.*  '•  Idleness  leads  to  worse  evil  than  that  ot 
huuorcT.  * 

I tdit>!fr)i  and.  idJene.u  (v.  11). — I.  Every  one  has  somethinsf.  if 
not  laui],  that  he  m.iy  till.  II.  The  inlustrious  toiler  will  have 
a*",  liast  Ureal.  III.  The  results  of  hon?st.  toil  will  hi  satisfyin.q-. 
IV.  If  one  has  understanding  he  will  not  follow  the  empty,  but 
will  rather  seek  to  lead  them  in  a  mare  excellont  way. 

Earl  of  (.' hafhaiii. — The  celebrated  Earl  of  Chatham  performed 
an  amount  of  busine;<s,  even  minute,  which  filled  common  im- 
provers of  time  with  astonishmeni;.  Ha  knew  not  mai-ely  the 
groat  outlines  of  public  busim.'as,  the  iiolicy  anl  intriurups  of 
foreign  courts,  but  his  eye  was  on  every  part  of  ti  e  British 
d)aiinions,  and  scarcely  a  man  could  move  without  li  s  knovv- 
bdge  of  the  man  and  of  his  object.  A  friend  one  day  cailid  on 
him  when  Premier  of  England,  and  found  him  down  on  his 
hand*  and  knees,  playing  at  marbles  with  his  little  boy.  and 
c  nnplaining  bitterly  that  the  rogue  would  not  play  fair,  gaily 
aiding,  "that  he  must  have  been  corrupted  by  the  exaniTde  of 
the  French."  The  friend  wished  to  mention  a  suspicious  looking 
stranger,  who  for  some  time  had  taken  up  lodgings  in  London. 
Was  ho  a  spy,  or  mer':ily  a  private  gentleman.'  Chathan  went 
to  his  drawer,  and  took  out  some  scores  of  small  portraits,  and 
holding  up  one  which  he  had  s  'leoted,  asked,  "  Is  that  the  man  ?"' 
"  Yes,  the  very  person."  '•  Oh  !  I  have  had  my  eye  on  him  from 
the  moment  he  stepped  on  shore."  All  this  was  accomplished 
by  a  rigid  observance  of  time,  never  suffering  a  moment  to  pass 
without  pressing  it  into  service. 

12,  IS/'Cl-)  desireth  the  net,  a  difficult  expression.  "The 
wicked  desireth  the  spoil  of  evil  doers.""  "  The  wicked  longs 
for  the  prey  of  evil  men." '  The  marg.  gives  another  word  for 
net,  viz.,  forfi'css.  root,  the  part  wh.  is  fixed  and  stable  ;  the 
firm  principles  and  rootings  in  righteousness,  fruit,  the  word 
mfety  or  security  would  appear  to  afford  a  more  precise  contrast. 
(1,3)  is  snared,  or  is  himself  snared  by  the  evil  speaking  with 
wh.  he  seeks  to  overthrow  others.  Lies  are  the  language  of  the 
crafty,  come  out  of,  if  he  may  get  into  trouble,  truth,  in- 
tegrity, and  uprightness  will  ensure  deliverance  sooner  or  later. 

Ensnaring  )rorih  (r.  13).— The  words  of  the  text  are  found  to 
be  true — I.  "Wlien  the  liar  contradicts  a  previous  statement.  II. 
When  the  calumnious  unintentionally  reveal  their  malicious 
motive.  III.  When  the  sophistical  are  tested  by  a  rigid  logic,  or 
an  appeal  to  facts. 

Ahd-el-Kadir  and  the  rnhhers. — Abd-el-Kadir,  of  Ghilau.  having 
obtained  permission  from  his  mother  to  go  to  Bag'dad  and  devote 
himself  to  the  service  of  God,  thus  describes  her  parting  counsels, 
and  records  an  incident  in  his  early  career  which  beautifully 
illustrates  the  power  of  truth.  '■  She  wept,  then  taking  out 
eighty  dinars,  she  told  me  that  as  I  had  a  brother,  half  of  that 
was  all  my  inheritance.  She  made  me  promise  when  sh"  gave  it 
to  me  that  I  would  never  tell  a  lie,  and  afterwards  bade  me  fare- 
well, exclaiming,  '  Go,  my  son,  I  consign  thee  to  God  ;  we  shall 
not  meet  again  till  the  day  of  judgment.'  I  went  on  well  till  I 
came  near  to  Hamadom,  ^vhen  our  kafilah  was  plundered  by 
sixty  horsemen.  One  fellow  asked  me  what  I  had  got. 
'  Forty  dinars,'  said  I,  '  are  sewed  under  my  garments.'  He 
laughed,  thinking,  no  doubt,  I  was  joking  with  him.    '  What 


Cap.  xil.  14—16.] 


PROVERBS. 


109 


have  you  got?'  said  another.  I  gave  him  the  same  anBwer. 
■WTien  they  were  dividing  the  spoil,  I  Mas  called  by  the  chief. 
'  What  projierty  have  you  got,  my  little  fellow  ?'  said  he.  '  I 
have  told  two  of  your  people  already,"  I  rep.lied  ;  '  I  have  forty 
dinars  sewed  up  carefully  in  my  clothes.'  He  ordered  them  to 
be  ripped  open,  and  found  my  money.  '  And  how  came  you,' 
said  he,  with  surprise,  'to  declare  so  openly  Avhat  has  been  so 
carefully  hidden  V  '  Because,'  I  replied.  '  I  will  not  be  false  to 
my  mother,  to  whom  I  have  promised  that  I  will  never  tell  a 
lie  !'  '  Child,'  said  the  robber,  '  hast  thou  such  a  sense  of  thy 
duty  to  thy  mother  at  thy  years,  and  am  I  insensible  at  my  age 
of  the  duty  I  owe  to  my  God  ?  Give  me  thy  hand,  innoueut 
boy,'  he  continued,  '  that  I  may  swear  repentance  upon  it.'  He 
did   so.     His   followers  were   all  alike   struck  with   the   scene. 

•  You  have  been  our  leader  in  our  guilt,'  said  they  to  their  chief. 

•  be  the  same  in  the  path  of  virtue  :'  and  they  in.stantly:  at  hin 
order,  made  restitution  of  their  spoil,  and  vowed  repentance  on 
my  hand." 

14.  fruit  of  his  mouth,  i.e.  rational  and  benevolent  dis- 
course, recompense,  etc.,  retributive  law  surely  governs  the 
universe."  hands,  a  man's  works  are  the  fruit  of  his  hands,  as 
his  words  are  the  fruit  of  his  lips.  Both  good  words  and  good 
works  return  upon  a  man  in  blessings. 

Hetribtdions  of  lip  and  life  {v.  14). — I.  The  retributions  of  the 
lip.  Good  speech  is — 1.  Sincere  ;  2.  Truthful ;  3.  Benevolent. 
Such  speech  satisfies — (1)  In  its  action  on  its  own  mind  ;  (2)  In 
the  eiTect  he  sees  produced  on  others  ;  (3)  In  the  conscious 
approbation  of  God.  II.  The  retributions  of  the  life.  This  is 
inevitable — 1.  From  the  law  of  causation  ;  2.  From  the  law  of 
conscience  ;  3.  From  the  law  of  righteousness.* 

lieward  of  hencrolence  soitietinief:  immediate. — Occasionally  a 
benevolent  action  wrought  in  faith  brings  with  it  an  instan- 
taneous recompense  in  kind ;  therein  Providence  is  seen  as 
Bmiling  upon  the  deed.  The  late  John  Andrew  Jones,  a  poor 
Baptist  minister,  whilst  walking  in  Cheapside,  was  appealed  to 
by  some  one  he  knew  for  help.  He  had  but  a  shilling  in  the 
world,  and  poised  it  in  his  mind,  to  give  or  not  to  give.  The 
greater  distress  of  his  acquaintance  jirevailed,  and.  he  gave  his 
all,  walking  away  with  a  sweet  remembrance  of  the  promise, 
"He  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor,  lendeth  unto  the  Lord,  and 
that  which  he  hath  given,  will  He  pay  him  again."  He  had  not 
gone  a  hundred  yards  further  before  he  met  a  gentleman  who 
said,  "  Ah,  IMr.  Jones,  I  am  glad  to  see  you.  I  have  had  this 
Bovereign  in  my  waistcoat  pocket  this  week  past  for  some  poor 
minister,  and  you  may  as  well  have  it."  Mr.  Jones  was  wont 
to  add,  when  telling  the  story,  "  If  I  had  not  stopped  to  give 
relief  I  should  have  missed  the  gentleman  and  the  sovereign 
too."' 

15,  16.  (15)  fool,  here  the  self-willed  as  well  as  the  thought- 
less, right  .  .  eyes,  i.e.  he  takes  no  advice,  but  with  self-con- 
fidence follows  on  his  own  wilful  way."  counsel,  from  those  who 
have  wisdom  and  experience.*  The  wise  man  is  ever  a  willing 
listener  to  wise  counsels.  "  He  is  a  fool  that  is  governed  by  his  eye, 
and  not  by  his  conscience.  He  is  wise  whose  ear  is  always  open 
to  good  advice."*    (16)  presently,  very  soon  :  because  he  has 


"OutoftheSn.COO 
words  or  so  in  the 
Knglisli  tongue  it 
lias  been  louiid 
that  a  rustic 
labourer  only 
uses  300.  An 
ordinarily  edu- 
cated man  is  sup- 
posed to  u.ve  3.0UO 
or  4,000,  while  a 
great  orator 
reaches  10,0  0  U. 
The  Old  Tesia- 
uient  coTLtains 
5.642  diferent 
words,  and  the 
Works  of  Shake- 
speare s.bout 
15,000  ;  those  of 
Milto  n  about 
8,0  0  0."— Pro/. 
MuUer. 


a  Ga.  vl.  7,  8 ;  Ea 

u.  6. 


Mai.  iii.   16,   17; 
Ja.  iii.  13. 


6  Dr.  Thomas. 


V.  14.  A.  Farin' 
don,  i.  81. 

"  The  kindness  of 
some  is  too  much 
like  an  echo ;  it 
returns  exactly 
the  counterpart 
of  what  it  re- 
ceives, and 
neither  more  nor 
less  (Matt.  v.  46, 
i7)."-G.  S.  Boices. 

c  C.  H.  Spurgeon. 


a  He  who  knowi 
nothing  doubts 
nothing. 

6  "  Tlie  first  step 
in  knowledire  is 
to  know  that  w« 
are  ignorant. "— 
CecU. 


110 


PROVERBS. 


[Gap.  xii.  17-lOL 


c  \/nl.  Henry. 

c'  ■■  He  Is  slow  to 
d  iiwnce  his  in- 
eulters."  — J-'aus- 
sel. 

%Vhen  Dr.  Swift 
was  arguiiif?  one 
day.  with  great 
coolness,  vvitli  a 
gentlemnn  who 
ha.i  be-~-^.e  e.x- 
ceedi'j^iy  v-^irm 
In  ihe  ilisputo, 
oiac  of  tlie  com- 
pany askeil  him 
how  he  could 
keep  his  temper 
so  well.  "  The 
reason  is,"  re- 
plied the  Dean, 
"  I  have  truth  oa 
my  side." 

r.  15.    /.  Balguu, 

L  167. 

r.  16.  Si/d.  Smith, 
ii.  409. 

"  The  greatest  of 
fools  is  he  who 
Imposes  on  him- 
self, and  in  his 
greatest  concern 
thinks  certainly 
he  knows  that 
■which  he  has 
least  studied,  and 
of  which  he  is 
most  profoundly  | 
i  gn  or  an  t." —  i 
S/ui/lesbui'i/.  I 

"  Surely  he  is  not 

a  fool  that  hath  ] 

unwise  thoughts, 

but  he  that  utters 

them." — Bishop 

Ball. 

e  Urummacher. 


a  Spt.  Com. 

b  "  The  edge  of  a 
sword  is  called 
Its  mouth  in 
Heb.  (Ex.  xvii. 
13;  Nu.  xxi.  21.) 
The  tongue  of 
the  wise  is  con- 
trasted with  the 
mouth  of  the 
sword  brandish- 
ed by  the  sl;in- 
derer."  —  Words- 
worth. 

e  "We  should 
BUkke  uouscieuce 


not  character  and  self-command  enoug-h  to  restrain  his  ■svrath. 
covereth  shame,  or  hasty  an^er  that  mir,'-ht  bring  shame.'' 

Tlte  mij/  (if  the  fool  (v.  15). — I.  Right  in  his  own  eyes,  because, 
being  a  fool,  he  is  ignorant  of  better  ways.  II.  Being  a  fool  ha 
is  too  proud  to  acknowledge  what  he  may  see  to  be  good  in  the 
ways  of  others.  III.  Although  right  in  his  own  eyes,  it  is  wrong 
ill  the  sight  of  others, — the  good  and  wise,  and  God.  Anoint 
thine  eyes  with  eye-salve. 

A  2)arahU'  of  folly. — Hazael,  the  son  of  an  Eastern  prince,  had 
been  educated  in  the  valley  of  the  wise  men,  and  had  passed 
there  the  days  of  his  boyhood  Then  his  father  sent  him  to 
Persia  to  finish  his  education,  and  to  i^^arn  the  ways  and  manners 
of  men.  Perfect  liberty  was  granted  to  the  youth  ;  but  Serujah, 
his  old  master,  secretly  watched  the  life  and  doings  of  the  prince. 
AVTien  he  arrived  in  IPersia,  he  was  led  away  by  the  pleasures  of 
the  capital  and  the  turmoil  of  luxurious  life  :  so  that  he  forgot 
his  destination,  and  thoughtlessly  gave  up  his  heart  to  pleasure  : 
he  remembered  no  longer  his  royal  calling.  When  he  was  one 
day  walking  in  the  pleasure-gardens  of  Ispahan,  Serujah  passed 
him  in  the  garb  of  a  pilgrim,  having  a  staff  in  his  right  hand. 
But  Hazael  knew  Serujah,  and  asked  him,  '"  Whence  comest  thou, 
and  whither  goest  thou  ? "  Serujah  answered,  and  said,  "  I  know 
not."  Then  the  youth  marvelled,  and  said,  '•  Hast  thou  left  thy 
home,  and  dost  thou  travel  abroad  not  knowing  whither ! " 
Serujah  answered,  "  I  have  forgotten  it :  I  walk  to  and  fro  ;  and 
the  path  which  seems  to  me  the  widest  and  the  most  pleasant, 
that  choose  I."  "  And  whither  will  such  bootless  wanderings 
lead  thee?"  asked  the  astonished  youth.  Serujah  answered.  "I 
know  not :  why  should  I  care  ? "  Then  Hazael  turned  to  those 
who  stood  around  him,  and  said,  "  This  man  was  the  teacher  of 
my  youth,  and  full  of  wistlom  ;  but,  behold  !  he  has  growTi 
foolish,  and  lacks  understanding.  Alas  1  how  is  he  changed,  and 
become  like  another  being  1"  Then  Serujah  threw  down  his 
wallet,  and  went  to  the  youth,  and  said,  "  Thou  sayest  it,  Hazael, 
my  life  has  changed  like  thine.  Formerly,  I  was  thy  guide,  and 
thou  didst  follow  me  in  the  way  which  I  showed  thee.  But  now 
I  have  ceased  to  be  thy  guide  ;  I  have  begun  to  follow  thee. 
Behold  my  wandering  !  wherein  I  lose  sight  of  the  way,  and  the 
goal  is  like  thine  :  reason  has  departed  from  thee,  even  as  it  has 
quitted  me.  Who  is  the  more  foolish,  thou  or  I .'  and  which  of 
us  is  wandering  in  the  worse  path  V  Thus  said  Serujah.  Then 
Hazael  acknowledged  his  transgression,  and  returned  to  the  way 
of  wisdom,  which  Serujah  had  taught  him.' 

17 — 19.  (17)  truth,  strict  absolute  truth,  without  conceal- 
ment or  deception.  The  point  in  this  verse  is  the  "inseparable 
union  bet.  truth  and  justice.  The  end  does  not  justify  the  means, 
and  only  he  who  breathes  and  utters  truth  makes  the  righteous 
cause  clear."'"  false  "witness,  in  a  court  of  justice.  (18) 
piercings,  etc..''  Ps.  Ivii.  4,  lix.  7.  Inconsiderate  and  inappro- 
priate words  are  like  knife-thrusts,  persons  feel  cut  and  wounded 
by  them,  health,  or  bringefh  healing.''  Wounding  thrusts, 
and  tender  healings  are  forcibly  contrasted.  (19)  for  ever,  it 
will  abide  all  testings,     for  a  moment,  lit.  till  I  n-ink  again. 

Ilomiletic  /li/itu  (r.  17). — Connection  between  truth  and  righte- 
ousness. Lovers  of  truth  set  forth  righteousness  of  G-od,  and 
vindicate  righteousness  of  life :  such  show  forth  righteousnesa 


Cap.  xll.  20-23.] 


PROVERBS. 


m 


in  the  measure  and  time  of  the  truth  spoken. — (r.  18). — The 
piercings  of  a  sword  are  wounding,  irritating,  often  at  random, 
often  mortal.  Health  of  the  wise  tongue  is  seen  in  the  joy, 
the  cheerfulness,  the  content,  good  living,  which  it  encourages 
or  produces. 

Tnifliftilnci^x  of  IVasJiinfjfon.  —  WHien  Washington,  the  late 
President  of  the  United  States  of  America,  was  about  six  years  of 
age,  some  one  made  him  a  present  of  a  hatchet.  Highly  pleased 
with  his  weapon,  he  went  about  chopping  everything  that  came 
in  his  way  ;  and  going  into  the  garden,  he  unluckily  tried  its 
edge  on  an  English  cherry  tree,  stripping  it  of  its  bark,  and 
leaving  little  hope  of  its  recovery.  The  next  morning,  when  his 
father  saw  the  tree,  which  was  a  great  favourite,  he  inquired 
who  had  done  the  mischief,  declaring  he  would  not  have  taken 
five  guineas  for  it ;  but  no  one  could  inform  him  of  the  oflPender. 
At  length,  however,  came  George,  with  the  hatchet  in  his  hand, 
into  the  place  where  the  father  was,  who  immediately  suspected 
him  to  be  the  culprit.  "George,"  said  the  old  gentleman,  "do 
you  know  who  killed  that  beautiful  little  cherry  tree  yonder  in 
the  garden  ? "  The  child  hesitated  for  a  moment,  and  then  nobly 
said,  "  I  cannot  tell  a  lie,  papa. — you  know  that  I  cannot  tell  a 
lie, — I  did  cut  it  with  the  hatchet.'"  "  Run  to  my  arms.  Glad 
am  I,  George,  that  you  have  killed  my  ti-ee — j'ou  have  paid  me 
for  it  a  thousand-fold.  Such  an  act  of  heroism  in  my  son  is  of 
more  worth  than  a  thou.sand  cherry  trees,  though  blossoming 
with  silver,  and  their  fruits  of  gold.'"* 

20,  21.  (20)  in  the  heart,  it  is  no  surface-matter.  They  are 
corrupt  at  the  root,  joy,  at  heart.  Their  counsels  of  peace 
spring  out  of  the  glad  and  peaceful  heart.  (21)  no  evil,"  no 
unmitigated  or  unsanctified  evil :  nothing  n-orthlcsa  to  him. 
mischief,  calamity  and  distress. 

I  mm  ini  iff/  from,  eril  (r.  21). — I.  This  seems  not  to  be  true  ;  the 
same  event  happeneth  alike  to  all ;  the  best  of  men  sometimes 
Buffer.  II.  But  it  is  true,  it  will  be  remembered,  that  becaue  he 
is  a  just  man  he  will  regard  as  a  good  for  him  that  which  to 
others  seems  evil :  for  him  the  cui'se  is  turned  into  a  blessing — for 
him  poverty  and  sickness,  etc.,  are  blessings  in  disguise. 

22.  abomination,  etc..  this  takes  the  higher  view  :  the  evil 
of  deceitful  speech  has  already  been  shown,  now  God's  view  of  it 
is  declared."    deal  truly,  i.e.  faithfully,  according  to  promises. 

Trvth. — Park,  in  his  travels  through  Africa,  relates  that  a 
party  of  armed  Moors,  having  made  a  predatory  attack  on  the 
flocks  of  a  village  at  which  he  was  stopping,  a  youth  of  the  place 
Was  mortally  wounded  in  the  affray.  The  natives  placed  him  on 
horseback,  and  conducted  him  home  ;  while  his  mother  preceded 
the  mournful  group,  proclaim  »ig  all  the  excellent  TjUalities  of 
her  boy,  and  by  her  clasped  hands  and  sire  iming  eyes  manifested 
the  inward  bitterness  of  her  soul.  The  quality  for  which  she 
chiefly  praised  the  boy.  formed  by  itself  an  epitaph  so  noble,  that 
even  civilised  life,could  not  aspire  to  a  higher.  "  He  never,"  said 
Bhe,  with  pathetic  energy,  "  never,  never  told  a  lie  !  "  * 

23,  concealeth,  comp.  v.  16.  A  wise  man  is  not  too  ready  to 
talk  :  he  would  rather  think  on,  and  seek  to  know  more  perfectly. 
Those  who  know  but  little  are  always  eager  to  make  the  most  of 
their  little  stock.    The  truly  learned  are  usually  modest  and 


of  truth,  not  only 
in  our  words,  but 
in  all  our  actions; 
because  t  li  o  s  e 
that  deal  truly 
and  sincerely  ia 
all  their  deal- 
ings are  His  de- 
light, and  He  ia 
well  pleased  with 
them.  Weilelight 
to  converse  with, 
and  make  use  of, 
those  that  are 
honest,  and  that 
We  may  put  a 
confidence  i  n, 
such  therefore  let 
us  be,  tliat  we 
may  recommend 
ourselves  to  the 
favour  both  ol 
God  and  man."— 
An  Old  Aul/ior, 

V.  19.  M.  A.  Mei- 
Ian,  i.  161. 

d  Whitecros*. 


a  Ps.  xei.  10. 

V.  20.  Dr.  T.  Tay- 
lor, 523. 

V.  21.  Dr.  ir. 
Brady,  a.  213;  R. 
Duke,  187;  W. 
Draper,  21, 


a  Pr.  vi.  16—19 ; 

Juo.  iii.  20,  21. 

V.    22.      Dr.     R, 

iiecker. 

V.  135.    F.  Good*, 

308. 


b  R.  T.  S. 


a  "Knowing 
men.  If  they  be 
prudent  men, 
will  carefully 
avoid  everything^ 
that    savours   «< 


112 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xil.  24-2a 


ostentation,  and 
not  tiikt;  all  oc- 
casiiiiis  to  show 
their  Ipariiing 
ou'l  rt-ailiiig,  but 
only  to  use  it  for 
good  purpnses, 
ami  tliea  let  their 
own  works  praise 
the  m."  —  Ma  t. 
Henry. 

Pr.  XV  2 ;  Ec.  iii. 
7  ;  Am.  v.  13. 

b  Stems  and  Twigs. 
•  Young. 


m  We  should 
watch  against 
giving  way  to 
grief,  lest  it  un- 
fit us  for  duty. 
6  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

Honours  come  by 
diligence  ;  riches 
•  pring  from 
economy. 

t'.  25.  Bp.  Aber- 
nethy,  A  Chris- 
tian Treatise,  343. 

«.  26.  H.  .'icougal, 
74  ;  W.Duiilop,i. 
89  ;  Dr.  J.  Rogers. 
iii.  355  ;  Dr.  J. 
Orr.  V.  35;  T. 
hisselt,  332 ;  /. 
Logan,  346. 

Hard  words  are 
like  hailstones  in 
summer,  beating 
down  and  de- 
etrojing  what 
they  would 
nourish  were 
they  melted  into 
drops. 

c  R.T.a. 


a  He  will  let 
whatever  he  may 
gain  slip  from 
his  hands  for 
want  of  effort 
and  attention. 

r.  27.  P.  Stock- 
dale,  179. 

f.  28.  ./.  Duclinl, 
38;  T.  UavUs, 
301. 


retiring."    proclalmeth,  by  i  ashing-  in  at  every  opportunity 
they  surely  proclaim  the  limit  of  their  knowledge. 

Concealing  hnon-lcdge  (r.  23). — A  px'udent  m.in  concealeth 
knowledge — I.  AMieii  it  is  inoi'portune.  John  xvi.  12.  II.  Or 
above  the  capacity  of  his  heaieis.  1  Cor.  ii.  2.  III.  Or  likely  to 
be  misapplied,  Mark  xv.  5.  IV.  When  sure  of  rejection.  Matt.  vii. 
6.  V.  When  calculated  to  injure  the  brethren.  Lev.  xix.  1(5.  VI. 
When  to  utter  it  would  be  only  for  self -display,  Prov.  xxvii.  2.* 
Solemn  fools. — 

Whafs  the  bent  brow,  or  neck  in  thought  reclined  / 

The  body's  wisdom  to  conceal  the  mind. 

A  man  of  sense  can  artifice  disdain. 

As  men  of  wealth  may  venture  to  go  plain ; 

And  be  this  truth  eternal  ne'er  forgot — 

Solemnity's  a  cover  for  a  sot. 

I  find  the  fool  when  I  behold  the  screen  ; 

For  'tis  the  wise  man's  interest  to  be  seen.* 

24—26.  (24)  bear  rule,  the  rewards  of  diligence  will  set 
men  in  positions  of  independence  and  authority,  render 
tribute,  will  be  forced  to  labour,  or  to  .serve,  as  one  owing 
tribute.  ''The  slothful  inevitably  descend  to  pauperism  and 
servitude."  (2.5)  heaviness,  or  trouble,  maketh  it  stoop,  a 
difficult  expression.  Some  tran*.  lie  in/ihr.s-  if  .^toop.  or  crushes  it 
down.  But  the  idea  may  well  be.  it  depresses  him.  makes  him 
unfit  for  work,"  a  good  word,  cheery,  comforting  word.  (2G) 
more  excellent,  better  trans.  '■  guirleth  his  friend  aright." 
Luther  and  some  others  trans.  '■  better  than  his  friend  fares  the 
righteous  man."  seduceth  them,  leadeth  his  friends  astray,  or 
bringeth  himself  to  ruin. 

The  exccllcncii  of  ihe  righreouit  (r.  2C>). — I.  In  his  connections. 
1.  He  is  united  to  Christ :  2.  The  Holy  Ghost  dwells  in  him  ;  3. 
He  is  of  the  same  familj'  with  all  the  glorified  saints  and  angels; 
4.  What  docs  any  worldly  man  possess  that  cnn  be  compared  with 
this.'  II.  In  His  priucijiles.  1.  He  is  under  the  influence  of 
faith  and  love  :  2.  How  different  the  principles  of  the  wicked  ! 
III.  In  his  habits.  1.  He  lives  for  God:  2.  How  is  it  for  the 
wicked.'  IV.  In  his  end.  Address — 1.  Tho.-^e  whom  God  haa 
classed  with  the  wicked  ;  2.  Those  who  are  disposed  to  clas3 
themselves  with  the  righteous.* 

Flowery  sj)e/cJi. — A  distinguished  preacher  was  once  asked 
what  he  thought  of  a  sermon  which  he  had  just  heard  delivered, 
and  which  had  a]ipeared  to  produce  a  great  .«ensation  among  the 
congregation.  His  reply  may  suggest  an  important  hint  to  some 
Christian  ministers: — "Very  fine,  sir;  but  a  man  cannot  live 
ujjon  flowers."  « 

27,  28.  (27)  roasteth,  so  as  to  get  for  himself  the  benefit  of 
his  own  labours,  he  lets  them  slip  from  him.  He  does  not  im- 
prove his  advantages."  substance,  e/e.,  better  rend.  '•  But  a 
jirecious  treasure  to  a  man  is  diligence,"  or  "  But  precious  treasure 
belongeth  to  the  diligent  man,"  intimating  that  he  makes  effort 
to  hold  it  securely  when  it  is  gained.  (28)  pathway,  etc..  this 
sentence  needs  to  be  reconstructed,  so  as  to  throw  out  the  designed 
contrast.  The  word  rendered  pathn-ny,  properly  means  a  en  okcd, 
winding  by-path;  and  the  clause  should  be  rendered,  "But  a 
devious  way  (leadeth)  to  death."    The  nejjative  no  in  Heb.  \s  bo 


Oap.xlil.1.] 


PROVERBS. 


113 


like  the  preposition  to  that  we  find  them  on  several  occasions 
confused  with  each  other.* 

Life  in  the  /va//  of  riglitcovsness  (v.  28). — I.  The  righteous  are 
they  who — 1.  Are  interested  by  faith  in  the  righteousness  of 
Christ :  2.  Who  are  distinguis<hed  by  the  integrity  of  their 
princijiles  ;  3.  Who  live  in  the  exercise  of  comnmnion  with  God  ; 
4.  Such  are  animated  by  a  new  life  ;  5.  This  life  in  the  soul 
shall  never  be  extinguished.  Apply: — (1)  Are  we  of  the  number 
of  the  righteous  ?  (2)  If  not,  the  reverse  of  this  is  the  melancholy 
fact.' 

Griffith  Daries. — Griffith  Davies  was  born  in  Carnarvonshire, 
in  1788.  He  was  the  son  of  a  poor  man,  and  had  no  training  at 
all  in  his  young  day"?,  except  that  which  he  obtained  from  a 
labouring  man  in  the  village  Sunday  school.  Up  to  the  age  of 
seventeen,  he  had  never  been  to  a  da}^  school.  He  had  then 
accumulated  money  enough  to  pay  for  three  months'  tuition  of 
a  very  humble  description.  Here  he  learned  the  elements  of 
arithmetic,  and  afterwards,  while  working  in  the  slate  quarry 
with  his  father,  used  to  employ  his  spare  time  by  figuring  upon 
the  pieces  of  slate  with  an  iron  nail.  He  thus  became  a  very 
accurate  calculator.  In  process  of  time  he  came  up  to  Loudon, 
opened  a  school,  and  had  for  one  of  his  early  pupils  John 
Franklin,  the  subsequently  celebrated  Arctic  voyager.  In  1823 
he  was  appointed  actuary  to  the  Guardian  Life  Ofiice,  which 
Bituation  he  maintained  with  honour  and  efiiciency  ail  his  life, 
and  died  an  humble  and  devoted  Christian, 


CHAPTER  THE  THIRTEENTH. 

1.  heareth,  this  word  is  not  in  the  Heb.  The  term  "  instruc- 
tion "  would  better  be  "  correction  ;"  then  the  contrast  appears. 
Worchworth  and  others  suggest  that  it  should  read*.  "  A  wise  son 
is  his  fathers  instruction."  i.e.  he  is  the  fruit  of  it,  his  wisdom  is 
produced  by  it."  seorner,  Ps.  i.  1  ;  Pr.  i.  22.*  rebuke,"  a 
much  stronger  word  than  correction. 

1\i.<!d(i»i  and  foil  1/  {v.  I).'— I.  The  wise  son  hears  his  father 
attentively,  patiently,  obediently,  though  the  words  may  not 
always  be  pleasant  or  laudatory.  II.  The  foolish  son,  being 
scornful,  conceited,  proud,  heareth  not  rebuke  though  he  most 
needs  it.  1.  Compare  the  course  and  the  end  of  the  two  ;  2.  How 
is  the  father  affected  in  either  case  1'' 

Titus  ManVnis. — A  certain  Roman,  in  the  days  of  paganism, 
called  Titus  Manlius,  was  treated  extremely  ill  by  his  father,  for 
no  other  reason  than  a  defect  in  his  speech.  A  tribune  of  the 
people  brought  an  accusation  against  his  father  before  the  people, 
who  hated  him  for  his  imperious  conduct,  and  were  determined 
to  punish  him  with  severity.  The  young  man  hearing  this,  went 
one  morning  very  early  from  Lis  father's  country  farm,  where 
he  was  forced  to  live  like  a  slave,  and,  finding  out  the  house  of 
the  tribune  -nho  had  impeached  his  father,  entreated  that  he 
would  immediately  drop  the  prosecution.  The  tribune  declared 
before  the  people  that  he  withdi-ew  his  charge  against  old 
Manlius,  because  his  son  Titus  had  obliged  him  to  promise  upon 
oath  that  he  would  carry  it  no  further.  The  people,  charmed 
•with  the  filial  piety  of  Titus,  shown  to  so  unnatural  a  father, 

VOL.  VU.     O.T.  H 


b  Some  however 
prefer  to  take 
no-death  as  one 
word,  used  here 
as  the  equivalent 
for  immortality. 

c  C.  Raiclings, 
B.A. 

"Plato  had  so 
great  and  true 
an  idea  of  perfect 
r  i  g  h  t  e  o  usness, 
and  was  so  tho- 
roughly  ac- 
quainted with 
the  corruption  of 
mankind,  that  he 
makes  it  appear 
that  if  a  man, 
perfectly 
righteous,  should 
come  upon  earth, 
he  would  find  so 
much  opposition 
in  the  world 
that  he  would  be 
imprisoned,  r  e  - 
viled,  scourged, 
and  in  fine  cruci- 
fied by  such  who, 
though  they  were 
extremely 
wicked,  would 
yet  pass  for 
righteous  men." 
—Plato. 


a  Pr.  X.  1, 17. 

b  "  The  heedless 
reviler  of  religion 
who  has  long 
ago  thrown  aside 
all  childlike 
piety  and  reve- 
rence for  the 
holy." — Zdckler. 

c  "How  can 
those  mend  a 
fault  who  will 
not  be  told  of  it, 
but  count  those 
their  enemies 
who  do  them 
that  kindness?" 
— Mat.  Henry. 

He.  xii.  5. 


e  R.  T.  S. 

"  Fortune  can, 
for  her  pleasure, 
fools  advance, 
and  toss  them  ca 
the  whirling 
wheels  ot 
chanoe."— i);y 
den. 


114 


PROVERBS. 


Cap.  xlii.  a— e. 


I  not  only  forgave  the  old  man,  but  the  next  year  advanced  hia 
generous  son  to  the  supreme  honours  of  the  State.' 


I      2,  3.  (2)  eat  good,  comp.  oh.  xii.  U.     fruit  of  moutll,  i.e. 

'  words,     transgressors,  here  especially  those  who  transgress 

;  in  speech  :  by  violent  speeches  tiying  to  injure  othnrs.  they,  in 

effect,  bring  violence  on  themselves."     (3)  keepeth.  his  life, 

bee.  he  does  not  provoke  others  to  violence  towards  him  :  he  does 

!  not  make  enemies,     openeth   .  .  lips,    '•  loves  to   bawl,   and 

j  bluster,  and  make  a  noise,  and  affect  such  a  liberty  of  speech  as 

bids  defiance  both  to  God  and  man.'*    destruction,  of  his  re- 

i  putation,  his  interest,  his  comfort,  and  his  soul.'' 

j      Man  spealdng  {re.  2,  3). — I.  The  self-profiting  and  self-ruinous 

!  in  speech.     The  speech  of  the  good — 1.  Promotes  the  develop- 

i  ment  of  his  own  spiritual  being  ;    2.  Gratifies  his  own  moral 

nature  ;  3.  Produces  good  results  in  the  hearer.     II.  The  self- 

I  controlled  and  the   self-reckless   in   speech.     1.  The  controlled 

may  be  useful  :  2,  The  reckless,  dangerous.'^ 

A  sermon  to  one  hearer. — Dr.  Beecher  once  engaged  to  preach 
for  a  country  minister  on  exchange,  and  the  Sabbath  proved  to 
be  one   excessively   stormy,  cold,   and   uncomfortable.     It  was 
mid-winter,  and  the  snow  was  piled  all  along  in  the  I'oads.  so  as 
to  make  the  passage  very  difficult.     Still  the  minister  urged  his 
horse  through  the  drifts,  put  the  animal  into  a  shed,  and  went 
I  in.     As  yet  there  was  no  person  in  the  house  ;  and  after  looking 
I  about,  the  old  gentleman — then  young — took   his  seat  in  the 
I  pulpit.     Soon  the  door  opened,  and  a  single  individual  walked  up 
I  the  aisle,  looked  about,  and  took  a  seat.     The  hour  came  for 
!  commencing  service,  but  no  more  hearers.     Whether  to  preach  to 
;  such  an  audience  was  a  question — and  it  was  one  that  Lyman 
1  Beecher  was  not  long  deciding.     He  felt  that  he  had  a  duty  to 
I  perform,  and  he  ha^l  no  right  to  refuse  to  do  it  because  only  one 
!  man  could  reap   the   benefit  of  it  :    and   accordingly  he  went 
through  all  the  services,  praying,  singing,  preaching,  and  the 
I  benediction,  with  only  one  hearer.     And  when  all  was  over,  he 
;  hastened  down  from  the  desk  to  speak  to  his  congregation,  but 
;  he  had  departed.     A  circumstance-so  rare  was  referred  to  occa- 
I  sionally  ;  but,  twenty  years  after,  it  was  brought  to  the  doctor's 
mind  quite  strangely.     Travelling  somewhere  in  Ohio,  the  doctor 
alighted  from  the  stage  one  day  in  a  pleasant  village,  when  a 
gentleman  stepped  up  and  spoke  to  him,  familiarly  calling  him 
by  name.     ''  I  do  not  remember  you,"  said  the  doctor.     "  I  sup- 
pose not."  said  the  stranger  ;    "  but  we  once  spent  two  hours 
i  together  in  a  hoiTse  alone  in  a  storm."     "  I  do  not  recall  it.  sir," 
I  added  the  old  man  ;  "  pray  when  was  it  ?"     "  Do  you  remember 
:  preaching,  twenty  years  ago,  in  such  a  place,  to  a  single  person  ?" 
]  "  Yes,  yes,"  said  the  doctor,  grasping  his  hand,  "  I  do.  indeed  ; 
I  and  if  you  are  the  man,  I  have  been  wishing  to  see  you  ever 
since."     "  I  am  the  man,  sir  ;  and  that  sermon  saved  my  soul, 
made  a  minister  of  me.  and  yonder  is  my  church.     The  converts 
of  that  sermon,  sir,  are  all  over  Ohio." 

a2Th.  iil.  10.  4 — 6.  (4)  soul,    the  sluggard  only  fonns  vain   wishes,  he 

fc  "A  soul  that  makes  no  effort  to  secure  their  fulfilment.  He  builds  many 
has  I'Of'ii  made  i  east Ics,  but  they  are  all  castles  in  the  air."'  made  fat,  the 
tif' thi"  laws' o"  fi&"''c  ^o'"  f^^l^  prospered  and  satisfied.  Ch.  xii.  14.  (5)  lying, 
Ita  own  spiritual )  put  generally  for  aU  deceitful  and  injurious  speech  and  action.* 


•  "Give  not  thy 

tongue  too  (Treat 
a  liberty,  lest  it 
take  thee  pri- 
son'T.  A  woril 
unipnken  is,  like 
tlic  -iwoni  in  tlie 
scabbard,  thine ; 
it  venled,  thy 
sword  is  in 
anotlier"s  hand. 
If  thou  desire  to 
be  held  wise,  be 
so  wise  as  to 
hold  thy  tongue." 
— Qiiiirlrs. 

"  Take  heed  that 
thy  tongue  cut 
not  thy  throat." 
— Arab.  Prov. 

Ps.  cxli.  3. 
6  Mat.  Henry. 
c  Ja.  iil.  6. 
d  Dr.  Thomas. 

"  The  joy  result- 
ing from  the  dif- 
fusion of  bles- 
sings to  all 
around  Jis  is  the 
purest  and  sub- 
Ijmest  that  can 
ever  enter  the 
human  mind. and 
can  be  conceived 
only  by  those 
who  have  e.xperi- 
enced  it.  Next 
to  the  consola- 
tions of  Dirine 
grace  it  is  the 
most  sovereign 
balm  to  tlie 
miseries  of  life, 
both  in  him  who 
is  the  object  of 
it,  and  in  him 
who  exercises  it ; 
and  it  will  not 
onlj'  sootlie  and 
tranquillise  a 
troubled  spirit, 
but  inspire  a  con- 
stant flow  of  good 
humour,  content, 
and  gaiety  of 
heart." — Bishop 
Purleus, 


0»p.  xili.  7.1 


PROVERBS. 


116 


loatlisome,  perhaps  sliould  be  read,  actetli  basely  and  shame- 
fully :  dues  shameful  deeds.  (6)  keepeth.,  protecteth.  up- 
rig'llt,  etc.,  lit.  innocfnce  of  ivay,  an  abstract  for  the  concrete, 
equivalent  to  "them  that  walk  uprightly."  overthrowetll/ 
lit.  plungeth  into  sin  with  all  its  consequences. 

'ihi^  effect .1  of  sill  (rv.  5,  6). — I.  Give  the  character  of  the 
sinner.  1.  What  is  sin  .' — transgression  of  law  ;  2.  Hence  sin  is 
contempt  of  God;  3.  Rejection  of  Christ:  4.  In  the  rank  of 
sinners  place  infidels,  etc.  ;  5.  Such  are  sinners  by  name,  prac- 
tice, motives,  etc.  II.  Show  how  sin  is  the  ruin  of  the  sinner. 
1.  It  exhausts  his  property  ;  2.  Bla.sts  reputation  ;  3.  Destroys 
health  :  4.  Hastens  approach  of  death  ;  5.  Effects  the  damnation 
of  the  soul.'' 

The  minister  of  Clermont. — The  minister  of  the  seminary  at 
Clermont  (France)  having  been  seized  at  Autun  by  the  populace, 
the  mayor,  who  wished  to  save  him,  advised  him  not  to  take  the 
oath,  but  to  allow  him  to  tell  the  people  that  he  had  taken  it. 
"  I  would  myself  make  known  your  falsehood  to  the  people," 
replied  the  clergyman  :  "  it  is  not  permitted  mc  to  ransom  my 
life  by  a  lie.  The  God  who  prohibits  my  taking  this  oath  will 
not  allow  me  to  make  it  believed  that  I  have  taken  it."  The 
mayor  was  silent,  and  the  minister  was  martyred. 

7,  hath  nothing,  of  real  and  lasting  worth.  "A  maxim 
aimed  at  foolish  pride  of  birth  and  empty  love  of  display  on  the 
part  of  men  without  means,  as  ch.  xii.  9.""  maketh  himself 
poor,  for  some  purpose  simulating  poverty  to  conceal  great 
wealth.* 

The  policy  that  degrades  and  ennobles  (v.  7). — This  Proverb 
may  denote — I.  A  mean  social  fact.  1.  As  when  one  gives  out 
that  he  is  rich  and  has  nothing  :  2.  Or  is  rich,  but  gives  out  that 
he  is  poor.  Such  conduct  is  hypocritical,  and  dishonest,  and 
demoralising  :  the  state  of  society  which  submits  to  such  ex- 
pedients must  be  corrupt  :  the  man  who  resorts  to  them  is 
depraved.  II.  A  grand  moral  contrast.  1.  As  when  a  man 
sacritiees  all  that  is  noble,  moral,  sacred,  in  the  soul  to  make 
himself  rich,  and  has  nothing  ;  2.  As  when  a  man  .sacrifices  all 
that  earth  can  offer  to  the  truth,  yet  he  may  be  rich."^ 

The  three  brothers. — A   minister   soliciting    aid   towards  the 
erection  of  a  place  of  worship,  waited  on  an  individual  distin- 
guished for  his  wealth  and  benevolence.     Approving  the  case,  he 
presented  to  the  minister  a  handsome  donation,  and,  turning  to 
his  three  sons,  who  had  witnessed  the  transaction,  he  advised 
them  to  imitate  his  example.     "  My  dear  boys,"  said  he,  "  you 
have  heard  the  case  ;  now,  what  will  you  give '/"     One  said,  "  I 
will  give  all  that  my  pockets  will  furnish  :"  another  observed,  : 
"I  will  give  half  that  I  have  in  my  purse  ;"  the  third  sternly 
remarked,  '■  I  will  give  nothing."     Some  years  after,  the  minister 
had  occasion  to  visit  the  same  jdace,  and  recollecting  the  family 
he  had  called  upon,  he  inquired  into  the  actual  position  of  the 
parties.     He  was  infonned  that  the  generous  father  was  dead  ;  , 
the  youth  who  had  cheerfully  given  all  his  store  was  living  in  ; 
alBuence  :  the  son  who  had  divided  his  pocket-money  was  in 
comfortable  circumstances  ;  but  the  third,  who  had  indignantly  ^ 
refused    to    assist,    and    haughtily  declared    "  he    would    give , 
nothing, "  was  so  reduced  as  to  be  supported  by  his  two  brothers,  j 
h2 


I  befn^,  to  the 
universe,  and  to 
God,  has  an  in- 
stincti've  repug- 
nance to  false- 
liood."  —  l)av. 
Tlwir.ai,  D.D. 

Vs.  cx\x.  29. 

c  "  Maketh  to 
slip."  —  Words- 
tcortft. 

d  Tfieta   in    400 

Sks. 

i\  4.  Dr.  Walts, 
Bta-vSl.  Sermons, 
ii.  289  ;  W.  Rict*- 
ardson,  i.  323. 


a  ZSciler. 

b  "  The  teaching 
of  ch.  xi.  24 
finds  its  echo 
here.  There  is  a 
seeming  wealth 
behind  wh.  there 
lies  a  deep  spirit- 
ual poverty  and 
wretched  ness. 
There  is  a 
poverty  which 
makes  a  man 
rich  fur  the  king- 
dom of  God." — 
Sjik.  Com. 

2  Co.  vi.  10  ;  PhL 
iii.  7,  9. 

c  W.  Wieeler. 

'•  There  is  no  art 
or  science  that  is 
too  difficult  for 
industry  to 
attain  to ;  it  is 
the  gift  of 
tongues,  and 
makes  a  man 
understood  and 
valued  in  all 
countries,  and  by 
all  nations.  It  is 
the  philosopher's 
stone,  that  turns 
all  metals,  and 
even  stones,  into 
gold,  and  suffers 
no  want  to  break 
into  its  dwelling. 
It  is  the  north* 
vest     passag% 


116 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  ziiL  8,a 


that  brings  the 
merchant's  ships 
to  liim  as  soon  as 
he  can  desire. 
In  a  word,  it 
conquers  all 
enemies,  and 
makes  fortune 
itself  pay  con- 
tribution."--Z.o/'(i 
Clarendon. 

"As  the  sons  of 
the  husbanilmau 
in  the  fable,  who 
being  told  by 
their  father, 
lying  on  his 
death-bed,  that 
he  left  much  gold 
buried  under  tlie 
ground  in  his 
vineyard,  fell  a- 
delving  and 
digging  all  about 
the  vines ;  and 
though  they 
found  no  gold, 
yet,  by  stirring 
the  mould  about 
the  roots  of  tlie 
trees,  gained  a 
great  vintage 
that  year  ;  even 
60  it  falletli  out 
with  the  labour 
of  our  calling."— 
fencer. 

"The  bread 
earned  b  y  t  h  e 
sweat  of  the 
brow  is  thrice 
blessed,  ami  it  is 
far  sweeter  than 
the  tasteless  loaf 
of  idleness." — 
CrowquUl. 

"Grete  rest 
stondeth  in  litel 
businesse. " — 
Chaucer. 

" Idleness  is  a 
constant  sin,  and 
but  the  devil's 
home  for  temp- 
tation, and  for 
unprofitable,  dis- 
t  r  a  c  t  i  n  g  mus- 
ings."—/Baxter. 

d  Michael  Bruce. 

rt  "  '\V  h  0  ever 
thinks  of  robbing 
or  murdering  a 
beggar?  He  is 
everywhere  safe 
and  free  from 
molestation  fr. 
Whom    there    is 


Indvstry. — 

Now  sober  industry,  illustrious  po'vrer  ! 
Hath  raised  the  peaceful  cottage,  calm  abode 
Of  innocence  and  joy  :  now,  sweating-,  guides 
The  shining  ploughshare,  tames  the  stubboi-n  soil, 
Leads  the  long  drain  along  the  unfertile  marsh, 
Bids  the  bleak  hill  with  vernal  verdure  bloom. 
The  haunt  of  flocks  :  and  clothes  the  barren  heath 
With  waving  harvests  and  the  golden  grain. 
Fair  from  his  hand  behold  the  village  rise, 
In  rural  pride,  'mong  intermingled  trees  ! 
Abo-^e  whose  aged  tops  the  joyful  swains, 
At  even-tide  descending  from  the  hill. 
With  eye  enamour'd,  mark  the  many  wreaths 
Of  pillar'd  smoke,  high  curling  to  the  clouds. 
The  streets  resound  with  labour's  various  voice, 
Who  whistles  at  his  work.     Gaj'  on  the  green, 
Young  blooming  boys,  and  girls  with  golden  hair, 
Trip,  nimble-footed,  wanton  in  their  play, 
The  village  hope.     All  in  a  reverend  row. 
Their  grey-hair'd  grandsires,  sitting  in  the  sun 
Before  the  gate,  and  leaning  on  the  staff.  , 

The  well-remember'd  stories  of  their  youth 
Recount,  and  shake  their  aged  locks  with  joy. 

How  fair  a  prospect  rises  to  the  eje, 
Where  beauty  vies  in  all  her  vernal  forms, 
For  ever  pleasant,  and  for  ever  new  ! 
Swells  the  exulting  thought,  expands  the  soul, 
Drowning  each  ruder  cai-e  :  a  blooming  train 
Of  bright  ideas  rushes  on  the  mind, 
Imagination  rouses  at  the  scene  ; 
And  backward,  through  the  gloom  of  ages  past, 
Beholds  Arcadia,  like  a  rural  queen. 
Encircled  with  her  swains  and  rosy  nymphs, 
The  mazy  dance  conducted  on  the  green. 
Nor  yield  to  old  Arcadia's  blissful  vales 
Thine,  gentle  Leven  !     Green  on  either  hand 
Thy  meadows  .spread,  unbroken  of  the  plough, 
With  beauty  all  their  own.     The  fields  rejoice 
With  all  the  riches  of  the  golden  year. 
Fat  on  the  plain,  and  mountain's  sunny  side, 
Large  droves  of  oxen,  and  the  fleecy  flocks, 
Feed  undisturb'd,  and  fill  the  echoing  air 
With  music,  grateful  to  the  master's  ear. 
The  traveller  stops,  and  gazes  round  and  round 
O'er  all  the  scenes,  that  animate  his  heart 
With  mirth  and  music.     Even  the  mendicant, 
Bowbent  with  age,  that  on  the  old  grey  stone, 
Sole  sitting,  suns  him  in  the  public  way. 
Feels  his  heart  leap,  and  to  himself  he  sings.'' 
8,  9.    (8)  ransom,    when  taken  prisoner,   or  fined  in   the 
courts,  a  man's  money  is  taken  from  him  :  but  they  who  have 
no  money  are  free  from  the  risks  of  the  threats  and  litigations 
that  beset  the  rich."    The  import  of  the  verse  has   been  given 
thus  :  "  A  rich  man,  when  he  fears  any  evil  from  his  enemies, 
can  divert  it  by  a  sum  of  money  ;  but  the  poor  man,  when  he  ia 


Cap.  xiii.  8, 9.] 


PROVERBS. 


U1 


threatened,  dares  not  stay,  but  runs  away."  (9)  light,*  a  fig. 
for  the  prosperity  and  blessing  of  the  righteous.  The  Lord 
Himself  is  their  light,  rejoiceth,'"  increaseth,  groweth  in 
brightness,  so  giving  ever  more  joy.  lamp,  or  candle.  A  word 
signifying  both  a  temporary  and  a  man-lighted  thing  is  chosen 
in  order  to  point  the  contrast.''  The  light  of  the  wicked  is  a 
lamp  of  their  own  kindling. 

The  lights  of  the  soul  (v.  9"). — ^The  text  leads  us  to  consider 
two  things.  I.  The  joyous  light  of  the  soul — the  light  of  the 
righteous.  II,  The  transient  light  of  the  soul — the  lamp  of  the 
wicked.« 

T/ie  liberal  soul  made  rich. — Much  had  been  said  one  evening, 
at  the  meeting  of  a  missionary  society,  on  the  blessing  which 
always  seemed  to  rest  on  those  who  gave  largely  towards  the 
support  of  Christian  missions.  The  next  morning,  at  breakfast, 
a  lady  gave  the  following  account  to  one  of  the  party  who  were 
her  visitors  on  that  occasion  : — "  I  had  three  brothers."  she  said, 
'■  who  had  been  brought  up  with  much  care  by  my  excellent 
father  and  mother.  They  had  endeavoured  to  impress  upon  all 
their  children  the  duty  and  the  high  privilege  of  laying  by  and 
giving  even  of  their  little  store  to  the  spreading  of  the  kingdom 
of  our  blessed  Redeemer.  It  hax>pened  that  each  of  these 
brothers  possessed  a  box,  in  which  he  was  accustomed  to  drop 
any  small  sxira  of  money  that  might  be  given  to  him.     In  the 

confusion  of  moving  from  our  residence  at  to  another 

house,  these  boxes  were  for  a  time  mislaid,  and  were  long 
looked  for  in  vain.  Some  time  afterwards,  the  three  boxes  were 
unexpectedly  found  ;  the  boys  were  delighted  at  the  discovery  of 
their  lost  treasures,  and  determined  at  once  to  open  their  boxes. 
It  was  rather  a  curious  circumstance  that  the  three  boxes  con- 
tained almost  the  same  sum  of  money — about  ten  pounds.  My 
eldest  brother  had  long  wished  to  possess  a  watch  :  and  without 
hesitation  he  instantly  appropriated  the  whole  of  the  contents  of 
his  box  to  the  purchase  of  one.  My  second  brother  was  of  a 
divided  mind  :  he  accordingly  separated  his  money  into  two 
portions  :  one  he  spent  for  his  own  gratification,  the  other  por- 
tion he  gave  to  some  religious  society.  My  youngest  brother 
gave  up  all  ;  he  reserved  no  portion  for  his  own  self-indulgence, 
but  freely  and  joyfully  gave  the  whole  to  the  Lord.  And  now," 
added  the  lady,  "  I  must  tell  you  something  of  the  after  life  of 
each  of  my  brothers.  The  dispositions  which  were  then  shown 
in  so  marked  a  way  proved  indicative  of  the  future  course  of 
each  of  the-^e  young  men.  The  eldest  has  been  engaged  in  many 
undertaliiugs  which  seemed  to  promise  wealth,  and  he  has  ex- 
pended large  sums  of  money  ;  but  he  has  failed  in  everything  : 
and  at  the  close  of  a  long  life  he  is  a  poor  man.  and  has  been  for 
some  considerable  time  dependent  on  the  bounty  of  his  youngest 
brother.  My  second  brother  is  not  poor  :  but  he  has  never  been 
rich,  nor  satisfied  with  his  very  moderate  circumstances.  I  am 
now  in  mourning  for  my  youngest  brother.  He  died  lately, 
leaving  ;£1()0,(»00,  after  having  freely  given  away  at  least  as 
much  to  mis.sions  among  the  heathen,  and  to  other  works  of  love. 
God  prospered  him  in  everything  that  he  undertook :  and  he 
ceased  not.  throughout  the  whole  course  of  his  life,  to  give  freely 
of  all  that  God  gave  to  his  hand.  Freely  he  had  received,  and 
freely  and  cheerfully  did  he  give."/ 


nothing  to  b« 
had.  Poverty 
then  is  not  with- 
out its  advan- 
tages."— Qnoied 
by  Dav.  T/wmaSf 
DM. 

b  Matt.  V.  14, 16. 

e  "  The  same  root, 
in  Araliic,  means 
to  laugh,  or  to 
fport." — Hitzig. 

d  "  The  righteoiM 
have  the  true 
light  in  them. 
Thatwh.  belongs 
to  the  wicked  is 
but  derived  and 
temporary,  and 
shall  be  extin- 
guished before 
loug."-.S/;A-.  Com. 

"  The  light  of  the 
righteous  is  an 
inextinguisliable 
sun  —that  of  the 
wicked  a  mere 
flickering 'lamp,' 
the  breath  of  de- 
stiny will  put  it 
o  u  t."  —  Dav. 
T/wnuis,  D.D. 

Job  xxi.  17;  Pa. 
.\li.x.  17-19. 


e  Dr.  Tliomas. 

V.  9.  /?.  ^yan^er, 
iii.  227. 

There  are  those 
who  paint  the 
face  of  infinite 
benevolence  with 
an  eternal  frown. 

Christian  bene- 
volence is  a  com- 
pound of  active 
effort  and  tender 
compassion, 
flowing  from  a 
sujireme  love  to 
Jesus  Christ. 

There  is  enough 
in  every  man  to 
keep  him  from 
idleness  —  if,  in- 
deed, he  do  not 
prefer  an  unjust 
peace   to   a   just 


/    The    Kingdom 
attd  lite  PtopU. 


118 


PROVERBS. 


Cap.  xia  10-12. 


a  "  The  meaning 
is  this—'  The  ob- 
stinacy wh.  at- 
tends self  -con- 
c  e  i  t  ]iroduces 
contention,  wh. 
the  well-arhnsed 
thus  evincing 
modesty  avoid.' " 
— Fausset. 

b  "  Meekly  ask 
connspl  of  f'rod, 
consult  His 
Word,  His  minis- 
ters, your  ])ious 
friends,  and  your 
own . conscience; 
ponder  j'our 
path  and  you 
will  be  enabled 
to  act  pruilently 
and  live  in 
peace."- jViWio/Zi. 

Mat.  V.  5;  Phi. 
ii.  3  ;  Ja.  iii.  17. 

c  Dr.  Thomas. 


A. 


V.     10.      Dr. 
Jnnes,  153. 

"  He  whose  pride 
oppresses  the 
humble  may, 
perhaps,  be 
humbled,  but 
will  never  be 
humble." — La- 
■  vater. 

"  Self-pride  is  the 
common  friend  of 
our  humanity, 
and,  like  the  bell 
of  our  church,  is 
resorted  to  on  all 
DC  casi  o  n  s  :  it 
ministers  alike  to 
our  f esti  vals  or 
our  fasts,  our 
merriment  or  our 
mourninj?,  our 
■weal  or  our  woe." 
— Col  Ion, 


d  Butler. 

a  Some  trans. 
"  Wealth  dwin- 
dles faster  than 
the  breath."— 
Miller. 

"  Secured  in  an 
unsubstantial. 
I  n  con  si  d  erate, 
fraudulent  way.'' 
—Eiiald. 
b  "  It  dpsrribcs 
the  gradual  and 


10.  only,  better,  sureh/."  pride,  or  self-conceit,  wh.  is  an 
unfailing  source  of  quarrelling-,  well  advised,  those  showing 
a  modest  inclination  to  consult  and  consider  others.' 

Pride  (r.  10). — We  learn — I.  That  pride  generates  contention  : 
for  in  society  pride  is  essentially  exacting,  insolent,  heartless,  de- 
tracting ;  hence  is  ever  generating  contention.  II.  That  pride 
rejects  counsels." 

l'})!!)/  of  j)ri(le. — A  proud  man  is  a  fool  in  fermentation,  that 
swells  and  boils  over  like  a  porridge-pot.  He  sets  out  his 
feathers  like  an  owl.  to  swell  and  seem  bigger  than  he  is.  He  is 
troubled  with  a  tumour  and  infiamniation  of  self-conceit,  that 
renders  every  part  of  him  stiff  and  uneasy.  He  has  given  him- 
self sympathetic  love-])owder,  that  works  upon  him  to  dotage, 
and  has  transforaied  him  into  his  own  mistress.  He  is  his  own 
gallant,  and  makes  most  passionate  addresses  to  his  own  dear 
perfections.  He  commits  idolatry  to  himself,  and  worships  hia 
own  image  ;  though  there  is  no  soul  living  of  his  church  but 
himself,  yet  he  believes  as  the  church  believes,  and  maintains 
his  faith  with  the  obstinacy  of  a  fanatic.  He  is  his  own 
favourite,  and  advances  himself  not  only  above  his  merit,  but  all 
mankind  ;  is  both  Damon  and  Pythias  to  his  own  dear  self,  and 
values  his  crony  above  his  soul.  ^I^^ives  place  to  no  man  but 
himself,  and  that  with  very  great  Mjtance  to  all  others,  ■n'hom 
he  esteems  not  worthy  to  approach  nrm.  He  believes  whatever 
he  has  receives  a  value  in  being  his,  as  a  horse  in  a  nobleman's 
stable  will  bear  a  greater  price  than  in  a  common  market.  He 
is  so  proud,  that  he  is  as  hard  to  be  acquainted  with  himself  as 
with  others  ;  for  he  is  very  apt  to  forget  who  he  is,  and  knows 
himself  only  superficially  :  therefore  he  treats  himself  civilly  as 
a  stranger,  with  ceremony  and  compliment,  but  admits  of  no 
privacy.  He  strives  to  look  bigger  than  himself  as  well  as 
others  ;  and  is  no  better  than  his  own  parasite  and  flatterer.  A 
little  flood  will  make  a  shallow  torrent  swell  above  its  banks, 
and  rage  and  foam  and  yield  a  roaring  noise,  while  a  deep,  silent 
stream  glides  quietly  on  ;  so  a  vainglorious,  insolent,  proud  man 
swells  with  a  little  frail  prosperity,  grows  big  and  loud,  and 
overflows  his  bounds,  and  when  he  sinks  leaves  mud  and  dirt 
behind  him.  His  carriage  is  as  glorious  and  as  haughty  as  if  he 
were  advanced  upon  men's  shoulders,  or  tumbled  over  their  heads 
like  KnipperdoUing.  He  fancies  himself  aColosse  :  and  so  he  is, 
for  his  head  holds  no  proportion  to  his  body,  and  his  foundation 
is  lesser  than  his  upper  stories.  We  can  naturally  take  no  view 
of  ourselves,  unless  we  look  downwards,  to  teach  us  what  humble 
atlmirers  we  ought  to  be  of  our  own  value.  The  slighter  and  less 
solid  his  materials  are  the  more  room  they  take  up.  and  make 
him  swell  the  bigger,  as  feathers  and  cotton  will  stuff  cushions 
better  than  things  of  more  close  and  solid  parts."* 

11,  12.  (11)  by  vanity,"  by  some  means  distinct  fr.  honesb 
and  earnest  labour.  By  chance,  or  good  luck,  by  inheritance. 
be  diminished,  we  have  a  similar  proverb,  "  Light  come, 
light  go."  by  labour,  Heb.  v^'ith  the  hand:  "handful  by 
handful,"  or  "  according  to  his  ability."  *  (12)  hope,  a  complex 
state  of  mind  :  an  expectant  desire,  deferred,  i.e.  the  attain- 
ment of  the  desire  is  sometimes  long  deferred,  heart  sick, 
peevish,  fretful,  desire  cometh,  or  when  the  object  of  desire 
is  attained.    "Desire  that  hath  come  is  desire  accomplished." 


Cap.  xiii.  13— 16.J 


PROVERBS. 


119 


tree  of  life,  fig.  for  a  thing  that  continually  bears  fruitage  of 
blessing." 

Buffon. — This  gi-eat  naturalist  gives  us  the  histoiy  of  his 
writings  in  a  few  words.  "  In  my  youth  I  was  very  fond  of 
sleep  :  it  robbed  me  of  a  great  deal  of  my  time,  but  my  poor 
Joseph  (his  servant)  was  of  great  service  in  enabling  me  to  over- 
come it.  I  promised  to  give  Joseph  a  crown  every  time  that  he 
would  make  me  get  up  at  six.  Next  morning  he  did  not  fail  to 
wake  me  and  to  tonnent  me  ;  but  he  only  received  abuse.  The 
next  day  he  did  the  same,  with  no  better  success  ;  and  I  was 
obliged  to  confess  at  noon  that  I  had  lost  my  time.  I  told  liim 
that  he  did  not  know  how  to  manage  his  business  ;  he  ought  to 
think  of  my  promise,  and  not  mind  my  threats.  The  day 
following  he  employed  force  :  I  begged  for  indulgence,  I  bid 
him  begone,  I  stormed,  but  Joseph  persisted.  I  was  therefore 
obliged  to  comply  ;  and  he  was  rewarded  every  day  for  the  abuse 
which  he  suflfei'ed  at  the  moment  when  I  awoke,  with  thanks, 
accompanied  with  a  crown,  Avhich  he  received  about  an  hour 
after.  Yes,  I  am  indebted  to  poor  Josejjh  for  ten  or  a  dozen  of 
the  volumes  of  my  works." 

13,  14.  (13)  the  word,"  first  and  chiefly  the  Word  of  God  ; 
then  all  words  of  truth  and  duty,  be  destroyed,  lit.  is  in  bonds 
to  it.  feareth,  so  as  to  concern  himself  about  obedience, 
shall  be  rewarded,  or  to  him  is  requital.  (14)  fountain, 
or  ever  fresh  source.  snares  of  death,  Ps.  xviii.  5  ;  an 
established  formula  for  the  description  of  mortal  perils. 

The  ]]'ord  (v.  13). — I.  The  Word  despised  is  ruin.  1.  Because 
he  who  despises  rejects  the  only  instrument  of  soul-salvation  :  2. 
Brings  on  his  nature  the  condemnation  of  heaven.  II.  The 
Word  reverenced  is  blessedness.  1.  Such  a  man  is  rewarded  in 
its  blessed  influences  on  his  own  soul ;  2.  With  the  approbation 
of  heaven.* 

A  good  reason. — Two  persons  who  professed  religion  were 
standing  at  the  door  of  a  theatre  in  the  city  of  New  York,  Avhen 
one  of  them  proposed  to  go  in  and  see  the  piny,  and  desired  his 
friend  to  accompany  him.  The  other  declined  the  invitation  : 
and  after  being  repeatedly  solicited  to  enter,  gave  this  excellent 
reason  for  his  refusal  :  "  If  I  should  go  in,  and  while  there  be 
called  into  eternity,  and  should  be  asked  at  the  door  of  heaven 
where  I  had  come  from,  I  should  be  ashamed  to  answer.''* 

15,  16.  (15)  good  understanding,  right  perception  and 
action.  "Kindly  wisdom.""  hard,  hardened,  so  as  to  be  deso- 
late and  unfruitful.  ''  Bough  to  the  feet,  and  like  a  craggy 
precipice."*  "The  idea  is  that  of  a  barren,  dry  soil,  or  the  im- 
passable marsh,  in  contrast  with  the  fountain  of  life,  carrying 
joy  and  refreshment  with  it."'  (16)  prudent,  etc,  Pr.  xii,  23, 
XV.  2.  layeth  open,  spreadeth.  This  Proverb  rebukes  the 
rash  and  inconsiderate.  Some  are  forward  to  talk  of  that  they 
do  not  understand,  and  to  undertake  that  for  wh.  they  are  unfit ; 
and  such  persons  speedily  expose  their  ignorance  and  inability, 
and  make  themselves  ridiculous. 

Do?vnn-ard,  yet  dlfficvlt  {v.  15). — I.  This  fact  is  opposed  to 
received  notions.  IL  This  fact  is  in  accordance  with  experi- 
ence. The  transgressor  finds — 1.  DiflBculties  innumerable  ;  2. 
Dangers  on  every  side  ;  3.  Disappointments  without  number  ;  4. 


progressive  aocu> 
TO  u  1  a  t  i  o  n  of 
wealth,  i-esulting 
from  diligence 
and  exertion  and 
soisinsigniUcaui 
contrasl  with  till 
impatient  d  i  s- 
hunesty  of  Use 
preceding 
clause."  ~i.o  twr. 
c  ••  Uur  wisdom  is 
not  to  promise 
ourselves  loo 
mucli  from  the 
creature ;  but  in 
reference  to  what 
Gt)d  has  promised 
we  should  ne\  er 
despair,  however 
long  we  may 
wait." — Nicholls. 


a  "  Those  that 
prefer  the  rules 
of  carnal  policy 
before  Divine 
precepts,  and  the 
(dlurements  of 
theworldanil  the 
flesli  before  God's, 
promises  and 
comforts,  despise 
His  Word,  giving 
the  preference  to 
those  things  wh. 
stand  in  compe- 
tition with  it." — • 
Muti  Henr-y. 

Heb.  ii.  2.  3,  xU. 
25. 

b  Dr.  Thomat. 

c  Whilecrost. 


a  Zdrtler, 

"  A  good  under- 
standing must 
include  four 
things  —enlight- 
enment, impar- 
tiality, religious- 
ness, and  practi- 
cal n  ess.  So  a 
good  understand- 
is  tantamount  to 
practical  godli- 
n  e  s  s."  —  O  a  «, 
ThoTTUis,  D.D. 

b  Wordsworth. 

c  Spk.  Com. 

Voltaire  said, "  I 


120 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xliL  17-19, 


be^^n  to  fancy 
mysolt  in  the 
most,  deplorable 
coiiilition,  e  n  - 
viruuf'il  by  deep- 
est darkness  on 
every  side.  I  wish 
I  had  nevet  been 
born." 

"  How  hard  a 

master  he  serves 
where  the  devil 
gives  the  employ- 
ment, and  sharae 
is  his  entertain- 
ment, and  sin  is 
his  work,  and  hell 
Is  his  wages." — 
Bp.  J.  Taylor. 

d  Stems  and 
Twigs. 

e  Iota  in  400  Sks. 

"  Ind  olence  is, 
methinks,  an  in- 
termediate state 
between  pleasure 
»nd  pain,  an  d 
very  much  un- 
becoming any 
part  of  our  life 
after  we  are  out 
of  the  nurse's 
arms." — Steele. 

f  RT.a. 


J  3  Ki.  V.  26,  27. 

6  Ge.  xxiv.  34, 37, 

38,  51—56. 

c  Spk.  Com.  gives 
twoposs.  trans,  of 
this  obscure 
verse.  "  Satisfied 
desire  is  pleasant, 
therefore  it  is  an 
abomination  to 
fooU  to  depart  fr. 
the  evil  on  wh. 
their  minds  are 
set." 

"  Sweet  is  the 
Batisf action  of  de- 
Bire,  yet  the 
•ndcked  will  not 
depart  fr.  the  evil 
vli.  makes  that 
satisfaction  im- 
possible." 

d  Dr.  Thomas. 

c.  18.  Canon 
Wo  r  ds  worth. 
Pub.     Education, 

ssa. 


Penalties  most  dreadful  afterwards.'' — 7'he  Jiardship  of  sin. — I. 
State  what  is  to  be  understood  by  the  way  of  trans^^ressors.  II. 
Consider  the  doctrine  of  the  text  respcctinjj  this  way.  1. 
Through  the  kindness  of  God  it  is  hard  to  shun  or  resist  the 
light ;  2.  It  sometimes  becomes  needful  for  God  to  deal  severely 
with  obdurate  sinners,  as  a  warning  to  others  ;  3.  The  punish- 
ment of  such  in  the  end  must  be  very  dreadful.  Apply: — (1) 
How  sinners  are  deceived  in  this  way  :  (2)  Madness  to  continue 
in  it ;  (3)  To  be  saved  it  must  be  left ;  (4)  A  mercy  that  we 
may  leave  it." 

An  old  apologue. — A  man  .^oinqr  out  of  his  beaten  and  directed 
way  to  g-athcr  unlawful  fruits,  fell  into  a  deep  pit.  In  his  fall 
he  caught  hold  on  the  arm  of  a  tree  growing  in  it.  Thus  he 
hung  in  the  midway,  betwixt  the  upper  light  from  which  he  fell 
and  the  lower  darkness  to  which  he  was  falling.  He  looks 
downward,  and  sees  two  worms  gnawing  at  the  root  of  this  tree. 
He  looks  upward,  and  spies  on  a  branch  a  hive  of  honey.  He 
climbs  up  to  it  and  feedeth  on  it.  But  in  the  meantime  the 
worms  did  bite  in  sunder  the  root,  and  down  falls  man.  and  tree, 
and  all,  into  the  bottom  of  the  dark  pit.  Man  himself  is  this 
wretch,  who,  straying  from  the  way  of  God's  commandments, 
fell  to  eat  of  the  forbidden  fruit ; — instantly  he  fell.  The  pit 
over  which  he  hangeth  is  the  grave  ;  the  tree  whereby  he 
holdeth  is  this  mortal  life  ;  the  two  worms  are  day  and  night ; 
the  hive  of  honey  is  the  pleasures  and  lusts  of  this  world. 
Thereupon  he  greedily  feeds,  until  the  two  consumers,  day  and 
night,  in  their  vicissititdes,  have  eaten  asunder  the  root  of  life. 
Then  down  drops  earth  to  earth  ;  there  it  must  lodge  in  the 
silent*  grave,  neither  seeing  nor  seen,  blended  in  the  forgotten 
dust  and  undistinguished  mould,  till  it  be  awakened  by  the  arch- 
angels' trump  in  the  great  day  of  Christ.-'' 

17—19.  (17)  wicked,  in  the  sense  of  unfaithful  to  his  trust, 
or  wanting  diligence  in  the  execution  of  it.  into  misclllef,  as 
a  puuishment  for  his  faithlessness."  ambassador,  only  another 
word  for  messenger,  not  strictly  a  king's  representative,  health, 
to  all  concerned  ;  to  himself,  to  those  who  send  him,  and  to  those 
to  whom  he  is  sent.*  (IS)  poverty,  ctr.,  a  sentiment  previously 
expressed,  ch.  x.  17,  xii.  1.  (19)  desire  accomplished,  better, 
quickened  den'irc.'^ 

The  incovrujihle  and  the  docile  (r.  18). — I.  The  doom  of  the 
incorrigible — 1.  In  secular  matters;  2.  In  intellectual  matters; 
3.  In  moral  matters.  II.  The  destiny  of  the  teachable.  1.  His 
own  soul  will  honour  him  ;  2.  Society  will  honour  him  ;  3.  God 
will  honour  him.'' 

A  faithful  ambn.tsador. — Count  Bismarck  left  to  consult  his 
Majesty,  and  returned  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour.  It  then  apjieared 
that  the  King  accepted  the  proposal  as  to  Tours,  but  insisted  that 
the  garrison  of  Strasburg  should  constitute  themselves  prisoners. 
It  would  seem  that  M.  Favre  was  out  of  health  at  the  time,  for 
he  describes  himself  as  being  "  perfectly  exhausted "  on  the 
return  of  Prince  Bismarck.  For  a  moment  he  thought  he  should 
faint,  and  turned  away  to  hide  the  tears  which  suffocated  him. 
Asking  to  be  excused  for  his  involuntary  weakness,  he  took  his 
leave  in  these  words : — "  I  made  a  mistake,  M.  Ic  Conite.  in  coming 
here  ;  but  I  do  not  regret  it.  I  have  suffered  sufficiently  to 
excuse  mysen  in  my  own  eyes ;  but  in  any  case  I  only  jielded  to 


Oap.xiii.  20— 22.] 


PROVERBS. 


121 


a  feeling'  of  duty.  I  will  report  to  my  Government  all  that  you 
have  said,  and,  should  they  consider  it  fit  again  to  send  me  to 
you,  however  cruel  the  task  for  me,  I  shall  have  the  honour  of 
returning.  I  am  grateful  for  the  kindness  you  have  shown  me. 
but  I  fear  that  all  that  can  be  done  is  to  let  events  take  their 
course.  The  inhabitants  of  Paris  are  courageous,  and  resolved  to 
make  eveiy  sacrifice  :  and  their  heroism  may  change  the  course 
of  events.  If  you  have  the  honour  of  conquering  them,  you  will 
never  subjugate  them.  The  whole  nation  is  possessed  with  the 
same  sentiments.  As  long  as  there  can  be  found  one  element  of 
resistance  amongst  us,  we  shall  fight  you.  This  becomes  an 
interminable  struggle  between  two  nations  who  should  extend 
their  hands  to  each  other.  I  had  hoped  for  a  different  solution. 
I  leave  most  unhappy,  but  nevertheless  full  of  hope."* 

20.  walketll,  as  his  friends  and  chosen  companions."  com- 
panion, etc.,  the  play  upon  words  in  the  Heb.  of  this  clause 
may  be  thus  imitated,  "  He  who  attendeth  fools  tendeth  to 
folly."*    be  destroyed,  better,  '•  shall  smart  for  it." 

'J'he  best  company  (v.  20)- — I.  Who  ai'e  the  wise?  1.  Those 
who  seek  the  favour  and  friendship  of  God,  the  best  of  all  ends  ; 

2.  Those  who  seek  them  through  the  acceptance  of  the  Gospel, 
the  best  of  all  means.  II.  How  may  we  walk  with  the  wise  ? 
1.  By  cherishing  their  principles  ;  2.  By  cultivating  their  society ; 

3.  By  perusing  their  publications.  III.  Why  will  walking  with 
the  wise  make  us  wise  '!  1.  There  is  the  force  of  example  ;  2. 
There  is  the  power  of  sympathy  ;  3.  There  is  the  influence  of 
conversation  ;  4.  There  is  the  promise  of  God.<^ — The  fate  of  the 
fooVs  friend. — I.  W^ho  are  fools  ?  1.  Those  who  occupy  their  time 
and  thoughts  with  trifles  ;  2.  Who  neglect  important  truths  and 
realities  ;  3.  Who  do  not  prepare  for  great  and  unavoidable 
realities.  II.  How  may  we  walk  with  fools?  1.  By  following 
their  example  ;  2.  Frequenting  their  company  ;  3.  Reading  their 
books.  III.  What  are  the  consequences  ?  1 .  We  shall  be  tainted 
with  their  vices  :  2.  Share  in  their  present  sufferings  ;  3.  In- 
volved in  their  everlasting  doom.'' 

The  scented  clay. — "  One  day,  as  I  was  in  the  bath,  a  friend  of 
mine  put  in  my  hand  a  piece  of  scented  clay.  I  took  it,  and  said 
to  it,  '  Art  thou  musk  or  ambergris  ?  for  I  am  charmed  with  thy 
perfume.'  It  answered,  '  I  was  a  despicable  piece  of  cla^.  but  I 
was  some  time  in  the  company  of  the  rose  ;  the  sweet  quality  of 
my  companion  was  communicated  to  me,  otherwise  I  should  only 
be  a  bit  of  clay  as  I  appear  to  be.'"* — Lord  Peterborovgh  and 
Fenelon. — When  Lord  Peterborough  lodged  for  a  season  with 
Fenelon,  Archbishop  of  Cambray,  he  was  so  delighted  with  his 
piety  and  virtue,  that  he  exclaimed  at  parting,  "  If  I  stay  here 
any  longer,  I  shall  become  a  Christian  in  spite  of  myself." 

21,  22.  C21)  pursueth,  and  is  sure  to  catch  them  one  day. 
good  shall  be,  or  He.  God,  shall  repay  good.  "  Destiny  follows 
character.  Misery  grows  out  of  sin,  and  happiness  out  of  good- 
ness."" "The  avenging  deities  are  shod  with  wool,"  but  they 
never  pause  or  tire.  (22)  leaveth,  etc.,  transmitteth  his  estate, 
children's  children,  goodness  secures  stability  through  gene- 
rations, wealth  .  .just,  an  intimation  that,  in  the  long  run, 
"  the  heaped  up  treasures  of  the  wicked  find  their  way  into  the 
hands  of  better  men."* 


e  Cassel's  Ifist.  of 
Franco  -  German 
mir. 

"  Sloth  nialces  all 
things  difFicult, 
but  Industry  all 
easy;  and  he 
that  riseth  late 
must  trot  all  day, 
and  shall  scarce 
overtake  his 
business  at 
night;  wh  ile 
i  Laziness  travels 
I  so  slowly,  that 
I  Poverty  sooa 
overtakes  him." 
— Franklin. 

I  (7  "  A  good  man 
I  is  the  best  friend, 
land  therefore 
I  soonest  to  be 
I  chosen,  longer  to 
I  be  retained,  and 
indeed  never  to 
I  be  parted  with, 
I  unless  he  cease 
1  to  be  til  at  for 
■  which  he  was 
i  c  h  o  s  e  n."  —  /. 
i  2'aylor. 

I  6  "  He  that  would 
[  be  safe  fr.  the 
!  acts  of  evil  must 
wisely  avoid  the 
occasions."  —  Bp. 
Hall. 

1  Cor.  T7.  33; 
Eph.  V.  11. 

c  G.  Brookt. 

d  Ibid. 

"People  have  no 
right  to  make 
fools  of  them- 
selves, unless 
they  have  no 
r  elation  s  to 
blush  for  them." 
— Haliburton. 

e  Persian  Fable, 


a  "Character 
draws  destiny 
after  it  by  an  al- 
mighty magnet- 
ism. It  is  a  fruit- 
ful tree ;  it  never 
ceases  bearing ; 
every  branch  is 
clustered ;  but 
the  fruit  is 
either  misery  or 
Uaopiness,  ac- 


122 


fROVERBa. 


[Cap.  xiii.  23-26^ 


corrlina:  to  i ts  | 
own  vital  sap." —  I 
Dai:T,wr7ius./\D.  \ 
Gc.  V.  h);  Nu.  ! 
XXXV.  19  ;  Ra  iL  ! 
6— lu. 

6  Job  xxvii.  17 ;  | 
Ec.  ii.  26.  , 

Goodness  is  the  i 
safost  law  of  en- 
tail. ! 
r.  21.  T.  Dorring-  | 
ton,  1G9  ;  IJr.  )s.  j 
GInib',  vi.  .-iig  ;  /.  i 
W.  Wkkes,  23.  I 
V.  22.  Sir  II.  W.  ! 
Moncrieff,  205  ;  ] 
W.  Jail,  iii.  93. 
e  W/iitec/vss. 


a  Pr.  xii.  11. 
6  He.  xii.  6,  7. 

Pr.  iii.   12,  xxiii. 
13,  14,  .xxix.  15. 
c  "  Acts  as  if  he 
hated   him." — 
Faiissf'l. 

"  It  is  his  rod  thnt 
must  be  used,  tlie 
rod  of  a  parent, 
rlirected  by  wis- 
dom and  love, 
and  designed  for 
good,  not  tlie  rod 
of  a  servant." — 
Mat.  Henry. 

"  Children  have 
been  called 
rough  diamonds. 
Parents  are  to 
polish  them,  and 
they  must 
neitlier  be  struck 
unskilfully  nor 
left  uncut."-Z>(n'. 
Thomas,  D.D. 
d  Dr.  R.  Ward- 
laic. 

V.  24.  Bp.  Fleet- 
wood, 79. 

e  Whitccross. 


a  Ps.  xxxvil.  3. 

I  Is.  Ixv.  13,  14 ; 

Mi.  vi.  14. 

"  Indolence  i  s, 
met h inks,  an 
inter  mediate 
state  between 
pleasure  and 
pain,  and  very 
much  unbecom- 
ing any  jiart  of 
our  life  after  we 
are  out  of  the 
nurse's  arms."— 
Stttie. 


The  lost  and  vnfovnd. — "Walking  along'  Bisliopsgate  Street," 
says  one,  "  I  observed  a  group  of  women,  one  of  whom  was  hold- 
ing by  the  hand  a  little  child  of  two  years  and  a  half  of  age,  to 
which  they  now  and  then  cast  an  eye.  As  I  was  passing  them,  a 
girl  asked  her  who-  held  the  child — '  Is  that  a  lost  child."  who 
answered  it  was.  I  looked  to  the  poor  child,  which  seemed  per- 
fectly at  ease,  without  any  expression  of  concern.  The  girl's 
question  strongly  recurred  to  my  mind,  '  Is  that  a  lost  child  .' '  I 
immediately  looked  round  upon  the  multitude,  who  were  passing 
along  on  both  sides  of  the  street,  asking  myself — How  many  of 
these  are  lost  and  unfound  children  of  men,  still  going  astray, 
still  wandering  from  God  and  the  way  of  i)eace,  yet  as  insensible 
to  their  situation  as  the  little  lost  child,  and  have  as  little  con- 
cern about  returning  to  their  Father's  house  as  it  had."  How 
encouraging  the  truth,  that  Christ  came  to  seek  and  to  save  that 
which  was  lost.' 

23,  24.  (2.S)  mucli  .  .  poor,  every  acre  of  land  is  full  of 
possible  wealth,  which  may  be  won  from  it  by  industry  and  skill. 
Tihe  reference  is  to  newly-cleared  land,  which  has  cost  much 
labour,  want  of  judgment,  or  disregard  of  right,  comp.  ch. 
xvi.  8.'«  A  great  estate  may  be  ruined  by  indiscretion.  (24) 
sparetll  his  rod,  the  instrument  of  wise  and  loving  correction.* 
hateth.,'"  in  the  Bible  sense  of  loving  Ic.sx ;  loving  unworthily, 
injudiciously,  betimes,  or  early  in  the  morning ;  the  sign  of 
anxiety  and  earnestness. 

Parental  corrections  (t>.  2-1). — I.  The  rod,  however  used,  should 
be  a  last  resort.  II.  We  should  be  sure  that  a  fault  has  been 
committed.  III.  Let  there  be  always  a  due  proportion  between 
the  fault  and  the  correction.     IV.  Never  chastise  in  a  passion.** 

Parental  corrections. — A  little  boy  of  about  five  years  of  age, 
having  offended  his  father,  was  called  to  account  by  him.  After 
conversing  with  his  son,  and  telling  him  the  guilt  and  conse- 
quences of  disobedience,  the  father  knelt  down  and  prayed  for 
him.  He  then  repeated  to  him  a  few  texts  of  Scripture,  such  as, 
'•  He  that  spareth  the  rod  hateth  his  sou  :  but  he  that  loveth 
him,  chasteneth  him  betimes."  "  Chasten  thy  son  while  thm-c  is 
hope,  and  let  not  thy  soul  spare  for  his  crying."  "The  rod  and 
reproof  give  wisdom  :  but  a  child  left  to  himself  bringeth  his 
mother  to  shame."  After  briefly  exijlaining  these  passages,  the 
father  continued,  "  You  see,  my  son,  what  God  says  ;  now  what 
is  my  duty?"  "Why,  pa,"'  said  the  little  boy,  "it  is  your  duty 
to  punish  me ;  I  have  done  ^\Tong  and  deserve  it."  After  re- 
ceiving the  chastisement,  he  embraced  and  kissed  his  father  ;  and 
promised  never  again  to  disobey  him.' 

25.  eateth,  the  good  fruitage  of  his  righteous  ways  and 
works.  God's  promise  to  the  righteous  is,  "  Verily  thou  shalt  be 
fed."  "  "  Those  that  feast  on  the  breatl  of  life,  that  feast  on  the 
promises,  meet  with  abundant  satisfaction  of  soul  there,  eat, 
and  are  filled."  belly,  representing  his  carnal  desires.  Even  in 
this  life  the  wicked  has  not  the  best  of  it.* 

A  great  change. — An  old  medical  gentleman,  nine  years  ago, 

Dr. ,  had  a  respectable  practice,  and  kept  his  carriage.     He 

soon  commenced,  however,  to  partake  too  freely  of  intoxica*.ing 
liquors.  In  a  short  time  he  neglected  his  patients,  his  character 
also  became  injured,  and  for  some  time  he  and  his  once  respect* 


Oap.xlv.  1— S.J 


PROVERBS. 


12S 


able  faxnily  have  been  actually  reduced  to  such,  a  state  of  desti- 
tution by  intemperance,  that  they  have  even  been  deprived  of 
lodgings,  and  had  nothing  to  allay  the  cravings  of  nature  but  a 
few  cold  potatoes,  received  from  their  neighbours.  A  few  weeks 
ago  they  were  admitted  into  the  workhouse  :  their  passage  has 
Bince  been  paid  to  America,  and  they  are  about  to  leave  the  land 
of  their  fathers.    What  a  change  in  nine  years  !« 


CHAPTER  THE  FOURTEENTH. 

1 — 3.  CI)  every  wise  ■woman,  lit.  tlie  n-ixdoms  of  n'omen." 
buildetll,  or  establisheth.  confirmeth.  increaseth  the  wealth  and 
etability  of  it.''  foolisll,  add  n-inna/i,  incapable,  with  the  further 
idea  of  wicked.  The  woman  of  miserable  temper,  or  degrading 
habit,  such  as  drunkenness,  soon  ruins  a  home,  plucketll,  etc.. 
i.e.  she  as  certainly  destroys  the  family  and  the  home  as  she  would 
if  she  actually  plucked  down  the  house.  (2)  he  .  .  uprightness, 
wh.  is  the  sui-e  sign  of  the  true  fear  of  God.""  "  In  his  upright- 
ness" may  be  trans,  "in  a  level  track."  perverse,  wayward, 
preferring  the  uneven  and  crooked  ways  of  wilfulness,  despise  th, 
Jehovah  ;  disregarding  His  laws  and  His  judgments.  (3)  rod, 
or  branch,  "wh.  he  brandishes  at  random,  and  wh.  often  recoils 
on  himself."*'  The  foolish  here  is  the  boastful  and  overbeariug 
braggart,     preserve  them,  or  procure  good  to  them. 

Hoiisnvtfi'ry  (r.  1). — I.  Its  great  power.  1.  It  can  build  up 
materially,  spiritually :  2.  It  can  pull  down.  II.  Its  necessary 
qualification — wisdom.  1.  Using  the  right  means ;  2.  Using  the 
right  means  for  the  right  end.' 

A  Htcrarij  wife. — Reiskc  aflSxed  his  wife's  portrait  to  his  learned 
and  excellent  edition  of  the  Greek  orators.  In  the  preface  to  his 
first  volume,  he  speaks  with  much  gratitude  and  affection  of  the 
assistance  she  rendered  him  in  comparing  the  numerous  editions 
and  manuscripts,  while  he  used  to  correct  the  text.  "  She  is." 
says  he,  "  a  modest  and  frugal  woman :  she  loves  me  and  my 
literary  employments,  and  is  an  industrious  and  skilful  assistant. 
Induced  by  affection  for  me.  she  apj^lied  herself  to  the  study  of 
Greek  and  Latin  under  my  tuition.  She  knew  neither  of  these 
languages  when  we  were  married  ;  but  she  was  soon  able  to 
lighten  the  multifarious  and  very  severe  laboui-s  to  be  jierformed 
in  this  undertaking.  The  Aldine  and  Pauline  editions  she  alone 
compared  :  also  the  fourth  Augustine  edition.  As  I  had  taught 
her  the  Erasmian  pronunciation,  she  read  first  to  me  the  Mo- 
rellian  copy,  while  I  read  those  in  manuscript.  She  laboured  un- 
weariedly  in  arranging,  correcting,  and  preparing  my  confused 
copy  for  the  press.  As  I  deeply  feel,  and  publicly  express,  my 
gratitude  for  her  aid.  so  I  trust  that  present  and  future  genera- 
tions may  hold  her  name  in  honoured  remembrance.'/ — Heroic 
winiirn. — Society  is  full  of  heroes  of  love  and  domestic  fidelity. 
Thousands  of  them  are  unknown  on  earth.  They  march  in  ranks 
and  battalions,  so  that  we  speak  of  them  in  nouns  of  multitude, 
as  drunkards"  wives.  All  those  that  under  such  circumstances  lift 
themselves  up  above  the  ordinary  line  of  human  conduct,  are 
heroic.  And  God  waits  for  them,  and  heaven  is  home-sick  for 
thera.  Oh,  how  they  will  shine  there  I  Perchance,  as  you  see 
them  going  through  the  street,  meek  and  patient,  their  dress 


c  Whitecross. 


a  Pr.  i.  20,  ix.  1. 
6  "The  fullest  re- 
1  cognition  that 
I  has  as  yet  met  U3 
'  cftlieiniportauca 
of  worn  an,  for 
j  g-ioil  or  evil,  in  all 
I  liuman  society." 
i  ~S/lc.  Com. 
:  ■■  By  a  prudent 
I  wife,  one  that  is 
;  pious,  industri- 
I  ous.  and  consi- 
'  derate,  the  affairs 
of  the  family  are 
:  made  to  prosper, 
[  debts  are  paid, 
■  portions  raised, 
j  provision  made, 
I  the  children  well 
I  educated  and 
I  maintained,  and 
!  the  family  has 
j  comfort  within 
I  doors  and  credit 
!  without.  Thusia 
I  the  house  built." 
I  —Mat.  Hennj. 
!  c  "  The  generat- 
! i n g  in  human 
i  hearts  supreme 
I  love  to  God,  is 
'  the  only  effective 
(  way  to  promote 
I  true  morality  in 
I  men  —  morality 
i  in  the  family,  in 
!  t  h  e  market,  in 
j  the  nation,  in  the 
j  world.  There  is 
no  true  morality 
[  without  religion. 
I  Piety  is  the  first 
I  principle  of  all 
1  rectitude."— flat). 
!  T/icma.i,  D.D. 
I  d  Wordsworth. 
i  e  Dr.  Thomas. 
I  /  J/;.?.  Child. 
'.  "The  bleakest 
'  rock  upon  the 
j  loneliest  heath, 
feels  in  its  bar- 
renness some 
;  touch  of  spring, 
I  and  in  the  April 
:  dew,  or  beam  of 


134 


PROVERBS. 


(Cap.  XVl.  4— ei 


May,  its  moss  and  1 
lictioiis     ft-esben 
Biiil   revive  -  ami 
thus    the    heart 
most    searVl     to 
himiaii  pleasure,  I 
melts  at  the  tear, 
joys  at  tlie  smile  | 
of  woman."— jSw-  j 
J'seph  Btauminl.  \ 
"  Burns  says  with  '< 
gloomy     gran-  I 
(leur.  '  There  is  a  j 
foggy    a  t  m  o -  I 
sphere  naHve  to  j 
my   soul    in   the  : 
hour    of     care 
which  makes  the 
dreary    objects  ' 
seem  larger  tlian  i 
life.'     He    w  h  o  j 
suffers    thus  1 
cannot   be    re-  | 
lieved    by    a  n  y  | 
appliances     save  | 
those  that  touch  | 
the    heart— the  j 
homelier,    the  | 
more   sanative  —  ■ 
and  none  so  sure 
as  a  wife's  affec-  j 
t  i  o  n  a  t  e    ways, 
quietly     moving  j 
about  the  house  i 
affairs,    which, 
insignificant    a  s 
they  are  iu  them- 
selves, are  felt  to 
be  little  troubled 
realities    that 
banish     tliose 
monstrous  plian- 
t  o  m  s ,    showing 
them   to   be  but 
glooms      and 
sliadows."  —  Pro- 
fessor Wilson. 
g  II.  W.  Bi'echer. 
h  Bulwer  Lyilon. 


a  Com  p.  prov. 
"  Nothing  costs 
nothing,  but 
brings  nothing 
iu." 
b  HUzig. 

c  "  Labour  has  its 
rough  unpleasant 
side,  yet  it  ends 
in  profit," — iS^ifc. 
Com. 

d  Dr.  Thomas. 

r.  4.  R.  Montgo- 
mery, iii. 


a  Ex.  XX.  16,xxiii.  ) 
1 ;  Pr.  Ti.  19,  xii. 
17.  i 


growing  more  and  more  rusty,  you  smile  pityingly,  aqd  say, 
'•  They  are  poor  drunkards'  -wives  ;  they  were  promising  once,  but 
they  have  gone  down,  down,  down,  and  now  they  are  nowhere." 
I  beg  your  pardon,  they  have  not  gone  down.  They  have  been 
going  up.  And  when  you  rise,  with  all  your  wealth,  and 
learning,  and  genius,  and  stand  in  heaven,  having  escaped  dam- 
nation so  as  by  fire,  you  may  stand  lowest,  and  see  them  as  far 
above  you  as  the  stars  to-night  are  above  your  heads.  For  tho 
last  shall  be  first,  and  the  lowest  shall  be  highest.?  —  77t^  temper 
of  women. — Happy  the  man  on  whose  marriage  hearth  temper 
smiles  kind  from  the  eyes  of  woman  !  "  Xo  deity  present,"  saith 
the  heathen  proverb.  "  where  absent — prudence  " — no  joy  long  a 
guest  where  peace  is  not  a  dweller.  Peace,  so  like  faith,  that 
they  may  be  taken  for  each  other,  and  poets  ha\'e  clad  them  with 
the  same  veil.  But  in  childhood,  in  early  youth,  expect  not  the 
changeless  green  of  the  cedar.  Wouldst  thou  distinguish  fine 
temper  from  spiritless  dulness,  from  cold  simulation — ask  less 
what  the  temper,  than  what  the  disposition.  Is  the  nature  sweet 
and  trustful,  is  it  free  from  the  morbid  self-love  which  calls  itself 
'■  sensitive  feeling,"  and  frets  at  imaginary  offences — is  the  ten- 
dency to  be  grateful  for  kindness,  yet  take  kindness  meekly,  and 
accept  as  a  benefit  what  the  vain  call  a  due  ?  From  dispositions 
thus  blessed,  sweet  temper  will  come  forth  to  gladden  thee, 
spontaneous  and  free.  Quick  with  some,  with  some  slow,  word 
and  look  emerge  out  of  the  heart.  Be  thy  first  question,  ''  Is  the 
heart  itself  generous  and  tender  ? "  If  it  be  so  self-control  comes 
with  deepening  affection.  Call  not  that  a  good  heart  which, 
hastening  to  sting  if  a  fibre  be  ruffled,  cries, "  I  am  no  hypocrite." 
Accept  that  excuse,  and  revenge  becomes  virtue.  But  where  the 
heart,  if  it  give  the  offence,  pines  till  it  win  back  the  pardon  ;  if 
offended  itself,  bounds  forth  to  forgive,  ever  longing  to  soothe, 
ever  grieved  if  it  wound  ;  then  be  sure  that  its  nobleness  \vill 
need  but  few  trials  of  pain  in  each  outbreak,  to  refine  and 
chasten  its  expression.  Fear  not  then;  be  but  noble  thyself, 
thou  art  safe.* 

4.  crib  is  clean,  needs  therefore  no  labour,  but  as  certainly 
yields  no  increase  or  profit. «  The  meaning  is,  "  He  who  'will 
develop  his  wealth  to  a  gratifying  abundance  must  employ  the 
appropriate  means."*  The  ox  is  the  animal  used  in  fanning 
work,  strength,  wh.  is  used  in  ploughing,  etc.,  but  calls  for 
labour  in  tending  and  feeding,  etc.<^ 

The  clean  crib  {v.  4). — I.  The  negative  gain  of  indolence:  saves 
labour.  1.  Trust  in  secular  matters  ;  2.  In  intellectual  matters  ; 
3.  In  spiritual  matters.  II.  The  positive  loss  of  indolence.  1.  In 
secular  matters,  the  pleasure  of  gaining  and  rightly  using  wealth ; 
2.  In  intellectual  matters  :  3.  In  spiritual  matters."* 

Frederick  II.  of  I'rti.isia,  even  after  age  and  infirmities  had 
increased  upon  him,  gave  strict  orders  never  to  be  allowed  to 
sleep  later  than  four  in  the  morning.  Peter  the  Great,  whether 
at  work  in  the  docks  at  London  as  a  ship-carpenter,  or  at  the 
anvil  as  a  blacksmith,  or  on  the  throne  of  Russia,  always  rose 
before  daylight,  "  I  am,"  says  he,  '"  for  making  my  life  as  long 
I  as  I  can,  and  therefore  sleep  as  little  as  possible." 

5,  6.  (5)  lies,  or  false  injurious  things  concerning  his 
neighbour."    utter  lies,  or  the  very  breath  of  him  is  lies.    (6) 


Cap.  xiv.  7—9.] 


psorsnBs. 


125 


SCOrner  .  .  not,  bee.  his  spirit  prevents  him  from  either  seeing 
or  valuing  truth.  Only  the  humble  and  teachable  sjjirit  succeeds 
in  seeking,  understandeth,  i.e.  "  considers  God's  majesty  and 
power,  and  his  own  weakness,  and  therefore  humbly  seeks  for 
His  grace  by  prayer.* 

Deceit  (Uxeorcred. — The  writer  of  an  article  on  the  "  Madras 
Washerman,"  in  the  Lri.svre  Hour  for  1854,  says  :  "It  is  a  com- 
mon excuse  (among  a  certain  class  of  the  Madras  gentry)  with 
regard  to  linen,  personal  or  for  the  table,  to  say  that  the  washer- 
man has  not  brought  them  home  yet,  the  said  washerman  being 
perfectly  innocent  of  having  even  so  much  as  a  rag  in  his  pos- 
session. Once,  however,  a  gentleman,  who  indulged  in  such 
falsehoods,  was  properly  caught  in  his  own  net.  Having  a  few 
friends  to  dinner,  when  all  the  guests  were  assembled  there 
existed  a  deficit  in  the  ai'ticle  of  napkins.  'Where  are  all  the 
napkins  ? '  asked  the  host,  austerely,  of  his  black  servant.  '  Master 
got  no  more,'  bluntly  resjionded  that  individual,  A  look  black 
as  a  thundercloud  was  the  poor  servant's  reward,  whilst  the 
abashed  entertainer  endeavoured  to  explain  away  the  matter  as 
best  he  could.  No  sooner,  however,  had  the  guests  retired  than 
the  poor  trembling  chokera  was  summoned  and  severely  repri- 
manded. '  And  mind,'  concluded  the  master, '  if  ever  anything 
of  that  kind  is  wanting  again,  you  always  say  that  they  are  gone 
to  the  wash.'  The  servant  promised  obedience,  and  to  the  utter 
confusion  of  his  master  followed  his  instructions  to  the  letter ; 
for  it  happened,  not  long  afterwards,  when  more  guests  were 
assembled,  that  this  time  the  host  was  short  of  silver  spoons. 
•  WTiere  are  all  the  spoons  ? '  demanded  he,  recklessly,  of  blacky. 
■  Oh,  if  you  please,  sir,'  said  the  boy,  '  them  all  gone  to  the  wash.' " 
So  the  Madras  washerman  might  have  whispered  a  startling  fact 
into  this  gentleman's  ears,  which  he  ought  to  have  known  well 
himself,  namely,  that  however  trifling  a  sin  may  appear,  it 
will,  if  you  do  not  learn  to  forsake  it,  find  you  out  and  shame 
you,  and  that  too  when  least  expected. 

7 — 9.  (7)  when  thou,  etc..  better,  and  tTiov,  etc.  ;  however 
long  you  may  be  with  the  foolish  man  you  will  get  nothing  but 
folly  from  him.  (8)  understand  his  way,  carefully  studying 
it,  and  considering  what  may  be  for  the  best,  deceit,  prob. 
eelf -deceit.  Or,  "the  folly,  not  the  wisdom,  of  fools  is  shown  in 
their  ceaseless  effort  to  deceive."  "  (9)  fools  .  .  sin,  some  trans. 
"  The  sacriiice  maketh  sport  of  fools."  The  expiatory  sacrifice 
wh.  ungodly  fools  offer  to  God  is  utterly  useless,  as  it  does  not 
gain  the  favour  of  God.* 

Beware  of  the  foolish  (v.  7). — T.  Or  you  may  be  classed  with 
him.  II.  When  you  find  him  incorrigible.  III.  For  you  may 
excite  him  to  greater  folly.  I"V.  Because  folly  is  contagious. 
"V.  He  may  hami  you.  VI.  Yon  do  him  too  much  honour.'' — 'J rue 
wisdom  (r.  8). — I.  The  wisdom  of  some  is  to  understand  things 
which  cannot  be  understood.  II.  The  wisdom  of  others  is  to  pry 
into  things  which,  if  understood,  are  of  little  or  no  use.  III.  Of 
others  to  understand  the  way  of  other  men.  IV.  Our  highest 
wif^dom  is  to  understand  our  own  way  through  life  to  the  heavenly 
home.'' 

Mr.  Wilmer. — Dr.  Doddridge  mentions  in  one  of  his  letters 
that  Mr.  Wilmer,  the  elde.st  son  of  the  then  (1743)  Member  of 
Parliament  for  Northampton,  died  a  few  days  before  of  a  fright. 


Unf  aithfalnesa 

I  in  witnesses  ia 
I  one  of  the  most 
I  serious  difficul- 
j  ties  felt  in  East- 
I  ern  law  courts. 
I  6  Wi-  fdsicprlh. 
I  "  The  bearing  of 
j  t  h  i  s  P  r  o  V.  i  a 
',  plainly  directed 
[  against  that  su- 
'  perficial,    trivial, 

seeming  culture 
I  of  tlie  scoflers  at 
j  religion  (who,  in 
.the       perverted 

sense  of  the  word, 

are  the  enlight- 
'  ened),  wh.  lacks 
I  a  1 1  genuine 
j  earnestness,  and 

for  that  very  rea- 
'  son  all  really  deep 
i  knowledge  and 
I  d  i  scernmeut." — 

I  Pr.  viii.  9 ;  Jno. 

j  vii.  17;  Ja.  i.  5,6. 

I  vv.  5—8.  R.  Green- 

{  ham,  612. 

I  "  Ue  that  comes 
to  seek  aft  er 
knowledge  with 
a  mind  to  scorn 

[and    censure, 

I  shall  be  sure  to 

I  find  enough  for 
his  humour,  but 

!  none  for  his  iu- 
structJou."-Zci/d 
Bacon, 


a  Spk.  Com. 

b  Zockler. 

"  AVith  regard  to 
evil  companions 
it  has  been  said, 
'  One  rotten  ap- 
ple will  infect  the 
store ;  the  putrid 
grape  connipta 
the  whole  sound 
cluster.  If  I  have 
found  any  good 
c  o  m  p  anions,  I 
will  cherish  them 
as  the  choicest  of 
men,  or  as  angels 
wh.  are  sent  as 
guardians  to  me. 
If  1  have  any  bad 
ones  I  will  study 
to  lose  them,  lest 
by  keeping  thera 
I  lose  myself  in 
the  end."  — 
Feltham. 

c  SI  ems  and  Twig*. 
d  A.  Fuller. 


126 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xlv.  10— 14k, 


e  R.  T.  3. 

"  Of  all  thieves 
fools  are  the 
■worst  :  they  rol) 
you  of  time  and 
temper."— Gof^/if. 


a  "  Each  miirl 
possesses  in  its 
interior  m  a  n- 
Bions  a  solemn 
retired  apart- 
ment, pecuharly 
its  own,  into  wh. 
none  but  liimself 
anil  the  Deity  can 
enter." — Foster. 

"Within  the 
range  of  human 
experience  there 
Is  perliaps  no  ex- 
pression of  the 
ultimate  solitude 
of  each  mans  soul 
at  all  times,  so 
striking  in  its 
truth  and  depth 
as  this.  Some- 
thing there  is  in 
every  sorrow,  and 
in  every  joy,  wli. 
no  one  else  can 
8  h  a  r  e."  —  Spk. 
Com. 

1  Cor.  ii.  11. 

b  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

e  R.  W.  Dale, 
M.A. 

d  Whitecross. 


a  Pr.  xvi.  2. 
6  "Backsliding 
begins  in  the 
heart ;  it  is  the 
evil  heart  of  un- 
belief that  de- 
parts fr.  God  ; 
and  of  all  sinners 
backsliders  will 
have  most  terror 
•when  they  reflect 
on  their  own 
■way  s."  —  Ma  t. 
henry. 

Vr.  i.  31,  xii.  14. 

c  G.  Brooks. 

t.  12.    R.   Wam- 
ford,  L  105 ;  /.  /. 


He  had  been  drinking  the  devil's  health,  with  a  profane  debauchee, 
the  son  of  a  baronet,  who  was  his  intimate  companion,  and  who, 
to  try  the  young  hero's  courage,  placed  a  servant  under  the  bed, 
who  first  lifted  it  up,  and  then  came  out  in  some  disguise  with  a 
noise,  which  shocked  the  wretched  youth  to  such  a  degree  that 
he  never  recovered  from  it.  '"Fools  make  a  mock  of  sin  ;"  but 
they  find,  after  all,  that  its  "  wages  "  is  "  death." « 

10,  11.  (10)  own  bitterness,  Heb.  lltterness  of  hix  soul,vf\. 
is  the  seat  of  the  passions  and  perturbations  of  man's  nature.* 
(11)  house,  etc.,  corap.  ch.  xii.  1.").  xvi.  2.").  house,  wh.  seems 
firmly  established  is  contrasted  with  the  tabernacle,  or  tent,  wh. 
seems  so  slight  and  unstable. 

Man's  experience  known  to  himself  alone  (^v.  10). — This  is  true — 
I.  In  reference  to  the  concerns  of  this  world.  i\Iany  have 
troubles,  comforts,  joys,  of  which  others  must  be  ignorant.  II. 
In  reference  to  the  concerns  of  the  soul.  Learn  hence — 1.  Con- 
tentment; 2.  Charity;  3.  Earnestness  in  the  waj^s  of  God.* — 
The  solitude  of  the  soul. — I.  We  should  feel  a  kind  of  awe  in  the 
presence  of  the  humblest,  the  poorest,  the  most  commonplace  of 
mankind.  II.  How  uncertain  our  judgments  are  concerning 
the  moral  character  of  men.  III.  Our  ignorance  of  each  other's 
life  should  teach  us  the  right  value  of  the  good  opinion  of  men. 
IV.  We  should  care  supremely  for  Gods  judgment  of  our 
character,  and  rely  upon  His  support,  etc.  V.  God's  perfect  know- 
ledge makes  His  symi^athy  with  us  perfect.' 

Besavffiers. — Few  authors  could  be  mentioned  who  had  the 
reputation  of  being  such  entertaining  companions  as  Desaugiers  ; 
no  one  could  enliven  a  company  of  friends,  or  set  the  table  in  a 
roar  like  him.  There  is  not  one  of  his  songs  which  does  not 
breathe  the  most  lively  and  most  unfettered  gaiety  :  and  as  to 
the  figure  of  Desaugiers,  it  seemed  the  most  complete  type  of 
the  happiest  man  upon  the  face  of  the  earth.  Always  singing, 
always  laughing,  the  countenance  of  Desaugiers  seemed  to  defy 
the  attacks  of  sorrow  ;  his  whole  life  appeared  to  be  spent  in  the 
midst  of  a  continual  feast.  And  yet  Desaugiers  was  sad ; 
melancholy  overwhelmed  his  heart  in  his  most  joyous  festivals, 
and  amidst  his  most  mirthful  songs  ;  if  he  celebrated  so  much 
the  pleasures  of  wine,  it  was  because  he  sought  in  it  the  forget- 
fulness  of  that  gnawing  grief  which  he  concealed  from  every 
eye,  and  would  have  wished  to  conceal  even  from  himself."* 

12 — 14.  (12)  a  way,  plainly  the  way  of  wilfulness  and  self- 
indulgence."  seemeth  right,  according  to  the  mans  ideas, 
not  is  right  according  to  the  law  of  God.  ways  of  death, 
surely  lead  down  to  moral  ruin.  (13)  in  laughter,  i.e.  often 
in  circumstances  producing  a  superficial  joyousuess,  there  is 
often  an  underlying  profounder  sorrow.  But  the  reference  here 
is  better  confined  to  the  mirth  of  the  foolish  and  self-willed. 
(14)  backslider,  one  who  falls  away  from  God  and  God- 
fearing, in  heart,  this  may  come  to  pass  before  there  are 
wrong-doings  in  the  life.*  But  God  knoweth  the  heart,  and  will 
be  sure  to  bring  on  the  man  the  bitter  fruitage  of  his  sin.  good 
.  .  self,  lit.  "  a  good  man  is  away  from  such  ;"  he  wiU  not  asso- 
oiate  with  the  backslider. 

The  backslider  (r.  H). — I.  Backsliding  has  its  seat  and  source 
in  the  heaxt.    II.  It  may  be  ascribed  to  various  causes.    III.  It 


Cap.  xlv.  15-i7.1 


PROVERBS. 


127 


may  be  checked  by  a  remembrance  of  former  attainments,  by  a 
sense  of  present  unliappiness,  by  an  anticipation  of  future  judg- 
ments.' 

A  hearer  of  the  Eev.  Dr.  Boddrklfie. — Dr.  Doddridge  was  once 
preaching  on  the  calling  and  the  glorious  hopes  of  the  Christian. 
One  of  his  hearers,  after  the  sermon,  addressed  him  in  the 
following  terms  :  '•  You  have  made  an  excellent  and  encourag- 
ing discourse  ;  but  these  privileges  do  not  belong  to  me,  nor 
shall  I  ever  have  the  least  interest  in  them."  "  What  reason 
have  you  for  so  saying.'"  asked  the  doctor ;  "Jesus  is  able  to 
save  to  the  uttermost."  "  I  will  tell  you  my  circumstances,"  the 
man  replied,  "  and  then  you  will  not  be  surprised.  I  once  made 
a  profession  of  religion,  which  I  supported  with  great  regularity 
and  decorum  for  several  years.  I  was  very  strict  in  the  per- 
formance of  the  duties  requii-ed  by  the  Chiistian  system.  None 
could  charge  me  with  immorality  of  conduct,  or  the  neglect  of 
positive  commands  ;  but  in  course  of  time  my  zeal  deimrted  from 
me.  and  I  became  careless  and  remiss  in  my  walk  and  conversa- 
tion. I  felt  no  satisfaction  arising  from  the  performance  of 
S]iiritual  duties,  and  gradually  declined  my  customary  observance 
of  them.  Instead  of  praying  twice  or  thrice  a  day,  I  only  prayed 
once  ;  the  same  with  respect  to  family  religion  ;  and  at  last 
these  sacred  engagements  were  entirely  omitted,  "which  soon  dis- 
covered itself  by  my  outward  conduct.  Ungodly  company,  and 
the  gratification  of  sense,  became  my  only  enjoyments,  in  which 
I  could  indulge,  fi-ee  from  those  strong  convictions  of  guilt  and 
dreadful  apprehensions  of  future  misery  which  retirement  and 
calm  reflection  impose  upon  the  mind.  Soon  after  this  change 
took  place,  I  was  left  guardian  to  a  young  lady,  whose  fortune 
was  committed  to  my  care  ;  but  I  expended  her  money,  and 
ruined  her  reputation.  Still  I  t»^as  sensible  how  far  preferable 
a  virtuous  life  was  to  a  wicked  one,  and  I  was  careful  to  instruct 
my  children  in  the  principles  of  religion.  When  I  returned  one 
evening  from  my  sinful  pursuits,  I  asked  them,  as  usual,  if  they 
could  repeat  their  lesson.  '  Yes,'  said  the  youngest,  '  and  I  have 
a  lesson  for  you  too,  papa.'  She  then  read  Ezek.  xxiv.  1.3  : — 
'  Because  I  have  purged  thee,  and  thou  wast  not  purged,  thou 
shalt  not  be  purged  from  thy  filthiness  any  more,  till  I  have 
caused  My  fury  to  rest  upon  thee.'  This  I  considered  was  to  seal 
my  doom,  and  I  now  have  nothing  but  a  fearful  looking  for  of 
judgment."'' 

15—17.  (15)  simple,  in  the  bad  sense  :  ch.  i.  22.  He  is 
credulous,  does  not  give  due  heed,  so  is  easily  deceived,  looketh 
well,  jrondereth.  considereth,  formeth  good  and  wise  judgments." 
(16)  feareth,  suspecteth  danger,  rageth,  etc.,  acts  proudly 
and  conceitedly  ;  rushes  recklessly  forward  into  mischief.  (17) 
soon  angry,  lit.  shm-t  of  aufjer;  hastily  angry.*  foolishly, 
gets  himself  into  many  and  needless  troubles,  wicked  devices, 
who  deliberately  plots  and  plans  evil,  hated.,  surely  gains  the 
enmity  of  those  whom  he  seeks  to  injure. 

Xcr.re.^. — Xerxes  crowned  his  footman  in  the  morning,  and 
beheaded  him  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day  ;  and  Andronicus, 
the  Greek  EmiDeror,  crowned  his  admiral  in  the  morning,  and 
then  took  off  his  head  in  the  afternoon.  Roffensis  had  a 
cardinal's  hat  f-ent  to  him,  but  his  head  was  cut  off  before  it 
came  to  hand.    Most  say  of  they:  crowns,  aa  a  certain  king  said 


S.  Cellerier,  il. 
277 ;  J.  Jowettf 
253. 

V.  13.  Bp.  Aier* 
iie'/itj,  312  ;  D?.  H. 
Blair,  Y.  247;  W. 
Reading,  iv.  242. 

(■.14.  T.  Mnnton, 
iv.  1108;  Dr.  B. 
Ibbol.  i.  68  ;  Dr. 
T.  Coney,  i.  29  ; 
/'.  Pule,  iii.  201  ; 
T.  Newman,  i. 
245  ;  T.  Coyte,  ii. 
35  ;  W.  Mason, 
iv.  13  ;  J.  H. 
Gurney,  264. 

"  For  fools  rush 
in  where  angels 
fear  to  tread." — 
Pope. 

"  Folly  consists  in 
tlie  drawing  of 
false  conclusions 
from  just  princi- 
ples, by  which 
it  is  di  stin- 
gaisheJ  from 
madness,  which 
draws  just  con- 
clusions from 
false  principles." 
— Locke. 

"  Bow  to  no  pa« 
tron's  insolence ; 
rely  on  no  frail 
I'.opes,  in  freedom 
hve  and  die."— 
Seneca. 

dR.T.S. 


a  Pr.  xxil.  3. 

6  "  Foams  up 
quickly,  flies  into 
passion."  —  ZSc/t- 
ler. 

V.  15.  Dr.  W. 
Dodwell,  ii.  137; 
J.  Mason,  i.  79  ; 
W.  Gresley,  167. 

V.    16.       Dr.     W. 

Paley,  i.  10. 

"No  man  should 
so  act  as  to  take 
advantage  ot 
another's  folly,  "• 
— Cicero. 


128 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xiv.  18-21. 


Men  may  live  i  of  his,  "  Oh,  crown  I  more  noble  than  happy!"  It  was  a  just 
fools,  but  fools  I  complaint  which  long  ago  was  made  against  the  heathen  gods, 
theycaimot  die."  Ofarile.t  dare  snniiua  dcnx  padrmqve  fi/eri  fUJJicihx !  They  could 
—iuung.  ^j^g  their  favourites  great  gifts,  but  they  could  not  maintain 

them  in  the  possession  of  them. 


a  "How  (iicl  the 
200     souls     bow 
before  Paul,  the 
prisoner,   amidst 
the     dangers    of 
the  storm  ou  the  , 
Adriatic   Seal 
He    became    the 
moral       com- 
mander of  all  on 
board      as      the  i 
perils    thickened  1 
around  them." —  | 
Dav.    Thom'is, 
D.D. 

"Alfonsus,  king 
of  Castile,  used  to 
employ  his  leisure 
hours  in  the 
Study  of  astro- 
nomy. Having 
discovered  what 
he  su])p<isecl  to  be 
an  irregularity, 
he  said,  "  If  I  bad 
been  by  when  the 
Maker  of  the 
world  was  at 
■work.  I  could 
have  given  Him 
some  good 
advice." 


b  R.T.S. 


a  "Few  maxims 
in  the  book  jar 
so  upon  our  feel- 
ings as  this,  and 
yet  it  does  but 
represent  the 
generalisation  of 
a  wide  experi- 
ence. We  seem 
to  hear  wh.it 
■worldly  nioral- 
isers  have  re- 
peated in  a  hun- 
dred ioxms."-iii>k. 
Com. 

}>  "A  beneficent 
person  is  like  a 
fountain  water- 
ing the  earth, 
and  sprea<ling 
fertilitj ;     it   is 


18,  19.  (18)  simple,  as  v.  15.  crowned  -witli,  or  gather 
wisdom  around  them.  (19)  bow  before,  etc.,  this  v.  suggests 
the  humbling  of  the  wicked  by  the  pmii.shmeat  their  sins  incur. 
With  possible  allusion  to  the  cru/r/ii/u/  of  the  good  in  the 
previous  verse,  at  the  gates,  as  if  they  were  supplicant 
beggars." 

Vol  III']/. — Volney,  the  infidel,  while  prosecuting  his  philo- 
sophical discoveries  in  North  America,  had  taken  a  passage,  with 
about  twenty  other  persons,  in  a  vessel  from  one  part  of  the 
extensive  lake  Ontario  to  another.  He  was  very  cominunicative, 
allowed  no  opportunity  to  escape  of  ridiculing  Christianity,  and 
behaved  altogether  in  a  very  profane  manner.  In  the  course  of 
the  voyage,  a  tremendous  storm  came  on  :  the  schooner  struck 
upon  a  shoal  or  rock  at  a  considerable  distance  from  an  inacces- 
sible shore,  and  continued  to  beat  so  violently  that  they  expected 
every  moment  that  she  would  go  to  pieces  ;  in  which  case  their 
destruction  would  have  been  inevitable.  In  this  awful  situation 
the  vain  jihilosopher  literally  lost  all  the  powers  of  reason.  One 
moment  he  was  quite  frantic,  and  raged  like  a  matlman ; 
another,  in  wild  consternation,  he  looked  into  .some  of  Voltaire's 
works,  which  he  g-enerally  carried  in  his  bosom  ;  then  despair 
took  hold  on  him,  and  he  uttered  the  mo.st  incoherent  expres- 
sions, and  offered  a  large  sum  of  money  to  the  captain,  to  prevail 
on  him  to  attempt  what  was  utterly  impossible,  namely,  to  put 
him  aslM)re  in  a  small  boat.  In  all  his  misery  he  had  a  com- 
panion in  the  cook,  who  las'ied  himself  to  the  foremast,  and 
then,  in  the  greatest  agony  of  despair,  uttered  the  most  horrid 
imi^recations.  The  vessel  held  together  in  that  situation  for 
above  two  hours,  when  the  wind  shifted  about,  and  they  got  off, 
and  arrived  safely  at  the  place  of  their  destination.  After  the 
storm,  Volney  showed  himself  no  less  weak,  in  requesting 
several  of  the  passengers  not  to  mention  his  behaviour  on  this 
awful  occasion.* 

20,  21.  (20)  hated,  repelled  as  disagreeable,  obnoxious, 
troublesome."  Comp.,  however,  v.  21.  rich  .  .  friends,  Ilcb. 
"many  are  the  lovers  of  the  rich;"  partly  satirical.  IMany  are 
those  willing  to  be  friends  for  the  sake  of  what  can  be  got  out 
of  them.  (21)  despiseth  .  .  sinneth,  whether  he  be  poor  or 
rich,  our  neighbour  should  be  to  us  an  object  of  interest  and  love, 
mercy  .  .  poor,  comp.  r.  20.  for  the  contrast.*  bappj""  is  he, 
finding  for  himself  how  charity  is  twice  blessed  :  it  blesses  him 
who  gives  and  him  who  takes. 

Hoivaril  and  the  co^intcM. — The  eminently  great  and  good 
Howard,  the  philanthropist,  neither  wanted  courage  nor  talent  to 
administer  reproof  where  he  thought  it  was  needed.  A  German 
count,  governor  of  Upper  Austria,  with  his  countess,  cnlled  one 
day  on  the  man  who  had  excited  so  large  a  share  of  the  public 
attention.  The  count  asked  him  the  stat«  of  the  prisons  within 
his  department.  Mr.  Howard  replied :  '■  The  worst  in  all 
Germany ;"    and  advised  that  the    countess   should  visit  the 


Cap.  xiv.  22—34.] 


PROVERBS. 


129 


female  prisoners.  "  I,"  said  she,  haufjhtily  ;  "  I  go  into  prisons  I" 
and  rapidly  hastened  downstairs  in  great  anger.  Howard,  in- 
dignant at  her  pioud  and  unfeeling  disposition,  loudly  called 
after  her,  "  Madam,  remember  that  you  are  a  woman  yourself  ; 
and  you  must  soon,  like  the  most  miserable  female  prisoner  in  a 
dungeon,  inhabit  but  a  small  epace  of  that  earth  from  which  you 
equally  originated.'  • 

22,  23.  (22)  err,  i.e.  wander  fr.  the  ways  of  righteousness. 
devise,  in  their  minds.  Wickedness  of  heart  surely  finds  its 
expression  in  v/icked  wandering  ways.  The  word  used  lit  m^ans, 
cane  out.  mercy  and  truth,  God's  manifestations  of  Himself 
to  them.  (23)  labour,  diligent  activity."  talk  of  the  lips, 
talk,  and  nothing  else  ;  talk  that  is  not  associated  with  work.* 

Cyru.i  a  gardi'iicr. — When  Lysander,  a  Lacedemonian  general, 
brought  magnificent  presents  to  Cyrus,  he  was  shown,  and  much 
admired,  the  royal  gardens.  Cyrus  told  him,  in  answer  to  his 
inquiries,  that  he  had  himself  drawn  and  entirely  marked  out  the 
plan  of  the  gardens,  and  had  planted  many  of  the  trees  with  his 
own  hands.  "  W'hat !  "  exclaimed  Lj'sauder,  with  astonishment, 
and  viewing  Cyrus  from  head  to  foot,  "  is  it  possible  that,  with 
those  purple  robes  and  splendid  vestments,  those  strings  of  jewels 
and  bracelets  of  gold,  those  buskins  so  richly  embroidered, — is  it 
possible  that  you  could  play  the  gardener,  and  employ  your  royal 
hands  in  planting  trees?"  "'Does  that  surprise  you'"  said 
Cyrus  :  "  I  assure  you  that,  when  my  health  permits.  I  never  sit 
down  to  my  table  without  having  fatigued  myself,  either  in 
military  exercise,  rural  labour,  or  some  other  toilsome  employ- 
ment, to  which  I  apply  mj'self  with  pleasure."  Lysander,  still 
more  amazed,  pressed  Cyi'us  by  the  hand,  and  said,  "  You  are 
truly  happy,  and  deserve  your  high  fortune,  since  you  unite  it 
with  virtue." 

24.  crown  .  .  riches,  either  meaning,  "  the  well-earned  pos- 
sessions of  the  wise  become  his  honour,  are  a  real  adornment  to 
him,  for  wh.  he  is  with  good  reason  praised  : ""  or  "  The  crown, 
%.(-.  the  glory,  of  the  wise  man  constitutes  his  wealth.  He  alone 
is  truly  rich  even  as  he  alone  is  truly  king."  *  is  folly,  however 
it  be  associated,  either  with  riches  or  with  poverty,  it  is  folly  ; 
you  can  make  nothing  else  of  it.' 
A  rich  fool. — 

Thee,  senseless  stock,  because  thou'rt  richly  gilt, 

The  blinded  people  without  cause  admire, 

And  superstition  impiously  hath  built 

Altars  to  that  which  should  have  been  the  fire. 

WTiere  shall  my  tongue  consent  to  worship  thee, 
Since  all's  not  gold  that  glisters  and  is  fair  2 
Carving  but  makes  an  image  of  a  tree  : 
But  gods  of  images  are  made  by  prayer. 

Sabcan  incense,  in  a  fragrant  cloud 

Hlustriou.sly  suspended  o'er  thy  crown 

Like  a  king's  canopy,  makes  thee  allow'd 

For  more  than  man.     But  let  them  take  thee  down, 

And  thy  true  value  be  once  understood. 

Thy  dull  idolaters  will  find  thou'rt  wood.' 

▼OL.  VII.     O.T.  I 


therefore  mora 
deligiiiful  and 
more  honourable 
to  pive  thill  to 
receive."  —  Epi- 
curus. 

c  Clicever, 


a  "  It  is  only  by 

labour  t  li  a  t 
j  thought  can    be 

mad  e  htaltliy, 
j  and  tlie  two  eaii- 
,  not  be  separa  ed. 

with   impunity." 

—Ruskiu. 

I  b    "  He    that    is 

lavish  in  wurdsis 

I  a  niggard    in 

I  deeds.        T  li  a 

ishuttle,     the 

I  needle,  the  spaile, 

ilie     brush,     I  he 

clusel,  all  are  still 

but  the  tongue." 

Sir  W.  Raleigh. 

r.  22.     Dr.  A.  B. 

Earns,  349. 

■'  To  be  truly  and 
really  inde- 
pendent, is  to 
support  ourselves 
by  our  own  exer- 
tions."— Porter. 


a  ZSckler. 
b  Spk.  Com. 

c  "AVhy,   WHS    It 

not  foolisliaess 
before  they  were 
rich  ?  Yes,  but 
now  it  has  be- 
come egregious 
f  ooli  shness." — 
Trapp. 

r.  21.  E.  Wapte, 
i.  65  ;  C.  C/tuis,  li. 
294;  JJr.  }V . 
Sievens,  ii.  239. 

"  Men  leave  iheii 
riches  either  to 
their  kindred  or 
their  friends,  and 
moderate  por- 
tions prosper 
best  in  both." — 
llacon. 

d  Fiuishawe. 

"  Nothing  hidesa 
blemish  so  ooni« 
pletely  as  clotU 
of   gold."— J!/a»» 


130 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xlv.  25-30. 


a  "  It  is  prob. 
that  tlip  intended 
antit Ill-sis  relates 
not  so  much  to 
tlie  (icliuil  /ltd  of 
tnitli  saving  and 
falsehood  con- 
demning, as  to 
the  disposilioiis 
and  in'cilions  of 
the  faithful  wit- 
ness on  the  one 
hanil,  and  the 
lying  witness  on 
the  other.  The 
faitliful  witness 
delightsin  giving 
testimony  that 
will  save  life, 
that  will  be  salu- 
tary, beneficial  to 
Lis  fellow-crea- 
tures." —  Quotcii 
by  Dav.  Tnomas, 
D.D. 

h  "  Creature  ex- 
tremity  can 
never  reach  be- 
yond tlie  help  of 
omnipotence."  — 
IficlwlU. 

Hab.  iii.  17—19. 

e  Sigma  in    400( 
Sks. 


25—27.  (25)  true  "witness,  v.  5.  speaketh  lies,  the 
mischievous  influence  of  wh.  is  sure  to  be  discovered."  (26) 
strong  confidence,  or  pense  of  security.  They  have  God  on 
their  side.*  his  children,  another  term  for  tho.se  who  fear 
God.  It  is  more  natural  to  refer  this  to  Jehovah's  worshippers 
than  to  the  children  of  the  pious.  (27)  fountain,  etc.,  ch.  xiii. 
14,  also  X.  11. 

The  .sviirce  of  fnte  confidence  (v.  2G). — I.  In  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  is  strong  confidence.  1.  Fear  of  God  includes  inward  and 
outward  relijrion  :  2.  Such  religion  inspires  the  soul  with  confi- 
dence ;  3.  With  confidence  at  all  times,  poverty,  sickness,  per- 
secution, temptation,  etc.  II.  And  His  children  have  a  place  of 
refuge.  1.  Here  in  the  mercy  and  favour  of  God;  2.  Hereafter 
in  the  heavenly  world.' 

Reproof  >vitk  tact. — A  number  of  gay  young  persons  got  up  a 
ball  in  a  neighbourhood  in  which  Dr.  Nettleton  of  America  had 
been  preaching  with  great  success,  and,  for  the  amusement  of 
themselves  and  others,  inserted  the  reverend  gentleman's  name 
at  the  head  of  the  li.st  of  managers.  The  company  assembled  at 
the  time  appointed.  About  the  hour  for  commencing  the  dance, 
Dr.  Nettleton  made  his  appearance,  and  observed  to  the  company 
that  he  perceived,  from  the  tickets  that  had  been  issued,  that  he 
had  been  appointed  a  manager,  and  therefore  he  proposed  to 
open  the  services  with  prayer.  He  then  offered  up  a  very  affect- 
ing prayer  for  the  thoughtless  group  ;  which  was  blessed  of  God 
to  the  conviction  of  a  number  of  those  pre.seut,  several  of  whom 
afterwards  made  a  profession  of  religion,  united  with  the  church, 
and  were  never  afterwards  found  within  the  walls  of  a  ball- 
room.'' 

28,  29.  (28)  multitude  of  people,  in  contrast  with  mere 
pomp,  conquest,  or  gorgeous  array.  The  true  glory  is  a  numerous, 
prosperous,  and  happy  people."  (2'J)  slow  to  wrath,*  not 
suddenly  roused  to  passion,  able  to  command  his  own  spirit. 
Comp.  .svw/i  aitgi'y,  r.  17.  hasty  of  spirit,  Heb.  short  of  .spirit.'' 
exalteth  folly,  by  giving  passion  the  throne  and  sceptre,  and 
placing  the  soul  under  her  capricious  and  violent  dominion : 
exalts,  or  lifts  up  in  the  gaze  of  men. 

Sir  l.iaac  Xeivton  and  his  dog — Sir  Isaac  Newton's  temper,  ifc 
is  said,  was  so  equal  and  mild,  that  no  accident  could  disturb  it ; 
a  remarkable  instance  of  which  is  related  as  follows  ; — Sir  Isaac 
had  a  favourite  little  dog,  which  he  called  Diamond.  Being  one 
evening  called  out  of  his  study  into  the  next  room.  Diamond  was 
left  behind.  When  Sir  Isaac  returned,  having  been  absent  but  a 
few  minutes,  he  had  the  mortification  to  find  that  Diamond  had 
overturned  a  lighted  caudle  among  some  papers,  the  nearly 
finished  labour  of  many  years,  which  were  soon  in  flames,  and 
almost  consumed  to  a.shes.  This  loss,  from  Newton's  advanced 
age.  was  iiTeparable  :  but,  without  at  all  punishing  the  dog,  he 
exclaimed,  "  Oh,  Diamond,  Diamond,  you  little  kno%v  the  mischief 
you  have  done  1  "<* 

a  Spk.  Com.  30.  sound  heart,  "  one  in  wh.  all  emotions  and  appetites 

&  Ja.  iii.  16.  are  in  a  healthy  equilibrium.     The  contrast  with  this  is  the  envy 

'A  fretful,  en-  wh.  eats,  like  a  consuming  disease,  into  the  veiy  bones  and  marrow 
te'nted'  spiri't,"'is  I  ^^  ^  man's  moral  life.""  envy,*  which  has  uo  rest  j  here  passion, 
ltd  owu  punish-   violent  excitement  in  general,  is  meant. 


d  Whitea-oss. 

a  "  This  is  the 
teaching  of  a 
true  political 
ec  onom  y."  — 
Fausset. 

"It  is  the  wis- 
dom of  princes, 
by  a  mild  and 
gentle  gi)veru- 
ment,  by  en- 
couraging trade 
and  husbandry, 
and  by  making 
all  easy  under 
them,  to  promote 
the  increase  of 
their  people."  — 
M(it.  Henry. 

b  Nu.  .\ii.  3  ;  1 
Pe.  ii.  21—23. 

e  Matt.  V.  22; 
Eph.  iv.  26,  27, 
31  ;  J  a.  i.  19. 


Cap  xiv.31,  32.] 


PROVERBS. 


131 


Envy  desfrticfire. — WTien  a  statue  had  been  erected  by  his 
fellow-citizens  of  Thasos.  to  Theogenes,  a  celebrated  victor  in  one 
of  the  public  games  of  Greece,  we  are  told  that  it  excited  so 
strongly  the  envious  hatred  of  one  of  his  rivals,  that  he  went  to 
it  every  night,  and  endeavoured  to  throw  it  down  by  repeated 
blows,  till,  at  last,  unfortunately  successful,  he  was  able  to  move 
it  from  its  pedestal,  and  was  crushed  to  death  beneath  it  on  its 
fall.  This,  if  we  consider  the  self-consuming  misery  of  envy,  is 
truly  what  happens  to  every  envious  man.  He  may,  perhaps,  j 
throw  down  his  rival's  glory  ;  but  he  is  crushed  in  his  whole  soul  ] 
beneath  the  glory  which  he  overturns.'^ 

31.  oppresseth,  comjj.  term  "mocketh"  in  ch.  xvii.  5.  All 
kinds  of  injuries  done  to  the  poor  are  included  :  all  forms  in 
which  positions  of  power  and  authority  are  used  for  unjust, 
tyrannical,  or  unbrotherly  ends,  his  Maker,  i.e.  the  Maker  of 
ijtie  poor  ;  regarded  as  having  appointed  his  lot."  honoureth.  .  . 
poor,  better  read,  •'  He  that  hath  mercy  on  the  poor  *  honoureth 
Him,"  i.e.  God. 

God/ine.i.s  and  inhumanity  {v.  31). — Godliness  and  humanity 
are  essentially  one.  The  text  teaches — I.  That  inhumanity  is 
ungodliness.  Oppression  of  the  poor  is  a  reproach  of  God — 1. 
By  disregarding  that  identity  of  nature  with  which  our  Maker 
has  endowed  all  classes  ;  2.  By  disregarding  those  laws  which 
our  Slaker  has  enjoined  respecting  the  poor.  II.  True  humanity 
is  godliness.' 

Iliivianity. — \Mien  the  Romans  had  ravaged  the  province  of 
Azazane,  and  7,000  Persians  were  brought  to  Armida,  where  they 
suffered  extreme  want,  Acases,  the  bishop  of  that  city,  observed, 
that  as  God  said,  •'  I  love  mercy  better  than  sacrifice,"  He  would 
certaiiily  be  better  pleased  with  the  relief  of  His  suffering 
creatures,  than  with  being  served  with  gold  and  silver  in  their 
churches.  The  clergy  were  of  the  same  opinion.  The  consecrated 
vessels  were  sold,  and  with  the  proceeds  the  7,000  Persians 
were  not  only  maintained  during  the  war,  but  sent  home  at  its 
conclusion  with  money  in  theu*  pockets.  Varcnes,  the  Persian 
monarch,  was  so  charmed  with  this  humane  action,  that  he  in- 
vited the  bishoj)  to  his  capital,  where  he  received  him  with  the 
utmost  reverence,  and  for  his  sake  conferred  many  favours  on  the 
Christians."* 

32.  driven  away,  by  a  violent  death."  in  his  wickedness, 
with  all  its  burdens  and  penalties  upon  him.  .  Continued  wicked- 
ness is  not  remedial  but  destructive.  hope  .  .  death,  of  a 
gracious  Div.  presence  and  help.*  The  poetical  parallelism  of 
the  verse  is  preserved  by  rendering  "In  his  misfortune  (or 
adversity)  the  wicked  is  overthrown,  but  the  righteous  has  con- 
fidence even  in  his  death."' 

A  cunfraaf  (r.  32). — We  have  here  two  deaths.  I.  The  death 
of  the  wicked.  1.  In  his  wickedness,  died  as  he  lived,  resolutions 
of  amendment  unfulfilled,  not  a  death-bed  penitent ;  2.  Driven 
away,  compelled  to  go,  notwithstanding  all  his  reluctance  ;  3. 
Driven  away  in  his  wickedness.  II.  The  death  of  the  righteous. 
1.  He  has  hope  in  the  Divine  presence  ;  2.  He  has  the  hope  of 
immediate  admission  into  glory  ;  3.  Of  a  blessed  resurrection  ; 
4.  And  of  «  glorious  immortality.  Note — (1)  We  must  all  die ; 
(2)  Death  shall  not  wear  the  same  aspect  to  all.'' — The  lw])e  of  the 
I  2 


ment ;  It  con- 
sumes  the  flesh, 
prays  upon  the 
animal  spiri  ts, 
makes  the  coun- 
tenance pale,  and 
is  the  rottenness 
of  the  bones." — 
Mat.  Henry. 

c  Dr.  Brown. 


a  Matt.  XXV.  40 ; 
also  1  Sa.  ii.  8 ; 
Jobxxxi.  13—15 ; 
Ps.  cxiii.  7 ;  Pr. 
I  xxii.  2. 

h  Mat.  xi.  5,  xxvi. 
11 ;  Ja.  ii.  5. 

c  Dr.  Thomas. 

"  True  humanity 
consists  not  in  a 
squeamish  ear ; 
it  consists  not  in 
starting  or 
shrinking  at 
tales  of  misery, 
but  in  a  dispo- 
sition of  heart  to 
relieve  it.  True 
humanity  apper- 
tains ratlier  to 
the  mind  than  to 
the  nerves,  and 
prompts  men  to 
use  real  and 
active  endea- 
vours to  execute 
theactions  which 
i  t  suggests. "  — 
Charles  James 
Fox. 

d  Whileeross. 


a  Vs.  XXXV.  6,  6, 
xxxvi.  12,  Ixii.  3, 
bcxiii.  18,  19. 

b  "  The  hope  wh. 
abides  even  '  in 
death '  must,  like 
that  of  thePsalm- 
ist,  look  beyond 
it." — Spk.  Com. 
"  A  clear  testi- 
mony (at  time  of 
deatli)  of  a  future 
state  of  rewards 
and  punish- 
ment s.  Comp. 
Job  xix.  25—27 ; 
Ps.  xvi.  12,  xvii. 
16,  xxiii.  4 ;  EccL 
xii.  14." — Word*- 
worth. 


132 


PSOVERBS. 


[Cap.  xiv.  33. 


c  HucetschU 

d  a.  Brooks. 

"I  am  si  ok,  not 
to  death,  but  to 
life." —  Mijconius. 
"  I  am  almost 
well."  —  Richard 
Baxter.  "  Mercy 
is  trinmphaut." 
—Dr.  Rice.  "  I 
sl''all  be  the  most 
glorious  instancy 
of  Sovereign 
grace  in  all 
heaven." — Rev. 
Thomas  Walter. 
"My  hope  is  in 
the  mercy  of  God 
through  Jesus 
Christ."  — Fisher 
Ames. 

Bishop  Hooper, 
to  one  that  ten- 
dered a  panlou 
upon  r  e  c  a  n  t  a- 
tion,  said  —  "  If 
you  love  my  soul, 
away  with  it;  if 
you  love  my  soul, 
away  witli  it." 
One  of  the  com- 
niissioner  s 
prayeil  him  to 
consider  that  hfe 
is  sweet  and 
death  is  bitter. 
"  True,"  said  he, 
"  but  the  death 
to  come  is  more 
bitter,  and  the 
life  to  come  is 
more  sweet." 

e  American  S.  S. 
World. 

a  "  Fools  carry 
their  wisdom, 
wh.  is  however 
in  fact  only  folly, 
always  upon  I 
their  tongues, 
and  seek  most  as- 
siduously  to 
make  it  known. 
The  expression  is 
pointed  and  iro- 
nical, and  yet  not 
for  tliat  reason 
xininttlligible."— 
O.  Ziicklvr. 

b  Dr.  TItomas. 

"  Learn  to  hold 
thy  tongue.  Five 
words  cost  Za- 
charias  forty 
weeks'  silence." 
—Fuller. 


righteous  in  death  (v.  32). — I.  Consider  the  character  of  the  per- 
sons who  are  said  to  have  hope  in  their  death.  1.  Every  true 
believer  is  righteous  according  to  the  covenant  of  grace  :  2.  They 
have  also  an  inherent  righteousness  wrought  in  them  by  the 
Holy  Spirit :  .S.  They  endeavour  to  be  actually  righteous  in  their 
imitation  of  Christ.  II.  A  few  of  the  things'  that  the  righteous 
hope  for  in  their  dying  moments.  1.  They  hope  to  have  the  gra- 
cious presence  of  God  wi'th  tbem  in  that  solemn  hour  of  death  :  2. 
They  hope  for  immediate  admission  into  heaven  :  3.  They  hope 
for  the  resurrection  of  their  bodies  to  a  glorious  immortality :  4. 
Th3y  have  hope  of  eternal  life,  of  the  complete  salvation  of  their 
entire  nature,  of  the  reunion  of  soul  and  body,  and  of  being  for 
ever  with  the  Lord  amid  all  the  glories  of  the  heavenly  state. 

The  .sY,v)/7i';''.9  death. — A  remarkable  coincidence  was  narrated 
to  us  a  short  time  since  by  an  intelligent,  wealthy  gentleman  of 
this  city,  now  living  and  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  in 
business  circles.  He  was  a  professor  of  religion,  and  had  been 
led  to  think  of  his  soul's  affairs  by  seeing  a  friend  on  his  death- 
bed deprived  of  reason,  and  in  his  delirium  cursing  and  swearing, 
a  thing  he  never  did  when  he  was  in  health.  Our  friend  once 
occupied  a  desk  in  the  same  counting-room  on  the  wharf,  with  a 
man  much  older  than  himself,  and  who  was  a  coarse,  profane 
atheist — quite  disposed  to  make  others  like  himself.  One  night, 
as  they  were  about  shutting  up,  this  man  took  our  informant  by 
the  jacket,  and  said  flippantly  that  he  was  surprised  ■'  such  a  clever 
fellow  as  he  should  believe  in  religion,''  using  some  very  blas- 
phemous expression.  To  a  request  that  he  would  abstain  from 
such  language  he  repeated  some  of  his  profane  slang,  and  to  a 
remark  that  "  if  such  notions  might  do  to  live  by,  they  would  not 
do  to  die  by,  he  said,  "  Til  venture  that  I "  "I  think  you  would 
have  some  fears,"  replied  his  friend,  "  if  it  should  be  said  to  you, 
'  Thou  fool !  this  night  shall  thy  soul  be  required  of  thee.' "  "  I 
am  ready ! "  said  the  scoffer,  pointing  and  looking  upward. 
They  parted.  The  profane  man  turned  the  corner  of  the  street 
to  go  one  way,  and  his  friend  went  in  the  opposite  direction. 
Within  one  minute  after  they  separated  the  former  fell  dead  upon 
the  side  walk  ! « 

33.  resteth,  contrast  with  the  words  "  made  known  "  in  the 
second  clause.  On  these  terms  the  point  of  the  verse  rests.  In 
the  one  case  wisdom  is  jDreserved  in  quietness  and  silence,  with- 
out forwardness  or  boastf ulness ;  in  the  other  it  is  noisy  and 
boastful.  The  half-learned  are  always  the  foremost  to  make 
show  of  their  kno^^^edge.'' 

lieticenep  and  loquacity  {v.  33). — I.  That  reticence  is  often  a 
mark  of  wisdom,  not  always  ;  sometimes  a  sign  of  stupidity, 
sometimes  of  sulkiness.  Two  things  tend  to  this.  1.  Humility  ; 
2.  Conscientiousness.  II.  That  loquacity  is  ever  an  indication  of 
folly.* 

Advice  to  talherit. — The  Rev.  Mr.  Burridge  being  visited  by  a 
very  loquacious  young  lady,  who  engrossed  all  the  conversation 
of  the  interview  with  small  talk  concerning  herself,  when  she 
arose  to  retire,  he  said,  "  Madam,  before  you  withdraw.  I  have 
one  piece  of  advice  to  give  you  ;  and  that  is,  when  3'ou  go  into 
company  again,  after  you  have  talked  half  au  hour  without 
intermission.  I  recomniL-ud  it  to  you  to  slop  awhile,  uud  see  li 
au;^  other  of  the  company  has  auything  to  say."' 


Cap.xiv.  34,  35.] 


PROVERBS. 


133 


34,  35.  (34)  righteousness,  a  designedly  compreheii^^ive 
word,  meaning-  all  just  principles  and  actions.  "  Religious  and 
moral  rectitude  in  everyrelation  and  direction.""  exalteth.,  i.e. 
it  involves,  and  leads  to,  a  general  elevation  and  advancement  of 
the  condition  of  the  people,  a  reproach,  or  brings  on  them  the 
ill-will  of  others.  It  surely  brings  a  nation  into  reproach.  (35) 
wise,  in  sense  of  discreet,  statesmanlike.  Or  we  may  take  wise 
in  the  sense  of  the  prev.  v.  as  nourishing  the  righteousness  of 
the  nation.*     causeth  shame,  or  the  base. 

The  political  and  nocial  imjwrtance  of  morality  (vr.  34,  3."i). — I. 
The  political  importance  of  morality.  1.  Rectitude  exalts  a 
nation,  in  material  wealth,  in  social  enjoyments,  in  moral  power  ; 
2.  Unrighteousness  degrades  a  nation.  II.  The  social  import- 
ance of  morality.  1.  Men  who  are  ruled  by  righteousness  are 
the  men  most  to  be  valued  in  a  country  ;  2.  The  promotion  of 
true  morality  is  the  best  way  to  promote  the  interests  of  a  State.'' 
A  State.— 

What  constitutes  a  State  ? 

Not  high-raised  battlements,  or  laboured  mound, 
Thick  wall  or  moated  gate  ; 

Not  cities  proud,  with  spires  and  turrets  crowned, 
Nor  bays  and  broad-armed  ports, 

Where,  laughing  at  the  storm,  rich  navies  ride  ; 
Kor  starred  and  spangled  courts. 

Where  low-browed  baseness  wafts  perfume  to  pride. 
No  !  men, — high-minded  men.'' 
England. — 

Heavens  !  what  a  goodly  prospect  spreads  around, 
Of  hills  and  dales,  and  woods,  and  lawns,  and  spires, 
And  glittering  towns,  and  gilded  streamers,  till  all 
The  stretching  landscape  into  smoke  decays  1 
Happy  Britannia  !  where  the  queen  of  Arts, 
Inspiring  vigour,  liberty  abroad. 
Walks  unconfined,  even  to  the  farthest  cots, 
And  scatters  plenty  with  unsparing  hand. 
Rich  is  thy  soil,  and  merciful  thy  clime  ; 
Thy  streams  unfailing  in  the  summer's  drought, 
Unmatchd  thy  guardian  oaks,  thy  valleys  float 
With  golden  waves  ;  and  on  the  mountains  flocks 
Bleat  numberless  ;  while  rove  around  their  sides. 
Below,  the  blackening  herds  in  lusty  droves. 
Beneath,  thy  meadows  glow,  and  rise  unquell'd 
Against  the  mowers  scythe.     On  every  hand 
Thy  villas  shine,  thy  country  teems  with  wealth, 
And  property  assures  it  to  the  swain, 
Pleased  and  unwearied,  in  his  garden  toil. 
Filled  are  thy  cities  with  the  sons  of  Art, 
And  trade  and  joy,  in  every  busy  street. 
Mingling,  are  heard  :  even  Drudgery  himself, 
As  at  the  car  he  sweats,  or  dusty  hews 
The  palace  stone,  looks  gay  ;  jthy  crowded  ports, 
Where  rising  masts  an  endless  prospect  yield, 
With  labour  burn,  and  echo  to  the  shouts 
Of  hurried  sailor,  as  he  hearty  waves 
His  last  adieu,  and,  loosening  every  sheet, 
Resigns  the  spreading  vessel  to  the  wind. 


a  A  righteous  ad- 
ministration   of 

the  government; 
impartial  equity 
between  man  and 
man;  public 
countenance 
given  to  religion ; 
the  general  prac- 
tice and  pi-ofes- 
sion  of  virtue; 
the  protecting 
anil  preserving  of 
virtuous  men; 
cliaritj-  and  com- 
passiou  to 
strangers, — these 
exalt  a  nation, 
uphold  the 
throne,  and  ele- 
vate the  people. 

b  Da.  vi.  1-3; 
Mat.  XXV.  21 ; 
Luke  xii.  37. 
"  Whatever  is 
morally  wrong 
cannot  be  politi- 
cally right."— 
Burke. 

c  Dr.  T/iomas. 
d  Sir  W.  Jones. 
"  Physical  glories 
of  Great  Britain. 
—  This  royal 
throne  of  kings, 
this  sceptred  isle, 
this  earth  of 
maj  esty,  thi  s 
seat  of  Mars,  thi3 
other  Eden,demi- 
paradise,  this 
fortress,  built  by 
Nature  for  her- 
self, against  in- 
fection, and  the 
hand  of  war ;  this 
happy  breed  of 
men,  this  little 
world,  this  pre- 
cious stone  set  in 
the  silver  sea, 
which  serves  it 
in  the  office  of  a 
wall,  or  as  a 
moat  defensive  to 
a  house,  against 
the  envy  of  less 
happier  lands ; 
tills  nurse,  this 
teeming  womb  of 
royal  kings, 
fear'd  for  their 
breed,  and 
famous  by  their 
birth,  renowned 
for  their  deeds, 
as  far  from  home, 
for  Christian  ser- 
vice and  trut 
c  h  i  V  a  1  r  y."— 
Sliakesj^ear4. 


134 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zv.  1,  % 


"  My  precept  to 
all  who'builil  is, 
that  thf>  owner 
•  li  o  u  1  il  be  an 
ornament  to  the 
bouse,  anl  not 
the  house  to  tlie 
owner.'  —  Cicero. 

"  To  Adam  P.ira- 
dise  was  home. 
To  the  good 
ajnon;?  his  de- 
Boenrlints  home 
is  Paradise. "  — 
Hare. 

e  Thompson. 


a  "  Therefore  be 
not  sullen  and 
silent,  but  give 
an  answer,  and 
let  it  be  a  gentle 
one  ."  — L  0  r  d 
Bacon. 

Ju.  viii.  1  —  3  ; 
contrast  .xii.  1-3. 
"  There  never 
was  a  truer 
maxim  than  that 
it  requires  the 
consent  of  two 
persons  to  make 
a  quarrel ;  a  soft 
word,  a  season- 
able explanation, 
often  turns  aside 
wrath,  and  soniL'- 
tiraes  prevents 
the  most  serious 
wars  that 
threaten  to  deva- 
state the  world." 
— Alison. 

b  Hat.  Henry. 

"At  any  rate 
gentle  words  will 
preserve  your  in- 
nocence, give  you 
the  deserved  re- 
putation of  wis- 
dom and  modera- 
tion, and  keep  uj) 
the  serenity  and 
eomposure  of 
your  mind.  Pas- 
sion and  anger 
make  a  man  unfit 
for  everything 
tlsat  becomes  him 
as  a  man  or  as  a 
Christian."  — ^i> 
Mat.  Hale. 

c  0.  ZiJckUr. 


d  Leajktt, 


Bold,  firm,  and  graceful  are  thy  generous  youth, 

Scattering'  the  nations  where  they  fro.  and  first 

Or  on  the  lifted  plain,  or  stormy  se:is. 

Mild  are  thy  gloies,  too.  as  o'er  the  plains 

Of  thriviui,'  peace  thy  thout^htful  fires  preside 

In  genius  and  .substantial  learning  high. 

For  every  virtue,  every  worth  renown'd  ; 

Sincere,  plain-hearted,  hospitable,  kind  ; 

Yet,  like  the  mustering  tliunder.  when  provoked, 

The  dread  ot  tryants,  and  tlie  sole  resource 

Of  those  that  under  grim  oppression  groan.* 


CHAPTER  THE  FIFTEENTH. 

1,  2.  (1)  soft,  gentle,  soothing,  quieting."  turneth,  etc.,  Gt 
beateth  down,  so  as  to  damp  and  put  out  the  fires.  Opposite  to 
"  stirreth  it  up,"  makes  the  flame  of  wrath  flash  and  blaze  up. 
grievous,  or  irritating  :  including  passionate  words  and  spiteful 
words.  "Rather  than  lose  a  jest  some  will  lose  a  friend."*  (2) 
aright,  i.e.  in  attractive  and  useful  ways,  loolishness,  "  in 
its  repulsively  confused  and  noisy  utterances  brings  to  view  not 
wisdom  and  true  discernment,  but  only  foU.y."  '  pouretll  forth, 
or  bubbleth  out  in  a  way  that  disgusts  those  who  listen. 

The  vse  and  abn.^e  of  knoivh'ihje. — "  What  an  excellent  thing  ia 
knowledge!"  said  a  sharp-looking,  bustling  little  man  to  one 
who  was  much  older  than  himself.  "  Knowledge  is  an  excellent 
thing,"  repeated  he  :  '■  my  boys  know  more  at  six  and  seven  years 
old  than  I  did  at  twelve.  They  can  read  all  sorts  of  books,  and 
talk  on  all  sorts  of  subjects.  The  world  is  a  great  deal  wiser 
than  it  used  to. be.  Everybody  knows  something  of  everything 
now.  Do  you  not  think,  sir,  that  knowledge  is  an  excellent 
thing?"  "  Why,  sir,"  replied  the  old  man,  looking  grave,  "that 
depends  entirely  on  the  use  to  which  it  is  applied.  It  may  be  a 
blessing  or  a  curse.  Knowledge  is  only  an  increase  of  power,  and 
power  may  be  a  bad  as  well  as  a  good  thing."  "  That  is  what  I 
cannot  undei'stand,"  said  the  bustling  little  man.  "  How  can 
power  be  a  bad  thing?"  "I  will  tell  you,"  meekly  replied  the 
old  man,  and  thus  went  on  :  "  When  the  power  of  a  horse  is 
under  restraint  the  animal  is  useful,  baaring  burdens,  drawing 
loads,  and  carrying  his  master  ;  but  when  that  power  is  un- 
restrained the  horse  breaks  his  bridle,  dash.^s  the  carriage  that 
he  draws  to  pieces,  or  throws  his  rider."  "  I  see  !  I  see  !"  said 
the  little  man,  "  AVhen  the  water  of  a  large  pond  is  properly 
conducted  by  trenches  it  renders  the  fields  around  fertile  :  but 
when  it  bursts  through  its  banks  it  sweeps  everythiag  before  it, 
and  destroys  the  produce  of  the  field."  "  I  see  !  I  see  ! ''  said  the 
little  man,  "  I  see  !  "  "  When  a  ship  is  steered  aright,  the  sail 
I  that  she  hoists  up  enables  her  the  sooner  to  get  into  port :  but  if 
steered  wrong,  the  more  sail  she  carries  the  further  will  she  go 
I  out  of  her  course."  "  I  see  !  I  see  ! "  said  the  little  man,  ■•  I  see 
clearly  ! "  "  Well,  then."  continued  the  old  man,  "  if  j'ou  see 
these  things  so  clearly,  I  hope  you  can  see.  too.  that  knowledge, 
to  be  a  good  thing,  must  be  I'ightly  applied.  God's  grace  in  the 
heart  will  render  the  knowledge  of  the  head  a  blessing  ,  but 
without  this  it  may  prove  to  us  no  better  than  a  curse."  * 


Cap.  XV.  3—5] 


PROVERBS. 


135 


3.  eyes  .  .  place,  so  we  may  associate  the  immediate  Divine 
approval,  or  disapproval,  with  all  our  words  and  works."  be- 
holding, taking  note  ;  watching  as  a  spy." 

Oniniscienre  (v.  3). — I.  Gods  inspection  is  thorough.  1.  He 
sees  the  thoughts ;  2.  He  appreciates  the  motives.  II.  God's 
inspection  is  universal.  1.  No  hiding-place  from  His  eyes  ;  2. 
No  escape  from  His  notice.  III.  God's  inspection  is  personal. 
1.  The  good  shall  be  encouraged  ;  2.  The  sinner  should  take 
warning  ;  3.  All  should  be  circumspect.' 

One  mil/  forgot. — A  man  who  was  in  the  habit  of  going  to  a 
neighbour's  corn-field  to  steal  the  grain,  one  day  took  his  son 
with  him,  a  boy  eight  years  of  age.  The  father  told  him  to  hold 
the  bag,  while  he  looked  if  any  one  was  near  to  see  him.  After 
etauding  on  the  fence,  and  peeping  through  all  the  corn-rows,  he 
returned  to  take  the  bag  from  the  child,  and  began  his  sinful 
work,  "  Father,"  said  the  boy.  "  you  forgot  to  look  somewhere 
else."  The  man  dropped  the  bag  in  a  fright,  and  said,  "Which 
way,  child  ? "  supposing  he.  had  seen  some  one.  "  You  forgot  to 
look  up  to  the  sky,  to  see  if  God  was  noticing  you."  The  father 
felt  tliis  reproof  of  the  child  so  much,  that  he  left  the  corn, 
returned  home,  and  never  again  ventured  to  steal :  remembering 
the  truth  his  child  had  taught  him,  that  the  eye  of  God  always 
beholds  us.'' 

4,  5.  (4)  -wholesome  tongue,"  one  that  soothes  and  heals 
with  pacifying  and  gentle  language.  Comp.  term  "  sound  "  in 
ch.  xiv.  30.  tree  of  life,  sre  ch.  iii.  18,  xi.  30.  perverseness, 
i.e.  cross,  ill-natured,  irritating  language,  breach,  etc.J'  it 
makes  a  breach  ;  it  grieves  instead  of  appeasing.  (6)  a  fool, 
Ps.  xiv.  1.  despiseth,  etc.f  ch.  x.  1.  is  prudent,  acts  dis- 
creetly.    Exactly  what  the  fool  does  not  do. 

Speech  of  tilt  n-ist  and  of  tlu  foolish  (vv.  4,  7). — I.  The  speech 
of  the  wise — 1.  Is  healing;  2.  Living;  3.  Enlightening.  II. 
The  speech  of  the  foolish — 1.  Is  wounding  ;  2.  Empty. — Direrse 
fnniilk'.s  (v.  5). — I.  There  is  filial  folly  and  filial  wisdom.  1. 
Filial  folly  :  a  father's  instruction  is  that  of  authority,  of  ex- 
perience, of  love  ;  2.  Filial  wisdom  to  regard  reproof  is — (1)  To 
avoid  the  evils  of  life  ;  (2)  The  best  means  to  attain  the  possible 
good.  II.  There  is  enjoyable  riches  and  troublesome  wealth. 
1.  There  is  enjoyable  riches  ;  2.  Troublesome  wealth. •* 

A  young  man. — A  pious  young  man  told  a  clergyman  that 
having  once  disobeyed  his  father,  the  good  man  retired  into  his 
room,  and  shut  the  door.  Curiosity  led  him  to  look  through  the 
key-hole,  and  he  saw  his  father  on  his  knees.  He  listened  also, 
and  heard  his  father  praying  for  him.  Struck  to  the  heart,  he 
went  away  and  prayed  for  himself  :  and  had  good  reason  to  hope 
their  united  prayers  were  heard.' — Ch'ddren  educating  themsclve.i. 
— There  is  a  branch  of  useful  training  which  cannot  be  too 
heedfuUy  regarded;  I  mean  the  education  that  childi-en  give 
themselves.  Their  observation  is  ever  alive  and  awake  to  the 
circumstances  which  pass  around  them ;  and  from  the  cir- 
cumstances thus  observed,  they  are  continually  drawing  their 
own  conclusions.  These  observations  and  conclusions  have  a 
powerful  influence  in  forming  the  character  of  youth.  WTiat  is 
imparted  m  the  way  of  direct  instruction,  they  are  apt  to  consider 
as  official ;  they  receive  it  often  with  downright  suspicion  ; 
generally,  perhaps,  with  a  sort  of  undefined  qualification  and 


a  "  So  live  wltl 
men  as  consider- 
iiig  always  that 
God  sees  thee. 
Do  nothing 
which  thou 
wonldest  not 
liave  God  sea 
done." — Bp.Hen- 
shaw. 

2  Chr.  xvi.  9  ;  Ps. 
cxxxix.  1;  Mat. 
x.  oU ;  He.  iv.  13. 

ft  Comp.  the  dif- 
ferent tone  of 
Mat.  V.  45. 

c  ir.  W.  Whythe. 

dR.T.S. 


a  "Including the 
ideas  of  '  tran- 
quil '  and  '  placa- 
ble.' " — Sjik.  Com. 

b  "  Disturbance 
and  destruction 
by  restless  pas- 
sion of  the  regu- 
lated and  uorinal 
state  of  the  spirit. 
See  Is.  l.xv.  14.— 
0.  ZOckler. 

"  Perverseness  in 

the  tongue  is  like 
a  blustering  wind 
among  the 
boughs  of  the 
trees,  rending 
and  tearing  the 
life  and  spirit  of 
a  man's  self  and 
other  s." — Bt). 
Nidi. 

c  Ex.  XX.  12 ;  Eph. 
vi.  1,  2. 

d  Dr.  Thomas. 

e  R.  T.  S. 

"By  directing  a 

chilli's  attention 
to  a  fault,andthus 
giving  it  a  local 
habitation  and  a 
name,  you  may 
often  fix  it  in  him 
more  tirmly; 
when,  by  draw- 
ing his  thoughts 


136 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XV.  e,  7. 


often 
guilt 


and  affections  to 
other  tiling-!,  and 
seeking  to  foster 
an  opiiosite  grace 
you  would  bo 
much  more  likely 
to  subdue  it.  In 
like  manner  a 
Jealous  disposi- 
tion is  often 
strengthe  ned 
when  notice  is 
taken  of  it, 
while  the  en- 
d  eayou  r  to 
cherish  a  spirit 
of  love  would  do 
much  toward 
casting  it  out." 
~I/are. 
/  Bp.  Jebb. 

a     "  Too 

there  is 
and  a  curse; 
there  is  pride 
and  passion, 
and  envy,  and 
contention,  .and 
those  are  trouble- 
some lusts,  which 
rob  tliem  of  the 
joy  of  their  re- 
venues, and  make 
the  m  trouble- 
some to  their 
neighbours."  — 
Mat.  Henry. 

Ec.  iv.  6,  V.  12 — 
14. 

b  Not  sound,  not 
right. 

c  Cheever. 

"  Many    children 
grow      up      like 
plants  under  bell- 
glasses.       T  h  e  y 
are    surrounded 
only  by  artificial 
and  prepared  in- 
fluences.    They 
are      house-bred, 
room -bred, 
nurse-bred, 
mother  -  bred, — 
everything    b  u  t 
self  -  bred.      The  1 
objectof  training 
Is    to    teacli    the 
chilli  to  take  care 
of  himself :     but 
many     jiarents 
use  their  children 
only  as    a    kiml  j 
of  .spool  on  which  i 
to  reel   olf   their  • 
own   experience;  i 
and      they      are  | 
bound  and  corded  ! 
until  they  perish 
b/     inanity,    or 


reserve.  It  is  otherwise  with  what  children  discover  for  them- 
selves. As  matter  of  self-acquisition,  this  is  treasured  up,  and 
reasoned  upon  ;  it  penetrates  the  mind,  and  influences  the  conduct, 
beyond  all  the  formal  lectures  that  ever  were  delivered.  Whether 
it  be  for  good,  or  whether  it  be  for  evil,  the  education  of  the 
child  is  principally  derived  from  its  own  observation  of  the  actions, 
the  words,  the  voice,  the  looks,  of  those  with  whom  it  lives.  The 
fact  is  unqu-estionably  so  ;  and  since  the  fact  is  so,  it  is  impossible, 
surely,  that  the  friends  of  youth  can  be  too  circumspect  in  the 
youthful  pre.sence  to  avoid  every  (and  the  lea.st  appearance  of) 
evil.  This  great  moral  truth  was  keenly  felt,  and  powerfully 
inculcated,  even  in  the  heathen  world.  But  the  reverence  for 
youth  of  Christian  parents  ought  to  reach  immeasurably  further. 
It  is  not  enough  that  they  set  no  bad  example  ;  it  is  indispensable 
that  they  show  forth  a  good  one.  It  is  not  enough  that  they 
seem  virtuous ;  it  is  indispensable  that  they  be  so./ 

6,  7.  (6)  much  treasure,  "  the  treasure  stored  up  in  such  a 
house  is  the  righteousness  that  prevails  in  it,  a  source  and  pledge 
of  abiding  prosperity."  revenues  .  .  trouble,  i.e.  their  very 
gains  become  sources  of  vexation."  (7)  disperse,  lincetschi 
suggests  the  rendering,  "  sift  or  winnow  knowledge,"  separating^ 
the  chaff  from  the  grain.  They  have  the  true  critical  spirit, 
not  so,'  a  simple  declaration  of  contrast.  An  expressive  sug- 
gestion of  the  mighty  differences  between  the  influences  that  go 
forth  from  the  wise  man  aud  from  the  fool. 

Cafo  and  Marins  Cnriiis. — Cato,  a  pattern  of  moderation,  was 
very  early  taught  the  happy  art  of  contentment  by  the  following 
circumstance  : — Near  his  country  seat  was  a  cottage,  formerly 
belonging  to  Marius  Curins.  who  was  thrice  honoured  with  a 
triumph.  Cato  often  walked  thither,  and  reflecting  on  the  small- 
ness  of  the  farm  and  the  meanness  of  the  dwellitig.  used  to  medi- 
tate on  the  peculiar  virtu 's  of  the  man  who,  though  he  was  the 
mo.st  illustrious  character  in  Rome,  had  subdued  the  fiercest 
nations,  and  driven  Pyrrhus  out  of  Italy,  cultivated  this  little 
spot  of  ground  with  his  own  hands,  and  after  three  triumphs 
retired  to  his  own  cottage.  Here  the  ambassadors  of  the  Sam- 
nites  found  him  in  the  chimney-corner  dressing  turnips,  and 
offered  him  a  large  present  of  gold  :  but  he  absolutely  refused  it, 
remarking.  "  A  man  who  can  b'^  satisfied  with  such  a  supper,  has 
no  need  of  gold  ;  and  I  think  it  more  glorious  to  conquer  the 
possessors  of  it,  than  to  pos.sess  it  myself."  Full  of  these  thoughts, 
Cato  returned  home  ;  and  taking  a  view  of  his  own  estate,  Ms 
servants,  and  his  manner  of  life,  increased  his  labour  and  re- 
trenched his  expenses. "■ — Ohcdlrncc  nnd  l-iioirlcdtii'. — We  learn 
from  hence  the  most  effectual  way  and  means  of  proficiency  and 
growth  in  the  knowledge  of  the  great  and  profound  truths  of 
religion,  and  how  to  make  us  all  not  only  good  Christians,  but 
also  expert  divines.  It  is  :i  knowledge  that  men  are  not  so  much 
to  .study  as  to  live  themselves  into,  a  knowledge  that  passes  into  the 
head  through  the  heart.  I  have  heard  of  some  that  in  their 
latter  years,  through  the  feebleness  of  their  limbs,  have  been 
forced  to  studj'  upon  their  knees  ;  and  I  think  it  might  well 
become  the  youngest  and  the  strongest  to  do  so  too.  Let  them 
daily  and  incessantly  pray  to  God  for  His  grace  :  and  if  God 
gives  grace,  they  may  be  sure  that  knowledge  will  not  stay  long 
behind  ;  since  it  is  the  same  spu"it  and  principle  that  purifiea 


cap.  XV.  8  9.1 


PROVERBS. 


137 


the  heart  and  clarifies  the  understanding.  ...  If  the  heart  be 
piously  disposed,  the  natural  goodness  of  any  doctrine  is  enough 
to  -vouch  for  the  truth  of  it ;  for  the  suitableness  of  it  will 
endear  it  to  the  will,  and  by  endearing  it  to  the  will,  will  naturally 
slide  it  into  the  assent  also.  For  in  morals,  as  well  as  in 
metaphysics,  there  is  nothing  really  good  but  has  a  truth  com- 
mensurate to  its  goodness.  The  truths  of  Christ  crucified  are  the 
Christian's  philosophy,  and  a  good  life  is  the  Christian's  logic — 
that  great  instrumental,  iutroductive  art,  that  must  guide  the 
mind  into  the  former.  And  where  a  long  course  of  piety  and 
close  communion  with  God  have  purged  the  heart,  and  rectified 
the  will,  and  made  all  things  ready  for  the  reception  of  God's 
Spirit,  knowledge  will  break  in  upon  such  a  soul,  like  the  sun 
shining  in  its  full  might,  with  such  a  victorious  light,  that 
nothing  shall  be  able  to  resist  it.  If  now,  at  length,  some  should 
object  here,  that  from  what  has  been  delivered,  it  will  follow 
that  the  most  pious  men  are  still  the  most  knowing,  which  yet 
seems  contrary  to  common  experience  and  observation,  I  answer, 
that  as  to  all  things  directly  conducing  and  necessary  to  salvation, 
there  is  no  doubt  bat  they  are  so  ;  as  the  meanest  common  soldier, 
that  has  fought  often  in  an  army,  has  truer  and  better  knowledge 
of  war  than  he  that  has  read  and  writ  whole  volumes  of  it,  but 
never  was  in  any  battle.  Practical  sciences  are  not  to  be  learned 
but  in  the  way  of  action.  It  is  experience  that  must  give 
knowledge  in  the  Christian  profession,  as  well  as  in  all  others. 
And  the  knowledge  drawn  from  experience  is  quite  of  another 
kind  from  that  which  flows  from  speculation  or  discourse.  It  is 
not  the  opinion,  but  the  path  of  the  just,  that  the  wisest  of  men 
tells  us  shines  more  and  more  unto  a  perfect  day."* 

8,  9.  (8)  abomination,  etc.,''  bee.  however  costly  the  sacri- 
fice may  be,  it  is  only  a  thing,  and  God  accepts  the  heart  that 
finds  expression  for  its  love  and  trust  by  the  thinc/s  it  gives  and 
does.*  (it)  way  of  the  "wicked,"  the  walk  or  conversation  : 
the  conduct  so  far  as  it  is  based  on  the  wrong  principle  of 
serving  self,  loveth,  etc.,  regardeth  with  favour,  and  giveth 
to  such  the  sense  of  acceptance  with  Him.  followeth  after, 
searcheth  after,  pursueth  ;  a  term  indicating  earnestness  and 
intensity. 

The  vpright  alone  accrptahle  to  God  (r.  8). — I.  The  truths  here 
asserted.  1.  The  abomination  to  the  Lord  ;  2.  The  delight  of 
the  Lord.  II.  Some  obvious  deductions  from  them.  I.  That 
God's  views  of  sin  are  widely  different  from  those  of  man  ;  2. 
That  the  provisions  of  the  Gospel  are  admirably  suited  to  our 
necessities.'' 

frod'.i  riew  of  sin. — You  have  seen  the  body  of  an  insect 
accommodated  to  the  surprising  instrument  [a  microscope]. 
"VVheu  in  this  situation  the  animal  was  pricked  by  a  very  fine 
needle  :  your  eye.  your  naked  eye.  just  perceived  the  puncture, 
and  discovered,  perhaps,  a  speck  of  moisture  oozing  from  the 
orifice.  But  in  what  manner  were  the.y  represented  by  the 
magnifjdng  instrument .'  Thevon :  The  puncture  was  widened 
into  a  frightful  gash.  The  speck  of  moistui-e  swelled  into  a 
copious  stream,  and  flowed  like  a  torrent  from  the  gaping  wound. 
An  ox  under  the  sacrificing  knife  scarce  looks  more  bulky  or 
bleeds  more  largely.  A.^pn.tio :  Don't  you  ap]>rehend  mj  design  .' 
If  we,  shortsighted  mortals,  and  almost  blinded  with  self-love, 


break  all  bonds 
:inil  corils,  and 
rush  to  ruin  by 
reaction."  — 
Beecher. 

"The  tasks  set 
to  children 
should  be  mode- 
rate. Over- 
exertion  is  hurt- 
ful both  physi- 
cally and  intel- 
lectually, and 
even  morally. 
But  it  is  of  the 
utmost  import- 
ance that  tliey 
should  be  made 
to  fulfil  all  tlieir 
tasks  correctly 
and  punctually. 
This  will  train 
them  for  an  exact 
ami  c  o  n  s  c  i  e  n- 
tious  discharge o( 
their  duties  in 
after  life.""//a/-e. 

"That's  true 
plenty,  not  to 
Ijave,  but  not  to 
want  riches. " — 
C/irysoslom, 

d  South, 


a  "Even  the 
costly  sacrifice  of 
the  wicked  13 
abomination  to 
the  Lord,  and 
even  the  prayer 
of  the  righteous, 
the  breath 
of  his  lips  (con- 
trasted with  the 
steam  of  the 
sumptuous  sacri- 
fice)—is  His  de- 
light."— Burgcn. 

b  1  Sa.  XV.  22; 
Isa.  i.  11,  Ixi.  8, 
l.wi.  3 ;  .Te.  vi. 
20,  vii.  22  ;  Am. 
V.  22. 

c  Ge.  iv.  3—5; 
Is.  x.\ix.  13,  14; 
Jlat.  XV.  8,  9. 

d  C.  Simeon,  il.A. 

e  Heivey. 

"  When  a  lady 
once  told  Arch- 
bi-shop  Sharp  e 
that  s!ie  woulil 
not  communicate 
religious  instruc- 
tion to  her  chil- 
dren  until  tlie^ 


138 


PRO  VERBS. 


[Cap.  XV,  10, 11. 


had  attained  the 
yean  of  discre- 
tion, the  slirevvj 
prelate  replied, 
'JIadam,  if  you 
do  not  t  e  a  c  li 
th?m,  the  devil 
will!'"-/.  White- 
cross. 

a  2  Chr.  xxv.  16. 

6  Job  xxvi.  6 ; 
Ps.  cxxxix. 

e  "  Our  inward 
disposition  U  tlie 
life  of  our 
actions ;  accord- 
ing to  that  doth 
the  God  of 
spirits  judge 
ns,  wliile  men 
censure  accord- 
ing to  our  ex- 
ternal motions." 
—Bjt>.  Hall. 

Je.  xvii.  9,  10  ;  1 
Jno.  iii.  20. 

v.n.  D.  Wilcox, 
i.  214  ;  /.  S.  Vfr- 
nedi,  i.  1 ;  Bfd- 
dome,  6  ;  R.  A. 
Sue/ding,  2G1  ;  A. 
B.  Emrnt,  Uxt. 
on  Job,  97. 

d  Rev.  W.  J.  Bol- 
ton. 

"If  a  boy  is  not 
trained  to  endure 
and  to  bear 
trouble,  he  will 
grow  up  a  girl ; 
and  a  boy  tliat 
is  a  girl  ims  all 
a  girl's  weakness 
without  any  of 
her  regal  (juali- 
ties.  A  woman 
made  out  of  a 
woman  is  Gods 
noblest  work ;  a 
woman  made  out 
of  a  man  is  His 
meanest.  A  child 
rightly  brought 
up  will  be  like  a 
willow  branch, 
whioli,  broken  oil 
and  touching  the 
ground,  at  once 
takes  root.  Bring 
up  your  children 
BO  tliat  they  will 
root  easily  in 
their  own  soil, 
ami  not  for  ev.r 
be  grafted  into 
your  old  trunk 
and  bouglis."— 
H.  W.  Btechcr. 

0  J.  Hutchinson. 


if  we  cannot  but  be  sensible  of  our  faults,  how  flagrant  must 
they  appear,  in  what  enormous  magnitude,  and  with  what 
a,5".?ravating'  circumstances,  to  an  Eye  perfectly  pure  and  in- 
finitely peneti-ating.' 

10,  11.  (10)  correction,  rfc,  better  rend.  "Tliere  is  a 
grievous  correction."  etc.,  i.e.  no  sharp  as  to  be  ''nothing  less 
than  death."  the  way,  that  rio-ht.  way  wh.  God  marks  out  for 
him.  hatetli  reproof,"  wh.  might  help  to  keep  him  in  the 
way.  (11)  hell,  Heb.  Shrol.  De.  xxxii.  22.  dcstl'UCtion, 
Heb.  Ahnddnn,  the  ab3'ss.  the  jjlacc.of  the  destroyer  :'  a  synonym 
for  Sheol,  not  another  and  disiiuct  place.  Comp.  ch.  xxvii.  20. 
hearts,  I'tc,  wh.  seemed  to  the  writer  an  easier  thing  to  sound 
and  know  than  the  depths  of  hell.*" 

Kindnr.s.'i  to  God  s  crcafitrci. — The  boy  who  begins  by  spinning 
cockchafers  and  tormenting  cats  gradually  gets  on  to  delight  in 
cruelty  to  his  fellows,  and  at  last  is  a  Nero  in  all  but  his  power 
to  cause  suffering.  There  was  a  lad  strolling  through  the  fields 
with  his  sister.  They  found  a  nest  of  rabbits.  The  sister  was 
charmed  with  the  nest  itself,  and  with  its  living  occupants  ;  but 
the  lad  seized  them,  mimicking  their  squeaks  and  their  struggles. 
In  vaia  his  sister  wept  and  entreated  :  he  flung  them  up  into 
the  air.  ano  shouted  as  each  fell  dead  upon  the  stones.  Ten 
years  after,  that  sister  sat  weeping  again  by  that  boy's  side.  He 
was  in  chains,  sentenced  to  be  hung  for  shooting  a  farmer, 
whilst  poacliiug.  They  were  waiting  for  the  awful  procession 
to  knock  at  tne  cell  door.  "  lister."  he  said,  "do  you  remember 
the  nest  of  rabbits  ten  years  ago,  how  you  begged  and  played, 
and  I  ridiculed .'  1  verily  believe  that  from  that  day  G  od  for- 
sook me,  and  left  me  to  follow  ray  own  inclinations.  If  I  had 
yielded  to  your  tears  then,  you  and  I  would  not  bo  weeping  these 
bitter  tears  now.'"" — Indithjcare  of  children. — We  would  ofier  a 
word  of  caution  against  the  practice  of  excessive  indulgence. 
This  is  a  great  evil,  and  one  much  to  be  dreaded  and  guarded 
ag.ainst.  It  is  much  worse  than  severity  and  stern  reserve,  and 
parents  are  much  more  liable  to  fall  into  it  than  into  the  other. 
They  are  prone  to  cherish  an  undue  tenderness  towards  those  who 
are  bone  of  their  bone  and  flesh  of  their  flesh.  But  still  it  is 
productive  of  much  evil :  it  disposes  parents  to  overlook  the  faults 
and  follies  of  their  children,  and  renders  them  unwilling  to  cor- 
rect or  reprove  them.  And  multitudes  of  children,  of  every 
generation,  who  might  have  been  the  pride  of  their  parents,  have 
been  immolated  to  this  effeminate  idol.  This  was  the  case  with 
the  unr;-odly  family  of  good  old  Eli,  the  Jewish  high  priest.  He 
was  a  good  man.  but  a  weak  and  irresolute  father,  and  so  foolishly 
fond  of  and  indulgent  to  his  children  that  he  restrained  them 
from  no  evil  ;  and  tli'^y  became  so  vile  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
that  both  parent  and  child  were  visited  with  signal  judgment 
from  on  high.  God  de^irived  the  father  and  his  posterity  for  ever 
of  the  oflice  of  priesthood,  and  visited  his  two  .eons.  Hophni  and 
Phinehas.  with  the  punishment  of  death,  and  thus  filled  his 
household  with  disgrace  and  affliction.  And  look  at  the 
domestic  circle  of  D.avid,  the  man  after  God's  own  heart.  lie 
was  an  over-iiidulgenb  father,  and  what  was  the  consecniencc  ? 
His  family  went  to  ruin.  Ills  eldest  son.  Aninon,  was  guilty  of  a 
crime  which  modesty  forbids  to  name  ;  Ab.<alom  rose  m  rebellion 
against  him,  and  threatened  to  pull  the  throne  from  underneath 


Cap.  XV.  12—15.1 


PROVERBS. 


139 


him  and  the  crown  from  off  his  head,  and  the  result  was  untimely 
death  to  one.  and  inconsolable  grief  to  the  other  ;  and  Adonijah, 
his  darling  son,  plotted  against  the  rightful  heir  to  the  throne, 
and  usurped  the  kingdom  even  before  his  father's  death.  Such 
was  the  reward  of  a  father's  undue  fondling.  Indeed,  we  seldom 
read  of  man  rising  to  honour  and  eminence  who  had  been  so 
spoiled  m  the  days  of  his  boyhood.  It  did  much  to  retard  the 
mental  improvement  of  young  Wilberforce,  the  distinguished 
advocate  of  the  slave  :  and  it  had  well-nigh  marred  the  success 
of  the  celebrated  author  of  Tlie  Wealth  of  Natioyis.  And  Solomon's 
voice  cries  loud  against  it.  He  says,  "  He  that  spareth  the  rod 
hateth  the  child.  Foolishness  is  bound  up  in  the  heart  of  a  child, 
but  the  rod  of  correction  shall  drive  it  far  from  him.  Thou  shalt 
beat  him  with  the  rod,  and  deliver  his  soul  from  hell.  The  rod 
and  reproof  give  wisdom,  but  a  child  left  to  himself  bringeth  his 
mother  to  shame.  Correct  thy  son,  and  he  shall  give  thee 
rest ;  yea,  he  shall  give  delight  to  thy  soul." '  1 

12.  scorner,  Pr.  i.  22.  One  in  whom  the  habit  of  scorning  is 
confirmed,  -will  he  go,  to  seek  fellowship  with.  ''"With  wise 
men  he  doth  not  associate.""  i 

The  scorner  {v.  12). — I.  He  requires  reproof — 1.  For  his  self- 1 
ignorance  ;  2.  For  his  presumption.  II.  He  shuns  reproof.  1. 1 
He  will  not  read  books  that  will  deal  seriously  and  honestly  with  i 
his  character  :  2.  He  will  not  attend  a  ministry  that  will  expose 
his  character  in  the  broad  light  of  eternal  law  ;  3.  He  will  not 
join  the  society  that  will  deal  truthfully  with  its  members.  III. 
He  hates  reproof.* 

'The  swearer  reprorcd  by  a  child. — Some  little  children  were 
Bitting  one  day  on  the  steps  of  a  door  singing,  as  they  often  do, 
some  of  their  favourite  hymns.  They  were  suddenly  surprised 
by  a  half-drunken  man,  who  came  up  to  them,  and,  uttering  an 
oath,  said.  "  Does  your  master  teach  you  nothing  but  singing 
those  foolish  hymns.'"  "Yes,"  said  a  sharp  little  fellow,  about 
eix  years  of  age,  "  He  tells  us  it  is  wicked  to  swear."  The  poor 
■worthless  man  seemed  ashamed  of  his  conduct,  and  passed  on 
•without  fuilher  remark. 

13—15.  (13)  merry  heart,  ch.  xvii.  22.  cheerful,  bright, 
pleasant,  spirit  is  broken,  lit.  the  breath  is  oppressed,  made 
laborious  ;  there  is  much  sighing,  and  so  the  countenance  is 
made  gloomy  and  sad.''  (14)  heart  .  .  knowledge,  the  gist  of 
the  verse  is  this  :  The  wise  grow  ever  wiser,  the  foolish  become 
ever  more  foolish.*  (15)  aflBLicted,  contrast  r.  13,  those  of  a 
merry  heart.  Reference  is  not  so  much  to  distressing  circum- 
Btances  as  to  a  depressed  and  desponding  habit  of  mind,  con- 
tinual feast,  '■  life  to  the  cheerful  is  as  one  perpetual  banquet, 
whethei  he  be  poor  or  rich." 

Tinman  hearts  (rv.  13—1.5). — I.  Here  is  the  merry  and  the 
mournful  heart.  1.  The  merry  heart  is  a  radiance  to  the 
countenance  and  a  feast  to  the  soul  :  2.  The  mournful  heart 
breaks  the  spirit  and  curses  the  whole  life.  II.  Here  is  the 
understanding  and  the  foolish  heart.  1 .  The  one  seeketh  know- 
ledge ;  2.  The  other  feedeth  on  foolishness."^ 

Cheerfulness,  a  life  inspiration. — Be  cheerful,  no  matter  what 
reverses  ob.struct  your  pathway,  or  what  plagues  follow  in  your 
trail  to  annoy  you.    Ask  yourself  what  is  to  be  gained  by  looking 


"  Wliatever  ex- 
pands the  affec- 
tion?, or  enlarges 
the  sphere  of  our 
sympathies; 
whatever  makes 
US  feel  our  rela- 
tion to  the  uni- 
verse, ' and  a  1 1 
that  it  inherits,' 
in  time  and  in 
eternity,  to  the 
great  and  bene- 
ficent Cause  of 
all,  must  un- 
questionably re- 
fine our  nature, 
and  elevate  us  in 
the  scale  of 
bein  g."—ClMn- 
ning. 

a  Hilziff. 

"A  scorner  ii 
one  that  not 
only  makes  a  jest 
of  God  and  re- 
liffion,  but  bids 
defiance  to  the 
methods  em- 
ployed for  his 
conviction  and 
reformation.  We 
ougrht  not  only  to 
bid  the  wise  wel- 
come when  they 
come  to  us,  but 
to  go  to  them, 
as  beggars  to  the 
rich  man's  door 
for  an  alms." — 
Mat.  Hcnr>i. 
1  Ki.  xxii.  8 ;  Am. 
v.  10. 

6  Dr.  nomas, 
a  "Emotions  of 
joy  and  sorrow 
show  themselves 
in  outward  look 
and  act."  —  Spk. 
Com. 

b  "  Avoid  frivo- 
lous amusements, 
unprofitable 
reading,  the  pro- 
fane wit,  vain 
s  u  p  e  r  s  t  i  tions, 
curious  specula- 
tions on  subjects 
beyond  the  reach 
of  the  human 
mind;  avoid 
seeking  to  be 
wise  above  what 
is  w  r i 1 1 e n."— 
Nic/iolls. 
Pr.  ix.  9,  X.  21. 
r.  14.  C.  F.  Fen- 
wick,  95  ;  E.  Bees- 
loll,  41. 

re.    14  —  16.     /. 
FnicceU. 
c  Dr.  Thomas. 


140 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.xv.  16, 17. 


"Like      new 

liquor,  which 
works  over  in 
foam  and  froth 
■when  tliiok  and 
troubled,  tlie  joy 
of  tlie  sinner 
runs  over  in 
empty  laughter 
and  eflfervescent 
spirits  when  the 
heart  is  brimful 
of  the  wrath  of 
GcA."—Bp.  Hop- 
kins. 

"As  riches  and 
favour  forsake  a 
man,  we  discover 
him  to  be  a  fool ; 
but  nobody  could 
find  it  out  in  his 
prosperity."  — La 
Bruyire. 

d  A.  Helps. 

a  Ps.  xxxvii.  ]  6  ; 
1  Ti.  vj.  6. 

"Riches  and 
poverty  are  more 
in  the  heart  than 
in  the  haml  ;  he 
is  wealtliy  that  is 
contented,  he  is 
poor  that 
wanteth  more." 
—Bp.  Hall. 

b  "  Possibly  refers 
to  the  confusion 
and  disorder  in 
human  society 
attendant  upon 
riches  without 
the  fear  of  God." 
liucelscld. 

e  Heb.  arucah. 
an  appointed  por- 
tion, or  ration,  as 
for  a  march ; 
then  any  allow- 
ance or  diet. 

V.  16.  A.  Bur- 
gess, Orig.  Sin, 
Pt.  ii.  437. 
"Great  numbers 
who  quarrel  with 
their  condition 
have  wanted  not 
the  power,  but 
the  will,  to  ob- 
tain a  better 
state.  They  have 
never  contem- 
plated the  differ- 
ence between 
good  and  evil 
6  u  fli  c  i  e  utly  to 
quicken  aversion 
or  invigorate 
de«ire ;  they  have 


or  feeling  sad  when  troubles  thronsr  around  you,  or  how  your 
condition  is  to  be  alleviated  by  abandoning  yourself  to  desiwn- 
dency.  If  you  are  a  young  man,  nature  designed  you  "to  be  of 
good  cheer  ;"  and  should  you  find  your  road  to  fortune,  fame,  or 
respectability,  or  any  other  boon  to  which  your  j'oung  heart 
aspires,  a  little  thorny,  consider  it  all  for  the  best,  and  that  these 
impediments  are  only  thrown  in  your  way  to  induce  greater 
efforts  and  more  patient  endurance  on  your  part.  Far  better 
spend  a  whole  life  in  diligent,  aye,  cheerful  and  unremitting  toil, 
though  you  never  attain  the  pinnacle  of  your  ambitious  desires, 
than  to  turn  back  at  the  first  appearance  of  misfortune,  and 
allow  despair  to  unnerve  your  energies  or  sour  your  naturally 
sweet  and  cheerful  disposition.  If  you  are  of  the  softer,  fairer 
portion  of  humanity,  be  cheerful,  though  we  know  full  well  that 
most  afflictions  are  sweet  to  you  when  compared  with  disappoint- 
ment and  neglect ;  yet  let  hope  banish  despair  and  ill-fore- 
bodings. Be  cheerful  ;  do  not  brood  over  fond  hopes  unrealised, 
until  a  chain,  link  after  link,  is  fastened  on  each  thought,  and 
wound  around  the  heart.  Nature  intended  you  to  be  the 
fountain-spring  of  cheerfulness  and  social  life,  and  not  the 
travelling  monument  of  despair  and  melancholy.'' 

16,  17.  (1(5)  little,  a  small  portion  of  earthly  goods.  All 
possessions  are  proportionate  to  needs.  The  needs  increase 
almost  faster  than  the  riches,  so  that  the  poor  man's  "  little "'  is 
practically  to  him  more  than  the  rich  man's  "much.""  and 
trouble,*  wh.  is  sure  to  grow  with  increase  of  wealth.  (17) 
dinner  of  herbs,'  the  meal  of  the  poor  man,  who  cannot 
afford  meat :  lit.  "  a  portion  of  green  ;"  i.e.  vegetables,  stalled 
OX,  one  tied  up  for  fattening.  Fatted  oxen  are  holiday  fare. 
Lu.  XV.  23,  30.     hatred,  wh.  may  break  out  into  quarrellings. 

The  two  lanquet,^  (c.  17). — I.  Look  at  the  pictures  which  are 

here  suggestively  outlined.     1.  A  cottage  interior  :  2.  The  home 

of  luxury.      II.    The    comment  which    the   royal    philosopher 

writes  underneath  this  effort  of  his  pencil.     The  dinner  of  herbs 

was  better — 1.  In  the  anticipation;  2.  In  the  participation;  8. 

In  the  retrospect;  4.  In  the  view  of  heaven.     Learn: — (1)  It 

does  not  follow  that  the  dinner  of  herbs  is  always  partaken  of 

with  love,  nor  that  hatred  is  always  the  accompaniment  of  the 

stalled  ox  ;  (2)  Let  us  sympathi.se  with  the  poor,  and  show  them 

how  to  enjoy  hard  fare  ;  ()})  A  man's  life  cousisteth  not  in  the 

I  abundance  of  the  things  which  he  possesseth. 

I      Note  on  v.  17. — This  passage  is  rendered  by  the  Septuagint,  as 

I  if  they  understood  of  it  the  forced  accommodation  of  travellers, 

I  which  Arabs  and  conquered  people  were  obliged  to  submit  to.     It 

I  was  not  unusual  for  travellers  to  eat  at  the  expense  of  those  who 

[  were  not  pleased  with  entertaining  them  ;  and  to  use  a  kind  of 

!  force  which   produced   hatred.     Dr.   Shaw  notices  this  circum- 

I  stance.     Speaking  of  Barbary,  he  says  :  "  In  this   countiy  the 

'  Arabs  and  other  inhabitants  are  obliged,  either  by  long  custom, 

i  by  the  particular  tenure  of  their  lands,  or  from  fear  and  com- 

j  pulsion,  to  give  the  Spahees  and  their  company  the  Moquanah, 

I  as  they  call  it,  which  is  such  a  sufficient  quantity  of  provisions 

I  for  ourselves,  together  with  straw  and  barley  for  our  mules  and 

horses.     Besides  a  bowl  of  milk  and  a  basket  of  figs,  rai.sins,  or 

dates,  which,  upon  our  arrival,  were  presented  to  us  to  stay  our 

I  appetites,  the  master  of  the  tent  where  we  lodged  fetched  ut 


Cap.  XV.  16, 17.1 


PROVE  RBh. 


141 


from  his  flock,  according  to  the  number  of  our  company,  a  kid   indulged    a 

or  a  goat,  a  lamb  or  a  sheep,  half  of  which  was  immediately 

seethed  by  his  wife,  and  served  up  with  cuscasofle  ;  the  rest  was 

made  Kab-ab,  i.e.  cut  into  pieces  and  roasted,  which  we  reserved 

for  our  breakfast  or  dinner  the  next  day."     In  the  next  page  he 

says,  "When  we  were  entertained  in  a  courteous  manner  (for  the 

Arabs  will  sometimes  supply  us  with  nothing  till  it  is  extorted 

by  force),  the  author  used  to  give  the  master  of  the  tent  a  knife, 

a  couple  of  flints,  or  a  small  quantity  of  English  gunpowder," 

etc.     To  prevent  such  parties  from  living  at  free  charges  upon 

them,  the  Arabs  take  care  to  pitch  in  woods,  valleys,  or  places 

the  least  conspicuous,  and  that  in  consequence  they  found  it 

difficult  often  to  discover  them.'' 


Moral  origin  of  contentment. — 

My  conscience  is  my  crown  ; 

Contented  thoughts  my  rest ; 
My  heart  is  happy  in  itself  ; 

My  bliss  is  in  my  breast. 

Enough,  I  reckon  wealth  ; 

A  mean,  the  surest  lot ; 
That  lies  too  high  for  base  contempt, 

Too  low  for  envy's  shot. 

My  wishes  are  but  few, 

All  easy  to  fulfil  : 
I  make  the  limits  of  my  power 

The  bounds  unto  my  will. 

I  have  no  hopes  but  one. 
Which  is  of  heavenly  reign  : 

Effects  attain'd.  or  not  desired, 
All  lower  hopes  refrain. 

I  feel  no  care  of  coin  ; 

Well-doing  is  my  wealth  : 
My  mind  to  me  an  empire  is, 

While  grace  affordeth  health. 

I  wrestle  not  with  rage 

While  fury's  flame  doth  bum  ; 

It  is  in  vain  to  stop  the  stream 
Until  the  tide  doth  turn. 

But  when  the  flame  is  out. 
And  ebbing  wrath  doth  end, 

I  turn  a  late  enraged  foe 
Into  a  quiet  friend. 

And  taught  with  often  proof, 

A  temper  d  calm  I  find 
To  be  most  solace  to  itself. 

Best  cure  for  angry  mind. 

Ko  change  of  fortune's  calms 
Can  cast  my  comforts  down 

When  Fortune  smiles,  I  smile  to  think 
fiow  quickly  she  will  frown.* 


drowsy  thought- 
lessness or  giddy 
levity;  have  com- 
mitted the  balf 
aiice  of  choice  to 
the  nianageme nt 
of  caprice ;  and 
when  they  have 
long  accustomed 
themselves  to  re- 
ceive all  that 
chance  offered 
the  m,  without 
examination,  la- 
ment at  last  that 
tliey  find  them- 
selves deceived." 
— Rambler. 
d  Bnfder. 
*'Tliere  is  scarce 
any  lot  so  low 
but  tliere  is  some- 
thing in  it  to 
satisfy  the  man 
whom  it  has  be- 
fallen ;  Provi- 
dence having  so 
ordered  things, 
that  in  every 
mans  cup,  how 
bitter  soever, 
there  are  some 
cordial  drops, 
some  good  cir- 
cum  stances, 
■which,  if  wisely 
extracted,  are 
sufficient  for  the 
purpose  he  wants 
them,  that  is,  to 
make  him  con- 
tented, and  if  not 
happy,  at  least 
r  e  s  i  g  n  e  d." — 
Slerne. 

"Lord,  who 
would  live  tnr- 
moil'd  in  the 
court,  and  may 
enjoy  such  quiet 
wallis  as  these  ? 
This  small  in- 
heritance my 
fatlier  "left  me 
contenteth  me, 
and 's  worth  a 
m  0  n  a  r  c  li  y.  I 
seek  not  to  wax 
great  by  others' 
waning,  or 
gather  wealth,  I 
care  not  with 
what  e  n  V  }•  ; 
suffioeth  that  I 
have  maintains 
my  state,  and 
sends  the  poor 
well  pleased  from 
m  y  g  a  t  e."— 
Shakespeare. 

t  Soulhwell, 


142 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XV  13,  21. 


a  Pr.    xxri   21, 
zxix.  22. 

ft  "  The  Prov.  con- 
denses a  parable. 
The  slothful  goes 
on  his  journey, 
anil  for  hira  the 
path  is  thick  set 
with  thorns, 
briars,  fences, 
through  \vh.  he 
cannot  force  his 
way.  For  the 
upright  the  same 
path  is  as  the 
broad  raised  ! 
causeway  of  the 
king's  highway. 
— ^pk.  Com. 

"  Sloth  in  the 
conclusion 
proves  labori- 
o  u  s."  —  Lord 
Bacon. 
e  Thomson. 
d  Mat.  Henry. 
e  Paxlon. 
"  As  small  letters 
hurt  the  siglit,  so 
do  small  matters 
him  that  is  too 
much  intent 
upon  them  :  they 
vex  and  stir  up 
anger,  w  h  i  c  h 
begets  an  evil 
habit  in  him  in 
reference  to 
greater  affairs." 
—Plutarch. 


a  Pr.  X.  23  ;  Eph. 
V,  15. 

"  This  is  mani- 
fested very  early. 
One  of  the  first 
objects  which  an 
infant  notiees  is 
another  child. 
There  seems  to 
be  a  spell 
in  a  young  face 
wliich  charms  an 
infant.  This 
principle  israaiii- 
tested  in  the 
universal  love  of 
dolls.  When  the 
infant  arrives  at 
c  h  i  1  d  h  o  o  d,  he 
finds  an  excite- 
ment in  the 
society  of  chil- 
dren which  that 
of  grown  -  up 
people  does   not 


18,  19.  (18)  wrathful  man,  one  easily  roused  to  ang-er.* 
slow  to  anger,  ch.  xiv.  2'J.  (19;  hedge  of  thorns,*  'it 
pricks,  lacerates,  and  entangles  the  miserable  wretch.""  He  la 
always  encountering  ob.staclcs  and  hindrances.  "Those  that 
have  no  heart  to  their  work  prettmd  that  their  way  is  hedged  up 
with  thorns,  so  that  they  cannot  do  it."<*  made  plain,  Ilcb. 
"  raised  up  as  a  causeway." 

Orirnfnl  gardens  {r.  10). — The  Oriental  gardens  were  cither 
ope  a  plantations  or  enclosures  defended  by  walls  or  hedges, 
llauwolf  found  about  Tripoli  many  gardens  and  vineyards  en- 
closed for  the  most  part  with  hedges,  and  separated  by  shady 
walks.  Some  fences  in  (ho  Holy  Land,  in  later  times,  are  not 
l?ss  beautiful  than  our  living  fences  of  white  thorn,  and  per- 
fectly answer  the  description  of  ancient  Jewish  prophets,  who 
iaform  us  that  the  hedges  of  their  time  consisted  of  thorns,  and 
that  the  spikes  of  these  thorny  plants  were  exceedingly  sharp. 
Doubdan  found  a  very  fruitful  vineyard,  full  of  olives,  fig  trees, 
and  vines,  about  eight  miles  south-west  of  Bethlehem,  enclosed 
with  a  hedge,  and  that  part  of  it  adjoining  to  the  road  strongly 
formed  of  thorns  and  ros3  bushes,  intermingled  with  pome- 
granate trees  of  surpassing  beauty  and  fragrance.  A  hedge 
composed  of  rose  bushes  and  wild  poniegx'auate  shrubs,  then  in 
full  flower,  mingled  with  other  thorny  plants,  adorned  in  the 
varied  livery  of  spring,  must  have  made  at  once  a  sti'ong  and 
beautiful  fence.  The  wild  pomegranate  tree,  the  species  ]iro- 
bably  used  in  fencing,  is  much  more  prickly  than  the  other 
variety  ;  and  when  mingled  with  other  thorny  bushes,  of  which 
they  have  several  kinds  in  Palestine,  some  whose  prickles  are 
very  long  and  sharp,  must  form  a  hedge  very  dillicult  to  pene- 
trate. These  facts  illustrate  the  beauty  and  force  of  several 
passages  in  the  sacred  volume  :  thus,  in  the  Proverbs  of  Solomon, 
"  The  way  of  the  slothful  man  is  as  a  hedge  of  thorns  ;"  it  is 
obstructed  with  difficulties,  which  the  sloth  and  indolence  of  his 
temper  represent  as  galling  or  insuperable,  but  which  a  moderate 
share  of  resolution  and  perseverance  would  easily  remove  or 
surmount.* 

20,  21.  (20)  wise  son,  ch.  x.  1.  despiseth,  putteth  to 
shame.  The  mother  especially  is  reproached  as  the  most 
intimately  associated  with  his  training.  Such  reproach  would 
be  a  mother's  deepest  grief.  (21)  folly,  or  unreasonable 
conduct,  senseless  action,  joy,  it  gives  a  sort  of  pleasure." 
destitute,  etc.,  better.  "  void  of  heart."  walketh  uprightly, 
and  iinds  out  the  true  joy  that  lies  in  so  doing.  "  Lives  a  sober, 
orderly,  regular  life." 

'J'hc  ii'ldoir  and  her  hro  .<ioth<t. — In  Birmingham  once  lived  a 
;  family  in  humble  circumstances.  Some  of  the  younger  children 
I  and  their  father  died,  leaving  the  aged  mother  with  two  sons 
I  grown  up,  and  able  to  assist  her.  This,  however,  they  refused 
I  to  do,  and  she  was  obliged  to  apply  to  the  parish  for  relief  :  and 
I  for  some  years  two  shillings  a  week  were  allowed  her  bj'  the 
1  overseers,  which,  with  a  small  sum  added  by  some  Cliristian 
I  friends,  was  all  on  which  she  had  to  subsist.  During  this  time 
her  youngest  son  died.  He  had  lived  without  the  fear  of  Cod, 
I  and  died  under  a  sense  of  His  wrath,  in  deep  agonies,  both  of 
j  body  and  mind.  The  eldest  son  was  clever  in  his  business,  got 
forward  in  the  world,  and  became  possessed  of  considerable  pro- 


Cap.  XV.  22, 23.] 


PROVERBS. 


143 


perty.  But  he  still  refused  to  assist  his  mother,  and  even  while 
holding  offices  of  consideration  and  importance,  left  her  to 
eubsist  on  her  allowance  from  the  parish.  This  conduct  of 
course  was  noticed  ;  he  was  repeatedly  spoken  to  upon  the 
Bubject ;  and  at  length  he  ordered  her  name  to  be  taken  from 
the  parish  books,  and  allowed  her  the  two  shillings  a  week  out 
of  his  own  pocket,  at  a  time  when  he  possessed  thousands  of 
pounds,  and  was  without  a  family.  In  a  short  time  afterwards 
the  mother  was  removed  to  another  world.  The  circumstances 
of  the  son  at  length  began  to  change  ;  repeated  losses  ensued, 
and  finally  he  became  a  banki-upt,  and  was  reduced  to  abject 
poverty. — Cliaractenxttci  of  a  cltild. — 

Loving  she  is,  and  tractable,  though  wild  ; 

And  innocence  hath  privilege  in  her 

To  dignify  arch  looks  and  laughing  eyes  ; 

And  feats  of  cunning  ;  and  the  pretty  round 

Of  trespasses,  affected  to  i^rovoke 

Mock  chastisement  and  partnership  in  play ; 

And,  as  a  faggot  sparkles  on  the  hearth 

Not  less  if  unattended  and  alone 

Than  when  both  young  and  old  sit  gathered  round 

And  take  delight  in  its  activity, 

Even  so  this  happy  creatui'e  of  herself 

Is  all-sufficient :  solitude  to  her 

Is  blithe  society,  who  fills  the  air 

With  gladness  and  involuntary  songs. 

Light  are  her  sallies  as  the  trij^ping  fawn's 

Forth  startled  from  the  fern  where  she  lay  couched, 

Unthought  of,  unexpected  as  the  stir 

Of  the  soft  breeze  ruffling  the  meadow  flowers ; 

Or  from  before  it  chasing  wantonly 

The  many-coloured  images  impressed 

Upon  the  bosom  of  a  placid  lake.* 
22,  23.  (22)  purposes,  designs,  or  plans.  All  such  should 
be  submitted  to  the  judgment  of  the  wise  before  being  under- 
taken. Only  the  rash,  or  the  conceited,  enter  upon  important 
plans  without  due  consideration  and  deliberation.  coun- 
sellors," provided  they  be  honest  and  wise.  (23)  answer  .  . 
mouth,  reference  may  be  to  those  ready  and  witty  answers  wh. 
Eastern  people  value  more  than  argument.  "  Good  advice  blesses 
the  giver  and  the  receiver."*  word  in  season,  i.e.  the  ready, 
clever  answer  of  the  first  clause. 

A  word  in  season  (v.  23). — I.  There  are  certain  seasons  in  the 
lives  of  most  men  when  a  word  aptly  spoken  may  be  of  in- 
calculable advantage.  1.  The  time  of  dawning  manhood  ;  2. 
Of  impending  danger ;  3.  Of  thoughtless  sin.  II.  But  in  such 
seasons  there  will  be  no  word  spoken  unless  there  is  the  speaking 
gift. 

A  word  in  season. — ^Mr.  Howe  being  at  dinner  with  some 
persons  of  fashion,  a  gentleman  expatiated  largely  in  praise  of 
King  Charles  I.,  introducing  some  harsh  reflections  upon  others. 
Mr.  Howe  observing  that  the  gentleman  mixed  many  oaths  with 
his  discourse,  told  him  that,  in  his  humble  opinion,  he  had 
omitted  a  singular  excellence  in  the  character  of  that  prince. 
The  gentleman  eagerly  desired  him  to  mention  it,  and  seemed  all 
impatience  to  know  what  it  was.    "It  was  this,  sir,"  said  Mr. 


afford.  His  facul- 
ties are  stimu- 
lated by  thia 
principle,  so  that 
powers  are  deve- 
loped  which 
would  otherwise 
remain  dormant. 
You  place  a  child 
tliat  has  no  na- 
tural talent  for 
music  among 
children  who 
possess  this  gift, 
and  under  their 
tutelage  he  will 
soon  learn  to 
sing.  This  fact 
has  been  fully 
substantiated  in 
very  many  ih- 
stauces." — S.  6, 
Goodrich. 
"  I  remember  a 
great  man  com- 
ing into  my  house 
at  Waltham  ;  and 
se  ci  ng  all  my 
cliildren  stand- 
ing in  the  order 
of  their  age  and 
stature,  he  said, 
'  These  are  tiiey 
that  make  rich 
men  poor.'  But 
he  straight  re- 
ceived  this 
answer, '  Nay,  my 
lord,  tliese  are 
they  that  make  a 
poor  man  rich; 
for  there  is  not 
one  of  these 
whom  we  would 
part  with  for  all 
vour  wealth.'  "— 
'jSp.  Hall, 
b  Wiitdstcorth. 

a  "The  Heb. 
word  used  is 
almost  an  official 
title,  and  brings 
before  us  the 
picture  of  the 
divan  or  council 
chamber  of 
Eastern  coun- 
tries, arranged 
for  a  solemn  ci>n- 
ference  of  the 
wise."-/S/(t.  Cutn, 

b  Fausset. 

V.  22.  T.  Boston, 
iv.  67;  Dr.  J. 
Disney,  i.  379  ;  D. 
Palle>-son,  2\5;  T. 
Aiii(7fr,  348;  A. 
B.  A'cans,  115. 

"  The  Spaniards 
in  Chili  believed 


144 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XV.  24—27. 


that  no  water 
was  so  whole- 
some or  of  so 
delicate  a  flavour 
as  that  which 
flowed  throufrh 
veini  of  goM  ; 
certiiinly  no  con- 
versation is  so 
edifying  to  the 
hearers  as  that 
which  pours 
forth  from  a 
heart  stored  with 
sacred  know- 
ledge, sanctified 
experience,  de- 
vout contempla- 
tions, and  such 
like  precious  trea- 
sures." —  Spur- 
genu. 
c  R.  T.  S. 
"It  is  said  of 
Eliot  the  mis- 
sionary, by  one  of 
his  friends,  'I 
■was  n^  ver  with 
him,  l)ut  I  got  or 
might  have  got 
some  good  from 
his  company.' 
Archbishop 
Usher  and  Dr. 
Preston  were 
very  intimate, 
and  often  met  to 
converse  on 
learned  and 
general  subjects ; 
when  the  arch- 
bishop used 
commonly  to  say, 
'  Come,  Doctor, 
let  us  have  one 
■word  about 
Christ  before  we 
part.' " — lijavs. 
a  Ph.  iii.  2ll ;  Col. 
iii.  1, 2. 
a  Phi.  iii.  20. 
6  '■  Suggests  a 
hopeless  abode 
In  the  dark  king- 
dom of  the  dead, 
as  the  final  des- 
tination of  tlie 
sinner's  course  of 
Mia.'—O.Znekler. 
c  Sometimes  used 
for  a  siiace  with- 
in borders. 
rf  "Here  the 
innocent  widow 
who  is  in  danger 
of  lieing  wronged 
by  the  proud 
through  c  n- 
croachment  upon 
her  borders."  — 
Lango. 
e  C.  Jenkins. 
t  J.    Preiton 


Howe  ;  "  he  was  never  heard  to  swear  an  oath  in  common  con- 
versation." The  hint  was  as  politely  received  as  given  ;  and  the 
gentleman  promised  to  break  off  the  practice.  At  another  time, 
passing  two  persons  of  quality,  who  were  talking  with  great 
eagerness,  and  imprecating  curses  on  each  other  repeatedly,  Mr. 
Howe  said  to  them,  taking  off  his  hat  in  a  resp3Ctful  manner,  "  I 
pray  God  save  you  both  !"  for  which  handsome  reproof  they  im- 
mediately returned  him  thanks."^ — E'Ject  of  rotivermtion. — ^\^lile 
Hopu,  a  young  Sandwich-Islander,  was  in  America,  he  spent  aa 
evening  in  a  company  where  an  infidel  lawyer  tried  to  puzzle 
him  with  difficult  questions.  At  length  the  native  said,  '•  I  am 
a  poor  heathen  boy.  It  is  not  strange  that  my  blunders  in 
English  should  amuse  you.  But  soon  there  will  be  a  larger 
meeting  than  this.  We  shall  all  be  there.  They  will  ask  us  all 
one  question,  namely,  '  Do  you  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ? '.  Now, 
sir.  I  think  /can  say  '  Yes.'  What  will  ifou  .say,  sir .'  "  AVlaen  he 
had  stopped,  all  present  were  silent.  At  length  the  lawyer  said 
that,  as  the  evening  was  far  gone,  they  had  better  conclude  it 
with  prayer  :  and  proposed  that  the  native  youth  should  pray.' 
He  did  so  ;  and  as  he  poured  out  his  heart  to  God  the  lawyer 
could  not  conceal  his  feelings.  Tears  started  from  his  eyes,  and 
he  sobbed  aloud.  All  present  wept  too  ;  au'l  when  they  separated, 
the  words,  "  What  will  yon  say,  sir  .'  "  followed  the  lawyer  home, 
and  did  not  leave  him  till  he  was  brought  to  the  Saviour. 

24,  25.  (24)  "way  of  life,  the  whole  course  and  tenor  of  life, 
above,  contrasted  with  "beneath."  It  is  high-toued,  and  tends 
heavenwards."  Leads  ever  upward,  to  higher  degrees  of  moral 
purity,  el  'vation,  and  power,  hell  beneath.,*  the  path  of  the 
wicked  leading  ever  lower,  down  to  the  gloom  of  Sheol.  (25) 
house,  contrasted  in  its  grandeur  with  the  "border,"*^  or  little 
estate,  wh.  is  all  the  lot  of  the  widow.''  In  Scrip,  the  widow  is 
often  made  the  type  of  desolateness.  Yet  such  are  safer  in  God's 
Ijrotection  than  the  self-confident  rich  and  proud. 

Ti-ue  }}ictij  (r.  24).— I.  It  is  elevated  in  principle.  1.  The 
religion  of  the  wise  is  elevated  in  principle  above  the  received 
maxims  of  worldly  prudence ;  2.  And  above  the  accredited 
standard  of  worldly  morality  :  3.  And  above  the  authority  of 
prevailing  opinions.  II.  The  wise  who  are  in  the  way  of  life 
are  elevated  in  taste.  1.  Above  the  mere  decorations  of  their 
persons  and  dwellings  ;  2.  Above  the  desire  of  human  applause  ; 
8.  They  are  superior  to  the  admiration  of  merely  talented  men  ; 
4.  Above  the  feeling  of  enthusiastic  delight  in  the  works  of 
mere  art,  of  taste,  or  of  fancy.  III.  They  are  elevated  in  pursuit. 
I .  Above  what  might  be  deemed  their  worldly  interest ;  2. 
Above  the  present  benefits  of  religion." 

Cartful  n-alking. — It  is  our  wisdom  to  do  that  which  God 
hath  appointed  a  man  to  do  ;  to  do  that  which  the  rule  of 
wisdom  hath  appointed,  that  must  needs  be  the  wisest  way. 
Now,  it  is  the  rule  of  wisdom  that  commands  us  to  walk  exactly  ; 
and  as  he  is  the  best  writer  that  comes  nearest  to  his  copy,  and 
he  is  the  best  car|ienter  that  comes  nearest  his  rule  ajipointed 
him,  so  he  is  the  wisest  man  that  comes  nearest  the  rule  of 
wisdom,  which  is  the  Book  of  God,  which  exhorts  us  to  walk 
exactly.-'' 

26,    27.    (26)    thoughts,    etc.,  as  ch.   vi.   18.     pleasant 


Cap.  XV.  28, 39. 


PROVERBS. 


145 


words,  or  words  of  pleasantness  :  pleasing-  to  God.  Better  read 
the  second  clause,  "Words  of  pleasantness  are  pui-e "  (and  so 
acceptable  to  God).  (27)  greedy  of  gain,«  as  a  corrupt  judge, 
who  thinks  more  of  bribes  than  of  just  judgments.  It  may  be 
taken  generally  for  "  avarice."     gifts,  used  as  bribes.* 

T/it'  pe>ialty  of  avarice  {v.  27). — A  peasant  once  entered  the 
hall  of  justice  at  Florence,  at  the  time  that  Alexander,  Duke  of 
Tuscany,  was  presiding.  He  stated  that  he  had  the  good  fortune 
to  find  a  purse  of  sixty  ducats,  and  learning  that  it  belonged  to 
Friuli,  the  merchant,  who  offered  a  reward  of  ten  ducats  to  the 
finder,  he  restored  it  to  him,  but  that  he  had  refused  the  promised 
reward.  The  duke  instantly  ordered  Friuli  to  be  summoned 
into  his  presence,  and  questioned  why  he  refused  the  reward  ? 
The  merchant  replied  that  he  conceived  the  peasant  had  paid 
himself  ;  for  although,  when  he  gave  notice  of  his  loss,  he  said 
this  purse  only  contained  sixty  ducats,  it  in  fact  had  seventy  in 
it.  The  duke  inquired  if  this  mistake  was  discovered  before  the 
pui-se  was  found.  Friuli  answered  in  the  negative.  "  Then." 
said  the  duke,  "  as  I  have  a  very  high  opinion  of  the  honesty  of 
this  peasant,  I  am  induced  to  believe  that  there  is  indeed  a  mis- 
take in  this  transaction  ;  for  as  the  purse  you  lost  had  in  it 
seventy  ducats,  and  this  which  he  found  contains  sixty  only,  it 
is  impossible  that  it  can  be  the  same."  He  then  gave  the  purse 
to  the  peasant,  and  promised  to  protect  him  against  all  future 
claimants.'' 

28,  29.  (28)  studieth,  thinks  before  speaking,  poureth 
out,  speaking  before  thinking.  "  Caution  is  the  fruit  of 
wisdom,  rashness  of  folly.""  Comp.  our  Lord's  teaching.  Mat. 
X.  19.  The  harmony  of  those  tAvo  forms  of  counsel  may  easily  be 
recognised,  evil  things,  injurious  things.  (29)  far  from,* 
sec  John  ix.  31.     prayer,  etc.,'^  Ps.  xxxiv.  18. 

Men  of  tiumght. — The  gi-eat  men  of  earth  are  the  shadowy  men, 
who.  having  lived  and  died,  now  hve  again  and  for  ever  through 
their  undying  thoughts.  Thus  living,  though  their  footfalls  are 
heard  no  more,  their  voices  are  louder  tban  the  thunder,  and  un- 
ceasing as  the  flow  of  tides  or  air.  Moses  was  not  half  living 
when  he  was  alive.  His  real  life  has  been  since  he  died.  The 
Prophets  seemed  almost  useless  in  their  time.  They  did  little 
for  themselves  or  for  the  Church  of  their  day  ;  but  when  you 
look  at  the  life  they  have  lived  since  you  will  find  that  they 
have  been  God's  pilots  guiding  the  Cliurch  through  all  jierils. 
From  their  black  bosoms  they  sent  forth  the  blast  of  His 
lightning  and  the  roar  of  His  thunder  :  and  to-day,  if  the  Church 
needs  rebuke  and  denunciation,  it  is  they  who  must  hurl  it.  I 
could  have  killed  old  Jeremiah,  if  I  could  have  got  at  his  ribs  ; 
but  I  should  like  to  see  the  archer  that  could  hit  him  now. 
Martin  Luther  was  mighty  When  he  lived  :  but  the  shadowy 
Luther  is  mightier  than  a  regiment  of  fleshly  Luthers.  \Mieu  he 
was  on  earth,  he  in  some  sense  asked  the  pope  leave  to  be,  and 
the  emperor  and  the  elector  leave  to  be  ;  he  asked  the  stream 
and  the  wheat  to  give  him  sustenance  for  a  day  :  but  now  that 
his  body  is  dead,  now  that  that  rubbish  is  out  of  the  way.  he 
asks  no  leave  of  pope,  or  elector,  or  emperor,  but  is  the  monarch 
of  thought,  and  the  noblest  defender  of  the  faith  to  the  end  of 
time.'' — Conirrsafion  7vifh  good  men. — Next  to  conversation  with 
God  by  prayer,  the  conversation  of  good  men  does  wonderfully  \ 

VOL.  VII.      O.T.  K 


a  Je.  xvii.  11 ;  Ha. 
ii.  9  ;  1  Ti.  vi.  9, 
10. 

\b  Ex.  xxiii.  8; 
I  De.  xvi.  19. 
I  <•  Pi)-cy  Aiiec. 
I  "  The  progi-ess  of 
a  private  cou- 
|versatioii  be- 
i  twixt  two  per- 
I  sons  of  different 
]  sexes  is  often 
I  decisive  of  their 
I  fate,  and  gives 
I  it  a  turn  very 
distinct  perliaps 
1  from  what  thev 
i  tliemselves  auti- 
!  cipated.  Gallan- 
Itry  becomes 
!  m  i  n  g  1  e  d  with 
jconversat  ion, 
1  and  affection  and 
I  passion  come 
I  gradually  to  mix 
with  gallantry. 
I  Nobles,  as  well  as 
!  shepherd  swains, 
I  wiU,  in  such  a 
I  trying  moment, 
I  say  more  than 
I  they  intended  ; 
and  queens,  like 
village  maidens, 
will  listen  longer 
than  they 
sh  ould." — Sir 
Waller-  Scott. 

a  Fausset. 

b  1  Pe.  iii.  12. 

God  never  leaves 
any  till  they  leave 
Him  first, 
c  "  He  tliat  is 
mxich  in  prayer 
siiall  grow  rich  in 
grace,  and  have 
most  of  heaven 
upon  earth." — 
Arclibp.  LeiglUon. 

d  H.  W.  Bcccher. 

"If  I  were  to 
choose  the  people 
with  whom  I 
would  spend  my 
hours  of  conver- 
sation,  they 
slioulJ  bo  cer- 
tai  nly  such  as 
laboured  no 
further  than  to 
make  themselves 
readily  and 
clearly  appre- 
h  e  n  d  e  d,  and 
would  have 
patience  and 
curiosity  to 
understand  me. 
To     have     good 


146 


PROVERBS. 


lOap.  XV.  30— 33. 


Beose  and  ability 
to  express  it  iirc 
the  most  essen- 
tial and  neces- 
sary (lUalities  in 
companions. 
■WHicn  thouglits 
rise  in  lis  fit  to 
utter  among 
familiar  friends 
there  needs  l>ut 
Tery  little  care 
in  clothing 
them." — Steele. 


"  Men  with  grey 
eyes  are  gene- 
rally keen,  ener- 
getic, and  at  first 
cold ;  but  you 
may  depend 
upon  their  sym- 
pathy with  real 
sorrow.  Sea  rch 
the  ranks  of  our 
benevolent  men, 
and  you  will 
agree  with  me." 
^Dr.  Leask. 

a  Cheever. 

a  "Nothing  but 
grace  can  teach 
us  to  make  a 
right  use  of 
others'  judg- 
ment s."  —  £p. 
Nail. 

b  "  The  fear  of 
God  and  humility 
go  together; 
where  the  one  is 
the  other  is,  and 
as  the  one  is  the 
way  to  wisdom, 
the  other  is  the 
way  to  glory." — 
Gill. 

c"The  more 
bumble  the  fitter 
to  come  to  God, 
and  He  the  more 
willing  to  come 
ill  •  the  soul  and 
dwt'U  in  it.  The 
highest  heavens 
are  the  habita- 
tion of  God's 
glory,  and  the 
humble  heart 
bath    the    Be:i.t 


contribute  to  the  building-  us  up  in  faith  and  virtue.  How  doea 
the  sense  and  experience  of  such  as  deserve  our  esteem  and 
affection  settle  and  establish  our  judgment  when  they  concur 
with  us  !  How  does  their  knowledge  enlighten  us.  their  reason 
strengthen  our  faith,  and  their  example  inflame  us  with  emulation ! 
A  pious  friendship  renders  religion  itself  more  engaging  ;  it 
sanctifies  our  very  diversions  a'  1  recreations,  and  makes  them 
minister  to  virtue  ;  it  minds  us  when  we  are  forgetful,  supports 
and  encourages  us  when  we  faint  and  tire,  reproves  and  corrects 
us  when  we  give  back,  and  recalls  us  in  the  right  path  -when  we 
go  out  of  it.  This  is,  or  it  should  be,  the  business  of  conversation, 
the  end  and  advantage  of  friendship  ;  we  should  be  often  talking 
together  of  the  things  of  God,  communicating  and  laying  open 
the  state  of  our  souls,  our  fears,  our  hopes,  our  improvements,  and 
defects  :  we  should  watch  over  one  another,  comfort  and  support 
one  another  ;  our  discourse  should  always  minister  new  warmth 
or  new  strength  to  our  holy  faith  and  love. 

30,    31.    (30)   light  of  the  eyes,   the   brightness  of  eyes 

characteristic  of  good  health.     Or  it  may  be  a  friendly  look  from 

i  another  rejoiceth  our  heart,     good  report,   the  good  news  a 

'  friend  may  bring  to  us.     (31)  abideth  among,  dwells  with,  in 

the  midst  of,  the  wise. 

Self -conqv cut. — Peter  the  Great  made  a  law  in  1722  that  if  any 
nobleman  beat  or  ill-treated  his  slaves  he  should  be  looked  upon 
as  insane,  and  a  guardian  should  be  appointed  to  take  care  of  his 
person  and  of  his  estate.  This  great  monarch  once  struck  his 
gardener,  who,  being  a  man  of  great  sensibility,  took  to  his  bed, 
and  died  in  a  few  days.  Peter,  hearing  of  this,  exclaimed,  with 
tears  in  his  eyes,  '•  Alas  I  I  have  civilised  my  own  subjects  ;  I 
have  conquered  other  nations  ;  yet  I  have  not  been  able  to 
civilise  or  to  conquer  myself."" 

32,  33.  (32)  instruction,  or  correction.*    despiseth,  etc., 

acts  as  if  he  had  no  regard  for  his  own  best  interests,     heareth, 
j  so  as  to  obey.     iTnderstanding,  lit.  heart ;  moral  rather  than 
I  intellectual  wisdom.     (33)  fear,  etc.,''  Job  xxviii.  28  ;  Ps.  cxi.  10. 
hofore  .  .  humility,  in  the  face  of  ;  in  front  of.' 

Be»piiiing  the  soul  (r.  32). — I.  Who  are  they  that  despise  their 
own  souls  .'  1.  Those  who  deny  the  spirituality  and  immortality 
of  the  soul ;  2.  Those  who  by  their  practice  despise  the  soul.  II. 
Show  the  folly  of  such  a  course.  Consider — 1.  The  nature  of 
the  soul ;  2.  Its  nearness  ;  3.  Its  purchase  :  4.  The  projects  laid 
for  souls  ;  5.  The  perpetual  duration  of  souls.  III.  Application. 
Let  us — 1.  See  and  bewail  the  folly  of  having  such  low  thoughts 
«f  the  soul ;  2.  Make  it  appear  that  we  do  value  our  souls  ;  3. 
Value  other  things  as  they  have  relation  to  our  souls  ;  4.  If  w© 
must  not  despise  our  own  souls,  neither  should  we  the  souls  of 
others.'' 

Wellington  and  the  officer. — In  the  early  part  of  the  Duke  of 
Wellington's  career,  when  as  Sir  Arthur  Wellesley,  in  India,  an 
officer  dining  at  the  mess  where  he  jiresidcd  was  sporting  hia 
infidel  sentiments.  Sir  Arthur,  wishing  to  put  down  such  con- 
versation, said,  "S ,  did  you  ever  read  PaXey's  J'Ji-idcnce.<i  i"' 

The  reply  was  in  the  negative.  "  Well,  then,"  said  Sir  Arthur, 
"  you  had  better  read  that  book  before  you  talk  in  the  way  you 
are  doing."    The  occurrence  passed  away,  and  the  conversation 


Cap  xvi.  1-3.] 


PROVERBS. 


UT 


was    soon  forgotten  ;    but  the   reference   to   Paley's  ■woi-k   led 

Colonel  S to  inquire  after  it,  and.  having  obtained  a  copy,  he 

read  it  with  the  most  serious  attention.  He  rose  from  the 
perusal  of  it  with  the  fullest  conviction  of  the  falsehood  of  the 
system  he  had  formerly  adopted,  and  of  the  Divine  origin  of 
Christianity.  But  he  did  not  stop  here  ;  he  was  determined  to 
examine  the  Book  itself,  which  he  was  thus  satisfied  was  a  reve- 
lation from  God.  The  result  was  that  he  cordially  received  this 
revelation  of  mercy,  saw  and  felt  his  need  of  a  Saviour,  and. 
believing  in  Jesus,  became  a  Christian   not  in  name  only,  but  in 

deed  and  in  truth.     Colonel  S ,  feeling  his  obligation  to  Sir 

Arthur,  afterwards  wrote  to  him,  thanking  him  for  his  kindness 
in  recommending  to  him  Dr.  Paley'svaluable  work,  and  earnestly 
advising  him  not  to  be  satisfied  with  merely  knowing  the  ex- 
ternal evidence  of  Christianity,  but  to  inquire  what  this  Divine 
communication  really  contains. 


CEAPTEB  TEE  SIXTEENTH. 

1 — 3  (1)  preparations,  disposings,  or  plans:  the  thinkings 
and  schemings."  "Man  i^roposes.  Cod  disposes."  (2)  clean.  . 
eyes,  the  last  thing  a  man  is  willing  to  see  is  his  own  failing 
and  fault.*  weighs,  tests,  tries,  judges  the  value  of.  God  is  a 
'■discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart."  spirits, 
i.e  the  inward  dispositions  and  motives.  (3)  commit,  etc., 
111.  roll.''     thoughts,  plans  which  thou  wouldest  work  out.** 

Spirit-iveighing  {v  2). — I.  Man  deceived.  Why?  1.  Because 
they  adopt  the  moral  standard  of  the  circle  in  which  they  move  ; 
2.  Because  they  judge  themselves  by  those  who  are  worse  than 
they  are  ;  3.  Because  they  take  false  views  of  moral  evil  ;  4. 
Because  there  is  au  absence  of  careful  examination  about  them. 
U.  Deity  investigating.  Here  is  suggested  to  us^l.  The  won- 
derfuluess  of  God's  power;  2.  Of  God's  pitifulness.' 

Weighing  <iur  plans. — Before  proceeding  to  any  work  we 
should  weigh  it  Letters  are  charged  in  the  Post  Office  accord- 
ing to  weight  I  have  written  and  sealed  a  letter  containing 
several  sheets  .  I  desire  that  it  should  pass,  I  think  that  it  will, 
but  I  know  well  that  it  will  not  be  allowed  to  pass  because  I 
desire  that  it  should  or  think  that  it  will.  I  know  well  that  it 
•will  be  tested  by  imperial  weights  and  measures.  Before  I 
plunge  it  beyond  my  reach,  I  place  it  on  a  balance  before  me, 
not  constructed  to  please  my  desire  but  honestly  adjusted  to  the 
legal  standard.  I  weigh  it  there,  and  check  it  myself  by  the 
very  rules  which  Government  will  apply.  So  should  we  weigh 
our  purposes  in  the  balance,  bel'ore  we  launch  them  forth  in 
action../ — Faults  of  conversation.— ^wery  one  endeavours  to  make 
himself  as  agreeable  to  society  as  he  can  :  but  it  ofto.:i  happens 
that  those  who  most  aim  at  shining  in  conversation  overshoot 
their  mark.  We  should  try  to  keep  up  conversation  like  a  ball 
bandied  too  and  fro  from  one  to  the  other,  rather  than  seize  it 
all  to  ourselves,  and  drive  it  before  us  like  a  football.  We 
ehould  likewise  be  cautious  to  adapt  the  matter  of  our  discourse 
to  our  comnany  :  and  not  talk  Greek  before  ladies,  or  of  the  last 
new  fashion  to  a  meeting  of  country  justices.  But  nothing 
thro  ws  a  more  ridiculous  air  over  our  whole  conversation  than 
k2 


honour  to  be  the 
liabit.itiou  of  His 
grace.'  —  A/a'ibp. 
Ltfiyhton. 

"Humility  pre- 
serves the  true 
and  noble  free- 
dom of  the  miud 
of  mail,  secures 
his  dear  liberty 
and  peaceful  do- 
minion of  him- 
self. This  is  the 
efl'ect  of  excellent 
wisdom."  —  W. 
Bates. 

d  M.  Henry. 


a  " Th  oughts 
come  and  go,  as 
it  were,  s  p  o  n- 
taneously,  but 
true,  well-ordered 
speech  is  the  gift 
of  God."— ^//t. 
Com. 

b  "  Conscience 
then,  simply  as 
conscience,  is  no 
safe  guide ;  it  re- 
quires to  be  in- 
formed and  regu- 
lated by  God's 
will  and  Word. 
A  right  intention 
is  not  enough  to 
make  a  good  ac- 
ti  on." —  y;  ofds- 
icorlh 

c  Vs.    X  X i i.    8, 
xxxvii.  5,  Iv.  22. 
d  "Rely  on  God 
for    success    to 
I  your  lawful  pur- 
1  poses." — Fausset, 
"  Prayer    is    the 
rest  of  our  care 
I  and   the  calm  of 
I  our    tempest." — 
;  J.  Tit'jinr. 
e  H.  J.  Maityn. 
f  W.  Arnot. 

"  There  is  s(> 
niucli  correspon- 
dence betwixt  th9 
heart  and  tongue 
that  they  will 
move  at  or  <se. 
Every  man, 
therefore,  speak* 
of  his  own  ple^ 
sure  and  care.  It 
I  the  heart  were 
I  full  of  God,   the 


148 


PROvEans. 


[Cap.  xvi.  4-81 


tongue  couM  not 
refnviii  to  talk  of 
Him  :    the    rare- 
nefts  oj  Christi;vn 
com  munication 
argues  the  coiii- 
mon    poverty   of 
grace.    If  ciirist 
be     not   in    our 
hearts,     we    are 
godless  ;  if  He  be 
there    witliout 
our   joy,   we  are 
senseless  ;    it  we 
rejoice    in    Him, 
ami  speak  not  of 
Him,      we      are 
shamefully     un-  i 
thankful.  ...  I 
will     think     of  j 
Thee  always,    O  | 
Lord  ;   so  it  shall 
be    my     joy    to 
speak     of     Thee 
often  ;    and  if  I  , 
find     not   oppor-  ' 
tunity,     I      will  ! 
make   it"  —  Bp. 
Uall. 


gSteete. 

a  Job  xxi.  30 ;  Is. 

xhii.  21. 

"  It  is  one  of  the 
greatest  praises 
of  Go<ls  wisdom 
that  He  can  turn 
the  evil  of  men 
to  His  own 
glory. "-£;).  Hall. 

b  Ps.  1.  13,  14,  li. 
16,  17;  Mic.  vi. 
G     8. 

"Mercy  and 
truth  are  a  sign 
and  necessary  ex- 
pression  of  a 
really  penitent 
and  bellf;vingdis- 
p  o  s  i  t  i  o  n  of 
heart."—  0.  Zock- 
hr. 

c  Dr.  Bonat: 

d  W/iitecrost. 

"  Were  my  whole 
life  to  come  one 
heap  of  troubles, 
tlie  pleasure  of 
this  moment 
would  suffice,  and 
sweeten  all  my 
fiefs  with  its 
r<  ■  n  leuibrauoe."— 
Let. 


peculiarities,  easily  acriuired.  but  not  conquered  or  discarded 
without  extreme  difficulty.  Those  who  accompany  every  word 
with  a  peculiar  g-rimace  or  gesture  :  who  a.ssent  with  a  shrug, 
contradict  with  a  twisting  of  the  neck,  are  angry  with  a  wry 
mouth,  and  pleased  in  a  caper  or  minuet  step,  may  be  considered 
as  speaking  harlequins.  With  these  we  condemn  the  affected 
tribe  of  mimics,  who  are  constantly  taking  off  the  peculiar  tone 
of  voice  or  gesture  of  their  acquaintance  ;  though  they  are 
generally  such  wretched  imitators  that,  like  bad  painters,  they 
are  frequently  forced  to  writ3  the  name  under  the  picture,  before 
we  can  discover  any  likeness.  It  is  unnecessary  to  point  out  all 
the  pests  of  conversation,  or  to  dwell  particularly  on  the 
sensibles.  who  pronounce  dogmatically  on  the  most  trivial  points, 
and  speak  in  sentences  ;  the  ^\onderers,  who  are  always  wonder- 
ing what  o'clock  it  is.  or  wondering  whether  it  will  rain  or  no, 
or  wondering  when  the  moon  changes  :  the  phraseologists,  who 
explain  a  thing  by  all  that  and  t'other  :  and  lastly,  the  silent 
persons,  who  seem  afraid  of  opening  their  mouths  lest  they 
should  catch  cold,  and  literally  observe  the  precepts  of  the 
Gospel,  letting  their  conversation  be  only  Yea,  yea.  and  Nay,  nay. 
The  rational  intercourse  kept  up  by  conversation  is  one  of  our 
Ijrincipal  distinctions  from  brutes.  We  should  therefore  endeavour 
to  turn  this  particular  talent  to  our  advantage,  and  consider 
the  organs  of  speech  as  the  instruments  of  understanding  ;  we 
should  be  very  careful  not  to  use  them  as  the  weapons  of  vice 
or  tools  of  folly,  and  do  our  utmost  to  i^nlearn  any  trivial  or 
ridiculous  habits,  which  tend  to  lessen  the  value  of  such  an 
inestimable  prerogative.'? 

4—6.  (4)  for  himself,  better,  for  iti^df ;  i.e.  for  its  o-wn 
end  ;  fitting  it  to  the  precise  object  for  which  He  designed  it. 
wicked  .  .  evil,  better  turned  round.  God  hath  even  appoint-ed 
the  evil  day  for  the  wicked.  Any  day  of  calamity  is  meant, 
either  in  this  life  or  in  another.  God's  connection  between  sin 
and  suffering  is  designed  in  infinite  wisdom  and  grace."  (5) 
proud,  etc.,  ch.  vi.  17.  hand,  etc.,  ch.  xi.  21.  (6)  mercy 
and  truth,*  wh.  are  states  of  mind  and  heart  set  in  contrast 
■with  ritual  sacrifices  and  ceremonies,  purged,  cleared  out  of 
our  heart. 

The  secret  of  deliverance  from  er-il  (v.  fi). — There  is  evil  in  the 
world  :  the  evil  of  sin.  How  am  I  to  get  quit  of  this  evil  ?  This 
is  the  great  question.  1.  Not  by  time — time  cures  many  things, 
but  not  this  :  2.  Not  by  effort ;  3.  Not  by  human  wisdom  ;  4. 
Not  by  law  ;  .5.  Not  by  terror  ;  but  by  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
which  unfolds  itself  in — (1;  Obedience;  (2)  Fellowship:  (3) 
Love;  (4)  Zeal.  If  we  fear  God  we  must— 1.  Try  to  please 
Him  ;  2.  Give  up  sin  :  A.  Do  His  will  ;  4.  Seek  to  be  like  Him." 

Iliimnn  rerersen. — Bajazet  having  observed,  after  his  enemy 
made  him  prisoner,  that  the  latter  laughed  at  him,  said,  "  Do  not 
laugh,  Tamerlane,  at  my  misfortune,  for  God,  not  you,  has  sub- 
dued me  ;  and  He  is  able  tomorrow  to  undo  what  He  has  done 
to-day.  and  reverse  our  situations  '  Tamerlane  imniefliately 
assumed  a  serious  countenance,  and  answered.  "  I  laughed  not 
with  a  design  to  exult  over  you,  but  from  a  sudden  impression 
that  thrones  and  kingdoms  must  be  held  in  low  estimation  in 
heaven,  since  one  crown  has  been  bestowed  on  such  a  blink-^ycd 
man  a£  you,  and  another  on  such  a  crippled  man  as  myself." 


Cap.  xvi.  7-10.) 


PROVEItBS. 


149 


Thrones  and  rickety  chairs  are  of  equal  reckoning'  in  the 
arithmetic  of  heaven.  Nothings,  so  far  as  regards  man,  is  of 
vahie  there,  except  "the  pearl  which  is  beyond  price'' — "the 
righteousness  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Chiist,  imputed  to  us  by  God, 
and  received  by  faith  alone."'' 

7,  8.  (7)  at  peace  with  him,  that  goodness  wh.  is  accept- 
able to  God  tends  also  to  pacify  and  to  win  men."  (8)  better, 
etc.,  Ps.  xxxvii.  1(5  :  Pr.  xv.  16.* 

Pleanintj  God  (v.  7). — Consider  this  subject — I.  As  a  glorious 
possibility  of  being.  The  ways  are  not  merely  external  service, 
but  a  loving  obedience  to  His  will.  If  we  please  Him  we  shall 
— 1.  Please  ourselves  ;  2.  The  spiritual  universe.  II.  As  winning 
the  good  will  of  enemies.  1.  A  good  man  may  have  enemies  ;  2. 
The  overcoming  of  their  enmity  is  a  desirable  thing  ;  3.  Pleasing 
the  Lord  is  the  surest  way  to  overcome  it.'' 

The  stolen  fruit. — A  Christian  merchant  retired  from  the  en- 
gagements of  commerce  to  a  pleasant  residence  on  the  banks  of 
the  Mersey  ;  and  while  his  gardens  and  hothouses  abounded  with 
choice  and  valuable  fruit,  they  were  entered  bysomedopredators, 
who  carried  away  much  of  their  produce.  The  next  morning 
the  proprietor  caused  a  placard  to  bo  issued,  intimating  that  the 
gardens  had  been  plundered  of  a  considerable  quantity  of  fruit, 
and  that  as  it  was  possible  that  want  might  have  incited  to  the 
act,  he  took  this  method  of  giving  notice  that,  if  such  were  the 
case,  and  the  person  oflVnding  would  make  known  his  circum- 
stances, he  should  not  only  be  freely  forgiven,  but  his  necessities 
should  be  relieved.  The  result  was  soon  apparent.  Such  was 
the  eifect  of  the  statement,  that  though  the  premises  were  pecu- 
liarly exposed,  no  other  instanco  of  depredation  occurred.  Even 
the  rude  and  uncultivated  villagers  felt  the  commanding  in- 
fluence of  kindness  so  great,  and  unhappily  so  rare,  and  could  i 
only  regard  the  interesting  person  who  had  fixed  his  i-esidence 
among  them  with  a  feeling  of  veneration  such  as  they  had  never 
cherished  before  for  any  human  being. 

9,  10.  (9)  deviseth,  arranges  it  with  anxions  thought.  | 
Comp.  V.  1.  The  form  of  the  verb  sugg'osLs  the  idea  of  laborious 
consideration,  directeth,  determines  precisely  how  they  shall 
go.  (lU)  divine  sentence,  or  divination.  As  representative 
of  God.  the  king's  decisions  had  a  special  validity  and  dignity, 
transgresseth  not,  doth  not  speak  wickedly." 

Model  Dinnnro/ts  (rr.  10 — I.t). — Four  particulars  of  such  a  king. 

I.  He  speaks  the  right.     1.  Truth  in  expression;  2.  In  meaning. 

II.  He  judges  the  right.  1.  God  demands  social  rectitude  :  2.  A 
true  king  is  a  minister  of  social  rectitude.  III.  He  feels  the 
right.  1.  The  loathing  of  wickedness  in  a  king  is  the  pursuit  of 
righteousness  ;  2.  That  this  pursuit  in  a  king  is  the  stability  of 
his  throne.  IV.  He  vindicates  the  right.  1.  By  ai^proving  the 
right  in  his  subjects  ;  2.  By  avenging  the  -wrong  on  his  subjects  ; 
3.  By  encouraging  the  true  in  his  subjects.* 

Providence. — The  great  drama  of  a  nation's  politics,  and  the 
most  mighty  changes  in  the  history  and  character  of  mankind, 
may  hinge  on  circumstances  of  the  most  trivial  nature.  One  of 
the  most  remarkable  instances  of  this  sort  is  found  in  the  history 
of  Mohammed.  When  his  pursuers  followed  hard  upon  him  to 
take  his  life,  they  were  turned  away  from  the  mouth  of  the  cave 


a  Pr.  XXV.  21,22. 


6  "  The  fewer  de- 
sires the  more 
peace.  The  only 
sure  way  to  peace 
is  to  give  the 
heart  entirely  to 
OoO.."—Bp.  Wil' 
son. 


c  Dr.  Thoma*. 


"The  rabbins 
note  a  priuciplo 
of  nature,— tliat 
putrefaction  i  g 
more  dangerous 
before  maturity 
tlian  after ;  and 
another  noteth  a 
position  in  moral 
pli  ilosophy,^ 
that  men  aban- 
doned to  vice  do 
not  so  much  cor- 
rupt manners  aa 
I  hose  that  are 
I  a  1  f  good  and 
'alf  evil." — Lord 


I  a  "  The  passage 
lays  down  the 
1  principle  that  the 
I  King  can  dci  no 
I  wrong,  in  a  nar- 

■  rower  assertion 
I  of  it,  and  with 
I  this    difference, 

■  that  it  is  here  no 
political  fiction, 
but  a  believing 
con  vicLiou." — 
Hilzig. 

1  Ki.  iii.  9;  Ps. 
l.Kxii.  1. 

b  Dr.  Tliomat. 

"  Ah.  that  Deceit 
should  steal  sucll 
gentle  shapes, 
and  with  a  virtu- 
ous visor  h  i  d  a 
deep  ricel "— • 
iiluxkesfeare 


150 


PROVERBS. 


reap.  xvl.  11-15. 


a  "  The  principle 

that  social  justice 
is  an  essential 
part  of  religion  is 
exemplified  i  n 
our  own  country, 
where  the  stand- 
ard weights  are 
enshrined  in  a 
sacred  building 
attached  to  the 
Churcli  where 
the  sovereigns  of 
England  are 
c  r  o  w  n  e  d."  — 
Wor'dswortfi. 

I  Is.  xi.  2—4. 

"An  honest  death 
Is  better  tlian  a 
dishonest  life." — 
Socrates. 

tLewU, 


"Who  dares]  in  wliicli  he  had  the  moment  before  taken  shelter  by  the  flight 
m!?  another  teit  1  "^  ^  ^^'"^  ^^°™  ^^'^  °^  ^^^  ^hruba  that  grew  at  its  entry.  For 
my  lieart  detests '  they  inferred  that  if  he  had  recently  passed  that  way,  the  bird 
him  as  the  gates  must  previously  have  been  f  rightaned  away,  and  would  not  now 
of  hell"— I'oj}e.  I  have  made  its  appearance.  It  is  a  striking  remark  of  the  his- 
torian, that  this  bird,  by  its  flight  on  this  occasion,  changed  the 
destiny  of  the  world — instrumental  as  it  was  iu  perpetuating  the 
life  of  the  false  Prophet,  and  with  him  the  reign  of  that  super- 
stition which  to  this  day  hath  a  wider  ascendency  over  our 
species  than  Christianity  itself.  Such  are  the  links  and  con- 
catenations of  all  history.  It  is  well  that  God  has  the  manage- 
c  Cheever.  ment,  and  that  what  to  man  is  chaos,  in  the  hands  of  God  is  a 

sure  and  unerring  mechanism.' 

11 — 13.  (11)  just  weight,  seech,  xi.  1.  weights.  .  bag,  lit. 
stones."  (12)  abomination,  in  God's  sight  and  men's.  The 
high  position  and  influence  of  kings  makes  their  character  of 
supreme  importance.  Or,  the  idea  may  be,  kings  think  it  an 
abomination  for  their  people  to  do  wickedly,  bee.  it  imperils  the 
stability  of  their  throne.  (13)  righteous  lips,  speaking  truth 
and  goodness,     right,  i.e.  upright  things.* 

Weights  and  measures. — The  Jews  were  required  to  be  exact  in 
their  weights  and  measures,  that  the  poor  might  not  be  defrauded. 
Hesychius  remarks  upon  this  point,  as  a  reason  for  such  great 
care,  that  what  the  possession  of  a  field  or  house  is  to  a  wealthy 
man,  that  the  measure  of  corn,  or  wine,  or  the  weight  of  bread, 
is  to  the  poor,  who  have  daily  need  of  such  things  for  the  support 
of  life.  "  The  Jewish  doctors  assert  that  it  was  a  constitution  of 
their  wise  men,  for  the  preventing  of  all  frauds  in  these  matters, 
that  no  weights,  balances,  or  measures  should  be  made  of  any 
metal,  as  of  iron,  lead,  tin  (which  were  liable  to  rust,  or  might 
be  bent,  or  easily  impaired),  but  of  marble,  stone,  or  glass,  which 
were  less  subject  to  be  abused  :  and  therefore  the  Scripture,  speak- 
ing of  the  justice  of  God's  judgments,  observes  (according  to  the 
Vulgate)  that '  they  are  weighed  with  all  the  stones  in  the  bag.'  "• 

14,  15.  (14)  wrath  .  .  death,  the  means  for  executing  his 
wrath  are  close  to  his  hand.  Specially  true  of  irresponsible  and 
capricious  Eastern  sovereigns.  Comp.  the  wrath  of  Ahasuerus 
against  Haman."  Est.  vii.  5 — 10.  pacify  it,  r,s  ch.  xv.  1.  (15) 
light,  or  smile,  sign  of  favour  and  acceptance.*  is  life,  not 
only  assures  the  conservation  of  life,  but  also  the  joy  and  pleasure 
of  life.  The  king's  smile  makes  glad  those  it  shines  upon, 
cloud,  etc.,  wh.  is  most  welcome  to  the  parched  and  thirsty 
earth,  latter  rain,  wh.  fell  just  before  harvest,  to  mature  the 
crop  : '  its  mouth  was  March  or  April. 

A  kiiu/'s  wrath  (v.  14).— Executions  in  the  East  are  often  very 

prompt  and  arbitrary.     In  many  cases  the  suspicion  is  no  sooner 

entertained,  or  the  cause  of  offence  given,  than  the  fatal  order  is 

.  issued ;    the   messenger  of  death   hurries  to  the  unsuspecting 

,  victim,  shows  his  warrant,  and  executes  his  orders  that  instant 

!  in  silence  and  solitude.     Instances  of  this  kind  are  continually 

occurring  in  the  Turkish   and  Persian  histories.     "  When  the 

:  enemies  of  a  great  man  among  the  Turks  have  gained  influence 

I  enough  over  the  prince  to  procure  a  warrant  for  his  death,  a 

1  capidgi  (the  name  of  the  officer  who  executes  these  orders)  is  sent 

I  to  him,  who  shows  him  the  order  he  has  received  to  carry  back 


a  "An  angry 
word  from  an  in- 
censed prince  has 
been  to  many  a 
messenger  of 
death,  and  has 
struck  so  great  a 
terror  upi)ii  some 
as  if  a  sentence 
of  deatti  tiiid  been 
pronounced  upon 
the  m."  — Mat. 
Henry. 

"  These  words  re- 
mind us  almost 
painfully  of  the 
terrible  rapidity 
with  wh.,  in  the 
despotic  monar- 
chies of  the  East, 
punishment, even 
death,  follows  on 
displeasure." — 
Spk.  Com. 

Pr.  xix.  12,  XX.  3. 


Cap.  xvl.  16—19.) 


PROVERBS. 


151 


his  head  ;  the  other  tak^s  the  warrant  of  the  gi'and  seiguior, 
ki8«es  it,  puts  it  on  his  head  in  token  of  respect,  and  then  having 
performed  his  abhitions,  and  said  his  prayers,  freely  resigns  his 
life.  The  capidgi  having  strangled  him,  cuts  off  his  head,  and 
brings  it  to  Constantinople.  The  grand  seignior's  order  is  im- 
plicitly obeyed  ;  the  servants  of  the  victim  never  attempt  to 
hinder  the  executioner,  although  these  capidgis  come  very  often 
with  few  or  no  attendants."  It  appears  from  the  writings  of 
Chardin  that  the  nobility  and  grandees  of  Persia  are  put  to  death 
in  a  manner  equally  silent,  hasty,  and  unobstructed.  Such  exe- 
cutions were  not  uncommon  among  the  Jews  under  the  govern- 
ment of  their  kings.  Solomon  sent  Benaiah  as  his  capidgi,  or 
executioner,  to  put  Adonijah,  a  prince  of  his  own  family,  to  death  : 
and  Joab,  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  forces  in  the  reign  of 
his  father.  A  capidgi  likewise  beheaded  John  the  Baptist  in  the 
prison,  and  carried  his  head  to  the  court  of  Herod.  To  such 
silent  and  hasty  executioners  the  royal  preacher  seems  to  refer  in 
that  Proverb,  "The  wrath  of  a  king  is  as  messengers  of  death  ; 
but  a  wise  man  will  pacify  it  ; "  his  displeasure  ex^joses  the  un- 
happy offender  to  immediate  death,  and  may  fill  the  unsuspecting 
bosom  with  terror  and  dismay,  like  the  appearance  of  a  capidgi ; 
but  by  wise  and  prudent  conduct,  a  man  may  sometimes  escape 
the  danger.'' 

16,  17.  (16)  better,  cf<?.,  seech,  viii.  11."  Wordaivorth  notices 
the  distinction  in  the  values  attached  to  wisdom  (Heb.  c/iocniah) 
and  to  intelligence  (Heb.  hinah),  lit.  discernment,  the  faculty  of 
distinguishing  between  one  thing  and  another.  (17)  highway, 
raised,  well-graded  road  :  representing  the  habitual  course  of  the 
righteous,  depart,  or  decline.*  keepeth,  by  godly  watching 
and  care.' 

Keepinrf  in  the  ivny. — Every  traveller  has  something  very  pre- 
cious in  his  custody— his  own  soul.  You  will  lose  it,  pilgrim,  if 
you  go  off  the  way.  The  miners  in  the  gold-fields  of  Australia, 
when  they  have  gathered  a  large  quantity  of  the  dust,  make  for 
the  city  with  the  treasure.  The  mine  is  far  in  the  interior,  the 
country  is  wild,  the  bush  is  infested  by  robbers  ;  the  miners  keep 
the  road  and  the  daylight.  They  march  in  company,  and  close 
by  the  guard  sent  to  protect  them.  They  do  not  stray  from  the 
path  among  the  woods,  for  they  carry  with  them  a  treasure  which 
they  value,  and  they  are  determined  to  run  no  risks."* 

18,  19.  (18)  pride,  etc.,  eeech.xi.  2,  xviii.  12.  destruction, 
as  seen  in  Pharaoh,  Sennacherib,  Nebuchadnezzar,  etc.  haughty 
spirit,  the  hf  ting  up  of  the  spirit,  fall,  a  tottering,  a  downfall ; 
either  in  penitence  or  in  ruin."  (19)  divide  the  spoil,  as  they 
do  who  conquer  in  battle.* 

Effects  of  pride. — In  1201,  Simon  Tournay,  after  he  had  excelled 
all  his  contemporaries  at  Oxford  in  learning,  and  become  so  emi- 
nent in  Paris  as  to  be  made  the  chief  doctor  of  the  Sorbonne, 
grew  so  proud  that,  while  he  regarded  Aristotle  as  superior  to 
Moses  and  Christ,  he  considered  him  as  but  equal  to  himself.  He 
became  such  an  idiot  at  length,  as  not  to  know  one  letter  in  a 
book,  or  one  thing  he  had  ever  done. 

"  The  tower  which  rears  its  head  so  high, 
And  bids  defiance  to  the  sky, 
ta  Invites  the  hostile  winds  ; 


6  Comp.  Nu.  Tt 
25  ;  Ps.  xxxi.  16  ; 
also  Ps.  iv.  6. 


c  De.  xi.  14 ;  Je. 
iii.  3,  V.  24;  Ja. 
V.  7. 


"What  suddett 
anger's  this  7 
how  have  I  reap'd 
it  ?  He  parted 
frowning  from 
me,  as  if  ruin 
leap'd  from  his 
eyes  :  so  looks  the 
ciiafed  lion  upon 
I  thedaringhunts- 
I  m  a  u  that  lias 
;  gall'd  him ;  then 
makes  him  no- 
thin  g."—Maite- 
speare. 


d  Paxton. 


a  Pr.  iii.  13—16, 

iv.  5. 


&  "  A  noble  para- 
dox; the  hii/hieay 
of  the  upright  is 
abyicay  from  evil; 
the  byu-ay  of  the 
wicked  is  a  high- 
way to  evih  Mat. 
vii.  13." — Wordt- 
worth. 

c  Ps.  cxix.  9. 

ji!'.  17— 19.  Dr.  J. 
Donne,  L  214, 

d  W.  AtTioU 


«  Comp.  Bunyan's 
Pilcirim  Song^ 
"  He  that  is  down 
need  fear  ao  fall, 
he  that  is  low  no 
pride." 

"  Haughtinws 
and  pride  imply 
self  -  confidence, 
w  h.  produces 
carelessness,  and 
hence  the  fall  or 
sliding."  — Faut- 
set. 

b  "  Humility  is 
much  better  than 
that  high-spirit- 
eduess    wbiob. 


153 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xvl.  20—29. 


tliough  It  carry 
away  tlie  honour 
and  wealth  of  the 
world,  makes  God 
a  man's  enemy 
and  the  devil  his 
master." — Mat. 
Henry. 

a  "Discretion  in 
speech  is  more 
than  eloquence." 
— Lord  Bacon. 

h  "  This  is  the 
■way  to  walk  con- 
t  e  n  t  e  d  1  y  and 
cheerfnllj'  home- 
wards, leaning 
and  resting  all 
the  way  on  Him 
who  is  our 
guide  and  our 
s  t  r  e  n  g  t  h." — 
Archbp.  Leighton. 

e  Spk.  Com. 

Lu.  iv.  22;  Jno. 
vii.  46. 

d  C.  H.  Spuj-geon. 

"  'Tis    the    pro- 
perty of  all  true 
knowledge,  espe- 
cially spiritual,  to  , 
enlarge  the  soul  i 
by  filling  it ;    to  | 
enlarge   it   with- 
out  swelling  it ; 
to  make  it  more 
capable,  and  more 
e.arnest  to  know, 
the   more  it 
knows."  ~Sjii-at. 

€n.T.s. 


a  "  The  thought 
is  here  in  the 
first  instance  un- 
questionably of 
the  blessing  wh. 
comes  directly  to 
the  possessor  fr. 
his  wisdom,  and 
not  of  itslife-dis- 
pc-nsing,  life-pro- 
moting influence 
on  others."  —  0. 
Zfkklcr. 

Jno.  iv.  14,  vii. 
38. 

V.  22.  T.  Boston, 
iv.  67;  Dr.  J. 
Dimey.  i.  379  ;  D. 
J'<tilerson,2\5;  T. 
Ainnor.  348;  A. 
B.  Evans,  115. 


The  branching  tree,  extending"  wide, 
Provokes  destruction  by  its  pride, 
And  courts  the  fall  it  finds." 

20,  21.  (20)  handleth,"  etc.  Vulg-.  etc.  rend.  "He  that 
attendeth  to  the  Word  of  God,"  ch.  xiii.  13.  find  g'OOd,  ch.  xviL 
20,  xix.  8.  trusteth,  etc.,  led  by  the  "Word  to  a  real  and  practi- 
cal reliance  on  God.*  (21)  wise  in  heart,  who  have  moral 
wisdom,  prudent,  hoc.  they  will  be  sure  to  consider  carelully 
their  conduct,  sweetness  .  .  learning,  lit.  "  grace  of  lips." 
"  He  who  has  the  gift  of  uttering  moral  wisdom  in  winning 
ppeech  increases  it  in  himself  and  in  others."' 

How  to  take  hold  of  Ufe  (v.  20). — I.  Wisdom  is  man's  true 
strength  ;  and,  under  its  guidance,  he  best  accomplishes  the  ends 
of  his  being.  II  Wisely  handling  the  matter  of  life  gives  to 
man  the  richest  enjoyment,  and  presents  the  noblest  occupation 
for  his  powers  ;  hence  by  it  he  finds  good  in  the  fullest  sense. 
III.  The  true  w.ay  to  handle  a  matter  wisely  is  to  trust  in  the 
Lord.  IV.  He  who  trusts  in  the  Lord  has  a  diploma  for  wisdom 
granted  by  inspiration  :  happy  is  he  now,  and  happier  shall  he 
be  above.  "* 

Hci'.  S.  Lflivell. — The  late  Eev.  Samuel  Lowell,  of  Bristol,  being 
once  at  Brighton,  expi-essed  a  wish  to  walk  on  the  Steyne,  and  to 
have  the  public  characters  pointed  out  to  him.  Amongst  the 
rest,  a  celebrated  comedian  was  noticed.     "  Ah,"  said  ]\Ir.  Lowell, 

'•  is  that  ,  my  old  schoolfellow  .'     I'll  i<peak  to   him."     He 

accosted  him,  and  the  following  conversation  took  place  : — 
Lowell :  "  Sir,  I  believe  I  have  the  pleasure  of  addressing  Mr. 

."     Plaijer :  "  Yes,  sir,  my  name  is ;  but  I  have  not  the 

pleasure  of  being  acquainted  with  you."  L. :  "  What !  not  know 
your  old  schoolfellow,  Samuel  Lowell  ? "  P.  .•  "  "What  1  are  you 
Samuel  Lowell!"  L. :  "Yes,  I  am."  P.:  "AVell.  T  am  very 
glad  to  see  you  ;  now  tell  me  your  history  in  five  minutes."  L.  : 
"  First,  my  name  is  Samuel  Lowell  ;  I  am  a  Dissenting  minister 
at  Bristol,  where  I  have  lived  upwards  of  twenty  years ;  I 
have  a  large  family."  P. :  "  So  you  are  a  Dissenting  minis- 
ter ;  well,  you  are  a  happy  man,  for  you  go  to  your  work  with 
pleasure,  and  perform  it  with  pleasure  :  you  are  a  happy  man. 
i  go  to  my  work  like  a  fool,  to  please  fools  :  I  am  not  a  happy 
man."' 

22.  understanding,  i.e.  discretion,  wellspring,  ch.  xiv. 
27,"  a  fountain  always  tlowing,  and  never  dry.  He  has  something 
to  say  on  all  occasions  which  is  instructive,  and  Avith  his  own 
thoughts  he  can  always  edify  himself,  instruction  .  .  folly, 
nothing  good  is  to  be  obtained  from  the  fool.  Even  his  set  and 
solemn  discourses  are  but  folly. 

Viijonr  of  the  i(n(Ur.<tfanflinff. — Nobody  knows  what  strength  of 
parts  he  has  till  he  has  tried  them.  And  of  the  understanding 
one  may  most  truly  say  that  its  force  is  greater  generally  than  it 
thinks,  till  it  is  put  to  it.  And  therefore  the  proper  remedy 
here  is  but  to  set  the  mind  to  work,  and  apply  the  thoughts 
vigorously  to  the  business  :  for  it  holds  in  the  struggles  of  the 
mind  as  in  those  of  war,  dirm  putant  -w  rhicerc.  ricere.  A  per- 
suasion that  we  shall  overcome  any  difficulties  that  we  meet  with 
in  the  sciences,  seldom  fails  to  carry  us  through  them.  Nobody 
knows  the  strength  of  his  mind,  and  the  force  of  steatly  and 


Cap.  xvi.  23,  26.] 


PROVERBS. 


153 


regular  application,  till  he  has  tried.     This  is  certain  :  he  that  :  *  ^ocke. 
sets  out  upon  weak  legs   will  not  osly  go  farther,  but  grow  I 
stronger,  too,^  than  one  who,  with  a  vigorous  constitution  and  j 
firm  limbs,  only  sits  still.*"  | 

23,  24.  (23)  teacheth,  or  maketh  wise  ;  prompteth  wise 
words.  Wisdom  in  the  heart  is  the  main  matter,  learning, 
sound  reasoning,  and  forcible  argument,  wh.  may  convince  the 
judgment.  (24)  honeycomb,  comj}.  Ps.  xix.  10.  sweet,  and 
eo  giving  pleasure  ;  and  healing,  so  as  to  renew  health.  ''  This 
implies  that  honey  took  its  place  not  only  among  the  luxuries, 
but  also  among  the  medicines  of  the  Israelites."  bones,  regarded 
as  the  strength  of  the  man  :  "  our  innermost  and  most  essential 
being."" 

The  feaclier  and  his  ])V])il  {v.  23). — The  heart  a  teacher — I.  Of 
the  lips.  1.  Is  powerful ;  2.  The  only  teacher  of  acceptable 
words  ;  3.  Yet  a  frail  teacher  ;  4.  In  many  a  timid  teacher.  II. 
The  pupil  of  the  heart,  the  mouth.  1.  Often  refractory;  2.  Of 
email  capacity  ;  3.  Let  it  be  a  consecrated  teacher,  to  speak  the 
word  of  sympathy,  of  prayer,  of  thanksgiving.* 

M'ords  in  scaaon. — A  missionary  had  been  sent  for  to  visit  a 
dying  man.     He  had  a  long  way  to  go,  but  he  mounted  a  horse, 
and  rode  fast.     He  had  to  pass  through  a  gate  ;  it  was  closed,  but 
at  last  a  man  came  and  opened  it  for  him.     "Thank  you,  my 
friend.     And  now  tell  me,  do  you  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ? "  i 
The  man  stared,  but  making  no  reply,  the  missionary  rode  off.  I 
Many  years  afterwards  he  was  holding  a  meeting,  and  after  it  i 
was  over,  a  gentleman  begged  to  speak  with  him  ;  and  what  was  ■ 
the  surprise  of  the  missionary  when  he  said,  "I  am  greatly  in  '■■ 
your  debt,  sir  !  "     "  In  my  debt  ?     I  do  not  understand  you.     I  do  ; 
not  remember  ever  seeing  you  before."     "  Sir,  I  am  in  your  debt : 
more  than  I  can  ever  repay  you,  for  through  your  words  I  have  ! 
been  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  Christ.     Do  you  remember  riding 
quickly  through  a  gate,  and  saying  to  the  man  who  held  it,  '  Do  j 
you  lov.j  the  Lord  Ji'sn.s  Christ?'     I  am  that  man  ;  but  then  I; 
had  never  heard  of  Christ.     Your  words  sunk  into  my  heart,  and  ' 
I  asked  every  one  I  met  with  if  they  could  tell  rue  who  Jesus 
Christ  was.  and  why  I  should  love"  Him.     At  last  I  found  a  pious 
negro  woman,  and  she  told  me  all  you  had  taught  her.   And  now  I : 
am  a  Christian."    Thus  did  God  bless  the  missionary's  words.        | 

25,  26.  (2.5)  there  is,  etc.,  ch.  xiv.  12.  (26)  laboureth,  lit. 
"the  desire  of  him  that  laboureth,"  helps  him  in  his  work, 
mouth,  etc.,  lit.  "  hcndeth  over  him."  The  necessity  of  satisfying 
his  ai:ipetite  urges  him  to  work." 

Erroncoitg  virivs  of  religion  refuted  (v.  2.5). — T.  Some  of  the 
•ways  that  seem  right.  1.  The  way  of  gay  licentiousness  :  2.  Of 
proud  unbelief  ;  3.  Of  cold  formality.  II.  Contemplate  the  state 
of  those  who  walk  in  those  ways,  and  consider  the  end.* 

The  narrow  nroj  (r.  25). — Al  Sirat  is  a  bridge  extending  from 
this  world  to  the  next,  over  the  abyss  of  hell,  which  must  be 
passed  by  every  one  who  would  enter  the  Mohammedan  paradise. 
It  is  veiy  narrow  ;  the  breadth  being  less  than  the  thread  of  a 
famished  spider,  according  to  some  writers  :  others  compare  it  to 
the  edge  of  a  sword,  or  of  a  razor.  The  deceased  cross  with  a 
rapidity  proportioned  to  their  virtue.  Some  pass  with  the  rapi- 
dity of  lightning  ;  others  with  the  speed  of  a  horse  at  full  gallop ; 


a  Miller, 
b  Slf}nsa>id  Twifjs. 
'i'o  know  really 
how  to  be  liappy, 
and  how  usefully 
to  employ  the 
little  time  that 
we  have  before 
us,  is  all  that  we 
need  know.  To 
divide  our  time 
well  between 
sleep  and  sleep, 
and  nob  to  at- 
tempt to  do  too 
much— this  is  the 
only  way  to  do 
anything  really 
well.  We  may  be 
content  to  be 
ignorant  of 
otlier  people's 
thoughts,  but  it 
will  not  do  to  be 
iguoran  fc  of  our 
own  ;  and  yet  too 
many  of  us  are 
so.  What  really 
concerns  us  we 
often  throw 
aside,  and  hunt 
merely  after  that 
which,  when 
achieved,  can  do 
us  little  or  no 
good. 

The  older  a  wise 
man  gets,  the 
wiser  he  grows ; 
the  fool,  when  he 
ages,  becomes  an 
old  fool. 


a  Ecc.  vi.  7 ;  2  Th. 
iii.  10—12. 

"The  animal  soul 
as  distineruished 
fr  the  higher  in- 
tellectual, moral, 
and  religious  na- 
ture, feels  the 
pressure  of  life's 
necessities  and 
impels  to  efforts 
for  their  relief." 
-  0.  Ziickler. 

b  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

"  Sluggish  idle- 
ness—the nurse 
of  sin." — S^eiuxr. 


164 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap  xvl.  27— 33t 


c  Wheeler. 


a  Heb.  nfrrfnn,  fr. 
nanig,  to  roll  one- 
self quickly,  to 
speak  fast,  to 
prate  and  babbie. 

"  There  is  no- 
thing so  well 
mean  t,  but  it 
may  be  ill-inter- 
preted." —  Zip. 
J'alrici. 

b  "  The  physiofj- 
nomy  of  the  slan- 
derer, the  man  of 
Belial,— the  hal/- 
closed  eyes  that 
never  look  you 
straight  in  the 
face,  the  restless- 
ness or  cunninpr 
of  wh.  biting  the 
lips  is  tlie  surest 
indication." — 
Spi.  Cum. 

c  Dr.  Ifwrnas. 

d  Horace, 


a  Pr.  iv.  10,  18, 
XX.  29. 

"  As  ripe  fruit  Is 
sweeter  than 
green  fruit,  so  i  < 
age  sweeter  than 
youth;  provide^' 
the  j'ou'h  were 
grafted  into 
Christ."  "A>? 
harvest-time  is  >> 
brighter  tim>- 
than  seed-tiut 
so  is  age  brighter 
than  youth ;  thar. 
Is,  if  youth  won' 
a  seed-time  lo- 
good."  "  As  the 
completion  of  a 
■work  is  mori' 
glorious  than  ;li': 
beginning,  so  il* 
age  more  gloriou:> 
than  youtli ;  that. 
is,  if  the  founda- 
tion of  the  work 
of  God  n-ere  laid 
inj-fmth." — Piils- 
ford's  Quiet 
Hours. 


a  Mat.  V.  5. 

b  Pr.  xxi.  14. 

"  Lamentation  is 
the  only  musi- 
cian that  always, 


others  still  slower,  on  account  of  the  weight  of  their  sins  ;  and 
many  fall  down  from  it,  and  are  precipitated  into  heU.* 

27—30.  ('27)  di^geth,  etc.,  shovels  out  evil.  ♦He  does  noli 

work  to  satisfy  huuger,  but  toils  hanl  at  mischief  and  wickedness. 

'  "  Digs  uu  evil    pit   for    others  to  fall  into,"   Ps.   vii.    15.      (28) 

.  frowaru,  Pr.  vi.  14.     strife,  one  feature  of  the  evil  at  wh.  he 

'  works.      w.liisperer,<»  or  backbiter :   one  who  sug^'ests,  rather 

than  states,  evil  thing-s.      A   prater,  talebearer,     aeparatetll, 

I  alienateth.  divideth,  makes  misunderstamliug-s  between,     chief 

friends,  those  in  closest  intimacy.     (2'.t)  violent  man,  or  man 

of  mischief,  ch.  iii.  31,  marg.     (30)  shuttsth,  etc.,  as  ch.  vi. 

12— H.'' 

Mischievous  men  (rr.  27 — 30). — I.  He  searches  after  evil.  1. 
Time  buries  the  grievances  of  men  ;  2.  The  mischievous  man  ia 
an  explorer  of  those  tombs.  II.  He  is  inspu-ed  by  evil.  III.  He 
propagates  evil.  1.  He  produceth  social  strife  by  insinuations ; 
2.  He  leadeth  astray  by  enticements  ;  3.  He  pursues  his  designs 
by  deliberation." 
The  baclibiter. — 

He  that  shall  rail  against  his  absent  friends, 

Or  hears  them  scandalised,  and  not  defends, 

Sports  with  their  fame,  and  speaks  whate'er  he  can, 

And  only  to  be  thought  a  witty  man, 

Tells  tales,  and  brings  his  friends  in  disesteem, 

That  man's  a  knave — be  sure  beware  of  him."* 

31.  if,  this  word  should  be  omitted."  Old  people,  if  they 
would  preserve  their  honour,  must  preserve  their  integrity. 
"  Grace  is  the  glory  of  old  age." 

'The  old  man's  cnnvn  (c.  31). — I.  Old  age  is  attractive,  because — • 
1.  Rare;  2.  Suggestive;  3.  But  is  not  always  beautiful.  We 
have  here  two  characteristics  of  an  honourable  old  age.  (1)  The 
course,  "way  of  righteousness;"  (2)  A  difficult  path  to  enter; 
(3)  To  keep  when  entered.  II.  The  old  man's  crown.  1.  A  word 
on  ancient  crowns^ the  rescuer's,  the  civic,  the  mural,  emblemati- 
cal, triumphal,  funeral  crowns  ;  the  old  man's  crown  combines 
them  all.  Learn — (1)  What  an  admonition  for  youth  I  (2)  How 
should  we  reverence  old  age  I 

Godliness  makes  the  grci/  hairs  of  age  heaiitiful. — "  Tlie  hoary 
head  is  a  crown  of  glory,  if  it  be  found  in  the  way  of  righteous- 
ness." Age  invests  many  things  vdila.  peculiar  attractiveness. 
An  aged  oak,  gnarled,  wide-spreading,  lichen-covered  ;  an  ancient 
castle,  weather-worn  and  storm-swept,  moss-grown  and  ivy-clad — 
both  are  exceedingly  beautiful  ;  but  of  all  the  attractive  pictures 
old  Time  can  draw,  no  sight  is  so  beautiful  as  the  silver  locks 
and  radiant  features  of  godly  and  joyous  old  age — an  aged  sire,  a 
venerable  mother  seated  in  "  the  old  arm-chair,"  looking  placidly 
back  along  the  line  of  trodden  years,  looking  hopefully  forward 
across  the  bright  borders  of  the  Beulah-land,  to  catch  a  glimpse 
of  the  jasper  walls  which  belt  the  city  of  the  saints. 

32,  33.  (32)  slow  to  anger,  not  easily  roused  :  ch.  xiv.  17, 
29.  ruleth,  etc.,"  hefe  meaning  the  temper,  the  passionate 
movement  and  excitement  of  the  spirit.  "That  is  the  noblest; 
victory  wh.  we  obtain  over  ourselves."  (33)  lap,  or  foid  of  tho 
garment :    sometimes  called  the  Oosoui.''    disposing,   ftc,  tha 


Cap.  xvii.  I.] 


PROVERBS. 


155 


final  decision ;  the  result  of  drawing-.'  The  events  that  seem 
most  fortuitous  are  really  ordered  by  God. 

Sdf-conqvcst  (v.  32). — I.  Why  is  the  heart's  conquest  greater 
than  that  of  a  city  ?  1 .  Because  the  enemy  is  more  powerful ;  2. 
The  conflict  is  more  difficult ;  3.  The  victory  is  more  noble  ;  4. 
The  prize  is  more  glorious.  —  Moi'al  lieroixni  (v.  32). — I.  The 
enemy.  1.  Our  impulses  ;  2.  Habits  :  3.  Prejudices  ;  4.  Interests. 
II.  The  conquest.  1.  Assault  is  impossible  ;  2.  Strategy  is  un- 
availing;  3.  Fame  is  not  to  be  won.  III.  The  results.  1.  A 
noble  victory,  perfection  of  humanity  ;  2.  A  blessed  peace,  con- 
ecience  delicate  and  tranquil.'' 

Casting  lots. — The  Greeks  and  Romans  in  doing  this  put  into  a 
vessel  (very  frequently  into  a  helmet)  the  different  lots  marked 
with  the  names  of  the  persons.  This  Was  violently  shaken  by 
one  who  turned  away  his  face,  then  whosoever's  lot  first  leaped 
out  and  fell  on  the  ground  was  the  person  chosen.  Amongst  the 
plans  adopted  by  the  Jews,  a  similar  mode  was  sometimes  used. 
"  The  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap,"  that  is  to  say,  into  the  boscm  or 
midst  of  the  vessel  or  urn. 


CHAPTER  THE  SEVENTEENTH. 

1.  better,  or  sweeter,  dry  morsel,  i.e.  a  dry  piece  of  bread, 
without  any  wine,  or  vinegar,  to  take  with  it."^  quietness, 
freedom  from  quarrelling.*  sacrifices,  prob.  not  used  in  relig. 
sense,  but  meaning  "sacrificed  or  slaughtered  animals  :"  "good 
cheer:"  sumptuous  meals.  "A  house  full  of  sacrifices  is  one 
abounding  in  sumptuous  feasts."' 

Fainihj  scenes  (vv.  1,  2). — We  have  here  three  things  which  are 
often  found  in  household  life.  I.  A  discontented  temper.  II.  A 
worthless  son.  III.  A  valuable  servant.  1.  A  well-tried  servant 
gets  moral  influence  in  a  hou.se  :  2.  And  sometimes  shares  the 
fortunes  of  the  house.  Learn — CI)  That  the  temper  of  a  man's 
soul  is  more  important  to  him  than  his  temporal  condition  ;  (2) 
That  the  power  of  character  is  superior  to  the  power  of  station."* 

Faiiiili/  vii'-.s/iij). — -Philip  Henry  was  most  exemplary  in  his 
practice  of  family  devotiou.  Besides  the  regular  plan  of  reading 
and  expounding  the  Scriptures,  morning  and  evening,  he  used 
strongly  to  recommend  singing  :  saying  that  it  was  a  way  of 
exhibiting  godliness,  like  Rahab's  scarlet}  thread,  to  such  as  pass 
by  our  windows.  His  children  and  servants  used  to  take  notes  of 
his  expositions  :  and  the  foundation  of  Matthew  Henrj^'s  Com- 
ment art/  was  laid  from  these  notes.  Besides  this,  on  Thursday 
evening,  instead  of  reading,  he  used  to  catechise  his  children  and 
servants  upon  the  Assembly's  Catechism,  with  the  proofs,  or  some- 
times in  a  smaller  catechism  ;  or  else  they  read,  and  he  examined 
them  in  some  other  useful  book,  as  Mr.  Poole's  Dialogues  againM 
the  Papists ;  and  on  Saturday  evening  they  gave  him  an  account 
of  what  they  could  rememlier  of  the  chapters  they  had  read 
through  during  the  week,  each  a  several  part  in  order.  Besides 
this,  he  had  also  days  of  humiliation  with  his  family.  The  con- 
sequence was  that,  in  addition  to  the  blessings  resulting  to  his 
own  childi-en,  many  who  came  to  live  with  them  dated  their  first 
impressions  from  these  services,  and  gave  God  thanks  that  they 
evex  came  under  his  roof .« 


like  a  screech 
owl,  alights  and 
sits  oil  the  roof 
of  an  angry 
man." — Rlularch. 

'■  "We  are  wont  to 
call  the  doubled 
or  folded  front  of 
tlie  dress  the  lap." 
—  0.  Zockler. 

c  '•  How  sweetly 
doth  God  dispose 
of  all  second 
causes,  tliat  while 
they  do  their  own 
will  they  do  His." 
—Bp.  Hall. 

Mat.  X.  29,  30. 

d  W.  W.  Whytht. 


a  Pr.  xv.  17;  1 

Ti.  vi.  6. 

6  "  There  may  ba 
peace  and  quiet- 
ness where  there 
are  not  three 
meals  a  day,  pro- 
vided there  be  a 
joint  satisfaction 
in  God's  provi- 
dence, and  a  mu- 
tual satisfaction 
in  each  other's 
prudence."— J/a/. 
Henry. 

c  Spk.  Com. 

d  Dr. Thomas. 

A  little  boy,  the 
child  of  irreligi- 
ous parents,  was 
visiting  in  a  mi- 
nister's family, 
entering  heartily 
into  all  the  reli- 
gious exercises. 
One  day,  his  mo- 
ther found  him 
praying,  and  said, 
"  What  are  you 
doing  ?  "  He  an- 
swered, "  0,  mam- 
ma !  we  must 
pray  all  we  caa 
while  we  are  ia 
Madison ;  'tause 
der's  no  God  i9 
Albany." 

.  Howet. 


156 


PROVERBS. 


(Cap  xvil.  2—4. 


"  The  author  of 
the  Prov,  felt 
keenly  on  this 
point,  and  fiad 
bitter  apprehen- 
sions, wh.  were 
too  fully  verified 
in  his  son's 
career." — Words- 
worih. 


b  R.  T.  S. 


"Family  worship 
served  as  an  edge 
or  border,  to  pre- 
serve the  web  of 
life  from  unravel- 
1  i  n  g."  —  Robert 
Hall. 


a  "  The   art   of 

smelting  ore,  wh. 
must  have  been 
known  to  the 
Israelites  fr.  the 
time  of  their  so- 
j  o  u  r  n  i  n  g  in 
Egypt,  but  had 
pro'iably  been 
brought  inti) 
fresh  prominence 
through  inter- 
course with  tlie 
Phoenicians  ami 
with  Sheba,  here 
becomes  a  para- 
ble."— ,Splc.  Com. 

b  P.S.  xxvi.  2  ;  .Te. 
xvii.  10  ;  Mai.  iii. 
3 ;  1  Pc.  i.  7. 

e  Dr.  Guthrie. 

"  Falseliood  is 
fire  in  stubble ; 
it  likewise  turns 
all  the  light  stuff 
around  it  into  its 
own  substance 
for  a  moment, 
one  crackling, 
blazing  moment, 
and  then  (li(«  ; 
and  all  its  con- 
tents are  scat- 
tered in  the 
wind,  without 
place  or  evidence 
of  their  exist- 
ence, as  viewless 
as  the  win  d 
which  scatters 
the  m."  —  is.  T. 
Coleridge. 


2.  wise  servant,  ch.  xiv.  35  ;  such  as  Eliezer  of  Damascus, 
Ge.  XV.  2.  have  rule,  as  Ziba,  2  Sa.  xvi.  4.  causetli  shame," 
lit.  a  degenerate,  bad,  unprofitable  son.  part  .  .  brethren,  i.e. 
from  his  place  as  slave  he  shall  rise  to  get  a  place  as  son. 

Archbi.shop  'J'inof,<ion.— There  are  soaie  children  who  are  almost 
ashamed  to  own  their  pai'onts,  because  thej  ai'e  poor,  or  in  a  low 
situation  of  life.  Wo  will  therefore  give  an  example  of  the 
contrary,  as  displayed  by  the  Dean  of  Canterbuiy,  afterwards 
Archbishop  Tillotsou.  His  father,  who  was  a  plain  Yorkshire- 
man,  perhaps  something  like  those  we  now  call  '■  Friends," 
approached  the  house  where  his  son  resided,  and  in(]uired 
whether  "John  Tillotson  was  at  home."  The  servant,  indignant 
at  what  he  thoug-ht  his  insolence,  drove  him  from  the  door  :  but 
the  dean,  who  was  within,  hearing  the  voice  of  his  father, 
instead  of  embracing  the  opportunity  afforded  him  of  going  out 
and  bringing  in  his  father  in  a  more  private  manner,  came 
running  out,  exclaiming,  in  the  presence  of  his  astonished  ser- 
vants, '•  It  is  my  beloved  father  ;"  and,  falling  down  on  his 
knees,  asked  for  his  blessing.  Obedience  and  love  to  our  parents 
is  a  very  distinct  audi  important  command  of  God,  upon  which 
He  has  promised  His  blessing  ;  and  His  promises  never  fail.* 

3.  fining  pot,"  .tee  ch.  xxvii.  21.*  The  intimation  is  that 
man's  work  of  testing  and  trying  can  only  coucem  things. 
Man's  fining  pot  is  for  metals,  he  has  no  fining  pot  for  hearts. 
God  only  has  the  power  to  prove  and  try  hearts  :  see  Ps.  cxxxix. 
23,  24. 

Trials  polish. — It  is  rough  work  that  polishes.  Look  at  the 
I^ebbles  on  the  shore  1  Far  inland,  where  some  arm  of  the  sea 
thrusts  itself  deep  into  the  bosom  of  the  land,  and,  expanding 
into  a  salt  loch,  lies  girdled  by  the  mountains,  sheltered  from 
the  storms  that  agitate  the  deep,  the  pebbles  on  the  beach  are 
rough,  not  beautiful ;  angular,  not  rounded.  It  is  where  long 
white  lines  of  breakers  roar,  and  the  rattling  shingle  is  rolled 
about  the  strand,  that  its  jiebblcs  are  rounded  and  polished.  As 
in  nature,  as  in  the  arts,  so  in  grace ;  it  is  rough  treatment  that 
gives  souls,  as  well  as  stones,  their  lustre  ;  the  more  the  diamond 
is  cut,  the  brighter  it  sparkles  ;  and  in  what  seems  hard  dealing, 
their  God  has  no  end  in  view  but  to  perfect  His  people's  graces. 
Our  Father,  and  kindest  of  fathers.  He  afflicts  not  willingly  ;  He 
sends  tribulations,  but  hear  Paul  tell  their  pui-pose  :  "  Tribulation 
worketh  patience,  patience  experience,  experience  hope."'* 

4.  "wicked  doer,  one  inwardly  con-upt.  Such  a  one  readily 
attends  to  deceit,  mischief,  and  injury  when  it  is  spoken,  a 
liar,  one  full  of  inward  insincerity  and  hypocrisy,  naughty, 
or  cahimnious  tongue.  These  men  find  food  and  pleasure  in  all 
kinds  of  wicked  discourse.  "  Those  that  take  the  liberty  to  tell 
lies  take  a  pleasure  in  hearing  them  told." 

Lying  a  .wjijum'd  apohnjufor  cvivie. — Lying  supplies  those  who 
are  addicted  to  it  with  a  "plausible  apology  for  every  crime,  and 
with  a  su]iposed  shelter  from  every  punishment.  It  tenijits  them 
to  rush  into  danger  from  the  mere  expectation  of  impunity,  and 
when  practised  with  frequent  success,  it  teaches  tliem  to  con- 
found the  gradations  of  guilt,  from  the  effects  of  which  there  is, 
in  their  imaginations  at  least,  one  sure  and  common  protection. 
It  corrupts  the  early  simplicity  of  youth ;  it  blasts  the  faii-esjll 


Cap.  xvil.  5—8.] 


PROVERBS. 


blossoms  of  genius  ;  and  wdll  most  assuredly  counteract  every 
effort  by  which  we  may  hope  to  improve  the  talents  and  mature 
the  virtues  of  those  whom  it  infects.'" 

5,  6.  (5)  niocketh,  etc.,  ch.  xiv.  ."^l.  glad  at  calamities, 
by  wh.  men  ai"e  sometimes  suddenly  made  poor.  liejoiciug-  iu 
evil  that  befalls  others  is  one  of  the  most  hateful  forms  of  sin. 
unpunished,  Hcb.  •'  held  innocent."  They  shall  surely  come 
into  the  judgments  of  God."  (6)  children's  cliildren,'' 
descendants  in  two  or  three  generations  to  continue  the  family 
name  and  estate,  fathers,  or  honoured  ancestors.  Parenis 
rejoice  in  a  virtuous  line  of  descendants  ;  childi'en  in  a  virtuous- 
ancestry. 
Loveliness  of  children. — 

I  look'd  upon  their  loveliness, 

And  sought  through  natiu-e  for  similitudes 

Of  perfect  beauty,  innocence,  and  bliss  ; 

And  fairest  imagery  around  me  thronged  ; 

Dewdrops  at  day-spring  on  a  seraph's  locks, 

Roses  that  bathe  about  the  well  of  life, 

Young  loves,  young  hopes,  dancing  on  morning's  cheek, 

Gems  leaping  in  the  coronet  of  love. 

So  beautiful,  so  full  of  life,  they  seem'd. 

As  made  entire  of  beams  of  angels  ej'es. 

Gay,  guileless,  sportive,  lovely  little  things  1 

Playing  around  the  den  of  sorrow,  clad 

In  smiles,  believing  in  their  fairy  hopes, 

And  thinking  man  and  woman  !  all  joy, 

Happy  all  day,  and  happy  all  the  night. 

Living  jewels  dropp'd  unstained  from  heaven.* 

7,  8.  (7)  excellent  speech,  Ilcb.  -a  lip  of  excellency." 
Perhaps  an  assuming,  imperious  style  of  speech.  Such  from  the 
fool  would  only  create  laughter.  It  would  be  unsuitable  : 
character  and  style  would  not  match,  lying  lips,  such  as 
could  not  be  trusted  or  relied  on.  prince,  or  noble,  priucely- 
minded.  To  such,  crafty  sly  artifices  of  speecn  are  very  unbe- 
coming. (8)  gift,  or  bribe.  The  tone  of  this  verse  is  half 
satirical,  precious  stone,  dazzling  the  eyes  of  him  that 
receives  it."  turneth,  a  well-cut  jewel  sparkles  in  every 
direction. 

Truth  rewarded.— Tieglage  was  a  celebrated  Arabian  warrior, 
but  ferocious  and  cruel.  Among  a  number  of  prisoners  whom 
he  had  condemned  to  death  was  one  who,  having  obtained  a 
moment's  audience,  said,  "  You  ought,  sir,  to  pardon  me.  because, 
when  Abdarrahman  was  cursing  you,  I  represented  to  him  that 
he  was  wrong;"  and  ever  since  that  time  I  have  lost  his  friend- 
ship." Hegiage  asked  him  if  he  had  any  witness  of  his  having 
done  this  :  and  the  soldier  mentioned  another  prisoner,  who  was 
likewise  about  to  suffer  death.  The  prisoner  was  called  and  in- 
terrogated, and,  having  confirmed  the  fact,  Hegiage  granted  the 
first  his  pardon.  He  then  asked  the  witness  if  he  had  likewise 
taken  his  part  against  Abdarrahman.  But  he,  still  respecting 
truth,  answered  that  he  had  not,  because  he  believed  it  was  not 
his  duty  to  do  so.  Hegiage.  notwithstanding  his  ferocity,  was 
struck  with  the  prisoner's  greatness  of  spirit.     "  Well,"  said  he, 


157 


a  Eze.  XXV.  6,  7. 

b  "  The  pride  and 
honour  of  t li e 
grey  -  headed  is 
llie  family  circle 
that  surrounds 
them,  or  the  ad- 
vancing series  of 
their  children, 
graa^-chDdren, 
etc."— 0.  Zockler. 

That     was     a 

beautiful  motto 
of  Tyndale,  tlie 
translator  of  tlie 
English  Bible, 
who  was  an  ear- 
nest preacher 
and  teacher — 
"  Banish  me  to 
the  poorest  cor- 
ner of  the  world 
if  jou  please,  but 
let  me  teach 
little  children 
and  preach  the 
Gospel." 

c.  Pollok. 


a  "  One  so  cor- 
riijjt  as  to  take  a 
bribe,  evinces  his 
high  estimate  of 
it  by  subjection 
to  its  intlueucc." 
—  Fans  St  t. 

Ex.  xxiii.  8;  Pr. 
xviii.  16,  xix.  6. 
V.    7.     T.    Ilalli- 
day,  i. 


The  heights  of 
Mount  Taurus 
are  infested  by 
eagles,  who  prey 
upon  any  cranes 
that  may  fly  near 
the  m .  W  h  e  n 
flying,  tlie  crane 
keeps  up  a  con- 
stant cackle. 
This  noise  brings 
the  eagles  down 
upon  them.  It  is 
said  that  the 
older  cranes, 
sensible  of  their 
weakness,  before 
they  Ventura 
upon  a  flight. 


168 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xvli.  0— la. 


take  a  stoue  in  after  a  moment's  pause,  "  suppose  I  were  to  grant  you  life  and 
lar'^e  c")ou^'h'to  li'^erty,  should  you  still  he  my  enemy?"  '-No."  said  tho 
enforce  silence.  prisoner.  "That's  enough,"  said  Hegiage ;  "your  bare  woi"d  is 
suflQcient :  you  have  given  undoubted  proof  of  your  love  for 
truth.  Go.  preserve  the  life  that  is  less  dear  to  you  than  honour 
and  sincerity  :  your  liberty  is  the  just  rewai'd  of  youi-  virtue." 


a  "  The  warnincr 
Is  directed 
against  the  ten- 
dency w  li  i  c  h 
leads  a  iian  to 
dwell  viit>i  L-ri- 
tating  iteration 
on  a  past  offence, 
instead  of  bury- 
i!]g  it  in  obii- 
viou,"-/S^t.  Com. 


1  Ti.  V.  13. 


t'.  9.   T.  Knotcles, 
L253. 


"As  empty  ves- 
sels make  the 
loudest  sound,  so 
they  that  have 
the  least  wit  are 
the  greatest  bab- 
blers."—i'ta^o. 


b  J.  B.  Owen. 

a  "  There  are 
some  that  are  ac- 
tuated by  a. spirit 
of  opposition, 
that  will  contra- 
dict for  contra- 
diction sake,  that 
will  go  on  fro- 
wardly  in  thuir 
wicked  ways  in 
Bpite  of  all  re- 
strain t  and 
check,"  —  Mat. 
Henry. 

6  1  KL  ii.  29—34. 

V.  11.  //.  Grove, 
i.  Ml ;  J.  Grose, 
i.  1-13. 

C.    J.     Furtvng, 

161.  j 

*'  Had  I  a  careful  i 
and  pleasant' 
companion,  that ' 
should  show  me  i 
my  angry  face  in 
a  glass,  I  should 
not  at  ail  take  it 


9,  10.  CO)  covereth,  casteth  a  veil  over  it :  is  unwilling  to 
blazon  it  abroad,  but  helps  the  sinner  to  recover  himself  from  it. 
seeketh.  love,  tries  to  act  on  the  principle  of  "  charity,"  wh. 
•hideth  a  multitude  of  bins."  repeatetll,  etc.,  talks  about  it ; 
spreads  evil  report."  separateth,  etc.,  comp.  ch.  xvi.  28.  (10) 
reproof,  wh.  is  correction  by  counsel,  enteretli,  IJcb. 
"  aweth  ;"  has  a  more  gracious  and  humbling  influence  upon, 
stripes,  wh.  are  correction  by  blows  and  bodily  sufferings. 

The  fah'heari'v. — In  the  common  form  of  a  prying  disposition 
the  talebearer  incurs  the  penalty  of  no  one  trusting  him  with  a 
secret,  except  for  publication.  In  this  case  they  use  him  for  a 
live  advertisement,  like  the  bill-can-iers  in  the  streets,  with 
wliom  he  only  differs  in  the  fact  that  they  carry  their  bills 
openly  and  "  above  board,"  and  he  secretly,  and  like  a  spaniel, 
between  his  teeth.  Every  social  circle  has  some  such  amateur 
gazette,  who  lives,  like  a  soldiers  dog,  on  the  bits  and  scraps  he 
picks  up  in  the  barracks,  and  whose  office  it  is  to  fetch  and  carry 
for  every  man  in  the  regiment.  Thus  it  is  no  such  honourable 
ppst,  nor  half  so  innocent,  as  its  animal  prototype.  The  poor 
dog,  at  least,  wags  no  man's  tail  but  his  own  :  but  the  biped 
talebearer  is  a  mischievous  wag  with  other  i^eople's.  Whether 
hi*  motive  be  gossiping  or  malevolence,  it  is  equally  annoying 
and  destructive  of  social  peace  and  confidence.  "  The  words  of  a 
talebearer,"  said  the  Proverb,  "  are  as  wounds,  and  they  go  down 
into  the  innermost  j)arts."* 

11,  12.  (11)  evil  man,  or  a  contumacious  person."  re- 
bellion, is  always  on  the  outlook  for  opportunity  of  making 
disturbance,  cruel  messenger,*  one  sent  to  put  him  out  of 
the  way  of  making  trouble.  "  The  kings  officer  sent  to  punish 
him."  (12)  bear  .  .  whelps,  the  strongest  type  of  brute 
ferocity,     in  bis  folly,  i.e.  in  one  of  his  paroxysms  of  folly. 

A'otc  on  V.  12. — The  furious  passions  of  the  female  bear  never 
mount  so  lugh,  nor  burn  so  fiercely,  as  when  she  hajjpens  to  be 
deprived  of  her  young.  When  she  returns  to  her  den,  and  misses 
the  objects  of  her  love  and  care,  she  becomes  almost  frantic  with 
rage.  Disregarding  every  consideration  of  danger  to  herself,  she 
attacks  with  intense  ferocity  every  animal  that  comes  in  her 
way,  "  and,  in  the  bitterness  of  her  heart,  will  dare  to  attack 
even  a  band  of  armed  men."  The  Russians  of  Kamschatka 
never  venture  to  fire  on  a  young  bear  when  the  mother  is  near  ; 
for  if  the  cub  drop,  she  becomes  enraged  to  a  degree  little  short 
of  madness  ;  and  if  she  get  sight  of  the  enemy,  will  only  quit 
her  revenge  with  her  life.  "  A  more  desperate  attempt,  there- 
fore, can  scarcely  be  performed  than  to  carry  off  her  young  in 
her  absence.  The  moment  she  returns  and  misses  them  her 
passions  are  inflamed  ;  her  scent  enables  her  to  track  the 
plunderer  :  and  unless  ho  has  reached  some  place  of  safety  before 
the  infuriated  animal  overtake  him,  his  only  safety  is  in  dropping 
one  of  I  he  cubs,  and  continuing  to  flee  ;  for  the  mother,  atten- 


Cap.  xvii.  13-16,1 


PROVERBS. 


159 


ill.  Some  aro 
wont  to  liavc  a 
looking-  K'iiss 
liel.l  to  the  lu 
while  they  wash, 
though  to  little 
purpo.se  ;  but  to 
beliokl  a  man's 
self  so  unnatu- 
rally disguised 
ami  disordered, 
will  conduce  not 
a  little  to  the  im- 
peachment  of 
anger, "  —  Plu- 
tarch, 


tive  to  its  safety,  carries  it  home  to  her  den  before  she  renews 
the  pursuit.'  The  frantic  ragre  of  the  female  bear  when  she  has 
lost  her  young  gives  wonderful  energy  to  the  ^jroverb  of  Solomon  : 
'•  Let  a  b^ar  robbed  of  her  whelps  meet  a  man,  rather  than  a  fool 
in  his  folly."  Dreadful  as  it  is  to  meet  a  bear  in  such  circum- 
Btances,  it  is  yet  more  dangerous  to  meet  a  "  fool  in  his  folly,"  a 
furious  and  revengeful  man,  under  the  influence  of  his  im- 
petuous passions,  and  his  heart  determined  on  their  immediate 
gratification>  Naturally  stubborn  and  cruel  as  the  bear,  and 
equally  devoted  to  his  htsts  as  she  is  to  her  young,  he  pursues 
them  with  equal  fury  and  eagerness.  It  is  poesible  to  escape  the 
vengeance  of  a  bereaved  bear  by  surrendering  part  of  the  litter, 
and  diverting  part  of  her  pursuit ;  but  no  consideration  of 
interest  or  duty,  no  partial  gratifications,  can  arrest  his  furious 
career,  or  divert  his  attention.  Reason,  degraded  and  enslaved, 
lends  all  her  remaining  wisdom  and  energy  to  passion,  and 
reuders  the  fool  more  cruel  and  mischievous  than  the  bear,  in 
proportion  as  she  is  superior  to  instinct." 

13,  14.  (13)  evil  for  good,"  evil  in  the  sense  of  injury. 
evil  .  .  house,  evil  in  the  sense  of  misfortune.  '"The  punish- 
ments of  ingratitude  descend  to  a  man's  posterity."*  (14) 
letteth  out  water,  easy  to  let  out,  very  difficult  to  restrain 
when  onee  loo.sened."^  meddled  witll,  before  it  waxes  warm.'' 
Before  it  shows  its  teeth." 

hnivaiitndt'. — Humphrey  Eannister  and  his  father  were  both 
servants  to  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  and  had  been  born  in  his 
house,  and  brought  up  by  him  ;  and  when  the  duke  was  put  to 
flight  by  an  unfortunate  accident  befalling  the  army  which  he 
had  raised  against  the  usuqier,  Richard  111,  he,  without  footman 
or  page,  retired  to  Bannister's  house,  nea"  Shrewsbury,  as  to  a 
place  where  he  had  every  reason  in  the  world  to  look  for  security. 
Bauuister,  however,  upon  Richard's  proclamation  promi.sing  one 
thousand  pounds  reward  to  him  that  should  apprehend  the  duke, 
betrayed  his  master  to  John  Merton.  High  Sheriff  of  Shropshire, 
who  sent  his  grace  under  a  strong  guard  to  Salisbury,  where 
Richard  then  was.  and  there,  in  the  market-place,  the  unfor- 
tunute  duke  was  beheaded  to  satiate  the  malice  of  the  monarch. 
But  Divine  vengeance  pursued  this  traitor.  Bannister ;  for 
demanding  the  reward  that  was  the  price  of  his  master's  blood, 
the  king  forgetting  that  we  onght  to  keep  faith  even  with  a 
bad  man.  refused  to  pay  the  thousand  pounds,  saying,  "  He  that 
would  be  false  to  so  good  a  master  ought  not  to  be  encouraged." 
Troubles  followed  rapidly  upon  this  ungrateful  man.  Bannister's 
eldest  sou  ran  mad,  and  died  in  a  hogsty  ;  his  second  son  became 
deformed  and  lame  :  his  Ihirdson  was  drowned  in  a  small  puddle 
of  water  ;  his  eldest  daughter  was  grievously  injured  for  life  by 
one  of  his  carters  :  and  his  second  was  seized  with  a  leprosy, 
whereof  she  died  :  and  to  complete  these  dreadful  visitations, ' 
Bannister  himself  was  hanged  for  manslaughter./  I 

15,  16.   (1.5)  justifieth,"  etc.,  he  who  treats  the  unjust  as '  a /»s'i7'/, a  foren- 
though  he  were  just,  and  the  just  as  though  he  were  unjust.     So   ?i<=^  t!^™'..fl';,'^°I 

confusing  Tuoral  relations,     abomination,  or  abhorrence.  '      ' " 

price,  or  wealth.     Render.  '•  AVhy  is  there  a  price  in  the  hand  of  quit." 

n  fool .'     Is  it  to  !>'ct  wisdom  when  he  has  no  hoarb  for  it .'  '  *  j  ..  \\t,j^,  j,,  |,p  ^g 

I'lUHcU    1. — Chabot,  a  distinguished  admiral  in  the  reign  of   it  were,  sent  iiic« 


:  a  Comp.  Ro.  tA\. 
17;  1  Th.  V.  15; 
1  1  Pe.  iii.  9. 

"  To  render  good 
I  for  evil  is  Divine ; 

good  for  good  13 

human  ;  evil  for 
I  evil  is  brutish  ; 
I  evil  for  good  is 
i  d  e  V  i  1  i  s  h."  — 

Bridges. 

I  6  NicholU. 

I  e"He  who  begins 
strife  is  like  him 
that  tears  away 
the  dam  fr.  the 
w&ters."— Luther. 

d  Gesenius. 

e  Ilitzig. 

V.  13.  IT.  Jay,  vl. 
SOG;  F.  Eiwin,  i. 
22. 

vv.  13,  14.    Dr.  J. 

I'alerson,  391. 

"  One  year  of  love 
would  do  more 
towards  setting 
us  mutually 
riglit,  when  we 
are  wrong,  than 
a  millennium  of 
wr>uc:\iug."—Dr. 
Jltusi  \. 

f  The  Quiver. 


^       '^    ripliteuus,  to  ac- 


160 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xvii.  17,  la. 


the  market  with  I  Francis  I.,  of  France,  fell  under  the  displeasure  of  his  sovereiofii, 
fn  )w"'^!!n,T^f'Z '  who  issued  a  commission  to  the  Chancellor  Poyet,  and  other 
buying  wisdom,  judges,  to  bring-  the  admiral  to  trial,  on  an  ludictinent  prererred 
ami  liis  lieart  is  against  him  by  the  royal  advocate.  The  chancellor  was  a  mau 
not  si;t  on  tlie  q^  unlimited  ambition,  and  hoping  to  pipage  the  king  by  con- 
Wordsworth.  demning  the  admiral,  .seduced  .some  of  the  judges  by  promises, 

and  others  by  threats,  to  join  him  in  his  deci.-sinn.  Though 
nothing  could  be  proved  against  the  admiral,  yet  the  chancellor 
and  judges  decreed  the  confiscation  of  his  estate,  dismissal  from 
all  his  oftices,  and  imprisonment.  The  king  learning  of  the  arti- 
fice by  which  such  a  judgment  had  been  obtained  against  the 
admiral,  instantly  restored  him  to  his  estate  and  his  liberty,  and 
caused  the  chancellor  to  be  degraded.* 


e  Percy  Anee. 


a  In  adversity  he 
becomes  a  bro- 
ther. 

b  Ft.  vi.  1—5,  xi. 
15. 

c  fSl tidies  for  the 
Pulpit. 

d  Robert*. 

"Wiien  a  limited 
deerruns  lor  safe-  I 
guard  amongst  I 
the  rest    of    the  i 
herd,    they    wih  [ 
not    admit    him  i 
into    tlieir    com-  I 
pan}',    but    beat  j 
him     off     wit  h  j 
their  horns,   out 
of    principles    of 
self-jireservation. 
So  iiard  it  is  in  ] 
man  or  beast  in  ' 
misery  to  find  a  j 
faitliful    friend." 
—Fuller. 

"  True  f  ri  ends  I 
visit  us  in  pro-  j 
sperity  only  vvlieii  ■ 
invited,  but  in  | 
adversity  tliey  \ 
come  without ! 
invitation." —  j 

"  Friendsliip  is 
the  only  tiling 
in  the  w  or  Id  | 
concerning  use-  i 
fulues.s  in  whicli  j 
all  mankind  are  i 
agreed." — Cicero. 

"  Reproach,      or  | 
mute   di>igust,  is  I 
the    reward    of : 
candid    friend-  I 
shi  p,  that  diS' 
dains  to  hide  un^ 
palatable  truth.' 
— &twUet. 


17,  18.  (17)  friend,  etc.,  ch.  xviii.  2i.  a  brother,  better,  he 
is  a  brother,  more  than  a  friend,  in  the  time  of  a^lversity.<»  boru 
for,  the  time  of  adversity  brings  him  out  and  shows  him  at  hia 
best.  (18)  striketh  hands,  in  making  bargains,  without  duly 
weighing  the  responsibilities  under  wh.  he  comes,  in  . .  friend, 
in  opposition  to  his  advice.* 

A  brother's  hiffhc.it  use  (v.  17). — I.  Adversity  is  the  common  lot 
of  brotherhood.  II.  The  ties  of  brotherhood  are  formed  for 
adversity.  III.  Adversity  tends  to  sanctify  the  intercourse  of  the 
brotherhood.  IV.  In  adversity  we  are  led  to  know,  in  an  especial 
manner,  the  presence  of  the  Elder  Brother  with  the  brotherhood. 
V.  It  is  by  adversity  that  the  whole  brotherhood  are  gathered  at 
last  into  our  Father's  house  above." 

SuretijsJiip. — The  Hindoo  proverb  says,  "  He  who  stands  before 
may  have  to  pay."  This,  therefore,  is  the  idea  of  a  surety.  He 
stands  before  the  debtor,  and  covenants  with  the  creditor  for  the 
payment  of  the  money  ;  he.  therefore,  who  stands  before,  is 
literally  betwixt  the  contending  parties.  In  this  respect  ''  waa 
Jesus  made  a  surety  '  for  us  ;  He  stood  before  and  between,  and 
thus  became  our  Mesltcs,  or  ■'  Mediator."  The  melancholy  in- 
stances of  ruin,  in  consequence  of  becoming  surety  for  others,  are 
exceedingly  numerous  in  the  East.  Against  this  they  have  many 
proverbs  and  fearful  examples  ;  but  nothing  seems  to  imparl; 
wisdom.  Nearly  all  the  Government  monopolies,  both  amongst 
native  and  European  rulers,  are  let  to  the  highest  bidders  :  thus, 
the  privilege  of  searching  for  precious  stones  in  certain  districts, 
of  taking  up  the  chiar  root,  salt-rents,  and  the  fishing  for  chaiiks 
or  pearls,  are  severally  confined  to  those  who  pay  a  fixed  sum  to 
Government.  As  the  whole  of  the  money  cannot  be  advanced 
till  a  part  of  the  produce  be  sold,  sureties  have  to  be  accounted 
for  the  amount.  But  as  men  generally  enter  into  these  specula- 
tions in  order  to  better  a  reduced  fortune,  an  extiavagant  price 
is  often  paid,  and  ruin  is  the  consequence  both  to  the  principal 
and  his  surety.  This  practice  of  suretyship,  however,  is  also 
common  in  the  most  trifling  affairs  of  life  :  I'a rccll utha-voniim, 
that  is,  "  Sign  your  name, '  is  a  request  preferred  by  every  one 
who  is  desirous  of  obtaining  additional  security  to  a  petty  agree, 
ment.  In  every  legal  court  or  magistrate's  office  may  be  seen, 
now  and  then,  a  trio  entering,  thus  to  become  iespon>ible  for  the 
engagements  of  another.  The  cause  of  all  thir  '-■nivtyship  pro- 
bably is  the  bad  faith  which  bo  commonly  piev*iia  amongst  the 
heathen."* 


Cap.  xvil.  10— 2a] 


PROVERBS. 


161 


19—21.  (19)  loveth  strife,  Jas.  i.  20.  The  quarrelsome  in- 
Tolve  themt.elves  in  guilt,  exalteth.  his  gate,"  builds  a  stately 
hoube  ;  a  sign  of  ambition  and  arrogancy.  destruction,  it  is 
as  it  he  did,  for  he  surely  makes  himself  consiicuous  to  the 
robber,  etc.  (20;  froward,  etc.,  comp.  ch.  xi.  20,  xvi.  20.  (21) 
begetteth,  etc..  ch.  x.  i. 

Banger  of  avibition. — Matthew  Henry  gives  the  general  bearing 
of  this  passage  when  he  says,  "Those  that  are  ambitious  and 
aspiring  expose  themselves  to  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  such  as 
many  times  ends  in  their  ruin.  He  that  exalteth  his  gate  builds 
a  stately  house,  at  least  a  fine  frontispiece,  that  he  may  overtop 
and  outshine  his  neighbours  :  he  seeks  his  own  destruction,  and 
takes  a  deal  of  pains  to  ruin  himself  ;  he  makes  his  gate  so  large, 
that  his  house  and  estate  go  out  at  it."  The  moral  here  suggested 
is,  that  extravagance  leads  to  ruin  ;  or,  it  may  be,  that  the  most 
humble  are  the  most  safe.  It  is  the  practice  of  the  Arabs  to  ride 
on  horseback  into  the  houses  of  those  they  intend  to  plunder, 
and  h^ce  the  doors  are  designedly  built  low  to  prevent  the  in- 
trusion. Thus  a  French  abbe,  describing  his  admission  into  a 
monastery  near  Jerusalem,  says,  '"  The  passage  is  so  low  that  it 
will  scarcely  admit  a  horse,  and  it  is  shut  by  a  gate  of  iron,  strongly 
secured  on  the  inside.  As  soon  as  we  entered,  it  was  again  made 
fast  with  various  bolts  and  bars  of  iron — a  precaution  extremely 
necessary  in  a  desert  place,  exposed  to  the  incursions  and  insolent 
attacks  of  the  Arabs."  Among  the  Persians,  too,  the  same  de- 
fensive measures  are  employed,  in  order  "  to  hinder  the  servants 
of  the  great  from  entering  it  on  horseback,  which,  when  any  act 
of  oppression  is  going  on,  they  would  make  no  scruple  to  do." 
"The  habitation  of  a  man  in  power  is  known  by  his  gate,"  says 
Morier,  "  which  is  generally  elevated  in  proportion  to  the  vanity 
of  its  owner."  Hence  we  see  that  "  he  that  exalteth  his  gate 
Bceketh  destmction." ' 

22,  23.  (22)  merry  .  .  good,"  ch.  xii.  2.5.  medicine,  or  "  pro- 
moteth  health."  broken  spirit,  broken  by  afflictions  or  con- 
6cience  of  sins,  drieth.  the  bones,  wastes  the  radical  moisture, 
exhausts  the  very  marrow.  (23)  gift,  or  bribe,  bosom,  fold 
of  dress  where  the  purse  was  kept. 

Mirth  (v.  22). — Bring  out  cheerfulness  as  the  meaning  here  of 
mirth.  Cheerfulness  is  a  symptom  of  inward  health,  as  truly  as 
bodily  alertness  is  of  outward  health.  I.  The  primary  truth  in 
this  part  of  the  philosophy  of  life  is,  that  true  cheerfulness  is  a 
concern  of  both  body  and  mind.  II.  Ina.smuch  as  the  soul  has 
the  prerogative  of  governing  the  body  there  are  numerous  happy 
cases  in  which  there  is  a  cheerful  heart  in  a  suifering  frame.  1. 
There  is  something  in  the  nature  of  malady  or  distress  which 
does  not  expend  its  power  on  the  mental  part ;  2.  Cheerfulness 
in  suffering  may  be  due  to  natural  elevation  of  spirits ;  3.  The 
only  true  source  of  genuine  cheerfulness  on  the  bed  of  sickness 
and  death  is  the  grace  of  God  in  the  soul.  III.  Since  both  body 
and  soul  are  made  for  exertion,  there  is  nothing  more  conducive 
to  cheerfulness,  the  result  of  their  joint  health,  than  fit  employ- 
ment. IV.  But  man  is  not  merely  an  intellectual,  he  is  a  moral 
being,  and  hence  heaithful  cheerfulness  requires,  as  its  indis- 
pensable condition,  a  good  conscience.  1.  Conscience  of  crime  is 
a  tormentor  ;  2.  Outside  crime  there  may  be  such  transgression 
as  may  embitter  the  conscience,  and  make  quiet  impossible  ;  3. 
VOL.  VII.     O.T.  h 


a  "  Private  houses 
were  sometimes 
built  ostentati- 
ously with  a  lofty 
gateway,  w  h. 
would  naturally 
breed  jealousy  iu 
the  neighbours, 
and  invite  the 
visits  of  the  tax- 
gatherer  ;  and  in 
a  time  when  law 
was  weak  and 
property  very  un- 
safe, might  easily 
lead  to  the  ruin 
of  its  owner." — 
S/tarpe. 

nigh  towers 
must  look  for 
lightning. 

"  Ambition,  like 
a  torrent,  ne'er 
looks  back ;  it  is 
a  swelling,  ami 
the  last  atfectinn 
a  high  mind  cau 
put  off.  It  is  a 
rebel  both  to 
soul  and  reason, 
and  enforces  all 
laws,  all  con- 
science ;  treads 
upon  religion, 
and  offers  vio- 
lence to  niiture's 
seii."-Ben  Jonson. 

b  The  Quiver. 


a  Lit.  "  A  merry 
heart  giveth  a 
happy  heating." 


In     our     mirth 

there  is  mourn- 
ing, in  our  joy 
there  is  sorrow. 
Our  false  fears 
beget  real  grief, 
though  the 
things  we  fear 
never  come  to 
pass  ;  and  as  if 
our  present 
miseries  were 
not  enough  to 
make  oiu-  lives 
miserable,  we 
torment  our- 
selves in  laying 
hold  of  those  we 
have  already  suf- 
fered, and  fear 
those  that  are  to 
come,  by  which 
means  we  many 


163 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xvil.  24-26. 


times  torment 
ourselves  before 
the  time. 

b  Dr.  J.  W.  Alrx- 
under.  New  Yorlc. 

"There  is  nothing 
like  I'lm,  is  tliure  ? 
Iliaven'L.aiiy  my- 
self, but  I  (lu  like 
it  in  others.  Oh, 
■we  need  it.  We 
need  all  the 
counterweights 
wo  can  muster  to 
balance  the  sad 
relations  of  life. 
God  has  male 
sunny  spots  in 
the  heart ;  why 
should  we  e.x- 
cliide  the  liglit 
from  them  ?  " — 
Halibai-ton. 

e  Cheever. 


"  Wicked  mirth 
never  true  plea- 
sure brings ;  but 
bouest  minds  are 
pleased  with 
honest  things." 
— lieatmioiU  and 
Fletcher. 

"  Thou  art  the 
only  comfort  of 
my  age ;  like  an 
old  tree.  1  stand 
amongst  the 
storuio ;  thou  art 
the  only  hmb 
that  I  Iiave  left 
me,  my  dear 
green  brancli ! 
and  how  I  prize 
thee,  child, 
heaven  only 
knows." — Lee. 

a  Dr.  Bushnell. 

"In  exalting  the 
faculties  of  tlie 
soul,  we  anni- 
hilate, in  a  great 
degree,  the  delu- 
B  i  o  n  of  tlie 
senses." — Aiini 
Marten. 


"To  be  perfectly 
just  is  ail  attri- 
bute of  Divine 
nature;  to  be  so 
to  the  utmost 
af  our  abilities, 


Even  in  the  narrowest  spnse  a  good  conscience  promotes  ease  of 
mind  ;  4.  There  is  no  such  thing  as  a  good  conscience,  except 
where  there  is  a  persuasion  of  acceptance  with  God,  through  the 
mediatiou  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.* 

Sir  Malthrw  Hfilc. — Another  passage  fell  out  m  one  of  his 
circuits,  which  was  somewhat  censured  as  an  affection  of  un- 
reasonable strictness  :  but  it  fiowed  from  the  exactness  of  the 
rules  he  had  set  himself.     A  gentleman  had  sent  him  a  buck  for 
his  table  that  had  a  trial  at  the  assizes  ;  so,  when  he  heard  his 
namo.  he  asked  "  if  he  was  not  the  same  person  that  had  sent 
him  venison."     And  finding  that  he  was  the  same,  he  told  him 
"  he  could  not  sul?er  the  trial  to  go  on  till  he  had  paid  him  for  his 
buck."     To  which  the  gentleman  answered,  "  that  he  never  sold 
'  his  venison,  and  that  he  had  done  nothing  to  him  which  he  did 
I  not  do  to  every  judge  that  had  gone  tlitit  circuit."  which  was 
j  confirmed  by  several  gentlemen  then  pres  'ut ;  but  all  would  not 
do,  for  the  Lord  (Jhief  Baron  had  learned  from  Solomon  that  "  a 
I  gift  pervei'teih  the  ways  of  judgment,"  and  therefore  he  would 
not  stiffer  the  trial  to  go  on  till  he  had  paid  for  the  present ;  upon 
which  the  gentleman  withdrew  the  record.     And  at  Salisbuiy, 
the  dean  and  chapter  having,  according  to  custom,  presented  him 
with  six  sugar  loaves  in  his  circuit,  he  made  his  servants  pay  for 
the  sugar  before  he  would  try  their  cause.* 

24,  25.  (24)  before,  i.e.  m  the  sight  ot ;  in  the  presence  of. 
understanding",  i.e.  the  disceruiug  man.  ends  .  .  earth, 
waiidfriiv^  anywhere  ;  not  directlj'  apjilied  to  the  matter  in  hand. 
He  thinks  of  everything  but  that  with  wh.  lie  is  immediately 
concerned.     (2.'))  grief,  or  cross,  vexation,  see  v.  21. 

Authiir'itij  (if  paroif.'i. — It  is  a  great  mistake  to  suppo.se  that 
what  will  make  a  child  stare,  or  tremble,  impresses  more  autho- 
rity. The  violent  emphasis  the  hard,  stormy  voice,  the  menauing 
air,  only  weakens  aubhoiitj'  ;  it  commands  a  good  thmg  as  if  it 
were  only  a  bad,  aud  ht  to  be  no  way  impressed,  save  by  some 
stress  of  assumption.  Let  the  command  be  always  given  quietly, 
as  if  it  had  some  right  in  itself  aud  could  utter  itself  to  the  con- 
science by  some  emphasis  of  its  own.  Is  it  not  well  understood 
that  a  bawling  and  violent  teamster  has  no  real  government  of 
his  team  .'  Is  it  not  practically  seen  that  a  skilful  commander  of 
one  of  those  huge  floating  cities,  moved  by  steam  on  our  American 
waters,  manages  and  works  every  motion  by  the  waving  of  a  hand, 
or  by  signs  that  pass  in  silence — issuing  no  order  at  all,  savi?  in 
the  gentlest  undertone  of  voice  ?  So  when  there  is,  or  is  to  be,  a 
real  order  and  law  in  the  house,  it  will  come  of  no  hard  and 
boisterous,   or   fretful    and    termagant  way   of    commandment. 

!  Gentleness  will  speak  the  word  of  firmness,  and  firmness  will  be 

j  clothed  in  the  airs  of  true  gentleness." 

26.  for  equity,  better  read,  "  is  not  equity."  To  strike  one 
!  who  is  noble  is  against  right.  It  may,  however,  mean  to  strike  a 
j  prince  for  judging  right. 

Qiircii  EHziihith.  —  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  observes  of  Queen 
I  Elizabeth,  that  she  would  set  the  reason  of  her  meanest  subjects 
I  against  the  authority  of  her  greatest  counsellors.  By  this  means 
i  she  raised  the  ordinary  customs  of  London  about  fifty  thousand 
I  pounds  a  year,  without  any  additional  impost.  When  Lord 
I  Burleigh,  the  Earl  of  Leicester,  aud  Secretary  Waleiugham  had 


Cap.  xvii!.  1.1 


PROVERBS. 


163 


set  themselves  so  much  against  a  poor  waiter  of  the  Custom-house- 
called  Card  warder,  as  to  command  the  grooms  of  the  chamber  to 
refuse  him  admission  to  the  queen,  she  sent  for  him,  and  listened 
to  his  petition  and  advice.  It  was  in  vain  that  her  ministers  told 
her  she  disgraced  them,  and  lessened  her  own  dignity,  by  giving 
ear  to  the  complaints  of  busy  meddlers.  She  used  to  say,  that  if 
men  should  complain  unjustly  against  her  ministers,  she  knew 
well  enough  how  to  punish  them  ;  but  if  they  had  reason  for  the 
complaint  they  offered  her,  she  was  queen  of  all,  the  small  as 
well  as  the  great,  and  would  not  suffer  herself  to  be  besieged  by 
servants,  who  could  have  no  motive  for  wishing  it,  but  their 
interest  in  the  oppression  of  others." 

27,  28.  (27)  spareth,  does  not  give  them  forth  too  freely." 
excellent,  or  cuol  spirit ;  calm,  not  excited  to  vain  conversation. 
(28)  holdeth  his  peace,  does  not  utter  and  show  what  is  in 
him,  may  pass  for  a  wise  man.  Silence  is  good.*  The  man  who 
Bays  little  may  learn  much.  The  man  who  is  constantly  talking 
learns  little. 

Umall  talhing. — 

The  circle  formed,  we  sit  in  silent  state. 

Like  figures  drawn  upon  a  dial  plate  : 

Yes.  ma'am,  and  no.  ma'am,  uttered  softly  show 

Every  five  minutes,  how  the  minutes  go  : 

Each  individual  suS'eriug  a  constraint. 

Poetry  may.  but  coloui's  cannot  paint ; 

As  if  in  close  committee  on  the  sky, 

Reports  it  hot  or  cold,  or  wet  or  dry  ; 

And  finds  a  changing  clime  a  happy  source 

Of  wise  reflection,  and  well-timed  discourse. 

We  next  inquire,  but  softly,  and  by  stealth. 

Like  conservators  of  the  public  health. 

Of  epidemic  throats,  if  such  there  are, 

And  coughs  and  rheums,  and  phthisic  and  catarrh. 

That  theme  exhausted,  a  wide  chasm  ensues, 

Filled  up  at  last  with  interesting  news, 

Who  danced  with  whom,  and  who  are  like  to  wed, 

And  who  is  hanged,  and  who  is  brought  to  bed  ; 

But  fear  to  call  a  more  important  cause. 

As  if  'twere  treason  ag'ainst  English  laws. 

The  visit  paid,  with  ecstasy  we  come. 

As  from  a  seven  years'  tranj5portation,  home, 

And  there  resume  an  unembarrassed  brow, 

Recovering  what  we  lost  we  know  not  how, 

The  facilities  that  s^emfd  reduced  to  nought, 

Expression  and  the  privilege  of  thought.* 


CHAPTER  THE  EIGHTEENTH. 

1.  through  .  .  -wisdom,  the  marg.  gives  a  dif.  turn  to  thi.- 
passage.  "  He  that  separateth  himself  seeketh  according  to  his 
desire,  and  rushes  forward  against  all  wise  counsel."  The  idea 
of  the  orig.  may  be  thus  interpreted  :  "  Through  self-love  a  man, 
having  separated  himself,  seeks  (only  his  own  interest),  rebels 
against  all  wisdom  ;"  cares  nothing  for  counsel,  but  is  hurried  on 
recklessly  by  his  wilfulness  towards  his  own  private  ends."    In- 

l2 


is  the    glory    of 
ma.i\."~  Addison. 


a  Percy  Anec 


a  "  The  more  a 
man  knows  the 
less  he  is  apt  to 
talk ;  for  his  wis* 
dom  gives  him 
such  an  excellent 
composure  of 
spirit  that  it  re- 
presses his  heat, 
his  forwardness 
and  haste,  and 
makes  him  coolly 
deliberate  what 
and  when  it  is  fit 
to  speak."  —  Bp. 
Patrick. 


b  "  Silence  may 
be  eloquence,  and 
speak  thy  worth 
above  the  power 
of  words." — <S'j> 
T/ws.  Browne, 


"  If  the  silence  of 
the  wise  is  wis- 
dom, much  more 
is  a  tongue-lied 
condition  expe- 
dient for  a  fool." 
— Jncox. 


"  Even  triviality, 
imbecility,  that 
can  sit  silent, 
how  respectable 
is  it  in  compari- 
sion  with  the 
vapid  verbiage  of 
shallow  praters  I" 
—Carlyle. 


e  Cotcper. 


1  B erth  eartf 
Wordsicorth,  etc. 

'The  precept 
may  be  taken  as 
warning 
against  self-wiU 
and  the  self- 
assertion  wh, 
exults  in   di£er< 


164 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xviii.  1. 


ing  from  the  re- 
ceived customs 
ami  opinions  of 
mankind."  — Spk. 
Com. 


the  chief  varieties  are 


terpretations,  however,  greatly  differ  : 
indicated  in  the  margin. 

The  student's  spirit  (rr.  1,  2). — T.  It  is  an   isolating  spirit. 

Feels  it  necessary  to  withdraw  into  solitude  and  silence.     II.  An 

Othercom.  take  [  ill v<?stigating  spirit.     1.  Wisdom  to  guide  men  in  their  material 

the    expre.ssion  j  concerns  ;  2.  In  their  spiritual  concerns.     III.  A  wise  spirit.     I. 

a"n  d"  niTsT''^'  I  "^^°  '^^  ^^^®  ^^°  seeks  knowledge  ;  2.  Knowledge  gives  us  a  new 

tiiropic    spirit,  j  '^orld  ;  3.  New  sources  of  pleasure  ;  4.  New  faculties  of  action.'' 

'separates  h i ni- 1      Pascal. — Blaise  Pascal  was  born  at  Clermont,  in  Auvergne.  in 

c'our's™  w\th!^^'^"^-     -^^  never  had  any  preceptor  but  his  father.     It  was  his 

others,'   '  separa- 1  habit,  when  very  young,   if  he  met  with  anything  which   he 

toh  himself,'  as  i  could  not  clearly  understand,  never  to  rest  satisfied  until  he  had 

^uci-ier.  I  received  a  thorough  explanation  of  it  fi'om   some  one.     It  is 

«eel«    I'ii^s"  o'^w  n  i  ^^^^^^'i  ^^  ^™  ^^^^  one  day  when  he  was  at  dinner  somebody  at 

pleasure  or  incii- 1  table  happened  to  strike  a  china  plate  with  a  knife  :  he  noticed 

nation;  he  laughs  1  that  the  plate  made  a  great  sound,  and  that  the  sound  stopped 

er  r°'th'^'^<''^''^ri  '  i™™^<ii3'tely  whcu  the  hand  was  laid  upon  it.     He  inquired  the 

y    ing  so  II   I  j-gf^gQjj  .  j^mj  from  this  simple  circumstance  he  was  led  to  make 

a  variety  of  experiments,  the  result  of  which  was  that  at  twelve 

years  of  age  he  had  composed  a  very  able  treatise  on  sound.     So 

great  a  turn  had  he  for  mathematics  that  he  learned,  or  rather 

invented,  geometry  when  he  was  but  twelve  j^ears  old  :  for  his 

father  was  unwilling  to  initiate  him  in  that  science  early,  for 

fear  of  its  diverting  him  from  the  study  of  the  languages.     At 

sixteen,   he   composed   a   curious   mathematical    piece.      About 

nineteen,  he  invented  his  machine  of  arithmetic,  which  has  been 

much  admired  by  the  learned.     He  afterwards  employed  himself 

assiduously  in  making  experiments,  according  to  the  new  philo- 

sojihy,  and  particularly  improved  upon  those  of  Toricellius.'" — 

Jlasfcr  lli'yne. — Professor  Heyne,  of  Gottingen,  was  one  of  the 

greatest  classical  scholars  of  his  own  or  any  other  age,  and  one  of 

the  most  striking  instances  of  the  love  of  knowledge  triumphing 

over  the  difficulties  attending  its  attainment.     His  parents  were 

exceedingly  poor,  and  were  frequently  distressed  on  account  of 

their  inability  to  procure  food  for  their  children.    They  sent  him, 

the^'^'^a^'^'^'Vi'"  I  however,  to  a  child's  school  ip  the  suburbs  of  the  small  town  of 

prophecy    on  I  Chemnitz,  in  Saxony,  where  they  resided  :  and  he  soon  exhibited 

time,     uugloom-   an  uncommon  desire   of  acquiring  information.     He   made   so 

ing  all  its  mighty   rapid  a  progress  in  the  humble  branches  of  knowledge  taught  in 

then"we\ee/  tli'e  '  ^^  school,  that  before  he  had  completed  his  tenth  year,  he  paid 

Bweet  strength  of  I  a  portion  of  his  school  fees  by  teaching  a  little  girl,  the  daughter 

the   stars,    and  [  of  a  wealthy  neighbour,  to  read  and  write.      He  then  desired  to 

magic  of   the    i„„,.„   T„f,-„    «„.^  „,.,„   i,^  ^-,^^^  „.,    ^.-...^-.^^n,, 

moon." — Bailey. 


or  wise." — Park- 
hurst. 

"  A  retired  man 
pursueth  the 
researches  he  de- 
lighteth  in,  anil 
hath  pleasure  in 
every  branch  of 
science."— IKard- 
lam. 

b  Dr.  Thomas. 

«.  1.  J.  Seed,  i. 
197. 

e  R.  T.  S. 

"When  night 
hath  set  her  sil- 
ver lamp  on  high, 
then  is  tlie  time 
for  study  :  when 
heaven's    light 


"  If  you  devote 
your  time  to 
Btudy,  you  will 
avoid  all  tlie  irk- 
Bomcness  of  this 
life  ;  nor  will  you 
long  for  the  ap- 
proach of  night, 
being  tired  of  the 
day  ;  nor  will  you 
be  a  burden  to 
yourself,  nor 
your  society  in- 
8 up  per  table  to 
others.  "—Seneca. 


learn  Latin,  and  was,  he  tells  us,  perfectly  intoxicated  with  joy 
when  a  baker  in  the  neighbourhood  undertook,  ragged  and  bare- 
foot as  he  was,  to  pay  the  required  fee  for  him.  In  two  years 
his  teacher  told  him  that  he  had  taught  him  all  he  knew.  He 
went  to  the  University  of  Leipsic  with  about  four  shillings  in  his 
pocket,  and  was  greatly  indebted  for  his  food  to  the  kindness  of 
the  maid-servant  of  the  house  where  he  lodged.  He  was  resolved 
to  try,  he  said,  whether,  although  fortune  had  thrown  him 
among  the  dust,  he  could  not  bo  able  to  rise  by  his  own  efforts. 
His  ardour  in  the  prosecution  of  his  studies  increased  with  his 
difficulties.  For  six  months  he  allowed  him.self  but  two  nights* 
sleep  in  the  week  ;  and  for  many  years  continiied  to  make  great 
sacrifices,  till  he  was  at  length  chosen  Professor  of  Greek  in  th» 
University  of  Gottingen,  where  he  died  in  1812.'' 


Cap.  xvlii.  2, 3.1 


PROVERBS. 


165 


2,  3.  (2)  understanding,  in  getting  knowledge,  especially 
eelf-kuowledge.  which  makes  a  man  modest  and  humble,  dis- 
cover itself,  by  overmuch  and  foolish  talk,  about  himself  and 
his  opinions,  which  only  display  his  folly."  (3)  also  con- 
tempt,* that  is.  along  with  the  wicked,  bee.  wickedness  is 
contemptible  in  itself  and  in  its  influence.  ignominy,  or 
baseness,  the  inward  condition  fr.  wh.  wicked  acts  spring, 
reproacll,  wh.  is  the  manifestation  of  the  contempt  felt. 

Wiclicihicxa  (r.  3). — The  words  suggest — I.  That  wickedness  is 
a  contemptible  thing.  1.  When  it  comes  into  political  life  it 
brings  contempt  on  the  nation  ;  2.  When  it  comes  into  ecclesi- 
astical life  it  brings  contempt  upon  the  Church.  II.  It  is  a  con- 
temptuous thing.' 

MoitaJ  friroJifj/. — Tf  over  that  little  heap  of  dust  you  hold  a 
good  magnet,  should  there  be  present  a  nail,  or  a  needle,  or  a 
few  iron  filings,  they  will  at  once  spring  up  and  cling  to  the 
attracting  bar.  And  were  there  only  a  magnet  strong  enough, 
it  might  soon  become  the  monopolist  of  that  metal,  which,  after 
all.  is  more  precious  than  silver  or  gold.  If  now.  on  your  coat- 
eleeve,  or  on  the  woollen  table-cover,  you  rub  a  stick  of  wax  or 
amber,  you  impart  to  this  substance  also  an  attractive  power. 
But  it  is  a  magnet  of  a  very  different  sort.  Hold  it  ever  so  near 
that  knife  or  needle,  and  there  is  no  movement.  Hold  it  near 
the  carpet,  or,  better  still,  insinuate  it  into  some  unswept  corner, 
and  every  loose  particle,  the  thread-clippings  and  paper-shavings, 
the  stray  feathers  and  silky  fibres,  will  instantly  leap  up  to  it, 
and  convert  its  bald  apex  int>  a  little  mass  of  rubbish.  Some 
minds  have  a  powerful  affinity  for  what  is  sterling  and  useful. 
Themselves  strong,  like  the  loadstone,  they  are  constantly  ac- 
quiring facts,  and  principles,  and  maxims  of  wisdom.  They 
gain  the  respect  of  others.  They  become  master-spirits,  moving 
and  controlliug  their  fellows.  If  in  business,  they  turn  out 
successful  merchants  :  if  students,  they  .step  forth  the  chiefs 
of  their  pro.'"ossion  ;  if  thrown  into  public  life,  they  graduate 
into  the  highest  ranks  of  statesmanship,  and  become  the 
moulders  of  an  age.  the  disposers  of  an  empire,  the  movers  of 
mankind.  But  some  minds  have  an  attraction  quite  as  intense 
for  what  is  frivolous.  In  early  life  they  do  not  "  take  to  "  tasks 
and  lessons  ;  and  all  throughout  they  retain  the  intellectual 
languor,  which  deprecates  instruction  and  refuses  to  apply. 
Their  theory  of  life  is  perpetual  recreation,  and  ignoring  the 
commandment  which  says,  ■'  Six  days  shalt  thou  labour,  and  do 
all  thy  work,"  they  never  know  the  sweetness  of  a  true  Sabbatic 
repose.  Unused  to  self-denial,  and  seldom  roused  to  exertion,  if 
they  enter  business  you  soon  hear  that  they  have  '•  stopped  ;'' 
and  in  a  learned  profession,  if  they  do  not  "  stop,"  it  is  only 
because  they  never  cov;ld  get  on."* — Mllliam  Jmir.t. — Yv'hen  Sir 
William  Jonrs  was  but  a  youth,  he  was  regarded  as  almost  a 
miracle  of  industry  and  attainments.  He  used  to  relate,  that 
when  he  was  only  three  or  four  years  of  age,  if  he  applied  to  his 
mother,  a  woman  of  uncommon  intelligence  and  acquirements, 
for  information,  her  constant  answer  to  him  was,  "  Read,  and 
you  will  know."'  He  thus  acquired  a  passion  for  books,  which 
only  grew  in  strength  with  inc'reasing  years.  Even  at  school,  his 
voluntary  exertions  exceeded  in  amount  his  prescribed  tasks  :  so 
that  Dr.  Thackeray,  one  of  his  masters,  used  to  sa,y,  that  he  was 


a  Cornp.  Pr.  xil. 
23,  ,\iii.  16,  XV.  ^ 
etc. 

"  W  hat  a  dis- 
covery is  tlie  dis- 
cover}' of  a  fool'a 
heart  1  It  is  a 
discovery  of  ig- 
norance, car- 
n  a  1  i  t  y.  selfish- 
ness, and  vanity." 
—/J  a  v.  TUumas, 
D.D. 

b  Vt.  xi.  2. 

c  Dr.  Tfwmas. 

"Men  h  aT« 
entered  into  a 
desire  of  learning 
and  knowledpa 
sometimes  upon 
a  natural  curi- 
osity and  inquis' 
itive  appetite: 
sometimes  to  en- 
t  e  rtain  their 
mind  with 
variety  and  de- 
h'p'ht ;  sometimes 
for  ornament  and 
reputation ;  and 
s  o  m  e  t  i  ni  e  s  to 
enable  tliem  to 
obtain  the  vic- 
tory of  wit  and 
con  tradiclion  ; 
a  n  d  sometimes 
for  lucre  and  pos- 
session ;  but  sel- 
dom sincerely  to 
give  a  true  ac- 
count of  tlieir 
srift  of  reason  for 
the  benefit  and 
use  of  man." — 
Lord  Baeon. 

d  Excelsior. 

"  ^.  If  I  do  thi3, 
what  further  can 
I  do?  B.  Wliy, 
more  than  ever. 
Every  task  tliou 
dost,  brings 
s  t  r  e  n  g  t  li  and 
capabiUty  to  act. 
He  who  doth 
climb  the  diffl- 
cult  mountain's 
top  will  the  next 
day  outstrip  an 
idler  man.  Pip 
thy  young  brain 
in  wise  mens 
deep  discourse. — ■ 
in  books ;  which 
tliough  they 
breeze  tliy  witi 
awhile,  will  knit 
tliee.  i'  the  end, 
with  wisdom."—- 
Conncall. 


166 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xviii.  4,  5; 


"  Education,  in- 
deed, has  made 
the  fondness  for 
fine  things  next 
to  natural :  the 
corals  and  bells 
teacli  infants  on 
the  breast  to  be 
delighted  with 
sound  and  glit- 
ter."—//. Brooke. 

e  R.T.S. 


a  Pr.  XX.  5 ;  Ecc. 
vii.  24. 

6  "  Wise  speech  is 
like  an  exhaust- 
less  stream  of 
benefit."  —  Faus- 
iet. 

"  The  contrast  of 
the  r.  may,  how- 
ever, be  bet.  the 
deep  waters  of  a 
lani,  and  the 
fresh,  clear 
waters  of  a 
spring." — Spk. 
Com. 

c  De.  i.  16,  17; 
Le.  xix.  15. 

d  Dr.  Thomas. 

V.  4.  Dr.  Walts, 
ii.  122. 

eR.T.S. 

"  But  when  de- 
serted by  un- 
grateful friends, 
delightful  studies 
make  some  small 
amends  ;  at  least, 
the  mind  from 
troubles  d  i  s  e  n- 
gage,  and  smooth 
the  harsh  .severi- 
ties of  age;  enrich 
our  souls  for 
greater  joys 
above,  where  all 
is  glory,  ecstasy, 
and  love." — Geist. 

"A  vine  or  a  rose 
tree  m.ay  as  well 
flourish  when 
there  is  a  secret 
worm  lurking 
and  gnawing  at 
the  root  (if  them, 
BS  the  peace  of 
those  societies 
tbriye  that  have 


a  boy  of  so  active  a  mind,  that  if  he  were  left  naked  and  friendlesa 
on  Salisbury  Plain,  he  would,  nevertheless,  find  the  road  to  fame 
and  riches.  At  this  time  he  was  frequently  in  the  habit  of 
devoting  whole  nights  to  study,  when  he  would  generally  take 
coffee  or  tea  to  keep  off  sleep.  Even  then,  merely  to  divert  his 
leisure,  he  commenced  the  study  of  the  law  ;  and  it  is  related, 
that  he  would  often  amuse  and  surprise  his  mother's  legal  ac- 
quaintances by  putting  cases  to  them  from  an  abridgment  of 
Coke's  Institutix,  which  he  had  read  and  mastered.  The  extra- 
ordinary eminence  to  which  he  attained,  in  learning  and 
excellence,  has  been  well  shown  in  the  memoir  of  his  life,  written 
by  the  late  Lord  Teignmouth.* 

4,  5.  (4)  deep  waters,  difficult  to  fathom  and  exhaust." 
A  description  true  only  of  the  words  of  discreet  and  wise  men. 
flowing  brook,  one  that  never  dries  up,  but  continually  pours 
down  its  refreshing  streams.*  The  wise  man's  speech  is  clean 
and  fresh,  cleansing  and  refreshing.  (5)  accept  the  person, 
to  take  sides  with  him  ;  show  unjust  favour  to  him.  to  over- 
throw, repeat  the  words  it  is  not  //oad  before  this  second  clause. 
To  disregard  their  plea,  and  favour  the  wicked.' 

Three  bad  thinf/.'i  (r.  5). — I.  Voluntary  connection  with  wicked 
men  is  bad — 1.  Matrimonially:  2.  Mercantilely  ;  3.  Politically; 
4.  Ecclesiastically.  II.  The  overthrow  of  good  men.  1.  Some- 
times in  social  life  ;  2.  Sometimes  in  judicial  courts.  III.  The 
overthrow  of  good  men  by  the  employment  of  the  wicked.  Learn: 
— 1.  Shun  the  wicked  ;  2.  Adhere  to  the  righteous. '' 

Di.^putcs. — A  gentleman  who  was  in  company  with  Mr. 
Newton  lamented  the  violent  disputes  that  often  take  place 
among  Christians  respecting  the  non-essentials  of  Christianity, 
and  particularly  Church  government.  "  Many,"  he  said,  "  seem 
to  give  their  chief  attention  to  such  topics,  and  take  more 
pleasure  in  talking  on  these  disputable  points,  than  on  spiritual 
religion,  the  love  of  Christ,  and  the  privileges  of  His  people.'' 
"  Sir,"  said  the  venerable  old  man,  "did  you  ever  see  a  whalb 
ship  1  I  am  told  that  when  the  fish  is  struck  with  the  harpoon, 
and  feels  the  smart  of  the  wound,  it  sometimes  makes  for  the 
boat,  and  would  probably  dash  it  to  pieces.  To  prevent  this, 
they  throw  a  cask  overboard  ;  and  when  it  is  staved  to  pieces 
they  throw  over  another.  Now,  sir,"  added  Mr.  NeTf\i:on.  "  Church 
government  is  the  tub  which  Satan  throws  out  to  the  people  of 
whom  you  speak." « — Cln.^tiral  conij>mitio>i  and  h'nr/iixfi  prose. — 
Indeed,  the  study  of  Greek  and  Latin  composition  has  dis- 
tinctly injured  our  own  English  language,  and  done  mischief  to 
some  of  our  great  writers.  Milton  himself  did  not  escape  the 
taint.  ...  It  had  its  share  in  producing  the  feeble  voice  of  the 
Elizabethan  euphuism,  with  its  falsetto  tones  and  vaporous 
inanities.  ...  It  was  especially  to  the  patronage  of  Latin  verse 
that  we  owe  the  '•  poetic  phraseology  " — that  is,  the  gaudy  and 
artificial  inaccuracy — of  such  passages  as  Dryden's  once-famous, 
now  justly-ridiculed,  description  of  night.  To  this,  more  than  to 
any  other  cause,  no  less  an  authority  than  Wordsworth  attributed 
the  monotonous  conventionality  of  the  school  inaugurated  by 
Pope.  To  it  we  owe  the  meaningless  ornamentation  which  bpoiii 
the  poetry  of  Gray,  and  which  produced  such  lines  as — 

"  And  reddening  Phoebus  lifts  his  golden  fires  ; " 


Cap.  xvill.  6-9.] 


PROVERBS. 


167 


a  line  which  has  in  it  a  fine  flavour  of  compulsory  Latin  verse- 1  s^ch  concealed 
writing.  .  .  .  Among  our  best  and  finest  writers  are  those  who  I  up^fn'fhei^'hearta 
have  drunk  simply  and  solely  at  "the  pure  well  of  English  j  and  bowels."— 
undefiled."  Is  it  conceivable  that  Shakespeare  or  Burns  would  j  l^r.  Smith. 
have  written  as  they  have  written,  if  they  had  been  drilled  iov  \f  Dr.  Farrar. 
years  in  Latin  verse  U 

6,  7.  (6)  into  contention,"  are  ever  ready  to  join  in  dis- 
putes and  quarrellings.  The  fool  is  easily  offended.''  for 
strokes,  or  stripes.  He  says  such  things  as  deserve  to  be 
•punished  with  strokes.  (7)  destruction,  brings  on  him  de- 
struction,    snare,  bringing  in  the  figure  of  the  huntsman." 

Till'  fool'.i  tongne  (rv.  6.  7). — I.  Its  characteristics.  1.  Haste  ■ 
"  enters  into  contention  ;  "  2.  Ignorant  ■  "  calleth,"  etc.  II.  Its 
fruit :  destruction.  Destroys  aiiy  reputation  for  wisdom  he  may 
accidentally  gain  :  exposes  his  character  for  profanity,  etc. 

Svjfering  death  while  feitjulnf)  it. — One  day,  as  Archbishop 
Leighton  was  going  from  Glasgow  to  Dumblaiie.  there  happened 
a  tremendous  storm  of  lightning  and  thunder.  He  was  observed, 
when  at  a  considerable  distance,  by  two  men  of  bad  character. 
They  had  not  courage  to  rob  him  ;  but  wishing  to  fall  on  some 
method  to  extort  money  from  him.  one  said,  '•  I  will  lie  down  by 
the  wayside  as  if  I  were  dead,  and  you  shall  inform  the  arch- 
bishop that  I  was  killed  by  the  lightning,  and  beg  money  of  him 
^to  bury  me."  When  the  archbishop  arrived  at  the  spot,  the 
wicked  wretch  told  the  fabricated  story  :  the  archbishop  sympa- 
thised with  the  survivor,  gave  him  money,  and  proceeded  on  his 
journey.  But  when  the  man  returned  to  his  companion,  he 
found  him  really  lifeless !  Immediately  he  began  to  exclaim 
aloud.  "Oh,  sir,  he  is  dead  !  Oh.  sir,  he  is  dead  !"  On  this,  the 
archbishop,  discovering  the  fraud,  left  the  man  with  this  im- 
portant reflection  :  "  It  is  a  dangerous  thing  to  trifle  with  the 
judgments  of  God  "  I 


a  Comp.  Pr.  xix. 
29. 

ft  "I  consider 
your  very  testy 
and  quarrelsome 
people  i  n  t  h  e 
saine  light  I  do  a 
loaded  gun,  \\h. 
njay  by  accident 
go  off  and  kill 
me."  —  !^hcnxl('rie, 
c  "When  a  fool, 
bj'  his  foolLsh 
speakin}?,  has  run 
himself  into  a 
premunire,  and 
thinks  to  bring 
himself  off  by 
justifying  or  ex- 
cusing what  he 
has  said,  his  de- 
fence proves  his 
offence,  and  Iiis 
lips  are  still  the 
snare  of  his  soul, 
entangling  him 
yet  more  and 
more."  — Matt. 
Henry. 

d  Cheever, 


8,  9.  (8)  talebearer,  or  whisperer,  ch.  xvi.  28  :  backbiter, 
wounds^  this  is  better  rendered,  "  dainties,"'  •■  pleasant  words.V 
only  too  readily  welcomed,  and,  once  admitted,  gaining  a  central 
settled  place."  innermost  parts,  lit.  chambers  :  recesses  of 
man's  nature  ;  there  to  be  stored  up  for  mischievous  use.  (9) 
slothful,  and  so  fails  to  get.  brother,  or  one  in  effect,  just 
like,  waster,''  who  uselessly  squanders  what  he  does  get. 
"  Wastefulness  implies  a  lack  of  that  sense  of  individual  respon- 
eibility  apart  from  which  there  is  no  virtue."  <^ 

Talebearer  and  talehearer. — As  there  is  a  parity  of  guilt 
between  the  thief  and  the  receiver,  so  there  seems  to  be  the  like 
between  the  teller  and  the  hearer  of  a  malicious  report ;  and 
that  upon  very  great  reason.  For  who  would  knock  where  he 
despaired  of  entrance?  or  what  husbandman  would  cast  his  seed 
but  into  an  open  and  a  prepared  furrow  .'  So  it  is  most  certain 
that  ill  tongues  would  be  idle  if  ill  ears  were  not  open.  And 
therefore  i^was  an  apposite  saying  of  one  of  the  ancients  that 
both  the  teller  and  the  hearer  of  false  stories  ought  to  be  equally 
hanged,  but  one  by  the  tongue,  the  other  by  the  ears  ;  and  were 
every  one  of  them  so  served,  I  suppose  nobody  would  be  so  fond  of 
those  many  mischiefs  brought  by  such  persons  upon  the  peace  of 
the  world  as  to  be  concerned  to  cut  them  down,  unless,  perhaps, 
by  cutting  off  the  forementioned  parts  by  which  they  hung.'* — 


a  "  Sol.  is  here 
describing  the 
greedy  avidity 
with  which  some 
men  gulp  down 
slander  and  ca- 
lumny, as  if  they 
were  dainty  and 
delicious  viards; 
and  (.heoarowith 
wh.  *"'.iey  retain 
the^i.  and  lay 
then'  up  as  in  a 
charib'.r  or  store- 
room, ay  if  tliey 
wtr'v  jomething 
whol  .some  and 
prcc'ous,  al- 
though the  J 
come  from  th« 
mouth  of  o  n « 
■whom  they  know 
to  be  a  talfbearei 
and  backbiter." 
—  ir.i);Jsicvrl/i. 
b  Lit.  masl^r  of 
wasliv y.  i.e.  % 
great  irrodif^l. 
c  liav.  Thom>^* 
D.D. 


168 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xviil.  10, 11. 


d  Dr.  Soulfi. 

"  Tlie  busybody 
is  a  troaclierous 
supplantcr  and 
under  miner  of 
the  peace  of  all 
families  and  so- 
cieties; this 
being  a  maxim 
of  an  unfailing 
truth,  that  no- 
body ever  prys 
into  another 
man's  concerns 
Init  with  a  de- 
sign to  do  or  to 
be  able  to  do  liim 
a  mischief." — Dr. 
Soul/i. 

e  Euripides. 


a  "  The  name 
always  d  e  s  i  g  - 
nates  God  Him- 
self,  as  man 
knows  Him,  as 
he  rpcei%'es  Him 
to  his  knowleilge 
and  faith,  and 
beaj-s  Him  in  his 
heart." — Rucet- 
schi. 

JMat.vii.  24— 27. 

e  Dr.  Wilherspoon. 

V.  10.  J.  Grant, 
ii.  173. 

"  Dangerous  con- 
ceits are  in  their 
nature  poisons, 
w  h  i  c  h  at  the 
first  are  scarce 
founrl  to  distaste, 
but  with  a  little 
act  upon  the 
blood,  burn  like 
the  mines  of 
Ea\phnT."-S/iake- 
spea  re. 

d  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

"  Men  of  wealth 
are  called  towers. 
Thus  when  such 
a  person  dies,  it 
is  said,  'The 
pelliidi  -koburam, 
i.e.  strong  tower, 
has  fallen.'  '  I 
am  going  to  my 
koburam,'  says 
the  man 
wlio  is  going  to 
his  powerful 
friend." -/ioJe/-/*. 


oSpeno*r, 


Female  busybodies. — 

But  never  more  than  once 
Let  me  repeat  it.  never  let  the  wise 
Give  females  license  to  frequent  his  house, 
And  hold  free  coiivensc  with  his  wife  :  for  these 
To  ill  are  shrewd  instructorB  :  through  the  hope 
Of  sordid  lucre  one  corrupts  his  wife  ; 
One,  who  hath  fallen  from  virtue,  like  herself 
Wishes  to  make  her  vile  :  and  many  urge, 
Through  wanton  frowardness.  their  pleas  to  ill : 
Hence  the  ]iure  fountain  of  domestic  bliss 
The  husband  finds  polluted  :  these  against 
Let  him  guard  well  his  gates  with  locks  and  bolts  : 
For  nothing  good  these  female  visitants 
Work  by  their  converse,  bvit  abundant  ill.' 
10,  11.  (10)  name,  put  for  the   Div.  essence  and  attributes. 
The  name  Jehovah  is  the  covenant  name  wh.  pledges  God's  love 
and  care."     strong  tower,  coinp.  Ps.  xviii.  2,  xxvii.  1,  cxliv.  2. 
safe,  or  set  aloft ;  up  above  danger.     (11)  weal  til,  here  put  in 
contrast  with  the  name  of   God.     own  conceit,   or  imagina- 
tion.    Wealth  is  no  real  defence.     It  is  very  apt  to  fail  us  in  the 
evil  day.     Trust  in  it  is  but  building  our  house  upon  the  sand.* 

The  seoitriti/  oftliose  who  tnnit  in  the  Lord  {r.  10). — I.  What  !■ 
understood  by  the  name  of  the  Lord?  The  Lord  Himself.  1. 
He  is  known  by  the  visible  creation  ;  2.  By  His  holy  Word  ;  3. 
By  His  providence.  II.  What  is  implied  in  "the  righteous 
runneth  into  it,  as  a  strong  tower".'  1.  Exercise  of  faith;  2. 
Fervent  prayer  ;  3.  Diligence  in  duty.  III.  The  perfect  security 
of  the  righteous.  1.  \\Tierein  the  safety  consists — special  provi- 
dence, support  in  trial,  victory  over  suffering ;  2.  The  absolute 
certainty  of  this  safety — the  Divine  perfections,  God's  faithful 
promises,  the  expei'ience  of  saints.'' — The  name  of  the  Lord  a 
atrong  tower  (r.  10). — To  elucidate  this  pa.ssage,  we  will  en- 
deavour to  unfold — I.  The  character  of  God — 1.  As  described 
py  Himself  ;  2.  As  revealed  to  us  in  Jesus  Christ.  II.  Let  us 
contemplate  the  interest  we  have  in  it.  1.  He  is  a  place  of 
defence  ;  2.  The  righteous  only  run  into  it ;  3.  Such  are  safe. 
Apply: — (1)  Study  much  the  character  of  God;  (2)  Maintain 
constant  and  intimate  ' communion  ^\ith  Him  ;  3.  Assure  your- 
selves of  the  safety  which  you  are  privileged  to  enjoy.'' 

The  dantjer  of  conceit. — The  vainglorious  man  looks  upon  him- 
self through  a  false  glass,  which  makes  everything  seem  fairer 
and  greater  than  it  is  :  and  this  fiatuous  humour  filleth  the 
empty  bladder  of  his  vast  thoughts  with  so  much  wind  of  pride 
that  he  presumes  that  Fortune,  who  hath  once  been  his  good 
mistress,  should  ever  be  his  handmaid.  But  let  him  know  that 
the  wings  of  self-conceit,  wherewith  he  towereth  so  high,  are 
but  patched  and  pieced  up  of  borrowed  feathers,  and  that,  too, 
in  the  soft  wax  of  uncertain  hope,  which,  in  ihe  encounter  of 
very  small  heat  of  danger,  will  melt,  and  fail  him  at  his  greatest 
need  ;  for  Fortune  deals  with  him  as  the  eagle  with  the  tortoise 
— she  carries  him  the  higher,  that  she  may  break  him  the  easier. 
It  would,  therefore,  be  good  atlvice,  that  in  the  midst  of  his 
prosperity,  he  should  think  of  the  world's  instability,  and  that 
Fortune  is  constant  in  nothing  but  inconstancy. « — Aafuralness  of 
conoeit. — Little  localised  powers,  and  little   narrow  etreaks  of 


Cap.  xvlil.  12—15.] 


PROVERBS. 


169 


specialised  knowledge,  are  things  men  are  very  apt  to  be  conceited 
about.  Nature  is  very  wise  ;  but  for  this  encouraging  principle 
how  many  small  talents  and  little  accomplishments  would  be 
neglected.  Talk  about  conceit  as  much  as  you  like,  it  is  to  the 
human  character  what  salt  is  to  the  ocean,  it  keeps  it  sweet  and 
renders  it  endurable.  Say,  rather,  it  is  like  the  natural  unguent 
of  the  sea-fowl's  plumage,  which  enables  him  to  shed  the  rain 
■which  falls  on  him,  and  the  wave  in  which  he  dips.  When  one 
has  had  all  his  conceit  taken  out  of  him,  when  he  has  lost  all  his 
illusions,  his  feathers  soon  soak  through,  and  he  will  fly  no  more. 
I  say  that  conceit  is  just  as  natural  a  thing  to  human  minds  as  a 
centre  is  to  a  circle.  But  little-minded  people's  thoughts  move 
in  such  small  circles,  that  five  minutes'  conversation  gives  you 
an  arc  enough  to  detennine  their  whole  curve.  An  arc  in  the 
movement  of  a  large  intellect  does  not  differ  sensibly  from  a 
straight  line./ 

12,  13.  (12)  before  destruction,  etc.,  comp.  ch.  xvi.  18. 
honour,  etc..  comp.  ch.  xv.  33.  (13)  answereth,"  the  evil 
indicated  here  is  imjictnotisfippancy.  "  Secularly,  this  is  beyond 
a  doubt ;  judicially,  here  is  a  great  outrage  ;  socially,  a  some- 
thing very  impolite ;  but  religiously,  a  thing  altogether  a 
'shame.'"* 

Audi  alteram  jmrtem  (r.  13). — I.  How  this  is  done.  1.  "WTien 
one  only  sees  that  which  seems  the  sign  of  something  and  is 
not  ;  2.  When  only  a  part  of  the  matter  is  heard  ;  3.  When 
what  is  heard  is  the  utterance  of  malice,  etc.  II.  Why  is  doing 
so  a  folly  and  shame?  1.  It  exposes  the  hastiness  of  his 
temper  ;  2.  The  sentence  he  pronounces  on  insufficient  evidence 
has  to  be  reversed,  or  remains  as  a  proof  of  his  want  of  justice. 
Honour  of  hvmillty. — 

The  bird  that  soars  on  highest  wing 

Builds  on  the  ground  her  lowly  nest ; 
And  she  that  doth  most  sweetly  sing 

Sings  in  the  shade  when  all  things  rest ; 
In  lark  and  nightingale  we  see 
What  honour  hath  humility. 
When  Mary  chose  the  "  better  part," 

She  meekly  sat  at  Jesus'  feet ; 
And  Lydia's  gently  opened  heart 

Was  made  for  God's  own  temple  meet ; 
Fairest  and  best  adorned  is  she 
Whose  clothing  is  humility. 

The  saint  that  wears  heaven's  brightest  crown 

In  deepest  adoration  bends  ; 
The  weight  of  glory  bows  him  down 

The  most  when  most  his  soul  ascends  ; 
Nearest  the  throne  itself  must  be 
The  footstool  of  humility.' 

14,  15.  (14)  spirit,  the  highest  faculty  in  man;  but  used 
here  much  in  the  way  that  we  use  "  man's  spirits."  The  word  as 
used  in  the  first  clause  of  the  verse  is  masculine  ;  as  used  in  the 
second  clause  it  is  feminine,  as  if  to  intimate  that  it  had  lost 
its  manly  strength."  sustain,  etc.,  or  supports  his  sickness.'' 
(15)  heart . .  ear,  these  are  connected.  The  ear  is  the  external 
agent  in  gaining  knowledge,  the  heart,  or  mind,  works  within, 


/  Dr.  Holmes. 


a  "  Cultivate  self- 
control,  fi-ee  the 
mind  from  all 
p  repossessions, 
sliake  off  all 
mental  sloth,  'be 
not  wise  in  your 
o  \v  n  conceits,' 
and  then  you  will 
listen  fully  to  a 
matter  before 
you  will  make  an 
answer."  — l/av. 
Thonuis,  D.D. 

"  Those  who  take 
a  pride  in  being 
quick  commonly 
fall  under  the  just 
rejjroach  of  being 
impertinent."  — 
Mat.  Henry. 

Job  xxxii.  4,  10, 
11. 

6  Miller. 

V.  12.  R.  Qrten- 
ham,2G6;B.  Bed- 
dome,  6  ;  /.  O, 
Douling,  375. 

"It  is  hard  starr- 
ing this  sin; 
there  is  nothing 
but  it  can  live  on; 
nothing  so  base 
that  a  proud 
heart  will  not  be 
lifted  up*  with, 
and  nothing  so 
sacred  but  it  will 
profane,  evea 
dare  to  drink  in 
tlie  bowls  of  the 
sanctuary  ;  nay, 
rather  than 
starve,  it  will 
feed  on  the  car- 
cases of  o  t  li  e  r 
sins." — Gumall. 

c  J.  Montgomery. 


a  0.  ZScHer. 

b  "The  spirit, 
which  sustains, 
being  icounded, 
n  o  support  1  s 
left,  except,  as 
implied,  in  Glod." 

—F*UtMtt 


170 


PROVERBS. 


reap,  xvlil.  16. 


"This  P  r  o  V.  I 
shows  the  neeil  ! 
of  the  grace  of  j 
God  for  the  con- 
tinual strength-  | 
ening  .and  lifting 
up  of  the  spirit 
of  man,  and  is  a 
sequel  to  r.  10." — 
Wordsworth. 

"  WouUst  thou 
have  a  sound 
body  ?  Tlien  see 
to  it  that  thou 
hast  a  jojrful 
heart,  and  a  good 
courage;  a  heart 
which  is  assured 
of  the  grace  of 
God,  and  well 
content  with  His 
Fatherly  ordain- 
ing."—Zfi/ner. 

"No  poniards  are 
so  mortal  as  the 
wounds  of  con- 
Ecience."~/7aiW. 

<  Pr.  i.  5  ;  Phi.  i. 
9. 

d  Dr.  Tlwmat. 

V.  14.  Bp.  Aher- 
velhy,  Ui;  Dr.  R. 
Barries,  39  ;  Dr. 
C.  Gibbes,  111  ; 
Abp.  Dawes,  u.  I  ; 
Dr.  R.  Smith,  ix. 
1  ;  R.  Fiddes,  i. 
359  ;  Dr.  J.  Trcipp, 
ii.  187  ;  Dr.  W. 
Sherlock,  i.  144  ; 
Dr.  D.  Waterland, 
ix.  161) ;  Dr.  S. 
Carr,\^ZZl ;  Dr. 
H.  Blair,  v.  66  ; 
Dr.A.Rees,\.Vif>. 

t  Whitecrou. 


•  "The  gift 
p  o  e  t  h  like  a 
lacquey  before 
him,  and  ushers  | 
him  into  the 
great  man's  pre- 
sence, and  pre- 
pares a  seat  for 
him  on  the  divan 
at  the  great 
man's  side."  — 
*\rord.iwortfi. 
"Referring  to 
Jacob's  offering 
for  the appeivsing 
of  Esau,  it  is  said, 
'  Jacob  did  not 
tuigcaloulate  the 


studying'  the  material  stored.  Both  are  conceived  as  ever 
earnestly  active.' 

The  unbearable  rround  (r.  14). — Physical  suffering's  are  en- 
durable, so  are  merely  mental  suffering.?  ;  but  this  unbearable 
wound  is  moral  :  the  wound  of  remorse,  compunction,  etc  ,  the 
wound  that  Cain  and  Judas  felt.  Why .'  I.  Because  it  dis- 
qualifies the  mind  from  availing:  itself  of  any  of  the  ordinary 
means  of  support.  1.  As  a  conscientiousness  of  rectitude  :  2. 
An  unshaken  confidence  in  God  ;  3.  An  assurance  of  the  un- 
avoidableness  of  suffering: ;  4.  Hope  in  a  brighter  future  :  5. 
The  expressions  of  friendly  sympathy.  II.  Because  it  impels 
the  mind  to  use  its  chief  faculties  to  enhance  its  agony.  It 
directs  thought,  memoiy,  and  conscience  to — 1.  The  crimes  of 
the  past ;  2.  The  retributive  judgment  of  the  future.'' — ^l 
wounded  .spirit  (r.  14). — I.  Consider  the  case  of  a  wounded  spirit. 
A  spirit  may  be  deeply  M^ounded  by — 1.  Nervous  disorders  :  2. 
By  great  and  long-continued  afflictions  ;  3.  By  guilt  upon  the 
conscience  ;  4.  By  violent  temptations  ;  5.  By  spiritual  deser- 
tion. II.  Administer  some  balm  for  its  relief.  1.  There  is  no 
affliction  which  is  not  sent  by  C4od  for  our  good  ;  2.  Our  afflic- 
tions, of  whatever  kind  they  be,  will  endure  but  a  little  while  ; 
3.  In  Christ  there  is  a  balm  for  every  wound. 

A  wounded  spirit. — "  I  was  lately  called,"  says  one,  "  to  visit  a 
sick  person.  On  entering  the  room,  I  found  him  very  weak  in 
body  and  troubled  in  mind.  Seeing  the  Bible  lying  upon  a  table 
near  the  chair  upon  which  he  sat,  I  said,  '  You  have  a  blessed 
book  here.'  '  Yes,'  he  replied  ;  '  but  the  sight  of  it  is  like  a 
dagger  to  my  heart.'  '  Cannot  you  read  it  ?'  '0  yes,  yes  !  I  have 
read  it  again  and  again  ;  but  I  have  not  properly  regarded  it, 
nor  minded  what  I  read  in  it :  it  condemns  my  conduct — it 
troubles  my  mind,  and  now — 0  what  must  become  of  my  soul  ?' 
I  could  not  attempt,  nor  did  I  wish,  to  justify  such  neglect :  I 
therefore  spoke  in  a  plain  manner  against  such  a  course,  and  at 
the  same  time  pointed  out  Je.«us  as  the  only  possible  means  of 
escape  and  way  by  which  pardon  and  peace  could  be  obtained. 
The  advice  seemed  to  increase  his  sorrow  and  anguish.  I  closed 
the  affecting  visit  with  prayer,  and  left  the  room,  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  words  of  the  wise  man,  '  The  spii-it  of  a  man 
will  sustain  his  infirmity,  but  a  wounded  spirit  who  can  bear  ?' 
Not  many  days  after.  I  committed  the  mortal  part  to  the  earth 
from  whence  it  was  taken,  and  the  soul  has  been  summoned  to 
the  bar  of  that  God  who  gave  it."  ' 

16.  gift,  or  bribe,  maketh  room,  acts  like  the  "  friend  at 
court,"  to  introduce  him  to  high  places."  There  are  two  kinds  of 
gifts,  the  gift  of  selfishness,  and  the  gift  of  kindness,  great 
men,  "conventional  magnates,  but  moral  serfs.''* 

The  ])riep  of  admii^s'ion  (r.  Ifi). — I.  \Miat  is  here  referred  to  as 
an  object  of  desire  ?  The  presence  of  great  men  :  toadyism. 
The  miserable  jealousies  of  such.  II.  The  means  to  the  end  : 
bribes.  1 .  The  gift  of  money  to  the  underling  :  2.  Of  flattery  to 
the  great  one  whose  presence  is  coveted.  III.  The  gift  of  know- 
ledge, etc.,  will  introduce  us  to  the  only  great  men  whose  ac- 
quaintance is  worth  having.  Note — 1.  The  ways  by  which 
some  men  will  crawl  into  favour  ;  2.  How  much  great  men,  who 
think  they  are  the  rulers  of  the  world,  are  under  the  influence  of 
underlings. 


Cap.  xviii.  17.] 


PROVERBS. 


171 


The  court  fa ro>n'ite. — When  I  see  a  gallant  ship,  well  rigged, 
trimmed,  tackled,  manned,  and  munitioned,  with  her  top  and 
top-gallant  and  her  spread  sails  proudly  swelling  with  a  full 
gale  in  fair  weather,  putting  out  of  the  haven  into  the  smooth 
mam.  and  drawing  the  spectators'  eye.«,  with  a  well-wished 
admiration,  and  shoilly  hear  of  the  same  ship  si:ilitted  against 
Bomo  dangerous  lock,  or  wrecked  by  some  disastrous  tempest,  or 
sunk  by  some  leak  sprung  in  her  by  some  accident,  meseemeth 
I  see  the  ca.se  of  some  court  favourite,  who  to-day,  like  Sejanus. 
dazzleth  all  men  s  eyes  with  the  splendour  of  his  glory,  and 
with  the  proud  and  potent  beak  of  his  powerful  prosperity 
cutteth  the  waves  and  plougheth  through  the  praise  of  the 
vulgar,  and  scorneth  to  fear  some  remora  at  his  keel  below,  or 
any  cross-winds  from  above  :  and  yet  to-morrow,  on  some  storms 
of  unexpected  disfavour,  springs  a  Irak  in  his  honoi^r.  and  sinks 
on  the  Syrtes  of  disgi-ace.  or,  dashed  against  the  rocks  of  dis- 
pleasure, is  splitted  and  wrecked  in  the  Charybdis  of  infamy, 
and  so  concludes  his  voyage  in  misery  and  misfortune.  I 
will  not  therefore  adventure  with  the  greedy  shepherd  to 
change  my  sheep  into  a  ship  of  adventure,  on  the  sight  of 
a  calm  sea.  I  ^vill  study  to  deserve  my  piinces  favour.  I 
will  not  desire  to  be  a  prince  s  favourite.  If  I  fall  whence  I 
am,  I  can  raise  myself  :  but  to  be  cast  down  thence,  were  to 
be  crushed  with  "a  desperate  doAvnfall.  I  prefer  a  mediocrity, 
though  obscure,  yet  safe,  before  a  greater  eminency  with  a  far 
greater  danger.' 

17.  first,  or  has  the  first  telling  of  his  tale,  own  cause, 
brought  before  the  judge.  A  matter  of  dispute  or  controversy. 
just,  he  makes  out  a  plausible  case,  and  seems  to  have  the  right 
of  it.  until  his  statements  are  tested  and  compared.  One-sidtd 
statements  are  rarely  reliable,  neighbour,  the  other  party 
concerned  in  the  matter,  searcheth  him,  by  giving  his  very 
different  representation  of  the  case,  wh.  demands  a  new  ex- 
amination of  the  matter  at  issue,  and  enables  the  first  man  to  be 
cross-examined." 

Social  fli.ipntes  (r.  17). — I.  Their  settlement  requires  the  hear- 
ing both  disputants.  A  fact  maybe  dealt  with  falsely.  1.  By 
denial :  2.  By  omission  :  .3.  By  addition.  II.  A  mutual  agree- 
ment to  abide  by  a  certain  test  to  terminate  the  dispute.  III. 
The  bitterness  of  disputes  often  aggravated  by  blood-relation- 
ships. 1.  Crreat  love  has  been  wounded  :  2.  Great  services  have 
been  ill-requited  :  3.  Great  hopes  are  frustrated  ;  4.  Great  reluc- 
tance on  the  offender's  side  to  acknowledge  the  fault  and  seek 
reconciliation.* 

A  timely  word. — The  Rev.  John  Owen,  a  pious  and  devoted 
servant  of  the  Lord,  having,  on  a  particular  occasion,  endea- 
voured in  vain  to  actoinmodate  <•  matter  in  dispute  between 
two  friends,  for  both  of  Mhom  he  felt  much  respect,  evinced 
the  amiableness  of  his  disposition  by  retiring  and  writing,  im 
promptu,  the  following  lines,  which  he  transmitted  to  the  dis 
putants  : — 

How  rare  that  toil  a  prosperous  issue  finds, 
"Which  seeks  to  reconcile  divided  friends  I 
A  thousand  scruples  rise  at  passion's  touch. 
This  yields  too  little,  and  that  asks  too  much. 


influence  of  hlj 
princely  offer- 
ings.' audi  verily 
believe  there  is 
not  an  ameer  or 
sheikh  in  all 
Gilead,  at  this 
day,  who  would 
not  be  appeased 
by  such  pre- 
sents,."  -Thomson, 
David,  when  ha 
heard  of  vSnul'a 
death,  took  of  the 
spoils  of  the  Ama- 
lekites,  and  sent 
presents  to  all 
the  towns  and 
villages  where  ha 
used  formerly  to 
resort ;  acting  on 
the  principle  of 
the  text. 
Pr.  xvii.  8. 
b  Dili:  Thrmas, 
D.D. 

"  C;  o  r  r  u  p  t  i  o  n 
wins    not    more 
than  honesty." — 
Shftiespeare. 
c  yVaniici: 

a  "  One  tale  is 
good  till  another 
is  tuld.  1  his  ap- 
pears true  in  pri- 
V  a  t  e  conversa- 
tion, in  lawsuits, 
before  judges, 
and  in  theolo- 
gical controver- 
sies, and  s  u  g  - 
gfsts  the  import- 
ance of  hearing 
both  sides." — 
Nkholls. 

"AVe  must  re- 
menilier  tliat  we 
liave  two  ears,  to 
hear  both  sides 
before  we  give 
judg  men  t. " — 
Mdll.  Henry. 

b  Dr.  Thomas. 

"  Haste  is  hardly 
less  evil  than 
corruption. 
'  A  V  d  i  alleram 
partem  '  should 
be  the  rule  of 
every  judge."^ 
Spt.  Com. 

Conip.  1  Fa.  xr.  13 
and  26  :  2  Pa.  xvi. 
1— Sand  six. 26. 

"  'Tis  a  task  in- 
deed to  learn  to 
hear ;  in  that  the 
skill  of  conversa- 
tion   lies,    tbak 


172 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xviii.  18,  la 


shows  or  makes 
you  both  i)olite 
and  wise." — 
I'oung. 

m  O.  ZScklfr. 


h  The  closer  the 
relationship  in 
cajes  of  dispute, 
the  wider  tlie 
breach,  and  the 
more  diflRcuIt  the 
reconciliation. 

"  Free  and  fair 
discussion  will 
ever  be  found  tlie 
firmest  friend  to 
t  r  u  t  h." — G  orge 
Campbell. 

"Whoever  is 
afraid  of  submit- 
ting any  ques- 
tion, civil  or  re- 
ligious, to  the 
test  of  free  dis- 
cussion, is  more 
in  love  with  his 
own  opinion  than 
with  truth." — 
Bishop  Walson. 

"It  is  said  that 
wlicn  the  cranes 
fall  out  among 
themselves,  the 
fight  is  so  fierce 
that  they  beat 
down  one  an- 
other, and  so  are 
taken  as  they 
fight." — Spencer. 

"In  all  dififer- 
ences  consider 
that  both  you 
and  your  enemy 
are  dropping-  off, 
and  tliat  ere  long 
your  very  me- 
mories will  be 
extinguished." — 
A  urel. 

"How  sour  sweet 
music  is,  when 
time  is  broke, 
and  no  propor- 
tion kept."  — 
Shakespeare. 

"  The  failings  of 
good  men  are 
commonly  more 
published  in  the 
world  than  their 
good  deeds;  And 


Each  wishes  each  with  other  eyes  to  see, 
And  many  efforts  can't  make  two  agree  : 
Wiat  mediation  then  the  Saviour  showed, 
Who  singly  reconciled  us  all  to  God  1 
18,  19.  (18)  lot,  ch.  xvi.  33.     This  was  regarded  as  an  appeal 
to  the  direct  decision  of  God  :  and  this  ought  at  once  to  settle 
any  vexed  question,     partetll  .  .  mighty,   "  keeps  from  hostile 
collision  those  who  in  reliance  on  their  physical   strength  are 
specially    inclined    to    quarrel."      Arbitration    takes    now    the 
position    of    the    old    Jot.      (19)    brother,    quarrels    between 
relatives  are  proverbially  bitter.     Here  an  alienated  or  litigious 
brother,     bars  .  .  castle,  hard  to  thrust  back  or  to  burst.* 

Fraternal  titrife  {v.  I'J). — I.  It  ought  never  to  be  necessary  to 
win  a  brother.  II.  Should  differences  sever  brothers,  they  ought 
to  be  easily  overcome.  III.  How  docs  the  difficulty  arise?  1. 
The  previous  love  ;  2.  Too  strictly  insisting  upon  personal  rights 
—the  elder  presuming,  the  younger  envious. 

Bi'c'Liion  hy  lot. — In  nearly  all  cases  where  reason  cannot 
decide,  or  where  the  right  of  several  claimants  to  one  article  has 
to  be  settled,  recourse  is  had  to  the  lot,  which  "  causeth  conten- 
tions to  cease."  Though  an  Englishman  might  not  relish  such  a 
mode  of  having  a  wife  assigned  to  him,  yet  many  a  one  in  the 
East  has  no  other  guide  than  this  in  that  important  acquisition. 
Perhaps  a  young  man  is  either  so  accomplished,  so  respectable, 
or  so  rich,  that  many  fathers  aspire  to  the  honour  of  calling  him 
'•  son-in-law."  Their  daughters  are  said  to  be  beautiful,  wealthy, 
and  of  a  good  family  :  what  is  he  to  do .'  The  name  of  each 
young  lady  is  written  on  a  separate  piece  of  olali,  and  then  all 
are  mixed  together.  The  youth  and  his  friends  then  go  to  the 
front  of  the  temple  ;  and  being  seated,  a  person  who  is  passing 
by  at  the  time  is  called,  and  requested  to  take  one  of  the  pieces 
of  olali.  on  which  a  lady's  name  is  inscribed,  and  place  it  near 
the  anxious  candidate.  This  being  done,  it  is  opened  ;  and  she 
whose  name  is  written  there  becomes  his  wife.  Are  two  men 
inclined  to  marry  two  sisters,  a  dispute  often  arises  as  to  whom 
the  youngest  shall  bo  given.  To  cause  the  "  contentions  to 
cease,"  they  again  have  recourse  to  the  lot.  The  names  of  the 
sisters  and  of  the  disputants  are  written  on  separate  pieces  of 
olah,  and  taken  to  a  sacred  place  ;  those  of  the  men  being  put 
on  one  side  and  the  females  on  the  other.  A  person  then  who 
is  unacquainted  with  the  matter  takes  a  piece  of  olah  from  each 
side,  and  the  couple  whose  names  are  thus  joined  together 
become  man  and  wife.  But  sometimes  a  wealthy  father  cannot 
decide  betwixt  two  young  men  who  are  candidates  for  the  hand 
of  his  daughter.  What  can  he  do  .'  He  must  settle  his  doubts 
by  lot.  Not  long  ago  the  son  of  a  medical  man  and  another 
youth  applied  for  the  daughter  of  Sedambara-Suppiyan,  the  rich 
merchant.  The  old  gentlemjii  caused  two  "  holy  writings  "  to 
be  drawn  up ;  the  names  of  the  lovers  were  inscribed  thereon  : 
the  son  of  Kandan.  the  doctor,  w^as  drawn  forth,  and  the  young 
lady  became  his  wife.  Three  Brahmins,  also,  who  were  brothers, 
each  ardently  desired  the  hand  of  one  female  ;  and.  after  many 
disputes,  it  was  settled  by  lot,  which  "  causeth  contentions  to 
cease  ;"  and  the  youngest  of  the  three  gained  the  prize.  But 
medical  men  are  also  sometimes  selected  in  the  same  way.  One 
person  teUs  the  afflicted  individual  that  such  a  doctor  has  far 


Cap.  xvUi.  20.  21.] 


PROVERBS. 


1T3 


more  skill  than  the  rest.     Another  says,  "  He  !  what  is  he  but  a    one  fault    of   a 

cow-doctor  1  How  many  has  he  killed  !  Send  for  such  a  person,  i  ^'^^^  '  ,'le,^eiving 
■L  11  n       A   XI,-    1      •         -u-  1      ,.  T  1  .1         rann    shall   meet 

he  Will  soon  cure  you.  A  third  gives  his  counsel :  "  I  know  the  '  with  more  re- 
man for  you  ;  he  had  his  knowledge  from  the  gods  ;  send  for :  proaches  than  al/ 
him."  The  poor  patient  at  last  requests,  "  Select  me  one  by  lot ;  {  '"« virtues prair-e, 
and  as  is  the  name,  so  is  the  doctor."  But  another  thing  has  to  !  force ''of  '^iu-wm 
be  settled.     The  medical  gentleman  intimates  that  there  are  two  [  and    iu-nature." 

Willis. 


kinds  of  medicine  which  ajipear  to  him  to  be  equally  good  ;  and 
therefore  the  lot  is  again  to  decide  which  is  best.  Thus  again 
"  the  lot  causeth  contentions  to  cease."  * 

20,  21.  (20)  man's  Ijelly,  etc.,  ch.  xii.  14,  xiii.  2.  Belly  is 
used  to  represent  the  "  inward  man."  "  The  words  may  be 
rendered, — a  man's  moral  self  shall  be  satisfied."""  fruit  of  his 
mouth,  words  which  flow  from  it :  but  to  this  end  his  speech 
Bhould  be  conscientiously  truthful,  and  intentionally  useful. 
(21)  death  .  .  tongue,  .lee  Jas.  iii.  5.*  The  tongue  may  be  an 
agent  in  the  greatest  good  or  the  greatest  evil,  love  it,  i.e.  love 
free  talking,  but  the  proper  use  of  the  tongue  may  be  included. 
"  Cherish,  cultivate,  and  carefully  develop "  a  power  that  has 
Buch  importance  attaching  to  it. 

The  tongue  (r.  21). — I.  Look  at  the  tongue  as  an  instrument  of 
the  mind.     1.  As  the  communicator  of  thought :  2.  As  a  link  of 
fellowship  ;  3.  As  the  great  agent  in  active  life.     II.  Look  at 
the   tongue  as   influenced  by  will.     1.  The  flattering;   2.  The 
lying ;    3.  The  impure  ;   4.  The   malignant ;   5.  The   proud  ;    6. 
The  profane  ;  7.  The  cursing  ;  8.  The  blaspheming  tongue.     III. 
Look  at  the  renewed  and  the  sanctified  tongue.     1 .  It  is  wise  ;  2. 
Wholesome ;    3.   Truthful ;    4.    Restrained ;    5.    Benevolent ;    6. 
Devotional  ;    7.    Praising   tongue.      Learn — (1)    The  tongue   is 
the  most  difiicult  of  management :  (2)  The  most  important ;  (3) 
The  tongue  of  the  sainted  soul  will  glorify  Him  for  ever."" — The  i 
power  of  the  tonr/ue  (r.  21). — Look  at  the  i^roverb  in  three  appli- 1 
cations.     I.  To  the  Christian  in  general.     1.  He  prays  ;  2.  Con-  I 
fesses  ;  3.  Converses  with  the  tongue.     II.  To  the  preacher  of  sosTom. 
the   Gospel.      1 .    The  tongue    of   a    true   Gospel  minister  pro- 1  Matt.  xii.  36  37. 
duces  life  intentionally  ;  2.  Or  death  incidentally.     III.  To  the  ' 
Saviour  of  men.     This  is  true  of  Him   as  a — 1 .    Teacher ;    2. 
Advocate  ;  3.  Judge.    Learn — The  awful  responsibility  attached 
to  speech. ■* 

A  n-ord  in  season. — The  views  of  the  Rev.  Martin  Boos,  a  late 
Catholic  clergyman  in  Austria,  though  afterwards  decidedly  |  ^^.j^J'^fyg  ^J^''^ 
evaugelical,  were  at  the  commencement  of  his  ministry  erro-  j  vivacity  than  un- 
neous.  About  the  year  1788  he  went  to  visit  a  woman  dis- 1  derstanding  wiu 
tinguished  by  her  humility  and  piety,  who  was  dangerously  ill.  |  g^*''.",,  '"^!^*^  ^ 
In  endeavouring  to  prepare  her  for  death,  he  said  to  her,  "I  in  conversation. 
doubt  not  but  you  will  die  calm  and  happy."  "  Wherefore  ?"  '  But  this  agree- 
asked  the  sick  woman.  "  Because  your  life  has  all  been  made  up  .  '^^1'^  *'^'':'"'.  ^""^ 
of  a  series  of  good  works."  The  sick  woman  sighed  :  "  If  I  die,"  otbers'is 'fre^ 
eaid  she,  "  confiding  in  the  good  works  which  you  call  to  my  re-  j  quentiy  danger- 
collection,  I  know  for  certain  that  I  shall  be  condemned;  butious  to  them- 
what  renders  me  calm  at  this  solemn  hour  is,  that  I  trust  solely  \  ^y""'^^'  n°  aiis  to 
in  Jesus  Christ  my  Saviour."  "  These  few  words."  said  Boos, ,  be  desired  or  en- 
"  from  the  mouth  of  a  dying  woman,  who  was  reputed  a  saint,  I  com  aged  very 
opened  my  eyes  for  the  first  time.  I  learned  what  that  was — j  ^'^'''^  ^°  J?^^ 
'  Christ  for  us.'  Like  Abraham,  I  saw  His  day.  From  that  time  I  should  1[^\he' re" 
I  anuouBced  to  others  the  Saviour  of  sinners  whom  I  had  myself  [  suit  of  education, 


e  Robertt. 


a  Dav.  Thomas, 
D.D. 

"The  general 
sense  is  plain ; 
a  man  must  for 
good  or  evil  take 
the  consequences 
of  his  words  as 
well  as  of  his 
deeds."— Sp/ir. 
Com. 

b  Many  have 
fallen  by  the 
edge  of  the 
sword,  but  not  so 
many  as  have 
fallen  by  the 
tongue. 

"  Let  us  guard 
this  little  mem- 
ber— the  tongue 
—more  than  the 
pupil  of  the  eye, 
and  the  more 
cautious  we 
should  be  bee.  we 
are  of  unclean 
lips."  — 5<.  Chry- 


c  Dr.  Bums. 

d  J.  Sibree. 

f.  21.     /.  G.  Dow- 
liny,  255. 


174 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zviii.  22.  23. 


not  the  precursor 
cf  It.  It  is  a 
golden  fruit, 
when  suffered  to 
grow  gr.alu.ally 
on  the  tree  of 
^knowledge ;  but 
if  precipitated  by 
foroeil  anil  unna- 
tural  means,  it 
will  in  the  end 
become  vapid  in 
proportion  as  it 
is  artificial. 

e  Whitecross. 

f  Yov,ng. 


«  "A  ^od  wife 
Is  heaven's  last, 
best  gift  to  a 
man  ;  his  angel 
of  mercy  ;  miiii- 
Bter  of  graces  in- 
numerable ;  his 
gem  of  many  vir- 
tues; his  casket 
of  jewels.  Her 
voice  his  sweetest 
music ;  hersmiles 
his  briglitestday; 
her  kiss  tlie  guar- 
dian of  i  n  n  o  - 
cence  ;  her  arms 
the  pale  of  his 
safety,  the  balm 
of  his  liealth,  the 
balsam  of  his 
life ;  lier  industry 
his  surest  wealth, 
her  economy 
his  safest 
steward  ;  lier 
lips  his  faithful 
counsellors  ;  her 
bosom  the  softest 
pillow  of  his 
cares  ;  and  her 
prayers  the 
oiliest  advocates 
of  heaven's 
blessing  on  his 
head.  "  —  Jeremy 
Taylor, 

I  Ge.  u.  18,  20. 

•.22.  T.Gataker, 
li.  147. 

eR.T.a. 


a  "Here,  again, 
teaparadox.  The 


found,  and  there  are  many  of  them  who  rejoice  in  Him  along 

with  me."< 

Conversation  rentilafes  thought. —  , 

Good  sense  will  stagnate.     Thoughts  shut  up  want  air, 
And  spoil,  like  bales  unopened  to  the  sun — 
Thought,  too,  delivered  is  the  more  possessed ; 
Teaching  we  learn,  and  giving  we  retain 
The  births  of  intellect ;  when  dumb,  forget. 
Speech  ventilates  our  intellectual  fire  ; 
Speech  burnishes  our  mental  magazine  : 
Brightens  for  ornament,  and  wheb<  fof  use. 
What  numbers,  sheathed  in  erudition,  lie 
Plunged  to  the  hilts  in  venerable  tomes, 
And  rusted  in  ;  who  might  have  borne  an  edge, 
And  played  a  sprightly  beam,  if  born  to  speech  ; 
If  born  blest  heirs  of  half  their  mother's  tongue  I  / 

22.  findeth  a  wife,  plainly,  one  who  is  really  a  wife  ;  ».*. 
a  good  wife  ;"  a  partner  and  head  of  the  household,  such  as  she 
should  bs,  a  wife  who  really  stands  by  her  husband's  side  as  a 
"help  meet  for  him."*  favour  .  .  Lord,  who  surely  presides 
over  such  a  blessing.  To  obtain  a  good  wife  is  a  sign  that  God 
delights  in  a  man  to  do  him  good.  Such  a  matter  should  be 
devoutly  taken  to  God  in  prayer  for  wise  guidance. 

Treasicre-troce  (v.  22). — I.  Many  bad  things  are  found  without 
much  seeking.  II.  Really  good  things  must  be  carefully  sought  for 
if  they  would  be  found.  III.  This  applies  especially  to  a  wife,  i.e. 
a  good  wife.  1.  Because  all  good  things  are  counterfeited  :  2. 
Because  the  goodness  leads  to  retirement ;  3.  Because  there  may 
be  other  seekers,  with  sharper  eyes  and  more  perseverance  ;  4. 
But  the  find  repays  for  the  searching. 

Countess  Coiifalonieri. — I  cannot  refrain,  say?  Sir  "William 
Jones,  from  giving  one  beautiful  illustration  of  devoted  duty 
and  affection,  in  the  instance  of  the  Countess  Confalonieri.  The 
moment  she  heard  that  the  count  was  condemned  to  death,  she 
flew  to  Vienna  ;  but  the  courier  had  already  set  out  with  the 
j  fatal  mandate.  It  was  midnight :  but  her  agonies  of  mind 
pleaded  for  instant  admission  to  the  empress.  The  same  pas- 
sionate despair  which  won  the  attendants  wrought  its  effect  on 
their  royal  mistress.  She  hastened  that  moment  to  the  emperor, 
and  having  succeeded,  returned  to  the  unhtippy  lady  with  a  com- 
mutation of  the  sentence  :  her  husband's  life  was  spared.  But 
the  death-warrant  was  on  its  way.  Could  she  overtake  the 
courier .'  Throwing  herself  into  a  conveyance,  and  paying  four 
times  the  amount  for  relays  of  horses,  she  never,  it  is  stated, 
stopped  or  tasted  food  till  she  reached  the  city  of  Milan.  The 
count  was  preparing  to  be  led  to  the  scaffold :  but  she  was  in 
time— she  had  saved  him.  During  her  painful  journey  she  had 
rested  her  throbbing  brow  upon  a  small  pillow,  which  she  bathed 
with  her  tears,  in  the  conflict  of  mingled  terror  and  hope,  lest 
all  might  be  over.  This  interesting  memorial  of  conjugal 
tenderness  and  truth  in  so  fearful  a  moment,  was  sent  by  his 
judges  to  the  count,  to  show  their  sense  of  his  wife's  admirable 
conduct.' 

23.  intreaties,  not  violence,  wh.  his  position  does  not) 
warrant,    rouglily,  his  wealth  making  him  masterf uL« 


Cap.  zvill.  24.] 


PROVERBS. 


175 


Rongh  treatment  of  the  poor  (v.  23). — In  answering  the  poor 
the  rich  should  consider — I.  That  he  himself  may  be  one  day 
poor.  II.  He  ehouldf  think  of  the  circumstances  that  made  the 
other  poor.  III.  He  should  remember  the  humiliation  of  the 
poor  suppliant.  IV.  He  should  reflect  that  the  rough  answer 
helps  to  create  class-feeling.  V.  And  that  a  kind  answer  turneth 
away  wrath. 

Kindness  and  confidence. — A  rough -looking  man  brought  his 
eon  into  school,  saying,  '•  I  have  brought  my  boy  here,  and  would 
like  to  see  if  you  can  do  anything  with  him.  I  confess,  he  is 
more  than  I  can  manage.  Of  all  the  stubborn  boys  I  know  of, 
he  is  the  worst."  One  day  as  the  teacher  was  passing  along  by 
the  desks,  he  laid  his  hand  kindly  on  his  shoulder  ;  but  the  boy 
shuddered,  and  shrank  from  him.  "  AVTiat  is  the  matter.  Henry  ?" 
asked  the  teacher.  "  I  thought  you  were  going  to  strike  me." 
"  Why  should  I  strike  you  ?"  "  Because  I  am  such  a  bad  boy." 
"  Who  says  you  are  a  bad  boy  ?"  '"Father  says  I  am  a  bad  boy, 
and  mother  says  so,  and  every  one  says  so."  '•  But  you  are  not  a 
bad  boy  ;  at  least  I  think  so  ;  and  you  can  be  as  good  a  boy  as 
any  one.  Ask  God  to  help  you  to  be  good,  and  you  will  be  sure 
to  succeed."  The  poor  boy's  eyes  filled  with  tears.  He  was  not 
used  to  such  kind  words  ;  and  when  his  teacher  left  him  he 
thought,  "  Can  I  be  a  good  boy  when  every  one  says  I'm  so  bad .' 
But  he  did  not  say  I  was  bad  :  he  said  I  could  be  a  good  boy.  I 
will  be  a  good  boy."  From  that  time  a  marked  change  was 
observed  m  the  boy.  He  took  a  great  deal  of  interest  in  his 
studies,  and  made  rapid  progress.  His  schoolfellows  soon 
learned  to  love  him.  He  grew  up  to  be  a  great  and  good  man, 
and  became  governor  of  one  of  our  largest  States.* 

24.  man,  etc.,  the  precise  meaning  of  the  original  is  not 
given  in  our  version.  A  better  rendering  is,  ''  A  man  of 
(many)  friends  will  prove  himself  base,  but  there  is  a  Friend 
that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother."  One  who  is  a  friend  to 
eveiybody  is  of  little  worth  to  anybody."  there  is  a  friend. 
One  whose  love  is  sti'onger  and  purer  even  than  all  ties  of 
kindred  '' 

A  faithful  friend  {r.  24). — I.  Christ  is  a  friend  that  sticketh 
closer  than  a  brother.  II.  The  reasons  why  we  may  depend  on 
Christ  as  being  a  faithful  friend.  1.  True  friendship  can  only 
be  between  true  men,  whose  hearts  are  the  soul  of  honour  ;  2. 
Faithfulness  to  us  in  our  faults  is  a  certain  sign  of  fidelity  in  a 
friend ;  3.  There  are  some  things  in  His  friendship  which 
render  us  sure  of  not  being  deceived  when  we  put  our  confidence 
in  Him  :  4.  The  friendship  which  will  last  does  not  take  its  rise 
in  the  chambers  of  mirth,  nor  is  it  fed  and  fattened  there  ;  5.  A 
friend  who  is  acquired  by  folly  is  never  a  lasting  friend,  nor  is 
the  friendship  of  ignorance  desirable  ;  7.  Friendship  and  love  to 
be  real  must  lie  not  in  words  but  in  deeds  ;  8.  A  purchased 
friend  will  never  last  long  ;  9.  There  cannot  by  any  possibility 
arise  any  cause  which  could  make  Christ  love  us  less.  III.  An 
inference  to  be  derived  from  this.  1.  If  Christ  sticks  close,  then 
our  enemies  will  stick  close  also;  2.  Is  Christ  your  friend  ?  •■ — 
Fricnd.-ilL'j). — I.  There  is  such  a  thing  as  friendship  and  human 
affection.  1.  God  has  implanted  in  our  nature  a  social  principle ; 
2.  There  are  certain  qualifications  that  give  scope  to  this  prin- 
ciple ;  3,  There  have  been  some  surprising  iastances  of  friend- 


p o o r  man,  of 
whom  one  might 
expect  I  ough- 
ness,  supplicates ; 
the  rich,  well- 
nurtured,  from 
whom  one  might 
look  for  courtesy, 
answers  harshly 
and  roughly." — 
Spk.  Com. 

"It  is  a  very 
foolish  humour  of 
some  rich  men — 
especially  those 
1  wlio  have  risen 
from  little — that 
j  they  think  their 
riches  will  war- 
j  rant  them  to  give 
j  hard  words,  and, 
I  even  where  they 
I  do  not  design  any 
I  rough  dealing, 
I  tliat  it  becomes 
I  them  to  answer 
roughly,  whereas 
gentlemen  ought 
to  be  gentle."— 
Mat.  Henry. 

1  Sa.  XXV.  11,  12. 

b  Child's  Paper, 


a  "Solomon  warns 
against  a  vain- 
glorious passion 
of  aspiring  to  a 
universal  ac- 
quaintance, and 
an  empty  popu- 
larity, wh.  will 
bring  with  it  no 
support  in  adver- 
sity, but  will  ruin 
a  man  by  pride 
and  rashness,  and 
prodigal  expen- 
diture."—  Words- 
wort/t. 

"  If  you  wish  to 
gain  affection, 
bestow  it." — 
iSeneca. 

5  "The  brother 
and  the  friend 
are,  through  the 
goodness  of  God, 
with  more  or  less 
of  imperfection, 
often  found 
among  our  fel- 
lows, but  they  are 
complete  only  in 
Him  who  is  the 
fellow  of  the  Al- 
mighty."-Amot. 


176 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xvlll.  24. 


"  Would  yon  side 
with  a  false 
brother  against  a 
true  friend  ?  A 
brother  may  not 
be  a  friend  ;  hut 
a  friend  will 
always  be  a 
brother."  — 
Richardson. 


C  C.  H.  Spurgeon. 


d  T.  y.  Toller. 


9.  24.  /.  Pierce, 
74  ;  Dr.  J.  Dachal, 
i.  391  ;/>/•.  )r./>0(i- 
teell,  ii.  567  ;  C. 
Case,  267  ;  /.  /'. 
Morgan,  ii.  83  ; 
S.  Laviiigtnn,  ii. 
397;  G.  J.  Zolli- 
koffer,  ii.  117  ;  J. 
Charlesworth,  i. 
193. 


«  Whitecross. 


"Our  dying 
friends  are  pio- 
neers to  smooth 
our  rugged  pass 
to  death;  to 
break  those  bars 
of  terror  and  ab- 
horrence nature 
throws  cross  our 
obstructed  way ; 
and  thus  to  make 
welcome,  as  safe, 
our  port  from 
every  storm. 
Each  friend 
snatcli'd  from  us 
is  a  plume 
pluok'd  from  the 
wing  of  human 
vanity,  which 
makes  lis  stoop 
from  our  aerial 
heights,  and, 
d  a  ra  p '  d  with 
omen  of  our  own 
decease,  on  ilroop- 
ing  pinions  of 
ambition  lower' il, 
just  skim  earth's 
siu-face,  ere  we 
break  it  up." — 
Young. 


"  Rare  is  true 
love ;  true  friend- 
ship is  still  rarer." 
— M  fontdiiu. 


ship  among-  men.  II.  The  wisdom  and  goodness  of  Providenco 
in  thus  ordering  things.  1.  It  keeps  society  together;  2.  Ita 
exercise  attended  with  pleasure  ;  3.  It  mSkes  us  in  a  humble 
degree  like  God  ;  4.  It  is  suited  to  our  state  in  both  this  world 
and  the  future.  III.  This  friendship  is  imperfect.  1.  Pecu- 
liarities of  natural  temper  ;  2.  Clashing  of  interests  ;  3.  In- 
capacity to  help  ;  4.  Want  of  religion  ;  5.  Distance  ;  6.  Short 
duration.  Learn  : — (1)  Admire  the  goodness  of  God  ;  (2)  Culti- 
vate friendship  as  a  duty  ;  (3)  Let  us  not  depend  on  human 
friendship."' 

The  best  friend. — At  one  of  the  anniversaries  in  Paris  a  clergy- 
man rose  and  related  the  case  of  a  Socinian  minister,  who  had 
read  many  books  of  controversy  respecting  the  Divinity  of  Christ, 
and  the  kindred  evangelical  doctrines,  but  still  remained  a 
champion  of  Socinianism,  living  himself  in  darkness  and  sin. 
\Vhile  in  this  frame  of  mind,  he  was  presented  with  a  little 
tract,  entitled,  The  Best  Friend,  which  simply  told  of  Jesus  ; 
there  was  not  one  word  of  controversy  in  it :  but  he  felt  that 
this  was  just  the  Friend  he  needed.  He  laid  the  tract  on  the 
table,  fell  on  his  knees,  and  yielded  up  his  heart  to  Je.sus.  "  And 
now,"  said  the  clergyman.  "  I  am  that  man."  He  is  now  one  of 
the  most  devoted  ministers  in  France.* 


Friends.- 


But  as  our  immortality 

By  inward  sense  we  find, 
Judging  that  if  it  could  not  be, 

It  would  not  be  design'd  : 
So  here  how  could  such  copies  fall, 
If  there  were  no  original  1 

But  if  truth  be  in  ancient  song. 

Or  story  we  believe  ; 
If  the  inspired  and  greater  throngf 

Have  scorned  to  deceive  ; 
There  have  been  hearts  whose  friendship  gaT» 
Them  thoughts  at  once  both  soft  and  grave. 

Among  that  consecrated  crew 

Some  more  seraphic  shade 
Lend  me  a  favourable  clue, 

Now  mists  my  eyes  invade. 
Why,  having  till'd  the  world  with  famej 
Left  you  so  little  of  your  flame  I 

Why  is't  so  difficult  to  see 

Two  bodies  and  one  mind  ? 
And  why  are  those  who  else  agree 

So  difficultly  kind  ? 
Hath  nature  such  fantastic  art, 
That  she  can  vary  every  heart  1 

Why  are  the  bands  of  friendship  tied 

With  so  remiss  a  knot, 
That  by  the  most  it  is  defied, 

And  by  the  most  forgot  ? 
"Why  do  we  step  with  so  light  sense 
From  friendship  to  indifiference  ? 


CBp.Zixl,2.] 


PRO  VEIIBS. 


177 


If  friendship  sympathy  impart, 

Why  this  ill-shulfled  game. 
That  heart  cau  never  meet  with  heart, 

Or  flame  encounter  flame  ? 
What  does  this  cruelty  create  ? 
Is't  the  intrigue  of  love  or  fate  1 

Had  friendship  ne'er  been  known  to  men 

(The  ghost  at  last  confest) 
The  world  had  then  a  stranger  been 

To  all  that  heaven  possest. 
But  could  it  all  be  here  acquired, 
Not  heaven  itself  would  be  desired/ 


CHAPTER  THE  NINETEENTH. 

1,  2.  (1)  poor,  the  word  used  means  poor  in  circumstances, 
integrity,  upright  though  humble.  Character  is  ever  of  more 
value  than  any  circumstances,  perverse,  etc.,  the  proud  rich 
mau  who  haughtily  and  scornfully  misuses  his  lips,  fool,  the 
intentional  opposite  of  humble  innocence.  (2 )  without  know- 
ledge," or  •'  Even  the  soul  {i.e.  life  itself)  without  knowledge  is 
not  a  blessing."''  hastetb.,  etc..  does  things  inconsiderately  and 
with  preciiutation.     Rashness  is  the  resuU  of  ignorance." 

The  better  man  (v.  1). — I.  He  is  a  better  man  in  himself.  1. 
He  is  a  better  charat^tor — contrast  the  principles,  the  worth  of  the 
two  ;  2.  He  has  better  enjoyments.  II.  He  is  a  better  man  to 
others.  1.  Relation  ;  2.  Neighbour  ;  3.  Citizen.  Application  : — 
A  word  to  the  pious  poor  ;  many  things  are  better  than  wealth — 
intellect,  knowledge,  friendship,  religion.'' — Divine  hnoirledfje 
most  desirable  (r.  2). — Without  it  a  man  has  no — I.  Directory 
for  his  ways.  II.  Remedy  for  his  sins.  III.  Support  in  his 
troubles.  IV.  Strength  for  his  duties.  V.  Hope  in  his  end. 
Apply  : — Learn — 1.  To  pitj-  those  who  are  in  ignorance  of  the 
truth  of  Christ ;  2.  Improve  Ihe  means  of  grace  ;  3.  Make  a  good 
use  of  the  kno'«'ledge  you  po.'sess.' 

MarveU's  infer)ritij. — The  borough  of  Hull,  in  the  reign  of 
Charles  II.,  chose  Andrew  Marvell,  a  young  gentleman  of  little 
or  no  fortune,  and  maintained  him  in  London  for  the  service  of 
the  public.  With  a  view  to  bribe  him,  his  old  schoolfellow,  the 
Lord  Treasurer  Danby.  went  to  him  in  his  garre*-.  At  partintr, 
the  Lord  Treasurer  slipped  into  his  hands  an  order  upon  the 
Treasury  for  .€1,000,  and  then  went  into  his  chariot.  Marvell. 
looking  at  the  paper,  called  after  the  Treasurer,  -  My  lord,  I 
request  another  moment."  They  went  up  again  to  the  garret, 
and  Jack,  the  servant  boy,  was  called.  "  Jack,  what  had  I  for 
dinner  yesterday  V  "  Don't  you  remember,  sir.  you  had  the  little 
shoulder  of  mutton  that  you  offered  me  to  bring  from  a  woman 
in  the  market  ? "  "  Very  right.  What  have  I  for  dinner  to-day  ?" 
"  Don't  you  know,  sir,  that  you  made  me  lay  up  the  bladebone  to 
broil.'"  '"Tis  so:  very  right.  Go  away."  "My  lord,  do  you. 
hear  that  ?  Andrew  MarveU's  dinner  is  provided  :  there's  j'our 
piece  of  paper,  I  want  it  not.  I  knew  the  sort  of  kindness  you 
intended.  I  live  here  to  serve  mj-^  constituents.  The  ministry 
may  seek  men  for  their  purpose  ;  I  am  not  one."-^ 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  M 


'■  The  frieudslrip 
of  hiffli  anil  saiic- 
litied  spirits 
loses  nothing  by 
death  but  ics 
alloy;  Mlings 
disappear,  and 
the  virtues  of 
t  li  o  s  e  whose 
'faces  we  shall 
behold  no  more ' 
appear  greater 
anil  more  sacred 
when  beheld 
through  t  li  e 
shades  of  the 
se  p  u  1  ch  re."— 
Robert  Hall. 
/K.Philips. 


a  "  Ignorance  is 
mere  privation, 
by  whicli  nothing 
can  be  produced ; 
it  is  a  vacuity  in 
vvliich  the  soul 
sits  motioulesf 
and  tori)id  foi 
want  of  attraO' 
tion.  And,  with- 
out knowing 
why,  we  always 
rejoice  when  we 
li'arii.  and  grieve 
when  we  forget." 
— Johnson. 

b  Wordsworth. 

c  "  Do  nothing 
rashly.  Stay  a 
little,  that  you 
may  make  an  end 
the  sooner." — 
Lord  Bacon. 

"  Things  are  not 
to  be  done  by  the 
effort  of  the 
moment,  but  by 
the  preparation 
of  past  mo- 
ments."— Cecil. 

Is.  x.x\'ii.  11 ;  Ho. 
iv.  6. 

d  Dr.  Thomas. 

e  C.  Simeon. 


V.  2. 
;i3  ; 
1)5  ; 
111  ; 


Dr.  T.Hunt, 
R.  H.dl.  i. 
D.  Dickson, 
J.  Plumptrc, 
ii.  231  ;  Pjp.  Van 
.\/ild>'rl.\.  2u3 :  Pr, 
Hook.  158-  /  Ca- 
leood,  i.  303. 

/  R.  T.  S. 


178 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xix.  3— & 


a  Is.  xlv.  9. 

V.  3.  S.  Qitinnj, 
202  ;  Dr.  J.  Orion. 
1. 19(1 ;  Dr.  a.  (In - 
gnry,  47  ;  Z)/-.  //. 
B'nir,  iv.  20:! ; 
2>r.  ir.  .Strren.i.  ii. 
J75  ;  /.  itUner,u. 
193. 

"  The  rubbing 
of  tlie  ey(^3  dotli 
not  fetcli  out  tlie 
mote,  but  makes 
tliem  more  red 
and  .ingry  ;  no 
more  doth  the 
distraction  an  d 
fretting  of  tlie 
mind  discliarge 
it  of  any  ill 
humours,  but 
rather  makes 
them  more 
abound  to  vex 
u  s."  — S  i  s  h  0  p 
Patrick. 


a  "  Bee.  men's 

consciences  tell 
them  they  ought 
to  relieve  a  ii  d 
succour  sucii 
foor  neighbours, 
they  are  willing 
>o  have  the  e.\- 
cuse  that  they 
did  not  see  them." 
— Mai.  Henry. 

b  "  When  Aris- 
totle was  nskeil 
what  a  man  coulil 
g'.cn  by  telling  a 
falsehood,  he  re- 
plied, 'Never  to 
tie  credited  when 
he  speaks  t  li  e 
truth.'"  —Duo. 
Tlwnids,  D.D. 

"  The  study  of 
truth  is  perpe- 
tually joined 
with  the  liive  of 
virtue ;  for  there 
is  no  virtue 
whiclidcrivesnot 
Its  original  from 
trutli.  as,  on  the 
contrary,  tliere  is 
no  vice  which 
has  not  its  be- 
ginning in  a  lie. 
Truth  is  the 
foundation  of  all 
knowledge,  anl 
the  cement  of  all 
BO  c  i  e  t  i  e  s.'*  - 
Catuerba. 


3.  foolisbness,  etc...  iuconsiderate  wilfulness.  Tho  foolish- 
ness wh.  by  perversity  {^ets  into  clifRculties,  and  then  frets  ag-ainst 
God.  perverteth,  maketh  .slippery,  so  that  lhf»  way  is  likely  to 
throw  the  mau  down,  frettetli,  or  ragcth.  Blames  God  for  his 
own  failures." 

Blaming  the  ivrung  party  (r.  ^). — I.  By  their  folly  men  often 
pervert  their  own  way  through  the  world  ;  l)y  profligacy,  in- 
temperance, etc..  they  come  to  want.  II.  So  reduced  th  ;y  often 
accuse  Providence,  or  talk  of  ill-luck.  etc.  III.  Meu  ought 
honestly  to  take  the  blame  to  themselves ;  that  would  be  a  step 
towards  improving  their  lot. 

FoUij  offrctfulneas. — Two  gardeners,  who  were  neighbours,  had 
their  crops  of  early  peas  killed  by  frost ;  one  of  them  came  to 
condole  with  the  other  on  this  misfortune.  "  Ah  ! '"  cried  he, 
'•  how  unfortunate  we  have  been,  neighbour  !  do  you  know  I  have 
done  nothing  but  fret  ever  since.  But  you  seem  to  have  a  lino 
healthy  croji  cpming  up  already  :  what  are  these  .' "  '•  These  1 " 
cried  the  other  gardener,  •'  why,  these  are  what  I  sowed  imme- 
diately after  my  loss."  "  What !  coming  up  already  .'"  cried  the 
fretter.  "  Yes ;  while  you  were  fretting,  I  wa.s  working." 
"AVhat!  don't  you  fret  when  you  have  a  loss?"  "Yes:  but  I 
always  put  it  off  until  after  I  have  rejiaired  the  mischief." 
'"AVhy,  then  you  have  no  need  to  fret  at  all."  "'True."  rephed 
the  industrious  gardener  ;  "  and  that's  the  very  reason."  * 

4,  5.  (4)  wealth,  etc,  see  ch.  xiv.  20.  poor,  here  Heb.  dal, 
the  poor  regarded  as  weak,  separated,  rfc,  bee.  his  neighbour 
is  atraid  lest  he  may  want  something  of  him  :  so  he  shuns  inter- 
course with  him."  (5)  false  witness,  .see  ch.  xvii.  5."  un- 
punished, Ileb.  "held  innocent."  not  escape,  appropriate 
judgment. 

The  power  of  money  (r.  4). — I.  This  is  seen  by  its  presence.  It 
makes  friends.  1.  It  is  a  question  if  such  friends  are  worth  the 
making,  who.se  friendship  depends  ou  the  balance  at  the  banker's  ; 
2.  There  is  nothing  saitl  about  the  mode  of  getting  the  wealth, 
that  is  often  a  small  matter  so  that  one  be  rich.  II.  By  its 
absence  tends  to  separate  the  ]ioor  from  their  neighljours.  1.  But 
what  neighbours !  2.  Yet  is  there  some  advantage  in  the  fact 
stated  ;  v/ith  this  before  th  mi  the  poor  are  more  likely  to  be 
industrious.  Learn  : — The  iMy  and  misery  of  making  money 
the  standard  of  respectability. 

A  legacy  teith  a  moral. — A  more  extraordinary  legacy  than  that 
bequeathed  to  his  fellow-citizens  by  Father  la  Loijue  cannot  well 
be  imagined.  At  his  death  his  body  was  found  stretched  on  a 
miserable  bed  in  an  attic  of  the  Quartier  de  Grenelle,  which  is 
anything  but  a  fashionable  district  of  Pari.s.  He  was  an  old  man, 
had  lived  in  the  simplest  way,  su.stainiiig  himself  almost  entirely 
on  bread.  His  room  contained  hardly  any  furniture,  yet  hid  in  a 
corner  was  found  a  little  cupboard  with  numerous  shelves,  and 
on  these  were  sorted  with  the  greatest  order  regiments  of  corks. 
In  the  centre  was  a  matmscript  written  by  the  Pere  la  Loque, 
on  which  he  stated  that  he  had  formerly  been  in  posses.sion  of 
cousider.able  wealth,  now  squandered  :  that  of  all  his  gieatness 
there  remained  but  these  corks,  drawn  in  better  times  to  welcome 
many  a  friend  who  now  had  forgotten  him  :  that  age  and  ruiTi 
had  taught  their  moral,  and  that  ou  each  cork  would  be  found 
wriii;en  its  history.     This  che  old  mau  did,  hoping  that  it  would 


Ca:-,xix.  6,7.1 


PROVERBS. 


179 


■erve  as  a  timely  warning,  and  that,  placed  on  the  shelves  of  I  f.  8.   W.  Reading, 
eome  mnse'im  or  of  a  philo:?oi:.her"8  study,  they  might  be  found  to   '^-  2^^- 
illustrate  human  nature.     On  one  of  the  corks  was  an  inscription  '  "Thore  is  noth- 
to  this  effect : — '•  Champagne  cork  ;  bottle  emptied  12th  of  May,    i"^  k^eps  longer 

1843,  with  M.  B ,  who  wished  to  interest  me  in  a  business  by  '  f  oTt  un'e,    ana 

which  I  was  to  make  ten  millions.     This  affair  cost  me  50,000  ■  nothing  nielts 

francs.     M.  B escaped  to  Belgium.     A  caution  to  amateurs."  ;  S'"'^?     sooner 

On  another  appears  the  following  note  :— '•  Cork  of  Cyprus  wine,  \  roTerty^'"'treTds 
of  a  bottle  emptied  on  the  4th  of  December,  18.50,  with  a  dozen  '\  upon  the  heels  of 
fast  friends.     Of  these  I  have  not  found  a  single  one  to  help  me  i  gie^t  aiyi  unex- 


pected riches." 
Ln  Bmi/ere. 
c  Once  a  Week. 


a  Dr.  Thomas. 


'  Want  is   the 
corn  of  every 


6  Bushnell. 

"  A  long  life  may 
be  passed  without 
finding  a  friend 
in  whose  under- 
standing   and 


on  the  day  of  my  ruin. 

6,  7.  (6)  prince,  or  princely,  liberal  man.  giveth  gifts, 
the  generous-handed.  (7)  brethren  .  .  hate,  bee.  of  his  trouble- 
Bome  dependence  on  them,  friends,  contrasted  with  brothers, 
as  in  ch.  xviii.  24.  with,  words,  of  entreaty.  "  He  craveth 
words  of  kindness  from  them." 

'The  utiare  and  the  nong  (r.  6). — I.  There  is  a  snare  for  the 
wicked  ;  in  every  siu  there  is  a  snare  to  the  sinner,  and  through  !  wealthy  fool,  and 
him  to  others.     II.  There  is  a  song  for  the  righteous,  a  new  song;  !  J^urn'd^  to'^^^d'"^ 
may  be  sung  at  all  times  :  Paul  mid  Silas  singing  in  prison."  |  cule."~Juvt7ial.' 

(Jhi'ut  and  the  jwor. — The  highest  circles  of  society  and  influ-  i 

ence  were  open  to  Him,  if  He  only  desired  to  enter  them.     Still  !  d/nne^?s  make 

He  adheres  to   the   poor,  and  makes  them   the  object  of   His  ^  abundance  of 

ministrJ^     And  what  is  more  peculiar,  He  has  visibly  an  interest  \  friends ;    but  in 

in  their  society,  which  is  wanting  in  that  of  the  higher  classes,  i  *^''^  .!"^'°  °^  **?" 
„  ■    ■  ii       i-u    i.    J.1  1-  X    ■  ■ -i    1      J.      '  versitvnot  one  is 

perceiving  apparently   that  they  have   a  certain   aptitude   f or  i  to  be  found. 

receiving  right  impressions  which  the  others  have  not.  They  are  ' 
not  the  wise  and  the  prudent,  filled  with  the  conceit  of  learning 
and  station,  but  they  are  the  babes  of  poverty,  open  to  conviction, 
prepared  by  their  humble  lot  to  receive  thoughts  and  doctrines 
in  advance  of  their  age.  Therefore  He  loves  the  poor,  and  v/ith- 
out  descending  to  their  manners,  He  delights  to  be  identified 
with  them.  He  goes  about  on  foot,  teaching  and  healing  them,  i  viVtue'  we  can 
occupying  His  great  mind,  for  whole  years,  with  details  of  labour  j  equally  confide, 
and  care — insanities,  blind  eyes,  fevers,  fluxes,  leprosies,  and  ^^"'1  whose 
Bores.  His  patients  are  all  below  His  level,  and  unable  to  repay  '  va"ui°"  at*  once 
Him.  even  by  a  breath  of  congenial  sympathy,  yet  He  appears  to  ]  for  its  justness 
be  supported  by  the  consciousness  of  good  which  attends  His  :  and  sincerity. 
labours.' — Char  acUr  of  a  friend. — Concerning  the  man  you  call  [  ^^^^^^^^ '^ji^^^JJ' 
your  friend — tell  me,  will  he  weep  vdth  you  in  the  hour  of  dis- 1  is  not  qualified' 
tress  ]  Will  he  faithfully  reprove  you  to  your  face  for  actions  to  judge.  A  man 
for  which  others  are  ridiculing  or  censuring  you  behind  your 
back .'  Will  he  dare  to  stand  forth  in  your  defence  when  de- 
traction is  secretly  aiming  its  deadly  weapons  at  your  reputation  / 
Will  he  acknowledge  you  M'ith  the  same  cordiality,  and  behave 
to  you  with  the  sams  friendly  attention,  in  the  company  of  your 
superiors  in  rank  and  fortune,  as  when  the  claims  of  pride  or 
vanity  do  not  interfere  with  those  of  fiiendship ?  If  misfortune 
and  losses  should  oblige  you  to  retire  into  a  walk  of  life  in  which 
you  cannot  appear  with  the  same  distinction,  or  entertain  your 
friends  with  the  same  liberality  as  formerly,  will  he  still  think 
himself  happy  in  your  society,  and,  instead  of  gradually  with- 
drawing himself  from  an  unprofitable  connection,  take  pleasure 
in  professing  himself  your  friend,  and  cheerfully  assist  you  to 
Bupport  the  burden  of  your  afflictions  /  When  sickness  shall  call 
you  to  retire  from  the  gay  and  busy  scenes  of  the  world,  will  he 
M  2 


of  the  world, 
however  pene- 
trating, is  not  fit 
to  counsel. 
Friends  are  often 
chosen  for  simi- 
lituile  of  man- 
ners, and  there- 
fore each  palli- 
alcs  the  other's 
failings  because 
they  are  his  own. 
Friends  are  ten- 
der, and  unwill- 
ing to  give  pain ; 
or  they  are  in- 
terested, and 
fearful  toofEend." 
—Julmson. 


180 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xix.  8—11. 


He  who  cannot  follow  you  into  your  g:loomy  retreat,  listen  with  attention  to  your 
secKt  'is*  of'^all  ' "'  ^^^^  ^  symptoms,"  and  minister  the  balm  of  consolation  to  your 
men  'the  most  I  fainting  spirit/  And  lastly,  when  death  shall  burst  asunder 
unfit  to  he  en- '  every  earthly  tie,  will  he  shed  a  tear  upon  your  grave,  and  lodge 
*""'"'  ""'^''  ''"'  the  dear  remembrance  of  your  mutual  friendship  in  his  heart,  aa 
a  treasure  never  to  be  resigned  ?  The  man  who  will  not  do  all 
this,  may  be  your  companion  —your  flatterer — your  seducer — but, 
depend  upon  it,  he  is  not  your  friend.^ 


trusted  with  tlie 
secrets  of  otliers. 

c  Enfield. 


V.  8.  Bp.  Thomas. 
i.  1. 

"Let  falsehood  be 
a  straiig._'r  to  thy 
lips.  iSliame  on 
the  policy  that 
fir.st  began  to 
tamjier  with  the 
heart,  to  hide  its 
thoughts  I  And 
doubly  shame  on 
that  inglorious 
tongue,  that  sold 
its  honesty  aud 
tol  d  a  liel  " — 
Hacard. 

"Heal  friendship 
is  a  slow  grower, 
and  never 
thrives  unless 
engrafted  upon 
a  stock  of  known 
and  reciprocal 
merit." — Chester- 
field. 

"  Let  friendship 
creep  gently  to  a 
height,— if  it 
rush  to  it,  it  may 
soon  run  itself 
out  of  breath." — 
FuUei: 

aUT.S. 


a  WordswortJi. 

b  Spk.  Com. 

e  0.  ZSckler. 

d  Mai.  Henry. 

"  The  fool  is  as 
incapable  of 
properly  using 
pleasure  as 
knowledge." — 
faussi't. 

e  Plato  said  to 
bis  servant,  "  I 
would  beat  thee 


8,  9.  (8)  wisdom,  Heb.  hfnrt ;  implying  the  higher  faculties 
of  reason  and  feeling,  loveth.  .  .  soul,  wh.  he  shows  hj  regard- 
ing his  best  interei?ts.  keepeth,  which  is  often  quite  as  difficult 
as  the  getting.    (9)  false  witness,  comp.  v.  5. 

T/ic  best  proof  of  thr.  Iti</Jir.it  xclf-loce  {c.  8). — I.  Here  is  a  cha- 
racter described:  the  man  who  loves  his  soul.  1.  He  remembers 
that  he  has  a  soul ;  2.  He  seeks  its  cultivation  as  a  thinking 
principle  ;  3.  He  seeks  its  salvation.  II.  Such  a  man  will  seek 
wisdom — 1.  As  the  proper  food  of  the  soul ;  2.  He  will  seek  it 
earnestly,  and  at  the  right  source  ;  .3.  He  will  seek  for  the  wisdom 
that  will  make  him  wise  to  salvation. 

A  Norwegian  farmer . — IMore  than  thirty  years  ago,  a  Norwegian 
farmer  was,  at  the  age  of  tweTity-five,  in  the  habit  of  making 
excursions  from  his  lath -r's  dwelling  for  the  purpose  of  dis- 
tributing religious  tracts,  which  he  had  caused  to  be  printed  at 
his  own  expense,  and  which  he  sold  or  gave  away.  The  effects 
of  his  labours  were  perfectly  astonishing,  not  less  than  50.000 
peasants  dating  the  period  of  their  conversion  to  sound  and  vital 
Christianity  at  the  time  when  they  first  became  kno^\^l  to  that 
remarkable  individual.  To  the  sufferings  which  he  had  under- 
gone it  is  most  distressing  to  advert ;  he  endured  eleven  several 
imprisonments,  one  of  which  lasted  for  a  period  of  ten  years. 
There  is  a  passage  towards  the  close  of  his  joui-nal.  dated  in  the 
year  ISH,  from  which  it  appears  that  a  fine  of  a  thousand  rix- 
dollars  was  imposed  upon  him.  and  that  all  which  he  possessed 
on  earth  was  sold  for  the  liquidation  of  that  debt :  he  might 
have  escaped  it,  could  he  have  prevailed  on  himself  to  petition 
the  king,  saying  that  he  was  unable  to  pay  the  amount :  but  such 
was  his  love  of  truth,  that  no  consideration  under  heaven  could 
induce  him  to  declare  a  falsehood ;  and.  in  consequence,  he 
suffered  himself  to  be  reduced  to  the  lowest  degree  of  poverty  : 
he  allowed  everything  which  he  possessed,  down  to  the  meanest 
utensil,  to  be  sold,  rather  than  declare  that  which  he  knew  to  be 
false." 

10,  11.  (10)  delight,  a  soft  delicate  life."  High  unrestrained 
enjoj^nent.*  Luxury.'  Pleasui-e  and  liberty."  servant  .  . 
princes,  ch.  xxx.  22.  This  has  often  happened  at  the  courts  of 
Oriental  despots.  (11)  discretion,  or  ;;r(/r/('«(V' ;  self-restraint,' 
ch.  xiv.  2i),  xvi.  .'52.  pass  over  transgression,  in  a  spirit  of 
merciful  forgiveness. 

Human  glory  (v.  11). — I.  What  does  the  world  say?  In  what, 
according  to  its  code,  does  the  glory  of  man  consist?  II.  What 
does  the  text  say  ?  Why  does  the  gloiy  of  man  consist  in  being 
forgiving  ?  because  it  makes  a  man  gotllike  :  because  it  is  a  proof 
of  the  wisdom  of  one  who  knows  he  has  much  to  be  forgiven. 

'J'/ic  inuiinoti.t  .it  a  man. — Another  fact  may  be  gleaned  from  the 
life  of  Sir  James  de  Saumarez.    When  the  mutiny  at  the  Noro 


Cap.  six.  12.J 


PROVERBS. 


181 


It  is  said  of  Julius 
Cxsar  that,  when 
provokoii.heused 
to  repeat  t  li  e 
whole  Roman 
alphabet  before 
he  suffered  him- 
self to  speak. 

V.  10.  Dr.  T.  Hunt, 


broke  out,  the  Orion,  which  he  commanded,  escaped  it  altogether,  but  that  I 
owing-  to  the  subordination  of  the  men,  and  the  attachment  they  ^"Efy- 
felt  for  their  worthy  commander,  with  whom  the  greater  part 
had  served  from  the  commencement  of  the  war.  It  was  from 
confidence  in  them,  founded  on  accurate  knowledge,  that  he 
consented  to  receive,  in  hope  of  his  reformation,  one  of  the  worst 
of  the  mutineers,  but  an  excellent  seaman  and  ship -carpenter, 
who  was  to  be  tried  for  his  life.  Seasonable  admonition  and 
paternal  attention  to  the  man's  feelings  on  the  part  of  Sir  James 
had,  however,  their  desired  effect.  A  few  days  after  the  rebel  got  57' 
on  board,  the  signal  was  made  for  the  boats  of  each  ship  to  be  !  .^  -pj^g  noblest 
manned  and  armed,  to  witness  the  execution  of  four  criminals  in  '  part  of  a  friend 
one  of  the  mutinous  ships.  Sir  James,  therefore,  sent  for  him  :  is  ;"i  honest  boid- 
into  the  cabin,  and  after  expostulating  with  him  on  the  heinous  fyj',!^g'"of''errors' 
crime  he  had  committed,  he  assured  him  that  he  would  spare  1  He  that  tells  me 
him  the  anguish  he  must  endure  of  beholding  others  suffer  for  j  of  a  fault,  aiming 
an  offence  of  which  he  had  probably  been  the  guilty  cause.  This  ;  ^*  t^^thi^T'^M  ^ 
was  the  last  effort  made  to  work  a  change  in  the  mutineer,  and  i  .^.^^^  a^j  faitu- 
the  effect  was  complete.  His  rebellious  spirit  was  subdued,  he  ;  ful ;  wise,  in  spy- 
fell  on  his  knees,  bathed  in  tears,  and  blended  the  strongest  i  '"g  that  "''"ich 
protestations  of  loyalty  to  his  king  with  the  warmest  expressions  |  fui'ffn  TplaiiTad- 
of  attachment  and  gratitude  to  his  commander.  Nor  were  the  I  mo'nishment,  not 
feelings  he  displayed  soon  repressed.     He  was  true  to  his  word  ; ,  tainted  wMth  flat- 


tery.' 


-Feltham, 


his  exertions  were  commensurate  to  his  promises,  and  he  who  had 
been  the  most  obdurate  of  rebels  became  one  of  the  most  faithful 
sailors  Sir  James  Saumarez  ever  had. 

12.  king's  "wrath,"  ch.  xvi.  15,  xx.  2,  xxviii.  15.    dew,  ch. 
xvi.  15  ;  Ps.  Ixxii.  6. 

The  Duke  of  Cuvibcrland. — \^^len  the  great  Duke  of  Cumber- 
land commanded  in  Germany,  he  was  particularly  pleased  with  |  o  f  1 
the  ability  and  valour  of  a  sergeant  belonging  to  his  own  regi-  i  *')'l°p^  them."— 
ment.  Having  observed  the  gallantry  of  this  man,  and  made  j  ^  rorerb. 
several  inquiries  into  his  private  character,  his  royal  highness  i 
took  occasion,  after  a  great  exploit  which  the  sergeant  had  per-  | 
formed,  to  give  him  a  commission.  Some  time  afterwards,  he  ! 
came  to  the  duke,  and  entreated  his  leave  to  resign  the  rank  | 
which  he  held.  Surprised  at  so  extraordinary  a  request,  the  duke  j 
demanded  the  reason,  and  was  told  by  the  applicant  that  he  was  j 
now  separated  from  his  old  companions  by  his  elevation,  and  not 
admitted  into  the  company  of  his  brother  officers,  who  considered 
themselves  degraded  by  his  appointment.  "  Oh !  is  that  the 
case?"  said  the  duke  ;  "let  the  matter  rest  for  a  day  or  two,  and  ^^^_^^^  ^__ 
I  will  soon  find  means  of  putting  an  end  to  your  disquietude."  1  and  ""when  thou 
The  next  morning  his  royal  highness  went  on  the  parade,  when  '  hast  a  friend  part 
he  was  received  by  a  circle  of  officers,  and  while  he  was  engaged  j  j'°V"^s,w"'  "^ 
in  conversation,  he  perceived  his  old  friend  walking  at  a  distance  ' 
by  himself.  On  this  the  duke  said,  "  Pray,  gentlemen,  what  has  I  [„  v™'*>^u  ex- 
that  officer  done  that  he  should  be  drummed  out  of  your  councils .'"'  i  tremeiy  upon  a 
and  without  waiting  for  an  answer  he  went  up,  took  the  man  by  |  very  slight  ao- 
the  arm.  and  thus  accompanied,  went  through  all  the  lii^^®- I  ^['ithoiit^aayv^ 
When  the  parade  was  over,  Lord  Ligonier  respectfully  desired 
his  royal  highness  to  honour  the  mess  with  his  presence  that  day. 
"  With  all  my  heart,"  replied  the  duke,  "  provided  I  bring  my 
friend,  here,  with  me."  "  I  hope  so,"  said  his  lordship  ;  and  from 
that  day  the  gentleman's  company  was  rather  courted  than  u  p  7.  « 
jghmmed  by  the  highest  officer  in  the  service.  * 


a  "Anger  is  like 
ashes,  wli.  fly 
back  in  the  face 
who 


"  The  favour  of 
my  friend  is  as 
the  refreshing 
dew."  "The  fa- 
vours of  that 
good  man  are 
continually  drop- 
ping upon  us." 
"  He  bathes  me 
with  his  f  a  - 
vours." — Roberts. 

"Procure  not 
friends  in  haste, 


182 


Car.  xlx.  13— lat 


ff  Stroke  upon 
stroke. 

"The  scolding 
worils  of  the  bail 
vife  are,  as  it 
wera,  the  singli; 
drops  of  the 
steaily  rain,  as 
her  perpetual 
temper  pour.s 
itself  out." — 0. 
Zikkier. 

b  Pr.  xTiii.  22. 

r.  14.  T.  Gutaker, 
ii.  135. 

"  I  too  acknow- 
ledge the  all  but 
omnipotence  of 
early  culture  ami 
nurture  ;  herei)y 
we  have  either  a 
doddered  dwarf 
bush,  or  a  high- 
towering,  wide- 
shadowing  tree ! 
either  a  sick  yel- 
lovv  cabbage,  or 
an  edible  luxu- 
riant green  one. 
Of  a  truth,  it  is 
the  duty  of  all 
men,  especl.illy  of 
all  philosophers, 
to  note  down 
■with  accuracy 
the  characteris- 
tic circumstances 
of  their  educa- 
tion.--wliat  fur- 
thered, what  hin- 
dered, wliat  in 
any  way  modified  i 
it." — Carlyle. 

"Were    it    not  I 
better  for  a  ujan  I 
in  a  fair  room  to 
set  up  one  great  ' 
light,  or  branch- 
ing candlestick  of 
liglit.'!,  than  to  go 
about    with    a 
rusljliglit     into 
every    dark    cor- 
net ?  "—Bacon. 
c  Cheever. 


m  Ta  cxix  9. 
f.  16     J/  Henry, 
619. 

"Theresting-day 
of  Christians,  and 
festivals  of  the 
Church,  must  in 
no  sense  be  days 
of  idleness;  for 


13,  14.  (13)  foolish  son,  comj/.  ch.  x.  1,  xv.  20.  xvii.  21,  25. 
'  calamity,"  a  plural  word,  intimating  the  variety  of  troubles  a 
foolish  sou  may  cause,  continual  dropping,  wh.  is  a  per- 
petual irritation,  weaiying-  out  patience.  (14)  house  .  . 
fathers,  such  things  as  these  men  gather  and  leave  to  their 
children  :  but  the  better  gift  of  the  prudent  wife  comes  directly 
from  God*  The  blessing  is  more  directly  and  manifestly  His 
bestowment. 

A  ffj/Iirr's  calamify  (r.  11). — I.  The  son  may  have  become 
foolish  by — 1 .  Parental  indulgence  :  2.  The  formation  of  evil 
>  h.'ibifcs  :  3.  CulLivatiouof  bad  companions.  II.  Such  a  son  is  the 
calamity  of  his  father — 1.  Whose  pride  in  him  is  destroyed  :  2. 
Whose  heart  is  filled  with  shame  by  the  mention  of  his  name. — 
The  /n/xhf/nrf's  tronhlcs. — The  contentions  of  a  wife.  I.  They  are 
often  about  small  things.  II.  There  is  no  escape  from  them. 
III.  They  produce  one  of  the  greatest  miseries  of  home  life.  IV. 
They  drive  the  husband  to  seek  peace  elsewhere. —  The  pnidcnt 
wife. — I.  Sketch  her  character.  1.  Marked  by  economy ;  2. 
Forethought ;  3.  Is  jealous  for  her  husbands  honour  ;  4.  Keeps 
his  secrets ;  .5.  Looks  well  to  the  ways  of  her  household.  II. 
Her  origin, — from  the  Lord.  Hence — 1.  She  will  be  sought  of 
the  Lord  ;  2.  Who  wiU  be  thanked  for  the  gift ;  3.  And  glorified 
by  the  right  use  of  it. 

Self-control  of  Socrates. — Socrates  finding  himself  in  great 
emotion  against  a  slave,  said,  "  I  would  beat  you  if  I  were  not 
angry."  Having  received  a  box  on  the  ear,  he  contented  himself 
by  only  saying,  with  a  smile,  "  It  is  a  pity  we  do  not  know  when 
to  put  on  a  helmet."  Socrates,  meeting  a  gentleman  of  rank  in 
the  streets,  saluted  him,  but  the  gentleman  took  no  notice  of  it. 
His  friends  in  company  observing  what  passed,  told  the  philo- 
sopher "  they  were  so  exasperated  at  the  man's  incivility,  that 
they  had  a  good  mind  to  resent  it."  But  he  very  calmlj'  made 
answer,  "  If  you  meet  any  person  in  the  road  in  a  worse  habit  of 
body  than  yourself,  would  you  think  you  had  reason  to  be  en- 
raged at  him  on  that  account .'  Pray,  then,  what  greater  reason 
can  you  have  for  being  incensed  at  a  man  for  a  worse  habit  of 
mind  than  any  of  your.selves  ?"  His  wife,  Xantippe,  was  a 
woman  of  a  most  fantastical  and  furious  spirit.  At  one  time, 
having  vented  all  the  reproaches  upon  Socrates  her  fury  could 
suggest,  he  went  out  and  sat  before  the  door.  His  calm  and  un- 
concerned behaviour  but  irritated  her  so  much  the  more  ;  and,  in 
the  excess  of  her  rage,  she  ran  upstairs  and  emptied  a  vessel  upon 
his  head,  at  which  he  only  laughed,  and  said,  "  that  so  much 
thimder  must  needs  produce  a  shower."  Alcibiades,  his  friend, 
talking  with  him  about  his  wife,  told  him  he  wondered  how  he 
could  bear  such  an  everlasting  scold  in  the  same  house  with  him  : 
he  replied.  '•  I  have  so  accustomed  myself  to  expect  it,  that  it 
now  offends  me  no  more  than  the  noise  of  carriages  in  the 
streets.""^ 

15,  16.  (l.'S)  slothfulness,  rrt»?;7.  ch.  vi.  9, 10.  deep  sleep, 
state  of  utter  indifference,  idle  SOUl,  comp.  ch.  x.  4,  xii.  24, 
XX.  13.  (16)  keepeth,  etc.,  ch.  x.  17,  xiii.  13.  despiseth  his 
ways,  and  so  treats  his  moral  conduct  as  of  no  importance." 

Ahilify  to  Inhovr. — Where  ability  to  labour  is,  there  Providence 
meets  action  and  crowns  it.  He  that  forbids  to  cark  for  to- 
morrow, denies  bread  to  the  idleness  of  to-day.    Consider,  0  my 


Cap.  xix.  17.3 


183 


eoul,  thy  own  delinquency,  and  let  employment  make  thee 
capable  of  thy  God"s  protection.  The  bird  that  sits  is  a  fair 
mark  for  the  fowler ;  while  they  that  use  the  wing-  escape  the 
danger.  Follow  thy  calling,  and  Heaven  will  follow  thee  with 
His  blessing.  What  thou  hast  formerly  omitted,  present  repent- 
ance may  redeem  ;  and  what  judgments  God  hath  threatened, 
early  petitions  may  avert.* 

17.  pity  .  .  poor,  wh.  may  find  expression  in  other  ways  than 
by  giving  moneys,  lendeth.  so  that  he  may  certainly  look  for 
return  and  payment  :<*  though  this  must  not  be  made  the  motive 
of  his  charity. 

The  Lord  was  their  hanher. — Mr.  Philip  Henry,  one  of  the 
Nonconformist  ministers,  when  silenced  from  preaching  by  the 
Act  of  Uniformity,  took  comfort  himself,  and  administered 
comfort  to  others,  from  the  passage,  "Let  Mine  outcasts  dwell 
with  thee,  Moab."  "God's  people,"  he  observed,  '-may  be  an 
outcast  people — cast  out  of  men's  love,  their  synagogues,  their 
country  ;  but  God  will  own  His  people  when  men  cast  them  out ; 
they  are  outcasts,  but  they  are  His,  and  some  way  or  other  He 
will  provide  a  dwelling  for  them."  Shortly  before  his  death,  the 
same  pious  man  observed  that,  though  many  of  the  ejected 
ministers  were  brought  very  low,  had  many  children,  were 
greatly  harassed  by  persecution,  and  their  friends  generally  poor 
and  unable  to  support  them,  yet,  in  all  his  acquaintance,  he 
never  knew  nor  could  remember  to  have  heard  of  any  Noncon- 
formist minister  in  prison  for  debt.* —  Ohjecta  of  charity. — Nothing 
peems  much  clearer  than  the  natural  direction  of  charity. 
Would  we  all  but  relieve,  according  to  the  measure  of  our  means, 
those  objects  immediately  within  the  range  of  our  personal 
knowledge,  how  m.uch  of  the  worst  evil  of  poverty  might  be 
alleviated  !  Very  poor  people,  who  are  known  to  us  to  have  been 
honest,  decent,  and  industrious,  when  industry  was  in  their  power, 
have  a  claim  on  us,  founded  on  our  knowledge,  and  on  vicinity 
and  neighbourhood,  which  have  in  themselves  something  sacred 
and  endearing  to  every  good  heart.  One  cannot,  surely,  always 
pass  by  in  his  walks  for  health,  restoration,  or  delight,  the  lone 
wayside  beggar,  without  occasionally  giving  him  an  alms.  Old, 
careworn,  pale,  drooping,  and  emaciated  creatures,  who  pass  us 
by  without  looking  beseechingly  at  us,  or  even  lifting  up  their 
eyes  from  the  ground,  cannot  often  be  met  with,  without  exciting 
an  interest  in  lis  for  their  silent  and  unobtrusive  sufferings  or 
privations.  A  hovel,  here  and  there,  around  and  about  our  own 
comfortable  dwelling,  attracts  our  eyes  by  some  peculiar  ap- 
pearance of  penury,  and  we  look  in,  now  and  then,  upon  its 
inmates,  cheering  their  cold  gloom  with  some  small  benefaction. 
These  are  duties  all  men  owe  to  distress  :  they  are  easily  dis- 
charged :  and  even  such  tender  mercies  as  these  are  twice  blessed.*^ 
Mrs.  Fry  at  Neiryate  pri.^on. — 

The  harsh  key  grated  in  its  ward, 
The  massy  bolts  undrew, 

And  watchful  men  of  aspect  stern, 
Gave  us  admittance  through — 

Admittance  where  so  many  pine 
The  far  release  to  gain. 

Where  desperate  hands  have  madly  striven 
To  wrest  the  bars  in  vain. 


it  is  better  to 
plough  upon 
holy-daystbau  to 
do  notliing,  or  to 
do  viciously ;  but 
let  them  be  spent 
in  tlie  works  of 
the  daj',  that  is, 
of  religion  a  u  d 
charity,  accord- 
ing to  the  rulea 
appointed."  — 
Jernny  Taylor, 
b  Quarles. 

a  C  o  m  p .  Mat. 
XXV.  4U. 

"God  is  pleased 
with  no  music 
bcluw  so  much 
as  in  the  thanks- 
giving songs  ot 
relieved  widows, 
of  supported  or- 
phans, of  rejoic- 
ing and  com- 
forted and  thank- 
ful persons.  This 
part  of  our  com- 
munication does 
the  work  of  God 
and  our  neigh- 
bours, and  bears 
us  to  heaven  in 
streams  made  by 
tlie  overflowing 
of  our  brothers' 
comfort." -Jeremt/ 
Tuijlor. 

b  Ari-ine. 

"That  charity 
alone  endures 
which  flows  from 
a  sense  of  duty 
and  a  hope  in 
God.  This  is  the 
charity  tliat 
treads  in  secret 
those  paths  of 
misery  from 
which  all  but 
the  lowest  of 
human  wretches 
have  fled  ;  this 
is  tliat  charity 
wliich  no  labour 
can  weary,  no  in- 
gratitude detach, 
no  horror  dis- 
gust ;  that  toils, 
that  pardons, 
that  suffers;  that 
is  seen  by  no 
man  a  n  li  ho- 
noured  by  no 
man  ;  but,  like 
the  great  laws  of 
nature,  does  the 
work  of  God  in 
silence,  and  looka 
to  a  future  and 
better  world  for 


184 


PROVERBS. 


Cap.  xlx,  VTt 


Its  reward." — 
Sydney  Smith. 

e  Chalmers. 

"  The  secret  that 
do  til  make  a 
flower  a  flower 
so  frames  it  tliat 
to  bloom  is  to  be 
sweet,  ami  to  re- 
c  e  i  V  e  to  give. 
No  soil  so  sterile, 
and  no  living  lot 
so  poor,  but  it 
hath  somewhat 
still  to  spare  in 
bounteous 
o  d  o  u  rs.  Chari- 
table they  who, 
be  their  having 
more  or  less,  so 
have  that  less  is 
more  than  need, 
and  more  is  less 
than  the  great 
heart's  good- 
■wiXL"—Dobea. 


"In  all  other 
human  gifts  an  I 
passions,  though 
they  advance  na- 
ture, yet  they  are 
subject  to  excess. 
But  charity 
alone  admits 
no  excess. 
For  so  we  see,  by 
aspiring  to  be 
like  God  in 
power,  the  angels 
transgressed  and 
fell;  by  aspiring 
to  be  like  God  in 
knowledge  man 
transgressed  and 
fell ;  but  by  as- 
piring to  be  like 
God  in  goodness 
or  love,  neither 
man  nor  angel 
ever  did,  or  shall 
transgress.  For 
unto  that  imita- 
t  i  o  n  we  are 
called."  —  Loi-d 
Bacon. 

"  Charity  itself 
com  maiids  us, 
where  we  know 
no  ill,  to  think 
well  of  all.  But 
friemlship,  that 
always  goes  a 
pitch  higher, 
.<?ives  a  man  a 
peculiar  right 
and  claim  to  the 
good  opinion  of 
h  i  s  friend." — 
South. 


What  untold  depths  of  human  woe 

Have  roll'd  their  floods  along 
Since  fii'st  these  rujrged  walls  were  heavei 

From  their  foundations  strong  1 
Guilt,  with  its  seared  and  blackeu'd  breast, 

Fierce  Hate,  with  sullen  glare, 
And  Justice,  smiting  unto  death, 

And  desolate  Despair. 

Here  Crime  hath  spread  a  loathsome  snare 

For  souls  of  lighter  stain, 
And  Shame  hath  cower "d,  and  Anguish  drain'd 

The  darkest  dregs  of  pain. 
And  Punishment  its  doom  hath  dealt, 

Releutles.s  as  the  grave, 
And  spurn 'd  the  sinful  fellow-worm, 

Whom  Jesus  died  to  save. 

Yet  be  not  strict  their  faults  to  mark, 

Nor  hasty  to  condemn, 
Oh,  thou,  whose  erring  human  heart 

May  not  have  swerved  like  them  ; 
But.  with  the  tear-drop  on  thy  cheek, 

Adore  that  guardian  Power 
Who  held  thee  on  the  slippery  steep 
Amid  the  trial-hour. 

Who  entereth  to  his  dreary  cell  ? 

Wlio  dares  the  harden "d  throng, 
With  fearless  step  and  brow  serene. 

In  simple  goodness  strong.' 
She  hath  a  Bible  in  her  hand. 

And  on  her  lips  the  spell 
Of  loving  and  melodious  speech. 

Those  lion-hearts  to  quell. 

She  readeth  from  that  holy  book, 

And  in  its  spirit  meek 
Doth  warn  them  as  those  straying  ones 

Whom  Christ  vouchsafes  to  seek  ; 
She  kneeleth  down  and  asketh  Him 

"WTio  deign "d  the  lost  to  find. 
Back  to  His  blessed  fold  to  lead 

These  impotent  and  blind. 

Oh,  beautiful !  though  not  with  youth. 

Bright  locks  of  sunny  ray, 
Or  changeful  charms  that  years  may  blot^ 

And  sickness  melt  away  : 
But  with  sweet  lowliness  of  soul, 

The  love  that  never  dies. 
The  purity  and  truth  that  hold 

Communion  with  the  skies. 

Oh.  beautiful !  yet  not  with  gauda, 

That  strike  the  worldling's  eye, 
But  iu  the  self-denying  toils 

Of  heaven-born  charity. 


Cap.  xix.  18. 19.1 


PROVERBS. 


185 


Press  onward,  till  thou  find  thy  home 

In  realms  of  perfect  peace, 
Where,  in  the  plaudit  of  thy  Lord, 
All  earthly  cares  shall  cease.'' 

18,  19.  (18)  chasten,  etc.,  ch.  xiii.  24,  xxxiii.  13.  spare  .  • 
crying,  should  be  rend.  '■  Do  not  set  thy  soul  on  his  destruc- 
tion." It  is  a  caution  to  passionate  parents  ag-ainst  ang'ry 
resentments,  and  undue  chastisements."  (19)  great  wrath, 
who  by  unrestrained  temper  is  led  to  do  foolish  and  violent 
things,  do  it  again,  such  a  man  will  get  into  trouble  over 
and  over  again. 

Paternal  Jirniness  and  di.fcipJine. — '-A  gentleman,"  says  Mr. 
Abbot,  "  sitting  by  his  fireside  one  evening,  with  his  family 
around  him,  took  the  spelling-book,  and  called  upon  one  of  his 
little  sous  to  come  and  read.  John  was  about  four  years  old. 
He  knew  all  the  letters  of  the  alphabet  perfectly,  but  happened 
at  that  moment  to  be  in  rather  a  sullen  humour,  and  was  not  at 
all  disposed  to  gratify  his  father.  Very  reluctantly  he  came  as 
he  was  bid  ;  but  wlien  his  father  pointed  to  the  first  letter  of  the 
alphabet,  and  said,  '  What  letter  is  that,  John '!'  he  could  get  no 
answer.  John  looked  upon  the  book,  sulky  and  silent.  '  My 
eon,'  said  the  father  pleasantly,  '  you  know  the  letter  A.'  '  I 
cannot  say  A,'  said  John.  'You  must,'  said  the  father,  in  a 
serious  and  decided  tone.  '  "VMiat  letter  is  that  V  John  refused 
to  answer.  The  contest  was  now  fairly  commenced.  John  was 
wilful,  and  determined  that  he  would  not  read.  His  father 
knew  that  it  would  be  ruinous  to  his  sou  to  allow  him  to  conquer. 
He  felt  that  he  must,  at  all  hazards,  subdue  him.  He  took  him 
into  another  room,  and  punished  him.  He  then  returned,  and 
again  shovred  John  the  letter.  But  John  still  refused  to  name  it. 
The  father  again  retired  with  his  son,  and  puinshed  him  more 
severely.  But  it  was  unavailing.  The  stubborn  child  still 
refused  to  name  the  letter,  and,  when  told  that  it  was  A,  declared 
that  he  could  not  say  A.  Again  the  father  inflicted  punishment 
as  severely  as  he  dared  to  do  it.  and  still  the  child,  with  his  whole 
frame  in  agitation,  refused  to  yield.  The  father  was  suffering 
from  most  intense  solicitude.  He  regretted  exceedingly  that  he 
had  been  drawn  into  the  contest.  He  had  already  punished  his 
child  with  a  severity  which  he  feared  to  exceed,  and  yet  the 
wilful  sufferer  stood  before  him  sobbing  and  trembling,  but 
apparently  as  unyielding  as  a  rock.  I  have  often  heard  that 
parent  mention  the  acuteness  of  his  feelings  at  that  moment. 
His  heart  was  bleeding  at  the  pain  which  he  had  been  compelled 
to  inflict  upon  his  son.  He  knew  that  question  was  now  to  be 
settled — who  should  be  master  ?  and  after  his  son  had  withstood 
so  long  and  so  much  he  greatly  feared  the  result.  The  mother 
sat  by,  suffering,  of  coui  se,  most  acutely,  but  perfectly  satisfied 
that  it  was  their  duty  to  subdue  the  child,  and  that  in  such  a 
trying  hour  a  mother's  feelings  must  not  interfere.  With  a 
heavy  heart  the  father  again  took  the  hand  of  his  son  to  lead 
him  out  of  the  room  for  farther  punishment ;  but  to  his  incon- 
ceivable joy.  the  child  shrunk  from  enduring  any  more  suffering, 
and  cried,  "  Father,  I'll  tell  the  letter."  The  father,  with  feel- 
ings not  easily  conceived,  took  the  book  and  pointed  to  the 
letter.  '  A,'  said  John,  distinctly  and  fully.  '  And  what  is  that  V 
Baid  the  father,  pointing  to  the  next  letter.    '  B,'  said  John,  etc. 


d  Sigournen. 


a  Rucefschi  thinka 
the  cautiuuis  not 

j  against  excess    t 

!  severity,  but 
against  tlie  cru«l 
kindness  that 

t  kills  by  with- 
holding    season- 

I  able  correction. 

!•.  18.    S.  R.  Hall, 

77. 

I  "  The  first  object 
of  education  is  to 
;  train  up  an  im- 
]  mortal  soul.  The 
second  (but  se- 
cond at  an  im- 
measurable d  i  s- 
tauce;  is,  to  do 
this  in  a  manner 
most  conducive 
to  human  happi- 
ness ;  never  sac- 
rilicing  either 
the  interests  of 
the  future  world 
to  those  of  the 
present,  or  the 
welfare  of  the 
man  to  the  incli- 
nations of  the 
child  ;  errors  not 
dissimilar  iu 
complexion, 
though  so  aw- 
fuUj'  different  ia 
the  importance 
of  their  results." 
— M/s.  Trench. 

"  A  gentleman 
while  attending 
an  examination 
of  a  school  where 
every  question 
was  answered 
with  the  greatest 
promptness,  put 
some  questions  to 
the  pupils  which 
were  not  exactly 
the  same  as  found 
in  the  book.  After 
numerous  ready 
answers  to  their 
teachers  on  the 
subject  of  geo- 
graphy, he  asked 
one  of  the  pupils 
where  Turkey 
was.  She  an- 
swered, rather 
hesitatingly,  'la 
the  yard,  with 
the  poultry.'"— 
MUi  EdgeworUi^ 


186 


a  Penny  Pulpit. 

V.  20.  J.  miner, 
83. 

V.  21.  Dr.  T.  Hnr- 
/o»,249;  Bi'.^in- 
derson,  653  ;  /. 
Foster,  ii.  30U  ;  /. 
W.  Wickes,  325; 
Dr.  J.  Dapree,  ii. 
176  ;  A.  Alison,  i. 
69. 

e.22.  Dr.  T.Hunt, 
C9. 

"Truth,  the 
mother  of  Virtue, 
is  painted  in  gar- 
ments as  white 
as  s  n  o  w.  Her 
looks  are  serene, 
pleasant,  c  o  u  r- 
teous,  cheerful, 
and  yet  modest ; 
she  is  the  pledge 
of  all  honesty. 
the  bulwark  of 
honour,  tlie  light 
and  joy  of  human 
society.  She  i.s 
commonly  ac- 
counted  the 
daughter  of 
Time  or  Saturn, 
because  Truth  is 
discovered  in  the 
course  of  time : 
but  Democritus 
feigns  that  slie 
lies  hid  in  the 
bottom  uf  a  well." 
— Andrew  Tuoke. 

b  Whitrcross. 

"  Lying  is  a  dis- 
gracefvil  vice,  and 
one  that  I'lutarcli 
paints  in  most 
disgraceful 
colours,  when  he 
says  that  it  is 
'  affording  testi- 
mony that  one 
first  d  e  s  p  i  s  e  s 
God,  and  thru 
fears  men.'  It  is 
not  possible 
more  happily  to 
describe  its  hor- 
rible, disgusting, 
and  abandonfd 
natu'-e  ;  for  can 
we  imagine  any- 
thing more  rilp 
than  to  be  cow- 


• 

PRO  VERBS.  reap .  ziz.  20  -2a 

The  rest  of  the  children  were  sitting  by,  and  they  saw  the 
contest,  and  they  saw  where  was  the  victory  :  and  John  learned 
a  lesson  which  he  never  forgot :  he  learned  never  again  to  wage 
such  an  unequal  warfare  ;  he  learned  that  it  was  the  eafest  and 
hajjpiest  coarse  for  him  to  obay." 

20 — 22.  (20)  hear  counsel,  such  as  a  father  gives,  who 
wisely  corrects  an  1  chastises,  latter  end,  as  addressed  to 
youth  this  may  mean  the  later  and  responsible  time  of  life.  It 
need  not  refer  to  death-time.  (21)  many  devices,  plans  and 
schemes.  The  purposes  of  many  are  very  various,  and  evei 
changing,  counsel  .  .  stand,  it  is  well  for  us  that  a  Divine 
overruling  should  arrange  and  modify  our  plans.  (22)  desire, 
or  wish  ;  this  may  be  taken  into  gracious  account,  though  he 
may  be  unable  to  carry  his  wish  into  act.  liar,  prob.  the  rich 
man  who  makes  excuses  for  not  giving. 

Declce.-i  {l\  21). — I.  The  devices  of  men's  hearts.  The  heart  & 
world,  full  of  schemes,  always  devising.  WTiat  a  scene  if  they 
could  all  be  brought  to  light !  II.  The  vanity  of  them.  What  a 
world  if  they  could  be  all  fulfilled  1  III.  The  counsel  of  the 
Lord  frustrating,  controlling,  overruling  these  devices.  Learn — 
1.  How  vain  are  the  attempts  to  oppose  the  counsel  of  God  ;  2. 
How  foolish  the  idea  that  as  knowledge  comes  into  the- world 
religion  will  go  out ;  3.  How  easy  for  God  to  overturn  all  wicked 
devices  ;  4.  What  a  revelation  will  there  be,  at  the  last  day,  of 
devices." 

A  pnor  man  in  hetter  than  a  liar. — "Many  years  ago,"  says 
one,  '•  I  was  witness  to  a  very  interesting  scene  at  the  house  of  a 
friend  at  Walworth,  on  a  Sunday  evening.  A  sermon  had  been 
preached  in  the  morning,  of  M-hich  previous  notice  hati  been 
given,  particularly  addressed  to  poor  children  ;  and  the  master  of 
the  family  had  taken  his  own  children  to  hear  the  discourse,  having 
promised  to  distribute  rewards  amongst  them,  according  to  the 
proficiency  with  which  they  should  repeat  the  text  and  state  the 
heads  and  points  of  the  sermon.  As  I  entered  the  pai'lour  I  was 
struck  with  the  silent  employment  of  the  children,  who  were 
engaged  in  preparing  themselves  for  their  task  :  and  after  tea 
they  were  called  up  in  order.  At  this  distance  of  time,  I  re- 
member only  two  circumstances  connected  with  the  result.  One 
is,  that  the  memories  of  the  female  children,  in  general,  seemed 
better,  and  the  facility  of  imparting  their  ideas  greatei .  than 
those  of  the  male  branches  of  the  family.  The  other  relates  to 
the  youngest  of  the  children,  a  little  boy,  who,  though  not  ex- 
pected to  say  anything,  requested  to  be  heard.  The  text  was  too 
long  for  him  to  remembfr.  but  he  delighted  us  all  by  the  simple 
account  which  he  gave  of  the  sermon,  in  the  following  words  :  '  I 
heard  the  gentleman  (the  minist<^r)  say,  it  was  no  disgrace  to  be 
poor,  but  it  was  a  disgrace  to  tell  lies.'"* — Trnth-iipcahlng  good 
policy. — The  Duke  of  Ossuna,  viceroy  of  Naples,  passing  through 
Barcelona,  went  on  board  the  Cape  Galley,  and  passing  through 
the  crew  of  slaves,  he  asked  several  of  them  what  their  offences 
were.  Every  one  excused  himself  upon  various  pretences ;  one 
said  he  was  put  in  out  of  malice,  another  bv  bribery  of  the  judge  ; 
but  nearly  all  of  them  unjustly.  The  duke  came  a,t  last  to  a 
sturdy  little  block  man,  whom  he  questioned  as  to  what  he  was 
there  for.  "My  lord,"  said  he,  "I  cannot  deny  thai.  I  am  justly 
put  in  here ;  for  I  wanted  money,  and  so  took  a  pm-se  near 


Oap.  xix.  23-27.] 


PROVERBS. 


187 


Tarrag'on,  to  keep  me  from  etarving."  The  duke,  on  hearing  this, 
gave  him  two  or  three  blows  on  the  shoulder  with  his  stick, 
saying,  "Yoa  rogue,  what  are  you  doing  among  honest  innocent 
men  1  get  you  out  of  their  company."  The  poor  fellow  was  then 
Bet  at  liberty,  while  the  rest  were  left  to  tug  at  the  oar.' 

23,  24.  (2'?>)  abide,  better  read  clause.  He  that  is  filled  with 
it  (the  fear  of  the  Lord)  shall  pass  the  night,  and  not  be  visited 
with  evil.  (24)  liideth.  his  hand,  reference  is  to  the  dish  into 
wh.  each  person  put  his  hand.  The  man  is  so  lazy  he  will  not 
raise  his  hand  to  feed  himself."     Comp.  ch.  xxvi.  15. 

Joliii^  Bunyan.  —  Bunyan,  with  irresistible  zeal,  preached 
throughout  the  country,  especially  in  Bedfordshire  and  its 
neighbourhood  :  until,  on  the  restoi'ation  of  Charles  II.,  he  was 
thrown  into  prison,  whera  he  remained  twelve  years.  During 
his  confinement  he  preached  to  all  to  whom  he  could  gain  access  ; 
and  when  liberty  was  offered  to  him,  on  condition  of  promising 
to  abstain  from  preaching,  he  constantly  replied,  "  If  you  let  me 
out  to-day,  I  shall  preach  again  to-morrow."'*  I 

25.  smite,  give  corporal  punishment  to.  SCOrner,  ch.  xiii.' 
1.  Such  a  man  is  regai-ded  as  irreclaimable.  "  It  is  a  character, 
made  up  of  pride,  irreverence,  and  cruelty."  sini]ple,  conceived 
as  ready  to  learn,  reprove,  etc.,  if  there  be  any  right  disposi- 
tion reproof  becomes  valuable  moral  discipline." 

Mr.  S . — "  There  is  one  thing,"  said  Mr.   S.,  a  professed 

infidel,  to  one  of  his  companions  in  sin,  "which  mars  all  the 
pleasures  of  my  life."  "Ah,"  replied  his  companion,  "what  is 
that  ?"  "  Whj%  I  am  afraid  the  Bible  is  true.  If  I  could  but 
certainly  know  that  death  is  an  eternal  sleep,  I  should  be  happy  : 
my  joy  would  be  complete.  But  here  is  the  thorn  that  sting.s 
me  !  This  is  the  sword  that  pierces  my  verj'^  soul.  If  the  Bible 
be  true,  I  am  lost  for  ever.  Every  prospect  is  gone,  and  I  am 
lost  for  ever!"  This  unhappy  man  soon  afterwards  undertook  a 
voyage,  was  shipwrecked,  and  drowned.' 

26,  27.  (2(5)  wasteth,  wasting  his  property  by  riotouF 
living :  and  his  spirit  by  unfilial  conduct."  chaseth  away, 
driveth  her  away,  refusing  her  persuasions  and  entreaties.  (27) 
cease,  etc.,  good  warning  for  Eehoboam,  and  all  sons  in  like 
peril. 

E.ramples  of  prodigality. — LucuUus.  the  Roman  general,  though 
justly  admired  for  his  bravery,  justice,  and  clemency,  yet  is 
deservedly  censured  for  his  extravagance  and  prodigality. 
Cicero  and  Pompey,  meeting  him  one  day  in  the  city,  told  him 
they  intended  doing  themselves  the  pleasure  of  supjiing  with 
him  that  night;  "but  it  shall  be  upon  this  condition,"  added 
they,  "  that  you  have  nothing  extraordinary  on  our  account." 
To  this  he  seemingly  agreed  ;  but  guess  their  surprise,  when 
they  sat  down  to  an  entertainment  that  cost  no  less  than  fifty 
thousand  crowns  !  What  astonished  them  more  was  the  short- 
ness of  the  time  in  which  it  was  prepared  ;  but  this  it  seems  was 
little  more  than  his  ordinary  diet.  This  superfluous  pomp  and 
magnificence  v.-ill  not  be  thought  incredible  if  we  compare  it 
with  that  of  Peter  du  Ruere  after  he  was  made  cardinal  by  the 
pope,  his  kinsman  :  for  within  the  S))ace  of  two  years  which  he 
lived  at  Rome  he  expended  in  feasts  and  eiiterlainments  no  less 
tbau  lour  hundred  thousand  crowns.    Muleasses,  King  of  Thunes 


ards  with  regard 
to  men,  and 
brave  with  re- 
gard to  God?"— 
Motitaiqne. 
c  R.  T.'S. 

a  "  The   scene 

brought  before 
us  is  that  of  an 
Eastern  feast. 
There  are  no 
knives,  forks,  or 
spoons.  Every 
guest  has  to  help 
lii m s e  1  f  or  be 
Ii  e  1  p  e  d  by  the 
host." --Spt.  Com. 

r.24.  Dr.  T.  Bunt, 
67. 

6  R.  T.  S. 


a  "Therefore 
God  smites  some 
that  He  may 
warn  all."  —  Bp. 
Hall. 

V.  25.  T.  Alter- 
bury,  81;  R. 
Fidcies,  ii.  52. 

"  His  brain  is  aa 
dry  as  the  re- 
mainder -  biscuit 
after  a  voyage." 
— Shakespeare. 

b  R.  T.  S. 


a  De.  xxi.  18,  21 ; 
Ps.  xvii.  21—25, 
XX.  20. 

r.27.  T.  Cole,  67; 
Bp.  Sherlock,  ii. 
153;lJr.\r.Leech- 
mtiii.  ii.  129  ;  Dr. 
A.  Rees,  iii.  41 ; 
/.  J.  Conybeare, 
Bamp.  Lee.  249. 

"We  never  find 
til  e  Scripture 
commeniling  any 
prodigal  but  one, 
anil  him,  too,  only 
for  his  ceasing  to 
be  so.  Whose 
courses,  if  we  re- 
flect upon,  we 
sliall  see  his  pro- 
digality bringing 
him  from  his  re- 
'.•  e  1 1  i  n  g    0  o  m- 

i;  in  ions  and  his 
•  otous  meat?,  to 

le  swine  and  to 


188 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XX.  1. 


the  trough  ;  and 
from  imitating 
tlieir  sensuality, 
by  a  natural 
consequence  t  o 
take  up  with 
their  diet  too." — 
D):  South. 

b  L.  M.  Slrdch. 


a  Scomers  are 
fools.  Those 
that  ridicule 
things  sacred  anil 
serious  do  but 
make  tlicmselves 
ridiculous. 

Pr.  X.  13  ;  He.  x. 

31. 

"How  many  are 
great  talkers  ?  or 
great  orators  ?  if 
that  sounds 
better.  We  have 
the  art  of  saying 
much  on  a  little  ; 
■whereas  we  most 
•want  the  art  of 
saying  much  in  a 
little."— /'a  i'i7/on. 

hB.T.S. 


was  so  complete  an  epicure  that,  being  expelled  his  kins^om  for 
his  infamous  debaucheries,  aud  hearing  afterwards  that  Charles 
V.  was  inclined  to  reinstate  him  on  the  throne,  he  ordered  a 
peacock  to  be  dressed  for  his  supper,  and  spen  a  hundred  crowna 
on  the  sauce.  The  Emperor  Vitellius  was  likewise  so  shamefully 
fond  of  superfluity  and  exce.ss,  that  for  one  single  meal  he  has 
ordered  two  thousand  different  kinds  of  fish,  aud  seven  thousand 
fowls.  Without  doubt  these  epicures  agreed  with  the  poefc 
Philoxeuu:-.  who  wished  that  he  had  a  crane's  neck,  that  he 
might  the  longer  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  eating  and  drinking  * 

23,  29.  (28)  ungodly  witness,  Ilcb.  a  witness  of  Belial. 
One  who  is  false  by  bad  principles,  scorneth,''  by  boldly 
uttering  his  lies,  iniquity,  better,  mhrhief.  It  is  a  real  en- 
joyment to  him  to  j^roduce  calamity.  He  swallows  it  as  if  it 
were  sweet  fruit.  As  a  dainty,  he  seizes  it  and  lives  on  it.  (29) 
prepared,  and  therefore  sure  to  come  eventually  upon  such. 
Their  punishment  is  sure,  fixed,  and  ready. 

Voltaire. — Voltaire  spent  his  whole  life  in  malignant  but  vain 
attempts  to  ridicule  and  overturn  Christianity.  He  was  the  idol 
of  a  large  portion  of  the  French  nation  :  but  just  when  they 
were  decreeing  new  honours  for  him,  and  loading  him  with 
applause,  the  hour  of  his  iguomiuy  and  shame  arrived.  In  a 
moment,  the  approach  of  death  dissipated  his  delusive  dreams 
and  filled  his  soul  with  inexpressible  horror.  Conscience  started 
from  her  long  slumbers,  and  unfolded  before  him  the  extended 
roll  of  his  crimes.  Whither  could  he  flee  for  relief  ?  Fury  and 
despair  succeeded  each  other  by  turns,  and  he  had  more  the 
appearance  of  a  demon  than  a  man.  To  his  physician  he  said, 
"  Doctor,  I  will  give  you  half  of  what  I  am  worth  if  you  will 
give  me  six  months'  life."  The  doctor  answered,  '•  Sir,  you 
cannot  live  six  weeks."  Voltaire  replied,  "  Then^  I  shall  go  to 
hell,  and  you  shall  go  with  me  ;"  and  soon  after  expii-ed.* 


•  "Alcoholic 
drink  is  the  great 
false  prophet  of 
England,  —  a 
prophet,  working 
busily  in  every 
district,  under 
the  inspiration  of 
hell." — David 
Thomas,  DM. 
"There  is  no  sin 
which  doth  more 
deface  G- oil's 
image  than 
drunkenness ;  it 
disguisetli  a  per- 
son, and  dot  li 
even  u  n  \n  a  n. 
Drunkenness 
gives  him  the 
throat  of  a  fisli, 
and  the  belly  of 
a  swine,  anil  the 
heart  of  an  ass. 
Drunken  n  e  s  s 
Ib  the  shame  of 


CHAPTER  THE  TWENTIETH. 

1.  wine,"  personified  here,  represented  as  a  sort  of  evil  demon, 
wh.  excites  to  frivolous  wantonness,  or  to  wild  and  boisterous 
action.  It  is  evident  fr.  this  that  some  Scripture  wine  was  in- 
toxicating, mocker,  or  scorner.  That  is.  it  is  apt  to  make  men 
such,  strong  drink,  poss.  palm  wine  of  Syria  :  sj^iced  wine  ;* 
or  spirit  taken  from  mead,  raging,  makes  the  man  boisterous." 
deceived,  lit.  erring,  reeling,  not  wise,  for  '•  it  injures  the 
health,  enfeebles  the  intellect,  deadens  the  moral  sensibilities, 
destroys  reputation,  impoverishes  the  exchequer,  disturbs  friend- 
ship, breeds  quarrels,  aud  brings  misery." 

The  intempeeiite  v.fe  of  .^trniir/  drink  \v.  1"). — I.  The  intemperate 
use  of  strong  drink  is  deceitful  ;  it  deceives  others  as  to  its  advan- 
tages. 1.  That  it  strengthens  the  system  is  deceptive  ;  2.  And 
that  it  enriches  the  national  revenue.  II.  The  intemperate  use 
of  strong  drinks  is  enraging.  III.  The  intemperate  use  of  strong 
drinks  is  foolish.'' 

Z(w.9  of  the  Neptune. — This  ship,  carrying  thirty-six  men.  sailed 
from  Aberdeen  on  a  fine  morning  in  May.  with  the  fairest  pros- 
pect of  good  weather,  and  a  prosperous  voyage.  About  eleven 
o'clock  the  wind  arose  from  the  east,  and  swept  over  the  sea  with 


Cap.  XX.  2, 3.] 


PROVERBS. 


189 


overwhelming-  violence.  In  about  an  hour  she  was  seen  stand- 
ing in.  but  under  such  a  press  of  sail  as,  considering  the  gale, 
astouished  all  on  shore.  But  on  she  came,  now  bounding  on  the 
top  of  the  sea,  and  then  almost  engulfed  in  the  foaming  cavern. 
The  harbour  of  Abeixleen  is  exposed  to  the  cast,  and  formed  by  a 
pier  on  one  side,  and  a  breakwater  on  the  other,  and  so  narrow 
at  the  entrance  as  not  to  admit  two  large  ships  abreast.  All  saw 
that  something  was  wrong  on  board.  One  attempt  was  made  to 
shorten  sail,  but  the  ship  was  then  within  a  cable's  length  of  the 
ehore,  and  ui-ged  on  with  an  impetuosity  which  no  human  power 
could  withstand.  The  wives  and  famil'es  of  the  men  who  were 
thus  hastening  to  death  had  assembled  near  the  pier :  but  all 
stood  in  silent  horror,  broke  in  a  moment  by  the  cry,  "  She's  lost !  " 
as  the  vessel,  lashed  on  by  the  tempest,  passed  to  the  outer  side 
of  the  breakwater,  and  struck  with  awful  violence  between  two 
black  rugged  rocks.  The  cries  of  the  victims  were  most  horrible. 
The  dreadful  crisis  had  come,  and  they  were  lost  indeed.  A  few 
brave  men  on  shore  ei  dpa\  cured  to  man  the  lifeboat,  and  take 
it  round  the  brcakwaar  but  it  was  unavailing".  One  heavy  sea 
rolling  over  the  wreck  for  a  moment  concealed  her,  and  when 
the  people  looked  again  she  was  gone  !  Her  crew  and  timbers 
were  hurled  against  the  rooks,  and  with  the  exception  of  one  man. 
who  was  washed  up  and  lodged  on  a  projecling  edge,  none 
escaped  of  the  thirty-six  who  had  that  morning  left  the  shore  in 
health  and  spirits.  From  the  man  who  was  saved,  the  melancholy 
truth  was  learnt  that  the  crew  were  all  intoxicated  and  could  not 
manage  the  ves.sel.*^ 

2,  3.  (2)  fear,  rtc,"  ch.  xix.  12.  sinneth  .  soul,*  by  bring- 
ing down  his  wrath  upon  them  :  and  th^'  Eastern  king  had  full 
control  over  property  and  life.  (3;  cease  from  strife,  or.  to  dwell 
without  strife  :  intimating  a  peaceful  and  peaceable  haliit  of  life.'' 
meddling,  7/Y.  rolls,  or  rushes  forward  (ch.  xvii.  14;  :  interfering 
in  everj'body's  quarrel."  "  An  officious  interference  with  the  busi- 
ness of  others,  a  prying  into  their  concerns,  creates  discord." 

/{oiv  to  avoid  qi/anr/ti. —  'J'/ir  for  ami  his  ciih. — A  young  fox 
asked  his  father  if  he  could  not  teach  him  some  trick  to  defeats 
the  dogs,  if  he  should  fall  in  with  them.  The  father  had  grown 
grey  in  a  long  life  of  depredation  and  danger,  and  hL?  scars  bore 
witness  to  his  narrow  escapes  in  the  chase,  or  his  less  honoui'able 
encounters  with  the  faithful  guardians  of  the  hen-roost.  He 
replied  with  a  sigh,  "  After  all  my  experience.  I  am  forced  to 
confess  that  the  best  trick  is,  to  keep  out  of  their  way." — Evilx 
of  scandal. — 

Nor  do  they  trust  their  tongues  alone, 

But  speak  a  language  of  their  own  ; 

Can  read  a  nod.  a  shrug,  a  look, 

Far  better  than  a  printed  book, 

Convey  a  libel  in  a  frciwn, 

And  wink  a  reputation  down  ; 

Or,  by  the  tossing  of  the  fan. 

Describe  the  lady  and  the  man.« 

A  whisper  broke  the  air. — 

A  soft  light  tone,  and  low. 

Yet  barb'd  with  shame  and  woe  ; 
Now,  might  it  only  perish  there, 


nature,  the  ex- 
tinguisher of 
reason,  tlie  ship- 
wreck of  chas- 
tity, and  the 
niurflerer  of  con- 
science."— Diiine 
of  :C62. 

6  Is.  V.  11,  22. 

c  "Wlien  the 
wine  is  in  the  wit 
is  out,  and  then 
the  man.  accord- 
ing as  his  natural 
temper  is.  either 
mocks  like  a  fool, 
or  rages  like  a 
madman. ' ' — Mat 
Henry. 

Vr.  .xxiii.  29,  30; 
ilo.  iv.  11  ;  Lu. 
xxi.  34  ;  Eph.  v. 
18. 

V.  1.  D.  LamonI, 
i.  229  ;  T.  Si.  John, 
273. 

rf  Dr.  Thomas. 

e  Cheever. 


a  "Sol.'sobjectin 
this  counsel  is  to 
deter  his  son  fr. 
incurring  hi3 
royal  displeasure 
by  litierti  nism 
and  i  n  t  e  m  p  e  - 
rauce."  — Wards- 
icorth. 
b  Ha.  ii.  10. 
c  "  Let  it  pass  for 
a  kind  of  sheep- 
is  hues  s  to  be 
meek.  It  is  a 
likeness  to  Him 
tliat  was  as  a 
sheep  before  His 
shearers,  not 
opening  His 
moutli  ;  it  is  li 
liortioii  of  His 
spi  r  i  t.  " — Arch. 
Lciijhtori. 

d  Tlie  man  who 

combats    himself 

will    bo    happier 

I  than  he  whocon- 

j  t  e  n  d  s    w  i  t  li 

others. 
I  "The  busybody  g 
estate  is  too 
u;ivrow  for  his 
iiiinil,  and  there- 
fore he  is  fain  to 
make  himself 
room  in  others' 
affairs ;  yet  ever 
in  pretence  of 
love Uia 


190 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XX.  4—0, 


tnnpiie,  like  ths 
biil  of  Sfimsnn's 
foxes,  carries 
firebrands,  ami 
is  enougli  to  set 
ttie  whole  field 
of  the  world  on 
a  flame."  —  Bp. 
llidl. 
e  Swift. 
f  L.  E.  Landon. 

a  Pr.  vi.  6. 

b  "  Our  farmers 
do  actually 
plough  in  the 
severest  weather. 
I  have  often  seen 
them  shiverinf? 
with  cold,  anil 
contending  with 
wind  and  rain, 
quite  enough  to 
discourage  those 
who  are  not  slug- 
gards. Thisliard 
necessi  ty  of 
winter  work  is 
mainly  owing  to 
the  wretched  im- 
plements nseii, 
and  to  a  strange 
defici  e  ncy  in 
agricultural 
science  and  skill. 
These  men.  with 
their  frail 
ploughs  and  tiny 
o\en,  must  wait 
until  tlie  ground 
is  saturated  and 
softened,  h  o  w  - 
ever  late  in  the 
season  that  may 
be." — Thnnuon. 

"Margin,  winter. 
They  begin  to 
plough  about  tlie 
latter  end  of 
September,  and- 
sow  their  earliest 
wlieat  about  the 
middle  of  Oc- 
tober. The  frosts 
are  never  severe 
enough  to  pre- 
V  e  n  t  their 
ploughing  all  the 
winter."-/J'i/-i7<7\ 

t  Dr.  (jitthrie. 


«  "Pome are  very 
able  and  fit  to 
give  counsel, 
hav»aa  e.xcelleut 


Nor  further  go ! 
Ah,  me  !  a  quick  and  eager  ear 

Caught  up  the  little  meaning  sound  1 
Another  voice  has  breathed  it  clear, 

And  so  it  wander'd  round 
From  ear  to  lip,  from  lip  to  ear, 
Until  it  reach'd  a  gentle  heart, 

And  that — it  broke  !  •'' 

4.  sluggard,"  ch.  x.  4.  one  utterly  indisposed  to  work,  ready 
to  find  any  excuse,  cold,  ploughing  in  Palestine  is  in  Xov.  and 
Dec,  when  the  wind  blows  commonly  from  the  north.  Such  a 
time  is  too  rough  and  disagreeable  for  him.  so  he  lets  the  oppor- 
tunity pass.*  beg,  or  desire  ;  look  for  his  share  in  the  harvest- 
time. 

Labnrioiia  Idleness. — There  is  such  a  thing  as  laborious  idleness. 
Busy  .'  So  was  the  shepherd  on  the  Alps,  mentioned  by  Dugald 
Stewart,  who  spent  fifteen  years  of  life  learning  to  balance  a  polo 
on  his  chin  ;  and  the  jihilosopher  sagely  remarks  how  much  good, 
hatl  they  been  directed  to  a  noble  object,  this  diligence  and  per- 
severance would  have  accomplished.  Busy?  So  have  I  seen  the 
miller's  wheel,  which  went  round  and  round  ;  but  idly,  grinding 
no  corn.  Busy  .'  So,  in  a  way,  was  the  Russian  who,  facing  the 
winter's  cold  nor  regarding  the  cost  of  massive  slabs  brought  at 
great  labour  from  frozen  lake  or  river,  built  him  an  icy  palace, 
within  whose  glittering  translucent  walls,  wrapt  in  furs  and 
shining  in  jewels,  rank  and  beauty  held  their  revelry,  and  the 
bowl  and  the  laugh  and  the  song  went  round.  But  with  soft 
breath,  aad  other  music,  and  opening  buds,  spring  returned  ;  and 
then,  before  the  eyes  that  had  gazed  with  wonder  on  the  crystal 
walls  of  that  fairy  palace  as  they  gleamed  by  night  with  a 
thousand  lights,  or  Washed  with  the  radiance  of  gems  in  the 
bright  sunshine,  it  dissolved,  nor  left  "a  wrack  behind" — its 
pleasures,  "vanity;"  its  expense,  "vexation  of  spirit."  Busy? 
So,  in  a  way,  are  the  children  who  when  the  tide  is  at  the  ebb, 
with  merry  laughter  and  rosy  cheeks  and  nimble  hands  build  a 
castle  of  the  moist  sea-sand — the  thoughtless  urchins,  types  of 
lovers  of  pleasure  and  of  the  world,  so  intent  on  their  work  as 
not  to  see  how  the  treacherous,  silent  tide  has  crept  around  them, 
not  merely  to  sap  and  undermine,  and  with  one  rude  blow  of  hei 
billow  demolish  the  work  of  their  hands,  but  to  cut  off  their 
retreat  to  the  distant  shore,  and  drown  their  frantic  screams  and 
cries  for  help  in  the  roar  of  its  remorseless  waves.  From  a  death- 
bed where  all  he  toiled  and  sinned  and  sorrowed  for  is  slipping 
from  his  grasp,  fading  from  his  view,  such  \\ill.liis  life  seem  to 
the  busiest  worldling  ;  he  spends  his  strength  for  nought,  and 
his  labour  for  that  which  profiteth  not.  With  an  eye  that  pities 
because  it  foresees  our  miserable  doom,  God  ciills  us  from  such 
busy  trifling,  from  a  life  of  laborious  idleness  to  a  service  which 
is  as  pleasant  as  it  is  profitable,  as  graceful  as  it  is  dutiful,  saying, 
Work  out  your  salvation — "  Work  while  it  is  called  to-day,  seeing 
that  the  night  conieth  when  no  man  can  work."' 

5,  6.  (5)  in  the  heart,  a  purpose  cherished,  but  unuttered." 
The  fig.  is  of  deep  well,  draw  it  out,  by  his  iskill  in  question- 
ing and  leading  on  ;  draws  as  one  draws  water  with  a  bucket, 
laboriouslv,  from  a  deep  place.    (Jo)  proclaim  .  .  goodness. 


Oap.xx.  7— lO.] 


PROVERBS. 


191 


faculty  of  cleaT« 
iug  a  liair,  hit» 
ting  the  joint  of 
a  (iifficuUy,  and 
ailvising  p  e  r  t  i- 
n(?utly  ;  but  they 
are  modest  and 
reserverl.  and  not 
c  o  inniunicative ; 
tliey  have  a  great 
deal  in  them,  but 
it  is  loth  to  come 
ont."  —M  at. 
Uenry. 

Hat.  vi.  2,  5,  16  ; 
Lu.  xvi.  16. 

b  "  Men  boast  of 
their  liberality, 
and  we  look  in 
vain  for  the  ful- 
tilment  of  actual 
0  b  1  i  g  ations." — 
apk.  Com. 

V.  6.  Dr.J.Erskine, 
ii.  127. 

c  W.  Jay. 

d  C.  Simeon,  liji, 

e  Spurgeon. 


being  always  ready  to  talk  about  themselves  :  to  "  blow  their  own 
trumpets."  The  goodness  here  is  bounty,  liberality,  faithful 
man,*  with  sufficient  knowledge  of  himself  to  keep  him  silent 
and  humble.     A  man  of  fidelity. 

Self-praUe  (r.  6). — I.  Here  is  expressed  the  commonness  of  self- 
applause  :  see  it  in  nations,  in  churches,  in  persons.  1.  The  pro- 
fane ;  2.  The  Pharisee  :  3.  The  orthodox  :  4.  The  godly.  II.  The 
rareness  of  self-consistency.  A  man  faithful — 1.  In  his  civil 
concerns  ;  2.  Friendly  connections  ;  3.  To  his  trusts  ;  4.  To  his 
convictions;  5.  To  his  religious  professions.  Apply: — (l)  Let 
Christians  be  thankful  that  they  are  not  under  the  Law.  but  under 
grace  ;  (2)  Seek  after  the  influence  of  Divine  grace  ;  C3)  Be 
diffident  and  humble.<^ — True  jncty  is  rare  (v.  6). — This  observa- 
tion we  shall  confirm  by  showing — I.  That  a  profession  of  good- 
ness is  common — 1.  Of  the  profane  ;  2.  Of  the  moral ;  3.  Of  the 
Unsound  professor.  But  it  must  be  confessed — II.  That  a  life 
suited  to  this  profession  is  very  rare.  Who  then  is  faithful — 1. 
To  his  principles  ?  2.  To  his  promises  ?  3.  To  his  convictions  ? 
Learn — (1)  To  be  zealous  over  ourselves  ;  (2)  To  seek  the  influ- 
ences of  God's  grace* 

Humility. — Wise  men  know  their  own  ignorance,  and  are  ever 
ready  to  learn.  Humility  is  the  child  of  knowledge.  Michael 
Angelo  was  found  by  the  Cardinal  Farnese  walking  in  solitude 
amid  the  ruins  of  the  Coliseum,  and  when  he  expressed  his  sur- 
prise the  great  artist  answered,  '■  I  go  yet  to  school  that  I  may 
continue  to  learn."  Who  among  us  can  after  this  talk  of  finish- 
ing our  education  ?  We  have  need  to  learn  of  all  around  us.  He 
must  be  very  foolish  who  cannot  tell  lis  something  ;  or  more  likely 
we  must  be  more  foolish  not  to  be  able  to  learn  of  him." 

7,  8.  (7)  just  man,  one  who  is  true  before  God,  and  upright 
in  all  dealings  with  his  fellow-man.  walketh,  usual  fig.  for 
conducteth*  his  life,  children  are  blessed,"  by  his  inspiring 
influence  and  example.  (8)  king,  etc.,  comp.  ch.  xiv.  35,  xvi. 
10,  1.5.  scattereth,*  or  winnoweth  it  away  as  easily  as  chafi^ 
from  the  threshing-floor,  with  his  eyes,  as  he  sits  on  his 
throne  he  thus  expresses  his  indignation."^ 

Henry  V.  and  the  jvclge. — One  of  the  favourites  of  King 
Henry  V.,  when  Prince  of  Wales,  having  been  indicted  for  some 
misdemeanour,  was  condemned,  notwithstanding  all  the  interest 
he  could  make  in  his  favour  ;  and  the  Prince  was  so  incensed  at 
the  issue  of  the  trial  that  he  struck  the  judge  on  the  bench.  Thi.s 
magistrate,  whose  name  was  Sir  William  Gascoign,  acted  with  a 
spirit  becoming  his  character.  He  instantly  ordered  the  Prince 
to  be  committed  to  prison ;  and  young  Henry,  sensible  by  this 
time  of  the  insult  he  had  offered  to  the  laws  of  his  country. 
Buffered  himself  to  be  quietly  conducted  to  jail  by  the  officers  of 
justice.  The  king,  Henry  IV.,  who  was  an  excellent  judge  of 
mankind,  was  no  sooner  informed  of  this  transaction,  than  he 
cried  out  in  a  transport  of  joy,  "  Happy  is  the  king  who  has  a 
magistrate  possessed  of  courage  to  execute  the  laws  ;  and  still 
more  happy  in  having  a  son  who  will  submit  to  such  chastise- 
ment."'' 

9,  10.  (9)  I  have  made,  by  my  own  endeavours.  The  ques- 
tion as  asked  here  implies  a  negative  answer,  heart  clean, 
attained  to  moral  perfection."     pure,  comp.  Jer.  ii.  22.     (10)  I  he"uuderstood  by 


a  Pr.  xlv.  26. 

6  Fr.  verb,  to  sift, 
to  winnow. 

c  Ps.  xi.  4 ;  Mat. 
iii.  12. 

I'.  7.  Dr.  Paley, 
i.  241. 

i'.8.  Bp. M.Smith, 
215  ;  R.  Nares, 
214;  Bp.Kaye,&Z. 

d  C/ieeier. 

"  God  gives  man- 
hood but  one 
clue  to  success — 
utter  and  e.xact 
Justice  ;  that  He 
guarantees  shall 
be  always  ex- 
p  e  d  i  e  ncv."— 
Wendell  Phillips. 


a   "  Dr.    Living- 
stone once  asked 
I  a  Bechuana  what 


192 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XX.  11—18. 


the  word  '  holi- 
ness.' He  an- 
swered, '  W  hen 
copious  showers 
have  descended 
during  tlie  ni^lit, 
and  all  the  earth, 
and  leaves,  and 
cattle  are  washed  I 
clean,  and  the 
sun  rising  shows 
a  drop  of  dew  on 
every  blade  of 
grass,  and  the  air  I 
brea'hes  fresh —  1 
thatisholiness." " 
— D  a  V.  Thomas, 
D.D. 

Jobviii.  6,  xi.  4, 
xvi.  17,xxxiii.  9. 

h  0.  Zocklcr. 

V.  9.  £p.  Brotcn- 
rig,  i.  379  ;  C. 
ChaUAi.  367;  B. 
Btdiiumf,  6. 

e  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

d  Robert*. 


a  Eicald,  UmhrHU 

h  "  '  The  child  is 
the  father  of  the  I 
man,'  and  t  h  e  j 
earliest  actions  j 
»re  prophecies  of  i 
the  future,, 
Whether  it  will 
be  pure  and  right, 
cr  unclean  and 
evil.'' — <SjD.t.  Com.  ' 

"Every  look,  ' 
every  movement,  • 
every  expression. 
does  something 
towards  forming 
the  character  of 
the  little  heir  to 
immortal  life." — 
Mrs.  Child.  j 


c  Fcm.  Treasury,  i 

o  "  He  who  rises 
late  may  trot  all  | 
day,  and  n  o  t  1 
have  overtaken  ; 
his  business  at 
night."  —  Frank-  ' 
lin.  i 

"  I    never    knew 
■ny  man  com--  to  ] 
great  tu-ss      and 
eminence     who, 
lay  in  bed   of  a 
morning." -Z>«(n 

"  I  was  at  riy 
studies  in  winter 
often    ere    the 


divers  ■weights,  Heh.  "  an  ephah  and  an  ephah  ;  a  stone  and 
a  stone."  ''  Deception  in  busines.s  is  a  peculiar  and  pronunont 
form  of  that  universal  sinfulness  which  has  just  been  spoken  of 
as  havin,^  no  exceptions,"*  comp.  ch.  xi.  1,  xv-i.  11. 

No  eib.i(>liife  perfection  in  thix  n-nrld  {v.  9). — I.  The  trr.'h  that  is 
here  intimated  is  clear — 1.  From  express  declarations  of  Holy 
Writ ;  2.  From  such  instances  as  are  undeniable  :  3.  From  the 
confessions  of  God's  most  eminent  saints.  II.  The  improvement 
we  should  make  of  it.  It  should  call  forth — 1.  Our  humiliation  ; 
2.  Our  watchfulness  ;    3.  Our  g-ratitude  :    4.  Our  love  to  Christ.' 

Direr.'!  tveiqht^. — Here  we  have  a  true  view  of  the  way  in  which 
nearly  all  travelling  merchants  deal  with  their  customers.  See 
that  IMohammedan  pedlar  with  his  ba.ars  over  his  shoulder  :  the 
one  contains  his  merchandise,  the  other  his  deceitful  weights. 
He  comes  to  your  door,  throws  his  bags  on  the  ground,  and  is 
willing  either  to  buy  or  to  sell.  Have  you  any  old  silver,  gold, 
jewels,  precious  stones,  iron,  or  lead,  he  is  ready  to  be  5'our 
customer  ;  but  he  only  buys  with  his  own  weights,  which  are 
much  heavier  than  the  standard.  Should  you.  however,  recjuire 
to  purchase  any  articles,  then  he  has  other  weights  by  which  he 
sells  ;  and  you  may  often  see  him  fumbling  for  a  considerable 
time  in  the  bag  before  he  can  find  those  which  are  less  in  weight 
than  the  regular  standard."* 

11.  by  his  doings,  bee.  conduct  everywhere  is  he  revelation 
of  character.  Some  think  this  should  be  his  "  plays  ')r  sports  :"  ■ 
but  the  word  means,  "  the  individual  results  of  the  child's  self- 
determination."    pure,  or  clean.'' 

Ihmenl]!  in,  a  child. — In  a  country  school  a  large  class  were 
standing  to  spell.  In  the  lesson  there  was  a  very  hard  word.  I 
put  the  word  to  the  scholar  at  the  head,  and  he  missed  it ;  I 
passed  it  to  the  next,  and  the  next,  and  so  on  through  the  whole 
cla?s.  till  it  came  to  the  last  scholar — the  smallest  of  ttie  class. — 
and  he  spelled  it  right :  at  least.  I  understocid  him  so.  and  he 
went  to  the  head,  above  seventeen  boys  and  girls,  all  older  than 
himself.  I  then  turned  round  and  wrote  the  word  on  the  black 
board,  so  that  they  might  all  see  how  it  was  spelled,  and  learn  it 
better.  But  no  sooner  had  I  written  it  than  the  little  boy  at  the 
head  cried  out.  '"  Oh,  I  didn't  say  it  so.  Miss  W :  I  said  c  in- 
stead of  i ; "  and  he  went  back  to  the  foot,  of  his  OM^n  accord, 
quicker  than  he  had  gone  to  the  head.  Was  not  he  an  honest 
boy  ?  I  should  always  have  iliought  he  spelled  it  right  if  hf»  had 
not  told  me  ;  but  he  was  too  honest  to  take  any  credit  that  did 
not  belong  to  him.'' 

12,  13.  (12)  Lord  hath  made,  and  so  mil  surely  take 
account  of  how  both  are  used.  (IS)  sleep,  that  of  the  slothful. 
Comp.  ch.  xii.  11.  xix  1.").  open  thine  eyes,"  intimating  that 
the  resistance  of  slothfulness  is  a  moral  duty.  Be  wide  awake, 
this  is  a  secret  of  prosperity. 

'J'hc  ear  and  the  ei/e  (r.  12). — Two  practical  conclusions.  I. 
That  Cod  should  be  studied  in  those  organs.  1.  In  them  the 
Divine  wisdom  is  manifest :  2.  And  also  the  Divine  goodness  :  3. 
The  Divine  wisdom  is  symbolised.  II.  That  God  should  be  served 
in  these  organs.  1.  Translate  the  sensations  they  convey  to  us 
into  Divine  ideas  ;  2.  Ajiply  the  Divine  ideas  to  the  formation  of 
our  characters.* 


Cap.  XX.  14—190 


PROVERBS. 


193 


Educate  your  sleep. — We  do  not  plead  for  a  very  limited 
quantity  of  sleep.  Mauy  persons  have  habituated  themselves  to 
a  very  s]iaring  allowance  of  four  or  five  hours  on  the  average  : 
and.  perhaps,  abstaining  from  fill  animal  food,  and  from  all  im- 
proper and  very  much  proper  excitement,  this  is  enough.  But 
there  are  few  for  whom  it  is  sufScient ;  from  seven  to  eight 
hours  .should  be  the  avera^  of  your  sleep.  As  the  mind  becomes 
powerful,  and  the  body  loosens  its  hold  upon  it,  sleep  flies  away  ; 
intense  mental  occupation  forbids  long  slumber;  the  mind  says, 
"  Sleep  no  more."  Yet  we  find,  to  be  "  a  long  and  sound  sleeper" 
is  included  by  the  oldest  writers  among  the  signs  of  longevity. 
What  hours  of  time,  however,  are  murdered  thi'ough  the  turning 
again  to  slumber !  What  hours,  my  friends,  have  you  and  I 
murdered  !  Alas,  alas  !  Have  we  lost  one  hour  a  day  1  Three 
hundred  and  si.\ty-five  hours  in  the  year  ;  in  ten  years  we  lose 
one  year  of  labour.  What  histories  might  we  have  read  !  what 
languages  have  acquired !  what  studies  might  we  have  con- 
quered !  A  years  labour  entirely  thrown  away.  But  perhaps, 
instead  of  one  hour  a  day,  two.  three,  four  ;  and  what  a  squander- 
ing is  here  !  Yes,  if  you  would  create  and  make  time,  educate 
your  sleep  1' 

14 — 16.  (14)  naught,  etc.,  comp.  Ge.  xxiii.  15.  It  is  the 
custom  of  Eastern  traders  to  chaffer  much  over  their  prices. 
The  buyer  will  complain  in  order  to  get  goods  cheaper, 
boasteth,  of  the  article  which,  by  undervaluing,  he  secured  so 
cheap."  (15)  precious  jewel,  lit.  a  vessel  of  preciousness  :  or 
most  precious  of  all ;  comp.  ch.  iii.  14 — 16.  (16)  take  his 
garment,  thi.s  represents  the  order  of  the  judge.*  Ch.  xxii.  27. 
strange  woman, «  better  read  as  plui-al,  "  strangers."  Ch. 
xxvii.  13. 

Knowledffe  lies  not  in  mere  nords. — I  heard  two  persons  on  the 
Wengern  Alp  talking  by  the  hour  together  of  the  names  of  ferns ; 
not  a  word  about  their  characteristics,  uses,  or  habits,  but  a 
medley  of  crack-jaw  titles  and  nothing  more.  They  evidently 
felt  that  they  were  ventilating  their  botany,  and  kept  each  other 
in  countenance  by  alternate  volleys  of  nonsense.  Well,  fiiend, 
they  were  about  as  sensible  as  those  doctrinalists  who  for  ever 
talk  over  the  technicalities  of  religion,  but  know  nothing  by  ex- 
perience of  its  spirit  and  power.  Are  we  not  all  too  apt  to 
amuse  ourselves  after  the  same  fashion  ?  He  who  knows  mere 
Linnfean  names,  but  has  never  seen  a  flower,  is  as  reliable  in 
botany,  as  he  is  in  theology  who  can  descant  upon  eupra- 
lapsarianism,  but  has  never  known  the  love  of  Christ  in  his 
heart. 

"  True  religion's  more  than  doctrine. 
Something  must  be  known  and  felt."  • 

17—19.  (17)  bread  of  deceit,  secured  by  means  of  trickery, 
mouth  .  .  gravel,  Heb.  and  Arab,  phrase  for  getting  into 
trouble.  Sand  or  gravel  in  the  mouth  is  peculiarly  unpleasant. 
(18)  by  counsel,  ch.  xv.  22.  good  .  .  war,  Lu.  xiv.  31.  The 
word  for  advice  is  lit.  pilot  inns  :  and  is  interesting  as  a  maritime 
metaphor.  (19)  talebearer,  ch.  xi.  13.  flattereth,  or  opens 
his  lips  :  talks  too  freely,  so  is  pretty  siire  to  do  mischief." 

I'alebcariiu/. — The  carrying  of  a  tale,  and  reporting  what  such 
a  one  said  or  such  a  one  did,  is  the  way  to  sow  such  grudges, 

VOL.  VII.      O.T.  N 


sound  of  any  bell 
awoke  men  to 
labour  or  devo- 
tion ;  in  summer 
as  oft  with  the 
bird  that  first 
rouses,  or  not 
much  tardier,  to 
read  good 
authors  till  at- 
tention be  weary, 
or  memory  have 
its  full  fraught, 
then  with  useful 
and  generous 
labours  preserv- 
ing the  body's 
health  and  hardi- 
nes  s. "  —  John 
Milton. 

V.  12.  J.  Lafonte, 
ST  ;  B.  Newlon,  i. 
167  ;  Dr.  J.  Jor- 
lin,  iii.  302;  /. 
Slade.  iv.  105. 
b  Dr.  Tliomas. 
c  Paxton  Hood. 

a  "  The  v.  cen- 
sures the  well- 
known  craft, 
the  deceitful 
misrepresenta- 
tion, with  which 
business  men 
seek  to  buy  their 
wares  as  cheap 
as  possible,  below 
tlieir  value  if 
they  can." — 0. 
Zockler. 

h  "  Distrain  upon 
him,  even  to  las 
garment,  bee.  he 
is  surety  for  a 
stranger,  and 
may  soon  be 
reduced  to  beg- 
gary, and  then 
tbiin  wilt  not  be 
able  to  recover 
anything  of 
him." — Wo  r  dt- 
tvorlh. 

c  "Strange 
women  have 
strange  ways  of 
impoverishing 
men  to  enrich 
t  h  e  m  s  e  Ives." — 
JJal.  Henry, 
d  Spurgeon. 


a  "  Tliose  who 
love  to  tell  news 
will  hardly  keep 
secrets."  —  Faut' 
set. 


194 


PROVERBS. 


fCap.  XX.  20—25. 


•' To  hear  an  open  to  kindle  such  heart-burning's  between  persons,  as  oftentimes 
c-iree-' but  not  to  ^'^'^^'^  forth  and  flame  to  the  consumption  of  families,  courts,  and 
perhaps  at  leug-th  of  cities  and  kingdoms.  The  mischief  such 
incendiaries  do  is  incredible,  as  being  indeed  for  the  most  port 
inevitable.  And  a  vine  or  a  rose  tree  may  as  well  flourish  whtm 
there  is  a  secret  worm  lurking  and  gnawing  at  the  root  of  them, 
as  the  peace  of  those  societies  thrive  .that  have  such  concealed 
plagues  wrapped  up  in  their  hearts  and  bowels.* 

20,  21.  (20)  curseth,  efc,  Ex.  xxi.  17  ;  Le.  xx.  9  :  Mat.  xr. 
4.  lamp,  or  candle  :  fig.  of  life.  Oh.  xiii.  9.  obscure  dark- 
ness," lit.  the  apple  of  the  eye  of  darkness.  '•  He  shall  be 
wrapped  in  the  darkness  of  poverty,  disappointment,  and  re- 
morse." (21)  may  be,  these  words  are  better  left  out. 
gotten  hastily,  greedily  sought  after  by  unjust  means.*  This 
may  refer  to  the  violent  doings  of  the  bad  son  of  verse  20. 
not  be  blessed,  God  only  witnesses  to  that  wh.  is  righteous 
and  good. 

T/w  bifer  bit. — A  certain  counsellor,  famed  for  his  eloquence, 
and  notorious  foi-  his  covetousness,  and  \\ho  seldom  considered 
the  goodness  of  the  cause  which  he  undertook,  provided  his  client 
could  pay  him,  was  consulted  by  a  robber,  Avho  promised  him  a 
large  reward  if  he  brought  him  off.  The  jDleader  so  dexterously 
managed  the  matter,  that  he  saved  the  rogue  from  the  gallows  ; 
and  the  client,  to  show  his  gratitude  to  his  friend,  so  soon  as  he 
was  set  at  liberty,  hastened  to  his  house,  and  presented  him  with 
a  thousand  crowns.  The  counsellor,  in  return,  solicited  the 
favour  of  his  company  to  supper,  and  the  night  being  stormy, 
farther  invited  him  to  lodge,  which  offer  he  accepted.  The 
guest  rose  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  found  the  way  to  the  room 
of  his  host,  and  without  ceremony  bound  and  gagged  him.  re- 
pocketed  his  thousand  crowns,  and  broke  open  a  chest,  in  which 
he  found  plenty  of  money,  with  which,  after  bidding  him  good 
night,  he  marched  off  in  triumph.  Though  the  conduct  of  the 
robber  calls  for  the  strongest  reprobation,  the  counsellor,  by 
screening  him  from  justice,  deserved  no  better  a  return."^ 

22 — 25.  (22)  I  "will  recompense, «  see  Ro.  xii.  17—19.6 
save  thee,  from  the  evil ;  and  perhaps  also  is  meant,  fr.  the 
revengeful  spirit.  (23)  divers  weights,  r.  10.  (24)  man'3 
goings,''  lit.  stately  steppings  of  a  strong  man.  Pi-ob.  here,  the 
issues,  the  places  where  a  man  goes  to.  'understand  .  .  way, 
so  as  to  take  it  into  his  o-wa.  management.  (2.'))  devoureth,  or 
hastily  maketh  a  vow,  without  due  consideration  ;  as  did  Herod, 
and  Saul  the  king. 

A  providential  eamjie. — An  incident  of  the  war  in  America. — 
The  following  curious  incident  is  told  in  a  letter  from  the  camp 
of  the  Secessionists  : — "  As  their  general,  Kirby  Smith  (the 
general  of  the  Maiylanders),  was  nearing  the  battle-field,  with 
the  troops  for  reinforcement,  they  met  the  wounded  and  some 
stragglers  going  away  from  the  field,  and  General  Smith  begged 
that  one  of  them  would  show  him  the  way  to  the  battle.  All 
said  it  ■would  be  certain  death,  as  they  had  not  the  countersign. 
He  a.sked  again,  •  Will  no  one  guide  me  to  the  battle  .''  A  Mr. 
Hamilton  said  it  might  cost  him  his  life,  but  he  would  do  it.  As 
they  got  near  Beaui-egard"s  pickets.  Hamilton  raised  his  left  arm, 
making  signs  to  them,  but  they  pointed  their  guns  towards  him ; 


finil  an  answer  is 
a  worse."— Oi'id. 


a  Pr.  vii.  9. 

6  "  He  points  to 
the  man  wlio, 
■with  a  V(iraciou3 
greed  for  wealtli, 
seizes  every 
opportunity  t  o 
attain  it,  reganl- 
less  of  t  r  u  t  li , 
honour,  and 
justice,  anil  thus 
becomes  rich  in  a 
Bhort  time.  But 
he  is  not  blessed. 
Discovery  comes 
and  clotlies  him 
'With  infamy, 
conscience  is 
roused  and  tor- 
ments him.  The 
ctirses  of  the  de- 
frauded and  the 
frowns  of  the 
Almighty  are 
over  him."  — 
Dav. nomas,  D.D. 

"God  only  looks 
to  pure  and  not 
to  full  hands." — 
Labertius. 

C  Whitecross. 


a  "He  that 
studieth  revenge 
keepeth  His 
wounds  open." — 
Iiord  Bacon. 

b  De.  xx.-tii.  35 ; 
Pr.  x.xiv.  29;  1 
Pe.  iii.  9. 

s  Jer.  X.  23. 

•.22.   H.Boys,il. 

«.  25.  Bishop 
Andrewes,  Opus- 
eula,  1. 

"What  is  becom- 
ing is  honest,  and 
whatever  i  s 
honest  must  al- 
'ways  be  becom- 
ing."— Cicero. 


Cap.  zxl.  1.2.J 


PROVERBS. 


199 


and  as  he  thought  he  would  be  instantly  shot,  he  prayed,  'God 
have  mrrcy  upon  me.'  and,  in  the  fervour  of  his  prayer  raised 
his  right  hand  upwards  also.  It  was  the  countersign— bolh  arms 
raised — and  he  was  saved.  Was  it  not  a  most  remarkable  Provi- 
dence thus  to  have  it  given  to  him  ?" 

26—28.  (2o)  scatteretli,  as  r.  8.  wheel,"  the  threshing 
roller.  This  separates  the  chaff  from  the  wheat.  Comp.  word, 
"tribulation."  (27)  spirit,  or  life  :  that  wh.  God  breathed  into 
us.  wh.  distinguishes  us  from  the  lower  animals.*  inward,  etc., 
i.e.  his  most  secret  thoughts.  (^28;  mercy  and.  truth,  comj?. 
oh   iii.  3,  xvi.  G — 12. 

Conscience  (r.  27). — I.  WTiat  is  the  office  of  conscience?  1. 
Not  a  distinguishing,  but  an  impelling  faculty  :  2.  An  impulse 
to  be  like  God  :  3.  The  inward  organ  of  God  :  4.  The  basis  of  all 
morality.  II.  What  is> our  duty  with  regard  to  it .'  1.  To  inform 
it ;  2.  To  assist  it;  3.  To  obey  it.  III.  What  does  the  Gospel  do 
for  it?  1.  It  makes  it  sensitive  :  2.  It  renders  it  tranquil."^ — 
Conscience. — I.  The  office  of  conscience.  1.  To  distinguish 
between  right  and  wrong  :  2.  To  incite  to  the  performance  of 
what  is  right,  and  the  a\oidance  of  what  is  wrong  :  3.  To  com- 
mend what  is  right,  and  to  censure  what  is  wrong.  II.  Our  duty 
with  regard  to  it.  1.  To  recognise  its  supremacy  ;  2.  To  listen 
to  its  voice  ;  8.  To  consult  its  records  :  4.  To  get  it  readjusted  in 
accordance  with  the  will  of  the  Lord  of  the  conscience.'' 

Pon-er  of  coii-'-cii nic- — Bes-^vs. — It  is  said  of  Btssus,  a  native  of 
Pelonia,  in  Greece,  that  being  one  day  seen  by  his  neighbours 
pulling  down  some  birds'  nests,  and  passionately  de.-troying  the 
young,  they  severely  reproved  him  for  his  ill-nature  and  cruelty. 
He  replied  that  their  not  es  were  to  him  insufferable,  as  they  never 
ceased  twitting-  of  the  murder  of  his  father. 

29,  30.  (29)  tlie:r  strength,  bodily  vigour."  1  Jno.  ii.  14. 
(30)  hlneness,  e/c.  lit.  joinings  :  '■  the  process  of  uniting  the 
edges  of  a  wound  throws  off  purulent  matter.'  stripes,  the 
fig.  for  corporal  punishment,  then  for  all  chastisements,  in- 
ward, etc..  as  r.  27.' 

Youth  and  affe. — Should  a  youth  despise  the  advice  of  a  grey- 
headed man.  the  latter  will  point  to  his  hairs.  AVhen  young 
men  presume  to  give  advice  to  the  aged,  they  say,  •"  Look  at  our 
grey  hairs."  Do  old  people  commit  things  unworthy  of  their 
years,  the  young  ask.  "Why  have  you  these  gi-ey  hairs?"  inti- 
mating they  ought  to  be  the  emblem  of  wisdom.* 


CHAPTER  THE  TWENTY-FIRST. 

1,  2.  (1)  as  the  rivers,  etc.,  the  irrigating  channels  :"  or 
the  rivers,  wh.  God  fills  as  He  pleases,  and  guides  on  their  free 
course  through  the  valleys.  It  is  implied  that  God  uses  kings 
for  tlie  blessing  of  His  people.  And  it  is  also  implied  that  there 
is  no  independent  sovereignty.  (2)  every  way,  etc.,  see  ch. 
xvi.  2.* 

God  and.  the  human  race  (rv.  1 — 3). — In  these  verses  we  have 

God  unfolded  to  us — I.  As  the  Controller  of  human  hearts.     1. 

This  is  an  undoubted  fact ;    2.    It  interferes  not  with  human 

responsibilitj.     II.   As  the  Judsre  of  human  character.      God, 

M  2 


Hp  who  opposes 
lionc'sty  never 
bad  auy. 


a  la,  xxvilL  27, 
28. 

b  "Such  a  life, 
with  all  its 
powers  of  i  n - 
sight,  conscious- 
ness, reflection, 
is  as  a  lamp  wh. 
God  has  lighted, 
throwing  its  rays 
into  the  darliesfc 
recesses  of  the 
h  ear  t."  —  Spk. 
Com. 

V.  27.  Bp.  Rust, 
Rtm.  21  ;  Dr.  J. 
Fvsler,  iv.  75  ;  <S, 
LoicM,  201. 

e  W.  W.  Whythe. 

d  G.  Brooks. 

Conscienc  e— 
"Go  d's  vicege- 
rent in  the  souL" 
— Buchan. 


a  Pr.    xtL    31, 

xvii.  6. 

b  "  Trials  bring 
man  face  to  face 
with  Goil— God 
and  he  touch." — 
/'.  ir.  Robert  son. 

V.  29.  Dr.  a.  Lavs' 
son,  175, 

c  Roierti. 


a  "  Some  sttpposo 
there  is  an  allu- 
sion to  a  gar- 
dener directing 
the  rills  of  water 
through  the  dif- 
ferent parts  of 
his  ground,  and 
that  the  com- 
parison is  be- 
tween "the  ease 
with  which  the 
gardener  does 
this,  and  the  eaaa 


196 


PROVE  nns. 


[Cap.  xxl.  3, 4. 


with  wh.  tlin  Al- 
miglity  co'itrols 
thi'  purpiises  niifl 
voiitions  of  the 
human  snul." — 
Dn  V .  Thomas , 
D.D. 

b  Pr.  x\v.  12,  xvi 
25. 

V.  1.  Dr.  T.  Chal- 
mers, vi.  62. 

c  Dr.  Thnmns. 

"  Man.  through 
igiiorauce  first, 
a  n  rl  need  of 
knowing,  fell. 
Now,  grovvn  so 
wise,  he  tliinks 
he  lacketh  no- 
thing ;  no,  not 
God.  Is  faith 
here?  I"  have 
missed  her  from 
the  earth  tliis 
many  an  age." — 
Bit  He;/. 

c  Bailq/, 


a  1  Sa.  XV.  22  ; 
Ps.  1. 7—15 ;  Is.  i. 
11  ;  Ho.  vi.  6  ; 
Mi.  vi.  7.  8. 

"  This  maxim  of 
the  Prov.  was  a 
bold  saying  then; 
it  is  a  bold  saying 
still."-  Stanley. 

Swelling   of 
lieart. 

c  "  The  evil  spirit 
called  .sin  may  be 
trained  up  to  po- 
liteness,  and 
made  to  be  gen- 
teel sin  :  it  may 
bo  el-pant,  culti- 
vated sin  ;  it  may 
be  very  exchisive 
and  fashionable 
sin  ;  it  may  be 
industrious, 
thrif  ty  sin  ;  it 
may  he  a  great 
politinnl  mana- 
ger, a  gre.^t  com- 
mercial opi!r.-itor, 
apreat  inventor  ; 
it  may  be  learned, 
scientific,  elo- 
quent, h  i  g  h  1  y- 
poetic  sin !  Still, 
it  is  sin." — Biish- 

V.'ll. 

d  Roberta 


juclg-ps  character — 1.    Xofc  according  to  their  own  estimate;  2. 
Not  accordiug-  to  the  result  of  th'nr  conduct ;  3.  But  by  the  heart. 
III.  As  the  approver  of  human  goodness.' 
The  orif/i)i  of  man. — 

Fc^tim :  "WTience  are  we  ? 

Luniel :  Child  of  the  royal  blood  of  man  redeemed, 

The  starry  strain  of  spirit,  thence  we  are. 

This,  therefore,  be  thy  future  and  thy  fate. 

As  water  putrefied  and  purified. 

Seven  times  by  turns,  will  never  more  corrupt, 

So  thou  and  thine  whole  race,  all  chang-e  endured, 

Through  doubt,  sin.  knowledge,  faith,  love,  power,  and  blis8, 

Shall  practise  every  note  of  Being"s  scale. 

Till  the  whole  orb  coharmonise  with  heaven, 

And  pure  imperial  peace  rule  all  below  ; 

Till,  star  by  star,  these  bright  and  sacred  seats, 

Whose  ancestry  of  sempiternal  suns 

Comes  of  the  vast  and  universal  void. 

And  in  whose  lineage  of  light  yon  earth 

Seems  but  a  new  possession  scarcely  worth 

Accepting  or  rejecting,  shall  at  last 

Into  primordial  nothingness  relapse  ; 

And  man,  the  universal  son  of  God, 

Who  occupied  in  time  those  starry  spheres, 

Regenerate  and  redeemed  shall  live  for  aye, 

Made  one  with  Deity  ;  all  evil  gone. 

Dispersed  as  by  a  thunderclap  of  light.'' 
3,  4.  f3)  do  justice,  etc.,  the  comparative  unimportance  of 
ceremonial  comes  into  full  view  in  the  later  Jewish  literature." 
(4)  high  look,  haughtiness  of  eyes;  the  expression  of  piide. 
proud  heart,*  in  wh.  conceited  and  boastful  feelings  are 
cherished,  plowing,  i.e.  the  broad  lands  which  he  has  to  plough, 
and  is  so  conceited  about,  sin,  this  it  is,  however  attractive  its 
aspect  may  be.<^ 

Note  on  i\  4. — The  margin  has,  instead  of  ploughing,  light : 
*' The  light  of  the  wicked."  The  Tamul  translation  has,  the 
lamp'  of  the  wicked.  In  Eastern  language,  as  well  as  in  the 
Scriptures,  the  word  lamp  is  often  used  to  denote  the  life  of  man  : 
but  in  this  passage  it  means  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 
'•  Look  at  Valen.  how  brightly  does  his  lamp  burn  m  these  days  !" 
"Yes,  his  lamp  has  now  a  thousand  faces."  Thus  the  haughty 
eyes,  the  proud  hearts,  and  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked,  were 
alike  sinful  before  God.  The  lamp  {i.e.  prosperity)  of  the  wicked 
is  sin.'' 

A  poor  apprentice. — A  poor  boy  was  put  an  apprentice  to  a 
mechanic,  and  being  the  youngest  of  those  bound  to  the  same 
master,  was  often  sent  on  en'ands  :  thej'^  frequently  required  him 
to  fetch  spirituous  liquors,  declaring  that  it  did  them  good. 
They  often  urged  him  to  partake  of  the  intoxicating  potion  with 
them,  but  he  invariably  and  resolutely  refused.  He  was  in  con- 
sequence treated  by  them  with  mockery  and  scorn  ;  often  weep 
ing  in  solitude  on  account  of  their  derision  and  insults.  But 
mark  the  sequel.  Everyone  of  the  scoffing  apprentices  became  a 
confirmed  drunkard,  but  the  abstinent  youth  realised  a  fortune 
of  about  £20,()0<*.  He  employed  nearly  a  hundred  men,  all  of 
whom  renounced  the  use  of  spirituous  drinks.     He  also  exerted 


Cap.  xxi.  5—9.] 


PROVERBS. 


197 


a  very  beneficial  influence  upon  thousands  more,  helping  to  fit 
them  not  only  for  useful  and  honourable  positions  on  earth,  but 
also  for  eternal  happiness  in  the  world  to  come. 

5 — 7.  (5)  diligent,  here,  "keeps  steadily  on,""  in  opposition  ,i  "The man  wha 
to  "excited  haste,"  the  contrast  is  bet.  steady  industry  and  raf'h-  ■  labours  in  sub- 
ness.*  Fortunes  .suddenly  gained  are  often  as  suddenly  lost ;  i  stantial  and  con- 
wealth  earned  by  patient  labour  is  usually  well  stored.  ((>)  by  I  t'""o«s  niethods, 
a  lying  tongue,  put  generally  for  deceptive  methods.'  vanity,  j  Trnpatient',  '  re^t- 
etc,  lit.  "is  a  fleeting  breath  of  them  that  seek  death."  The  less  fortune, 
word  ranity  suggests  the  fig.  of  chaff  or  stubble  in  the  wind, 
seek  death,  comp.  ch.  viii.  36,  xvii.  19.  robbery,  wh.  all 
wealth  secured  by  deception  must  be  called,  destroy  them, 
sweep  them  away."*    do  j  udgment,  or  that  wh.  is  just  and  right 


hunter,  who  is 
easily  led  to 
aiiopt  base  and 
deceitful  modes 
of    acquiring." — • 


llie  right  and  the  wrong  road  to  plenty  (vv.  5 — 7). — Desirable    ^'  ^'"^^^'"'■ 


to  have  plenty  of  a  good  thing  :  money,  knowledge,  etc.,  good 
things.  I.  The  right  road.  Diligence,  which  stands  opposed — 
1.  To  laziness  ;  2.  Rashness.  II.  The  wrong  road.  1.  Falsehood 
is  a  wrong  road  ;    2.  Dishonesty.* 

Co'vetoiisness. — Tarpeia.  the  daughter  of  Tarpeius,  keeper  of  the 
Roman  capitol,  agreed  to  betray  it  into  the  hands  of  the  Sabines, 
on  this  condition  :  "  that  she  should  have  for  her  reward  that 
which  they  carried  on  their  left  arms,"  meaning  the  golden 
bracelets  they  wore  upon  them.  The  Sabines  having  been  let  in 
by  Tarpeia,  according  to  compact.  Titulus,  their  king,  though 
well  pleased  with  carrying  the  place,  yet  detesting  the  manner 
in  which  it  was  done,  commanded  the  Sabines  to  give  the  fair 
traitor  her  promised  reward,  by  throwing  to  her  all  they  wore  on 
their  left  arms  ;  on  which,  unclasping  his  bracelet  from  his  left 
aiTTi,  he  cast  that,  together  with  his  shield,  upon  her.  All  the 
Sabines  following  the  example  of  their  chief,  the  traitress  was 
speedily  overwhelmed  with  the  number  of  bracelets  and  bucklers 
heaped  upon  her.  and  thus  perished  miserably  under  the  weight 
of  the  reward  which  she  had  earned,  by  the  double  treachery,  to 
her  father  and  to  her  country.-' 

8,  9.  (8)  froward,  perverse,  or  crooked,  strange,  the  Heb. 
word  used  here  means,  gvill -burdened ;  and  the  clause  should 
read.  Crooked  is  the  w^y  of  the  guilty  man.  right,  and  there- 
fore is  sure  to  have  right  issues.  "What  is  right  is  evermore 
expedient,  binding,  and  performable."  (9)  corner,"  a  turret,  or 
arbour  on  the  roof.  brawling,  contentious,  complaining, 
quarrelsome.*  wide  house,  lit.  "house  of  companionship,"  or 
a  house  shared  with  her.  Perhaps  also  suggesting  a  house  occii- 
pied  by  several  families. 

The  nnregenerate  and  the  regenerate  (vv.  8,  9). — I  The  way  of 
the  unregenerate — 1.  Isfroward  ;  2.  Strange  :  neither  the  original 
nor  the  authorised  way.  II.  The  way  of  the  regenerate — 1.  Pure  ; 
2.  Right  in  action.  A  right  work  implies — (1)  A  right  standard  : 
(2)  A  right  motive." 

Hovae-roofs  in  the  Ea.it. — How  pleasant  soever  the  arbour,  or 
wicker- closet,  upon  the  roof,  may  be  during  the  burning  heats  of 
Bummer,  it  must  be  very  disagreeable  in  the  rainy  season.  They 
who  lodge  in  either  at  that  time,  must  be  exposed  continually  to 
the  storm  beating  in  upon  them  from  every  quarter.  In  allusion, 
perhaps,  to  this  uncomfortable  situation.  Solomon  observes  :  "  It 
is  better  to  dwell  in  a  corner  of  the  house-top,  than  with  a  brawl- 1  my  selfabroai 


6  "  Undue  hurry 
is  as  fatal  to  suc- 
cess as  undue 
procrastination." 
~Spk.  Com. 

Pr.  xii.  11,  xiii. 
11,  xix.  2,  XX.  21, 

xxviii.  20. 
c  "  Falsehood  is  a 
great  fortune- 
maker  here  in 
England,  and  al- 
though it  is  a 
short  and  popu- 
lar road,  it  is 
ultimately  a 
ruinous  one." — 
Dav. Thomas,  D.D. 
d  "  The  orig.  fig. 
seems  rather  to 
suggest,  cut  tcilh 
a  saw." — Fausset. 

e  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 
f  W/iilecross. 

a  "  The  corner  of 
the  flat  roof  of  an 
Eastern  house 
wiis  exposed  to 
all  changes  of 
weather,  and  the 
point  of  the  Pro- 
verb lies  in  the 
thought  that  all 
winds  and  storms 
wh.  a  man  might 
meet  with  there 
are  more  endur- 
able than  the 
tempest  within." 
—Spi:  Com. 

b  Socrates  beinjf 
asked,  "  Why 
he  endured 
his  wife  ?  "  re- 
plied, •'  By  this 
means  I  have  a 
schoolmaster  at 
home,  and  an  ex- 
ample  how  I 
should    behave 


198 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxl,  10,  IL 


For  I  shall  be  the 
more  quiet  with 
others,  being 
thus  daily  exer- 
siseil  iiiul  taught 
In  the  forbearing 
of  her." 

«  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 

"As  a  little  spark 
many  times  set- 
teth  a  whole 
house  on  fire, 
even  so  a  con- 
tentious anfl  fro- 
ward  jiersnn.  of  a 
little  matter  of 
nought,  niaketh 
much  debate  and 
division  among 
lovers  and 
friends."  —  Caw- , 
dray. 

d  Paxlon. 


a  "  So  strongly  \ 
does  he  desire  to  ' 
do  evil  that  he 
■will  not  even 
spare  his  friend 
if  in  his  way." —  I 
Fausset.  I 


h  "Let  the  law 
be  executed  upon 
a  scorner,  and 
even  lie  that  is 
simple  will  be 
awakened  and 
alarmed  by  it, 
and  will  discern, 
more  than  he  liid, 
the  evil  of  sin, 
and  will  take 
warning  by  it." 
• — Mai.  Henry. 

Ps.  Ixiv.  7—9. 

e  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 

"Wisdom, 
though  richer 
than  Peruvian 
mines,  and 
sweeter  than  the 
Bweet  ambrosial 
hive,  -what  is 
she  but  the 
means  of  happi- 
ness ?  that  un- 
obtain'd,  than 
folly  more  a 
fool."  — J'o«?i(7. 

4  lieu  Jonson, 


in?  woman  in  a  wide  house  :"  in  a  corner  formed  with  boughs  or 
rushes  into  a  little  arbour,  which,  althoug-h  cool  and  pleasant  in 
the  dry  and  sultry  months  of  summer,  is  a  cool  and  cheerless 
lodge  when  the  earth  is  drenched  with  rain,  or  covered  with 
snow.  The  royal  preacher,  in  anotlier  Proverb,  conipaies  the 
contentions  of  a  wife  to  the  continual  dropping  of  an  arbour, 
placed  upon  the  house-top,  in  the  rainy  season,  than  which  it  is 
not  easy  to  conceive  anything  more  disagreeable  :  "  The  conten- 
tions of  a  wife  are  a  continual  dropping  ;"  an  incessant  and  un- 
avoidable cause  of  uneasiness  or  vexation.  Instructed  probably 
by  his  own  feelings,  harassed  and  goaded,  as  was  meet,  by  the 
daily  quarrels  of  his  seraglio,  he  returns  in  a  succeeding  apothegm 
to  the  subject :  "  A  continual  dropping  in  a  very  rainy  day,  and 
a  contentious  woman,  are  alike."  It  appears  from  these  Proverbs 
that  the  booths  were  generally  constructed  in  the  comer,  where 
two  walls  met,  for  greater  safety  ;  for,  on  the  middle  of  the  roof, 
they  had  been  too  much  exposed  to  the  storm.  This  is  confirmed 
by  Dr.  Russel,  who  remarks,  in  a  manuscript  note,  that  these 
booths  in  Syria  are  often  placed  near  the  walls  ;  so  minutely 
correct  are  even  the  most  incidental  observations  of  the  inspired 
writers.'* 

10,  11.  (10)  desireth,  loveth  and  seeketh.  neighbour .  . 
eyes,  i.r.  "  on  account  of  his  violent  wickedness  and  selfishness, 
even  his  friend  experiences  no  sympathy  from  him.""  (11) 
when,  cfc,  comp.  cli.  xix.  25.  The  idea  of  the  v.  is,  that  while 
the  simjjle  will  only  learn  by  the  terrors  of  punishment,*  the 
wise  learn  by  teaching. 

'J'he  ivichi'd  {rr.  10 — 12). — They  are  here  presented  to  us  in 
three  phrases.  I.  As  animated  by  the  worst  of  dispositions.  1. 
Malignity  :  2.  Derision.  II.  As  subject  to  Divine  punishment. 
1.  From  the  principle  of  moral  causation  ;  2.  From  the  opera- 
tions of  moral  memory  ;  3.  From  the  declarations  of  Scripture  ; 
4.  From  the  history  of  mankind.     III.  As  studied  by  the  good. 

1.  The  influence  of  their  punishment  when  studied  by  the  simple  ; 

2.  When  studied  by  the  wise  ;  3.  When  studied  by  the  righteous.* 
T>'ue  wmlnni. — 

Learn  to  be  wise,  and  practise  how  to  thrive  : 

That  I  would  have  thee  do  ;  and  not  Jx)  spend 

Your  coin  on  every  bauble  that  you  fancy 

On  every  foolish  brain  that  humours  you. 

I  would  not  have  you  to  invade  each  place, 

Nor  thrust  yourself  on  all  societies. 

Till  men's  affections,  or  your  own  desert, 

Should  worthily  invite  you  to  your  rank. 

He  that  is  so  respectlcss  in  his  courses, 

Oft  sells  his  reputation  at  cheap  market. 

Nor  would  I  that  you  should  melt  away  yourself 

In  flashing  bravery,  lest  while  yon  affect 

To  make  a  blaze  of  gentry  to  the  world, 

A  little  puff  of  scorn  extinguish  it. 

And  you  be  left  like  an  unsavoury  snuff, 

Whose  property  is  only  to  offend. 

I'd  ha'  you  sober  and  contain  yourself  : 

Not  that  your  sail  be  bigger  than  your  boat ; 

But  inod'rate  your  expenses  now  (at  first) 

As  jou  may  keep  the  same  proportion  still. 


Cap.  xxi.  12-14.] 


PROVERBS. 


Nor  stand  so  much  on  your  gentility, 

Which  is  an  aiiy  and  mere  borrow"d  thing 

From  deaci  men's  dust  and  bones  ;  and  none  of  yours, 

Excppt  you  make,  or  hold  it.'' 

12.  righteous,  etc.,  the  word  7))an  is  not  necessary.  The 
♦•eference  is  to  God  as  the  "  righteous  One."  «  overthrowetll, 
or  precipitates  :  makes  to  slide  down. 

J/r/li/lon  of  the  heart. — The  Ilev.  R.  IMajor,  a  missionary  in 
Ccylou.  ouce  visi^^fd  a  poor  leper,  who  had  been  led,  through  the 
instruction';  wli  i  he  had  received,  to  feel  his  sinful  state  by 
nature,  and  his  uued  of  a  Savioui-  ;  and  having  come  to  the  Lord 
Jesus,  he  had  fouud  pardon  and  peace,  so  that,  in  the  midst  of  ail 
his  outward  wretchedness,  he  was  enabled  to  rejoice  in  the  hope 
of  the  Gospel.  He  was  accompanied  by  a  native,  of  whom  he  had 
much  hope.  Haviug  conver.sed  with  the  i^oor  leper,  who  was 
now  in  a  deplorable  state  as  to  his  body,  but  filled  with  holy  joy 
aud  peace  of  mind,  on  leaving  the  hut.  the  native  said,  with  much 
emphasis,  "  Oh,  sir.  that  man  is  going  to  heaven  ! "  "  What  makes 
you  think  so  ? "  replied  Mr.  Major  ;  '•  could  not  you  say  the  same 
thiug  .'"  "  Ah.  sir !  I  know  it,"  said  he  :  •'  but  that  man  feels 
it.  '  Does  not  this  reply  of  the  poor  man  suggest  to  us  the  differ- 
ence between  real  and  nominal  religion,  between  that  which  in- 
fluences the  heart  and  brings  forth  fruit  in  the  life,  and  that 
with  which,  alas  !  too  many  are  content, — the  mere  head  know- 
ledge, which  will  stand  us  in  no  stead  when  the  tempests  of 
disease  and  death  rage  around  us  .'  * 

13.  Stoppeth  .  .  poor,  as  determined  to  give  no  heed  to  his 
cry.  Disregard  of  the  poor  aud  needy  is  sin  against  the  brother- 
hood, cry  himself,  the  law  of  retribution  will  surely  reach 
him."  '•  If  the  cries  of  the  poor  be  not  heard  by  us,  they  will  be 
heard  against  us." 

The  cry  of  the  poor  (i\  10"). — Let  us  consider  three  things.  I. 
Social  distress — the  poor.  1.  The  deserving  poor  ;  2.  The  un- 
d.s»^rving.  II.  Social  heartlessness.  Who  should  regard  this  cry  ? 
1.  The  wealthy  :  2.  The  legislating.     III.  Social  retribution.* 

J'he  nlothfnl. — He  is  full  of  wishing,  but  far  from  working. 
As  the  cat.  he  would  iVdn  have  the  fish,  but  is  unwilling  to  wet 
his  feet :  his  desires  are  destitute  of  suitable  endeavours,  and 
therefore  rather  harm  him  than  help  him.  Like  Ishbosheth,  he 
lieth  on  his  bed  till  he  is  deprived  of  his  life.  He  thinketh  to 
be  hurried  in  haste  to  heaven,  to  be  cai'ried  as  passengers  in  a 
ship,  asleep  in  their  cabins,  to  their  haven,  but  is  all  the  while  in 
a  deceitful  dream.  There  is  no  going  to  those  heavens  where 
Christ  is  in  His  glory,  as  the  sick  man  came  to  the  house,  where 
Christ  was.  in  his  estate  of  ignominy,  let  down  in  a  bed.<^ — Note  on 
V.  13. — The  sluggard  is  fond  of  sleep  ;  and,  to  excuse  his  slothful- 
ness.  he  makes  use  of  the  pretence,  when  he  is  to  go  out  of  his 
house  in  the  morning  dawn,  and  to  follow  his  business,  that  he 
might  fall  a  prey  to  one  of  the  wild  beasts  which  prowl  about 
during  the  night.  When  it  becomes  dark,  the  people  of  the  East 
shut  themselves  up  in  their  houses  for  fear  of  the  wild  beasts. 
Thus  Alvarez,  in  his  account  of  Ethiopia,  says,  that  "  in  Abyssinia, 
as  soon  as  night  sets  in.  nobody  is  to  be  seen  abroad  for  fear  of 
wild  beasts,  of  which  the  country  is  full.""* 

14.  gift,  usually,  as  here,  with  the  idea  of  a  b7-ibe,   in  secret, 


199 

a  Comp.  Pr.  xxii. 
12;  Job.x.xxiv.l7. 
"By  this 
righteous  One 
God  is  meant, 
t  h  0  supreme 
judge  and  re- 
warder."  —  0. 
ZDckier,  etc. 
"  Other  com.  pre- 
serve the  refer- 
euce  to  the 
righteous  m  a  n, 
and  trans,  as 
follows:  'The 
righteous  man 
teacheth  or  gives 
instruction  to  the 
house  of  the, 
wicked,  to  turn 
away  the  wicked 
from  evil.'  " — 
Booth  royd. 
"  The  just  man 
thinks  maturely 
concerning  the 
house  of  the 
wicked,  that  he 
may  draw  away 
the  wicked  from 
evil." —  Vulgate. 
b  S.  T.  Treasury. 


a  Illus.  in  Matt, 
xviii.  23—34. 

"  Howard's  rule 
was  this,  a  rule 
wh.  he  embodied 
in  his  noble  life, 
'  That  our  super- 
fluities give  way 
to     other    men's 

j  convenience; 

I  that  our  conveni- 
ences give  waj'  to 

;  other  men's   ne- 

; cessaries;  and 
that  even  our  ne- 
cessaries  give 
way  sometimes  to 
other  men's  ex- 
tremi  ties.'  " — 
Dav  Thomas,  D.D. 

"  Charity  is  the 
scope  of  all  God's 
commands."  — St. 
Chrysostom. 

1  J  no  iii.  17 ;  Jaa, 
ii.  13. 

6  Dr.  D.  Tliomcu. 
c  Swinnncke. 
d  RosenmuUer 


a   And   so  Maf^ 
Henry,  who  says 


200 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap,  xxi.  16— 1& 


"Covetoiidiiess  is 
com  in  only  a 
mastiT  fin,  and 
has  the  command 
of  otaer  lusts." 

"  I  dnsire  to  re- 
coiicil''  Bie  to  liis 
fricii'lly  peace  : 
'tis  death  to  me, 
to  be  at  enmity  ; 
I  hate  it,  and 
desire  all  good 
men's  love." — 
Shakespeare. 

SEx.  xxiii.  8;  De. 
xvi.  19  ;  Ee.  s.  19. 

c  Cheever, 


a" A  slight  tone 
of  irony  is  per- 
ceptible in  the 
word  for  'abide.' 
'He  shall  find  a 
restinK-iihice,  but 
it  shall  be  in 
Hades.'"— /SjD*. 
Com. 

b  "  Here  is  a  clear 
testimony  to  a 
Btate  of  retribu- 
tion after  death." 
—  Wofdswoi-th. 

Jer.  xiv.  10. 

V.  16.  /.  Me'de,  i. 
41. 

c  £•.  Phillips. 

"  Many  delifjht 
more  in  giving 
of  presents  than 
in  paying  their 
debt  s."  —  Sir 
Philip  Sidneu. 


a  Ps.  civ.  15  ;  Pr. 
zxvii.  9. 

Economy    is    in- 
come. 

"  Profligate  to- 
Inptuousness, 
With  itj  expen- 
Bive  viands,  its 
luxurious  refine- 
ments, its  costly 
establishments, 
end  its  foolish 
pastimes,  makes 
light  work  with 
fortunes."  —Dai'. 
Thmnas.  DD. 
b  Pr.  xi.  8  ;  Isa. 
xliii.  3. 
9  Or.  Thomas. 


SO  delicately  done  that  none  may  know  it,  and  the  honour  of  bim 
who  takes  it  may  seem  to  be  preserved.  Zijcldcr  prefers  the  idea 
that  skilful  liberality  is  meant  here."  pacifieth,  or  bends, 
extinguishes,  a  reward,  this  word  suggests  that  the  reference 
in  both  sentences  is  to  bribes.*  in  the  bosom,  i.e.  the  lap  or 
fold  of  the  garment  where  it  is  secreted. 

Fitz-JaniPS  and  hi.<s  .wvereign. — It  is  said  of  Sir  John  Fitz-James^ 
that  the  instant  he  was  seated  on  the  bench,  he  lost  all  recollec- 
tion of  his  best  friends,  that  would  in  the  least  degree  have  inter- 
fered with  the  administration  of  justice.  A  relation  once  solicited 
a  favour  of  him.  ''  Come  to  my  house,"  said  he,  "  and  I  will  deny 
you  nothing  ;  but  in  the  king's  court  I  must  do  you  justice." 
The  attorney-general  was  weak  and  criminal  enough  to  request 
his  interest  on  the  part  of  the  king,  in  a  cause  to  be  tried  before 
him.  "  I  will  do  the  king  right,"  he  replied.  A  verdict  was 
given  against  the  crown,  and  the  attorney-general  expostulated 
with  Fitz-James,  who  dismissed  the  subject  by  adding,  "I  could 
not  do  his  majesty  right,  if  I  had  not  done  justice."* 

15,  16.  (I.^))  joy,  etc..  virtue  is  its  own  reward.  Eighteous 
ways  are  pleasant  ways.  The  idea  here  is  that  the  righteous  lore 
right  doing,  and  do  not  need  the  impulse  of  gift  or  reward, 
"workers  of  iniquity,  who  act  unrighteously,  on  consideration 
of  bribes.  (IG)  wandereth,  at  his  own  will.  This  word  is  con- 
trasted with  remain,  or  abide.  The  man  may  think  he  wanders, 
but  really  he  remains."  dead,  Heb.  Bcjjliaim,  giants.*  ''  He 
shall  never  see  the  joys  of  the  future  life." 

The  tranderers  gloomy  state  (r.  IG). — I.  What  is  meant  by 
wandering  out  of  the  way  of  understanding?  1.  The  book  of 
nature  and  of  Providence  is  the  way  of  understanding  ;  2.  So  is 
the  Book  of  Revelation  ;  3.  The  place  of  pure  worship.  II.  Ob- 
serve the  wanderer's  gloomy  state.  1.  The  dead  are  those  who 
are  dead  in  sin  ;  2.  Those  who  are  doomed  to  eternal  death. "^ 

lioihivri  the  yvidow. — Sir  Thoman  More\s'  judi/ment. — A  gentle- 
man of  rar":  iiad  wronged  a  poor  widow  of  a  sum  of  nione.v.  and 
was  ordered  by  Sir  T.  More,  when  lord  chancellor,  forthwith  to 
make  restitution  of  the  property,  with  the  costs  attending  the 
suit.  "  I  hope  then  your  lordship  will  grant  me  a  long  day  to 
pay."  "  I  will  grant  your  motion,"  instantly  replied  the  chan- 
cellor. "  Monday  next  is  Barnabas  day,  which  is  the  longest  in 
the  whole  year  :  pay  it  then  to  the  widow  without  fail,  or  I  will 
commit  you  to  the  Fleet  Prison." 

17,  18.  (17)  pleasure,  sport,  indulgence,  costly  luxury. 
Things  opposed  to  business,  and  serious  duty,  poor  man,  bee. 
a  pleasure-seeking  life  is  expensive,  and  drains  income,  instead  of 
adding  to  it.  wine  and  oil,  or  perfume  :  the  familiar  symbols 
of  social  festivity."  (18)  a  ransom,  an  atonement,  or  propitia- 
tion. '•  The  Divine  wrath  turns  from  him  who  is  comparatively 
lighteous  to  fall  upon  the  head  of  the  evil  doer."* 

Self-indulfjenee  (r.  17). — I.  It  involves  an  extravagance  of  ex- 
penditure. II.  A  fostering  of  laziness.  Hence  it  leads  to — 1. 
Material  poverty  ;  2.  Intellectual  poverty  :  3.  Spiritual  poverty." 

Oj)inion.  of  UmiK.ienn. — "  It  is  impossible."  saj's  Ronssoau.  "  that 
an  establishment  [the  theatre  at  Geneva]  so  contrary  to  our 
ancient  manners  can  be  generally  applauded.  How  many  gene- 
rous citizens  will  see,  with  indignatioB,  this  monument  of  luxury 


Cap.  xxi.  19-21.1 


PROVERBS. 


201 


and  effeminacy  raise  itself  upon  the  ruins  of  our  ancient  simpli- 
city !  Where  would  be  the  imprudent  mother  who  would  dare  to 
cari-y  her  daughter  to  this  dangerous  school?  And  what  respect- 
able woman  would  nut  think  herself  dishonoured  in  going-  there? 
In  all  countries  the  profession  of  a  player  is  dishonourable,  and 
those  who  exercise  it  ai-e  everywhere  contemned."* 

19.  better,  etc..  comp.  r.  9."  wilderness,  Ileb.  "  the  land  of 
the  desert."  contentious,  or  quarrelsome,  angry,  or  passion- 
ate. "  Even  those  that  are  one  flesh,  if  they  be  not  withal  one 
spirit,  have  no  joy  of  their  union." 

Matrimonial  wisery  (r.  19). — I.  The  torturing  power  of  a  brawl- 
ing wife.  II.  Even  uncomfortable  positions  p.re  preferable  to 
her  company.  1.  The  corner  of  a  housetop  ;  2.  The  wilderness. 
III.  The  demoralising  power  of  sin.  IV.  The  caution  required 
in  matrimonial  alliances.* 

Eastern  .tcolds. — The  termagants  of  the  East  are  certainly  not 
inferior  to  those  of  their  own  sex  in  any  part  of  the  world  :  in 
some  respects,  the  females  are  perhaps  more  timid  and  retired 
than  those  of  JEurope  ;  but  let  them  once  go  beyond  the  prescribed 
bounds,  and  let  their  powers  be  brought  fairly  into  action,  and 
they  are  complete  furies.  Has  any  one  caused  a  woman's  child 
to  cry.  does  a  neighbour  intimate  that  she  is  not  what  she  ought 
to  be,  or  that  some  of  her  friends  are  no  better  than  they  should 
be,  the  whoop  is  immediately  sounded,  pv^  the  brawl  begins. 
She  commences  her  abuse  in  her  best  an.  1  Jiebt  tone  of  voice  : 
vociferates  all  the  scandal  she  can  think  of,  and  all  she  can  in- 
vent. Sometimes  she  runs  up  to  her  antagonist,  as  if  about  to 
knock  her  down  :  again  she  retires,  apparently  to  go  home  :  but, 
no !  she  thinks  of  something  more  Mhich  ought  not  to  be  lost, 
and  again  returns  to  the  contest.  At  intervals  tmeiely  to  vary 
the  scene)  she  throws  up  dust  in  the  air.  and  curses  her  opponent, 
her  husband,  and  her  children.  Should  the  poor  woman  not  have 
been  blessed  with  a  progeny,  that  will  not  be  overlooked,  and  a 
thousand  highly  provoking  and  indecent  allusions  will  be  made. 
See  her  fiery  eyes,  her  dishevelled  hair,  her  uplifted  hand,  and 
she  is  more  like  a  fury  from  another  region  than  a  human  being. 
One  of  their  philosophers  describes  some  of  the  defects  in  young 
females  which  ought  to  deter  any  man  from  marrying  them. 
"Those  who  love  to  be  at  the  house  of  other  people,  who  are 
great  sleepers,  who  love  dancing  and  other  sports,  who  are 
wounded  by  the  arrows  of  Cama  (Cupid),  who  love  before  their 
fathers  betroth  them,  who  have  voices  like  thunder,  who  ha  \e 
tender,  or  rolling,  or  cat  eyes,  who  have  coarse  hair,  who  are  older 
than  yourself,  who  are  full  of  smiles,  who  are  very  athletic,  who 
are  caught  in  the  hell  of  useless  and  strange  religions,  who  despise 
the  gooroo.  and  call  the  gods  statues  :  have  nothing  to  do  with 
them."  Solomon  says,  in  another  place,  "The  contentions  of  a 
wife  are  a  continual  dropping  :  "  and  the  Tamul  proverb  has  it, 
"  She  is  like  the  thunder  of  the  rain,  and  is  ever  dropping."" 

20,  21.  (20)  oil,  "  the  precious  unguent  wh.  represents 
wealth."  By  care  and  diligence  the  wise  preserve  and  increase 
wealth."  spendeth  it  up,  lit.  swalloweth  it  up  :  wastes  it. 
Reference  may  be  to  the  foolish  son  who  wastefully  squanders 
all  his  father  may  have  carefully  gathered  for  him.  (2\) 
followeth  after,   earnestly  seeking,  really  endeavours  to  live 


"A   thousand 

evils  do  afflict 
tliat  man  which 
bath  to  hinijelf 
an  idle  and  un- 
profitable car* 
CiX'ie." —iSallusl. 
d  Cheevei: 

a  1  Cor.  vii.  15. 

6  Dr.  D.  nomas. 

An  Eaitern  fag« 

I  says,    "  Sli  ould 

one    w  0  n)  a  n 

I  scold,  the  w  hole 

I  earth  will  shake ; 

'  should  two  com- 

I  uipuce,  the   Eign 

I  Pisces   will  tall ; 

if   three    ioin   in 

I  the     brawl,     the 

I  sea  will  dry  up ; 

j  but   if    four    try 

j  t  h  e  i  r  powers, 

!  wliat  will  liect.me 

1  of   the   world  ?  " 

I  In   the  Scan  da 

[  l^uidnu  it  is  faid, 

1  "  It  is  better  for 

any   one    to  fall 

into  hell,  than  to 

Iperform     the 

I  duties  of  ahouse- 

j  h  ol  d  er   with  a 

i  woman  who  will 

I  not    respect   her 

husband  s    word. 

Is  tht'reany  other 

distase.anyoth.er 

y  a  VI  d,     t  h  a  n 

s  p  e  n  d  i  n  g^  life 

with    such    a 

woman  ?  " 

c  Roberts. 

"Two  things 
well  considered 
would  prevent 
many  quarrels ; 
first,  to  have  it 
well  ascertained 
Vifhether  we  are 
not  disputing 
:i  b  o  u  t  terms 
'  1 t  h  e  r  than 
M.iips;  and,  se- 
condl}',  to  exa- 
mine whether 
that  on  which  we 
diflfer  is  worth 
contending 
about."-C.  ColtoH. 


'  The  wise  man 
j  keeps  a  store  iu 
ireserve.  He 
i  pains  uprifrhtly. 
j  spends  mode- 
rately, never  cx- 
I  liausts  himself." 
I  — <S/jI.  Cum. 


202 


PROVERBS. 


tCap.xxl.22— 24. 


"  If  a  rich  man 
is  proud  of  his 
wealth,  heshouM 
not  be  praise  1 
until  it  is  known 
bow  he  spends 
it." — S'lcrules. 
b  1  Ki.  iii.  11  ; 
Mat.  vi.  33. 
V.  21.  Bp.  Sprat, 
195. 

c  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 
In  one  of  Eng- 
laml's  great  ca- 
tliedrals  rests  one 
whose  grave 
stone,  according 
to  tiis  own  direc- 
tions, bears  but 
tlie  single  word 
JI  i  s  e  r  r  i  mil  s , 
"most  miser- 
able." He  was  a 
niiin  of  wealth 
and  position,  or 
his  sepulchre 
could  not  have 
been  tliere.  This 
is  not  an  infre- 
quent confession 
of  the  riclu 
d  Carlyle. 

a  Eo.  vii.  19,  ix. 
15. 

"Strength,  want- 
ing j  uilgment 
and  policy  torule, 
overlurneth  it- 
self."— Horace. 

b  "  Give  not  thy 
tongue  too  great  : 
a  liberty,  lest  it  j 
take    thee    pri-  i 
soner.     A  word  j 
unspoken  is,  like  ] 
the  sword  in  tlie 
scabbard,  thine  ;  j 
if    vented,    thy 
sword     is     in 
another's     hand. 
If  thou    desirest 
to  be   held  wise,  i 
be  so  wise  as  to 
hold  thy  tongue."  I 
—  yiwrte.  I 

c  "  Humility  to 
superiors  is  duty, 
to  equals  cour- 
tesy, to  inferiors 
nobleness,  and  to 
all  it's  safety." — 
Sir  Thos.  More. 

d  Dr.  D.  Tlwmns. 

Bishop  Latimer, 
when  examined 
before  Bonner, 
at  first  answered 
without  much 
thought,  but, 
beaiiug  tho  uoisc 


rig^hteously  and  charitably,  life  .  .  honour,  in  addition  to  the 
'■  righteoiisuess  "  he  seeks.*  In  tho  long-  run  public  respect,  and 
places  of  honour,  are  sure  to  come  to  the  good. 

Wealth  in  relation  to  character  (r.  20). — I.  It  is  desirable  for 
the  good.  1.  He  will  get  out  of  it  good  for  his  own  soul ;  2.  He 
will  US9  it  for  the  good  of  others.  II.  It  is  unde.sirable  for  the 
wickr>d.     1.  He  spends  it  on  himself  ;  2.  He  squanders  it  away.'' 

£fiU  of  proHir/aoi/. — To  burn  away,  in  mad  waste,  the  Divine 
aromas  and  plainly  celestial  elements  from  our  existence  :  to 
change  our  holy  of  holies  into  a  place  of  riot :  to  make  the  soul 
itself  hard,  impious,  barren!  Surely  a  day  is  coming,  when  it 
will  be  known  again  what  virta3  is  in  purity  and  continence  of 
life  :  how  divine  is  the  blush  of  young  human  cheeks  :  how  high, 
beneficent,  sternly  inexorable  if  forgotten,  is  the  duty  laid,  not 
on  women  only,  bat  on  every  creature,  in  regard  to  these  par- 
ticulars. Well,  if  such  a  day  never  come  again,  then  I  perceive 
much  else  will  never  come.  Magnanimity  and  depth  of  insight 
will  never  come  ;  heroic  purity  of  heart  and  of  eye  ;  noble,  pioua 
valour,  to  amend  us  and  the  age  of  bronze  and  lacquer,  how  can 
they  ever  come  .'  The  scandilous  bronze-lacquer  age  of  hungry 
animalisms,  spiritual  impotencies  and  mendacities  will  have  to 
run  its  course,  till  the  pit  swallow  it."* 

22—24.  (22)  soaleth,  etc.,  as  illus.  2  Sam.  v.  C— 9  ;  1  Chr, 
xi.  6 — 'J.  In  war  counsel  and  good  judgment  are  of  more  im- 
portance than  brute  strength."  strength,  the  tower  or  fortress 
on  wh.  they  chiefly  rely.  (23)  'whoso,  etc.,  comp.  ch.  xiii.  3, 
xix.  6.  tongue,  the  unruly  u.ember.*  (2i)  scorner,  or 
scoffer." 

The  (jnrernment  of  the  tongue  {v.  23). — I.  Such  a  government  is 
necessary.  From  an  ungoverned  tongue  come — 1.  Troubles  on 
self  ;  2.  Troubles  of  social  distress  ;  3.  Troubles  on  others.  II. 
Such  a  government  is  practicable.  1.  The  tongue  is  not  an  in- 
voluntary organ  :  2.  Consider  the  silence  of  Christ  when  before 
His  insulting  judges."* 

Sllp.t  of  tlie  toitf/ue. — Slips  of  the  tongue  are  sometimes  found 
very  inconvenient  by  those  persons  who.  owing  to  some  unlucky 
want  of  correspondence  between  their  wits  and  their  utterance, 
say  one  thing  when  they  mean  to  say  another,  or  bawl  out  some- 
thing which  the  sli  htest  degree  of  forethought  would  have 
kept  unsaid.  But  mare  serious  mischief  arises  from  that  misuse 
of  words  which  occurs  in  all  inaccurate  writers.  Many  are  the 
men  who,  merely  for  the  want  of  understanding  what  they  say, 
have  blundered  into  heresies  and  erroneous  assertions  of  every 
kind,  which  they  have  afterwards  passionately  and  pertinaciously 
defended,  till  they  have  established  themselves  in  the  profession, 
if  not  in  the  belief,  of  some  pernicious  doctrine  or  opinion,  to 
their  own  great  injury,  and  that  of  their  deluded  followers,  and 
of  the  commonweal th.*" — Ontver.tation. — Tasso's  conversation  was 
neither  gay  nor  brilliant.  Dante  was  either  taciturn  or  satirical. 
Butler  was  sullen  or  biting.  Gray  seldom  talked  or  smiled. 
Hogarth  and  Swift  were  very  absent-minded  in  company. 
Milton  was  unsociable,  and  even  irritable,  when  pressed  into 
conversation.  Kirwan,  though  copious  and  eloquent  in  public 
addresses,  was  meagre  and  dull  in  colloquial  discourse.  VirgQ 
was  heavy  in  conversation.  La  Fontaine  aiipeared  heavy,  coarse, 
and  stupid  ;  he  could  not  speak  and  describe  what  he  had  just 


Cap.xxi.  25,  26.] 


PROVERBS. 


203 


Been  ;  but  then  he  was  the  model  of  poetry.  Chaucer's  silence 
was  more  agTeeable  than  his  conversation.  Drj'den's  conversation 
was  slow  and  dull,  his  humour  saturnine  and  reserved.  Corneille 
in  couversation  was  so  insipid  that  he  never  failed  in  wearying  ; 
he  did  not  even  speak  correctly  that  language  of  which  he  was 
Buch  a  master.  Ben  Jonson  used  to  sit  silent  in  company,  and 
Buck  his  wine  and  their  humours.  Southey  was  stiff,  sedate,  and 
wrapped  up  in  asceticism.  Addison  was  good  company  with  his 
intimate  friends^,  but  in  mixed  company  he  preserved  his  dignity 
by  a  stiff  and  reserved  silence.  Fox,  in  conversation,  never 
flagged  ;  his  animation  and  variety  were  inexhaustible.  Dr. 
Bentley  was  loquacious.  Grotius  was  talkative.  Goldsmith 
wrote  like  an  angel,  and  talked  like  poor  Poll.  Burke  was 
eminently  entertaining,  enthusiastic,  and  interesting  in  conver- 
sation. Curran  was  a  convivial  deity  :  he  soared  into  every 
region,  and  was  at  home  in  all.  Dr.  Birch  dreaded  a  pen  as  he 
did  a  torpedo  ;  but  he  could  talk  like  running  water.  Dr. 
Johnson  wrote  monotonously  aud  ponderously,  but  in  conversa- 
tion his  words  were  close  and  sinewy :  and  if  his  pistol  missed 
fire,  he  knocked  down  his  antagonist  with  the  butt  of  it.  Cole- 
ridge, in  his  conversation,  was  full  of  acuteness  and  originality. 
Leigh  Hunt  has  been  well  termed  the  philosopher  of  hope,  and 
likened  to  a  pleasant  stream  in  conversation.  Carlyle  doubts, 
objects,  and  constantly  demurs.  Fisher  Ames  was  a  powerful 
and  effective  orator,  and  not  the  less  distinguished  in  the  social 
circle  :  he  possessed  a  fluent  language,  a  vivid  fancy,  and  a  weU- 
etored  memory ..'^ 

25,  26.  C2.'5)  killetli  him,  wasting  away  his  life.  His 
desire  keeps  him  from  health-bringing  labour.  Special  diseases 
afflict  the  lazy  and  slothful.  (2(5)  coveteth  greedily,  lit. 
"  every  day  he  wisheth  a  wish."'"  giveth,  by  diligent  labour  he 
gains  enough  and  to  spare.* 

Sloth  (vr.  2.5,  26). — Solomon  seems  to  attach  to  it  here  several 
evils.  I.  Suicide.  Several  things  tend  to  kill  such  a  man.  1. 
Ennui ;  2.  Disappointment ;  3.  Envy  ;  4.  Poverty ;  5.  Remorse. 
II.  Greed.     III.  Unrighteousness." 

Lore  ofn-ork. — Mr.  Fletcher  accepted  the  living  of  Madeley  in 
preference  to  another  of  more  than  double  the  value  which  was 
offered  him  about  the  same  time,  his  previous  intercourse  with 
the  people  having  excited  within  him  an  affection  which  would 
not  suffer  him  to  be  separated  from  them,  and  which  remained 
unabated  till  his  death.  The  circumstances  connected  with  his 
appointment  were  remarkable  and  characteristic.  One  day  Mr. 
Hill  informed  him  that  the  living  of  Dunham,  in  Cheshire,  then 
vacant,  was  at  his  service.  "  The  parish,"  he  continued,  "  is 
email,  the  duty  light,  the  income  good  (£400  per  annum),  and  it 
is  situated  in  a  fine  healthy  sporting  country."  After  thanking 
Mr.  Hill  most  cordially  for  his  kindness,  Mr.  Fletcher  added, 
"  Alas  !  sir.  Dunham  will  not  suit  me  :  there  is  too  much  money 
and  too  little  labour."  "  Few  clergymen  make  such  objections," 
paid  Mr.  Hill  :  "  it  is  a  pity  to  decline  such  a  living,  as  I  do  not 
know  that  I  can  find  yoii  another.  What  shall  we  do  ?  Would 
you  like  Madeley  ?"  "  That,  sir.  would  be  the  very  place  for  me." 
"  My  object,  Mr.  Fletcher,"  rejoined  Mr.  Hill,  "  is  to  make  yon 
comfortable  in  your  own  way.  If  you  prefer  Madeley.  I  shall 
find  no  difficulty  in  persuading  the  present  vicar  to  exchange  it 


of  a  pen  behind 
the  curtain,  he 
Cdiicluded  that 
riis  words  were 
being  taken 
down,  and  be- 
came more  cau- 
tious. The  re- 
cording angel 
takes  down  not 
our  words  only, 
but  also  our  deeds 
and  thoughts. 

"  0  that  delight- 
ful engine  of  her 
thoug'uts,  that 
blabb'd  them 
with  such  pleas- 
ing eloquence,  is 
torn  from  forth 
that  pretty  hol- 
low cage,  where, 
like  a  sweet  melo- 
dious bird,  it  sung 
sweet  varied 
notes,  enchant- 
ing every  ear  1 " 
—Shalcespeare, 

e  Southey. 

f  Chambert, 


a  "  He  carriei 
constantly  the 
same  intense 
longing  for  pos- 
session and  en- 
j  o  y  m  e  n  t ,  but 
stops  with  this 
indolent  wishing 
and  dreaming, 
without  passing 
over  into  ener- 
getic action."— 
O.  ZOckle?: 

b  Eph.  iv.  28. 

c  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 

Long  ago  the 
birds  have  fin- 
ished their  ma- 
tins, the  sun  has 
advanced  full 
high,  the  dew  has 
gone  from  the 
grass,  aud  the 
labours  of  in- 
dustry are  far  in 
progress,  when 
our  sluggard, 
awakened  by  his 
very  efforts  t  o 
maintain  sleep, 
slowly  emerges  to 
jierform  life's 
great  duty  of 
feeding,  with  him 
second    ouly   in 


204 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxl.  27. 28' 


sleep. 

d  R.  T.  S. 

a  Jno.  iii 
Pe.  i.  16- 

11;  2 

18. 

«.  27.    r. 
308. 

Davies, 

h  Br.  D.  Thomas. 

irportance  to |  for  Dunham,  which  is  worth  more  than  twice  as  much."  In 
this  way  he  became  vicar  of  IMadeley,  with  which  he  was  so 
perfectly  satisfied,  that  he  never  afterwards  sought  honour  or 
preferment.'' 

27,  28.  (27)  sacrifice,  etc.,  ch.  xv.  8  :  Ps.  1.  9.  abomina- 
tion, because  a  mere  formality,  with  a  wicked,  mind, 
hypocrisy  being  altogether  worse  than  inconsistency.  Sacrifice 
may  be  used  to  sanction  sin.  then  it  must  be  most  hateful.  (28) 
false  witness,  ch.  xix.  .5.  9.  hearetll,  attends  carefully,  so  as 
"This  I  always  i  to  be  able  to  report  accurately,  and  give  true  testimony,  con- 
se^ve^'""^'^  °\'  i  stantly,  or  for  ever.  His  witness  will  never  be  put  to  shame." 
never  to  chide  Moral  qunlitu's  and  their  rcfulfs  (vv.  28,  2'.>). — I.  Falsehood 
my  husbandi  and  ruin.  There  are  witnesses  of  lies  in  various  deiiartments  of 
before  company, ;  lifg.  1.  In  courts  of  justice  ;  2.  In  literary  paths  :  3.  In  social 
circles  ;  4.  In  religious  teaching.  II.  Veracity  and  safety.  III. 
Wickedness  and  effrontery.     IV.  Uprightness  and  self-control.* 

Decay  of  cnnrer.safion. — The  ancient  art  of  talking  is  falling 
into  decay.  It  is  an  ascertainable  fact  that,  in  proportion  to  the 
increased  population,  the  aggregate  bulk  of  conversation  is 
lessening.  People  nowadays  have  something  else  to  do  but 
talk ;  not  only  do  they  live  in  such  a  huny  that  there  is  only- 
leisure  for  just  comparing  ideas  as  to  the  weather,  but  they  have 
each  and  all  a  gross  quantity  of  reading  to  do,  which  puts  talk- 
ing out  of  the  question.  If  persons  remain  at  home,  they  read  ; 
if  they  go  to  the  sea-side,  they  read  :  we  have  met  misguided 
,  individuals  out  in  the  open  fields  with  books  in  hand  ;  young- 

hausted^ud^nm  ►^o'^s  have  been  seen  stretched  underneath  trees,  and  upon  the 
banks  of  rivei-s,  poring  over  the  opened  page ;  on  the  tops  of 
mountains,  in  the  desert,  far  within  forests — everywhere,  men 
now  pull  printed  sheets  from  their  pockets,  and  as  the  earliest, 
latest,  highest  occupation  of  this  life,  they  read.  The  fact  is  in- 
contestably  true,  that  modern  men  and  women  are  reading  them- 
selves into  a  comparatively  silent  race.  Beading  is  the  great 
delusion  of  the  present  time  ;  it  has  become  a  sort  of  lay  piety, 
according  to  which  the  perusal  of  volumes  reckons  as  good 
works  ;  it  is,  in  a  word,  the  superstition  of  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury.'^— Style.i  of  converftaiion. — He  that  would  please  in  company 
must  be  attentive  to  what  style  is  most  proper.  The  scholastic 
-should  never  be  used  but  in  a  select  company  of  learned  men. 
The  didactic  should  seldom  be  used,  and  then  only  by  judicious 
aged  persons,  or  those  who  are  eminent  for  piety  or  wisdom.  No 
style  is  more  extensively  acceptable  than  the  narrative,  because 
this  does  not  caiTy  an  air  of  superiority  over  the  rest  of  the  com- 
pany, and  therefore  is  most  likely  to  please  them  :  for  this  pur- 
pose we  should  store  our  memoi-y  with  short  anecdotes  and 
entertaining  pieces  of  histoiy.  Almost  every  one  listens  with 
eagerness  to  extemporary  histoiy.  Vanity  often  co-operates 
with  curiosity,  for  he  that  is  a  hearer  in  one  place,  wishes  to 
qualify  himself  to  be  a  principal  speaker  in  some  inferior  com- 
pany, and  therefore  more  attention  is  given  to  narrations  than 
anything  else  in  conversation.  It  is  true,  indeed,  that  sallies  of 
wit  and  quick  replies  are  very  pleasing  in  conversation,  but  they 
frequently  tend  to  raise  envy  in  some  of  the  company  ;  but  the 
naiTative  way  neither  raises  this,  nor  any  other  evil  passion,  but 
I  keeps  all  the  company  nearly  upon  an  equality,  and,  if  judiciously 
I  managed,  will  at  once  entertain  and  improve  them  all,' 


nor  to  prattle 
abroad  of  mis- 
carriages at 
home.  What 
passes  between 
two  people  is 
much  easier 
made  up  than 
when  once  it 
has  taken  air." — 
Erasmus. 

"  Some  men  are 
Tery  entertain- 
ing for  a  first  in- 
terview, but  after 


out :  on  a  second 
meeting  we  shall 
find  them  very 
flat  and  monoto- 
nous :  like  liaji  1- 
organs,  we  liave 
heard  all  their 
tunes."  —  C.  Col- 
ton. 

"I  hate  anything 
that  occupies 
more  space  than 
it  is  worth.  I  hate 
to  see  a  load  of 
band  boxes  go 
along  the  street, 
and  I  hate  to  see 
a  parcel  of  big 
■words  witliout 
any th  i  n  g  in 
Xhem."—Hazlitt. 
"  Words  are  like 
leaves;  and 
where  they  most 
abound,  much 
fruit  of  sense  be- 
neath is  rarely 
found."— /"ope. 


e  Chatnbert. 
d  Johnson. 


Cap.  xxl.  29-31.1 


PROVERBS. 


205 


his    self-will.  1  «    "  There    is    « 
contrast  in- 


29.    hardeneth    his    face,   is  obstinate  in 
directeth,  or  considereth. 
He  acts  advisedly."  ;  enin; 

Syinpathji  with  the  poor. — Her  Majesty,  it  is  well  known,  has   and 


himself, 
hardening 

greatly  endeared  herself  to  the  country  people  in  the  neisrhbour- ;  ^p/^.^^^^^o^.,^ '  '  ^ 
hood  of  Balmoral  by  going  about  among  them,  sending  presents  '' 
to  some,  and  interesting  herself  in  the  circumstances  of  almost  t\  29.    B.  Carter, 
every  one.     It  appears  that  a  short  time  ago  Her  Majesty  and    '1- 


the  Prince,  in  the  course  of  their  walks  in  the  neighbourhood  of 


" '  AU  my  goods 


the  castle,  met  a  little  boy  whom  they  stopped  and  spoke  to,  to  feed  the  poor." 
inquiring  whether  he  was  at  school,  and  what  his  parents  were.  —The  true  and 
It  appeared  that  the  little  fellow's  father  is  dead,  and  that  his  ™°,fe i|,'?Tlwugh 
mother  is  in  poor  circumstances.  Next  day  orders  were  given  by  i  dole '  away  in 
Her  Majesty  for  a  suit  of  clothes  to  be  sent  to  the  boy,  along  with  mouthful^s  all  my 
a  Bible,  in  which  his  name  was  to  be  written.* 
Henevolence. — 

'Tis  written  with  the  pen  of  heavenly  love 

On  every  heart  which  skill  Divine  has  moulded  ; 
A  transcript  from  the  statute-book  above. 

Where  angels  read  their  Sovereign's  will  unfolded. 

It  bids  us  seek  the  holes  where  famine  lurks, 

Clutching  the  hoarded  crust  with  trembling  fingers, 
"Where  toil  in  damp  unwholesome  caverns  works, 

Or  with  strained  eyeballs  o'er  the  needle  lingers. 
It  bids  us  stand  beside  the  dying  bed 

Of  those  about  to  quit  the  world  for  ever  ; 
Smooth  the  toss'd  pillow,  prop  the  aching  head, 

Cheer  the  heart-broken,  whom  death  hastes  to  sever. 
And  those  who  copy  thus  Christ's  life  on  earth, 

Feeding  the  poor,  and  comforting  the  weeper. 
Will  all  receive  a  meed  of  priceless  worth. 

When  ripely  gather'd  by  the  Heavenly  Reaper." 

30,  31.  (30)  against  the  Lord,  no  resisting  Him,  so  all 
life  plans  should  be  made  in  dependence  on  His  will.  "  Wisdom 
that  would  as^sert  itself  in  opposition  to  the  Divine,  is  not  wis- 
dom, but  sheer  foUy.""  (31)  horse,  So.  type  of  warlike  strength. 
Ps.  XX.  7.     safety,  or  victory.* 

The  sailor  and  the  crocodile. — Campbell,  the  sailor,  being  at 
eea,  felt  one  evening  when  near  the  shore  a  disposition  to  bathe. 
His  companions  would  have  dissuaded  him  from  it.  as  they  had 
recently  seen  several  sharks  ;  but  being  partly  intoxicated,  he 
would  not  listen  to  their  persuasions.     Nearly  as  soon  aa  he  was 
in   the  water,  his   companions   saw  an   alligator  directing  his 
course  towards  him.  and  considered  his  escape  from  death  totally  \  w.  30,  31.    Abp. 
impossible.     They  fired  at  the  alligator,  but  in  vain.     Cami>bell  j  ^t^g^e,  iL  351. 
became  aware  of  his  danger,  and  in  mediately  made  for  the  shore,  i 
On  approaching  within  a  short  di.stanc;  of  some  canes  and  shrubs  '  v.  31.    Bp.  Bevc 
that  covered  the  bank,  and  while  closely  pursued  by  the  alligator,  j  ridge,  vii.  141. 
a  ferocious  tiger  sprung  towards  him,  at  the  very  instant  he  was  | 
about  being  devoured  by  his  first  enemy.     The  eager  tiger  over- 1  "  Man,  know  thy- 
leaped  hmi,  fell  into  the  grasp  of  the  alligator,  and,  after  a  long   self  i  all  wisdom 
struggle,  was  killed  by  him.     Cam}  bell  was  conveyed   to   his   centres  there."— 
vessel,  gratefully  returned  thanks  to  Providence  which  had  pre- ;    '""'^' 
served  him.  and  from  that  period  a  marked  change  was  observed  ^  c/ieever 
iff.  hi^  charactey,«  ' 


property  or 
estates.'  Who 
I  t  hat  has  wit- 
!  nessed  the  alms- 
giving in  a  Ca- 
tholic monastery, 
or  the  court  of  a 
Spanish  or  Si- 
cilian bishop's  or 
archbishop's 
palace,  wiiere 
immense  re- 
venues are 
syringed  away  in 
farthings  to 
herds  of  beggars, 
but  must  feel  the 
force  of  the 
A  p  o  s  1 1  e's  half 
satirical  expres- 
sion T'-Coleridge. 

b  Whilecross. 

c  Household 
Words. 


a  0.  Zockler. 


b  Ps.  Ixviii.  20; 
Ho.  xiv.  3  ;  Ao. 
V.  39. 


V.  30.  Bp.  Wilson, 
ii.  405;  J.Saurin, 
V.  125. 


206 


PROVERSa. 


[Cap.  xzll.  1, 2. 


9.  1.  R.  Green- 
ham,  2  5  9;  lip. 
Small ritl(je,  43a  ; 
Dr.  T.  Conei/.  iii. 
17  ;  Abp.  *-(•*;•/•, 
V.  331 ;  G.  J.  ZMi- 
iofer,  ii.  2  47; 
Dr.S.  Charters, n. 
323. 

a  /.  Maskell. 

"Gentlemen, 
there  has  been  no 
instance,  and 
England  is  little 
likely  to  give  the 
unexampled 
spectacle,  of  a 
country  success- 
ful in  the  noble 
arts,  yet  in  which 
the  youths  were 
frivolous,  the 
maidens  falsely 
religious,  the 
men  slaves  of 
money,  and  the 
matrons  of 
vanity.  Not 
from  all  the 
marble  of  the 
hills  of  Luni  will 
such  a  people 
ever  shape  one 
statue  that  may 
stand  nobly 
against  the  sky  ; 
not  from  all  the 
treasures  be- 
queathed to  them 
by  the  great  ilead 
will  they  gather, 
for  their  own  de- 
scendants, any 
inheritance  but 
Bhame." — John 
Ruskin. 

h  Hive. 

"Talents  are 
nurtured  best  in 
solitude,  but  cha- 
racter on  life's 
tempestuous 
sea." — Goethe. 

c  Howell. 

a  Strike  against, 
encounter  eacli 
other.  Not  here 
used  in  an  an- 
tagonistic sense. 

6  Ac.  ivii.  26,  26, 
S8. 


CHAPTER  THE  TIFENTY-SECOND. 

1.  good,  this  word  is  supplied  from  Ec.  vii.  1.  The  value 
of  character  cannot  be  overestimated,  than  great  riches, 
these  may  be  good,  but  the  good  name  is  better.  Sc.  does  not 
speak  against  riches,  but  it  puts  them  into  their  right  and  sub- 
ordinate place,  loving  favour,  or  as  marg.  "  favour  is  better  " 
etc.     '•  Better  than  silver  or  gold  is  goodwill." 

A  good  name  {v.  1). — I.  Explain  what  is  meant  by  this  par- 
ticular phrase — '"A  good  name."  It  means  a  good  cliaracter. 
The  name  of  Christian  is  a  good  name  as  far  as  the  word  goes  ; 
and  this  you  have  already.  But  it  is  no  use  to  have  a  good  name 
unless  your  uame  bespeak  your  chai'acter.  II.  Why  a  good  name 
is  better  than  riches.  1.  It  lasts  for  ever  ;  2.  All  good  names  are 
written  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life." — A  good  nanw. — Various 
pursuits  of  life.  Some  seek  learning,  others  fame,  others  wealth  ; 
not  many  make  "  a  good  name  "  the  great  end  of  life  ;  yet  this  is 
the  best  possession,  as  will  appear  if  we  compare  the  two  and 
examine  specially  the  superior  excelleace  of  the  latter.  I.  Com- 
pare the  two.  The  getting :  no  credit  in  inheriting  riches, 
different  methods  of  getting  wealth,  '•  hasting  to  be  rich,"  etc. ; 
good  name  got  by  right  exercise  of  good  qualities.  The  keeping: 
of  wealth  much  anxiety,  may  provoke  pride  in  us,  envy  in  others, 
guarding  often  moretroublesoma  tha:i  getting  ;  good  name  yields 
constant  satisfaction  to  its  owner,  will  benefit  all  who  strive  to 
possess  one.  The  leaving :  wealth  must  be  left  to  be  fought  for 
by  those  who  survive,  or  perhaps  be  squandered  ;  good  name  lasts 
for  ever,  '•  name  of  wicked  perish,  righteous  in  everlasting  re- 
membrance." II.  Superiority  of  good  name.  Besides  what  is 
taught  by  the  comparison,  better  to  the  owner ;  yields  what 
wealth  cannot ;  better  to  others,  as  moral  influence  of  a  good 
man  will  do  more  good  than  wealth  of  a  bad  man  ;  better  in  last 
day.  Without  a  good  Jiane  (the  name  truly  representing 
character)  wealth  may  injuie  ;  with  it  riches  may  prove  a  bless- 
ing. Abraham,  Job,  etc.,  had  both  ;  but  we  think  more  of  the 
good  name  thaa  the  wealth.* 

ImjHirfance  of  character. — A  fable. — Be  wondrous  wary  of  your 
fir.st  comportments ;  get  a  good  name,  and  be  very  tender  of  it 
afterwards  ;  for  it  is  like  tha  "Venice  glass,  quickly  cracked, 
never  to  be  mended,  though  patched  it  may  be.  To  this  purpose, 
take  along  with  you  this  fable.  It  happened  that  Fire.  Water, 
and  Fame  went  to  travel  together.  They  consulted  that  if  they 
lost  one  another  how  they  might  be  retrieved,  and  meet  again. 
Fire  said,  "  Where  you  see  smoke,  there  you  .«hall  find  me." 
Water  said,  '■  Where  you  see  marsh,  and  moorish  low  ground, 
there  you  shall  find  me."  But  Fame  said,  '•  Take  heed  how  you 
lose  me  ;  for,  if  you  do.  you  will  run  a  great  hazard  never  to  meet 
me  again  :  there  is  no  retrieving  of  me.""<= 

2.  meet  together,"  everywhere  in  life  we  find  both.  Cottage 
homes  for  the  poor  lie  close  behind  the  squares  and  mr.nsions  of 
the  rich,  maker  .  .  all,*  humanity  is  one,  the  relation  of  all  to 
God  overrides  distinctions  of  rank.  "  Before  the  common  rela- 
tionship, all  circumstantial  distinctions  vanish." 

2' he  egiiiaUty  of  men  (f,  2). — I.  Clearly  state  the  subject.    II, 


Cap.  xxil.  3.] 


PROVERBS. 


207 


Show  that  it  is  the  •will  of  God  that  there  should  be  distinctions 
ot  rich  and  poor  in  the  world.  1.  Evident  from  Scripture  ;  2. 
It  is  not  inconsistent  with  God's  justice,  and  is  an  argument  for 
His  wisdom.  III.  Application.  1.  The  rich  should  acknowledge 
God  in  all  their  enjoyments  ;  2.  The  poor  should  be  contented  ; 
3.  Apart  from  riches  and  poverty,  all  men  are  equal— they  have 
the  same  nature,  the  same  care  of  Providence,  the  same  Christian 
privileges,  the  same  judgment.'^ 

A'/«//.?,  jjriiwes,  and  statesvien. — When  President  Davies  of 
America  was  in  London,  his  fame  as  a  pulpit  orator  reached  the 
ears  of  King  George  II.,  who  expressed  a  strong  desire  to  hear 
him.  This  was  brought  about,  and  Mr.  Davies  preached  befoie  a 
splendid  audience,  composed  of  the  loval  family  and  many  of  the 
nobility.  It  is  said  that  while  Mr.  Davies  was  preachirg.  Ihe 
king  was  at  different  times  seen  speaking  to  those  around  him, 
who  were  observed  to  fmile.  Ihis  appearance  of  irreverence  in 
the  house  of  Gcd  caught  the  attention  of  the  preacher.  After 
pausing,  and  lookirg  sternly  in  that  direction  several  times,  he 
proceeded  in  his  discourse  :  but  the  same  conduct  was  stiH 
observed.  The  fearless  preacher  then  exclaimed, "  When  the  lion 
roars,  the  beasts  of  the  forests  tremble  ;  and  when  King  Jesus 
speaks,  the  princes  of  the  earth  should  keep  silence  !"  The  king 
is  said  to  have  given  a  significant  but  courteous  bow  to  the 
preacher,  and  to  have  sat  very  composedly  and  reverently  during 
the  rest  of  the  service.  The  king  is  said  to  have  been  enraptured 
with  the  preacher's  manner  and  eloquence,  and  to  have  been  ex- 
pressing his  delight  to  those  around  him.  He  sent  for  the 
preacher,  who  repeated  his  visit,  and  received  from  the  king  a 
handsome  donation  for  the  college.'' 

3.  foreseeth,  w?»^;.  ch.  xxvii.  12.  Foresight  is  an  important 
practical  quality.  True  wisdom  is  always  associated  with  fore- 
cast. 

I'riide7ice. — Tm'o  friends  happening  to  quarrel  at  a  tavern,  one 
of  them  insisted  that  the  other  should  fight  him  next  morning. 
The  challenge  was  accepted  on  condition  that  they  should  break- 
fast together  at  the  house  of  the  person  challenged,  previous  to 
their  going  to  the  field.  When  the  challenger  came  in  the 
morning,  according  to  appointment,  he  found  every  preparation 
made  for  breakfast,  and  his  friend  with  his  wife  and  children 
ready  to  receive  him.  Their  repast  being  ended,  and  the  family 
■withdrawn,  without  the  least  intimation  of  their  purpose  having 
transpired,  the  challenger  asked  the  other  if  he  was  ready  to 
attend  ?  "  No.  sir,"  said  he,  "'  not  till  we  are  more  on  a  par  :  that 
amiable  woman,  and  those  six  lovely  children,  who  just  now 
breakfasted  with  us,  depend,  under  Providence,  on  my  life  for 
subsistence  :  and  till  you  can  stake  something  equal  in  my  esti- 
mation to  the  welfare  of  seven  persons  dearer  to  me  than  the 
apple  of  my  eye.  I  cannot  think  we  are  equally  matched."  "  We 
are  not  indeed  !"  replied  the  other,  giving  him  his  hand.  They 
became  firmer  friends  than  ever. —  'J'Jw  boi/  in  the  coal-pit.- — A 
short  time  since,  there  was  a  dreadful  explosion  in  one  of  the  ', 
coal-pits  in  Derbyshire.  One  boy  of  about  twelve  was  missing  ! 
for  some  time  ,  several  men  were  injured  for  life,  and  some  were  ; 
burnt  to  death  on  the  spot.  Search  was  made  for  the  boy.  and 
his  name  was  called  along  the  roads  in  the  pit.  At  length  they 
came  to  the  place  where  he  was  last  seen  ;  the  ass  he  was  driving 


2.     Dr.  p.  Du 

ilvulin.  139  ;  Dr. 
1  J.  Cenant,  i.  219; 
j  B.  A'nclon,  i.  299  ; 
:  J.  {-'((iirin.  iii.  69  ; 

T.  I'vle.  i.  87 :  Bp. 

Buller.    194;   JJp. 

i'nivlxare.  i.  189; 

T.  iVliile,  283  ;  T. 
i  Sktelei;  161  ;   Di\ 

J.  La  irso  «,  83; 

Br.    J.    Jortin,   i. 

77:  A.Mdcdivnld, 
1  139 :  Up.  R.  Wal- 
I  son.  i.  448 ;  G.  J. 
j  Z(Uikfffir,i.5iG; 

R.  Nares,  184  ;  R. 
1  Ball.  Ti.  S25  ;  Bp. 
j  Mallbv,  270  ;  O. 
I  D.  Hill,  40  ;  E. 
I  Balher,  iii.   462  : 

W.  G7-esley,  1  ;  J. 
1  W.  Waiter,!.  119. 

I  c  //.  Grove  (1742). 

I  The  wise  man 
'  is  instructed  by 
I  reason  aiitl  is  en- 
.  riclied  by  faith — 
j  the  foul  is  taught 
!  by  necessity  and 
I  pays  little  heed 
I  to  experience. 

d  Whilecross. 


V.  3.  T.  Horton, 
259;  R.P.BuddU 
com,  2. 

James  I.  once 
said  of  armour, 
that  "it  was  an 
excellent  inven- 
tion, for  it  not 
only  saved  the 
hfeof  the  wearer, 
but  it  hindered 
him  from  doing 
harm  to  anybody 
else."  Equally 
destructive  to  all 
usefulness  is  that 
excessive  pru- 
dence  upon 
which  some  pro- 
f  e  s  s  o  r  s  pride 
themselves  ;  not 
only  do  they 
escape  all  perse- 
cution, but  tliey 
are  never  able  to 
strike  a  Mow, 
much  less  fight  a 
battle  for  the 
Lord  Jesus. 

"  As  knowledge 
advances,  plea- 
sure passes  from 
the  eye  to  the 
ear ;  but  return^ 


208 


PROVERBS. 


roap.  szii.  4. 


«3  it  declines 
from  the  ear  to 
the  eye." — John- 
ton. 

•  Comp.  Pr.  iii. 
16,  viii.  18. 

Selden  says — 
"  Humility  is  a 
virtue  all  preach, 
none  practise, 
and  yet  every- 
body is  content 
to  hear.  The 
master  thinks  it 
good  doctrine  for 
the  servant,  the 
laity  for  the 
clergy,  and  the 
clergy  for  the 
l*ity."" 

Alcibiades  was 
boasting  one 
day  of  his  estates. 
Socrates  took  a 
map  and  bade 
him  point  out 
Attica.  It  was 
found,  though 
small.  "  Now 
point  out  your 
estates."  "They 
are  too  small  to 
be  distin- 
guished," was 
tlie  reply.  "  See, 
then,"  said  the 
p  h  i  loso  ph  er, 
"how  much  you 
are  affected  about 
an  imperceptible 
point  of  laud  I  " 

"  Of  trees  I  ob- 
serve God  hatii 
chosen  the  vine, 
a  low  plant 
which  creeps 
upon  the  helpful 
wall ;  of  all 
beasts,  the  soft 
and  patient 
lamb;  of  all 
fowls,  the  mild 
and  gall-less  dove. 
To  be  humble  to 
our  superiors  is 
duty;  to  our 
equals,  courtesy ; 
to  our  inferiors, 
generosity."^ 
Fellhim. 

'•  We  should  often 
have  reason  to  be 
ashamed  of  our 
most  brilliant  ac- 
tions if  the  world 
could  see  the  mo- 
tives friim  wliioh 
they  spring."-ifl 
Rodlf/oucauld. 


lay  dead,  and  the  boy  was  alive  and  well  in  a  hole.  He  paid  :  "  I 
was  driving  the  ass,  when  I  saw  a  bhie  blaze  coining  along  the 
road,  and  thinking  all  was  not  right,  I  crept  into  this  hole,  and 
here  I  am,  quite  safe." 

4.  by  humility,  OT^r/7.  "The  reward  of  humility."  Omit  and; 
read  '•  wh.  is  the  fear  of  the  Lord."  Genuine  humility  is  the 
result  of  the  fear  of  God.» 

True  hnmiUfi/. — True  humility  is  not  a  cringing  prostration  of 
the  soul  before  another  man,  because  he  is  rich,  or  great,  or 
learned,  or  noble,  or  royal.  Nor  is  that  humility  which  cringes 
and  prostrates  itself  before  the  saints  and  the  Virgin  Mary,  and 
has  constructed  the  gigantic  corporation  headed  by  the  hierarchy 
of  the  Church  of  Rome.  True  humility  courts  not  the  smile 
(tfiuugh  it  is  thankful  when  it  has  it)  of  the  great,  and  it  feara 
not  their  frown.  It  leans  not  upon  the  mi^^hty,  because  it  leans 
upon  the  Lord.  It  bows  itself  to  the  dust  before  the  least  word 
from  heaven ;  it  stands  erect  in  its  conscious  quality  before  the 
mightiest  of  human  kind.  Humility  has  often  been  arrayed  iu 
the  most  grotes  jue,  in  the  most  extravagant  and  ridiculous  garbs. 
The  mere  ape  of  it  has  lived  in  solifcuJes,  aud  perched  for  yeara 
upon  lofty  pillars,  dwelt  in  dark  caves,  aud  worn  hair-cloth 
dresses,  has  mutilated  the  body,  starved  aud  stinted  the  fle.sh, 
muttered  long  prayers,  gone  on  weary  pilgrimages,  and  passed 
the  night  in  wearisome  vigils,  and  all  the  vvliile  looked  around  if 
anybody  was  admiring  so  wonderful  a  model  of  humility  before 
God  and  man.  This  is  the  mockery  of  it.  the  hypocrisy  that 
assumes  its  guise,  not  the  reality.  This  is  tha  very  humility  that 
has  gathered  the  faggots,  kinrlled  the  flatnes,  burned  the  saints ; 
that  has  scourged  Europe  with  religious  wars,  prououncetl  con- 
science a  crime,  reason  a  folly  :  that  has  declared  the  child's 
smile  was  sin  if  it  occurred  upon  the  Sabbath,  and  that  the  ex- 
pression of  the  young  heart— its  loul  and  merry  laughter — was 
inconsistent  with  real  and  true  religion.  This  is  the  mockery,  the 
forgery,  the  pretence,  not  the  realiLy.  True  humility  is  of  another 
stamp.  It  calls  no  man  maister.  and  seems  to  worldly  men  to  be 
pride,  but  it  is  only  its  deep  deferetic3  to  God  that  enables  it  to  set 
man  in  his  own  lowly  place.  True  humility  prefers  mercy  to 
sacriiice  ;  does  good  and  is  silent;  bears  suffering  and  is  patient ; 
rises  above  schoolmen,  priest,  and  tradition  :  looks  to  Christ,  sits 
at  His  feet,  aud  learns  only  from  Him.  True  humility  will  bid 
the  priest,  the  Church,  the  minister,  and  the  schoolmen  remain, 
as  Abraham  his  servants,  at  the  bottom  of  the  mount,  while  it 
rises  to  the  loftiest  crag  of  that  mount,  and  df^als  alone  with  (iod, 
and  holds  communion  with  Him  only.  True  humility  counts 
holiness  far  more  spleudid  than  robes  and  phylacteries,  prefers 
beneficence  to  ceremonv.  lives  a  divine  life,  aud  is  not  satisfied 
with  merely  talking  about  it  and  praising  it.  It  wears  not  a 
hair-cloth  shirt,  nor  whines  when  it  speaks,  nor  puts  on  a  sour 
and  repulsive  countenance,  nor  fancies  that  God  can  only  be 
approached,  and  religion  s]iokeu  of,  m  sepulchral  tones.  But  it 
does  not  seem  to  men  to  fast.  It  fasts  before  God.  There  is 
nothing  of  display  and  parade  that  would  indicate  it  was  of  earth, 
everything  to  prove  that  it  is  implanted  within  from  its  Fiither 
in  heaven.  The  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat,  nor  drink,  nor 
phylactery,  nor  robe,  nor  rite,  nor  ceremony,  nor  outward  a'lpear- 
ance,  nor  peculiar  tone,  nor  strange  conduct ;  but  it  is  righteous- 


Cap.  xxii.  5, 6.] 


PROVERBS. 


209 


ness,  and  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Do  not  affect 
humility.  The  moment  humility  is  spoken  of  by  him  that  has  it, 
th.at  moment  it  is  gone.  It  is  like  those  delicate  things  which 
dissolve  the  instant  they  are  touched.  You  must  seek  out  the 
violet ;  it  does  not.  like  the  poppy,  thrust  itself  upon  your  notice. 
The  moment  humility  tells  you  "  I  am  here,"  there  is  an  end 
toit.» 

5.  thorns  and  snares,  fig.  of  the  perils  of  life,  froward, 
Bet  in  contrast  with  the  man  of  humility  who  fears  the  Lord. 
'"He  is  the  man  of  unbridled  will,  stubborn  and  headstrong.'"" 
keep  his  soul,  by  due  watching s  and  self-restraints.* 

Chri.s'/an  )vafchfulncss. — As  the  sentinel  on  duty  watches  for 
the  coming  foe  ;  as  the  sailor  on  deck  watches  for  the  coming 
danger  from  storm  or  breakers ;  as  the  watchman  watches  for 
the  thief  who  seeks  to  plunder  ;  as  Satan  watches  for  oppor- 
tunities to  sow  tares,  and  ruin  souls  ;  as  the  worldling  watches 
for  "  chances  "  to  make  a  bargain  ;  as  the  pleasure  taker  watches 
for  seasons,  times,  and  companies  for  personal  enjoyment ;  as  the 
lover  of  knov\  ledge  watches  all  openings  for  the  increasing  of  his 
knowledge  :  so  sliould  the  Christian  watch  for  the  approach  of 
his  enemies,  and  be  prepared  for  conflict  and  victory.  He  should 
watch  for  the  dangers  which  beset  his  passage  to  the  haven  of 
rest,  and,  by  the  wisdom  which  cometh  from  above,  avoid  them  : 
he  ?hould  watch  for  all  occasions  of  usefulness  in  all  ways  in  his 
power  ;  for  all  opportunities  of  laying  up  treasure  in  heaven  ;  for 
all  means  of  promoting  his  jjurity  and  happiness;  for  all  sources 
whence  may  flow  an  increase  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  "  What  I  say  unto  one,  I  say  unto  all,  watch."  "  Watch 
and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation.""^ — The  snare  of  evil 
compan'amx. — Cooke,  who  was  executed  for  a  very  awful  murder 
at  Leicester,  in  his  confession  to  the  town  clerk,  alluded  to  being 
connected  with  a  society,  formed  jjrincipally  of  deistical  young 
men,  who  frequented  a  public  house  in  that  town,  in  which  the 
■writings  of  Paine,  Carlile,  and  other  infidel  authors  were  taken 
in  and  encouraged.  He  emphatically  added,  "  I  considered  myself 
a  moral  young  man,  attending,  as  I  did.  some  place  of  Christian 
wors!  i])  three  times  a  day  :  till,  unhappily,  I  got  connected  wdth 
the  above  and  other  infidel  associations." '' 

6.  train,  initiate  :  press  into,  and  so  educate.  "The  develop- 
ment of  the  intellectual  and  moral  powers  of  the  soul."  a  child, 
training  must  begin  then.  Childhood  is  the  period  in  wh.  life 
impressions  are  received."  way  .  .  go,  '■  according  to  the  standard 
of  his  way  ;"  the  path  marked  out  for  him.  The  way  he  shmild 
go,  not  the  way  he  n-oiild  go.*  not  depart,  bee.  early  habits 
gain  fixedness  for  life. 

To  parentis  {v.  6).— I.  The  duty.  Train  them— 1.  Early;  2. 
Iii);ellectually  :  3.  Morally :  4.  Religiously.  11.  The  manner  in 
which  the  duty  is  to  be  performed.  1.  By  precept  ;  2.  Example  ;  .3. 
Discipline  :  4.  Education.  III.  Encouragements  for  its  discharge. 
A  regard  to  the  happiness  of — 1.  The  child  :  2.  The  parents  :  3. 
Society.' — Ediiratioti. — I.  The  philosophy  of  education.  1.  The 
Busceptibility  of  childhood  :  2.  The  durability  of  impressions. 
II.  The  art  of  education.  1.  The  discipline  of  the  will;  2.  Of 
the  conscience.  III.  The  religion  of  education.  L  Right  views 
of  God  ;  2.  Obedience  to  His  will ;  3.  Love  of  His  character.'* 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  O 


6  Dr.  Gumming, 


a  "Self-willed 
stubboriiupss  ti.as 
always  led  nitu 
into  perplex- 
i  ties."  —  Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

b  "Let  him  that 
would  be  little  ia 
t  e  111  p  t  a  t  i  on  be 
much  iu  prayer. 
True  prayer 
strikes  at  the 
root  of  all  sin, 
aud  by  it  our 
souls  are  pre- 
served safe  in 
God's  keeijiug." 
-Quoted  by 
Niclwlls. 

Je.  xxiii.  12,  13; 
1  Jno.  V.  18. 

c  Bate, 


"  There  is  small 
chance  of  truth 
at  the  goal  where 
there  is  not  a 
childlike  humi- 
hty  at  the  start- 
ing post." — Cole- 
ridge. 

d  R.  T.  8. 


a   "  Comp.    Ger- 
man      proverbs, 
'Young   accus- 
tomed   is     done 
old.'      'What 
lilile   Johnnie 
does    not    learn. 
Johnnie      Itanis 
never.'     Aud  the 
familiar    Eng. 
prov.,    '  Just     as 
i  the  twig  ia  bent 
I  the    tree    is    in- 
I  c  1  i  n  e  d.'" — U. 
j  Zockler. 

I  b  "  The  Prov.  en- 
]  joins  the  closest 
possible  study  of 
each  child's  tem- 
perament,     aud 


210 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxii.  7, 8. 


tlif  adaptation  of 
liis  ■  way  of  life  ' 
to  that."  —  S^k. 
Com. 

"  Of  all  the  met! 
we  meet  with, 
nine  parts  out  of 
ten  are  wliat  they 
are,  good  or  bail, 
useful  or  not,  ao- 
conling  to  their 
e il  uca  t ion. " — 
Lccke. 

La.  iil.  27;  Eph. 
vi.  4;  2Ti.  iii.  15. 

V.  6.  Dr.  W.  Hop- 
kins, 345  ;  Dr.  II. 
Biirlon,  ii.  413  ; 
r.  ^\'^l■com,  i.  1  ; 
Dr.  R.  South,  v.  5  ; 
Abp.  Tillolson.  iv. 
3  ;  Dr.  P.  Dcd- 
driilije,  ii.  1  ;  J. 
Wrslt'v,  vii.  86  ; 
Dr.  W.  I'ulev,  i. 
280  ;  T.  Du'hjht, 
iv.98;  Ed.  Irving, 
231;  //.  Melrill; 
Si/d.  Smilh,  237  ; 
IJr.  W.  F.  Hook, 
192. 

c  G.  Brooks. 

d  W.  W.  Wliythe. 

«  Doddridge. 


a  "It  should  be 
our  endeavour  to 
keep  as  nuich  as 
may  vbe  out  of 
debt.  Some  sell  j 
their  liberty  to  ' 
gratify  their 
1  u.x  wry."— Mat. 
Henry. 

JIat.  xviii.  25  ; 
see  De.xxviii.  12. 
b  Ill-gotten 
gains  will  not 
prosper. 

"  Such  was  Sen- 
nacherib in  olden 
time,  such  was 
Kajioleon  in  our 
own  day.  Never 
had  the  worlil  so 
exti'iisive  a  sower 
of  iiii(iuity,  never 
one  reaped  a  more 
atnindaut  har- 
vest of  vanity. 
The  rod  of  auger 
Wiis  he  to  the 
nations  of  the 
earth.  Hut  how 
utterly  was  the 
rod  suffered  to 
fail,  when  the 
purpose  was  ao 


Advice  to  pareyits. — Be  very  Bolicitous  that  others  may  be 
broug-ht  to  a  care  about  the  one  thing  needful.  If  it  be  needful 
for  you,  it  is  so  for  your  children,  your  friends,  your  servants. 
Lot  them,  therefore,  see  your  concern  in  this  respect  for  them,  a8 
well  as  for  yourselves.  Let  parents,  e.'ipecially,  attend  to  this 
exhortation,  whose  care  for  their  offsprino-  often  exceeds  in  other 
respects,  and  fails  in  this.  Eeineniber  that  your  children,  may 
never  live  to  enjoy  the  eifects  of  your  labour  and  concern  to  get 
them  estates  and  portions.  The  charges  of  their  funerals  may 
perhaps  be  all  their  share  of  what  you  are  so  anxiously  careful 
to  lay  up  for  them.  And,  oh  !  think  what  a  sword  would  pierce 
through  your  very  heart,  if  you  should  stand  by  the  corpse  of  a 
beloved  child  with  this  reflection,  "  This  poor  creature  has  done 
with  life  before  it  learnt  its  great  business  in  it,  and  is  gone  to 
eternity,  which  I  have  seldom  been  warning  it  to  prepare  for, 
and  which,  }oerhaps,  it  learnt  of  me  to  forget." ' — Influence  of 
parental  p'le.tij. — In  a  certain  village  there  were  ninety-eight 
Battled  families  having  children  over  ten  years  of  age.  In 
twenty-seven  of  them  both  parents  were  pious  !  In  these  twenty- 
seven  families  there  were  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  children 
over  ten  years  old.  Eighty  four,  or  about  two- thirds  of  these 
children,  were  pious.  In  nineteen  of  the  ninety-eight  families 
only  one  of  the  parents — the  mother,  with  a  single  exception — 
was  pious.  Of  the  ninetj'-five  children  they  contained,  thirty- 
one— one-third — were  pious.  In  the  remaining  fifty-two  families 
neither  parent  was  pious  !  Of  their  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine 
children  only  thirteen,  not  one-tenth,  were  pious.  These  facts, 
the  fruit  of  careful  investigation,  strikingly  illustrate  the  im- 
mense power  of  parental  influence  for  good  or  ill.  Piety  in  both 
parents  won  two-thirds  of  their  little  ones  to  Christ :  in  one 
parent,  one-third ;  where  no  piety  existed,  only  one-tenth  (and 
they  were  saved  by  the  Sunday  school)  were  lovers  of  God  1 

7,  8.  (7)  ruleth  over,  actually  gives  him  who  possesses  it  an 
authority  over  others,  servant,  is  under  obligation  to  him,  and 
so  must  beg  and  serve."  (8)  riOweth,  etc.,  comp.  Job  vi.  1 — 8  ; 
Ga.  vi.  7,  8.  vanity,  or  calamity.*  fail,  ti-aus.  "  the  stafE  of 
his  haughtiness  vanisheth  away."  "  Abused  power  will  not  last," 
marg.  "  shall  be  consumed."* 

The  social  rale  of  wealth  (v.  7). — I.  This  rule  should  aliyays  be 
a  generous  one.  II.  It  is  frequently  tyrannic.  III.  It  is  ever 
temporary.  Apply  : — We  are  reminded — 1.  Of  the  responsibility 
of  the  rich  ;  2.  Of  the  temptation  of  the  poor  ;  3.  Of  the  wisdom 
of  the  diligent.'' 

Advantages  of  wealth. — Wealth  is  an  application  of  mind  to 
nature  ;  and  the  art  of  getting  rich  consists  not  in  industry,  much 
less  in  saving,  but  in  a  better  order,  in  timeliness,  in  being  at  the 
right  spot.  One  man  has  stronger  arms  or  longer  legs  :  another 
sees  by  the  course  of  streams  the  growth  of  markets,  where  ^nd 
will  be  wanted,  makes  a  clearing  to  the  river,  goes  to  sleep,  and 
wakes  up  rich.  Steam  is  no  stronger  now  tlian  it  was  a  hundred 
years  ago  ;  but  it  is  put  to  better  use.  A  clever  fellow  was 
acquainted  with  the  expansive  force  of  steam  ;  he  also  saw  the 
wealth  of  wheat  and  grass  rotting  in  Michigan.  Then  he  cun- 
ningly screws  on  the  steam-pipe  to  the  wheat  crop.  Puff  now.  O 
steam  I  The  steam  puiis  and  expands  as  before,  but  this  time  it 
is  dragging  all  Michigan  at  its  back  to  hungry  New  York  and 


Cap.  xxii.  9-11.] 


PROVERBS. 


211 


hungry  England.  Coal  lay  in  ledges  under  the  ground  since  the 
Flood,  until  a  labourer,  with  pick  and  windlass  brings  it  to  the 
E-urface.  We  may  well  call  it  black  diamonds.  Every  basket  is 
power  and  civilisation.  For  coal  is  a  portable  climate.  It  carries 
the  heat  of  the  tropics  to  Labrador  and  the  polar  circle  ;  and  it  is 
the  means  of  transporting  itself  whithersoever  it  is  wanted. 
Watt  and  Stephenson  whispered  in  the  ear  of  mankind  their 
secret,  that  a  half  ounce  of  coal  will  draw  two  tons  a  mile  ;  and 
coal  carries  coal,  by  rail  and  by  boat,  to  make  Canada  as  warm  as 
Calcutta,  and  with  its  comforts  bring  its  industrial  power.' 

9.  beautiful  eye,  Hch.  "  good  of  eye  ; "  see  "  evil  eye,"  ch. 
xxviii.  22  :  who  looks  round  in  kindness  and  friendliness  ;«  is  of 
a  beneficent  disposition.  te  blessed,  "charity  being  twice 
blessed,  blessing  him  who  gives  and  him  who  takes." 

Genuine  pli'danthropy  (c.  9). — I.  The  kindliness  of  its  disposi- 
tion, '•  a  bountiful  eye."  II.  The  beneficence  of  its  activity.  III. 
The  reward  of  its  service.  1.  He  shall  be  blessed  with  the  com- 
mendation of  his  own  conscience  :  2.  With  the  grateful  affection 
of  the  poor  ;  3.  With  the  approbation  of  God.* 

Christian  symjyathy. — An  instance  of  the  late  Dr.  M'Crie's  sym- 
pathy with  his  people,  and  of  the  noble  disinterestedness  which 
all  along  distinguished  him,  is  recorded  by  his  biographer,  which 
deserves  to  be  mentioned.  His  congregation,  knowing  his  diffi- 
culties, proposed  in  1798,  a  year  in  which  provisions  were  high, 
some  addition  to  his  stipend.  No  sooner  did  the  report  come  to 
his  ears,  tSan  he  addressed  to  them  an  affectionate  letter,  in  which 
he  declined  accepting  of  the  proposed  augmentation,  and  urged 
upon  his  flock  the  diligent  improvement  of  the  means  of  grace. 
"  I  would  wish,"  said  he,  "  to  rejoice  in  my  stipend,  as  one  of  the 
fruits  of  my  preaching  among  you  ;  but  the  consideration  of  this 
being  a  burden  to  you  would  deprive  me  of  this  joy,  and  even 
hurt  me  in  the  exercise  of  my  miuistiy,  Go  on,  my  brethren,  in 
your  regular  attendance  on  the  ordinances  of  Christ  ;  abound  yet 
more  and  more  in  the  fruits  of  righteousness  ;  let  me  have  joy  in 
beholding  your  good  order,  and  the  steadfastness  of  your  faith  in 
Christ ;  and  every  other  thing  shall,  in  due  time,  be  added  to  me." 
A  year  or  two  afterwards,  in  a  season  of  great  scarcity,  he  even 
formally  proposed  to  give  uj)  a  portion  of  his  stipend  ;  an  offer, 
however,  which  his  attached  flock  did  not  accept.  Such  instances 
of  disinterestedness  on  his  part  raised  him  still  higher  in  his 
people's  affection,  and  to  the  end  of  his  life  they  generously  and 
honourably  provided  for  his  support  and  comfort.'^ 

10,  11.  (10)  scorner,  or  scoffer,  as  ch.  sxi.  24.  Such  a  man 
excites  others  to  contention,  therefore  he  should  be  chased  away." 
(11)  pureness  of  heart,  or  better,  "with  a  pure  heart,  whose 
lips  ai-e  gracious."  king  .  .  friend,  i.e.  such  a  man  is  sure  to 
win  favour  and  acceptance.  Such  a  man  "  stands  fail"  for  pre- 
ferment." 

The  lam  of  Idndne^s. — TJie  trvo  scholars. — "  There,  now,  the  bell 
rings  ;  and  111  be  off  1 "  said  Charles  B.  to  his  playmate  ;  "  and 
you  may  gather  up  the  marbles,  and  put  away  the  tools."  "  Now, 
Charles,  don't  go,  pray  don't.  If  you  leave  me,  I  shall  be  too  late, 
and  the  door  will  be  shut,  and  I  shall  be  fined."  "Fined!  you 
paltry  little  miser,  and  what  care  I  for  that  ? "  and  off  he  scampered 
as  fast  as  his  legs  could  cai-ry  him.  From  another  part  of  the 
02 


complished  I    de« 
spoiled    of     em- 
pire,   shorn   of 
greatness,  an 
exiled     captive." 
— bridges, 
c  Isa.  i.  28. 
V.  8.    T.  Dorring- 
lov,  i.  152. 
d  Dr.  D.  Thomas, 
e  Emerson. 


a  "An  eye  that 

seeks  out  objects 
of  charity,  be- 
sides those  that 
offer  themselves ; 
an  eye  that,  upon 
the  sight  of  one 
in  want  and 
misery,  affects 
the  heart  with 
compassion  ;  an 
eye  that,  with 
the  alms,  gives  a 
pleasant  look, 
wh.  makes  the 
alms  doubly  ac- 
ceptable." —  Mat. 
Henry. 

Ps.  xli.  1;  Is. 
xxxii.  8,  Iviji.  10, 
11. 

b  Dr.  D.  Tliomas. 
"  Like  the  sea 
anemone,  which 
feels  the  first  re- 
turning  wave 
upon  the  rock, 
and  throws  out 
all  its  tendrils, 
so  the  tender  na- 
ture of  some  in- 
dividuals will 
give  forth  all  its 
sympathies  at  the 
shghtest  intima- 
tion of  human 
woe." — Rev.  John 
Everett, 
c  Whilecross. 


a   "Scornera 

foster  strife  by 
their  taunts  and 
revil  i  ngs."  — 
Fausset. 

Ps.  ci.  6  ;  Mat. 
V.  8. 

r.  11.  Dr.J.Donne, 
vl.  99. 

"One    great 

reason  why  men 
practise  gene- 
rosity so  little  in 
the  world  is  their 
Qudiug  so  Uttla 


212 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxH.  12. 


there.     Gene- 

rosity  is  catch- 
hif?  ;  and  it  so 
many  escape  it 
it  is,  in  a  small 
degree,  for  the 
same  reason  tliat 
countrymen 
escape  the  small- 
pox  —  because 
they  meet  with 
no  one  to  give  it 
to  them."  —  Gre- 
ville. 


"■WTiatever  miti- 
gates the  woes 
or  increases  the 
happiness  of 
others  is  a  just 
criterion  of  good- 
ness ;  and  what- 
ever inj  vires  so- 
ciety at  large,  or 
any  individual  in 
it,  is  a  criterion 
of  iniq\iity.  One 
should  not  quar- 
rel with  a  dog 
witliout  a  reason 
sufficient  to  vin- 
dicate  one 
through  all  the 
courts  of  mo- 
rality."— Gold- 
tmilh. 


b  Not   a  Minute 
to  Spare. 


a   Dav.    Thomas, 
D.D. 

b  0.  ZSckler. 
2  Chr.  xvi.  9 ;  Ps. 
xxxiv.  15, 
c  "  He  defeats  all 
the  counsels  and 
designs  of  false 
and  treacherous 
men,  and  turns 
them  to  their 
own  confusion." 
— Mai.  Ihnry. 
'•  Cities  shall  fall, 
kingdoms  shall 
come  to  nothing, 
empires  shall  fade 
away  as  the 
smoke,  but  the 
truth  of  the  Lord 
shall  continue  for 
ever.  Burn  it,  it 
will  rise  again  ; 
kill  it,  it  will  live 
again ;  cut  it 
down  by  the  root, 
it  wiU  iipriug  up 


same  playground  ran  a  number  of  boys,  amongst  whom  was  a 
fine  tall  lad,  who,  in  passing,  saw  little  IlaiTys  distress.  '•  What's 
the  matter,  my  little  fellow  .' "  "  Oh  !  Fred,  Charles  and  I  were 
at  play  together  ;  and  he  has  left  me  to  gather  up  all  the  marbles, 
and  to  put  the  tools  away.  He  said  he  could  •  not  spare  a  minute' 
to  help  me.  and  I  know  I  shan"t  be  in  time,  and  master  will  be  so 
angry,  and  fine  me."  "  Never  mind,  Harry  !  I'll  help  you ;  and 
well  soon  scramble  up  the  marbles,  and  be  in  time,  too  ;  and  if 
not,  I'll  pay  half  your  fine,  and  my  own  into  the  bargain.  Come, 
cheer  up  1 "  The  two  boys  made  haste,  and  reached  the  school- 
room door  just  before  it  was  finally  closed.  Fred  had  always 
time  to  spare  for  kind  actions,  and  money  to  spare  for  generous 
ones.  Charles  had  neither  time  nor  money  for  any  but  himself. 
Fred  had  a  pious  and  "judicious  father,  and  an  equally  devoted 
mother,  whose  only  care  had  been  to  train  up  their  son  in  the 
fear  of  God,  and  in  kindne^^s  and  beneficence  to  all  around  him. 
That  morning  he  had  repeated  to  his  father  at  the  breakfast-table, 
as  his  texts  for  the  day  :  "  As  we  have  therefore  opportunity,  let 
us  do  good  unto  all  men,"  Gal.  vi.  10  ;  and  "  Be  ye  kind  one  to 
another,  tender-hearted,"  Ephes.  iv.  32.  Fred  thought  of  his 
texts  when  he  saw  his  little  schoolfellow  in  trouble.  Charles,  too, 
had  a  father  ;  but  a  far  different  man.  He  boasted  of  his  eon'a 
fine  spirit,  and  prognosticated  from  it  something  great  in  the 
future  man.  But  what  kind  of  spirit  did  he  manifest  ?  He  was  dis- 
obedient to  his  mother,  teasing  to  his  sisters,  unkind  to  his  school- 
fellows, gave  trouble  to  the  servants.  His  spirit,  on  which  hia 
father  built  his  hopes,  was,  in  fact,  an  evil  spirit,  far  removed 
from  the  spirit  of  the  only  perfect  Man,  who  was  also  perfect 
God,  "  the  man  Christ  Jesus."  The  boy  grew  up  to  be  a  godless, 
selfish,  overbearing  young  man  ;  a  grief  to  his  parents.  What  in 
childhood  they  had  laughed  at  they  were  now  left  to  mourn  over. 
They  had  spared  no  time  to  train  him  in  his  early  years.  He 
now  spared  none  k)  seek  to  add  to  their  happiness.  How  true  is 
God's  word  1 — "  WTiatsoever  a  man  soweth,  that  shall  he  also  reap," 
Gal.  vi.  7.» 

12.  preserve  knowledge,  or  "  exercise  a  protecting  super- 
intendence over  those  who  possess  His  knowledge.""  "Secure 
protection  to  him  who  possesses  and  evinces  true  discernment 
and  knowledge."'  overthroweth,  ch.  xxi.  12.  words,  i.e. 
proposals  or  plans." 

Pursuit  of  hnonJcdqe  vnder  difficvltics. —  Young  Moriwn  and 
the  "  EvangeUcal  Magazine.'' — The  following  incident  is  related 
of  the  youthful  days  of  Dr.  John  Morison,  for  many  years  editor 
of  the  Ecangelical  Magazine,  and  minister  at  Brompton  : — WTien 
only  nine  years  old  he  used  to  travel  monthly  to  the  town  of 
Banff  for  the  new  number  of  the  Evangelical  Magazine.  The 
distance  was  nine  miles,  and  through  they  uncertain  arrival  of 
the  sailing  packet  which  brought  it,  he  had  sometimes  to  go 
twice,  sometimes  three  times,  before  he  obtained  it.  Often  had 
he  carried  his  shoes  and  stockings  in  his  hand,  and  walked  bare- 
foot till  he  reached  the  bridge  which  spans  the  Daveron.  And 
there,  washing  his  feet,  he  would  put  himself  in  proper  condi- 
tion to  appear  in  the  streets  of  Banff.  Before  reaching  home  ho 
had  often  read  every  word  in  the  magazine  but  the  advertise- 
ments. When  tired  of  reading  as  he  walked  he  would  sit  down 
by  the  roadside  and  continue  the  perusal  tiU  he  had  finished  it. 


Cap.  xxli.  13-15.] 


PROVERBS. 


213 


And  thus,  we  may  add,  he  had  won  an  early  though  unknown 
title  to  take  his  place  among  the  foremost  friends  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Alaijazine. 

13.  slothful  man,  comj).  ch.  xii.  24,  etc."  lion  -witliout, 
this  is  given  as  a  type  of  the  unreasonable  and  frivolous  excuses 
he  gives  for  his  la/.iness.  in  the  streets,  '•  in  a  city  full  of 
men,  so  timid  is  he."* 

The  chavacteristics  of  laziness  (v.  13). — Indolence — I.  Creates 
false  excuses — 1.  In  the  secular  sphere  ;  2.  In  the  spiritual 
sphere.  II.  It  creates  unmanly  excuses.  Apply  : — To  true  souls 
difficulties  are  a  challenge,  not  a  check  to  action. <^ 

The  disease  of  laziness. — As  I  was  sitting  with  some  senators 
of  Bruges,  before  the  gate  of  the  senate  house,  a  certain  beggar 
presented  himself  to  us,  who,  with  sighs  and  tears  and  lamentable 
gestures,  expressed  to  us  his  miserable  poverty,  saying,  withal, 
that  he  had  about  him  a  priVate  disorder,  which  shame  prevented 
him  from  discovering  to  the  eyes  of  men.  We  all.  pitying  the 
case  of  the  poor  man.  gave  him  each  of  us  something,  and  he 
departed.  One  amongst  us  sent  his  servant  after  him,  with  i 
command  to  inquire  of  him  what  his  private  infirmity  might  be 
which  he  was  so  loth  to  discover.  The  servant  overtook  him, 
and  desired  of  him  that  satisfaction,  and  having  diligently 
viewed  his  face,  breast,  arms,  etc.,  and  finding  all  his  limbs  in 
good  plight :  "  I  see  nothing,"  said  he,  "  whereof  you  have  any 
such  reason  to  complain."  "Alasl"  said  the  beggar,  "the 
disease  that  afflicts  me  is  far  different  from  what  you  conceive 
of,  and  is  such  as  you  cannot  see  ;  it  is  an  evil  that  hath  crept 
over  my  whole  body  ;  it  is  passed  through  the  very  veins  and 
marrow  of  me  in  such  a  manner  that  there  is  no  one  member  of 
my  body  that  is  able  to  do  any  work  ;  this  is  by  some  called  idle- 
ness, or  sloth."  <* 
6lotL— 

Sloth  lay  till  mid-day,  turning  on  his  couch, 
Like  ponderous  door  upon  its  weary  hinge  ; 
And  having  rolled  him  out,  with  much  ado, 
And  many  a  dismal  sigh,  and  vain  attempt, 
He  sauntered  out,  accoutred  carelessly — 
With  half-ope 'd,  misty,  unobservant  eye, 
Somniferous,  that  weighed  the  object  down 
On  which  its  burden  fell — an  hour  or  two  ; 
Then  with  a  groan  retired  to  rest  again.« 

14,  15.  04)  mouth,  or  flattering  things  that  come  forth  of 
their  mouth,  strange  "women,  Pr.  ii.  16.  pit,"  such  as  was 
prepared  for  ensnaring  wild  animals,  fall  therein,  in  the 
wrath  and  judgment  of  the  Lord.*  (1.5)  foolishness,  the 
wilfulness  of  ignorance  and  inexperience,  hound,  i.e.  firmly 
fixed,  so  as  to  need  chastisement  for  its  removal.  In  all  children 
there  is  the  liability,  the  tendency,  the  habit  of  going  wrong  : 
in  this  lies  the  truth  of  human  depravity,  rod,  etc.,  not  neces- 
sarily corporal  punishment.  The  word  is  used  as  a  fig.  for  all 
the  redemptive  influence  of  wise  parental  chastisement  "^ 

An  evil  and  its  cure  (v.  l.'S). — I.  Here  we  have  a  terrible  evil. 
1.  In  its  deprivation  of  goodness  in  its  fii-st  stages;  2.  The 
abnormal  condition  of  parents  ;  3.  The  corrupt  social  influence 
ander  which  the  child  is  trained.      II.  A  severe  cure.     These 


ag.ain.  No  force 
sliall  be  able  to 
decay  it.  'J'lie 
gates  of  hell  shall 
not  prevail 
against  it." — Bp. 
Jeicelt 

a  Pr.  xii.  27,  xv. 
19,  xviii.   9,    xix, 
24,  x.\i.  25.  etc. 
Mat.  XXV.  26 ;  Ro. 
xii.  11;  He.  vi.  12. 

6  Wordsworth. 

"  He  has  recourse 
tolheniostseuse- 
le!?s  and  ludicrous 
excuses,  if  ia 
any  way  he  may 
not  be  obliged  to 
go  out  to  labour." 
—  O.  Zockler. 

"Idleness  is  the 
great  Pacific 
Ocean  of  life,  and 
in  that  stagnant 
abyss  tlie  most 
salutary  things 
produce  no  good, 
the  most  o  b  - 
noxious  no  evil. 
Vice,  indeed,  ab- 
stractedly con- 
sidered, may  be, 
and  often  is,  en- 
gendered in  idle- 
ness ;  but  the 
moment  it  be- 
comes sufficiently 
vice,  it  must  quit 
its  cradle,  and 
cease  to  be  idle." 
— Cotton. 

c  Dr.  D.  Thomat. 

d  C(tmerariu4 

e  Pollok, 


a  Ch.  xxiti.  27. 

6  Comp.  provs., 
"  Whom  the  gods 
would  destroy 
they  first  de- 
ment." "  Men's 
pleasant  vices  are 
made  whips  to 
scourge  them." 

Ec.  vii.  26. 
c  "Pain.adminis- 
tered  by  love,  is 
the  Divine  rod  to 
bring  out  de- 
pravity  from  the 
heart.  Pain  is  a 
strong    breeza 


214 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxH.  let 


that  bears  away 

the  cliafT  fr.  the 
grains  of  virtue ; 
tlie  gale  that 
urges  tlie  bark 
away  from  the 
shores  of  (le- 
pra vity  and  vice; 
the  chisel  by  wh. 
the  Oii'i  no  Sculp-  I 
tor  cuts  out  fr. 
the  rough  ami 
shapeless  stone 
an  image  of 
beauty  tit  for  the 
halls  of  heaven."  I 
— Diiv.  Tlwmas,  I 
D.D. 

d  Dr.  D.  Thomas.  I 

Replying  to  scur- 
rility is  like  the 
damly  keeping 
hiiusplf  clean  by 
pushing  away  the 
chimneysweeper. 

*  Banner. 


a  So  ZBcMer. 

h  "  The  ill-gotten 
gains  do  not 
prosper,  and  only 
e.xpi.se  the  op- 
pressor to  extor- 
tion and  violence 
in  his  turn." — 
Spk.  Com. 

Lu.  vi.  33—35. 

t'.  16.  J.C.Kiimcles, 
123. 

"  I  take  him  to  be 
the  truly  rich 
man  that  livas 
upon  wliat  he 
tuis,  owes  no- 
thing, anil  is  con- 
tented ;  for  there 
is  no  determinate 
sum  of  money, 
nor  quantity  of 
estate,  that  can 
ninke  a  man  rich, 
since  no  man  is 
truly  rich  tliat 
has  not  so  much 
as  perfectly  sa- 
tiates his  desire 
of  having  more  : 
for  the  desire  of 
more  is  want,  and 
want  is  poverty." 
—  Hoire. 


Rutkin 


words  su^o'pst — 1.  The  infliction  of  pain  ;  2.  But  from  a  bene* 
voleut  disposition.'' 

All  ill !(.•</ ration  of  v.  1.5. — Mnundrell,  describing'  the  passage 
out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Bashaw  of  Aleppo  into  that  of  him 
of  Tripoli,  tells  us  the  road  was  rocky  and  uneven,  but  attended 
with  variety.  "  Sometimes  it  led  us  under  the  cool  shade  of 
thick  trees  ;  sometimes  thronsrh  narrow  valleys,  watered  with 
fresh  murmuring'  torrents  :  and  then  for  a  good  while  together 
upon  the  brink  of  a  precipice  ;  and  in  all  places  it  treated  us 
with  the  praspect  of  plants  and  flowers  of  divers  kinds. — as 
myrtles,  oleanders,  cyclamens,  etc.  Having  spent  about  two 
hours  in  this  manner,  we  descended  into  a  low  valley,  at  the 
bottom  of  which  is  a  fissure  into  the  earth  of  a  great  d(  pth,  bufc 
withal  so  narrow  that  it  is  not  discernible  to  the  eye  till  you 
arrive  just  upon  it,  though  to  the  ear  a  notice  of  it  is  given  at  a 
great  distance,  by  reason  of  the  nois^  of  a  stream  running  dowa 
into  it  from  the  hills.  We  could  not  guess  it  to  be  less  than 
thirty  yards  deep  ;  but  it  is  so  narrow  that  a  small  arch,  not 
four  yards  over,  lands  yoii  on  its  other  side.  They  call  it  the 
•  Sheik's  Wife  ;'  a  name  given  to  it  from  a  woman  of  that  quality 
who  fell  into  it  and,  I  need  not  add,  perished."  May  not 
Solomon  refer  to  some  such  dangerous  place  as  this,  when  he 
says,  '■  The  mouth  of  a  strange  woman  is  a  deep  pit  :  he  that  is 
abhorred  of  the  Lord  shall  fall  therein,"  The  flowery  pleasures 
of  the  place  where  this  fatal  pit  was  make  the  allusion  still  more 
striking.  How  agreeable  to  sense  the  path  that  led  to  this 
chamber  of  death  I« 

16.  increase,  etc.,  it  is  doubtful  whether  is  here  meant  hii 
o)V)i  riches,  or  the  poor  man'.'?  riches.  It  may  be  that  the  oppres- 
sions of  the  rich  man  are  regarded  as  stirring  up  the  poor  man 
to  activity,  so  that  he  may  ri.se  out  of  his  position  of  dependence." 
to  ■want,  the  man  gives  only  to  increase  the  riches  which  the 
man  is  squandering,  so  in  giving  him  opportunity  for  his  vices 
really  hurries  on  his  ruin.* 

Abuse  of  wealth. — I  am  no  advocate  for  meanness  of  private 
habitation.  I  would  fain  introduce  into  it  all  magnificence, 
care,  and  beauty,  where  they  are  possible  ;  but  I  would  not  have 
that  useless  expense  in  unnoticed  fineries  or  formalities, — cornic- 
ing of  ceilings,  and  graining  of  doors,  and  fringing  of  curtains, 
and  thousands  of  such  things, — which  have  become  fooli.shly  and 
apathetically  habitual  :  things  on  which  by  common  appliance 
hang  whole  trades,  to  which  there  never  belonged  the  blessing 
of  giving  one  ray  of  real  pleasure,  or  becoming  of  the  remotest 
or  most  contemptible  use  :  things  which  cause  half  the  expense 
of  life,  and  destroy  more  than  half  its  comfort,  manliness,  re- 
spectability, fre.shness.  and  facility.  I  speak  from  experience  : 
I  know  what  it  is  to  live  in  a  cottage  ■with  a  deal  floor  and  roof, 
and  a  hearth  of  mica-slate  :  and  I  know  it  to  be  in  many  respects 
healthier  and  happier  than  living  between  a  Turkey  carpet  and 
a  gilded  ceiling,  beside  a  steel  grate  and  polished  fender.  I  do 
not  say  that  such  things  have  not  their  place  and  propriety  :  but 
I  say  this  emphatically,  that  a  tenth  part  of  the  expense  which 
is  sacrificed  in  domestic  vanities,  if  not  absolutely  and  meaning- 
lessly  lost  in  domestic  comforts  and  incumbrances,  would,  if 
collectively  afforded  and  wisely  employai,  build  a  marble  church 
for  every  town  in  England.* 


Cap.  xxii.  17-19.1 


PROVERBS. 


215 


17 — 19.  (17)  bow,  etc.,  the  beginning  of  a  new  portion  of 
the  book  :  this  verse  contains  the  usual  general  exhortation." 
(18)  'within  thee,  in  thine  heart,  or  inward  parts,  fitted,  or 
fixed,  lips,  one  form  of  expression  for  the  inward  life  of 
obedience  to  God.  God  asks  belief  with  the  heart  and  confes- 
sion with  the  lip  and  the  life.  (19)  made  known,  by  these 
instructions,  even  to  thee,  so  its  application  is  personal  and 
individual. 

Spiritual  verities  (v%\  17 — 21). — The  subject  of  these  verses  is 
spiritual  verities,  called  excellent  things.  I.  The  exijcrimental 
knowledge  of  them  is  a  transcendent  blessing.  1.  It  affords 
pleasure ;  2.  Enriches  speech :  3.  Inspires  trust  in  God  ;  4. 
Establishes  the  faith  of  the  soul ;  5.  Qualifies  for  usefulness. 
II.  This  knowledge  is  attainable.  The  method  involves — 1. 
Communication  ;  2.  Attention  ;  3.  Application  ;  4.  Retention. 
Applv  : — (1)  Get  this  knowledge;  (2)  There  is  no  time  to  lose  ; 
(3)  Get  it  for  yourself.* 

Aspirations  after  linmrledqe. — • 

Look,  the  world  tempts  our  eye, 

And  we  would  know  it  all. 

We  map  the  starry  sky, 

We  mine  this  earthen  ball, 
We  measure  the  sea-tides,  we  number  the  sea-sands : 

We  scrutinise  the  dates 

Of  long-past  human  things, 

The  bounds  of  effaced  states, 

The  lives  of  deceased  kings  : 
"We  search  out  dead  men's  words,  and  works  of  dead  men's 

hands.  "^ 
TTie  knoivJedge  of  Christ. — Here  is  the  privilege  of  the  know- 
ledge of  Christ  Jesus,  that  as  it  is  of  eminence  and  height,  so  it 
is  of  use  and  convenience,  and  that  in  the  highest  measirre  ;  as 
it  is  a  pearl  for  beauty,  so  it  is  for  value.  This  knowledge  is  a 
kind  of  catholicon,  of  universal  use  and  convenience.  It  is  so  in 
reference  to  this  life.  Am  I  in  want,  in  contempt,  in  prison,  in 
banishment,  in  sickness,  in  death  ?  This  knowledge  gives  me 
contentedness,  patience,  cheerfulness,  resignation  of  myself  to 
His  will,  who  hath  sealed  my  peace  with  Him,  and  favour  from 
Him,  in  the  great  covenant  of  His  Son  ;  and  I  can  live  upon  this 
though  I  were  ready  to  starve.  I  am  assured  that  if  it  be  for  my 
good  and  the  glory  of  His  name,  I  shall  be  delivered  ;  if  not,  I 
can  be  contented,  so  that  my  jewel,  the  peace  of  God,  and  my 
own  conscience  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  be  safe.  Am  I  in  wealth, 
honour,  power,  greatness,  esteem  in  the  world  ?  This  knowledge 
teacheth  me  humility,  as  knowing  from  whom  I  received  it ; 
fidelity,  as  knowing  to  M^hom  I  must  account  for  it ;  watchful- 
ness, as  knowing  that  the  honour  of  my  Lord  is  concerned  in 
some  measure  in  my  conduct :  and  that  the  higher  the  employ- 
ment is  the  more  obnoxious  I  am  to  temptation  from  without, 
from  them  that  watch  for  my  halting,  and  from  within  by  a 
deceitful  heart.  And  in  all  it  teacheth  me  not  to  overvalue  my 
condition  ;  nor  to  value  myself  the  more  by  it  or  for  it,  because 
the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  presents  me  with  an  object  of  a 
higher  value,  the  prize  of  the  high  railing  of  God  in  Christ.  It 
teacheth  me  to  look  upon  the  glory  of  the  world  as  rust,  m  com- 
parison of  the  glory  that  excelleth,  and  that  the  greatest  of  men 


a  Comp.  Pr.  iii.  1, 
21,  iv.  1,  vii.  1. 

V.  19.  T.  Emlyn, 
iii.  179. 

b  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 

It  is  related  of 
Grotius,  tl9 
great  scholar, 
that  oil  hisdeiitl  - 
bed  he  ex- 
claimed,  "  Ah,  I 
have  consumed 
my  life  in  a  la- 
borious doing  of 
nothing!  I 
wouM  give  all 
my  learning  and 
honour  for  the 
plain  integrity  of 
John  XJrick !  " 
This  John  Urick 
was  a  religious 
poor  man,  who 
spent  eight  hours 
of  the  day  in 
reading  and 
prayer,  eight  in 
labour,  and  only 
eight  in  sleep  and 
meals. 

c  Arnold. 

"By  its  own 
members :  man, 
alas !  alone  ;  the 
recreant  spirit 
of  the  universe, 
loves  surface 
knowledge ;  calls 
the  crimes  of 
crowds  virtue ; 
adores  the  useful 
vices ;  licks  the 
gory  dust  from 
off  the  feet  of 
war,  and  swears 
it  food  for  gods, 
though  fit  for 
fiends  only  ;  re- 
versing just  the 
devil's  state, 
when  first  he  en- 
tered on  this  orb 
of  man  's — a 
fallen  angel's 
form,  a  reptile's 
soul." — Bailey. 


"Evermore  it 
must  be  remem- 
bered, that  the 
least  part  of 
k  n  owledge 
passed  toman  by 
this  so  large  a 
charter  from 
God,  must  be 
subject   to    that 


816 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxll.  20—25. 


nse  for  wliich 
God  hath  Rant- 
ed It,  which  is 
the  benefit  and 
relief  of  the  state 
and  society  of 
man ;  for  other- 
wise all  Diaiiner 
of  knowledge  be- 
cometh  malign 
and  serpentine, 
and  therefore,  as 
carrying  the 
quality  of  the 
serpent's  sting 
and  malice,  it 
maketh  the  mind 
of  man  to  swell." 
— Bacon. 

"Ignorance  is 

the  curse  of  God, 
knowledge  the 
wing  with  which 
we  fly  to  heaven." 
— Shakespeare. 

d  Hale. 


».  31.  J.  J.  Cony- 
beare,  Bamp. 
Lee.  i. 

"All  knowledge, 
however  impos- 
ing in  appear- 
ance, is  but  super- 
ficial knowledge, 
if  it  be  merely  the 
mind's  furniture, 
and  not  the 
mind's  nutri- 
ment. It  must  be 
transmuted  into 
mind,  as  food  into 
blood,  in  onier  to 
become  wisdom  i 
and  power.  Many 
of  the  generals 
opposed  to  Napo- 
leon understood 
military  science 
as  well  as  he  did, 
but  he  beat  them 
on  every  occasion 
where  victory  de- 
pended on  a  wi.se 
movement  made 
at  a  moment's 
thought,  because 
Bcience  liad  been 
transfused  into 
liis  mind,  while 
to  theirs  it  was 
only  attached." 
—  W/ii/iple. 
«  R.  tl'alsun. 

a  Job  V.  4,  x.\xi. 
21 ;  Ps.  l.\ix.  12, 
c.v.wji.  t. 


is  a  ■n^orm  in  comparison  'with  the  great  God.  And  as  thus,  in 
reference  to  the  temporal  condition  of  my  life,  this  kno'n-ledge  of 
Christ  is  of  singular  use.  and  makes  a  man  a  better  philosopher 
than  the  best  system  of  m.orals,  in  reference  thereunto  ;  so  it 
giiides  me  in  the  management  of  all  relations.  1.  To  God;  pre- 
senting Him  unto  me  as  full  of  majesty,  yet  full  of  love,  ■which 
teacheth  me  reverence  and  yet  access  ■with  boldness,  love,  and 
obedience.  2.  To  man ;  enjoining  justice,  ■which  is  giving 
every  man  his  due,  mercy  to  forgive,  compassion  to  pity,  libe- 
rality to  relieve,  sobriety  in  the  use  of  creatures  and  yet  comfort 
in  the  enjoying  of  them,  a  right  use  of  the  world  and  yet  a  con- 
tempt of  it  in  comparison  of  my  hope.  Jt  makes  death  not 
terrible,  because  a  most  sure  passage  to  life.  I  find  a  way  to  get 
all  my  sins  pardoned,  whereas,  ■without  this  all  the  world  cannot 
contrive  a  satisfaction  for  one  :  I  find  a  way  to  obtain  such  a 
righteousness  as  is  valuable  with  God,  and  perfect  before  Him, 
even  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Christ.  And  here  I  find  the 
means,  and  only  means,  to  avoid  the  wrath  to  come,  the  terror 
of  the  judgment  of  the  great  day,  and  to  secure  everlasting  life 
unto  all  eternity  with  the  blessed  God  and  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
and  all  the  blessed  angels,  and  the  spirits  of  just  men  made 
perfect.  Thus  this  knowledge  is  useful  for  this  life,  and  that 
which  is  to  come,  and  that  in  the  highest  degree,  which  all  other 
knowledge  comes  short  of,  and  attains  not  to  any  one  of  the 
least  of  these  ends.'' 

20,  21.  (20)  excellent  things,  Heb.  .ihaJi^him,  third,  or 
"chief  of  three  warriors  in  a  chariot:"  hence  meaning  "  chief , 
principal,  excellent."  (21)  ans^wer,  etc.,  Sol.'s  teachings  were 
given  to  his  son  in  order  to  fit  him  for  his  future  position  as 
king. 

The  plcnmre  of  Scriptural  knowledge. — Of  the  pleasure  which 
springs  from  knowledge,  and  especially  from  that  knowledge 
which  the  Holy  Scriptures  communicate,  we  cannot  conceive  too 
highly.  To  know  God,  to  contemplate  the  perfections  of  His 
nature,  and  the  wonders  of  His  hand  ;  to  become  acquainted 
with  that  regular  and  orderly  plan  by  which  He  governs  His 
creatures  ;  to  observe  His  watchful  care  and  providential  regard  ; 
to  behold  the  wonders  of  redemption,  the  character  and  under- 
taking of  Jesus,  the  doctrine  He  hath  taught,  the  duties  He  hath 
enforced,  the  promises  He  hath  given  ;  to  discover  the  means  of 
salvation,  the  economy  of  the  invisible  world,  and  the  continu- 
ance of  our  own  existence  in  that  immortality  which  is  brought 
to  light  by  the  Gospel ; — these  and  many  other  subjects  of  equal 
importance,  when  opened  to  the  mind,  not  only  give  pleasure  as 
speculative  discoveries  and  the  solutions  of  distressing  doubts, 
but  by  awakening  virtuous  sentiments,  kindling  an  ardent  and 
elevated  devotion,  giving  support  and  reasonableness  to  hojie, 
and  influencing  to  the  discharge  of  every  religious  and  moral 
duty,  produce  also  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience,  and  the 
favour  of  God,  the  present  possession  of  the  peace  of  the  Gospel, 
and  the  prospect  of  a  future  fulness  of  joy  in  the  presence  of 
God  for  ever." 

22 — 25.  (22)  because  .  .  poor,  his  poverty  not  permitting 
him  to  defend  himself  at  law.  Or,  let  pity  for  his  poverty  keep 
thee  from  injuring  him.     in  the  gate,  where  was  usually  the 


Cap.  xxii.  23,  27.] 


PROVERBS. 


217 


place  of  judgment."  (23)  spoil  the  SOUl,  He  will  repay  tlie 
oiiin-essor  by  spiritual  judgmeuts.  (24)  ang'ry,  or  passionate 
man.  JAt.  on  oivner  of  ruge :  '"of  a  nose  snorting  with  fury." 
(25)  prepare  a  snare,  by  copying  the  evil  example.  We 
usually  catch  the  temper  of  those  with  whom  we  mostly  asso- 
ciate. 

The  rlglitsi  of  vmn  {rv.  22,  23). — Quote  some  case  in  which  the 
rights  of  the  poor  have  been  attenijited  to  be  disturbed,  and  in 
which  the  attempt  failed.  I.  The  Bible  and  spiritual  tyranny 
are.  in  their  nature,  reciprocally  antagonistic.  The  Bible  is 
man"8  patrimony.  Rome  would  deprive  man  of  the  Bible.  II. 
As  Rome  serves  for  a  specimen  of  spiritual.  Russia  may  serve  as 
a  specimen  of  iiolitical,  desj.otism.  III.  The  Bible  is  the  enemy 
of  social  tyranny,  and  therefore  the  friend  of  social  liberty.* 

An  African  prince. —  Some  years  since  a  young  African 
prince,  named  Pippin,  came  to  England.  A  few  days  before  the 
assizes  he  was  taken  to  examine  one  of  our  large  county  jails  : 
it  was  unusually  full,  and  in  the  castle  yai-d  were  a  group  of 
men  uttering  the  most  profane  language.  The  prince  heard 
them,  and  tianed  away  in  disgust.  He  had  been  taught  to 
despise  the  reckless  piofanit}^  he  had  previously  seen  on  board 
slri[i.  and  which  was  now  repeated  in  prison.  Shortly  after,  he 
was  introduced  as  a  visitor  to  a  large  assembly  ;  some  gentle- 
men were  overheard  by  him  swearing,  and  using  vulgar 
language  among  themselves.  Pippin  immediately  rose  from  his 
seat,  with  the  air  of  a  prince,  and  aflvancing  towards  the  niiddle 
of  the  room,  all  eyes  upon  him  in  an  instant,  he  spake  nearly  as 
follows  : — "  Ladee  and  geutlemens,  I  go  de  jail,  hearee  dee  mens 
wid  chain  on  leggee  swearee  :  I  no  likee  dat.  so  I  come  away. 
Some  of  de  same  mens  come  here  wid  tickets  ;  why  letee  in  ? 
I  no  likee  that,  so  go  away."  So  saying,  he  bowed  to  the 
ladies  with  graceful  effect :  then  turned  his  head  with  a  most 
indignant  and  contemptuous  look  on  the  offenders  of  his  ears, 
and  out  he  walked,  with  an  expressive  attitude  of  majestic 
disdain. 

26,  27.  (26)  strike  hands,  ch.  vi.  1,  xvii.  18.     (27)  should 
he  take,  i.e.  the  creditor,     thy  bed,  practice  had  come  to  over- 
ride the  merciful  law  of  Ex.  xxii.  27.  i 
The  miaeries  of  deht. — Debt  haunts  the  mind  :  a  conversation  I 
about  justice  troubles  it :  the  sight  of  a  creditor  fills  it  with  con- 
fusion ;    even  the   sanctuary   is   not   a  place   of   refuge.      The  ; 
borrower  is  servant  to  the  lender.     A  life  at  another  man's  table  j 
is  not  to  be  accounted  for  a  life.     It  is  mean  to  flatter  the  rich  : 
it  is  humiliating  to  be  the  object  of  pity.     To  be  the  slave  of  \ 
unattainable  desires  is  to  be  despicable  and  wretched.     Indepen-  ' 
dence.  so  essential  to  the  virtues  and  pleasures  of  a  man,  can  only 
be  maintained  by  setting  bounds  to  our  desires,  and  owing  no 
man  anything.     A  habit  of  boundless  expen.se  undermines  and  ' 
destroys  the  virtues  even  in  a  mind  where  they  seem  to  dwell,  i 
It  becomes  difficult,  and  at  last  impossible,  to  pay  punctually.  ! 
Wlicn  a  man  of  sensibility  thinks  of  the  low  rate  at  which  his 
word  must  henceforth  pass,  he  is  little  in  his  own  eyes  ;   but ! 
difficulties  prompt  him  to  study  deceiving  as  an  art,  and  at  last  j 
he  lies  to  his  creditors  without  a  blush.     How  desolate  and  how 
woful  does  his  mind  appear,  now  that  the  fence  of  truth  is  broken 
down  I     Friendship  is  next  dissolved.     He  felt  it  once  ;  he  now 


6  ir.  Armt. 

"  No     obligatioa 
to    justice     does 
force  a  man  to  be 
cruel,   or  to  use 
I  the  sharpest  sen- 
I  tence.      A    just 
j  man  does  justice 
1  to  every  man  and 
to      everything ; 
and  then,  if   he 
be  also  \\'ise,  he 
I  knows  there  is  a 
I  debt  of  mercy  and 
;  compassion     due 
1  to  the  infirmities 
j  of  man's  nature  ; 
and  that  is  to  be 
I  paid  ;  and  he  that 
is  cruel  and  un- 
gentle  to  a  sin- 
ning person,  and 
does  the  worst  to 
him,  dies  in  his 
debt  and  Is  un- 
j  \\%X."—  Jeremy 
Taylor. 

"  Thou  wilt  quar- 
rel with  a  man. 
that  hath  a  hair 
more  or  a  hair 
less  in  his  beard 
than  thou  hast. 
Thou  wilt  quarrel 
with  a  man  for 
crack  ing  nuts, 
having  no  other 
reason  but  be- 
cause thou  hast 
hazel  eyes.  Thy 
head  is  full  of 
quarrels  as  an 
egg  is  full  of 
meat.  "  —  Slm&e- 
speure. 

"  Kun  not  into 
debt,  either  for 
wares  sold  or 
money  bon-owed; 
be  content  to 
want  things  that 
are  not  of  abso- 
lute necessity, 
rather  than  to 
run  up  the  score. 
Such  a  man  pays 
at  the  latter  end 
a  third  part  more 
than  the  princi- 
pal comes  to,  and 
is  in  perpetual 
servitude  to  his 
creditors ;  lives 
u  n  c  omf  ortably ; 
is  necessitated  to 
increase  his 
debts  to  stop 
his  creditors' 
mouths;  and 
many  times  falls 
into  desperata 
courses, ' ' — Hale, 


218 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.xxii.  28,29. 


"Amanwboowpg 
a  little  can  clear 
it  off  in  a  very 
little  time,  aii't, 
if  he  is  a  privlcnt 
man,  will;  wlicre- 
as  a  man  who.  hy 
lonff  nefrligence, 
owes  a  preat  deal, 
despairs  of  ever 
being  able  to  pay, 
anrl  therefore 
never  looks  into 
his  accounts  at 
all."-  Chesterfield. 

a  Chartery. 

a  For   law   of 

boundaries,  etc., 
see  De.  xix.  14, 
xxvii.  17 ;  Job 
xxiv.  2 ;  Ho.  v. 
10;  Pr.  xxiii.  10, 
11. 

"  We  ought  al- 
ways  to  deal 
justly,  not  only 
with  those  wlio 
are  just  to  us,  but 
likewise  with 
those  who  endea- 
vour to  injure  us ; 
and  this,  too,  for 
fear  lest  by  ren- 
dering them  evil 
for  evil,  we  should 
fall  into  the  same 
vice." — Hierocles. 


"An  honest  soul 
is  like  a  ship  at 
sea,  that  sleeps  at 
anchor    on     the 
ocean's     calm; 
but     when     it  ' 
rages,    and     the 
wind  blows  high,  1 
she  cuts  lier  way  | 
with    skill     and  i 
majesty."  —  I 
Beaumont  and 
Fletcher. 

"  All  other  know- 
ledge is  hurtful 
to  him  who  has 
not  honesty  and 
good  -  nature." — 
Montaigiu. 


a  "  Of  all  the 
qualities  whicih 
kings  especially 
look  to  and  re- 
quire   in    the 


inpiniiate.s  himself  by  means  of  professions  and  sentiments  which 
were  once  sincere.  lie  seizes  the  moment  of  unsusjiectiug  a  fTcetion 
to  ensnare  the  friends  of  his  youth,  borrowing'  money  which  he 
never  will  pay,  and  biii'ling  them  for  debts  which  they  mnst> 
hereafter  answer.  At  this  rate  he  soils  the  virtuous  jiL^a^iires  of 
lovinc;-  and  being  beloved.  He  swallows  up  the  provision  of  ag'ed 
parents,  and  the  portion  of  sisters  and  brethren.  The  loss  of 
truth  is  followed  by  the  loss  of  humanity.  His  calls  are  still 
importunate.  He  proceeds  to  fxaud,  and  walks  on  precipices. 
Ingenuity,  which  in  a  better  cause  mig-ht  have  illnstratcd  his 
name,  is  exerted  to  evade  the  law,  to  deceive  the  world,  to  cover 
poverty  with  the  appearance  of  wealth,  to  sow  unobserved  the 
seeds  of  fraud." 

28.  landmarks,  wh.  were  often  merely  loose  stones  Laid  in 
the  furrows  of  the  open  field.  These  could  easily  be  shifted  by 
little  and  little."  "  This  is  a  protest  against  the  grasping  cove- 
tousness  wh.  leads  men  to  add  field  to  field."  No  reference  is 
intended  to  landmarks  of  doctrine,  or  custom. 

Paltri/  di  shun  rati/. — A  young  aspirant  for  office  in  Iowa  drove 
up  to  an  hotel,  alighted,  and  engaged  a  room.  He  desired  hia 
trunk  taken  to  his  room  ;  and,  seeing  a  man  passing  whom  he 
supposed  to  be  the  porter,  he  imperiously  ordered  him  to  take  it 
up.  The  porter  charged  him  twenty-five  cents,  which  he  paid 
with  a  marked  quarter,  worth  only  twenty  cents.  He  then  said, 
"You  know  Governor  Grimes?"  "Oh,  yes,  sir!"  "  AVell,  take 
my  card  to  him,  and  tell  him  I  wish  an  interview  at  his  earliest 
convenience."  "  1  am  Governor  Grimes,  at  your  service,  sir." 
'•  You — I — that  is,  my  dear  sir,  I  beg — a— a  thousand  pardons  ! " 
"  None  needed  at  all,  sir,"  replied  Governor  Grimes.  '•  I  was 
rather  favourably  impressed  with  your  letter,  and  had  thought 
you  well  suited  for  the  office  specified  ;  but,  sir,  any  man  who 
would  swindle  a  working  man  out  of  a  paltry  five  cents  would 
defraud  the  public  treasury,  had  he  an  opjiortunity.  Good 
evening,  sir  !  " — Import ancp  of  honcxti/  in  little  thinij.i. —  The  jiiat 
hing. — One  of  the  kings  of  Persia,  who  is  famous  in  history  for 
his  exact  justice,  was  once  out  hunting,  when,  finding  himself 
hungry,  he  ordered  the  people  to  dres.s  a  deer  that  they  had  just 
taken.  "Wlien  all  was  nearly  ready,  they  found  that  they  had 
forgotten  to  bring  any  salt  with  them  :  so  they  sent  a  lad  off  to 
fetch  some  from  a  village  at  a  little  distance.  The  king  over- 
heard them,  and  calling  to  the  boy,  said,  "And  mind  you  take 
money  to  pay  for  it."  The  attendants  expressed  their  surprise  at 
his  thinking  of  such  trifles,  and  asked  what  harm  there  could  be 
in  taking  a  handful  of  salt.  The  king  replied,  "  All  the  evil 
that  now  troubles  the  earth  first  began  in  such  trifles,  till  by 
degrees  it  grew  to  its  present  height ;  and  if  I  take  the  salt,  my 
officers  will  perhaps  seize  the  cow."  There  are  many  people  who 
do  not  think  it  worth  while  to  attend  to  Avhat  they  are  doing 
except  upon  great  and  important  occasions  ;  forgetting  that 
happiness  and  virtue  consist  in  those  trifling  occurrences  of 
which  human  life  is  made  up. 

29.  diligent,  ch.  x.  4,  xxi.  5.  oefore  kings,  being  found 
worthy  of  high  and  responsible  office.  His  talents  shall  be  at  the 
service  of  kings."  mean,  or  obscure.  The  diligent  and  faithful 
are  sure  to  come  to  the  front. 


Cap.  xxiii.  1—3. 


PnOVEHBS. 


219 


Adranfnqe  of  indiiRtrii. — Tnclnstry  need  not  wish  :  and  he  that 
lives  upon  hopes  will  die  fasting-.  There  are  no  grains  without 
pains  ;  then  help  ha'ids,  for  I  have  no  lands  ;  or,  if  I  have,  they 
are  smartly  taxed.  He  that  hath  a  trade  hath  an  estate  :  and  he 
that  hath  a  calling-  hath  an  office  of  profit  and  honour;  but  then 
the  trade  must  b:^  worked  at.  and  the  calling  follou-ed.  or  neither 
the  estate  nor  the  office  will  enable  us  to  pay  our  taxes.  If  we 
are  industrious,  we  shall  never  starve  ;  for.  at  the  workings  man's 
house,  hunger  looks  in.  but  dares  not  enter.  Nor  will  the  bailiff 
or  the  constable  eater  ;  for  industry  pays  debts  while  despair 
increaseth  them.'' — PJca.vircx  of  iiidn-ttry. — Ii'dustry  is  not  onlj' 
the  instrument  of  improvement,  but  the  foundation  of  pleasure  : 
for  nothing  is  so  opposite  to  the  true  enjoyment  of  life  as  the 
relaxed  and  feeble  state  of  an  indolent  mind.  He  who  is  a 
stranger  to  industry  may  possess,  but  he  cannot  enjoy.  It  is 
labour  only  that  gives  a  relish  to  pleasure.  It  is  the  indispensable 
condition  of  our  possessing  a  sound  mind  in  a  sound  boily.  Idle- 
ness is  so  inconsistent  with  both,  that  it  is  hard  to  determine 
whether  it  be  a  gTeater  foe  to  virtue,  or  to  health  and  hapinness. 
Inactive  as  it  is  in  itself,  its  effects  are  fatally  powerful.  Though 
it  appears  a  slowlv-flowing  stream,  yet  it  undermines  all  that  is 
stable  and  flourishing.  It  is  like  water,  which  first  putrefips  by 
stagnation,  and  then  sends  up  noxious  vapoiu-s,  filling  the  at- 
mosphere with  death." 


CHAPTER  THE  TWENTY-THIRD. 

1 — 3.  CI)  "with,  a  ruler,  who  is  sure  to  provide  dainties  and 
great  abundance,  consider,  rfc.  some  take  the  reference  to  be 
to  the  dainties  ;  others  to  be  to  the  character  of  the  ruler  in  whose 
presence  you  are  placed.  (2)  knife  .  .  throat.  Eastern  fig.  for 
putting  restraint  on  the  appetite,  given  to  appetite,"  accus- 
tomed to  look  for  delicacies,  and  disposed  to  self-indulgence.  One 
who  cherishes  and  maintains  strong  desires.  (.3)  dainties, 
rnmp.  Ge.  xxvii.  4.  deceitful  meat,  i.e.  having  other  purpose 
than  you  suspect.  By  inviting  you  the  ruler  may  be  intending 
to  test  your  self-i-estraint.  Or  the  reference  may  be  to  the 
delicacies  wh.,  though  good  to  the  taste,  may  prove  unwholesome 
This  may  esp.  apply  to  the  wines  that  flow  freely  at  the  feasts. 

Tlie  rpirnrn  (r.  1 ). —  Consider  two  things  concerning  this  gastric 
temptation.  I.  Its  elements  1.  A  sumptuous  banquet :  2.  A 
keen  appetite.  II.  Its  resistance.  1.  The  manner ;  2.  The 
reason.* 

Drnn  Sn-ift  and  flir  lady. — A  lady  invited  Dean  Swift  to  a 
most  sumptuous  dinner.  She  said.  '-Dear  Dean,  this  fish  is  not 
as  good  as  I  could  wish,  thoucrh  I  sent  for  it  half  across  the 
kingdom,  and  it  cost  me  so  much,"  naming  an  incredible  price. 
"  And  this  thing  is  not  such  as  I  ought  to  have  for  such  a  guest, 
though  it  came  from  such  a  place,  and  cost  me  such  a  sum." 
Thus  she  went  on.  decrying  and  underrating  every  article  of  her 
expensive  and  ostentatious  dinner,  and  teasing  her  distinguished 
gue.st  with  anologies.  only  to  find  a  chance  to  display  her  vanity, 
in  bringing  her  trouble  and  expense  into  view,  until  she  exhausted 
his  patience.  He  is  reported  to  have  risen  in  a  passion,  and  fo 
have  said,  "  True,  madam,  it  is  a  miserable  dinner  ;  and  I  will 


cboice  of  their 
servants,  th.at  of 
despa tell  a nd 
energy  in  tlio 
transactions  of 
business  is  ttie 
most  accept- 
ab  le."  —  Lord 
Bacon. 

b  Franklin, 

Famuel  Drew,  the 
celebrateii  mota- 
pbysician.  giving 
an  account  of  liis 
sinful  life  when  a 
j'outli,  in  connec- 
tion with  his 
shoenwking  life, 
observes,  "When 
I  was  a  young 
man.  I  was  ex- 
pert at  follies, 
acute  in  trifles, 
and  ingenious 
about  nonsense." 

c  Blair, 


a  Lit.  oicner  of 
appetite. 

The  Latins  call 
luxury  gula,,  tlie 
throat. 

"  The  more  a 
luxurious  a  p  p  e- 
tite  is  hurm Hired 
and  indulged,  the 
more  humour- 
some  and  trouble- 
some it  grows, 
and  the  more 
hard-  to  please. 
Dainties  will 
surfeit,  but  never 
satisfy." — Mat. 
Henry. 

b  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 

"Famish 'd  people 
must  be  slowly 
nursed,  and  fed 
by  spoonfuls,  else 
they  always 
burst." — Byron. 

"  Hunger  is  the 
mother  of  im- 
patience and 
anger.  " — Zinn' 
merrmm. 


220 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxiii.  4—8. 


eB.T.S. 


a  1  Ti.  vi.  9, 10. 

(  "  Kiches,  like 
Insects,  while 
concealed  they 
He.  wait  but  for 
■wings,  aiil  in 
their  seii.^on  fly. 
To  whom  can 
riches  give 
repnte  ami  trust, 
content  or  plea- 
sure, but  the 
good  and  just  ?  " 
— Pupe. 

e  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 

"  He  that  resteth 
upon  gains  cer- 
tain, shall  liarily 
grow  to  great 
riches  ;  and  he 
that  puts  all  upon 
adventures,  doth 
oftentimes  break 
and  come  to 
poverty.  It  is 
good,  therefore, 
to  guard  adven- 
tures with  cer- 
tainties that  may 
uphold  losses." — 
Zord  Bacon. 

4  Wliitecross. 


a  De.  XV.  9  ;  Mat. 
XX.  15. 

"Greed  is  some- 
times the  acting 
motive  of  tlie 
f  ea  s  t-maker. 
These  men  make 
feasts  for  clients 
and  customers. 
They  often  do 
fine  strokes  of 
■business  at  their 
dinner  table,  in 
the  presence  of 
gteaming  viands 
and  sparkling 
glasses."  —  Dai}. 
TItumas,  D.D. 

I  Bnvder. 

"Genuine  hospi- 
tality breaks 
through  the 
chills  of  cere- 
mony and  selfisli- 
ness,  ami  thaws 
every  heart  into 
a  flow.  There  is 
an  emanation 
from  tl  a  heart  in 


not  eat  it,   but  go  home    and  dine  upon  sixpence  worth  of 

herring-." « 

4,  5.  (i)  labour  .  .  rich,  i.e.  do  not  make  merely  getting 
rich  the  great  end  of  your  labour."  cease  .  .  wisdom,  if  that 
sets  riches  in  so  high  a  place.  (.5)  set  thine  eyes,  lit.  "let 
thine  eyes  fly."  they  fly  away,  the  transitory  character  of 
earthly  riches  makes  them  unsuitable  as  the  chief  object  of  our 
regard  and  pursuit.* 

Rlch(:<i  not  to  he  lahonred  for  as  an  end  {v.  4). — Two  reasons  for 
this.  I.  It  is  to  pursue  your  own  wi.sdom.  II.  It  is  to  pursue  a 
very  iufeiior  good.  Note  three  things  concerning  riches.  1. 
Their  substantial  character  ;  2.  Their  fleeting  character  ;  3.  Their 
unworthy  character.*' 

Bcarhifj  the  lo-^s  of  wealth. — We  have  a  remarkable  instance  of 
equanimity,   in   a   French    nobleman,    who   was    reduced   from 
splendid  affluence  to  poverty  by  the  Revolution  which  desolated 
that  fine  country.     The  Duke  de  Laincourt  was  constrained,  like 
[  many  others,  to  emigrate  on  account  of  the  horrors  of  the  French 
i  Revolution,  and  leave  his  paternal  abode  ami  iuheritance.     When 
j  in  New  York,  he  was  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  living  without 
I  a  servant,  though  formerly  possessed  of  an  income  of  more  than 
^100,000  sterling  annually.      This  great  reverse  he  bore  with 
great  equauimity,  and  when  brushing  his  own  clothes,  or  doiug 
other  services  which  had  formerly  been  the  work  of  others,  he 
would  observe  with  a  cheerful  countenance,  ''  Had  it  not  been 
for  the  Revolution  in  France,  I  should  n^^ver  have  known  how 
easy   it   is  to  wait  on   oneself."      How   truly  relieving   to  the 
Christian  mind,  to  meet  with  a  speck  so  brilliant  as  the  above  is 
in  a  scene  so  dark  and  appalling  as  was  that  of  the  French  Revo- 
lution !     La  Harpe  was  another  gem  of  the  same  interesting  and 
attractive  kind."* 

6 — 8.  (6)  evil  eye,  simply  in  the  sense  of  being  "hard, 
grudging,  envious,""  comp.  ch.  xxii.  9.  (7)  thinketli  in  hi3 
heart,  i.e.  you  cannot  really  judge  by  his  kind  speeches,  for  in 
his  heart  he  grudges  you  what  you  eat.  (8)  morsel,  ^'^•..  dis- 
gusted when  you  find  out  his  true  character,  you  will  be  sorry  to 
have  eaten  his  food,  sweet  words,  with  wh.  thou  didst  thank 
the  man  for  his  supposed  good  will  to  you. 

The  evil  eye. — Whether  the  same  ideas  are  to  be  attached  to  the 
expression '•  evil  eye,''  as  used  by  Solomon,  and  as  understood  by 
the  Egyptians,  may  not  be  easily  ascertained,  though  perhaps 
worthy  of  consideration.  Pococke  says  of  the  Egyptians,  that 
"  they  have  a  great  notion  of  the  magic  art.  have  books  about  it, 
and  think  there  is  much  virtue  in  talismans  and  charms  ;  but 
particularly  are  strongly  possessed  -with  an  opinion  of  the  evil 
eye.  ^  When  a  child  is  commended,  except  you  give  it  some  bless- 
ing, if  they  are  not  very  well  assured  of  your  good  will,  they 
u.se  charms  against  the  evil  eye  :  and  particularly  when  they 
think  any  ill  success  attends  them  on  account  of  an  evil  eye,  they 
throw  salt  into  the  fire."*"  Many  references  are  matle  in  the 
Scriptures  to  an  evil  eye.  Sometimes  they  mean  anger  or  envy  ; 
but  in  the  passage  cited  an  allusion  aii]iears  to  be  made  to  the 
malignant  influence  of  an  evil  eye  :  "  The  morsel  which  thou 
hast  eaten  shalt  thou  vomit  up."  The  hnn-n.nrn,  evil-eye,  of 
some  people  is  believed  to  have  a  most  baneful  effect  upon  what- 


Cap.  xxill.  9-11.] 


PROVERBS. 


221 


Boever  it  shall  be  fixed.  Those  who  are  reputed  to  have  such 
eyes  are  always  avoided,  and  none  but  near  relations  will  invite 
them  to  a  feast.  '■  Your  cattle,  your  wives,  your  children,  your 
orchards,  your  fields,  are  all  in  danger  from  that  fellow's  eyes. 
The  other  day  he  ^lassed  my  trarden,  cast  his  eye  upon  my  lime- 
tree,  and  the  fruit  has  since  fallen  to  the  ground.  Ay,  and  worse 
than  that,  he  caught  a  look  at  my  child's  face,  and  a  large  abscess 
has  since  appeared."  To  prevent  such  eyes  from  doing  any  injury 
to  their  children,  many  parents  (both  Mohammedan  and  Hindoo) 
adorn  them  with  numerous  jewels  and  jackets  of  varied  colours, 
to  attract  the  eye  from  the  person  to  the  ornaments.''  "  No  nation 
in  the  world  is  so  much  given  to  superstition  as  the  Arabs,  or 
even  the  Mohammedans  in  general.  They  hang  about  their 
children's  necks  the  figure  of  an  open  hand,  usually  the  right, 
which  the  Turks  and  Moors  paint  like'wnse  upon  their  ships  and 
houses,  as  a  counter-charm  to  an  evil  eye  ;  for  five  is  with  them 
an  unlucky  number,  and  five  (meaning  their  fingers)  in  your 
eyes,  is  their  ]iroverb  of  cursing  and  defiance.  Those  of  riper 
years  cany  with  them  some  paragrajihs  of  their  Koran,  which  (as 
the  Jews  did  their  phylacteries,  Exod.  xiii.  16  ;  Numb.  xv.  38) 
they  place  upon  their  breasts,  or  sew  under  their  caps,  to  prevent 
fascination  and  v.'itchciaft.  and  to  secure  themselves  from  sick- 
ness and  misfortunes  The  virtue  of  these  charms  is  supposed 
to  be  so  far  universal,  that  they  suspend  them  even  upon  the 
necks  of  their  cattle,  horses,  and  other  beasts  of  burden."'* 

9 — 11.  (0)  fool,  always  with  the  idea  of  wilfully  negligent  of 
good  things,  unwilling  to  receive  instruction.  On  such  a  one 
good  advice  is  wasted.  (10)  landmark,  ch.  xxii.  28.  father- 
less, taking  imdue  advantage  of  their  unprotected  state.  (11) 
redeemer,  or  avenger.  The  family  avenger  of  the  fatherless  is 
Jehovah  Himself." 

Takhifi  odrice. — Sir  John  Danvers  once  sent  an  invitation  to 
Sir  Richard  Onslow  and  Sir  Anthony  Ashley  Cooper  (afterwards 
Earl  of  Shaftesbury)  to  dine  with  him  at  Chelsea  ;  he  requested 
they  would  come  early,  as  he  had  affairs  of  moment  to  commu- 
nicate to  them.  When  they  arrived,  and  hatl  taken  their  seats', 
Sir  John  opened  the  business  by  saying  that  he  had  made  choice 
of  them  both  on  account  of  their  correct  judgment  and  particular 
friendship  for  him,  in  order  to  consult  them  on  a  subject  of  the 
utmost  consequence  to  himself.  He  had,  he  said,  been  a  widower 
many  years,  and  he  began  to  want  some  person  to  relieve  him  of 
the  trouble  of  housekeeping,  as  well  as  to  take  some  care  of  him 
under  the  growing  infirmities  of  age.  For  this  purpose  he  had 
thought  of  a  suitable  person  who  was  well  known  to  him  :  this 
was,  in  short,  his  housekeeper.  The  gentlemen  knowing  the 
woman  very  well,  and  thinking  it  by  no  means  a  suitable  match, 
particularly  as  Sir  John  had  sons  and  daughters  marriageable,  to 
whom  it  would  be  mortifying,  were  much  against  it.  Sir  Richard 
Onslow  frankly  began  to  point  out  to  Sir  John  the  impropriety 
of  a  person  of  his  age  marrying  ;  and  particularly  such  a  woman. 
He  was  going  to  enter  upon  a  description  of  her  person,  and  to 
set  her  out  in  such  colours  as  could  not  have  pleased  any  man  in 
a  wife,  when  Sir  Anthony,  interrupting  him,  said,  '•  Give  me 
leave.  Sir  Richard,  to  ask  our  friend  one  question  before  you 
proceed  ;"  so,  addressing  himself  to  Sir  John,  "Tell  me  truly, 
Bir  John,"  said  he,  "aa:e  you  not  already  married?"    Sir  Jolm, 


gemiiiie  hospi- 
tality wh.  ejiiinot 
be  described,  bitt 
is  immediately 
felt,  and  puts  the 
strauper  at  once 
at  liis  ease." — 
^y(lsh.  Irving. 

c  Roberts. 

"  A  member  of 
the  Grammont 
family  one  day 
found  Cardinal 
K  i  0  h  e  lieu  em- 
ployed in  jump- 
ing, and,  with  all 
the  cunning  flat- 
tery of  a  French- 
man and  a  cour- 
tier, offered  to 
jump  against 
him.  He  suffered 
tlie  man  of  poli- 
tical power  to 
jump  higlier,  and 
soon  after  found 
liiiiiself  rewarded 
with  a  lucrative 
office.  "  —  E.  L. 
Mitijoon. 

d  Dr.  Shaw. 

a  Ex.  xxii.  23.— 
24  ;  Job  xxii.  9, 
10. 

The  family  goel, 
or  avenger,  was 
the  next  of  kin. 

"  Be  thou  blest, 
Bertram!  and 
succeed  thy 
father  in  man- 
ners, as  in  shape  I 
thy  blood  and 
virtue  contend 
for  empire  in 
thee ;  and  thy 
goodness  share 
with  thy  birth- 
right 1  Love  all, 
trust  a  few.  do 
wrong  to  none  : 
be  able  fur  thine 
enemy ; rather 
in  power,  than 
use ;  and  keep  thy 
friend  under  thy 
own  life's  key  ; 
be  check'd  for 
silence,  but  never 
tax'd  for  speech." 
— Shakespeare. 

"  Knowledge  of 
all  avails  the  hu- 
man kiml  ;  for 
all  beyond  the 
grave  are  joys  of 
xmxid."—Hogg. 


222 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxiii.  12-iai 


*  Whai  man  so 
wise,  w  li  a  t 
earthly  wit  so 
rare,  as  to  (iescry 
the  crafty,  cun- 
ning train  by 
■which  Deceit 
doth  mask  in 
visor  fair,  and 
seem  lilce  Trutli, 
Whose  sliape  she 
■well  can  feign  ?  " 
■ — Upenser. 


t  Percy  Anee. 


"  Judge  thyself 
■with  the  judg- 
ment of  sinceri  ty, 
and  thou  wilt 
judge  others  with 
the  judgment  of 
charity.  That  is 
true  humility 
■which,  like  a  har- 
binger, makes 
way  for  Christ, 
and  tlirows  the 
Boul  at  His  feet." 
— y.  Mason. 

« IT.  Amot. 


a  "The  pleasure 
afforded  the 
teaclier  by  a  pu- 
pil's jjrogresn  is  a 
motive  to  dili- 
gence."— Fausset. 

t  Vs.  xxxvii.  1 — 

S.  65,  36. 

«.  15.  Dr.  A.  Rees, 
iii.  525;  W.  J,iy, 
iv.  36;  H.  Mel- 
vill,  310. 

V.  17.  R.  Fiddes. 
ii.  118;  Bp.  J. 
Butler,  68;  /. 
Tvulmin.  147  ;  J. 
Fatccell,i.i2»;  B. 
Clemnit,  ii.  193; 
Dr.  R.  Graves,  iv. 
292. 

w.  17, 18.  B.ScotI, 
269. 

V.  18.  F.  Eluin, 
11.183. 

e  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

4ilf/ain400Sk8. 


I  after  a  short  pause,  answered  with  a  smile,  "  Yes,  truly  I  waa 
I  ye.sterday."  ■'  Well,  then,"  replied  Sir  Anthony,  "  there  is  no 
]  more  need  of  our  advice  ;  pray  let  us  have  the  honour  to  see  my 
I  lady,  and  wi.sh  her  joy,  and  so  to  dinner."  As  they  were  return- 
i  ing  to  London  in  their  coach,  "  I  am  obliged  to  you,"  said  Sir 
j  Richard,  "  for  preventing  me  running  into  a  description  which  I 
I  am  sure  could  never  have  been  forgiven  me.  But  how  could  ifc 
I  enter  into  your  head  to  ask  a  man  who  had  solemnly  invited  us 
I  on  purpose  to  have  our  advice  about  a  marriage  he  intended,  and 
gravely  proposed  the  woman  to  us,  and  suffered  us  seriously  to 
I  enter  into  the  debate  :  I  say.  Sir  Anthony,  how  could  you  ask 
him,  after  all  this,  whether  he  were  already  married  or  not .' " 
"  The  man  and  the  manner,"  replied  Sir  Anthony,  "  gave  me  a 
suspicion  that<  having  done  a  fooli.'^h  thing,  he  wanted  to  cover 
himself  with  the  authority  of  our  advice."* 

12 — 14.  (12)  apply,  etc.,  the  usual  introduction  to  a  new 
series  of  Proverbs.  (13)  'withhold,  efc,  comp.  ch.  xiii.  24,  xix. 
18,  xxii.  15.  not  die,  he  will  not  be  seriously  injured  physically, 
and  he  will  be  greatly  benefited  morally.  (14;  hell,  Sheol,  the 
world  of  the  dead  :  put  as  fig.  for  wickedness,  wicked  ways  wh. 
lead  to  hell. 

tSin  cocered. — Certain  great  iron  castings  have  been  ordered  for 
a  railway  bridge.  The  thickness  has  been  calculated  according 
to  the  extent  of  the  span  and  the  weight  of  the  load.  The  con- 
tractor constructs  his  moulds  according  to  the  specification,  and 
when  all  is  ready  pours  in  the  molten  metal.  In  the  process  of 
casting,  through  some  defect  in  the  mould,  portions  of  air  lurk 
in  the  heart  of  the  iron,  and  cavities,  like  those  of  a  honeycomb, 
are  formed  in  the  interior  of  the  beam  ;  but  all  defects  are  hid, 
and  the  flaws  are  effectively  concealed.  The  artisan  has  covered 
his  fault,  but  he  will  not  prosper.  As  soon  as  it  is  subjected  to  a 
strain  the  beam  gives  way.  Sin  covered  becomes  a  rotten  hollow 
in  a  human  soul,  and  when  the  strain  comes  the  false  gives  way." 

15 — 18.  (15)  my  heart,  that  of  an  anxious  father,  even 
mine,  cowp.  repetition  of  ch.  xxii.  19.  (l(i)  reins,  fig.  for 
inward  feelings,"  Ps.  vii.  9.  (17)  envy  sinners,  whose  seem- 
ing liberty  is  attractive  to  thoughtless  young  people,  fear  of  the 
Lord,  wh.  is  a  bondage  that  proves  to  be  the  true  liberty.  (18) 
an  end,  or  reward.''  Poss.  Sol.  looks  on  to  a  state  of  future 
rewards. 

The  comtant  fear  of  God  {v.  17). — I.  The  duty  inculcated.  1. 
A  sense  of  love  to  God  as  our  Father  ;  2.  Of  duty  to  Him  as  our 
Master ;  3.  Of  responsibility  to  Him  as  our  Judge.  II.  The 
encouragement  given  to  us  to  the  performance  of  it.  1.  Peace 
of  conscience  ;  2.  Strength  for  duty  ;  3.  Glory  in  eternity.'^ — 
Caution  again.^t  niry  (rr.  17,  18). — We  have  in  these  wonls — I. 
A  dissuasive  advice.  1.  Because  envy  is  a  disposition  of  mind 
whose  influence  can  never  be  justified  ;  2.  To  envy  sinners  is 
absurd.  II.  The  monitory  precept.  Implies — 1.  The  possession 
of  coiTeot  and  sjiiritual  ideas  of  God"s  holy  and  exalted  character  ; 
2.  The  cultivation  of  suitable  dispositions  of  heart  towai'ds  Him. 
III.  An  encoui'agiug  assertion.  1.  There  is  an  end  to  that  pros- 
perity with  which  the  efforts  of  sinners  are  crowned  :  2.  An  end 
to  the  tribulations  of  sjiints  ;  3.  Thine  expectation  shall  not  be 
cut  off." 


Cap.  xxiii.  19-'J3.] 


FRO  VERBS. 


223 


Effects  of  helief  in  the  Bible. — \\Tien  a  gentleman  lately  pre-  j 
eented  a  Bible  to  a  prisoner  under  sentence  of  death,  lie  exclaimed,  | 
"  Oh.  sir,  if  I  had  had  this  book,  and  studied  it.  I  should  never  1 
have  committed  the  crime  of  which  I  am  convicted."  So  it  is  | 
said  of  a  native  Irishman,  when  he  read  for  the  first  time  in  his 
life  a  New  Testament,  which  a  gentleman  had  put  into  his  hands,  i 
he  said,  "  If  I  believe  this  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  remain  a  I 
rebel."' — Cause  of  iiovevly. — Of  o.UUO  persons  admitted  to  the 
workhouse  in  Salem,  Massachusetts,  the  superintendent  states 
that,  in  his  opinion,  2,900  were  brought  there  directly  or  indirectly 
by  intemperance.  The  superintendent  of  the  almshouse  in  New 
York  states  that  the  number  of  male  adults  in  the  house  is  512, 
of  which  there  are  not  twenty  that  can  be  called  sober  men  ;  that 
the  number  of  females  is  (501.  and  that  he  doubts  whether  there 
are  fifty  of  tliem  that  can  be  called  sober  women./ 

19 — 22.  (19)  guide  .  .  way,  cmnp.  express.  "  IncUne  thine 
heart."  (20)  "winebibbers,  those  fond  of  wine,  and  freely 
indulging  in  it.  Not  necessarily  '•  drunkards."  riotous,  etc., 
i.e.  gluttons.  (21)  drowsiness,  wh.  always  follows  on  much 
eatiijg  ai;d  drinking.  Jlen  cannot  work  after  heavy  feeding. 
(22)  lather,  ch.  i.  8.  when  .  .  old,  the  young  are  always  in 
danger  of  scorning  the  old.  as  old-fashioned." 

Archhi.'ihop  'lillotsoii. — There  are  t-ome  children  who  are  almost 
ashamed  to  own  their  parents,  because  they  are  poor,  or  in  a  low 
situation  of  life.  We  will  therefore  give  an  exami:)le  of  the 
contrary,  as  displayed  by  the  Dean  of  Canterbury,  afterwards 
Archbishop  lillotson.  His  father,  who  Avas  a  very  plain  York- 
shireman.  perhaps  something  like  these  we  now  call  "  Friends," 
approached  the  house  where  his  son  resided,  and  inquired  whether 
"John  Tillolson  was  at  home."  The  servant,  indignant  at  what 
he  thought  his  insolence,  drove  him  from  the  door  ;  but  the 
Dean,  who  was  within,  heariug  the  voice  of  his  father,  instead 
of  embracing  the  opportunity  afforded  him  of  going  out  and 
bringing  in  his  father  in  a  more  private  manner,  came  running 
out,  exclaiming,  in  the  presence  of  his  astonished  servants,  "  It 
is  my  beloved  father  ;"  and  falling  down  on  his  knees,  asked  for 
his  blessing.  Obedience  and  love  to  our  parents  is  a  very  distinct 
and  important  command  of  God,  upon  which  He  has  promised 
His  blessing,  and  His  promises  never  fail.* 

23.  buy,  lit.  get.  truth,  on  every  subject ;  but  especially 
tlie  truth  of  God."  •'  No  price  is  too  great  to  give  for  its  pur- 
chase."* 

TrxttKs  pvrcha.te  (r.  23). — I.  Eveiy  purchaser  must  have  an 
earnest  desire  after  the  heavenly  commodity.  II.  He  must  dili- 
gently frequent  the  place  of  sale.  III.  He  must  have  skill  to 
discover  that  which  is  offered  to  him.  IV.  He  must  give  the 
price  according  to  the  commodity.  V.  He  must  store  it  up  for 
necessary  use.  VI.  With  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  must  be 
joined  obedience  to  the  truth.  VII.  The  truth  once  entertained 
must  never  be  renounced.  VIII.  A  course  of  obedience  once 
entered  must  never  be  forsaken.  IX.  The  purchase  of  truth  once 
made  must  still  be  enlarged." 

Fidi-lity  to  the  truth.— Kost-wth. — When  Kossuth,  escaping  the 
pursuit  of  the  Cossacks,  sought  the  protection  of  the  Sultan,  that 
monarch  offered  him  safety,  wealth,  and  high  military  com- 


'  True  dignity 
abidps  with  liim 
alone  who,  in  the 
silent  hour  of  in- 
ward  tliought, 
can  still  suspect 
and  still  revere 
himself  in  lowli- 
ness of  heart."— 
Woidsn'orth. 


e  Wfiitecrost, 
f  Ibid. 


a  "Adults  should 
revere  the 
parents  whom, 
as  children,  they 
obej-ed."  —  Faus- 
stt. 

V.  19.  J.  Foster,  if 
28. 

V.  22.  M.  A.  Met- 
Ian,  ii.  2o2, 

"  Wine  is  like 
anger;  for  it 
makes  us  strong, 
1  lind  and  im- 
patient, and  it 
leads  us  wrong ; 
the  strength  is 
quickly  lost,  we 
feel  the  error 
long." — Crnbbe. 
•MMne  is  a  turn- 
coat;  first  a 
friend,  and  thea 
an  enemy  "  — 
Fielding. 

bR.T.S. 


a  Is.  It.  1 ;  Mat. 
xiii.  45,  46. 

6  L  a  t.  p  r  0  V. 
"Heaven  con- 
cedes everything 
to  the  laborious." 

V.  23.  Bp.  Hall,  v. 
150;  A.  Farin- 
don,  ii.  373  ;  J. 
^Kurin,  ii.  371; 
Bp.  Butler,  234; 
A.  ilu  cdonald, 
153:  Theodore 
l'aiker,U. 

cS.l/icron(162Q). 

"Truth  is  not 
only  a  maa'a  or* 


224 


fliO  VERBS. 


(Cap.  xxlii.  24— 2a 


nameut,  but  his 
instrument ;  it  is 
the  great  man's 
glory  and  the 
poor  man's  stock; 
a  man's  truth  is 
his  livelihood,  his 
recommendation, 
his  letters  of 
credit."  —  Which- 
tole. 

"  Truth  is  the 
ground  of  sci- 
ence, the  centre 
•wherein  all 
things  repose, 
ami  is  the  type 
of  eternity.  "  — 
Sir  Philip  Sidney. 

d  Quiver. 


"  He  that  cometh 
to  seek  after 
knowledge,  with 
a  mind  to  scorn 
and  censure, 
shall  be  sure  to 
finil  matter  for 
his  humour,  but 
no  matter  for  his 
instruction." 
—Bacott, 


tR.T.S. 


W.  W.  Whythe. 


"  It  is  reported  of 
Kedwald,  king  of 
the  East  Saxons, 
the  first  prince  of 
this  nation  tliat 
■was  baptised, 
that  in  tlie  same 
church  he  hail 
one  altar  for  the 
Christian  r  e  1  i- 
gion,  another  for 
the  heathenish 
gecrifiees.  T  li  e 
true  believer  dotli 
otherwise ;  h  e 
that  makes  reli- 
gion his  work 
gives  God  the 
■whole  of  his 
heart,  without 
haltingandwitli- 
Out  lialving." --- 
Oeorge  Swinnoct. 


mand  if  he  would  renounce  Christianity  and  embrace  the  reli  ,ion 
of  Mahomet.  A  refusal  of  these  conditions,  for  anything  he 
knew  to  the  contrary,  would  bo  equivalent  to  throwing  himself 
upon  the  sword  of  Russia,  which  was  whetted  for  his  destruc- 
tion ;  and  this  was  his  answer  : — "  Welcome,  if  need  be,  the  axe 
or  the  gibbet,  but  evil  befall  the  tongue  that  dares  to  make  me 
so  infamous  a  proposal."  Deliberately  to  prefer  death  to  the 
sacrifice  of  conscience  is  that  kind  of  Christian  integrity  en- 
joined in  the  command,  '•  Fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body, 
and  after  that  have  no  more  that  they  can  do  ;  but  I  will  fore- 
warn you  whom  ye  shall  fear  ;  fear  Him  who  after  He  hath 
killed  hath  power  to  cast  into  hell.  Yea,  I  say  unto  you,  fear 
Him." — ZwiiKjli'. — When  Ulric  Zwingle,  the  Swiss  Reformer,  was 
re^i^lving  certain  doubts  which  had  arisen  in  his  mind,  and  had 
nearly  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  he  should  soon  be  called 
u])on  to  attack  the  Papacy,  he  proposed  to  resign  a  small  pension 
which  the  Pope  had  given  him.  The  legate  of  the  pontiff,  how- 
ever, prevailed  upon  him  to  retain  it,  and  Zwingle,  as  he 
announced  his  intention  of  doing  so,  added,  "  Do  not  think  that 
for  any  money  I  will  suppress  a  single  syllable  of  the  truth." 
Zwingle".s  after  life  was  worthy  of  these  words.  To  be  incor- 
ruptible by  any  form  of  bribe  is  an  essential  part  of  integrity.'' — 
Tline  Siindnij  .scholar.^. — A  Sunday-school  teacher,  remarking  on 
the  passage  in  the  Proverbs  of  Solomon  in  which  he  advises  us 
to  "  buy  the  truth,  and  sell  it  not,"  observed,  that  he  who  buj^s 
the  truth  makes  a  good  bargain  ;  and  inf^uired  if  any  scholar 
recollected  any  instance  in  Scripture  of  a  bad  bargain.  '■  I  do." 
replied  a  boy  ;  *'  Esau  made  a  bad  bargain  when  he  sold  his 
birthright  for  a  mess  of  pottage."  A  second  said,  ''  Judas  made 
a  bad  bargain  when  he  sold  his  Lord  for  thu'ty  pieces  of  silver." 
A  third  observed, "  Our  Lord  tells  us,  that  he  ^lakes  a  bad  bai'gaiu 
who,  to  gain  the  whole  world,  loses  his  own  soul."* 

24—28.  (24)  -wise,  wh.  may  be  shown  in  his  seeking  after 
the  truth.  (2."))  bare  thee,  special  joy  comes  to  the  mother 
from  wise  and  virtuous  children.  (26)  give  me,  Sol.  pleads  as 
a  loving,  anxious  parent ;  but  his  pleading  represents  God's 
pleading  with  us  all.  Sol.  is  specially  anxious  to  have  attention 
to  the  advice  and  warning  that  immediately  succeeds.  (27) 
■whore,  an  abandoned  woman,  who  tempts  to  sins  of  sensuality. 
(28)  as  for  a  prey,  her  prey  being  innocence  and  virtue. 

Con.'tecration  to  God  (i:  2GJ. — I.  How  we  should  give  ova 
hearts  to  God.  1.  Sincerely  ;  2.  Freely  ;  3.  Entirely ;  4.  Con- 
tinually. II.  Why  we  should  give  our  hearts  to  God.  1.  lie 
demands  it ;  2.  Has  a  right  to  it ;  3.  Is  worthy  of  it  ;  4.  It  is  our 
interest  to  give  it." 

T/if  brxf  (jift. — The  three  sons  of  an  Eastern  lady  were  invited 
to  furnish  her  with  an  expression  of  their  love  before  she  went 
I  away  for  a  long  journey.  One  brought  a  marble  tablet,  with  the 
I  inscription  of  her  name.  Another  presented  her  with  a  rich 
I  garland  of  fragrant  flowers.  The  third  entered  her  presence, 
;  and  thus  addressed  her  :  "  Mother,  I  have  neither  mai'ble  tablet 
j  nor  fragrant  nosegay,  but  I  have  a  heart :  here  your  name  is  en- 
I  graven,  here  your  memory  is  precious ;  and  this  heart,  full  of 
I  affection,  will  follow  you  wherever  you  travel,  and  remain  with 
1  you  wherever  you  repose." 


Cap.  xxfii.  29—35] 


PROVERBS. 


225 


29 — 32.  (29)  woe,  rfc.  words  prob.  expressing  distress." 
wounds,  caused  by  quarrellings  of  the  drunken,  redness  of 
eyes,  a  frequent  effect  of  di'iukiug.  It  may,  however,  be  the 
dimness,  or  coufusiou  of  the  eye,  (30)  mixed  wine,  ch.  ix.  2  : 
Is.  V.  11.  Flavoured  with  spices.  Comp.  our  punch.  They  seek 
highly-flavoured  wine  in  the  spirit  of  connoisseurs.  (31)  red, 
wh.  prob.  indicated  the  pi'esence  of  spices  that  increased  its 
Btimulating  qualities,  colour,  or  "  the  bubbles  on  wh,  the 
wine-drinker  looks  with  complacency."  moveth.,  etc.,''  or 
goeth  down  sweetly.  (32)  adder,  or  cockatrice.  After  conse- 
quences to  the  self-indulgent  become  terrible  and  fatal. 

!/'/ie  drunhard's  effif/y  {r.  2'J). — Some  things  to  be  observed. 
I.  His  sensual  indulgence,  II.  His  offensive  garrulousness. 
III.  His  bloodshot  face.  IV.  His  wretched  condition.  V.  His 
easy  temptability.  VI.  His  reckless  stupidity.'  VII.  His  un- 
conquerable thirst.     Apply : — Young  men,  look  at  this  terrible 


The  doings  of  drink. — A  collier  brig  was  stranded  on  the  York- 
ehire  coast,  and  a  clergyman  had  occasion  to  assist  in  the  dis- 
tressing service  of  rescuing  a  part  of  the  crew  by  drawing  them 
up  a  vertical  cliff  two  or  three  hundred  feet  in  altitude,  by 
means  of  a  very  small  rope,  the  only  material  at  hand.  The 
first  two  men  who  caught  hold  of  the  rope  were  hauled  safely 
up  to  the  top  :  but  the  next,  after  being  drawn  to  a  considerable 
height,  slipped  his  hold  and  fell ;  and  v\  ith  the  fourth  and  last 
who  ventured  upon  this  only  chance  of  life,  the  rope  gave  way, 
and  he  also  was  plunged  into  the  foaming  breakers  beneath. 
Immediately  afterwards  the  vessel  broke  up,  and  the  remnant  of 
the  ill-fated  crew  perished  before  our  eyes.  "VMiat  now  was  the 
cause  of  this  heartrending  event ,''  Was  it  stress  of  weather,  or  a 
contrary  wind,  or  unavoidable  accident?  No  such  thing.  It 
was  the  entire  want  of  moral  conduct  in  the  crew.  Every 
Bailor,  to  a  man,  was  in  a  state  of  intoxication  I  The  helm  was 
entrusted  to  a  boy  ignorant  of  the  coast.  He  ran  the  vessel  upon 
the  rock  at  Whitby,  and  one-half  of  the  miserable,  dissipatetl 
crew  awoke  to  consciousness  in  eternity.'' 

33—35.  (33)  eyes  ,  .  women,  drinking  being  exciting  to 
sensuality  :«  and  the  tempters  taking  advantage  of  the  lost  self- 
control  of  those  in  drink,  perverse  things,  the  talk  of  the 
drunken  is  often  very  foul,  (34)  lieth  .  .  sea,  a  suggestive 
picture  of  the  inability  of  the  drunken  to  stand  steady,  lieth  .  , 
mast,  jn  drunken  drowsiness  knowing  no  danger  wherever  he 
may  be  put.  (35)  stricken,  etc.,''  an  imitation  of  the  mauuder- 
ings  of  the  drunken  man.  yet  again,  drinking  habits  becoming 
a  constant  enticement  and  slavery. 

The  Qvakers  advice. — An  elderly  gentleman,  accustomed  to 
"  indulge,"  entei'ed  the  travellers'  room  of  a  tavern  where  sat  a 
grave  Friend  by  the  fire.  Lifting  a  pair  of  green  spectacles  upon 
his  forehead,  rubbing  his  inflamed  eyes,  and  calling  for  brandy 
and  water,  he  complained  to  the  Friend  that  "  his  eyes  were 
getting  weaker,  and  that  even  spectacles  didn't  seem  to  do  them 
any  good."  '•  I'll  tell  thee,  friend, "  repli*d  the  Quaker,  "  what  I 
think.  If  thou  wouldst  wear  thy  spectacles  over  thy  mouth  for 
a  few  months  thine  eyes  would  get  well  again." — Drunkards — 
ovhen  to  bo  corrected. — Correct  not  your  servants  when  they  are 
drunk,  it  shows  as  if  you  were  drunk  yourself.'^ 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  P 


a  "  The    sharp 

touch  of  the  sa- 
tirist r  e  [)  r  o- 
iluccs  tlie  actual 
inarticulate  iit- 
terances  of 
drunkenness."  — 
Spk.  Cum. 

6  P  o  s  s  i  b  1  y  its 
foaming,  or 
sparkling,  may 
be  meant, 

IT, 2!), 30.  J.Ram- 
sey, 69. 

c  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 

"  The  sight  of  a, 
drunkard  is  a 
better  sermon 
against  that  vice 
than  the  best 
that  was  ever 
pre.ached  upon 
that  subject." — 
!-kiville. 

d  R.  T.  S. 

"  A  drunken  man 
is  like  a  drowned 
man,  a  fool,  and 
a  madinan  ;  one 
drauglit  above 
heat  makes  him 
a  fool ;  the  second 
mads  him  ;  and 
the  third  drowns 
liim.  "  —  £/iaie- 
speare. 


a  "  The  moral  ef- 
fects of  drink  are 
-  it  inflames  pas- 
sion, lays  open 
tlie  heart,  pro- 
duces  insensi- 
bility to  the 
greatest  dangers, 
and  debars  from 
reformation 
under  the  se- 
V  e  r  e  s  t  suff  er- 
ing.?." — Faussei. 
b  "He  tells  how 
he  feebly  remem- 
bers liaving  ex- 
perienced, with- 
out really  feeUiig, 
even  blows  and 
bodily  abuse  of 
other  kinds, 
while  he  was  in 
his  intoxication." 
-a  Ziickler. 
r.  34.  F.  L  fttit' 
pierrf.  ii.  37. 
e  Cteobuiui, 


226 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxlv.  1— 4i 


a  Dr.  D.  Thnmn!!. 
"  As  a  sliiulnw 
accompanies 
those  tliat  walk 
In  the  sun,  so 
envy  is  a  con- 
stant companion 
of  those  t)iat  ex- 
cel others.  As 
there  is  no 
shadow  where 
there  is  no  sun, 
so  there  is  no 
envy  where  there 
is  no  prospnrity. 
Astlie  joysof  the 
liappy  increase, 
the  sorrows  of  the  I 
envious  multiply,  j 
As  a  ship  tosseil 
with  continual  1 
waves,  so  the  I 
envious  is  always 
in  trouble  of 
miml,  repining  at 
the  success  of 
other  s."—  CViw'- 
drny. 
h  Cowley. 


a  Dr.  D.  Thrmns. 
Athanasius  once 
said,  "If  the 
world  goes 
against  truth, 
then  Athanasius 
goes  against  the 
world,  for  Jeho- 
vah and  Athana- 
sius are  always  a 
majority." 
"  Truth  is  the 
joining  or  sepa- 
rating of  signs, 
as  the  things  sig- 
nified agree  or 
d  i  s  a  g  r  e  e." — 
Locke. 

"  The  more  we 
know, the  greater 
our  thirst  for 
knowledge.  The 
water  lil}',  in  the 
midst  of  waters, 
opens  its  leaves 
and  expands  its 
petals  at  the  first 
pattering  of 
showers,  and  re- 
joices iu  the 
rain-drops  with 
a  quicker  sym- 
pat!iy  than  tlie 
parched  .siiruli  in 
the  sandy  de- 
tert,"— Coleridge. 


CHAPTER  THE  TJFENTY-FOUETH. 

1,  2.  (1)  envious,  etc..  Ps.  xxxvii.  1,  Ixxiii.  3.    (2)  studieth, 

plotteth.  plaiineth,  what  really  will  prove  to  be  destruction. 

77ir  riUfini/  and  nh.surditu  of  ,<tin  (c.  1 ). — I.  The  villany  of  siu. 
Here  is  a  description  of  siuners.  1.  Their  study  is  destruction  ; 
2.  Their  speech  is  mischief.  II.  The  absurdity  of  sin.  1.  Siu 
envies  the  most  unenviable  things  ;  2.  Siu  desires  the  most  un- 
desirable things." 

Desfripfion  and  orir/in  of  envy. — 

Envy  at  last  crawls  forth  from  hell's  dire  throng', 
Of  all  the  direfuU'st !  her  black  locks  hung  long, 
Attird  witli  curling  serpents  :  her  pale  skin 
Was  almost  dropp'd  from  her  sharp  bones  within  ; 
And  at  her  breast  stuck  vipers,  which  did  prey 
Upon  her  panting  heart  both  night  and  day, 
Sucking  black  blood  from  thence,  which  to  repair, 
Both  day  and  night  they  left  fresh  poisons  there. 
Her  garments  were  deep-stain'd  in  human  gore, 
And  torn  by  her  own  hands,  in  which  she  bore 
A  knotted  whip  and  bowl,  which  to  the  brim 
Did  with  green  gall  and  juice  of  wormwood  swim  ; 
With  which,  when  she  was  drunk,  she  furious  grew, 
And  lashed  herself  :  thus  from  the  accursed  orew 
Envy,  the  worst  of  fiends,  herself  presents ; 
Envy,  good  only  when  she  herself  torments.* 

3,  4.  (3)  a  house,  put  here  as  a  fig.  of  the  family.  What 
applies  to  the  house  applies  much  more  to  the  rearing  of  a  family, 
established,  on  sound  and  good  foundations.  (4)  chambers, 
the  parts  of  wh.  the  house  is  made  up  ;  the  members  of  the 
family,    precious  and  pleasant,  right  and  beautiful. 

InteUigcnf  f/oodncs-.f  {rr.  3 — 7). — We  shall  take  wisdom  here  not 
only  as  representing  piety,  but  piety  in  association  with  intelli- 
gence and  skill.  I.  It  is  conducive  to  wealth.  II.  It  is  con- 
ducive to  power.  1.  Intelligence  apart  from  jiiety  is  power:  2. 
Piety  apart  from  intelligence  is  a  higher  kind  of  power  ;  3.  Piety 
associated  with  intelligence  is  the  highest  creature  power.  III. 
It  is  conducive  to  safety.  1 .  It  takes  counsel  of  the  wise  ;  2.  It 
has  power  at  the  gate." 

Tlir  ]>liihmiphrr  and  the  ferryman. — A  philosopher  stepped  on 
board  a  fi-rryboat  to  cross  a  stream  ;  on  the  passage  he  inquired 
of  the  ferryman  if  he  understood  arithmetic.  The  man  looked 
astonished.  "Arithmetic'  No,  sir,  never  heard  of  it  before." 
The  philosopher  replied  :  "  I  am  very  sorry,  for  one  quarter  of 
your  life  is  gone.'  A  few  minutes  after,  he  asked  the  ferryman: 
"  Do  you  know  anything  of  mathematics  .' "  The  boatman  smiled, 
and  n^plied,  "  No.''  "  Well,  then,"  said  the  philosopher,  "  another 
quarter  of  your  life  is  gone."  A  third  question  was  asked  the 
ferryman:  "Do  you  understand  astronomy.'"  "Oh,  no,  no  I 
never  heard  of  such  a  thing."  "Well,  my  friend,  then  another 
quarter  of  your  life  is  gone. '  Just  at  this  moment  the  boat  ran 
on  a  rock,  and  was  sinking,  when  the  ferryman  jumped  up, 
pulled  off  his  coat,  and  asked  the  philosopher,  with  great  earnest- 
ness of  manner,  "Sir,  can  you  swim?"    "No,"  said  the  philo- 


Cap.  xxiv.  5—12.] 


227 


sopher.  "Well,  then,"  said  the  ferryman,  "your  whole  life  is 
lost ;  for  the  boat  is  going  to  the  bottom." 

5,  6.  (5)  is  strong,  lif.  in  in  strength,  i.e.  is  rooted  and  esta- 
blished in  it.     (C)  counsel,  etc.,  comp.  eh.  xi.  14.  xx.  18. 

Application  of  Itnowh-dge. — In  a  dark  night,  I  once  saw  a  feeble 
lamp  straggling  to  pierce  the  dense  darkness  :  but  the  mighty 
genius  of  night  defied  its  impotent  rays.  Near  by,  I  saw  another 
lamp,  of  the  same  general  pattern,  whose  light  streamed  out 
dazzlingly  into  the  distant  darkness.  I  asked,  "  Why  does  this 
lamp  give  more  light  than  the  other .'  Is  the  oil  better  .' "  "  No.'" 
"Does  it  burn  more  oil.'"  "No."  "Is  the  burner  better?" 
"No."  "But.  surely,  it  generates  more  light'"  Unexpectedly, 
the  answer  was  "  No."  "  Why,  then,  does  it  emit  a  light  so  much 
more  dazzling  than  the  other  .'"  This  was  the  answer  :  •'  Do  you 
see  behind  that  bright  lamp  the  polished  reflector,  which  the  ! 
other  has  not .'  That  reiiector  gathers  all  the  divergent  rays,  j 
and  converges  and  flings  them  out  in  one  glittering  flood  of 
light."  Professor  Jaques  thus  illustrates  two  men  equally  learned  : 
one  having  the  power  of  reducing  his  knowledge  to  practice,  and 
the  other  destitute  of  it. 

7—9.  (7)  in  the  gate,  ch.  xxii.  22.«  (8)  mischievous, 
because  he  is  set  upon  doing  the  wrong,  which  is  always  injurious 
and  mischievous.  (9j  thought  .  .  sin,  i.e.  cherishing  the  foolish 
and  the  wilful  is  sin.  The  suggestion  of  evil  is  not  our  sin,  but 
the  cherishing  of  the  evil  suggestion  is  our  sin.  scorner,  or 
scoQ'er. 

A.'tpects  of  depravxiy  (/  ?'.  8,  9). — Depravity  is  represented  to  us 
in  the  text  as — I.  Mischievous  in  purpose.  1.  This  is  the  work 
of  the  devil ;  2.  It  is  the  work  to  which  he  inspires  all  his  fol- 
lowers. II.  As  sinful  in  thought.  1.  Voluntary ;  2.  Involun- 
tary.    III.  As  abhorrent  in  character.* 

A  silent  reproof. — The  Rev.  Mr.  W ,  missionary  at  the  Sand- 

M'ich  Islands,  a  short  time  before  leaving  America,  took  a  passage 
from  New  York  to  New  Haven  in  a  packet.  In  the  evening,  a 
company  of  fellow-passengers,  who  were  quite  profane,  gathered 
round  a  table  on  which  was  the  only  light  burning  in  the  cabin, 

and  soon  became  deeply  engaged  in  gambling.     Mr.  W ,  after 

reflecting  some  time  on  the  best  means  of  reproving  them,  drew 
a  Bible  from  his  trunk,  and  politely  requested  that  he  might 
have  a  seat  at  the  same  table,  for  the  purpose  of  reading.  The 
sight  of  the  Bible  at  once  stopped  their  swearing  :  and  after 
gambling  in  total  silence  about  ten  minutes,  they  all  left  the 
table  and  went  upon  deck — thus  evincing  that  the  silent  re- 
proofs of  a  good  man,  with  the  Bible  in  his  hand,  are  too  loud 
and  too  pointed  for  the  guilty  consciences  of  some  gamblers  to 
endure.'" 

10 — 12.  (10)  faint,  under  trial,  or  temptation  :  the  day  of 
straits.'  small,  or  strait:  a  play  on  the  word.  (11)  forbear, 
etc..  reference  is  to  neglect  of  the  proper  duty  of  a  king  to  defend 
those  who  are  unjustly  condemned.  The  veto  of  life  and  death 
is  in  the  hand  of  the  king."  (12)  we  knew  it  not,  the  excuse 
of  neglect,  wh.  cannot  be  accepted  bee.  due  inquiry  may  not  have  | 
been  made,  render  .  .  works,  "  God's  retributive  justice  cannot 
be  avoided  by  professed  ignorance." 

Ike  folly  of  cam  exuusts  (^vv,  11,  12). — I.  The  excuses  by  which 
p2 


r.  6.  /.  Abernfthy, 
iii.  86 ;  J.  C.  Oal- 
loicay,  309, 

"A    climbing 

height  it  is,  with- 
out a  head,  depth 
witliout  bottom, 
wa3' witliout  end; 
.1  circle  with  no 
line  environ'd, 
not  comprehend- 
ed,— all  it  com- 
prehends worth 
infinite,  yet  satis- 
fies no  mind  ;  till 
it  that  infinite  ot 
the  Godhead 
fini\."--Greville. 

'•Jetting  down  ia 
wriiing  is  a  last- 
ing memory." — 
Fielding. 


a  "  "Wisdom  is  in 
high  places, 
whose  lofty  alti- 
tudes cannot  be 
scaled  by  fools." 
—  Woi'dsioorth, 

V.  9.  Dr.  R, 
Fiddes,  i.  60. 

6  Dr.  D.  Thomas. 

"  "U^eigh    not    SO 

much  what  men 

say  as  what  they 

j  prove;   remem- 

I  bering  that  truth 

1  is    simple   and 

naked,  and  needs 

I  not  invective  to 

apparelhercome- 

[  li  ne  ss."  —  Hir 

I  P/iilij}  Sidne!/. 

c  Whitecross. 

To  the  "tree  of 
knowledge  "  be 
sure  there  be 
added  "the  tree 
of  life." 

a "Instead  of 
fainting  (and 
falling  short  of 
duty) in  the  day 
of  adversity,  the 
man  is  to  help 
others  to  the 
uttermost  of  his 
pow  er." — Spk. 
Com. 

V.  12.  Bp.  Sander' 
son,  603. 

«».  11, 12.  Dr.P, 


J28 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxiv.  13—16. 


Doddridge,  iii. 
229. 

b  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

"  The  only  w.ay 
to  make  tlip  mass 
of  mankiiul  sec 
tlie  beauty  of 
justice  is  by 
showing  them  in 
pretty  plain 
terms  the  conse- 
quence of  inius- 
t  i  o  e."  —  Sydney 
Smith. 

c  Doddridge. 


a  Comp.  Ps.  xix. 
10. 

"  Honey  entered 
largelv  into  the 
diet  oif  Heb.  chil- 
dren (Is.  vii.  15), 
so  that  it  was  a 
natural  emblem 
for  the  purest 
and  simplest  wis- 
dom."—<S>i.  Com. 

h  Pr.  xxili.  18. 

"Hebrew,     in 

point  of  force  and 
purity,  seems  at 
its  height  in 
Isaiah;  it  is  most 
corrupt  in  Daniel, 
and  not  much 
less  so  in  Eccle- 
siastes ;  which  I 
cannot  believe  to 
have  been  actu- 
ally composed  by 
Solomon,  but  ra- 
ther sui)])ose  to 
have  been  so  at- 
tril)uted  by  the 
Jews,  in  their 
passion  for  as- 
criliing  all  works 
of  that  sort  to 
their  grand  mo- 
narque." — Cole- 
ridge. 


't  "  From  the  Fall 
to  this  hour  there 
has  been  in  the 
mind  of  the 
wicked  an  aver- 
sion to  the  truly 
righteous.  In 
every  .-hnpter  of 
hum.  history  this 
•amity   is   re- 


men  deceive  their  ovra.  souls,  as  pleas  for  the  nejriect — 1.  Of  reli- 
gious duties  ;  2.  Of  moral  duties.  II.  The  folly  of  resting  in 
them,  for  God — 1.  Will  judge  with  truth;  2.  Will  reward  with 
equity.  Let  the  subject  teach  us  — ( 1 )  To  be  jealous  over  ourselves 
with  a  godly  jealousy  ;  (2)  To  live  in  the  daily  expectation  of 
the  future  judgment.* 

Jmi'icc  to  the  condemned. — It  was  allowed  among  the  Jews  that 
if  any  person  could  offer  anything  in  favoiu*  of  a  prisoner  after 
sentence  w^as  passed,  he  might  be  heard  before  execution  was 
done  ;  and  therefore  it  was  usual,  as  the  Mishna  shows,  that 
when  a  man  was  led  to  execution,  a  crier  went  before  him  and 
proclaimed,  '•  This  man  is  now  going  to  be  executed  for  such  a 
crime,  and  such  and  sach  are  witnesses  against  him  .  whoever 
knows  him  to  be  innocent,  let  him  come  forth,  and  make  it 
appear."" 

13,  14.  (13)  honey  .  .  honeycomb,  the  figs,  for  food  that 
is  specially  pleasant  and  agreeable."  Honey  was  one  of  the 
choice  productions  of  Canaan,  and  it  was  as  healthful  and 
j  strengthening  as  it  was  jileasant.  (14)  knowledge  of 
}  wisdom,  //;*.  "  Know  wisdom  for  thy  soul."  Let  it  be  to  thy 
;  soul  as  honey  to  th^^  palate,  reward,  lit.  after-part,  expec- 
I  tation,  of  blessing  out  of  knowledge.* 

j      2'lie  .<i)veetne.s-.i  of  Dirine   n-i,^doiii  (rr.  13,  14). — As  honey  is  to 
the  bodily  appetite,  so  is  wisdom  to  the  soul.     I.  Under  peculiai* 
I  circumstances.    Thus,  to  the  traveller  honey  is  a  refreshment  :  so 
i  to  heaven-bound  travellers  is  wisdom.     II.  In  its  associations. 
!  Thus  Samson's  honey  would   remind  him  of  his  previous  en- 
counter with  the  lion  ;  and  Divine  wisdom  sometimes  reminds  us 
of  the  victories  of  grace.     III.  In  its  accumulations.     Honey  is 
extracted  from   a   thousand  flowers,  and   carefully    stored  :   so 
wisdom  is  drawn  from  many  texts,  and  lodged  in  the  memory. 
IV.  In  its  assimilation.      Honey  must  be  taken  into  the  body, 
etc. ;    wisdom  must  be  mentally  digested.     V.  In  its  fitness  to 
the  palate.     Honey  is  not  liked  by  all,  nor  is  wisdom. 

Honey  an  emblem  of  ])leaiinre. — In  this  country  persons  do  not 
"  find "  honey  under  circumstances  which  constitute  them  its 
lawful  jiOf^sessors,  though  they  maj'  obtain  it  by  puf chase  or  by 
bee-nurture.  But  the  caution  touches  those  who  do  not  live  in  a 
"  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey."  The  honey  is  unmistak- 
ably the  representative  of  pleasure,  attainable,  we  may  say.  by 
things  lawful  in  themselves,  and  only  evil  when  abused.  Just 
as  bread  sets  forth,  in  figure,  the  daily  comforts  of  life  viewed 
en  masse,  so  does  honej'  stand  for  those  pleasures  an  excess  of 
which  causes  a  moral  surfeit.  The  same  idea  occurs  in  the 
writings  of  some  of  the  pagans  of  olden  time,  for  we  find  an 
ancient  ])hilo.-iopher  advising  his  pupils  that  honey  should  be 
eaten  with  the  tip  of  the  finger. 

15,  16.  (1.5)  O  wicked  man,  better,  "with  wicked  men."' 
against  the  dwelling,  thinking  to  charge  some  iiuquity 
upon  it,  or  compass  some  design  against  it.  (Ifi)  falleth,  into 
such  ealainifies  as  men  by  wicked  devices  may  bring  upon  him. 
There  is  no  reference  here  to  the  good  man's  falling  into  .9//*. 
"  The  point  of  the  teaching  is  not  the  liability  of  even  good  men 
to  err,  but  God"s  iirovidentiul  care  over  them."*  seven  times, 
a  definite  put  for  an  indefinite  number.'    Comp.  oui'  tenn,  '•  again 


Cap.  xxiv.  17,  18.] 


PIW  VKRBS. 


229 


and  again."  There  is  a  marvellous  buoyancy  in  goodness, 
shall  fall,'  and  know  no  uprising. 

A  )vord  to  the  wicked  concerning  the  good  {v.  15). — T.  WTiat  is 
implied  in  this  text .'  1 .  That  the  wicked  can  discern  goodness  ; 
2.  That  he  is  maliciously  disposed  to  destroy  the  good  man ;  3. 
That  he  is  envious  of  him.  II.  What  is  taught  in  it  ?  1 .  That 
a  good  man  may  faU  before  the  machinations  of  the  wicked  :  2. 
That  if  he  recover  from  the  fall,  lie  will  still  pursue  the  right 
way  ;  3.  That  the  fall  of  the  wicked  adds  to  his  disgrace. 

Malicioiixne.ss  cprrectcd. — A  gentleman  had  a  garden,  in  which 
he  took  great  delight.  It  was  surrounded  by  the  cottages 
of  his  tenants  and  labourers,  to  whom  he  justly  looked  as 
the  protectors  of  his  property,  and  felt  secure,  inasmuch  as  no 
person  could  approach  his  premises  but  through  theirs.  He  had 
for  some  days  watched  the  progress  of  a  fine  bed  of  tulips.  "  To- 
morrow." said  he,  '"they  will  be  in  full  perfectiom"  and  he  in- 
vited a  company  of  friends  to  witness  the  display  of  their  beauties. 
In  the  morning  he  hastened  to  the  spot :  but  to  his  utter  astonish- 
ment, the  whole  bed  was  a  scene  of  shrivelled  desolation.  Some 
unaccountable  influence  had  withered  every  stem,  and  each 
flower  lay  prostrate  and  fading  on  the  ground.  A  short  time 
afterwards,  a  bed  of  ranunculuses  shared  the  same  fate  :  and  in 
succession  several  other  choice  and  favouiite  productions.  At 
length  the  gentleman  became  persuaded  that  the  destruction  did 
not  proceed  from  any  natural  cause,  such  as  blight  or  lightning, 
but  that  it  must  have  been  occasioned  by  the  intentional  mischief 
of  some  treacherous  and  malignant  individual  who  had  access  to 
the  grounds.  He  resolved  therefore  to  watch,  and  engaged  a 
friend  to  accompany  him  for  that  purpose.  After  remaining  in 
their  station  some  time,  they  saw  a  person  come  out  of  one  of  the 
cottages,  and  apply  some  destructive  preparation  to  the  roots  of 
such  flowers  as  were  advancing  to  blossom.  The  gentleman  at 
once  recognised  him  as  a  workman  whom,  a  few  weeks  before,  he 
had  had  occasion  to  reprove,  and  who  thus  malignantly  gratified 
his  resentment.  His  friend  strongly  urged  that  the  offender 
should  be  prosecuted,  and  offered  to  bear  witness  against  him. 
But  the  proprietor  replied,  "  No  :  I  am  much  obliged  V.y  yoiu- 
kindness  in  remaining  with  me  ;  I  have  ascertained  the  author 
of  the  mischief,  and  am  satisfied  ;  I  must  use  another  m.e'uhod  of 
dealing  with  him."  In  the  morning,  the  gentleman  ordered  his 
servant  to  purchase  a  fine  joint  of  meat,  and  carry  it  to  the 
cottage  of  this  man,  desiring  he  would  enjoy  it  with  his  family. 
This  treatment,  so  contrary  to  his  deserts  and  exi^ectations, 
proved  the  means  of  effectually  humbling  and  softening  his 
stubborn  and  malignant  heart.  The  ofl"ender  presented  himself 
before  his  injured  master,  freely  confessed  his  guilt,  implored 
forgiveness,  and  proved  from  that  day  forward  a  most  faithful, 
diligent,  and  devoted  servant.  "  If  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed 
him  ;  if  he  thirst,  give  him  drink ;  for  in  so  doing  thou  shalt  heap 
coals  of  fire  on  his  head.  Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but  overcome 
evil  with  good."' 

17,  18.  (17)  rejoice  not,  "delight  in  injury  is  the  twiiv 
sister  to  a  plotting  intrigue  and  violence.""  Stumbleth,  nee 
the  word  used  in  verse  16,  '■  fall  into  mischief."  (18)  displease 
him,  Hch.  ■'  it  be  evil  in  His  eyes."  turn  .  .  him,  and  bring 
that  vfrath  to  bear  pn  you,* 


vealed."—  Don, 
Thomas,  D.D. 

b  Ps.  xxxiv.  19. 

•^  Job  V.  19. 

rf  "  Are  brought 
to  a  downfall  by 
calani  i  ty." — 0. 
Zockier. 

vv.  15,  16.  W. 
Rertiinan,  i.  310. 
"Think,  wlion 
you  are  enr.iped 
at  any  one.  wliat 
j'our  sentiments 
would  probably 
become  should  he 
die  during  the 
dispute."  —  Shen- 
stone. 

The  'infatuated 
Caligula  slew  his 
brotiier  because 
he  was  a  buauti- 
f ul  .young  man. 

"  There  is  no 
small  degree  of 
malicious  craft  iu 
fixing  upon  a 
season  to  give  a 
mark  of  enmity 
and  ill-will :  a 
word  —  a  look, 
which  at  one 
time  would  make 
no  impression,  at 
another  time 
w  o  u  n  d  s  the 
heart,  and,  like  a 
shaft  flying  with 
the  wind,  pierces 
deep,  which  with 
its  own  natural 
force  would, 
scarce  have 
reached  the  ob- 
ject aimed  at." — 
Sterne. 

"  They  say  that 
love  and  tears 
are  learned  with- 
out any  master ; 
and  I  may  say 
tliat  there  is  no 
great  need  of 
studying  at  the 
court  to  learn 
envy  and  ro- 
veugc."-A'.  Caut- 
sill. 

r  R.  T-  & 


a  Job  X'cxl.  29; 
Ps.  XXXV.  i5  ;  Pi 
xvii.  5. 

Be  more  glad  to 
gee    a    man's 


230 


[Cap.  Kxl7.  19,  20i 


anienrlnipnt  than 
his    punishment. 

6  "  Lest  He  t\irn 
His  wrath  to 
thee."— Scfiullens. 

"  Thy  joy  will  be 
suicidal,  the 
wrath  of  the 
righteous  Jmige 
will  be  turni'd 
upon  thee  as  the 
grL-ater  offender, 
and  thou  wilt 
hive  to  bear  a 
woiae  evil  than 
that  which  thou 
exidtest  in."  — 
Spi.  Com. 

"  He  that  is  not 
concerned  that 
his  brother 
should  perish  is 
in  great  danger 
of  perishing  him- 
self." —  i(^.  Wil- 
son. 

e  The  King's  Son. 


«  Ps.  Ixxiii.  2,  3 ; 
Pr.  i.  11. 


*    Lit. 
ture." 


no  fu- 


c  Job  xxi.  17 ;  Ps. 
xxxvii.  2. 

The  way  of  every 
man  is  declara- 
tive of  the  end  of 
that  man.  Men 
reap  as  they  sow. 

rv.  19,  20.  /.  O. 
Znllikoff,')-,!.  21G; 
J.  W.  Warier,  L 
263. 

"  Genius  may  co- 
exist with  wilil- 
n  e  s  s,  idleness, 
folly,  even  with 
crime ;  but  not 
long,  believe  me, 
with  seltishne.ss, 
and  the  indul- 
p;nce  of  an  envi- 
ous disposition." 
— Colet-idge. 

"  Our      aim     is 

happiness ;  'tis 
yours,  "tis  mine, 
he  said  ;  't;s  the 
pursuit  of  all 
that  live,  yet  few 
attain  it,  if  'twas 


Malice  overruled  for  good  to  the  (jood  (it.  17,  18). — I.  The 
envious  heart  — 1.  Rejoices  revengefully  when  an  enemy  falls  :  2. 
Is  g-lad  when  a  man  in  the  rig-ht  way  .'^tumbles.  II.  God's 
rebuke  of  envy.  1.  He  sees  it ;  2.  Is  displeased  with  it :  3. 
Helps  the  man  who  falls  or  .stumbles,  not  because  of  merit  only, 
but  also  to  rebuke  the  envious  ;  4.  This  may  explain  the  recovery 
of  men  in  many  instances,  and  serve  to  moderate  the  exultation 
of  the  just ;  their  deliverance  may  bt  lot  a  reward  to  them,  but 
a  rebitke  to  others. 

BlUij  Brnif-t  parnhle. — A  celebrated  local  preacher,  generally 
known  as  Billy  Bray,  was  once  preaching-  with  great  effect  to  a 
large  congregation,  principally  miners.  In  that  neighbourhood 
there  were  two  mines,  one  very  prosperous  and  the  other  quite 
the  reverse,  for  the  work  was  hard  and  the  wages  low.  He 
represented  himself  as  working  at  that  mine,  but  on  the  "  pay- 
day "  going  to  the  prosperous  one  for  his  wages.  But  had  he 
not  been  at  work  at  the  other  mine  ?  the  manager  inquired. 
He  had,  but  he  liked  the  wages  at  the  good  mine  the  best.  He 
pleaded  very  earnestly,  but  in  vain.  He  was  dismissed  at  last 
vnth  the  remark,  from  which  there  was  no  appeal,  that  he  must 
come  there  to  work  if  he  came  there  for  his  wages.  And  then 
he  turned  upon  the  congregation,  and  the  effect  was  almost  irre- 
sistible, that  they  must  serve  Christ  here  if  they  would  share  His 
glory  hereafter  ;  but  if  they  would  serve  the  devil  now,  to  him 
they  must  go  for  their  wages  by-and-by.' 

19,  20.  (19)  fret  not,  etc.,  as  Ps.  xxxvii.  1.  envious,  be 
not  excited,  burn  not  against.  The  undeserved  prosperity  of 
wicked  men  might  excite  to  imitation  of  their  wicked  conduct." 
(20)  no  reward.,*  none  as  a  Divine  recognition  ;  none  that 
shall  be  permanent  and  satisfying.  candle,  or  lamp :  ch. 
xiii.  9.' 

A  common  fault  corrected  (vv.  19,  20). — I.  The  fault  defined, — 
"  fret,"  etc.  Men  are  fretful  sometimes  when  they  see  the 
prosperity  of  the  wicked,  as  compared  with  the  sorrows  of  the 
good  ;  they  sometimes  wish  they  had  some  of  the  good  things 
that  fall  to  others,  and  excuse  their  envy  by  thinking  of  what  in 
such  a  case  they  would  do.  II.  The  fault  corrected.  Tlie  wicked 
shall  have  no  reward  for  any  good  he  may  have  done  :  "  they 
have  their  reward,"  "  their  candle,"  etc.,  i.e.  the  light  of  their 
fame,  office,  power,  wealth,  life. 

Pliocion'.H  dj/hifj  charge  to  his  iWn.— Phociou  was  an  Athenian, 
born  some  four  hundred  years  B.C.,  and  one  of  the  most  upright 
and  benevolent  heathen  that  ever  lived.  Yet  he  was  condemned 
to  die  as  a  criminal,  and  denied  even  a  grave  in  the  country  to 
which  he  had  devoted  his  life.  What  could  be  more  unjust  in 
the  Athenians,  than  putting  their  public  benefactor  to  death  in 
such  a  way  as  this  .'  They  sadly  repented  their  madness  after- 
wards, put  the  accuser  to  death,  and  erected  a  statue  to  Phocion'8 
memory.  But  when  Phocion  had  taken  the  poison  whi<!h  he 
was  condemned  to  drink,  and  was  about  to  die,  ••  he  charged  his 
son,  with  his  last  breath,  that  he  should  show  no  resentment 
against  his  persecutor.s."'' — Choice  of  hoppinrsn  or  mi.'<rrii. — He' 
that  will  allow  exquisite  and  endless  happiness  to  be  but  the 
possible  consequence  of  a  good  life  here,  and  the  contrary  state 
the  possible  reward  of  a  bad  one.  must  own  himself  to  judge  very 
much  amiss  if  he  does  not  conclude  that  a  yirluoua  life,  with  tha 


Cap.  xxiv.  21-26.J 


PROVERBS. 


231 


certain  expectation  of  everlasting  bliss  which  may  come,  is  to  be 
preferred  to  a  vicioiis  one,  with  the  fear  of  that  dreadful  state  of 
misery  which  it  is  very  possible  may  overtake  the  guilty,  or  at 
best  the  terrible  uncertain  hope  of  annihilation.  This  is  evidently 
BO,  though  the  vii-tuous  life  here  had  nothing  but  pain,  and  the 
vicious,  continual  pleasure  ;  which  yet  is,  for  the  most  part,  quite 
otherwise,  and  wicked  men  have  not  much  the  odds  to  brag  of, 
even  in  their  present  possession  ;  nay,  all  things  rightly  con- 
sidered, have,  I  think,  the  worse  jiart  here.  But  when  infinite 
happiness  is  put  in  one  scale,  against  infinite  misery  in  the  other, 
if  the  worst  that  comes  to  the  pious  man,  if  he  mistakes,  be  the 
best  that  the  wicked  attain  to,  if  he  be  in  the  right,  who  can 
without  madness  run  the  venture  ?  Who  in  his  wits  would 
choose  to  come  within  a  possibility  of  infinite  misery,  which  if 
he  miss  there  is  yet  nothing  to  be  got  by  that  hazaid  .'  whereas, 
on  the  other  side,  the  sober  man  ventures  nothing  against  infinite 
happiness  to  be  got,  if  his  expectation  comes  to  pass.  If  the 
good  man  be  in  the  right,  he  is  eternally  hajipy  ;  if  he  mistakes, 
he  is  not  miserable,  he  feels  nothing.  On  the  other  side,  if  the 
wicked  be  in  the  right,  he  is  not  happy  ;  if  he  mistakes,  he  is 
infinitely  miserable.  Must  it  not  be  a  most  manifest  wrong 
judgment  that  does  not  presently  see  to  which  side  in  this  case 
the  preference  is  to  be  given  I « 

21,  22.  (21)  fear  .  .  king,  comp.  Ec.  viii.  2,  x.  20  :  1  Pe.  ii. 
17.  given  to  change,  either  in  the  religious  worship  or  the 
national  government."  Those  who  oppose  the  present  order, 
who  are  seditious,  revolutionary.  (22)  suddenly,*  because 
agitators  are  dealt  with  vigorously.  To  discovered  rebels  little 
mercy  is  shown,  of  them  both,  i.e.  of  them  that  fear  not  the 
Lord,  and  of  them  that  fear  not  the  king ;  meddling  dema- 
gogues. 

Fear  God  and  the  Jdng  (v.  21). — I.  According  to  their  several 
relations  :  God  supremely,  the  king  subordinately.  II.  Accord- 
ing to  the  departments  of  their  rule  :  'Tender  to  Ca;sar,"  etc. 
III.  According  to  the  justness  of  their  administrations.  IV.  Ac- 
cording to  the  end  of  life,  when  God  will  be  everything,  and  the 
king  a  man  like  thyself. 

Sad  end  of  a  church  member. — Never  shall  I  forget  the  end  of 
one  with  whom  I  was  well  acquainted,  a  member  of  the  church 
of  which  I  was  pastor  at  Perth.  At  the  solicitation  of  a  traveller 
with  whom  he  did  business,  he  retired  one  eveniug  to  an  hotel. 
For  the  first  time  in  his  life  he  became  intoxicated,  went  home, 
and  in  the  heat  of  pa.ssion  excited  by  liquor  inflicted  on  his  wife 
injuries  of  which  she  died.  In  due  time  he  was  tried,  the  evi- 
dence was  conclusive,  and  sentence  of  death  was  pronounced. 
Never  shall  the  scene  be  effaced  from  my  memory.  I  attended 
him  in  his  cell,  and  was  the  last  to  leave  him  on  the  scaffold  : 
and  thei-e,  within  sight  of  the  church  of  which  he  had  been  forty 
years  a  member,  was  he  hanged  like  a  dog  1  "^ 

23—26.  (23)  respect  of  persons,  i.e.  so  as  to  allow  such 
respect  to  pervert  judgment.  Lit.  "  to  discern  faces,"  so  show- 
ing partiality."  (24)  wicked  .  .  righteous,  this  represents  a 
false  judicial  decision,  wh.  justifies  the  wicked,  people  curse, 
nothing  so  quickly  embitters  a  people  as  corruption  in  the 
fountains  of   justice.      (25)    rebuke,    the    wicked :    judging 


e'er  attftined ; 

but      they     the 

widest       wander 

I  fi-om    the   mark, 

I  who     thro'     the 

I  flowery  paths  of 

'  sauntering      joy 

seek  this  coy  Rod- 

dess."  —  A  r  m- 

slroiig. 

d  Cheever. 

e  Locke. 

"  As  flies  leave 
the  sound,  and 
liglit  upon  the 
Corrupted  and 
putrehed  parts  of 
the  body,  and  so 
dehght  in  the 
filtli  that  it  IS 
hard  to  keep 
them  fi-om  it,  so 
an  envious  man 
has  no  pleasure 
in  good  qualities, 
but  only  in  that 
which  is  diseased 
and  corrupted." 
— Caudray. 

a  "  Lit.  alterers  ; 
men  of  fickleness, 
who  cannot  be 
relied  o  n." — 
Wordsworlh. 

6  "Those  that  are 
of  restless,  fac- 
tious, turbulent 
spirits,conimonly 
pull  mischief 
upon  their  owa 
heads  ere  they 
are  aware. "-J/af. 
Henry. 

"  The  only  last- 
ing foundation  of 
civil  obedience  is 
the  fear  of  God  ; 
and  the  truest  iu- 
tere.st  of  princes 
is  to  maintain  the 
honour  of  reli- 
gion, by  wh.  they 
secure  their 
own." — Bp.  Sher- 
lock. 

c  Dr.  J.  Bums. 


a  "  If  they  who 
employ  their  la- 
bour and  travail 
about  tlie  public 
administration  of 
justice,  follow  it 
only  as  a  tiad% 


232 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxlv.  27. 


with  unquench- 
able tliinst  of 
gaiu.  being  not 
in  lieart  per- 
Buarlfil  that  jus- 
tice is  God's  own 
Work,  an  1  thi>m- 
selves  His  apents 
in  this  liu>iness. 
the  sentence  of 
right  God's  own 
▼  erdict,  and 
themselves  His 
priests  to  deliver 
it,  formalities  of 
justice  do  but 
serve  to  smother 
right,  and  that 
■which  was  neces- 
sarily ordained 
.for  the  coniiiion 
good  is,  through 
■  shameful  abuse, 
made  the  cause 
of  common  mi- 
sery."— //ooifr. 

(  Cheever. 

"  What  this  is 
the  Bible  alone 
shows  clearly  and 
certainly,  ami 
points  out  the 
way  that  leads  to 
the  attainment  of 
it.  This  is  that 
which  prevailed 
with  .St.  Augus- 
tine to  study  tlie 
Scriptures,  and 
engaged  his  affec- 
tion to  them  : — 
"In  Cicero  and 
Plato,  and  other 
such  writers,'says 
he,  'I  meet  with 
many  things 
acutely  said, 
anil  things  that 
e.\cite  a  certain 
warmth  of  emo- 
tion, but  in  none 
of  them  do  I  find 
these  words. 
Come  unto  Afe, 
all  ye  that  labour, 
and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will 
give  von  rest 
(Mitt.  xi.  28)."'- 
S.  T.  Coleridge. 

e  WMtecross. 

d  Alex.  Smilh. 


«  "Tike  care,  hy 
Oie  profitable  and 


righteous  judgme-at.    good   blessing,  that  of  a  people  who 

feel  secure  because  justice  rules.  (2(i)  kiss,  rfc,  better.  "He 
shall  kiss  lips  that  giveth  a  right  answer  :"  i.e.  He  shall  gain  the 
hearts  of  men  by  answering  righteously,  right  ans'wer,  lit. 
plain  words  :  not  deceptive,  or  obscure. 

lit'Kpcct  of  pi-7\'iO)is  (v.  23). — I.  Shows  a  mercenary  spirit.  II. 
Betray.s  a  tyrannous  heart  towards  the  poor.  III.  JManifests  a 
truckling  spirit  to  the  rich.  IV.  Exhibits  a  cowardly  mind 
towards  the  v>owerful.  V.  Demon.strates  a  mean  view  of  justice. 
VI.  Treasures  up  a  fearful  retribution,  when  one  will  be  judged 
as  he  now  judges. 

' Kfi.<<y  n-(ij/  to  I'onfer  Jiapplnr.is. — "If  a  civil  word  or  two  will 
render  a  man  happy,"  said  a  French  king,  "  he  mu.st  be  wretched 
indeed  who  will  not  give  them  to  him."     Were  superiors  to  keep 
this  in  view,  yea,  were  all  mankind  to  observe  it,  how  much 
happier  would  the  world   be  than  what  it  is !     We  may  say  of 
this  disposition,  "  that  it  is  like  lighting  another  man's  candle 
by  one's  own,  which  loses  none  of  its  light  by  what  the  other 
gains."* — Title.  a»d  charncti'i'. — An  elector  of  Cologne,  who  ia 
likewise   an   archbishop,  one   day  swearing  profanely,  asked  a 
peasant,  who  seemed  to  Avonder,  what  he  was  so  .surprised  at? 
"  To  hear  an  archbishop  swear,''  replied  the  peasant.     "  I  swear," 
replied   the   elector.  ■•  not  as  an  archbishop,  but  as  a  pi'ince." 
"  But,  my  lord,"  said  the  peasant,  "when  the  prince  goes  to  the 
devil,  what  vnW  become  ol  the  arehbi.-jhop .' "'' 
Happiness  ill  nature  and  rirJic.i  rontia.stcd. — 
I  sit  to-night 
As  dreary  as  the  pale  deserted  East, 
That  sees  the  sun,  the  sun  that  once  was  hers, 
Forgetful  of  her,  flattering  his  new  love, 
The  happy  blushing  West.     In  these  long  streets 
Of  traffic  and  of  noise,  the  human  hearts 
Are  hard  and  loveless  as  a  wreck-strewn  coast ; 
Eternity  doth  wear  upon  her  face 
The  veil  of  time.     They  only  see  the  veil. 
And  thus  they  know  not  what  ih^y  stand  so  near. 
Oh.  rich  in  gold  !     Beggars  in  heart  and  soul  I 
Poor  as  the  ei«ipty  void  !     Why  I.  even  I, 
Sitting  in  this  bare  chamber  with  my  thoughts, 
Are  richer  than  ye  all.  despite  your  bales, 
Your  streets  of  warehouses,  your  mighty  mills, 
Each  booming  like  a  world,  faint  heard  in  space. 
Your  ships;  unwilling  fires,  that  day  and  night 
Writhe  in  your  service  seven  years,  then  die 
Without  one  taste  of  peace.     Do  ye  believe 
A  sinii)le  primrose  on  a  grassy  bank 
Fort.h -peeping  to  the  sun,  a  wild-bird's  nest, 
The  great  orb,  dying  in  a  ring  of  clouds, 
Like  hoary  Jacob  "mong  his  waiting  sons  ; 
The  rising  moon,  and  the  young  stars  of  God, 
Are  things  to  love  .'     With  these  my  soul  is  brimmed  ; 
With  a  diviner  and  serener  joy 
Than  all  thy  heaven  of  money-bags  can  bring 
Thy  dry  heart.  Worldling  ! '' 
27.  'witliout,  in  the  field,  etc.     The  business  of  life,  by  wh, 
the  means  of  subsistence  is  gained,  is  conceived  of  as  away  from 


Cap.  xxiv.  27.] 


233 


the  dwelling-liouse.''  "  Let  those  things  wh.  are  obviously  most  'liiigent  prosecu- 
important  aud  necessary  be  done  first."  build.  .  .  house,  either  ^"'"  ".^  ^■^"^""  ^^• 
"  raise  a  dwelling,"  as  distinct  from  a  tent  in  the  field  ;  or  '•  found  '  first'^of  aU  for  ufo 
a  family," '•  set  up  a  domestic  establishment."*  I  needful  and  re- 

'J7ie  chip/  thinfi-t  Jirst  (r.  27). — I.  Apply  the  advice  here  given  ;  '''^'^''^  support  of 
to  the  common  things  of  life.  The  principal  thing  is  to  secure  |  H'^^^^^  y^^^^^^"^'^ ' 
the  means  of  living  :'  the  sphere  of  the  spending  vi'ill  follow  in  \  on  to  'the"'buiid° 
due  course.  A  word  to  young  married  people  who  are  apt  to  begin  ■  ■"?  »p  of  j-our 
life  with  too  large  establishments.  II.  Apply  it  to  the  higher  j  ^stablishmeut."  - 
concerns  of  the  soul.     "  Seek  fir.<t  the  kingdom  of  God,"  etc.  a    man'''"  should 

^'' Fear  nothing  but  sin.'' — A  group  had  gathered  ai'ound  the  ;  have  property 
couch  of  a  dying  mother.  In  an  hour  least  expected  the  summons  ^'''"  realised  and 
had  come,  bidding  her  depart  to  the  spirit-land.  She  had  but  a  j  enterson^schem*^! 
moment  to  think,  to  say  farewell  to  the  loved  ones  of  her  house-  jof  e.x pensive 
hold.  Hastily  calling  them  together,  they  were  only  in  time  to  ,  building. 
hear  her  dying  message — "  Fear  nothing  but  sin."  It  was  all ; ''  ^^'g\  ^], '  ^®" 
that  she  could  say.  Upon  the  sound  of  the  last  word,  the  cord  |  li.  '  '  "'  '^* 
of  life  snapped,  and  ''she  was  not,  for  God  took  ner. "  Thej'.s;.  Dr.T.iiuni, 
children  were  motherless,  but  what  a  legacy  she  had  left  them  !  ]^- 
In  that  single  moment  of  her  life  she  had  given  them  advice  g^id  by*  Solon* 
of  a  priceless  nature.  Through  all  their  days  it  might  re-  i '  No  man  ought 
main  with  them,  and  serve  as  a  .safe  guide  on  life's  pilgrimage.' —  I  *"  be  called  a 
Experience  regnrding  hippinens. — Eight  gentlemen  were  once  '  J]'^'''?^'  ?^^°  *-^'^ 
travelling  together  ;  when  each  gave  his  experience  in  reply  to  I  he  does  not  know 
the  question,  "Are  you  happy,  fully  happy.'"  A  banker  said  I  what  his  life  is 
that  he  had  acquired  a  fortune,  which  was  invested  beyond  a  j  *?  "^^  *  '^"*'  '-'hiis- 
possibility  of  loss  :  that  he  had  a  most  lovely  and  devoted  family, !  *|fi"'  'ihemseVvea 
yet  the  thought  that  he  must  leave  them  all  for  ever  cast  a ;  hai^py  men  here, 
funeral-pall  over  the  decline  of  his  life.  A  military  ofiicer  said  i '''"°'*"se,  wher. 
that  he  had  known  glory  and  the  intoxication  of  triumph  ;  but  I  c  aT/i"^![  "^t  h'  '^ 
after  the  battle  he  passed  over  the  field,  and  found  a  brother- 1  cannot  pitcii  it 
oflBcer  dying.  Trying  to  relieve  him,  the  dying  man  said.  "  Thank  |  where  the  cloud 
you  ;  but  it  is  too  late.  We  must  all  die  :  think  upon  it :  think  '  '*"*'®  ""*_  move, 
upon  it."  This  scene  and  these  words  fastened  upon  him,  and  he  ■  are  not  surround 
could  find  no  deliverance.  He  confessed  his  uuhappiness.  A  \  ed  by  a  circle  of 
diplomatist  spoke  of  the  honours  and  gratitude  showered  upon  j  ^"^^^  '  I  will  be  a 
him  during  a  long  and  successful  career,  yet  confessed  an  empti- :  ali^iut  th'^^  round 
ness  of  the  heart,  a  secret  malady,  which  all  his  honours  could  their  glory  in 
not  cure.     A  poet  told  of  the  pleasures   he   enjoyed  with  the  ^the  midst."  They 


lortality.'"  and  declares  his  unsatisfied  longing 
a  higher  immortality.  A  man  of  the  world  said  that  his  effort '  '^'^'"'^  "^  salva- 
had  been  to  laugh  at  everything  ;  to  look  at  the  bright  side  of !  TAm^ Pal^r""' 
things,  and  be  gay ;  to  find  pleasure  in  the  ball-room,  theatre. ! "  As  the  enmity 
and  other  amusements  :  yet  confessed  thnt  he  .sometimes  had  the  i  wliich  is  between 
ennui,  and  was  not  perfectly  happy.  A  lawyer  of  threescore  and  ;  '^^^l^'^  ^^^^  ^™" 
ten  said  that  he  had  health,  wealth,  reputation,  and  domestic  and  the  elephant 
felicity  ;  that,  during  his  period  of  labour,  he  longed  for  just  |  between  whom  it 
what  he  now  possessed  ;  but  he  did  not  find  the  expected  enjoy- 1  !^  reported  there 
meut,  and  contentment  was  not  his  heritage.  His  hours  were  I  anii^hatred'that 
long  ;  his  existence  monotonous  :  he  was  not  fully  happy.  A  I  even  when  they 
religious  professor,  who  seems  to  have  been  only  a  ritualist  at  [  "re  dead,  their 
-  -       .^    -    -       -■  -    I  blood  will  in  na 

wise   mingle    to- 
gether ;    so  envy 


best,  professed  his  strict  adherence  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel, 
and  his  punctual  performance  of  its  duties,  without  being  happy 
at  all.    A  Christian  physician  narrated  his  search  for  happiness  land  virtue  cauin 


234 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxlv.  28—31. 


in  the  world  and  in  his  profession  in  vain  ;  how  he  had  been  led 
by  the  Scriptures  to  see  himself  a  sinner,  and  to  look  to  Christ  aa 
his  Saviour  :  since  which  he  had  found  peace,  contentment,  and 
joy.  and  had  no  fear  of  the  end,  which  to  him  was  but  the  com- 
mencement. 

28,  29.  (28)  without  cause,  i.e.  without  pressing'  necessity." 
One  of  the  weaknesses  of  Eastern  people  is  their  readin'^ss  to  wit- 
ness, and  to  witness  anything  that  may  be  desired.  This  makes 
the  conduct  of  courts  of  justice  in  India  exceedingly  difficult, 
deceive,  better  read  as  interrogative.  '•  Wilt  thou  deceive  with 
thy  lips.'"*  (21»)  as  .  .  to  me,  the  expression  of  the  spirit  of 
receiigey  or  retaliation,'  ch.  xx.  22. 

lletaliat'wii  (l:  2'.)). — I.  The  real  spirit  of  it  is  one  of  revenge. 
II.  The  pretence  is  justice.  III.  The  golden  rule  is,  do  as  you 
would  be  done  by,  not  as  you  would  be  done  unto.  IV.  Suppose 
God  were  to  deal  with  you  as  you  deal  with  one  another.  V. 
Forgive,  as  you  hope  to  be  forgiven.  See  the  Lord's  parable  of 
the  wicked  servant,  who,  being  forgiven,  forgave  not  his  fellow- 
servant. 

A  murder  prevented. — A  pious  minister,  travelling  by  coach  to 
a  neighbouring  village,  engaged  in  conversation  with  his  fellow- 
travellers.  After  conversing  on  a  variety  of  subjects,  more  or 
less  serious,  the  subject  of  revenge  was  introduced.  Every  one 
was  anxious  to  give  his  opinion.  "  Not  to  be  avenged  is 
cowardice,"  said  one.  "The  bast  revenge."  said  another.  "  is  to 
despise  one's  enemy,  and  hate  him,  without  doing  him  anj'  harm  " 
The  minister,  in  his  turn,  begged  to  be  allowed  to  give  his 
opinion.  "Messieurs,"  said  he.  •"  let  us  consult,  before  all,  the 
Word  of  God  ;"  and  opening  his  Testament,  he  read  the  words, 
"  Avenge  not  yourselves  ;"  "  If  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him  ; 
if  he  thirst,  give  him  drink  ; "  "  Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but 
overcome  evil  with  good,"  Rom.  xii.  19 — 21.  From  these  verses 
he  pointed  out  how  odious  and  criminal  a  thing  it  was  to  take 
vengeance.  Afterwards,  feeling  encouraged  by  the  attention  of 
his  auditors,  he  showed  how  truly  great  and  noble  it  was  to  for- 
give an  enemy.  He  spoke  also  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  His  com- 
passion for  sinners.  His  voice  rose  by  degrees  :  his  words  found 
their  way  to  the  heart ;  his  arguments  were  irresistible.  When 
he  finished  speaking,  a  profound  silence  ensued,  which  no  one 
ventured  to  break.  Suddenly  a  young  lady,  who  during  the  whole 
of  the  journey  had  appeared  to  be  deeply  absorb-d  in  thought, 
rose,  di'ew  out  a  poignard,  "which  was  concealed  under  her 
gown,  and,  approaching  the  minister,  said,  with  miich  emotion, 
"  Monsieur,  you  see  this  blade  ;  it  was  about  to  pierce  the  heart  of 
my  husband ;  I  was  going  to  find  that  faithless  one  :  I  was 
desirous  of  avenging  myself  ;  I  have  heard  you,  God  be  thanked  ! 
You  have  saved  two  victims  ;"  and,  throwing  away  the  poignard, 
she  added,  "There  is  the  effect  of  your  words." 

a  "Travellers  30,  31.  (.SO)  slothful,  Pr.  xii.  24.  vineyard,  more  specifia 
call  attention  to  (description  of  the  field.  Vineyards  depend  for  their  fruit  fulness 
curacy  of  the  upon  constant  care  and  attention,  void  of  understanding,  a 
description,  as  .  fitting  description  of  the  slothful  man.  for  ho  lias  no  wiso.  tJober, 
illu-itratecl  by  tlie  I  thoughtful  estimate  of  the  responsibilities  of  life.  (31 )  thorns, 
rTc  iip^r  \oils"of ;  ^°*^  weeds,  as  with  us."  nettles,  or  brambles.  Lit.  "  what  one  may 
Palestine,   it   is  \  not  touch,"  stone  "Wall,*  wh.  defends  vineyards  from  the  beasta 


no  wise  agree. 
He  tliat  will  be 
in  favour  with 
t!ie  euTiims  in.iii 
mu^t  n:'e  Is  be 
Vioious.  "  —  Cau,^ 
dray. 

a  "  Do  not  speak 
even  truth  neeil- 
lessly  against 
any,  and  never 
falsehood." — 

b    C  o  ra  p  .     Pa. 

Lxxviii.  36. 

c    "  The   teacher 

enters  his  protest 
against  vindic- 
tiveness  in  every  | 
form,    and    thus  j 
foreshadows    the 
higher  lessons  of 
the    Serinan     on  I 
the     Mount. "  — 
SpA:  Cnm. 
Mat.   V.    43—45  ; 
Ro.  xii.  17. 
"If  we  will  needs 
be  our  own  car- 
vers, and  judges 
in  our  own  cause, 
we   forfeit  the 
benefit  of  an  ap- 
peal to  God's  tri- 
bun  al."  —  Mat. 
Henrii. 

vv.  28-29.  Dr.  S. 
Clarke,  xi.  151. 
"  When  we  re- 
prove our  brother 
we  must  be  care- 
ful we  violate  not 
his  credit.  So 
Christ  only 
looked  upon 
Peter;  lest,  if 
He  had  spoken  to 
him,  the  Jews 
overhearing 
might  have  re- 
viled and  up- 
braided Peter 
with  his  trea- 
chery to  his 
Master.  So  also 
at  supper  wlieii 
He  reproved 
Judas.  He  spake 
in  general  terms, 
'  One  of  you.'  " — 
Philip  Henry. 


C5ep.  xxlv.  32-34.] 


PROVERBS. 


235 


The  foor.<t  vinei/ard  (rr.  30 — 32). — I.  The  Kcene  shows  us  that  t^o™y  shrubs,  of 
if  we  will  not  have  flowers  and  fruit  we  shall  certainly  have  ,  K-inas*are'eifume° 
thorns  and  nettles.  We  simply  cannot  do  nothing-.  1.  A  man  1  rated,  tliat  are 
may  resolve  not  to  cultivate  his  mind  :  2.  A  man  may  resolve  |  specially  quick  to 
not  to  cultivate  his  moral  nature.  II.  The  scene  shows  that  the  j  °P""&  "P-  ^"'1 
sluggard  and  the  fool  cannot  hide  the  results  of  their  neglect.  |  ntglec'.ed  Afield." 
1.  We  cannot  oonfine  the  results  of  a  wasted  life  within  our  own  ]  —See  Hadeii,  etc. 
bounds  ;  2.  This  being  the  case,  we  have  not  a  right  to  do  with  *|f-„"^-/; 
what  we  call  our  own  as  we  please.  III.  The  scene  shows  how 
possible  it  is  to  be  right  in  some  particulars,  and  to  be  grievously 
wrong  in  others.  IV.  The  scene  shows  that  even  the  worst 
abuses  may  be  turned  to  good  account.  Look  around  and  you 
will  see — 1.  That  the  finest  possessions  may  be  wasted  :  2.  That 
wickedness  always  moves  in  the  direction  of  destruction.^ 

Idleness. — I  would  have  every  one  lay  to  heart,  that  a  state  of 
idleness  is  a  state  of  damnable  sin.  Idleness  is  directly  repugnant 
to  the  great  ends  of  God,  both  in  our  creation  and  redemption. 
As  to  our  creation  :  can  we  imagine  that  God,  who  created  not 
anything  but  for  some  excellent  end,  should  create  man  for  none, 
or  for  a  silly  one  .'  The  spirit  within  us  is  an  active  and  vivacious 
principle  ;  our  rational  faculties  capacitate  and  qualify  us  for 
doing  good  :  this  is  the  proper  work  of  reason,  the  truest  and 
most  natural  pleasure  of  a  rational  soul.  Who  can  tbiuk  now, 
that  our  wise  Creator  lighted  this  candle  within  us,  that  we 
might  oppress  and  stifle  it  by  negligence  and  idleness .'  that  He 
contrived  and  destined  such  a  mind  to  squander  and  fool  away  its 
talents  in  vanity  and  impertinence  ?  As  to  our  redemption,  it  is 
evident  both  what  the  design  of  it  is,  and  how  opposite  idleness 
is  to  it.  Christ  gave  Himself  for  us,  "  to  redeem  us  from  all 
iniquity,  and  to  purify  to  Himself  a  peculiar  people  zealous  of 
good  works."  .  .  .  How  little,  then,  can  a  useless  and  bai-ren  life 
answer  the  expectations  of  God  !  What  a  miserable  return  must 
it  be  to  the  blood  of  His  Son  ;  and  how  utterly  must  it  disappoint 
all  the  purjioses  of  His  Word  and  Spirit  I** 

32—34.  (33)  little  sleep,  covip.  ch.  vi.  10.  11.  (34)  one 
that  travelleth,  i.e.  it  may  be  some  time  on  the  journey,  but 
it  will  surely  arrive  at  last,  want,  or  wants  ;  thy  deficits,  or 
pecuniary  embarrassments,  armed  man,  "  it  will  seize  you  as 
with  the  grasp  of  an  indignant  warrior.  From  its  iron  clutch 
there  will  be  no  deliverance."  Or  as  a  highwayman  that  will 
strip  you  of  all  you  have." 

Praciical  vien-s  of  human  life  (v.  32). — Unless  we  have  a  profit- 
able manner  of  studying  human  life  there  will  be  a  miserable, 
dreadful  waste  of  our  thought,  time,  talking.  How  have  we 
profited  as  servants  of  God  by  what  we  have  seen  of  men  .'  In 
order  to  profit — 1 .  Let  not  observing  be  merely  of  the  nature  of 
speculation  ;  2.  Let  not  observing  be  conducted  with  prejudice 
and  arrogance  ;  3.  Or  for  the  sake  of  taking  pleasure  in  perceiving 
what  is  wrong  in  man  ;  4.  Or  that  the  effect  may  be  that  we 
take  more  pleasure  in  ourselves  ;  5.  Think  of  the  probable  diifer- 
ence  between  our  judgments  of  the  persons  we  look  upon,  and 
their  own  judgments  of  themselves  ;  6.  In  observing  mankind 
we  perceive  to  a  great  extent  a  sad  deprivation  or  deficiency  of 
conscience  ;  7.  How  temptation  operates  and  prevails  :  8.  The 
great  errors,  the  lapses  of  good  men  ;  9.  The  eS'ect  of  situation 
and  cix'cumstance.* 


Morally  this 
vineyard  may 
signify  our  spiri- 
tual natures, 
with  all  their 
faculties  and  po- 
tential powers, 
and  which  it  is 
both  our  mani- 
fest interest  and 
our  b  o  u  11  d  e  n 
duty  to  c  u  1 1  i- 
vate. "  — David 
T/ionms,  D.I). 
c  Dr.  Parker. 

•'  A  f  a  vouri  te 
illustration 
among  the  Arabs 
of  extreme  idle- 
ness is  the  man 
that  would  not 
turn  his  head 
over  on  his  i)il- 
low,  though  the 
muddy  water 
leaking  through 
the  roof  fell 
phimp  into  his 
eye."— Z>/-.  Thorn- 
sun. 

d  Lucat. 


a  "Even  the 
slugg.ard's  gar- 
den brought 
forth  fruit — but 
not  for  the  slug- 
g  a  r  d  '  s  benefit, 
'i'he  diligent  man 
reaped  and  car- 
ried off  the  only 
harvest  that  it 
bore— a  warn- 
ing."—u4r/io/. 
Dr.  aO— 34.  £.Ba- 
llier,  iii.  404  ;  f. 
Eliriii,  ii.  201. 
i:  32.  J.  Foster, 
ii.  2i». 

6  /.  Foster. 

"  Pythagoras,  be- 
ing asked  what 
he  was,  answered 
tliat  if  Hiero  were 
ever  at  the  Olym- 
pian games,  ha 
knew  the  man- 
ner—  that  some 
came  to  try  their 


236 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zxv.  L 


fortune  for 
tlie  prizes,  ami 
Bome  came  as 
merchants  to 

utter  tlieir  com- 
modities,       and 
some    caiiie     to 
m;ike  good  clieer 
ami    meet    tlieir 
friends,  ami  some 
came  to  looic  on  ; 
and  tliat  lie  was 
one  of  them  that 
came  to  looli  on. 
But     men    must 
know    that,     in 
this     theatre     of 
num's   life,   it  is 
reserved  only  for 
God    and   angels 
to  beliiokers-ou." 
—  Lout  liiicon. 
•'  Idleness  is  the 
niotlier    of     un- 
quietness,       dis- 
order,   and     cu- 
riosity ;       sacri- 
le;jious     in     re- 
ligion, dangerous 
in  science, .  dam- 
jiaVile  as  to  future 
things,    seditious 
inatlairsof  State, 
contrary    to    the 
quiet  of  families, 
and  shameful  and 
infamous  to  those 
■who  are  possessed 
with     i  t."  —  J. 
Beautnont. 
•'Idleness  is  very 
dangerous    to 
those     that    are 
rich,  and  feel  no 
want  in  this  life  ; 
for,    while     they 
gives  themselves 
to  it,  voluptuous- 
ness     overcomes 
reason,  and  they 
are  snared  in  the 
deadly  traps  and 
deceits     of     the 
world,    and    are 
poisoned  with 
carnal    pleasures 
and    fleshly    de- 
lights, which  are 
enjoyable    for   a 
little   while,   but 
at    length    leave 
them    to    shame 
and    confusion." 
— Candniy, 
C  J.  Heyirood. 


«lKi.tv.32;  Ec. 
xii.  9. 


Great  harm  of  idlcm-xs. — 

What  heart  can  think,  or  tongaie  express, 

The  harm  that  groweth  of  idleness  / 

This  idlene8s  in  pome  of  us 

Is  seen  to  seem  a  thing  but  slight ; 

But  if  that  Slim  the  sums  discuss. 
The  total  sum  doth  show  us  straight 
This  idleness  to  weigh  such  weight 

That  it  no  tongue  can  well  express, 

The  harm  that  groweth  of  idleness. 

This  vice  I  liken  to  a  weed 

That  liusbandmen  have  named  tyne, 

The  which  in  corn  doth  root  or  breed  ; 
The  grain  to  ground  it  doth  incline—- 
It  never  ripeth,  but  rotteth  in  fine  ; 

And  even  a  like  thing  is  to  guess 

Against  all  virtue,  idleness. 

The  proud  man  may  be  patient, 

The  ireful  may  be  liberal, 
The  gluttonous  may  be  continent, 

The  covetous  may  give  alms  all, 

The  lecher  may  to  prajer  fall ; 
Each  vice  hideth  some  good  business, 
Save  only  idle  idleness. 

As  some  one  virtue  may  by  grace 
Suppress  of  vices  many  a  one, 
So  is  one  vice  once  taken  place 

Destroj'^eth  all  virtues  every  one  ; 

Where  this  vice  cometh  all  virtues  are  gone, 
In  no  kind  of  good  business 
Can  company  with  idleness. 

An  ill  wind  that  bloweth  no  man  good, 

The  blower  of  which  blast  is  she  ; 
The  lither  lusts  bred  of  her  brood 

Can  no  way  breed  good  property  ; 

Wherefore  I  say,  as  we  now  see, 
No  heart  can  think,  or  tongue  express 
The  harm  that  groweth  of  idleness  ! 
To  cleanse  the  com,  as  men  at  need 

Weed  out  all  weeds,  and  tyne  for  chief 
Let  diligence,  our  weed-hook,  weed 

All  vice  from  us  for  like  relief  ; 

As  faith  may  faithfully  show  proof 
By  faithful  fruitful  business. 
To  weed  out  fruitless  idleness." 


CHAPTER  THE  TWENTY-FIFTH. 

1.  these,  etc.,  the  formula  indicating  a  new  section ;   the 
fourth  division  of  the  book.     Sol.  is  said  to  have  spoken  3.000 


the'  wUten'^and    proverbs."     Some  of  these  he  collected  himself  :  but  from  theni 
the  oral  tradition  a  later  selection  seems  to  have  been  made  for  definitely  moral 


Cap.  XXV.  2, 3.1 


PROVERBS. 


237 


and  religious  purposes,  copied  out,*  they  may  have  been  kept 
as  oral  tradition,  or  in  known  documents  ;  the  expression  here 
means  that  they  gained  practical  and  permanent  form.  The 
me7i  of  HfzeJn'ah  were  prob.  a  learned  commission  entrusted  by 
the  king  with  the  work  of  recovering,  and  editing,  the  ancient 
national  literature. 

Heading  the  Bible. — M.  De  Renty,  a  French  nobleman,  used  to 
read  daily  three  chapters  of  the  Bible,  with  his  head  uncovered 
and  on  his  bended  knees.  Lady  Francis  Hobart  read  the  Psalms 
over  twelve  times  a  year,  the  New  Testament  thrice,  and  the 
other  parts  of  the  Old  Testament  once.  Susannah,  Countess  of 
Suffolk,  for  the  last  seven  years  of  her  life  read  the  whole  Bible 
over  twice  annually.  Dr.  Gouge  used  to  read  fifteen  chapters 
every  day, — five  in  the  morning,  five  after  dinner,  and  five  in  the 
evening  before  going  to  bed.  Mr.  Jeremiah  Whittaker  usually 
read  all  the  Epistles  in  the  Greek  Testament  twice  every  fortnight. 
Joshua  Baroes  is  said  to  have  read  a  small  pocket  Bible  which  he 
usiially  carried  about  him.  a  hundred  and  twenty  times  over. 
Mr.  Robert  Cotton  read  the  whole  Bible  through  twelve  times  a 
year.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Romaine  studied  nothing  but  the  Bible  for 
the  last  thirty  or  forty  years  of  his  life.  A  poor  prisoner,  being 
confined  in  a  dark  dungeon,  had  no  light,  except  for  a  few 
moments  when  his  food  was  brought  to  him.  He  used  to  take 
his  Bible  and  read  a  chapter,  saying  he  could  find  his  mouth  in 
the  dark  when  he  could  not  read.  Henry  Willis,  farmer,  aged 
eighty-one,  devoted  every  hour  that  could  be  spared  from  his 
labour  during  the  course  of  so  long  a  life  to  the  devout  and 
Berious  perusal  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  He  had  read  with  the 
most  minute  attention  all  the  books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments eight  times  over,  and  had  proceeded  as  far  as  the  Book  of 
Job  in  his  ninth  reading,  when  his  meditations  were  terminated 
by  death.* 

2,  3.  (2)  to  conceal,  or  that  He  must  conceal.  God  does 
not 'hide  in  order  to  show  His  glory  :  but  His  glory  is  so  great 
that  it  must  be  incomprehensible."  "  After  the  fullest  revelation 
there  are  secrets  unrevealed."  honour  of  kings,  as  occupying 
positions  of  authority  and  influence,  and  yet  being  but  limited  in 
mental  power  and  in  knowledge,  search  out,  so  that  the 
materials  of  sound  judgment  maybe  before  them.*  (3)  heaven, 
etc.,  better  read,  "  Of  the  heaven  for  height,  etc.,  there  is  no 
searching  out : "  i.e.  there  is  a  sense  in  wh.  kings  are  like,  as  well 
as  unlike,  God.  They  should  be  like  Him  in  the  power  to  keep 
secrets. 

Divine  concealments  (v.  2). — I.  The  Divine  Being  is  accustomed 
to  conceal  much — 1.  In  relation  to  His  own  nature  and  the 
manner  of  His  existence  ;  2.  In  relation  to  the  structure  and 
t'/Dstitution  of  His  works  ;  3.  In  relation  to  the  dispensations  of 
His  providence  :  4.  In  relation  to  the  economy  of  grace  and  re- 
demption. II.  In  this  He  acts  in  a  manner  worthy  of  Himself, 
and  suited  to  display  His  glory.  1.  Because  it  is  in  part  the 
necessary  consequence  of  His  infinite  superiority  to  all  finite 
beings  in  wisdom  and  understanding— the  inevitable  result  of 
His  being  God  :  2.  Because  it  evinces  His  entire  independence  of 
the  wi,sdom.  counsel,  or  co-operation  of  any  or  all  of  His  creatures  ; 
3.  Because  such  a  degree  of  obscurity  as  attends  the  partial  mani- 
festation of  <"he  Divine  will,  and  the  progressive  development  of 


1  were  alike  Kifted 
for  the  objects  or 
I  the   coUectiun."- 
;  O.  Zcickler. 

I  "  I  would  rather 

I  call  the  Book  of 

j  Proverbs    S  o  1  o  - 

j  monian  than  ac- 

j  tually  a  work  of 

'  Solomon's.     So  I 

I  apprehend  many 

of  the  Psalms  to 

be  Davi',iieal  only, 

not  Davids  own 

compositions."  — 

Coleridije. 

"  A  man  of  max- 
ims only  is  like  a 
Cyclops  with  one 
ej'e.  and  that  eye 
placed  in  the 
back  of  his  head." 
— Coleridge, 

c  Bib.  Soc.  Record. 

■'  Old  Howell  l.as 
ailmiralily  le- 
scribed  the  tn- 
greilients  of  an 
exquisite  proverb 
to  be  sense,  short- 
ness, and  salt." — 
Disraeli. 


a  De.  xxix.  i9  ; 
Ps.  xviii.  11  ; 
Ixxvii.  19  ;  Job 
xxvi.  1-1 ;  Ro.  xi. 
33  ;  1  Ti.  vi.  16. 
"  God's  glory  is 
seen  not  only  in 
what  He  reveals, 
bnt  in  wliat  He 
conceals — a  pro- 
found observa- 
tion, which  is  the 
best  answer  to 
many  sceptical 
objections  to 
Divine  revela- 
ti  on."  —  Words- 
jcorl/i. 

b  "  In  God's  go- 
vernment we  are 
not  to  be  wise, 
and  wish  tnknow 
why,  but  believe 
everything  ;  but 
in  the  secular 
kingdom  a  ruler 
should  know,  and 
.ask  why,  and 
trust  no  man  in 
anything!  " — 
l,ulhi>r. 

r.  2.  G.  J.  Zolli- 
h-nffer,  i.  6i8 ;  B. 
Hall,  vi.  24. 


238 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XXV.  4    7. 


c  a.  Brooks. 


a  "As,  in  order  to 
the  proihictioii  of 
a  beautiful  ves- 
sel, such  as  tlie 
fill  r  would  ap- 
prove and  coai- 
mati'l,  the  tiLi- 
terial  of  wli.  the 
vessel  is  to  be 
made  must  be 
p  u  r  g  e  ri  of  its 
alloj',  so,  in  order 
to  the  general 
government  of  a 
prince  being  of  a 
nature  to  prove 
conducive  to  the 
benefit  of  his 
people,  and  the 
stability  of  his 
throne,  the 
wicked  must  be 
removed  from  his 
presence,  and  fr. 
all  i  n  t  i  m  a  c  y 
with  his  life  and 
counsels. " — 
Quoted  bii  Dav. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

b  "  Grod  will  bless 
his  government, 
the  people  will 
become  pliable  to 
it,  and  so  it  will 
prove  durable." 
— Mat  I.  Hi-nry. 

vv.  4,  5.  Dr.  De- 
laiiey,  301. 


a  "  ^ring  not  thy 
glory  to  view; 
make  not  thyself 
glorious." — Slier. 

b  "  Do  not  vie 
with  them  in  ap- 
parel, furniture, 
gardens,  house- 
keeping, or  re- 
tinue, for  that  is 
an  affront  to 
them,  and  will 
waste  thine  own 
e  state."- -J/ a  I. 
Henry. 

c  "  Sit  not  in  a 
place  fr.  wh.  one 
may  bid  thee  rise 
u  p." — A  r  a  b  i  c 
I'rov. 

d  2  Sa.  xiv.  24, 28. 
"  Pride  has  a  fall, 


the  Divine  purposes,  is  eminently  adapted  to  the  state,  exigency, 
and  condition  of  man." 

4,  6.  (4)  dross,  or  impurities  wh.  would  spoil  the  consistency 

and  the  beauty  of  the  .silversmith's  workmanship.  Fire  is  the 
agent  used  in  this  process,  a  vessel,  or  the  proper  materials 
of  a  vessel."  (.5)  from,  before  the  king,  the  expression 
intimates,  from  his  place  beside  the  king,  as  a  king's  counsellor, 
established,  made  stable,  permanent,  righteousness,  esp. 
of  judicial  decisions.* 

Ecll  .turrounding.^  (rr.  4,  5). — I.  Of  the  silver,  it  is  the  dross 
with  which  it  is  naturally  associated  ;  of  the  king,  the  mean 
souls  that  bask  in  the  royal  favour.  II.  The  separation  is  a 
fiery  process.  In  the  case  of  kings,  private  asEfussination,  in- 
trigue, revolution,  or  legitimate  party  contests.  III.  The 
separation  from  the  dross  is  beneficial  both  to  the  silver  and  to 
the  king.  IV.  Men,  looking  at  the  silver  mixed  with  the  dross, 
and  at  the  king  in  the  midst  of  a  vile  court,  are  apt  to  misjudge 
both  the  metal  .and  the  man  :  separation  is  needful  to  rectify 
opinion. 

''It  i.t  jjlea.'^ant  floating." — Three  young  men,  bathing  one 
sunny  day  in  a  beautiful  river,  allowed  themselves  to  float  down- 
ward toward  a  waterfall  some  distance  below.  At  length  two  of 
them  made  for  the  shore,  and  to  their  alarm  found  that  the 
current  was  stronger  than  they  had  supposed.  They  immeiliately 
hailed  the  other,  and  urged  him  also  to  seek  the  shore.  But  he 
smiled  at  their  fears,  and  floated  on.  "  It  is  pleasant  floating  I" 
he  said,  and  seemed  to  enjoy  it  much.  Soon  several  persons 
were  gathered  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  and,  alarmed  for  his 
safety,  they  cried  out  in  deep  earnestness,  "  Make  for  the  shore, 
make  for  the  shore,  or  you  will  certainly  go  over  !"  But  he  still 
floated  on,  laughing  at  their  fears.  Soon  he  saw  his  danger,  and 
exerted  his  utmost  energies  to  gain  the  bank.  But  alas  !  it  was 
too  late  !  The  current  was  too  strong.  He  cried  for  help,  but 
no  help  could  reach  him.  His  mind  was  filled  with  anguish, 
and  just  as  he  reached  the  fearful  precipice,  he  threw  himself  up 
with  arms  extended,  gave  an  unearthly  shriek,  and  then  was 
plunged  into  the  boiling  abyss  below. 

6,  7.  (6)  put  .  .  thyself,  Heb.  set  not  out  thy  f/lory.^  Re- 
proof of  over-forwardness,  self-assertion,  and  boastful  ambition, 
stand  .  .  great,  i.e.  assuming  that  you  are  as  great  as  they.' 
(7)  come  up  hither,  comp.  Lu.  xiv.  8— il.«  eyes  have 
seen,  into  whose  presence  thou  hast  gained  ndraittance.'^ 

Ohtrmirrnc'i.'i  {rr.  6,  7). — I.  To  force  oneself  upon  the  notice 
of  great  men  betrays  a  want  of  self-respect.  II.  It  is  the  true 
mark  of  a  toady  and  sycophant.  III.  The  man  of  worth  will  be 
recognised  in  due  time,  and  elevated  according  to  his  merits  ;  if 
not,  the  loss  will  be  that  of  others.  IV.  Those  who  have  not 
the  eyes  to  perceive  worth  have  not  the  wiU  or  the  heai't  to 
reward  it. 

PoUtenexx. — True  politeness  is  not  wholly  made  up  of  graceful 
manners  and  courtly  conversation,  and  a  strict  adherence  to  the 
rules  of  fashion,  however  agreeable  these  may  be.  It  is  some- 
thing less  superficial  than  these  accomplishments.  Genuine 
courtesy  grows  out  of  an  assiduous  self-denial  and  a  constant 
consideration  of  the  happiness  of  others.     The  forms  and  usages 


Cap.  XXV.  8—12.] 


PROVERBS, 


239 


of  etiquette  derive  all  their  beauty  and  significance  from  the 
fact  that  each  of  them  requires  the  sacrifice  of  one"s  own  ease 
and  convenience  to  another's  comfort.  St.  Paul.  wiio.  before 
Felix  and  Agrippa.  and  even  when  the  object  of  the  abuse  and 
insult  of  the  Jewdsh  mob,  showed  what  should  be  the  conduct  of 
a  true  gentleman,  has  included  all  of  refinement  in  these  few 
words,  '■  In  honour  preferring  one  another."  How  noble  does 
the  same  principle  appear  in  the  words  of  the  chivalrous  Sir 
Philip  Sidney,  who,  w'hen  he  lay  wounded  on  the  battle-field 
and  was  offered  a  cup  of  cold  water,  motioned  it  to  a  suffering 
soldier  at  his  side,  and  said.  "  This  man's  necessity  is  greater 
than  min«  1" 

8 — 10.  (8)  hastily,  i.e.  without  due  consideration  and  fore- 
thought, strive,  reference  is  mainly  intended  to  cases  in  the 
law-courts,  or  before  the  magistrates."  what  to  do,  i.i'.  what 
humiliating  or  what  terrible  thing  thou  mayest  be  compelled  at 
last  to  do.  (9)  debate,  etc.,  settle  the  matter  of  dispute  in 
private  and  friendly  conference.  Try  to  end  the  matter  amicably. 
to  another,  or  the  secret  of  another.  This  being  often  the 
occasion  of  dispute  and  difficulty.*  (10)  he  that  heareth,  i.e. 
the  one  whose  secret  is  thus  betrayed. 

(^iianrlsonit'tu'ss  (rr.  8 — 10).— I.  The  quarrelsome  man  rushes 
into  strife  without  thinking  of  the  consequences,  being  borne 
along  by  a  tempest  of  passion.  II.  His  passion  prevents  him 
from  seeing  the  merits  of  his  neighbour's  case  or  the  injustice  of 
his  own.  III.  His  passion  leads  to  hastiness  of  speech,  and  the 
revealing  of  private  matters.  IV.  The  result  is  that  the  natural 
justice  of  even  imperfect  men  declaims  against  the  passionate 
man. 

A  flood  temper. — The  Duke  of  Marlborough  possessed  great 
command  of  temper,  and  never  permitted  it  to  be  ruffled  by  little 
things,  in  which  even  the  greatest  men  have  been  occasionally 
found  unguarded.  As  he  was  one  day  riding  with  Commissary 
Harriot,  it  began  to  rain,  and  he  called  to  his  servant  for  his 
cloak.  The  servant  not  bringing  it  immediately,  he  called  for  it 
again.  The  servant  being  embarrassed  with  the  straps  and 
buckles,  did  not  come  up  to  him.  At  last,  it  raining  very  hard, 
the  duke  called  to  him  again,  and  asked  him  what  he  was  about 
that  he  did  not  bring  his  cloak.  "  You  may  stay,  sir,"  grumbled 
the  fellow,  "  if  it  rains  cats  and  dogs,  till  I  can  get  at  it."  Th( 
duke  turned  round  to  Harriot,  and  said,  very  coolly,  "  Now  I 
would  not  be  of  that  fellow's  temper  for  all  the  world."' 

11,  12.  (11)  fitly  spoken,  Ilei.  appears  to  mean,  vpon  Jii,i 
trJierJx,  i.e.  moving  quickly  and  quietly  on  its  way  :  but  better 
trans.,  ??t  di/r  sea.wn :  spoken  in  its  appropriate  time,  apples 
of  gold,"  allusion  is  plainly  to  some  familiar  and  admired  kind 
of  ornamentation,  whether  of  sculpture  or  of  table  decoration 
does  not  appear,  pictures,  or  framework  ;  setting.  (12)  as 
an  earring,  etc.,  the  point  of  this  verse  may  be  thus  ex- 
pressed, '•  An  ear  that  listens  obediently  to  instruction  and 
reproof*  is  more  valuably  adorned  than  that  wh.  is  ornamented 
with  the  most  costly  jewels."  "The  listening  ear  is  better  than 
one  hung  with  gold." 

Well-chii.ifn  vords  (r.  11). — I.  They  raise  our  estimation  of  the 
•peaker.    II.  They  do  good  to  the  hearer.     III.  They  are  the 


and  it  is  wiser  as 
well  as  nobler  to 
take  the  lower 
jilace  at  first  in 
liuniilitj',  tliari  to 
take  it  after- 
wards  with 
s  h  a  m  e." — Sfk. 
Com. 

V.  6.  E.  Gallatin, 
291. 


a  " Rush  not 
forth  soon  to 
quaire\."-Luther. 

6  "The  point 
ni  a  y,  however, 
be,  Uo  not  talk  to 
others  about  any 
secret  evils  you 
may  hear  of.  Let 
tlie  man  who  first 
listens  to  the  of- 
fence be  the  man 
whohaspiven  it  ; 
drop  it  into  no 
other  ear.  If  you 
trumpet  the  of- 
fence in  the  ear 
of  another  tefore 
you  meet  the  of- 
femler,  you  have 
done  the  offender 
a  wrong,  and  ex- 
posed yourself  to 
a  lasting  dis- 
gr  ace."' — Da  v. 
Thomas,  D.D. 

Mat.  xviii.  15. 

"If  religion  has 
done  nothing  for 
your  temper,  it 
has  done  nothing 
for  your  soul." — • 
Cluylon. 

e  R.  T.  S. 

a  "Either  real 
apples  of  golden 
colour,  in  a  silver 
net-work  basket, 
or  imitations  on 
silver  embroi- 
dery."— Fausset. 

"  Under  the  term 
we  are  to  under* 

st:inil  .some  such 
thing  as  sculp- 
tnn'd  work  for 
the  deooralion  of 
ceilings,  pillared 
galleries,  etw.jWh. 


240 


PHOVEUB.S. 


[Cap,  xxv.  13, 14. 


exhibits  gulden 
apples  on  a 
groundwork  of 
silver."— 0.  Zlick- 
ler. 

"Words  make 
truth  to  spangle, 
and  its  rays  to 
Bhlne."'— tA  Jiun- 
yan. 

b  "  If  you  be  re- 
proved for  your 
faults,  do  not  bo 
angry  with  him 
who  does  it.  tmt 
turn  your  anger 
against  the, 
tilings  forwhicli 
he  lias  rpproved 
yon."-  Quoled  by  j 
^icfinlls.  I 

V.  n.  /.  C.  Die-] 
leric,  Aiilig.  52U.     j 

I 

V.  12.  P.  Holland, 
L  193. 

"  You  may  tame 
the  wild  beast  ; 
the  conlliigratiou 
of  the  American 
forest  will  cease 
when  all  the 
timber  and  the 
dry  wood  is  con- 
suTned  ;  but  you 
cannot  arrest  tlie 
progress  of  that 
cruel  word  which 
you  uttered  care- 
lessly yesterday 
or  this  morning." 
—F.W.Koberlson. 

c  ifiss  Brewster. 


a  "The     king's 
summer -pa  lace  ! 
on     Lebanon 
would  make  liini  ' 
and  his  courtiers 
familiar    with   a  ; 
luxury  wh.  could  i 
hai-dly  have  been  ! 
accessible   at 
J  erusalem." —  i 
Spi.  Cum.  I 

b  Pr.  X.  26,  xiii. 
17,  x.xii.  21. 

e  "A  more  con- 
temptible cha- 
racter know  I  not 
than  the  man  of 
»  mean  and  das- 


uttcrance  of  wisdom,  tact,  sympathy,  practical  knowledsre.  FV. 
For  the  speaking  of  them  wo  need  a  heart  under  the  teachinjr  ">£ 
the  spirit  of  wisdom,  and  then  "  out  of  the  fulness  of  the  heart 
the  mouth  will  .speak." 

The  power  of  a  n-ord ;  or,  vncon.gptov.'i  inffi/rnce. — One  day  a 
boy  was  tormenting  a  kitten,  when  his  little  sister  said  to  him 
with  tearful  ej'es,  ■'  Oh,  Philip,  don't  do  that :  it's  God's  kitten."' 
The  words  of  the  little  one  were  not  lost :  they  were  set  upon 
wheels.  Many  serious  thoughts  were  awakened  in  his  mind 
regarding  the  creature  he  had  before  considered  his  own  pro- 
perty. "  Gt)d's  kitten — God's  creature — for  He  made  it."  It 
was  a  new  idea.  The  next  day,  on  his  way  to  school,  he  met  one 
of  his  companions,  beating  unmercifully  a  poor  starved-looking 
dog.  "  Don't  do  that,"  said  Philip,  using  almost  unconsciously 
his  sister's  words  ;  "  it  is  Gods  creature."  The  boy  looked 
ashamed,  and  explained  that  the  dog  had  stolen  his  breakfast. 
"  Never  mind,"  said  Philip,  '•  I  will  give  you  mine,  which  I  have 
in  my  basl^t :"  and  sitting  down  together,  the  little  boy's  anger 
was  soon  forgotten.  Again  had  a  word  unconsciously  been  set 
upon  wheels.  Two  passers-by  had  heard  Philip's  words, — one  a 
young  man  in  prosperous  business  in  the  neighbouring  town  ; 
the  other  a  dirty,  ragged  being,  who,  in  consequence  of  his  in- 
temperate habits,  had  been  dismissed  by  his  employer,  and  was 
now  going  home,  sullen  and  despairing.  "  God's  creature."  said 
the  poor  forlorn  man.  and  it  was  a  new  idea  to  him  also  ;  "  if  I, 
too,  belong  to  God,  He  will  take  care  of  me,  though  no  one  else 
will."  Just  then  he  came  to  a  public-house,  where  he  had  been 
in  the  habit  of  drowning  his  miseries,  and  then  staggering  home 
to  inflict  new  ones  on  his  wife  and  children.  He  stopped  ;  the 
temptation  was  strong,  but  the  new  idea  was  stronger — "  I  am 
God's  creature  ;"  and  he  passed  on.  His  wife  was  astonished  to 
see  him  sober,  and  still  more  when  he  burst  into  tears,  declared 
that  he  was  a  ruined  man,  but  that  he  was  determined  to  give 
up  drinking,  and  trust  in  God.  At  that  moment  a  knock  was 
heard  at  the  door,  and  the  gentleman  came  in  to  whom  we  have 
before  alluded.  He.  too,  had  been  rebuked  by  the  boy's  words 
for  the  scorn  and  loathing  which  he  had  felt  to  the  miserable 
object  before  him.  "  •  God's  creature,'  therefore  entitled  to  help 
and  inty."  He  had  gone  to  help  the  poor  man  ;  and  all  this  the 
result  of  a  little  girl's  words  to  her  brother." 

13,  14.  (13)  cold.  .  .  harvest,  not  snow-storm  in  harvest- 
time,  wh.  would  be  anything  but  pleasant.  Reference  is  to 
snow  brought  from  the  mountains,  and  used  as  we  use  icf.  to 
cool  wine,  and  other  drinks."  faithful  messenger,  one  whom 
his  master  can  fully  trust.*  (14)  false  gift,  or  promise. 
Reference  is  to  one  who  is  ever  boasting  how  much  he  will  do. 
yet  never  fulfilling  his  boast.'  "without  rain,  wh.  the  clouds 
and  the  wind  seemed  so  plainly  to  promise. 

J{rfri;iJiinf/  n-or(U  {rr.  13.  14). — I.  Picture  the  heated  and  ex- 
hausted harvestman.  He  thirsts  :  the  best  drink  for  such  a  one 
not  exciting  beverages,  but  cold  wat«r — 

It  cooleth  the  brow,  it  cooleth  the  brain, 

It  makcth  the  faint  one  strong  again. 

Then  water  for  mo.  cold  water  for  me, 

'Tis  the  drink  of  the  wise,  'tis  the  wine  of  the  free. 
The  man  didnks  or  Imthes,  and  is  refreshed.     II.  Picture  ou« 


Cap.  XXV.  15-17.] 


PROVERBS. 


241 


awaiting  the  return  of  a  messenger.  Thiis — time  of  war.  camp 
in  hostile,  country  (as  now  in  Zululand),  will  the  message  be  that 
a  relieving  force  is  on  the  way .'  Or,  sick  man  in  danger,  sends 
for  doctor,  will  the  message  arrive  in  time  1  III.  From  such 
illustrations  let  those  who  are  emi^loyed  as  messengers  be  swift 
and  faithful.  Apply  to  children.  IV.  Let  all  teachers  and 
preachers  be  faithful  messengers  of  God — take  the  message 
promptly,  faithfully. 

A  boy's yidi'lity. — A  lady  who  had  interested  herself  much  on 
the  behalf  of  some  navvies  embarking  for  the  seat  of  war  in  the 
Crimea,  had  purchased  four  warm  knitted  vests  for  them,  but 
had  no  means  of  getting  them  conveyed  to  the  vessel  on  board 
which  her  poor  shivering  friends  had  embarked.  Who  was  to 
take  the  much-needed  articles  of  clothing  to  the  vessel  ?  Says 
she  : — ■'  Beneath  a  lamp  in  the  street  stood  a  gTOup  of  boys.  Its 
light  fell  on  a  face  which  seemed  to  introduce  the  sort  of 
messenger  I  desired.  The  story  was  told  him.  '  Now,  my  boy, 
we  are  strangers,  and  I  do  not  want  to  know  your  name,  or 
where  you  live,  nor  any  clue  to  either.  You  might  take  these 
vests,  and  make  twenty  shillings  upon  them,  or  give  them  away 
to  your  father  and  brothers  if  you  chose.  I  should  never  send 
the  police  after  you.  But  my  confidence  in  the  honour  of 
English  boys,  which  stands  so  high  now,  would  be  broken  down. 
And  those  two  noblj'  honest  men  would  suffer,  and  might  take 
cold,  and  go  into  a  consumption  and  die.  and  their  wives  and 
children  break  their  hearts  about  them.'  The  boy's  eyes  flashed 
under  the  lamp-light,  and,  snatching  the  parcel,  he  said,  '  Trust 
me,  I'm  the  boy  for  it.'  Eightoen-pence  happened  to  be  the 
worldly  all  v.'e  had  with  us.  after  paying  for  the  vests.  I  told 
him  how  sorry  I  was  for  this  :  but  that  it  would  pay  his  boat 
each  wa3^  and  he  would  have  sixpence  and  a  happy  heart  to  lie 
down  with  at  night.  '  It's  a  plenty.  Father's  a  waterman.  I 
shall  get  his  boat  for  nothing.  All's  right,'  and  off  he  ran.  A 
note  had  been  enclosed  in  the  parcel  to  one  of  the  oflScers  with 
whom  I  had  had  some  conversation,  requesting  him  to  send  me 
one  line  by  post  that  night,  or  next  morning,  to  say  that  the 
parcel  had  reached  its  destined  owners.  The  next  day  passed, 
and  the  next,  but  no  letter  came  from  the  Jian.  We  read  in 
the  Times  that  she  had  sailed  oii  Thursday  morning.  The  day 
posts  of  Saturday  arrived,  but  brought  no  ne\\-s  of  the  parcel. 
My  trust  failed.  '  My  boy  is  dishonest,'  I  said,  '  and  my  confi- 
dence in  human  honour  can  never  be  the  same  again.'  But  by 
the  last  post  on  Saturday  evening  came  a  note  from  the  officer 
alluded  to,  to  say  that  about  seven  o'clock  on  Wednesday  even- 
ing a  boy  had  taken  a  parcel  on  boaixi,  and  had  requested  per- 
mission to  deliver  it  to  the  two  men  in  the  presence  of  the 
captain  of  the  ship,  the  chief  officer  of  the  corps,  and  the  medical 
officer.  Having  discharged  his  duty,  the  last  sound  heard  amidst 
the  splashing  of  his  oars,  as  he  left  the  ships  side,  was  the  shout, 
'  Tell  that  'ere  lady  that  I  kept  my  word,  and  the  jackets  was  in 
time.' " 

15—17.  (15)  long  forbearing,  this  prevails  bee.  anger 
seldom  has  the  power  of  continuance:  it  fades  with  time,  and 
gives  the  patient  their  opporl unity,  soft  tongue,  winning, 
gentle  speech."  breaketh  the  bone,  fig.  for  -subdues  even 
the  most  obstinate  resistance."    (IGj  vomit,  an  over-quantity 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  Q 


tardly  selfish  na- 
ture wearing  the 
hvery  and  speak- 
ing the  language 
(if  love,  with  one 
hand  dropping  a 
farthing  into  the 
'  urn  of  poverty,' 
and  with  the 
oilier  taking  a 
shilling  out." — 
Dav.  Thomas, D.D. 

Be  what  thou 
wouldest  seem  to 
be. 

"  The  earth  with 
its  scarred  face  is 
the  symbol  of  the 
past ;  the  air  and 
lieaven  of  futu- 
rity. ' ' — Coleridge. 


"  If  a  man  be 
sincerely  wedded 
to  truth,  he  must 
make  up  his  naind 
to  find  her  a  por- 
tionless virgin, 
and  he  must  take 
her  for  herself 
alone.  The  con- 
tract, too,  must 
be  to  love,  che- 
rish, and  obey 
her,  not  only 
until  death,  but 
beyond  it,  for 
this  is  a  union, 
that  must  siu-vi ve 
not  only  death, 
but  time,  the 
conqueror  of 
death." — Colton. 


Tlie  poet  Tenny- 
son has  the  fol- 
lowing motto  in 
encrusted  tiles  on 
the  ]ia,vement  cf 
liisentrancehaU: 
'■  y  Gvijr  yn  Er- 
hyn  y  byd," — the 
truth  against  the 
world. 


a  Pr.  XV.  1 ;  Eq 
X.  4  ;  Ja.  i.  19. 

6  Over-indul- 
gence in  any 
worldly  pleasure 


343 


PROVERBS. 


fOap.  XXV.  18—20. 


issues  in  a  moral 
Biokuess  ami  dis- 
gust. Tliere  is 
what  the  French 
call  the  ennui 
that  comes  out  of 
it,  "  that  awful 
yawn,"  says  By- 
ron, •' which  sleep 
cannot  abate." 

c  "Visit  seldom 
and  they  love 
thee  the  more." 
— Ai-abic  Prov. 

"After  the  third 
day  fish  and  com- 
pany become  dis- 
tasteful. Be  not 
too  intimate  with 
any." — Liit.  Fror. 

"He  that  sponges 
upon  a  friend 
loses  him." — Eiig. 
Prov. 

V.  15.  Bp.  Wilkins, 
359. 

».  16.  Dr.  J.  Donne, 
lit.  245;  Dr.  V. 
Knox,  vL  278. 


aDiminutive, 

mullet. 

t  '•  Nitre  does  not 
mean  the  salt  so 
called  by  us  salt- 
petre, but  rather 
an  alkaline  sub- 
stance, wh.  was 
called  by  tlie  Bo- 
mans  ni7/-H;;i.iind 
wh.,  in  a  particu- 
lar state  of  1  re- 
paration,  was 
used  in  .ludica  for 
soap.  Vinegar,  or 
any  other  acid, 
poured  on  this 
substance,  would, 
from  the  want  of 
chemical  affinity 
between  them, 
produce  efftTves- 
cence ;  and  this 
aj)pears  to  be  the 
similitude  in- 
tended —  the 
want  of  affinity 
between  the  song 
of  mirth  and  tlie 
spirit  of  heavi- 
ness."— Qunlrd  bii 
JJav.Thomtis.D.i). 
"  It  is  eiisy  to 
exclude  the  noon- 
tide light  by  clos- 
ing the  eyes;  and 
it  ia  easy  to  resist 


even  of  that  wh.  is  sweet  and  good  becomes  an  ofFence.''  (17) 
v/itlidra"W,  etc.,  i.e.  do  not  give  even  your  friend  and  neighbour 
so  much  of  your  company  as  may  weary  him  of  you.« 

Ilontilet'ic  hints  (re.  15 — 17).— Verse  15  may  suirgest  a  sermon 
on  the  patient  endurance  of  injuries,  or  the  appeasing  of  paseion 
by  silence  ;  verse  Ki,  on  the  po.ssibility  of  having  too  much  of  a 
good  thing  ;  and  verse  17,  on  the  abuses  of  friendship. 

'J'hr  j/In/.iieifrn,  and   the  dnnjman. — Dr.    P ,  a   Quaker  of 

Philadelphia,  was  very  kind  to  the  poor.  In  times  of  sickness, 
produced  by  whatever  cause,  he  was  always  ready  to  assist  them. 
His  benevolence  in  such  cases  extended  farther  than  his 
gratuitous  services  as  a  physician.  Of  course  he  was  beloved. 
The  streets  were  frequently  somewhat  ci'owded  with  building 
materials,  so  much  so  as  often,  at  particular  places,  to  prevent 
two  vehicles  from  passing  each  other,  if  the  driver  of  either  was 
disposed  to  be  obstinate.  As  the  doctor  was  one  day  proceeding 
to  visit  a  patient,  his  progress  was  impeded  by  a  dray — the 
driver  of  which  had  stopped  his  horses  in  one  of  those  narrow 
passages.  After  waiting  several  minutes  the  doctor  requested 
the  drayman  to  allow  him  to  pass.  The  latter,  who  had  heard 
of  the  former,  but  did  not  know  him,  poured  forth  a  volley  of 
the  vilest  abuse  upon  the  '•  straight-coat,"  and  swore  that  he 
would  not  move  till  he  thought  proper.  '•Well,  friend,"  said 
the  doctor,  "  all  I  have  to  observe  is  this  :  if  thee  should  get 
sick,  or  if  thy  family  should  ever  be  in  distress,   send  for  Dr. 

P ,  and  he  will  do  all  he  can  to  assist  thee."     The  heart  of 

the  drayman  was  subdued  by  the  kindness  of  the  man  he  had 
abused  ;  he  was  ashamed  of  his  conduct,  stammered  an  apology, 
and  then  removed  the  obstruction  as  sjoeedily  as  possible. 

18—20.  (18)  false  witness,  comp.  Pr.  vl.  19,  xii.  17,  xix. 
.5,  9,  xxi.  28.  maul,  etc.,"  a  crushing  in.strument ;  a  club  shod 
with  iron.  "  An  instrument  used  in  the  rough  and  bloody 
warfare  of  fighting  men  in  old  times,  swords,  etc.,  comp.  Ps. 
lii.  4,  Ivii.  .5,  Ixiv.  4,  cxx.  4.  (19)  broken  tOOth,  or  one  ready 
to  break  ;  w^h.  gives  a  terrible  twinge  of  pain  when  used  in 
biting,  foot .  .joint,  .sprained,  so  that  every  step  is  an  agony. 
••  Treachery  annoys  as  well  as  deceives."  (20)  taketh  away, 
better,  "layeth  aside."  nitre,*  or  potash.  Some  take  the  Heb. 
word  to  mean,  "'  a  wound." 

The  miseries  of  false  friendship  (r.  10). — I.  Describe  the  un- 
faithful man.  He  is  often  ready  to  promise  more  than  you 
desire,  or  than  he  can  perfoi'm.  II.  Confidence  in  him  attended 
with  doubt.  III.  And  attended  with  pain.  Like  trying  to 
masticate  with  broken  tooth,  or  walking  u  ith  a  sprained  anki;*. 
— The  song  and  the  heart  (v.  20). — I.  Describe  the  heavy  heart 
It  may  be  made  heavy — i.e.  sad — by  sin.  sorrow,  etc.  II.  Tha 
singer,  because  he  can  sing,  is  a  reminder  of  happiness  pos- 
sessed by  another.  III.  The  song  that  is  sung  may  remind  of 
other  and  better  days.  The  tune  and  the  sentiment  may  gtir 
old  memories. 

Friendship  in  the  East. — The  respect  which  children  often 
show  for  the  companions  and  friends  of  their  father  is  very 
striking.  See  a  man  in  distress  ;  he  goes  to  the  sons  of  his 
deceased  friend  ;  he  repeats  numerous  instances  of  the  assistance 
which  he  had  received  from  their  father  :  he  is  quite  sure,  were 
he  now  alive,  his  requests  would  be  granted.    A  person  in  great 


Cap.  XXV.  21,22.] 


PROVERBS. 


243 


difficulty  seldom  seeks  for  relief  from  his  own  brothers  or  rela- 
tions. No  ;  he  will  tell  his  story  to  any  one.  suffer  almost  any- 
thing, rather  than  apply  to  near  relations.  Widows,  too,  will  go 
for  assistance  to  strangers  in  preference  to  the  relations  of  their 
late  husbands."^ 

21,  22.  (21)  be  hungry,  Eo.  xii.  20."  (22)  heap  coals,  etc.,'' 
i.e.  "  As  metals  are  melted  bj'  heaping  coals  upon  them,  so  is  the 
heart  softened  by  kindness." 

L'l'tnrninfl  r/oi'd  for  evil  {ri\  21,  22). — I.  The  duty  inculcated. 
1.  By  nature  we  are  all  inclined  to  render  evil  for  evil  :  2.  But 
religion  requires  us  to  render  good  for  evil.  II.  The  encourage- 
ment given  us  to  perform  it.  1.  That  we  shall  overcome  the 
hatred  of  our  enemy  :  2.  That  we  shall  be  rewarded  of  our  God. 
Apply  : — (1)  Guard  against  those  reasonings  which  favour  the 
indulgence  of  a  vindictive  spirit ;  (2)  Set  the  Lord  Jesus  before 
you  as  an  example."^ 

Po'iver  of  Jdndnr.'i.s. — A\Tien  I  was  in  Cambridge  Master  George 
Stafford  read  a  lecture  there, — I  heard  him, — and  in  expounding  the 
Epistle  to  the  Romans,  coming  to  that  place  where  St.  Paul  saith 
that  •'  we  shall  overcome  our  enemy  with  well-doing,  and  so  heap 
up  hot  coals  upon  his  head."  now.  in  expounding  that  place,  he 
brought  in  an  example,  saying  that  he  knew  in  London  a  great 
rich  merchant,  who  had  a  very  poor  neighbour,  yet  for  all  his 
poverty,  he  loved  him  very  well,  and  lent  him  money  at  his  need, 
and  let  him  come  to  his  table  whensoever  he  would.  It  was  at 
the  time  when  Doctor  Colet  (Dean  of  St.  Paul's,  and  founder  of 
St.  Paul's  School;  was  in  trouble,  and  would  have  been  burnt,  if 
God  had  not  turned  the  king's  heart  to  the  contrary.  Now  the 
rich  man  began  to  be  a  Scripture  man.  he  began  to  perceive  the 
Gospel  :  the  poor  man  was  a  papist  still.  It  chanced  on  a  time, 
when  the  rich  man  talked  of  the  Gospel,  sitting  at  his  table, 
where  he  reproved  popery  and  such  kind  of  things,  the  poor 
man  being  then  present,  took  a  great  di.'^pleasure  against  the  rich 
man  ;  insomuch  that  he  would  come  no  more  to  hi-;  house,  he 
would  borrow  no  more  money  of  him,  as  he  was  wont  to  do  before- 
times  :  yea,  and  he  conceived  such  hatred  and  malice  against 
him,  that  he  went  and  accused  him  before  the  bishops.  Now  the 
rich  man,  not  knowing  any  such  displeasure,  offered  many  times 
to  talk  with  him.  and  to  set  him  at  quiet ;  but  it  would  not  be, 
the  poor  man  had  such  a  stomach,  that  he  would  not  vouchsafe 
to  speak  M-ith  him  :  if  he  met  the  rich  man  in  the  street,  he 
would  go  out  of  his  way.  One  time  it  happened  that  he  met 
him  in  so  narrow  a  street  that  he  could  not  avoid,  but  must  come 
near  him  :  j'et  for  aU  that,  this  poor  man  had  such  a  stomach 
against  the  rich  man,  I  say,  that  he  was  minded  to  go  forward, 
and  not  to  speak  with  him.  The  rich  man,  perceiving  that, 
caught  him  by  the  hand,  and  asked  him,  saying,  "  Neighbour, 
what  is  come  into  your  heart  to  take  such  displeasure  with  me  .' 
what  have  I  done  against  you  ?  tell  mi\  and  I  will  be  ready  at  all 
times  to  make  you  amends."  Finally,  he  spake  so  gently,  so 
charitably,  so  lovingly,  and  friendly,  that  it  wrought  in  the  poor 
man's  heart,  so  that  by-and-by  he  fell  do^Ti  upon  his  knees  and 
asked  him  forgiveness.  The  rich  man  forgave  him.  and  took  him 
again  to  his  favour,  and  they  loved  as  well  as  ever  they  did  before. 
Many  a  one  would  have  said— Set  him  in  the  stocks  :  let  him 
have  bread  of  affliction,  and  water  of  tribulation  ;  but  this  man 
Q2 


the  clearest  tnith 
by  hardening  the 
heart  against  it." 
—Kcilh. 
c  Roberts, 


a  Mat.  V,  44, 

b  "  The  fig.  is  de« 
signed  to  de- 
scribe rather  the 
deep  pangs  of  re- 
pentance wh.  one 
produces  withia 
his  enemy  by  re- 
warding  his 
h.atred  with  bene- 
fits, and  in  the 
production  of  wh. 
the  revenge  to  be 
taken  on  liim 
may  consist,  sim- 
ply and  solely." 
—0.  Zoctler, 

"  The  first  emo- 
tion caused  by 
the  good  we  do 
may  be  one  of 
burning  shame, 
but  the  shame 
will  do  its  work, 
and  the  heart 
also  will  burn, 
and  prayer,  and 
confession,  and 
th  anksgiving 
will  rise  as  in- 
ceuse  to  the 
throne  of  God." 
—S/'Ic.  Com. 
"  We  are  the  dis- 
ciples of  Hiiu 
who  died  for  His 
enemies." — £p, 
]Vilsun. 

c  C.  Simeon,  M.A, 

AVhen  the  firsi 
warrant  for  exe- 
cution was  pre- 
sented to  Her 
Majesty  Queen 
Victoria  to  sign, 
she  burst  into 
tears.  Lord  3Iel- 
buurne  said  : — 
'■  Your  majesty 
knows  that  you 
have  the  preroga- 
tive of  mercy. " 
"  Then,"  she  re- 
plied, "  let  the 
sentence  bs 
changed  to  trana- 
portation  for 
life." 

"  Jlerciful  and 
Idnd  as  a  for- 
gi\-iug    God.  "  — 


244 


PROVERBS. 


Cap.  XXV.  23—261 


d  Latimer. 

a  The  N.W.  wind 
in  Palestine  coni- 
iHonly  brings 
tain. 

6  A  backbiter  is 
a  clandestine 
traducer  of  clia- 
racter.  His 
speech  goes  to 
damage  another's 
reputation  be- 
hind his  back. 

"  Ton  may  de- 
pend upon  it  tliat 
a  slight  contrast 
of  character  is 
very  material  to 
happiness  in  riiar- 
riage." — Cole- 
ridge. 

"The  man's  de- 
sire is  f.r  the 
woman ;  but  the 
woman's  desire  is 
rarely  other  tlian 
for  the  denire  of 
the  man." — Ibid. 

"A.  woman's 
friendship  bor- 
ders more  closely 
on  love  than 
man's.  Men  af- 
fect eacli  other 
iu  the  reflectio  i 
of  noble  or 
friendly  a  c  t  s  ; 
wiiile  women  ask 
fewer  proofs,  and 
more  siprns  and 
P:?pressiuns  of  at- 
tachment.""/6!rf. 

Slaniler  is  a 
coward's  re- 
venge, dissinui- 
lation  his  de- 
fence. 

a  -Sy)^.  Com. 
0  Slier. 

"  Beware  of  back- 
sliding. None 
sink  so  far  into 
bell  as  those  that 
come  nearest 
heaven.  No 
plants,  if  they 
rot,  hecouie  more 
offensive  and 
p  :rnicio\is  tli:in 
those  which  ouce 


did  not  so.  And  here  you  see  an  example  of  the  practice  of  God's 
■U'ords,  so  that  the  jioor  man.  bearing  great  hatred  and  malice 
against  the  rich  man,  was  brought,  through  the  lenity  and  meek- 
ness of  the  rich  man,  from  his  error  and  wickedness,  to  the 
knowledge  of  God's  Word."* 

23,  24.  (23)  driveth  a-way,  should  be,  as  marg.,  "  bringeth 
forth  rain.""  backbiting,*  or  slandering.  (2-i)  better,  etc., 
comp.  ch  xxi.  it,  It). 

Silenced  hy  a  look  (r.  23). — I.  Consider  the  simile  employed, — 
north  wind,  fierce,  strong  ;  scatters  and  breaks  up  the  shower, 
dispeises  it ;  dries  the  ground  where  it  has  fallen  :  so  the  cold, 
indignant  glance  of  a  just  and  true-hearted  man  will  cow  the 
slanderer  ;  this  it  is  to  be  angry  and  sin  not.  II.  The  reason  is, 
as  the  rain  is  weak  to  resist  the  wind,  so  the  slanderer  is  usually 
a  coward,  no  cohesion  in  his  statements,  etc. 

A  tvord  in  season. — In  Shropshire.  England,  some  years  ago,  a 
number  of  acquaintances  and  friends  hatl  assembled  to  spend  a 
social  evening  together.  In  the  course  of  the  evening  they 
resolved  to  have  a  dance,  and  prevailed  on  JMichael  Onions,  at 
whose  house  they  were,  to  go  out  a  distance  of  two  miles  to  pro- 
cure a  fiddler  for  them.  On  his  way  he  met  a  stranger,  who, 
having  missed  the  road,  requested  Michael  to  direct  him  to 
Madeley.  The  stranger  ascertained  the  eri-and  on  which  Onions 
was  going,  and  began  to  talk  with  him  about  his  soul,  showing 
him  the  unsuitableness  of  such  follies  to  a  dying  man,  his  need 
of  salvation  and  personal  interest  in  Christ,  and  his  awful  danger 
as  an  unsaved  sinner.  M'hen  the  stranger  I'^ft  Michael,  the  con- 
versation had  so  impressed  him.  that  he  dared  not  proceed  on  his 
errand,  but  returned  to  his  home.  WTien  he  opened  the  door,  his 
fi-iends  inquired  :  "  Have  you  brought  the  fiddler  .' "  He  answered, 
•'No."  "  Is  he  not  at  home  .'  Have  you  been  at  Brosely  ?"  "No." 
"Why,  what  is  the  matter?  You  look  ill,  and  are  all  of  % 
tremble  ?"  Michael  then  told  them  that  he  met  somebody,  but 
whether  a  man  or  angel  he  could  not  tell  :  he  never  before  heard 
uch  a  man.  He  repeated  what  had  been  said  to  him  on  spiritual 
ubjects,  and  added  :  "  I  dare  not  go  to  Brosely  ;  I  would  not  for 
he  world."  The  party  was  broken  up.  The  next  Sabbath, 
Aiichael  and  some  of  his  friends  attended  Madeley  Church,  and 
'here,  in  Rev.  John  Fletcher,  the  new  vicar,  he  recognised  the 
t ranger  who  had  conversed  with  him.  The  impression  wrought 
on  IMichael  was  lasting  in  its  character,  and.  under  the  influence 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  led  to  his  conversion.  He  became  a  zealous, 
devoted,  and  useful  Christian.  "  A  word  spoken  in  due  season, 
how  good  it  is  I" 

25,  26.  (25)  good  ne'WS,  of  those  so  far  away  that  •we  can- 
not have  personal  intercourse  with  them,  and  only  at  long 
intervals  communications  fr.  them.  "  The  words  remind  us  of 
the  scanty  intercourse  in  the  whole  world  between  wanderers 
and  the  home  they  had  left.""  (26)  troubled,  or  distm-bed,  so 
that  clearness  of  the  water  is  lost,  corrupt,  by  admission  to  it 
of  something  foul,  falling  dO'wn,  etc.,  by  yielding  to  the  bad 
influence  and  persuasions  of  the  wicked,*  failing  where  we 
expected  to  find  steadfastness. 

(ji-.'u  «(■«•.«  (c.  25). — Cold  water  to  a  thirsty  traveller,  to  a 
wounded  soldier,  to  a  sick  child.     Good  news  concerning  the 


Oap.  XXV.  27,  28.] 


pnovsfisa. 


245 


prosperity  of  a  friend  ;  concerning-  the  safe  arrival  of  a  merchant 
ship  ;  concerning  a  -victory.  Apply  the  Proverb  lo  the  Gospel. 
I.  The  far  country — heaven.  Far  on  account  of — 1.  Its  distance 
from  this  world  ;  as  a  place  it  is  separated  from  vs  by  a  local 
distance  untraversed  and  unmeasured,  but  vast :  2.  Its  remote- 
ness from  our  apprehensions  ;  it  differs  so  widely  from  all  we 
have  hitherto  experienced,  that  we  can  conceive  of  it  but  dimly, 
even  with  the  aid  of  revelation  ;  3.  Our  legal  and  moral  dis- 
qualifications for  inhabiting  it.  II.  The  good  news — 1.  Of  an 
answer  to  man  s  deepest  questionings.  There  are  certain  inquiries 
of  a  religious  import  which  naturally  occur  to  us  as  soon  as  we 
arrive  at  the  age  of  reflection  :  2.  Of  a  remedy  for  man's  greatest 
ills — guilt,  sin,  sorrow  ;  3.  Of  a  realisation  of  mans  highest 
hopes,  the  perfection  of  his  being.  III.  The  resemblance.  1.  It 
satisfies  a  want ;  2.  It  imparts  a  pleasure  ;  3.  It  communicates 
strength.' 

Good  nt'n-s. — Rejoice  at  the  news  :  glad  tidings  and  sad  hearts 
do  not  well  together.  When  we  see  one  heavy  and  son-owful, 
we  ask  him  what  ill  news  he  hath  heard.  Christian,  what  ill 
news  hath  Christ  brought  from  heaven  with  Him,  that  makes 
thee  walk  with  thy  folded  arms  and  pensive  countenance  ?  I 
am  sure  God  intended  His  people's  joy  in  the  feast  of  the  Gosiiel. 
Truly,  the  saints'  heaviness  reflects  unkindly  upon  God  Himself  : 
we  do  not  commend  His  cheer,  if  it  doth  not  cheer  us.  The 
Christian's  life  is  but  a  melancholy  walk,  thinks  the  carnal  heart ; 
it  is  a  dry  feast  they  sit  at,  where  so  little  wine  of  joy  is  drunk. 
Oh  1  Christians,  let  the  world  see  you  are  not  losers  in  your  joy  ; 
give  them  not  cause  to  think,  by  your  uncomfortable  walking, 
that,  should  they  turn  Chrit^tians,  they  must  bid  all  joy  farewell. 
"Eejoice  in  the  Lord  alway  l""* 

27,  28.  (27)  much  honey,  coinj).  v.  16.  search,  ^fc,  better 
trans.  "  So  to  search  into  weighty  matters  is  itself  a  weight," "  i.e. 
men  soon  become  satiated  with  it  as  with  honey.  (28)  rule  .  . 
spirit,  ch.  xvi.  32.*  city  .  .  walls,  so  freely  exposed  to  all 
enemies. 

A  defenceless  man  {v.  28). — I.  As  a  city  broken  down  lies  open 
to  the  foe,  so  a  man  who  does  not  govern  himself  is  an  easy  prey 
to  others.  II.  A  city  -without  walls  is  a  city  unguarded ;  so  an 
ungovernable  man  is  one  who  is  unwatchful,  and  easily  over- 
come.    Take  with  this  verse,  xvi.  32. 

The  jwwer  of  lore. — "  I'll  master  it,"  said  the  axe.  and  the  blows 
fell  heavily  on  the  iron  ;  but  every  blow  made  his  edge  more 
blunt,  till  he  ceased  to  strike.  "  Leave  it  to  me."  said  the  saw  ; 
and  -with  his  relentless  teeth  he  worked  backwards  aii-.  forwards 
on  its  surface,  till  they  were  all  worn  down  or  broken  ;  then  he 
fell  aside.  "Ha!  ha!"  said  the  hammer  ;"  I  knew  you  wouldn't 
Bucceed.  I'll  ,<how  you  the  way  ;"  but  at  his  first  fierce  stroke  off 
flew  his  head,  and  the  iron  remained  as  before.  "  Shall  I  try .'" 
asked  the  small,  soft  flame.  They  all  despised  the  flame  ;  but  he 
curled  gently  round  the  iron  and  embraced  it,  and  never  left  it 
till  it  melted  under  his  irresistible  influence.  There  are  hearts 
hard  enough  to  resist  the  force  of  wrath,  the  malice  of  persecu- 
tion, and  the  fury  of  pride,  so  as  to  make  their  acts  recoil  on  their 
adversaries  ;  but  there  is  a  power  stronger  than  any  of  those,  and 
liard  indeed  is  that  heart  that  can  resist  loTe.* 


appeared      in 

richest  foliage 
and  choicest 
flowers."  —  Da  v. 
Tliomas,  D.D. 

V.  25.  A.  lioberti, 
i.  2^4. 

c  G.  Brooks. 

"  Newspapers  are 
the  abstract  and 
brief  clironicles 
of  the  time.  To 
show  -virtue  liei 
own  feature, 
scorn  her  own 
image,  and  ,  the 
very  age  and 
body  of  the  time 
his  form  and 
pressure."  — 
ahatfspfare. 
"  A  journalist  ia 
a  grumbler,  a 
censurer,  a  giver 
of  advice,  a  re- 
gent of  sove- 
reigns, a  tutor  of 
nations.  Four 
hostile  newspa- 
pers are  more  to 
be  feare:!  than 
a  thousand  bayo- 
nets. "  —  Napo- 
leon I. 
d  W.  Gurmdl. 

a  "  Searching  out 
honour  brings 
ditliculty.'"— .Be;» 
theau, 

"  The  de-vil  never 
tempts  us  with 
more  success 
than  when  he 
tempts  us  with 
a  siglit  of  our 
good  actions."^ 
Jip.  Wilson. 

b  "Is  it  not  e-yi- 
dent  weakness  to 
be  able  to  suffer 
nothing,  to  think 
it  strength  and 
greatness  of 
spirit  to  bear  no- 
thing, to  be  sen- 
sible of  every 
touch  ?" — Abp. 
Leighton. 

Accustom  your- 
self to  self-con- 
trol in  matters  of 
small  moment,  aj 
a  training  for 
those  of  greater 
importance. 

e  Mrs.  Prosser. 


246 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XXVl.  1— fik 


•  "As  these  birds 
may  fly  where 
they  will,  and 
nobody  cares  or 
is  the  worse,  so 
here." — Tiapp. 

b  "  Curses,  like 
young  cliickens, 
always  come 
home  to  roost." 
— Eiig.  Frov. 

e  "  The  rod  is  as 
much  needed  by 
fools,  and  as  well 
suited  to  them,  as 
whips  and  bridles 
are  for  beasts." — 
Fausset. 

"  Our  version  of 
the  Bible  is  to  be 
loved  and  pri/.ed 
for  this,  as  for  a 
thousand  other 
things,  —  that  it 
has  preserved  a 
purity  of  mean- 
ing to  many 
terms  of  natural 
objects.  Without 
this  holdfast,  our 
vitiated  imagina- 
tions would  re- 
fine away  lan- 
guage to  mere 
abstractio  n  s. 
Hence  theFrencli 
ha^e  lost  their 
poetical  lan- 
guage ;  and  Mr. 
Blanco  White 
says  the  same 
thing  has  hap- 
pened to  the 
Spanish."  —  Cole- 
ridge. 

"The  more  you 
speak  of  your- 
self the  more  you 
are  likely  to  lie." 
— Zimmerman. 

d  Uackelt, 


0  Mat.  Til.  6. 

h  "  The  terms  in 
the  first  instance 
mean,  'in  a 
foolish  manner,' 
as  is  manifest 
from  the  reason 
given.  In  the 
Becund  instance 
the;    mean,   '  in 


CHAPTER  THE  TWENTY-SIXTH. 

1—3.  (1)  snow  .  .  harvest,  com}},  ch.  xxv.  13.  In  Palestine 
from  spring  to  October  there  is  little  or  noraiu.  So  harvest  snosv 
(or  rain)  was  regarded  as  a  strange  and  incongruous  thing. 
Honour  paid  to  a  fool  is  quite  as  incongruous.  (2)  bird,  or 
sparrow."  curse  causeless,  unmerited  ;  not  having  sufficient 
ground  or  reason,  not  come,  on  the  cursed  :  it  is  suggested  by 
the  figs,  that  it  will  return  home  to  him  who  cursed,  as  the  birds 
do  to  their  nests.*  (3)  "wllip,  etc.,  each  of  these  is  fitting  to  its 
place  and  use.' 

IlomUetic  hints  (vv.  1 — 3). — Verse  1  suggests  a  sermon  on 
things  out  of  place  ;  verse  2,  things  in  search  of  a  place  ;  verse 
3,  things  in  their  right  place.  The  three  verses  may  be  com- 
bined, and  the  subject  may  be  on  the  fitness  of  things  ;  and 
the  application  may  be — I.  Are  we  in  our  right  place  ?  II.  Haa 
Christ  His  proper  place  in  our  heart  and  life  ?  III.  What  are  we 
doing  to  secure  for  the  Saviour  His  right  place  in  the  world  ] 

Snow  for  cooling  drinks. — At  Damascus  I  found  that  snow 
procured  from  the  neighbouring  mountains  of  Anti-Lebanon  ia 
kept  for  sale  in  the  bazaars.  The  people  are  accustomed  to  mix 
it  with  water,  with  the  juice  of  pomegranates,  with  sherbet,  and 
other  driuks,  for  the  sake  of  having  a  cooler  beverage.  I  can 
testify  that  the  use  of  such  a  mixture  on  a  hot  day  is  both  agree- 
able and  refreshing.  "  In  the  heat  of  the  day,"  says  Dr.  Wilson, 
"  the  Jews  at  Hasbeia,  in  northern  Galilee,  offered  us  water 
cooled  with  snow  from  Jebel-esh- Sheikh,"  the  modern  name  of 
Mount  Hermon.  In  the  vallej's  on  the  sides  of  Saunin,  com- 
monly reckoned  the  highest  peak  of  Lebanon,  snow  remains 
during  all  the  year.  '•  Countless  loads  of  it,"  says  Dr.  Schulz, 
"  are  brought  down  on  the  backs  of  mules  to  Beirut,  and  used 
there  to  freshen  in  some  measure  the  M^ater,  other'n'ise  hardly  fit 
to  drink."  Nor  is  the  use  of  the  article  confined,  by  any  means, 
to  the  vicinity  of  the  mountains  where  the  snow  falls.  Volney 
quotes  an  Arabic  writer  as  saying  that  cargoes  of  snow,  "obtained 
at  Damascus,  used,  at  one  period,  to  be  shipped  at  Beirut  and 
Sidon  for  Damietta,  where  they  were  taken  into  boats,  and 
carried  up  the  Nile  to  Cairo,  to  be  lodged  in  cisterns  for  future 
use.  Afterwards,  the  other  mode  of  transportation  having  been 
discontinued,  the  snow  was  carried  by  land  from  Syria  to  Egy|)t ; 
and  so  great  was  the  traffic,  that  hardly  a  day  passed  when  a 
caravan  was  not  despatched  on  this  business."  In  this  practice 
of  the  East — not  unknown  among  the  Greeks  and  Romans — of 
mingling  snow  with  their  drinks,  we  have  an  obvious  explana- 
tion of  the  above  passage,  which  has  perplexed  many  a  reader  of 
the  English  Scriptures.'' 

4,  5.  (4)  answer  not,  etc..''  do  not  conform  yourself  to  his 
style  of  speech  :  do  not  bandy  words  with  him,  descending  to 
his  level,  like  him,  showing  the  same  spirit,  as  if  we  ap- 
proved of  it.  (.5)  answer,  etc.,''  meet  him  wisely  in  his  own 
way  ;  take  care  so  to  answer  as  that  his  folly  may  be  clearly 
shown. 

A  fool  an-wered  according  to  his  folly. — When  the  Rev.  J. 
Murray,  the  father  of  Modern  Universalism,  was  preaching  at 


Cap.xxvl.  6,7.1 


PROVERBS. 


247 


Newhaven,  he  had  among  his  hearers  Dj.  Edwards,  the  son  of 
the  first  President  Edwards.  Mr.  Murray  preached  on  the 
paternal  character  of  God,  and  against  the  doctrine  of  eternal 
punishment.  He  said  : — "  Would  any  of  you  who  are  parents 
plunge  your  children  into  everlasting  fire  ;  and  does  not  God  love 
His  children  as  well  as  you  love  yours  .'"  Dr.  Edwards  rose,  and 
asked  permission  to  make  a  few  remarks.  He  said  : — "  It  does 
not  seem  to  me  that  the  preacher  has  di-awu  out  inferences 
enough  from  his  doctrine.  With  your  permission  I  will  assist 
him  with  his  conclusions.  Would  any  of  you  who  are  parents 
cast  your  children  into  the  sea,  and  cause  them  to  be  drowned  or 
perish  ?  And  does  not  God  love  His  children  as  well  as  you  do 
yours  ?  And  do  you  believe  that  He  will  ever  suffer  any  of  them 
to  be  drowned  in  the  sea  ?  Assuredly  nobody  ever  was  drowned 
in  th-'  sea  or  can  be  under  the  government  of  God.  Would  any 
of  you  who  are  parents  set  fire  to  your  dwellings  in  the  night, 
and  cause  your  sleeping  babe  to  be  burned  to  death  .'  And  does 
not  God  love  His  children  as  well  as  you  do  yours  ?  Therefore 
no  one  ever  was  consumed  in  a  burning  house,  or  ever  will  be  ; 
to  suppose  such  a  thing  would  be  to  reflect  on  the  paternal 
character  of  God."  Dr.  Edwards  was  about  to  introduce  some 
further  inference,  but  Mr.  Murray  could  stand  it  no  longer.  He 
caught  his  hat  and  left  the  house,  and  the  assembly  broke  up. 
The  fool  had  been  answered  according  to  his  folly. — Another 
iJIuittratiun. — A  celebrated  divine  once  met  a  nobleman  who  was 
a  well-known  profligate  and  scoii'er,  when  the  following  conver- 
sation took  place  : — '  Doctor,"  said  the  nobleman,  "  I  am  yours 
to  my  shoe-tie."  "  My  lord,"  replied  the  divine,  '•  I  am  yours  to  the 
ground."  "  Doctor,  I  am  yours  to  the  centre  of  the  earth." 
'•  My  lord,  I  am  yours  to  the  antipodes."  "  Doctor,"  said  the 
nobleman,  determined  not  to  be  outdone  in  this  contest  of 
courteousness.  "  I  am  yours  to  the  lowest  pit  of  hell."  '■  There, 
my  lord,"  said  the  divine,  "  I  must  leave  you.  So  far  I  have 
answered  a  fool  according  to  his  folly,  lest  he  should  be  wise  in 
his  own  conceit :  and  now  I  answer  him  not  according  to  liis 
folly,  lest  I  also  should  be  like  unto  him." 

6,  7.  (6)  hand  .  .  fool,  who  cannot  be  trusted,  cuttetll  .  . 
feet,  or  he  might  as  well  have  cut  ofE  the  messenger's  feet,  for 
lie  will  not  get  his  message  well  carried."  drinketh.  damage, 
as  Job  XV.  16.  (7)  legs  .  .  equal,*  better,  taht  an-ay  the:  legs, 
for  they  are  as  useless  to  him  as  a  parable  or  a  proverb  to  a 
fool. 

Truth.— 

"  Then  welcome,  world-eyed  truth  ! 
But  there  are  other  eyes  men  better  love 
Than  truth's  :  for  when  we  have  her  she  is  so  cold, 
And  proud,  we  know  not  what  to  do  M'ith  her. 
We  cannot  understand  her,  cannot  teach  ; 
She  makes  us  love  her,  but  she  loves  not  us  : 
And  quits  us  as  she  came  and  looks  back  never. 
Wherefore  we  fly  to  fiction's  warm  embrace, 
With  her  to  relax  and  bask  ourselves  at  ease  ; 
And.  in  her  loving  and  unhindering  lap 
Voluptuously  lulled,  we  dream  at  most 
Oh  death  and  truth  :  she  knows  them,  loves  them  not ; 
Therefore  we  hate  them  and  deny  them  both."' 


the  manner  wh. 
his  folly  requires.' 
This  is  also  plain 
from  the  reason 
given.  A  foolish 
speech  is  not  a 
rule  for  our  imi- 
tation :  neverthe- 
less our  answer 
must  be  so  framed 
by  it  as  to  meet 
and  repel  it."— 
And.  Fullei: 

vv.  4,  5.  Bp.  War- 
burton,  X.  61. 

"  There  is  no 
small  degree  of 
malicious  craft 
in  fixing  upon  a 
season  to  give  a 
mark  of  enmity 
and  ill  -  will ;  a 
word,  a  look, 
which  at  one 
time  would  make 
no  impression,  at 
another  time 
wounds  the 
heart  ;  and,  like 
a  shaft  fljing 
with  the  wind, 
pierces  deep, 
wliich,  with  its 
own  natural 
force,  would 
scarcely  have 
reached  the  ob- 
ject aimed  at." — 
Sterne. 


a  "  When  a  mes- 
sage is  sent  by  a 
foors  hands,  he 
makes  so  many 
mistakes,  care- 
less or  wilful,  that 
it  is  like  bidding 
him  go  when  we 
have  cut  off  his 
Xegs,."— Bridget. 

b  "The  legs 
dangle  down 
from  a  lame  man ; 
so  is  a  parable  in 
the  mouth  of 
fools." — Words- 
icorth. 

V.  7.  /.  C.  Dieteric, 
Aniiq.  523;  Dr. 
T.  Hunt,  Obs.  100. 

"  None  but  a  fool 
is  always  right" 
— Hare. 

e  Bailey. 


243 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxvl.  8-ia 


He  must  be  a 
thorough  fool 
•who  can  learn 
uothingr  from  his 
own  foUy. 


d  Cowper. 


•  "As  a  bag  of 

jewels  on  a  heap 
of  stones."  —  0. 
Zockler. 

"  Being  scarce 
marie  up,  I  mean, 
to  man,  lie  liail 
not  apprehension 
•of  roariiiiT  ter- 
rors ;  for  the 
effect  of  iudar- 
ment  is  ofc  the 
cause  of  fear." — 
S/iak'-speare. 
"  Those  wlio  ad- 
mire and  love 
knowledge  for 
its  own  sake, 
ought  to  wish  to 
see  its  elements 
made  accessible 
to  all,  were  it 
only  that  they 
may  be  tlie  more 
thoroughly  ex- 
amined into,  and 
more  effectually 
developed  in 
their  c  o  n  s  e  - 
quences,  and  re- 
ceive that  duc- 
tility and  plastic 
quality  which 
the  pressure  of 
minds  of  all  de- 
scriptions, eoii- 
Btantly  moulding 
them  to  their 
piu-pose,  can  only 
bestow."— iii/'    j. 

EeracheU 

c  "  T  h  e  wicked 
man  often  sick- 
ens at  his  wicked- 
ness, and  then 
returns  to  it 
again.  Thus 
Pharaoh  ret\irn- 
ei^  from  his  mo- 
mentary convic- 
tion ;  Ahab  from 
his  pretended  re- 
pentance ;  Herod 
from  liis  partial 
amen  dmcnt." 
Dav.Tliomiis.D.D. 
"  Let  every  man 
that  would  avoid 
a  return  to  his 
former  iniquity 
be  infiuitely  care- 


Truth.— 

"  The  works  of  man  inherit,  as  is  just. 
Their  author's  frailty,  and  return  to  dust ; 
But  Truth  Divine  for  ever  stands  secure, 
Its  head  is  f^uarded  as  its  base  is  sure  ; 
Fix'd  in  the  rolling  flood  of  endle.ss  years, 
The  pillar  of  th'  eternal  plan  appears. 
The  raving  storm  and  dashing  wave  defies. 
Built  bj'  that  Architect  who  built  the  skies."' 

8 — 10.  (8)  bindeth  .  .  sling,  marg.  puttcthajen-el  on  a  lirap 
of  stones.  The  point  of  the  comparison  lies  in  the  value  of  the 
stone."  Others  think  the  point  of  comparison  is  the  uselessuesa 
of  a  stone  if  hound  in  a  sling.  ('.))  a  thorn,  etc.,  a  fool 
handling  the  doctrines  of  wisdom  is  like  a  drunken  mau 
handling  thorns.  (10)  great  Grod,  tliis  is  incorrect:  no  refe- 
rence to  God  is  made.  Render  thus  :  ''  As  the  archer  that 
woundeth  everyone,  so  is  he  that  hireth,"  etc.  Trusting  matters 
of  grave  moment  to  men  of  batl  repute,  or  to  any  chance  comer, 
will  do  as  much  mischief  as  one  who  shoots  arrows  about  at 
random,     transgressors,  or  vagrants. 

Till',  infidel  confounded. — Some  years  ago,  the  Rev.  James 
Armstrong  preach  1  at  Harmony,  near  the  Wabash,  when  a 
doctor  of  that  place,  a  professed  deist,  or  infidel,  called  on  his 
associates  to  accompaiiy  him  while  he  attacked  the  Meth'>dis1s, 
as  he  said.  At  first  he  asked  Mr.  Armstrong,  " if  he  followed 
preaching  to  save  souls?"  He  answered  in  the  affirmative.  He 
then  asked  Mr.  Armstrong  "  if  he  ever  saw  a  soul.'"  "No." 
"  If  he  ever  heard  a  soul .'"  "  No."  "  If  he  ever  tasted  a  soul  ?" 
"  No."  "  If  he  ever  smelled  a  soul  ?"  "  No."  "  If  he  ever  felt 
a  soul?"  "  Yes.  thank  God,"  said  jMr.  Armstrong.  ''  Well,"  said 
the  doctor,  "  there  are  four  of  the  five  senses  against  one  that 
there  is  not  a  soul."  Mr.  Armstrong  then  asked  the  gentleman 
if  he  was  a  doctor  of  medicine  ;  and  he  also  answered  in  the 
affirmative.  He  thtm  asked  the  doctor.  •'  If  he  ever  saw  a  pain  .'" 
"No."  "  If  he  ever  heard  a  pain '"  "No."  "If  he  ever  tasted 
a  pain  ?"  "  No."  "  If  he  ever  smelled  a  pain  ?"  "  No."  "  If  he 
ever  felt  a  pain  ?"  "  Yes."  Mr.  Armstrong  then  said,  "  There 
are  also  four  senses  against  one  to  evidence  that  thore  is  no  pain  ; 
yet,  sir.  you  know  that  there  is  pain,  and  I  know  there  is  a  soul." 
•  The  doctor  appeared  confounded,  and  walked  off. 

I      11,  12.    (11)   as    a  dog,   2  Pe.  ii.  22.     '^  Tlao  emblem  used 
here  is  disgusting,  but  the  thing  signified  is  infinitely  more  so."* 
!  returneth,  Heb.  iteroteih:  "  so  comes  the  fool  for  the  second 
I  time  again  with  his  folly."     "  Here  is  meant  a  falling  ag.-iin  into 
!  foolish  courses  of  action  after  brief  endeavours  or  beginnings  at 
improvement."  *   (12)  wise  . .  conceit,  has  a  blind  over  estimma 
of  himself.     One  wlio  is  encased  in  self-sufficiency.'     "  The  self- 
conceited  are  taiight  with  more  difficulty  than  the  stupid."'' 

The  done/er  of  conceit  (r.  12). — Consider  the  text — I.  As  a 
general  truth.  Here  we  may  distinctly  note — 1.  The  char.acter 
described  ;  2.  His  hopeless  condition.  II.  With  more  (\s|«ecial 
reference  to  religion.  1.  A  man  that  carries  his  conceit  into  hia 
religion  is  indeed  in  a  most  deplornble  state  :  2  The  fnol  then, 
is  in  a  more  hopeful  state  than  he.  On  this  subject  found  a 
general  exhortation.* 


Cap.  xsvl  13    17.] 


pnovEnBs. 


249 


The  -porrer  nf  hahif. — There  is  a  fabulous  story  of  a  princess 
who  was  shut  up  in  a  strong;  castle,  out  of  which  she  must  make 
her  escape  or  else  be  starved  to  death.  AVell,  the  door  has  been 
taken  away;  what  is  there  to  hinder  her.'  1  he  bright  sun  is 
shining-  on  the  forest  in  which  the  castle  stands,  and  she  joyfully 
hastens  down  to  the  gate  that  she  may  pass  it  and  t;e  free.  But 
stop  '  in  this  gate  a  spider" s  web  is  hanging  from  top  to  bottom. 
She  sweeps  it  away  in  a  moment,  and  is  going  on,  \vhcn.  behold, 
another  spider's  web  is  before  her.  It  is  very  easy  to  sweep  that 
away  too.  and  she  does  it.  But  there  is  a  third,  and,  when  that 
is  removed,  a  fourth  :  and  so  on,  again  and  again ;  and  at  last 
the  poor  princess  sits  down  and  wecjis  bitterly,  and  feels  that 
though  there  is  only  a  spider's  web  between  her  and  libei-ty,  she 
shall  never  be  free.  Habits  are  like  these  spiders  webs.  Each 
single  act  of  a  habit, — what  is  easier  to  be  overcome  !  But  it  is 
the  constant  succession  of  tliem,  one  after  the  other,  which, 
except  by  God's  special  assistance,  will,  in  the  long  run,  over- 
come us.-'^ 

13—16.  (13)  slothful,  Pr.  xii.  24.  xxii.  1.3.  lion,  here  a 
roaring  animal.  (14)  as  door,  etc..  always  moving,  yet  never 
moving  from  its  place."  He  does  not  care  to  get  out  of  his  bed, 
but  seems  to  be  hung  upon  it.  as  a  door  upon  its  hinges.*  (15) 
hideth  his  hand,'  coiii]>.  ch.  xix.  24.  grieveth  him,  wearies 
him,  puts  him  to  too  much  trouble.  {\I6)  sluggard,  another 
term  for  the  lazy  and  self-indulgent.  seven  men,  i.e.  any 
Dumber  of  men.  "  Indolence  feeds  intellectual  vanity.''  ren- 
der a  reason,  or  give  back  an  intelligent,  wise  answer. 

The  ariivntent.t  of  sloth  (r.  IC). — I.  Picture  the  sluggard  sur- 
rounded by  friends  anxious  to  show  him  a  more  excellent  way  ; 
they  argue  the  advantages  to  the  individual  and  to  society  of  toil. 
II.  Picture  the  imperturbability  of  the  sluggard  ;  he  is  almost 
too  lazy  even  to  reply.  III.  Describe  the  great  weakness  of  his 
character — conceit,  and  see  v.  1 2. 

A'eed  of  industry  in  )-e!i//ion. — "Blake  one  honest  effort  f  or  j 
your  soul's  salvation,"  said  a  professor  of  Brown  University  to 
young  Malcom.  then  a  student  in  the  institution.  The  student 
went  to  his  room,  and  shut  himself  up  with  God.  The  ex- 
pression, "  Make  one  hone.st  effort."  sounded  in  his  ears.  He 
obeyed.  He  struggled.  He  ca.st  himsi  If  on  Christ.  He  came 
from  that  room  an  altered  man.  In  after  yeais,  the  preaching 
of  our  dear  friend  Malcom  has  been  blessed  with  revival  influ- 
ences that  have  brought  scores  to  the  cross,  among  them,  two 
BOW  in  the  Presbyterian  ministry.  '•  I  never  can  forget  that 
word  which  was  once  whispered  to  me  in  an  inquiry-meeting," 
said  a  Christian  to  his  friend.  '•  'W^hafc  word .'"  "  It  wa>  the 
word  '  eternity.'  "  A  young  pious  companion,  who  was  yearning 
for  the  salvation  of  my  soul,  came  up  to  my  pew,  and  simply 
whispered  "Eternity"  in  my  ear  with  solemn  tenderness,  and 
left  me.  But  that  word  did  not  leave  me  ;  it  drove  me  to  the 
cross  for  salvation.""* 

17.  passeth  by,  on  his  own  business,  meddleth  with, 
allows  himself  to  be  enraged  with,  and  so  takes  part  in  strife 
which  does  not  really  concern  him.  taketh  .  .  ears,  and  so 
exciteth  the  dog  to  bite  him." 

The  meddle}'  (r.  17). — I.  Describe  the  meddlesome  man.    He 


ful  to  p.v.nM  every 
new  sill,  for  it  is 
like  a  1  Inw  to  a 
briiken  !>  g,  or  a 
burrten  to  a 
crushed  arm. 
K  V  e  r  y  little 
thing  (lisonlers 
the  new  healili, 
and  untiuiblied 
recovery."  —  Jer. 
Taylor. 

b  0.  Zockler. 

c"  Every  man  has 
just  as  miicli  va- 
nity as  he  wauta 
umlerstunding.".* 

d  Fdusspt. 

e  C.  Simeon,  if. A. 

f  Old  Jonathan. 


a  "  Turns  lazy 
and  stupid  like 
the  dyer's  nag 
round  in  its  cir- 
cle."—/Sc//j7;e;-. 

6  Mat.  Henry. 

c  "  Or  rather  '  in 
the  dish."  The 
moral  is  that  a 
fool  loves  to  have 
his  hand  (the  or- 
gan of  work)  in 
the  dish,  the 
place  of  sensual 
pleasure ;  but  he 
will  not  use  hl3 
hand  for  any  ac- 
tive exertion."— 
)yordsicorth. 


I  d  Cupler. 

I  Herodotus  al- 

I  luiles  incredu- 
lously to  a  race 
of  Scythians  or 
Tartars  who  were 
reported  to  sleep 
six  months  con- 
tinuously in  a 
year. 

"  God  gives  sleep 
to  the  bad,  in 
order  that  the 
good  may  be  un- 
disturbed."-/{>ctrfl. 


a  "  He  that  tjaa 
got  a  dog  by  the 
ears,  if  he  lets 
hira  go  he  flies 
at  him,  and  if  he 
keeps  his  hold  he 
has  his  bunds 


250 


PROVERBS. 


Cap.  xxvi.  18, 10. 


full,  ami  can  di) 
uotliing  Pl.se." — 
Mm.  Ilrnrij. 

"A  slight  answer 
to  au  ill  ricate 
and  useless  ques- 
tion is  a  fit  cover 
to  sucii  a  dish ; 
a  cahbase-l'^af  is 
good  enough  to 
cover  a  dish  of 
mushrooms." — J. 
Taylor. 

"A  jest  in  scorn 
points  out,  and 
hits  the  thing 
more  home  than 
the  morosest  sa- 
tire's stiug. "  — 
Butler. 

6  Li/e  of  Hopper. 


m  "  The  teacher 
outs  off  the  plea 
men  are  so  reaily 
to  make  for  them- 
selves when  they 
have  hurt  their 
neighbour  by 
their  Ues,  that 
they  '  did  not 
mean  mischief,' 
that  they  were 
'  only  in  fun.'  " — 
Spk.  Com. 

"  Quipping  and 
flouting  is 
counted  the 
flower  and  grace 
of  men's  speech, 
auil  especially  of 
table  talk  ;  but 
the  hurt  that 
Cometh  by  this 
flower  is  as  bitter 
as  w  o  r  in  w  o  o  d, 
and  the  disgrace 
which  this  grace 
casteth  upon  men 
is  fouler  than 
any  dirt  of  the 
street." — Muffet. 

Eph.  V.  4. 

"He  who  never 
relaxes  into  spor- 
tiveness  is  a 
wearisome  com- 
panion ;  but  be- 
ware of  him  who 
jests  at  every- 
thing! such  men 
disparage,  by 
some  hiclicrous 
aKsuciatiuu,      all 


has  a  conceited  notion  of  his  own  practical  wisdom  ;  can  rectify 
everything,  from  the  stirring  of  a  lire  to  the  ruling  of  a  nation  ; 
interferes  with  ^he  domestic,  social,  mental  differences  of  every- 
body. II.  Draw  attention  to  his  fate.  Like  one  who  takes  a 
dog  by  the  ears,  he  is  sure  to  be  bitten  by  the  strife  he  meddles 
with.  Application  :— Draw  a  distinction  between  a  m^re  mis- 
chievous m?d'ller  and  a  kind-hearted,  judiciou-*  peacemaker. 

'The  mcildlirirj  ^hu.t  pax-fi-nqcr. — ^Sometimis  his  (Isaac  H  )pper'8) 
jests  conveyed  cutting  sarcasms.  One  day,  when  he  was  riding 
in  an  omnibus,  he  opened  a  portmonnaie  lined  with  red.  A  man 
with  a  very  flaming  visage,  who  was  somewhat  intoxicated  and 
therefore  very  much  inclined  to  be  talkative,  said,  "  Ah,  that  is  a 
very  gay  pocket-book  for  a  Quaker  to  carry  !"  "Yes,  it  is  very 
red,"  replied  Friend  Hopper  ;  '"'  but  it  is  not  so  red  as  thy  nose." 
The  passengers  all  smiled,  and  the  man  seized  the  fir.st  oppor- 
tunity to  escape.  A  poor  woman  once  entered  an  omnibus  which 
was  nearly  full,  and  stood  waiting  for  some  one  to  make  room. 
A  proud-looking  lady  sat  near  Friend  Hopper,  and  he  asked  her 
to  move  a  little  to  accommodate  the  new  comer.  But  she 
looked  very  glum,  and  remained  motionless.  After  examining 
her  countenance  for  an  instant  he  said.  "  If  thy  face  often  looks 
so  I  shouldn't  like  to  have  thee  for  a  neighbour."'  The  pa^^sengers 
exchanged  smiles  at  this  rebuke,  and  the  lady  frowned  still  more 
deeply.* 

18,  19.  flS)  madman,  one  who  has  no  self-control,  is 
insane,  firebrands,  either  sparks,  or  arrows  tipped  with  a 
burning  substance.  (ID)  deceivetli,  deals  craftily  with  ;  tells 
lies  to.  in  sport,  forgetting  that  to  deal  with  deceit  is  to  deal 
with  an  edge  tool."  ''Many  a  practical  jester  does  the  maniac's 
mischief  witho  it  the  maniac's  excuse." 

The  mi.^chiecous  joker  {v.  19). — I.  We  have  here  a  sketch  iu 
outline  of  a  too  common  character — the  practical  joker  ;  the  man 
who  finds  a  pleasure  in  hoaxing  his  neighbours,  writing 
anonymous  letters,  etc.  II.  We  have  also  his  poor  excuse  upon 
detection,  "  Am  I  not  in  sport '  I  did  it  only  for  a  joke."  Take  the 
Berners-street  hoax,  by  Home  Tooke,  as  an  illustration  of  the 
I  immense  cost  and  inconvenience  to  those  operated  upon.  Should 
there  not  be  a  greater  object  in  life  than  this  ? 

A  praetical  joke  ivUh  a  pitrpoxe. — A  wealthy  farmer,  much 
affected  with  hypochondria,  came  to  Langeuau  to  consult 
Michael  Scuppach,  better  known  by  the  appellation  of  the 
Mountain  Doctor.  '•  I  have  seven  devils  in  my  belly,"  said  he, 
"  no  fewer  than  seven."  "  There  are  more  than  seven,"  replied 
the  doctor,  with  the  utinost  gravity  ;  '•  if  you  count  them  right 
you  will  find  eight."  After  questioning  the  patient  concerning 
his  case,  he  promised  to  cure  him  in  eight  days,  during  which 
j  time  he  would  every  morning  rid  him  of  one  of  his  troublei^ome 
inmates,  at  the  rate  of  a  louis  d'or  for  each.  "  But, "  added  he, 
'•  as  the  last  will  bo  more  obstinate  and  difficult  to  expel  than 
the  others,  I  shall  expect  two  louis  d'ors  for  him."  The  farmer 
agreed  to  these  terms  :  the  bargain  was  struck,  and  the  doctor 
impressing  upon  all  present  the  necessity  of  secrecy,  promised  to 
give  the  nine  louis  d'o  s  to  the  poor  of  the  parish.  The  next 
morning  the  imaginary  demoniac  was  brought  to  him,  and 
placeil  near  a  kind  of  ma'^hinf^  which  he  had  never  seen  before, 
,  by  which  means  he  received  an  electric  Bhock.     The  farmer 


Cap.  xxvi.  20-25.] 


PROVERBS. 


251 


roared  out  lustily.  "  There  goes  one  !"  said  the  doctor,  with 
thi_-  utmost  trravit'y.  Next  day  the  same  operation  was  repeated  ; 
the  farmer  bellowed  as  before,  and  the  doctor  coolly  remarked, 
'•  Another  is  olf  !"  In  this  manner  he  proceeded  to  the  seventh. 
"When  he  was  preparing  to  attack  the  last,  Scuppach  reminded 
his  patient  that  he  now  had  need  of  all  his  courage,  for  this  was 
the  captain  of  the  gang,  who  would  make  a  more  obstinate 
resistance  than  any  of  the  others.  The  shock  was  at  this  time 
60  strong  as  to  extend  the  demoniac  on  the  floor.  "  Now  they 
are  all  gone  !"  said  the  doctor,  and  ordered  the  farmer  to  be  put 
to  bed.  On  recovering  himself,  the  latter  declared  he  was  com- 
pletely cured  :  he  paid  the  nine  louis  d'ors.  with  abundance  of 
thanks,  and  returned  in  the  best  spirits  to  the  village.  Credible 
witnesses  attest  this  extraordinary  cure,  which  proves  the  acute- 
ness  of  the  doctor,  as  well  as  the  truth  of  Solomon's  proverb, 
that  with  the  fool  we  must  sometimes  talk  like  a  fool.'' 

20—22.  (20)  wood  is,  for  replenishing  the  fire,  tale- 
bearer, or  whisperer,  slanderer,  who  is  to  strife  as  wood  to  fire. 
(21)  contentious,  querulous,  or  quarrelsome.  Such  are  incen- 
diaries. (22)  "wounds,  ch.  xviii.  8  ;  such  words  are  like  stings 
that  reach  the  very  vitals." 

Fuel  for  social  fires  {rr.  20 — 22). — I.  The  fire,  how  it  is  pro- 
duced ;  rumours,  they  say  ;  first  tales  exaggerated  ;  the  three 
black  crows  ;  mountains  and  molehills.  Of  rumour  Tennyson 
says : — 

"  The  parson  made  it  his  text  that  week,  and  he  said  likevtdse, 
That  a  lie  which  is  part  a  truth  is  ever  the  blackest  of  lies  ; 
That  a  lie  which  is  all  a  lie,  may  be  met  and  fought  with 

outright. 
But  a  lie  which  is  part  a  truth  is  a  harder  matter  to  fight." 

II.  The  fire,  how  it  is  sustained  ;  by  the  bearing  of  tales  with 
sundry  accretions,  up  and  down  ;  the  tell-tale  grows  like  a  rolling 
ball  of  snow.  III.  The  fire,  how  it  may  be  extinguished  ;  by 
insisting  on  the  silence  of  the  talebearer.  Tell  the  talebearer 
that  you  shall  repeat  what  he  has  said,  and  name  him  as  your 
authority  :  let  it  be  understood  that  what  is  told  you  as  a  great 
secret  shall  be  no  secret  with  you,  and  he  must  take  the  con- 
sequences of  the  repetition. 

Ciial.  or  cJinrcoal.  and  wood.—  Coalfi  added  toa  heap  of  burning 
coals  make  the  fire  hotter.  The  contentious  man's  tongue  is 
"  set  on  fire  of  hell."  and  he  sets  on  fire  the  whole  community  in 
which  he  dwells.  That  which  is  rendered  "  coal  "  in  the  Bible 
shoiiJd  be  read  charcoal,  or  burned  wood.  "  The  ancients,  if 
they  Knew  the  combustible  properties  of  mineral  coal,  never  appear 
to  have  thought  of  using  it  for  fuel;  nor  do  the  Orientals  use 
it  to  this  day."  Indications  of  the  existence  of  coal  in  the 
Holy  Land  have,  however,  been  discovered  in  various  parts  of 
the  mountains  of  Lebanon,  and  a  mine  is  now  worked  by  the 
pacha. 

23—25.  (23)  burning  lips,  wh.  seem  to  glow  with  affection,  a  Spi.  Com. 
potsherd  .  .  dross.  "  a  piece  of  broken  earthenwaxe  from  the  ^a^^\q{-  ^•-^"'•'» 
furnace,  which  glitters  with  the  silver  drops  that  stick  to  it,  but  „t,.^'24,  25.  Sp, 
is  itself  contemptible,  worthless.""  (24)  dissembleth,  maketh  F«n  'midert, 
the  show  of  love.     (25)  speaketh  fair,  then  judge  not  by  the   s°yl«  ■^«-  3W. 


objects  which  are 
presented  to 
their  thoughts, 
ami  thereby  ren- 
der themselves 
incapable  of  any 
fmo  ion  which 
can  either  ele- 
vate or  soften 
them;  they  bring 
upon  their  moral 
being  an  influ- 
ence more  with- 
ering than  the 
blasts  of  the  As- 
serV—Southey. 

b  Percy  Anee. 

a  "  They  destroy 
the  mental  peace 
of  him  to  whom 
they  are  uttered, 
the  reputation  of 
him  of  whom 
they  are  uttered, 
and  the  social 
hapiness  of 
b  oth."  —  David 
Thomas,  D.D. 

Vs.  hi.  1—6 ;  Ja. 
iii.  6. 

V.  20.  /.  Faweettf 
i.  359. 

"  Scandal  gene- 
rally takes  its 
rise  either  from 
an  ill-will  to 
mankind,  a  pri- 
vate inclination 
to  make  our- 
selves esteemed, 
an  ostentation  of 
wit,  and  vanity 
of  being  thought 
in  the  secrets  of 
the  world ;  or 
from  a  desire  of 
gratifying  any  of 
these  dispositions 
of  mind  in  those 
p  ersons  with 
whom  we  con- 
verse. "-^4  ddison. 

"  Slander  lives 
upon  succession ; 
for  ever  housed 
when  once  it  gets 
possession."— 
Shakespeare. 


252 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  XXVlt  1. 


The  parasitps  of 
Darius  deifietl  | 
him  for  fv  month,  | 
to  make  yiim  the  i 
tool  and  victim  i 
of  their  mahc ions  I 
plot.  Z  i  b  a  '  s 
smooth  words  , 
drew  David  into 
deep  disgrace  ;  [ 
and  by  listening  | 
to  lying  prophets  | 
Ahab  became  in-  | 
fatuated  by  tlat-  , 
t  e  r  y  ,  and  was  | 
60011  involved  itt  ] 
ruin. 

"  'Ti3  too  mnch  I 
proved  that, 
with  devotion's 
yisage,  and  pious 
action,  we  do 
sugar  o'er  the 
devil  himself." — 
£.  L.  Magoon. 


a  "He  that  in- 
jures another 
bates  him  in  pro- 
portion to  the  in- 
jtu-y." — Tacitus. 

t>.  28.  ff  rnirxt, 
Morn.  Ex.iu. 165 : 
J.  Barker,  \a{);  F. 
Wtbb,  ii.  145. 

"Envy  is  a  pas- 
sion actually 
diabolical  in  its 
nature,  for  it 
makes  war  a- 
gainst  God  Him- 
self; and  being 
incapable  in  its 
impotence  of 
clouding  His 
Sovereign  Ma- 
jesty, it  attacks 
Him  in  tlie  gifts 
His  beneficence 
has  bestowed  ou 
man." — Bovk  of 
tne  Fut/iers. 


b  R.  T.  S. 


a  Pr.  ivi.  9,  xix. 
21 ;  Lu.  xii.  20  ; 
Ja.  ly.  13— IG. 


speech,  but  by  the  cliaracter.      se'Veil,  used  as  the  Bymbol  of 

completeness  :  meaning',  any  quantity  of  abominations. 

FIntfi'ri/.—'i'imooth.  talk  proves  often  s-n'cet  poison.  Flattory 
is  the  very  spring'  and  mother  of  all  impiety  ;  it  blows  the 
trumpet  and  dra'W'spoor  souls  into  rebellion  ag'ainst  (Jod,  as  Sheba 
drew  Israel  against  David  ;  it  put  our  first  parents  upon  tustiug 
the  forbidden  fruit ;  it  put  Absalom  upon  dethroning  his  father  ; 
it  put  Haman  upon  plotting  the  ruin  of  the  Jews  ;  it  put  Korah, 
Dathan,  and  Abiram  upon  rebelling  against  Moses  ;  it  makes 
men  call  evil  good,  and  good  evil,  darkness  light,  and  light 
darkness.  It  puts  men  upon  abusing  God,  slighting  Christ,  and 
vexing  the  Spirit ;  it  unmans  a  man,  it  makes  him  call  black 
white,  and  white  black  ;  it  makes  a  man  change  pearls  for 
pebbles,  and  gold  for  counters  ;  it  make^  a  man  judge  himself 
wise,  when  foolish  ;  knowing,  when  he  is  ignorant  ;  holy,  'when 
he  is  profane  :  free,  when  he  is  a  prisoner  ;  rich,  when  he  is 
poor  ;  high,  when  he  is  low  ;  full,  when  he  is  empty ;  happy, 
when  he  is  miserable. 

26—28.  ('26)  hatred. .  .  deceit,  the  enemy  often  using 
faviming  words.  shall  be  shewed,  or  discovered,  and  dis- 
closed. (27)  fall  therein,  ch.  xii.  i;? ;  Ps.  vii.  16,  ix.  17. 
rolleth  a  stone,  up  a  height,     (28)  hateth,  its  victims." 

Flattery  {v.  28).  —  Show  how  a  flattering  mouth  worketh 
ruin.  I.  By  causing  the  flattered  to  be  puffed  up  beyond 
measure,  till  he  forms  too  good  an  o])inion  of  himself.  II.  By 
causing  others  to  form  too  exalted  an  opinion  of  him,  so  that  he 
is  placed  in  positions  for  which  he  is  not  qualified.  Apply  : — 1. 
Do  not  flatter  ;  2.  Do  not  listen  to  the  flatterer  ;  his  opinion  of  the 
man  he  flatters  must  be  mean,  or  he  would  not  use  flattering 
language  ;  3.  A  word  about  the  fulsome  flatteries  of  the  plat- 
form, etc. 

A  ?iv»inn  at  Montreal. — An  elderly  female,  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  persuasion,  residing  near  Montreal,  in  Canada,  having 
obtained  a  Bible,  was  visited  by  her  priesl  who  earnestly 
endeavoured  to  prevail  on  her  to  give  it  up.  Finding  he  could 
not  persua<le  her  to  relinquish  her  treasure,  he  attempted  to 
induce  her  to  sell  it :  offering  first  five,  then  ten,  fifteen,  and  at 
last  twenty  dollars.  The  good  woman,  after  refusing  these  offers, 
at  length  consented  to  sell  it  for  twenty-five  dollars.  The  priest 
agreed,  the  money  was  paid,  the  obnoxious  volume  was  given  up, 
and  he  departed  in  triumph.  But  the  old  woman  set  off  im- 
mediately to  Montreal,  and  with  the  priest's  twenty-five  dollars 
purchased  twenty-five  new  Bibles,  for  herself  and  her  neighbours. 
How  vain  the  attempt  to  stay  the  progress  of  Divine  truth,  and 
how  fully  in  this  case  was  the  proverb  of  the  wise  man  fulfilled, 
"He  that  rolleth  a  stoue,  it  will  return  upon  him"  Prov. 
xxvi.  27.* 


CHAPTER  THE  TJFENTY-SEVENTH. 

1.  of  to-morro"W,  ?'.r.  of  the  plans  for  to-morrow.  Remembei 
that  they  are  unexecuted,  and  many  things  may  happen  that 
will  prevent  your  carrying  them  through."  day  .  .  forth,  life  la 
full  of  surprises  ;  the  unexpected  is  constantly  occurring,  so  the 


Cap.  xxvii.  2.] 


PROVERBS. 


253 


best  planniiigs  may  be  ppoiled.     It  has  been  paradoxically  said 
that  "nothing  happens  but  the  unlikely." 

Making  too  sure  of  life  (v.  1). — Boast  not — 1.  As  to  thy  life  ; 
2.  As  to  thy  wealth  ;  3.  As  to  thy  mental  acquirements  ;  4.  As  to 
thy  religion.. —  G.  Bronh<i.-—Noiv,  or  fo-monon-  (r.  1).-  To-morrow 
will  come,  but  will  you  be  there  to  meet  it  ?  The  now.  which 
Divine  mercy  presents  to  men,  instead  of  their  own  false  to- 
morrow, represents  in  one  view  a  line  running  thiough  all  time, 
and  in  another,  a  point  touching  only  the  present  moment.  I. 
Let  Paul's  now  represent  time,  and  Solomon's  to-morrow 
represent  eternity  ;  in  this  aspect  to-day,  and  not  to-morrow,  is 
'  the  day  of  salvation  for  mankind.  II.  Let  now  represent  -this 
moment,  and  to-morrow  the  next.* 

To-day. — Enjoj'  the  blessings  of  this  day  if  God  sends  them, 
and  the  evils  of  it  bear  patiently  and  sweetly  ;  for  this  day  is 
only  ours,  we  are  dead  to  yesterday,  and  we  are  not  born  to  the 
morrow.  He,  therefore,  that  enjoys  the  present,  if  it  be  good, 
enjoys  as  much  as  is  possible  ;  and  if  only  that  day's  trouble 
leans  upon  him.  it  is  singular  and  finite.  '•  Sufficient  to  the  day," 
said  Christ,  "  is  the  evil  thereof."  Sufficient,  but  not  intolerable. 
But  if  we  look  abroad,  and  bring  into  one  day's  thoughts  the 
evil  of  many,  certain  and  uncertain,  ^^■hat  will  be  and  what  v.'ill 
never  be,  our  load  will  be  as  intolerable  as  it  is  unreasonable. 
To  reprove  this  instrument  of  discontent  the  ancients  feigned 
that  in  hell  stood  a  man  twisting  a  rope  of  hay,  and  still  he 
twisted  on.  suffering  an  ass  to  eat  up  all  that  was  finished  :  so 
miserable  is  he  who  thrusts  his  passion  forward  towards  future 
events,  and  suffers  all  that  he  may  enjoy  to  be  lost  and  devoured 
by  folly  and  inconsideration,  thinking  nothing  fit  to  be  enjoyed 
but  that  which  is  not,  or  cannot  be  had.'' 

2,  another  man,  one  who  can  be  quite  independent ;  who 
can  have  no  interested  motives  in  his  praise,  not  .  .  mouth, 
"  self-praise  is  no  recommendation.'' "  "  Every  one  will  be  for- 
ward to  run  him  down  that  cries  himself  up.  There  may  be  a 
just  occasion  for  us  to  vindicate  ourselves,  but  it  does  not  become 
us  to  applaud  ourselves." 

The  (goti.-<t  (r.  2). — I.  "What  he  should  not  do — praise  himself. 
Self-praise  no  recommendation.  Men  taken  at  their  own 
valuation,  and  that  of  others.  Self-praise  an  offence  to  the 
better  judgment  of  others.  Men  do  not  see  themselves  as  others 
see  them.  II.  What  he  should  do — let  others  prai-e  him  :  then 
he  would  seek  to  be  worthy  of  the  highest  praise  ;  then  he  would 
cultivate  modesty,  and  be  worthy  of  praise.  Apply  : — 1.  Neither 
praise  yourself,  nor  live  for  the  prai.se  of  others,  but  seek  the 
"  well  done  "  of  Him  who  knoweth  us  altogether  ;  2.  The  praise 
of  God  is  founded  on  that  moral  character  which  He  has  Him- 
self created. 

Flatterers. — Take  care  thou  be  not  made  a  fool  by  flatterers, 
for  even  the  wisest  men  are  abused  by  these.  Know,  therefore, 
that  flatterers  are  the  worst  kind  of  traitors  :  for  they  will 
strengthen  thy  imperfections,  encourage  thee  in  all  evils,  con-ect 
thee  in  nothing,  but  so  shadow  and  paiut  all  thy  vices  and  follies, 
as  thou  shalt  never,  by  their  will,  discern  evil  from  good,  or  vice 
from  virtue  :  and  l^ecause  all  men  are  apt  to  flatter  themselves, 
to  entertain  the  additions  of  other  men's  praises,  is  most  perilous. 
po  not  therefore  praise  thyself,   except  thou  wilt  be  counted 


"  Do  not  throw 
out  with  proud 
assunnice  high 
soaring  scheiuea 
for  the  future." 
—Elster. 

"  This  does  no! 
forbid  preparing 
for  to-niorrow, 
but  presuming 
upon  to  -  mor- 
row."— Ma  It /lew 
Hi-ni-y. 

"  No  one  has  h.ad 
the  gods  so  fa- 
vourable that  he 
can  promise  him- 
self a  morrow." 
— Seneca. 

V.  1.  H.  Binning, 
ii.  421  ;  Dr.  R. 
Moss,  vii.  317  ; 
Jon.  Edwards,  n, 
237 ;  H.  Stebhing, 
ii.  335  ;  J.  Faic- 
celt,  ii.  276  ;  Dr. 
Blair,  iv.  379  ; 
Dr.  R.  Parkinson, 
i.  258. 

6  Dr.  W.  A  mot. 

c  Jer.  Taylor. 


a  "  Not  as  mother 
says,  hut  as  the 
I  neighbours  say." 
— Arabic  Prov. 

"  Praise  is  sweet 
music,  but  is 
I  never  tunable 
in  thine  own 
mouth ;  it  is  a 
comely  garment, 
but  its  beauty,  to 
be  seen,  nuist  be 
put  on  by  an- 
other, not  by 
thy  se\t"  ^Quoted 
by  Dav.  Tlwmas, 
D.D. 

"  Wioso  praiseth 
himself  will  soon 
find  some  one  to 
laugh  at  him." — 
Syrus. 

"  If  a  man  have 
worthy  qualities, 
and  do  great 
deeds,  let  tliera 
speak  for  hira. 
Prating  about 
them,  obtruding 
thfiiu  upon  men, 
will    mar    their 


264 


PROVERBS. 


(Cap,  xxvli.  3— flL 


credit ;  inducing 
men  to  t  li  i  n  k 
tlieni  done  not 
out  of  love  to 
virtue,  hut  for  a 
■vainglorious  de- 
Bign." — Barroic, 

"Flattery  is  a  sort 
of  bad  money,  to 
•which  oiu-  vanity 
gives  currency." 
—  L(i  Uochi^'uu- 
eauld. 

k&r  W.  Raleigh. 


a  TTngoTerned 

passion.  The 
fool  being  usually 
conceived  as  one 
having  no  power 
of  self-control. 
"  Say  nothing  to 
any  one  in  a  fury, 
for  that  is  like 
putting  to  sea  iu 
a  storm.  Wise 
men,  remember- 
ing their  own  in- 
firmities, bear 
with  those  of 
others."  — Quoted 
by  NichoUs. 

b  "Envy  is  the 
daughter  of 
pride,  the  author 
of  revenge  and 
murder,  the  be- 
ginner of  sedi- 
tion, and  the 
perpetual  tor- 
mentor of  vir- 
tue."— Socrates. 

"  Nature  in  every 
man  is  both  en- 
viuus  and  dis- 
d  ai  nf  u  1,  and 
never  loves  to 
honour  another, 
but  when  it  may 
be  an  honciur  to 
itself  ."-/J;). //a«. 

Ja.  iii.  14,  16. 

«  0.  Brooks. 

V.  4.  Dr.  R.  Moss, 
iv.  165. 

4  Cheeotr- 


a  "Love  which 
from  false  con- 
Bide  rat  ion  dis- 
Beniblf's.  ami  does 
not  uamu  to  one  s 


a  vainglorious  fool,  neither  take  delight  in  the  praise  of  other 
men,  oxcept  thou  deserve  it,  and  receive  it  from  such  as  are 
worthy  and  honest,  and  will  withal  warn  thee  of  thy  faults  ;  for 
flatterers  have  never  any  virtue,  they  are  ever  base,  creeping, 
cowardly  persons.  A  flatterer  is  said  to  be  a  beast  that  biteth 
smiling ;  it  is  said  by  It^aiah  in  this  manner  :  "  My  people,  they 
that  praise  thee,  seduce  thee,  and  disorder  the  paths  of  thy  feet :" 
and  David  desired  God  to  cut  out  the  tongue  of  a  flatterer.  But 
it  is  hard  to  know  them  from  friends,  they  are  so  obsequious  and 
full  of  protestations  ;  for  as  a  wolf  resembles  a  dog,  so  doth  a 
flatterer  a  friend.  A  flatterer  is  compared  to  an  ape,  who  because 
she  cannot  defend  the  hoiise  like  a  dog,  labour  as  an  ox,  or  bear 
burdens  as  a  horse,  doth  therefore  yet  play  tricks,  and  provoke 
laughter.* 

3,  4.  C3)  stone,  etc.,  lit.  "  Heaviness  is  in  stone,  and  weight 
is  in  sand."  fool's  wratll,  or  ill-temper."  Iieavier,  on  him- 
self, as  well  as  on  those  whom  he  makes  to  suffer  under  it.  (4) 
wratll,  violent  passion,  outrageous,  or  overflowing  :  makes 
a  man  "savage  and  furious  as  a  beast  of  prey."  envy,''  or 
jealousy.  The  violent  passion  in  a  husband  who  thinks  himself 
wronged. 

The  pon-er  of  envy  {v.  4). — I.  Its  nature.  1.  Its  object  is  some- 
thing that  is  good,  natural  or  acquired — even  religious  ex- 
cellence ;  2.  Its  object  is  something  that  is  in  possession  of 
another — grudges  the  po.«session  of  it  by  him- — desires  to  appro- 
priate it  ;  3.  Something  that  is  not  absolutely  unattainable — a 
man  does  not  envy  the  beauty  of  a  woman,  or  the  woman  the 
strength  of  a  man.  II.  Its  properties.  1.  It  is  common  :  many 
things  due  to  envy  which  are  generally  ascribed  to  other  causes ; 
2.  It  is  odious :  it  is  pain  arising  from  the  happiness  of  others, 
and  a  desire  to  destroy  that  happiness — breathes  a  murderous 
si)irit  ;  3.  It  is  destructive — subtle,  acceptable  to  manj'  observers, 
more  intense  in  proportion  to  the  excellence  of  the  person  it 
assails.  III.  Its  cure.  1.  A  Scriptural  estimate  of  the  objects 
which  excite  envy — they  are  not  so  valuable  as  they  appear  to 
be  ;  ^.  A  just  opinion  of  ourselves — we  do  not  deserve  so  much, 
as  we  imagine  ;  3.  An  entire  chauge  of  heart— conversion. 
Apply: — (1)  Do  not  needlessly  provoke  envy;  (2)  Do  not 
wickedly  indulge  it  ;  (3)  Do  not  basely  fear  it ;  (4)  Do  not 
angrily  resent  it.'' 

Xerxes  angry  nitli  the  Ilellcspnnf. — When  the  force  of  the 
current  had  carried  away  the  temporary  bridge  which  Xerxes 
had  caused  to  be  thrown  over  the  Ilellesjwnt.  on  his  grand  ex- 
pedition into  Greece,  he  was  so  enraged,  that  he  not  only  ordered 
the  heads  of  the  workmen  to  be  struck  oif .  but,  like  a  madman, 
inflicted  lashes  upon  the  sea,  to  punish  it  for  its  insolence  ;  he, 
moreover,  affected  to  hold  it  in  future  under  his  control,  by 
throwing  fetters  into  it !  "A  stiiking  proof,"  adds  the  historian, 
"  how  much  the  possession  of  despotic  power  tends  not  only  to 
corrupt  the  heart,  but  even  to  weaken  and  blind  the  under- 
standing.""' 

5,  6.  (T))  open  rebuke,  plain,  straightforward  censure, 
secret  love,"  i.e.  love  which  shrinks  from  reproving,  and  is 
willing  to  let  a  friend's  faults  continue  rather  than  speak  about 
them.     (G)  wounds,  given  to  our  feelings  by  pointing  out  our 


Cap.  xxvll.  7, 8.] 


Pno  VERBS. 


255 


faults.*  kisses,  etc.,''  i.e.  of  a  friend  who  is  really  an  enemy  to 
us  because  he  smoothes  over  our  failings,  deceitful,  Heh./re- 
qvcnt ;  so  to  be  lightly  esteemed.'' 

'I  hr'rvonnds  of  a  fritncl  (r.  6). — I.  They  are  of  the  most  painful. 
II.  They  are  accompanied  with  sympathy.  III.  Ihey  are 
followed  by  healing  words.  IV.  They  manifest  to  us  our  weak 
part  of  character.  V.  God  is  our  chief  friend  : — notice  how  He 
wounds  the  heart  by  bringing  sin  to  remembrance,  but  only  to 
heal  and  save. 

It  unci  ship. —"Bow  few  have  the  requisite  boldness  or  wisdom 
duly  to  administer  reproofs  !  It  is  said  of  Alexander  that  he 
bade  a  philosopher  begone  from  his  presence,  who  had  been  a 
long  time  with  him  ;  for,  said  he.  So  long  hast  thou  been  with 
me  without  ever  reproving  me.  which  must  needs  be  thy  fault  : 
for  either  thou  saM'est  nothing  in  me  worthy  of  reproof,  which 
ai'gues  thy  ignorance,  or  else  thou  durst  not  reprove  me,  which 
argues  thy  unfaithfulness.  Charity  and  prudence  are  not 
parasitical  plants  which  require  holes  of  falsehood  to  climb 
up  upon.  It  is  often  extremely  difficult  in  the  mixed  things  of 
this  world  to  act  truly  and  kindly  too  :  but  therein  lies  one  of 
the  great  trials  of  a  man,  that  his  sincerity  should  have  kindness 
in  it,  and  his  kindness  truth. 

7,  8.  (7)  loatheth,  Beb.  "treadeth  under  foot."  The  teach- 
ing is  that  indulgence  in  any  sensual  pleasure  is  sure  to  bring  on 
satiety,  while  self-restraint  increases  our  capacity  for  enjoj'nient. 
hungry,  etc..  comp.  the  Eng.  proverb,  "  Hunger  is  the  best 
sauce  : "  and  the  Ger.  prov.,  '•  Hunger  is  the  best  cook."  (8) 
bird  .  .  nest,  a  prov.  against  the  restless  love  of  change  and 
travel." 

1  he  7va7iderinff  lird  (v.  8). — I.  Consider  the  nest  of  the  bird 
and  the  place  of  the  man.  1.  The  same  wise  Creator  that 
supplied  the  bird  with  its  nest,  has  furnished  a  place  for  man  ; 
2.  As  the  nest  for  the  bird,  so  the  place  for  the  man  which  God 
has  chosen  is  the  best.  II.  Consider  the  wandering  bird  and 
man.  1.  Some  of  the  causes  of  wandering  : — as  pride,  etc., — the 
prodigal  son  :  2.  Some  consequences  of  wandering  :  danger,  dis- 
comfort, a  humiliating  return,  or  irretrievable  ruin.  Apply  : — 
(1)  Let  those  who  are  in  their  place,  keep  there  ;  (2)  If  out  of 
our  place,  let  us  at  once  return  ;  (3)  The  best  place  for  wanderers 
is  the  heart  of  Christ. 

Ifoney. — Both  .St.  Basil  and  St.  Chrysostom  put  this  difference 
between  the  labour  of  the  ant  and  the  bee,  that  the  ants  work 
but  for  themselves,  the  bee  for  others.  Though  the  ants  have  a 
commnnvvealth  of  their  own,  yet  those  fathers  call  their  labour 
but  private  labour,  because  no  other  commonwealth  have  benefit 
by  their  labour  but  their  own.  Direct  thy  labours  in  thy  calling 
to  the  good  of  the  public,  and  then  thou  art  a  civil,  a  moral  ant : 
but  consider  also  that  all  that  are  of  the  household  of  the  faith- 
ful, and  I'rofess  the  same  truth  of  religion,  are  part  of  this  public, 
and  direct  thy  labours  for  the  glory  of  Christ  Jesus  amongst 
them  too,  and  then  thou  art  a  religious  and  a  Christian  bee,  and 
the  fruit  of  thy  labour  shall  be  honey.  The  labour  of  the  ant  is 
sub  dio,  open,  evident,  manifest :  the  labour  of  the  bee  is  gnb 
tecfo.  in  a  house,  in  a  hive  :  they  will  do  good,  and  yet  they  will 
not  be  seen  to  do  it ;  they  affect  not  glory,  nay,  they  avoid 
it.    For  in  experience,  when  some  men,  curious  of  natural  know- 


neighbour  hli 
faults  even  where 
it  should  do  so." 
—  0.  ZbrUcr. 
"  I  thank  that 
man  as  my  friend 
through  whose 
advice  I  am 
enabled  to  \\ipe 
till  the  blemishes 
fif  my  soul  before 
tlie  appearance 
of  the  awful 
Judge.''  — 
Grtgvry  I. 
b  "Ihere  cannot 
be  a  more  worthy 
improvement  ol 
friendship  than 
in  a  fervent  oppo- 
sition to  the  sins 
of  those  we  love." 
~Bp.  Hall. 
(•W*.xxvi.48,49. 
d  "Authority  pre- 
dominates in  fa- 
vour of  abundant, 
and  we  thus  get 
a  delicate  touch 
of  irony,  wh.  ia 
wanting  in  the 
A..'V."—Spk.  Com. 

a  "  A  prov.  di- 
rected against 
weariness  of  one's 
home,  against  ad- 
V  e  n  t  u  r  ous  im- 
pulses, and  a  rest- 
less roving,  with- 
out quiet  domes- 
tic tastes." — 0. 
Zo.kler. 

"  He  whose  levity 
or  d  i  s  c  o  n  t  e  nt 
makes  liim  r.ashly 
leave  his  country, 
or  trade,  or  office, 
too  often  undoes 
himself,  but 
rarely  mends  his 
condition." — Bp. 
Patrick. 

1  Co.  vii.  24;   1 
Th.  iv.  11. 
V.  8.   Dr.  J.  Orton, 
i.  163. 

1 " Contentment 
I  produces,  in  some 
measure,  all  those 
eflects  which  the 
!  alchemist  usually 
I  ascribes  to  what 
I  he  calls  the  philo- 
sopher's stone  ; 
and  if  it  does  not 
bring  riches,  it 
does  the  same 
thing,  by  Vanish- 
ing the  desire  of 
them.  If  it  can- 
not remove  the 
disquietudes  aria- 


25  G 


PROVERBS. 


Cap.  xxvll.  9  - 12* 


iii^  h'oni  a  man's 
Tiiiivl,  bo'ly,  or 
fortune,  it  makes 
him  ea'iy  nn-ler 
tUaxi."-  Addison. 

"  ^Tay  I  always 
hav;.'  a  lieart  su- 
perior, wiHi  eco- 
nomy suitable,  to 
my  fortune." — 
Shenstone. 
b  Br.  Dunne. 

a  "Every  friend 
is  to  the  other  a 
sun.  ami  a  sun- 
flower also ;  he 
attracts  ami  fol- 
lows."— Richter, 

b  "  Fri  enrlship, 
like  certain  wines, 
becomes  valuable 
witli  years.  •The 
oM  family  frieml, 
with  whom  are 
associated  the 
touching  memo- 
ries of  m  a  It  y 
loved  ones  in  the 
dust,  his  presence 
is  more  than  sun- 
shine to  the  soul, 
his  voice  richer 
than  any  music." 
—  /}  a  V .  Tltonms, 
DO. 

"A  brother,  if  he 
be  wortliy,  is  the 
readiest  and 
nearest  to  be  a 
frieml  ;  but  till 
he  be  so,  he  is 
but  the  twiliglit 
of  the  day,  and 
but  the  blossom 
to  the  fairest 
fruit  of  Paradise. 
A  brother  does 
not  always  make 
a  friend,  but  a 
friend  ever  makes 
a  brotlier.  and 
more."-/.  Tat/hir. 
r.  10.  W.  Enfii'ld, 
i.  261;  R.  Rubin- 
snn.  iv.  39  ;  Dr. 
Blair,  iv.  358  ; 
Dr.  W.  Stevens, 
iu.  1. 
CR.T.S. 

a  "The  uprigTit- 
ness  of  the  scho- 
lar will  be  the 
truest  answer  to 
all  the  attaclvs  on 
the  character  or 
teacliing  of  the 
master." — Spk. 
Com, 


lodge,  hiive  made  their  hives  of  glass,  that  by  that  transparency 
thej'  might  see  the  bees'  manner  of  working,  the  bees  have  made 
it  their  first  work  to  line  that  glass  hive  with  a  crust  of  wax, 
that  they  might  work  and  not  be  discerned.  It  is  a  blessed 
sincerity  to  work  as  the  ant,  professedly,  openly ;  but  because 
there  may  be  cases  when  to  do  so  would  destroy  the  whole  work, 
though  there  be  a  cloud  and  a  curtain  between  thee  and  the  eyes 
of  men,  yet  if  thou  do  them  clearly  in  the  sight  of  God,  that  He 
see  His  glory  advanced  by  thee,  the  fruit  of  thy  labour  shall  be 
honey.* 

9,  10.  (9)  ointment,  etc..  things  highly  esteemed,  pleasing, 
and  refreshing,  the  lieart,  the  organ  of  perceiving  what 
pleases  the  senses,  hearty  counsel,  sincere,  faithful,  and 
loving.a  (10)  thy  friend,  one  long  tried  and  proved.*  In  the 
time  of  trouble  such  a  one  will  prove  better  to  you  than  rela- 
tives,    neighbour  .  .  near,  in  heart  and  sympathy. 

Old  family  friend.^  (r.  lOj. — I.  Consider  some  of  our  fathers' 
old  friends.  1.  The  Sabbath  ;  2.  The  sanctuary  ;  3.  The  Saviour; 
4.  The  Scriptures.  II.  Con^^ider  some  reasons  for  being  true  to 
them.  1.  Because  of  what  they  have  done  for  those  who  are 
dear  to  us  ;  2.  Because  of  what  they  promise  to  do  for  us  ;  3, 
Because  of  what  they  have  already  done  for  some  of  us. 
"  He  that  wrongs  his  friend 

Wrongs  himself  more,  and  ever  bears  about 

A  silent  court  of  justice  in  his  breast — 

Himself  the  judge  and  jury  ;  and  himself 

The  prisoner  at  the  bar,  ever  condemned  : 

And  that  drags  down  his  life  :  then  comes,  what  comes, 
hereafter." 
A  Chri.'<1i(in  friend. — A  number  of  intimate  friends  being  at 
dinner  together,  on  the  Lord's  day,  one  of  the  company,  in  order 
to  prevent  improj^er  discourse,  said,  "  It  is  a  question  whether  we 
shall  all  go  to  heaven  or  not."  This  plain  hint  occasioned  a  general 
seriousness  and  self-examination.  One  thought,  •'  If  any  of  this 
company  go  to  hell,  it  must  be  myself  ; "  and  so  thought  another, 
and  another ;  even  the  servants  who  waited  at  table  were 
affected  in  the  same  maunfiB*.  In  short,  it  was  afterwards  found  that 
this  one  sentence  proved,  by  the  special  blessing  of  God  upon  it,  in- 
strumental to  their  conversion.  What  an  encom-agement  is  this 
to  Christians,  to  give  a  serious  turn  to  the  conversation,  when  in 
company  I  It  should  be  observed,  however,  that  the  Lord's  day 
was  not  instituted  for  the  visiting  and  entertainment  even  of 
Christians.  How  is  their  conduct,  who  make  a  point  of  meeting 
and  feasting  on  the  Sabbath,  to  be  distinguished  from  the  Sunday 
parties  of  the  profane  ?  Our  place  of  meeting,  on  that  day,  is 
the  house  of  God  ;  and  our  feast,  the  rich  provisions  of  the  ever- 
lasting Gospel.* 

11,  12.  (11)  wise,  a  word  incl tiding  here  all  virtue  and 
goodness.  The  goodness  of  the  children,  when  grown  up.  takes 
all  reproach  away  from  their  parents."  reproacheth  me,  as 
having  failed  in  parental  duty.  (12)  prudent,  etc.,  comp.  ch. 
xxii.  3. 

A  father's  irixli  {v.  11). — I.  The  nature  of  the  father's  desire. 
That  his  son  may  be  wise.  This  from  a  good  father  includes 
wisdom  of  the  highest  kind — religion.    II.  The  reason  of  the 


Cap.  xxvii.  13, 14.] 


PROVERBS. 


257 


father's  desire.  That  he  may  boldly  speak  his  son's  praise  to 
inquirers,  that  when  any  reproach  him  with  too  much  indul- 
gence, he  may  point  to  his  son  as  an  answer  — Effectn  of  prudence 
ami  folly  conirnxted. — Solomon  a  keen  observer  of  men.  One 
post  of  observat'on  Prov.  vii.  G.  Imagine  cases  of  merchants, 
pleasure-seekers,  travellers,  in  illustration  of  the  text,  as  seen  by 
the  king.  I.  Contrast  the  characters.  1.  The  prudent- — on  the 
outlook,  cii'cumspect,  he  forecasts  the  future,  he  distrusts  him- 
self ;  2.  The  simple — the  shallow,  flippant,  conceited,  unobser- 
vant, "  passes  on  "  self-satisfied,  takes  things  easy  with  a  jaunty 
air.  II.  Contrast  the  courses  pursued.  1.  The  prudent  hides 
himself  at  the  right  time,  in  the  right  place,  in  the  right  way  : 
2.  The  simple — he  passes  on,  life  with  him  a  constant  passing  on, 
passing  by  the  call  to  repentance— the  cross  nothing  to  him — '•  O 
ye  that  pass  by,"  etc.  III.  Contrast  the  two  conclusions  of  life. 
1.  Safety  for  the  prudent  :  2.  Punishment  for  the  wicked.* 

Duhe  of  Burgundy. — Louis,  Duke  of  Burgundy,  was  a  pattern 
of  filial  obedience.  It  was  never  necessary  to  threaten  or  punish 
him  in  order  to  make  him  do  his  duty.  A  word,  or  even  a  look, 
was  sufiicient.  He  was  al\\'ays  much  grieved  when  his  mother 
seemed  displeased  with  him,  or  sjioke  to  him  less  kindly  than 
usual.  On  such  occasions  he  would  often  weep,  and  say  to  her. 
clasping  his  little  hands,  '•  Dear  mamma,  do  not  be  angry  with 
me  ;  I  will  do  what  you  please."'  "■ 

13,  14.  (IS)  take  . .  stranger,  comp.  ch.  xx.  16.  (14) 
loud  voice,  the  sign  of  intensity  and  extravagance."  The 
person  referred  to  is  the  flatterer  or  sycophant.*  rising  early, 
the  sign  of  zeal  and  eagerness,  counted,  a  curse,  bee.  men 
are  sure  to  suspect  that  he  has  some  sinister  motive. 

Friendship,  love,  and  truth. — 

When  friendship,  love,  and  truth  abound 

Among  a  band  of  brothers, 
The  cup  of  joy  goes  gaily  round, 

Each  shares  the  bliss  of  others. 
Sweet  roses  grace  the  thorny  way 

Along  this  vale  of  sorrow  ; 
The  flowers  that  shed  their  leaves  to-day 

Shall  bloom  again  to-morrow. 
How  grand  in  age,  how  fair  in  youth, 
Are  holy  friendship,  love,  and  truth  1 

On  halcyon  wings  our  moments  pass, 

Life's  cruel  cares  beguiling  ; 
Old  Time  lays  down  his  scythe  and  glass, 

In  gay  good-humour  smiling  ; 
"With  ermine  beard  and  forelock  grey, 

His  reverent  front  adorning. 
He  looks  like  Winter  turn'd  to  May, 

Night  softened  into  morning. 
How  grand  in  age.  how  fair  in  youth 
Are  holy  friendship,  love,  and  truth  I 

From  these  delightful  fountains  flow 

Ambrosial  rills  of  pleasure  : 
Can  man  desire,  can  Heaven  bestow, 
A  more  resplendent  treasure  ? 
VOL.  VII.     O.T.  E 


"  Neutrality  i  a 
things  good  or 
evil  is  both  odioua 
and  prejudicial ; 
but  in  matters 
of  an  indifferent 
nature  is  safe 
and  commend- 
atile. .  Herein 
takincf  of  parts 
maketh  sides,  and 
breaketh  unity. 
In  an  unjust 
cause  of  separa- 
tion, he  that  fa- 
vour e  t  h  both 
parts  may,  per- 
haps, have  least 
love  of  either 
side,  but  liath 
most  charity  in 
himself."  -  iSis/iu^ 
Hall. 


c  R.  T.  3. 


a  "  Claniorout 
and  hasty  profes- 
sions of  affection 
are  to  be  dis- 
trusted. They 
may  have  the 
sound  of  bene- 
dictions in  the 
m  o  r  n  i  n  g,  but 
often  they  are 
soon  turned  into 
c  u  r  s  i  n  g  ."  — 
Wvrdsworth. 
b  "  Of  all  wild 
beasts,  preserve 
me  from  a  flat- 
terer. " — Johnson. 
"Friendship  is 
constant  in  all 
other  things, 
save  in  the  office 
and  affairs  of 
love  ;  therefore, 
all  hearts  in  love 
use  their  own 
tongues.  Let 
every  eye  nego- 
tiate for  itself, 
and  trust  no 
agent : for  beauty 
is  a  witch,  against 
whose  charms 
faith  melteth 
into  blood."  — 
Shakespeare. 
"  Good-nature  is 
a  disposition  to 
please,  and  ia 
compounded  of 
kindness,  for- 


258 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxvil.  l5-2a 


boarance,  for- 
giveness, anil 
Belf-ilenial."  —  C. 
Buck. 

e  J.  Monlgometii. 

a  "  However  he 
may  attempt  to 
conceal  the  do- 
mestic trouMes 
whicli  arise  from 
tiie  contentions 
of  his  wife,  yet 
they  proclaim 
themselves,  as 
the  ointment  of 
his  riglit  hanil 
betrays  itself  by 
its  scent." — 
Wordsirnrlh. 
"  Those  that  are 
f  r  o  w  a  r  (i  and 
brawling  will 
proclaim  their 
own  sliame,  even 
when  their 
friends,  in  kind- 
ness to  them, 
would  cover  it." 
— Mat.  Henry. 

a  Slier,  Berlheau. 

"Iron  shar]:ieneth 
iron  by  removing 
the  rust  wh.  has 
been  contracted 
from  their  Ijing 
apart ;  so  inter- 
course between 
friend  and  friend 
rubs  down  the 
prejudices  which 
tliey  have  con- 
tracted in  their 
separate  state." 
— Jill.  Irving. 

"You  may  take 
sarza  to  oijen  the  j 
liver,    steel    to  I 
open  tlie   spleen,  , 
flower  of  sulpliur 
for    the   lungs, 
castoreum      fur 
the  brain  ;  but  no 
receipt     openeth 
the  heart   I  ut  a 
true     friend." — 
Ld.  Bacon. 

V.  17.  /.  Marriott, 

381. 

h  Dr.  Ilaweis. 


tSpk  Com. 

b  Wordsirnrth. 
e  Fausset. 


Adorn'd  with  gems  so  richly  bright, 

We'll  foi-m  a  constellation, 
WTiere  every  star  with  modest  light, 

Shall  gild  his  proper  station. 
How  grand  in  age,  how  fair  in  youth, 
Are  holy  friendship,  love,  and  truth  ! ' 

15,  16.  Ci-'j)  dropping,  etc.,  comp.  ch.  xix.  13.  rainy  day, 
or  more  pointedly,  a  day  of  showers.  (16)  hideth  her,  i.e.  the 
quarn^lsome  wife.  Hideth,  in  the  sense  of  restrains,  endeavours 
to  keep  her  temper  within  limits,  ointment,  etc.,  i.e.  however 
he  presses  the  unguent  in  his  hand,  the  fragrance  of  it  will  come 
abroad." 

PeTfiiming  the  han/fs. — This  refers  to  the  custom  of  perfuming, 
so  common  in  ancient  times,  and  not  infrequent  now.  The 
odour  of  their  cosmetics  is  so  powerful,  that  the  very  street 
along  which  the  person  walks  is  highly  scented.  Such  ointment 
cannot  be  concealed  :  it  proclaims  itself,  as  the  Hebrew  may  be 
rendered,  wherever  it  comes.  The  right  hand  is  mentioned 
because  it  is  most  honourable,  most  used  in  anointing,  and 
cannot  be  kept  concealed  in  the  bosom,  as  all  salutations,  and  the 
endless  gestures  in  conversation  call  it  forth.  The  ointment  of 
the  right  hand  will  surely  bewray  itself,  and  so  will  a  couteutioua 
woman  :  she  cannot  be  hid. 

17,  18.  (17)  iron,  etc.,  lit.  "iron  to  iron  maketh  sharp." 
sharpeneth  .  .  friend,  some  think  the  meaning  is,  "  one  en- 
rages, provokes  the  other." «  But  prefer  the  idea  that  conversa- 
tion provokes  intelligence,  wh.  the  face  exhibits.  One  friend,  in 
conversation,  stimulates  the  other,  the  countenance,  wh.  is 
the  revealer  of  the  soul.  (18)  keepeth,  (.^.  patiently  and  perse- 
veringly  watcheth  and  tendeth.  "  Diligence  secures  its  reward, 
even  for  the  humble  servant." 

L'enc/ral  offrii'nd.thip  (t-.  17). — I.  A  friend  separated  from  his 
friend  grows  dull  ;  so  iron  becomes  dull  of  edge  when  kept  from 
sharpening  process.  II.  As  iron  becomes  bright  and  sharp  by 
friction,  so  the  meeting  of  friends  tends  to  sharpen  and  polish 
the  understanding  and  refresh  the  heart.  III.  There  is  a  Friend 
with  whom  communion  is  better  than  with  any  earthly  friend. 

Dr.  Ilaicei,^. — Captain  Wilson,  of  the  missionary  ship  Bvff,  on 
his  return  from  his  expedition  for  evangelising  the  heathen,  was 
presented  with  a  diamond  ring,  of  considerable  value,  by  Dr. 
Haweis,  a  zealous  promoter  of  the  London  Missionary  Society, 
accompanied  with  the  following  note  : — '•  Anxious  for  your 
arrival,  I  had  prepared  the  following  token.  I  wish  to  couple 
my  name  with  yours.  The  circle  is  an  emblem  of  the  eternity  I 
hope  to  spend  with  j'ou.  The  brilliant  is  not  brighter  than  my 
affection,  nor  the  gold  purer  than  my  friendship.  Wear  me  on 
your  heart  :  while  mine  beats,  it  will  remember  you,  and  bless 
God  for  you."* 

19,  20.  (liO  as  .  .  face,  "As  we  see  our  own  face  when  we 
look  on  the  mirror-like  surface  of  the  water,  so  in  every  hrart  of 
man  we  may  sec  our  own  likeness.  In  spite  of  all  diversities  we 
come  upon  the  common  human  nature  in  wh.  we  all  alike  share.* 
Or,  ''A  man  moidds  society  by  his  own  behaviour.  A  parent  will 
find  himself  reflected  in  his  children  ;  an  iusti-uctor  will  find 
himself  reflected  in  his  scholars,"  etc.*    Or,  "  We  ma^'  see  our 


Cap.  xxvii.  19. 20.] 


PROVERBS. 


259 


characters  in  the  developed  tempers  of  others."'    (20)  eyes  of  | 
man,  what  Jno.  calls  the  '•  lust  of  the  eyes  ; ''  comp.  Ec.  i.  8.''        j 

The  hrarfs  of  men  alike  (v.  19). — I.  Explain  this  assertion.  It  I 
is  taken  for  granted  that  there  is  a  parity — 1.  Of  ag-e  ;  2.  In  i 
character  ;  3.  In  condition.  Taking  the  assertion  of  Solomon 
in  this  qualified  sense,  we  proceed  to — II.  Confirm  it.  1.  This 
similarity  will  be  found  in  all  ;  2.  Whilst  in  an  unenlightened 
state  ;  3.  When  awakened  to  a  sense  of  their  perishing  condition  ; 
4.  When  truly  converted  to  the  faith  of  Christ.  Apply  : — This 
subject  is  not  one  of  curious  speculation  ;  but  of  real  use,  of 
most  important  use — (1)  For  our  humiliation  ;  (2)  For  our  con- 
eolation  ;  (3)  For  our  encouragement.'  I 

Man's  thoHfihts.  —  There  is  much  profound  and  important 
■wisdom  in  that  Proverb  of  Solomon,  where  it  is  said,  "  The  heart 
knoweth  its  own  bitterness."  It  forms  part  of  a  truth  still  more 
comprehensive — that  every  man  knoweth  his  own  peculiar  feel- 
ings, and  difficulties,  and  trials,  far  better  than  he  can  get  any  of 
his  neighbours  to  perceive  them.  It  is  natural  to  us  all.  that  we 
should  desire  to  engross  to  the  uttermost  the  sympathy  of  others 
with  what  is  most  painful  to  the  sensibilities  of  our  own  bosom, 
and  with  what  is  most  aggravating  in  the  hardships  of  our  own 
situation.  But,  labour  as  we  may,  we  cannot  with  every  power 
of  expression  make  an  adequate  conveyance  of  all  our  sensations 
and  of  all  our  circumstances  into  another  understanding.  There 
is  something  in  the  intimacy  of  a  man's  own  experience  which 
he  cannot  make  to  pass  entii'C  into  the  heart  and  mind,  even  of 
his  most  familiar  companion  :  and  thus  it  is.  that  he  is  often 
defeated  in  his  attemjDts  to  obtain  a  full  and  cordial  possession  of 
his  sympathy.  He  does  not  reflect  all  the  while,  that  with  every 
human  being  he  addi-esses,  there  is  an  inner  man,  which  forms  a 
theatre  of  passions  and  of  interests,  as  busy,  as  crowded,  and  as 
fitted  as  his  own  to  engross  the  anxious  and  the  exercised  feel- 
ings of  a  heart  which  can  alone  understand  its  ov/n  bitterness, 
ai  1  lay  a  correct  estimate  on  the  burden  of  its  own  visitations. 
Everj'  man  we  meet  carries  about  with  him,  in  the  unperceived  soli- 
tude of  his  bosom,  a  little  world  of  his  own  ,  and  v/e  zxo.  just  as  blind, 
and  as  insensible,  and  as  dull,  both  of  perception  and  of  sympathy, 
about  his  engrossing  objects,  as  he  is  about  ours  ;  and,  did  we  suffer 
this  observation  to  have  all  its  weight  upon  us,  it  might  serve  to 
make  us  more  candid  and  more  considerate  of  others.  It  might 
serve  to  abate  the  monopolising  spirit  of  our  nature.  It  might 
eerve  to  soften  down  all  the  malignity  which  comes  out  of  those 
curious  contemplations  that  we  are  apt  to  cast  on  the  fancied 
ease  and  prosperity  which  are  around  us.  It  might  serve  to 
reconcile  every  man  to  his  own  lot,  and  dispose  him  to  bear  with 
thankfulness  his  own  burden  :  and,  sure  I  am,  if  this  train  of 
sentiment  were  pirosecuted  with  firmness,  and  calmness,  and  im- 
partiality, it  would  lead  to  the  conclusion  that  each  profession  in 
life  has  its  own  peculiar  pains  and  its  own  besetting  incon- 
veniences ;  that,  from  the  bottom  of  society  up  to  the  golden 
pinnacle  which  blazons  upon  its  summit,  thei'e  is  much  in  the 
shape  of  care  and  suffering  to  be  found  ;  that,  throughout  all  the 
conceivable  varieties  of  human  condition,  there  are  trials  which 
can  neither  be  adequately  told  on  the  one  side,  nor  fully  under- 
etood  on  the  other ;  that  the  ways  of  God  to  man  are  equal  in 
this,  as  in  everj  department  of  His  administration  j  aoid  that,  go 
B2 


d  Men's  cupidity 
is  insatiable  as 
tiie  grave, 
e  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 
"  The  heart  must 
be  made  a  temple 
to  God,  wiierein 
sacrifices  do  as- 
cend :  but  that 
they  may  be  ac- 
cepted it  must  be 
purged  of  idols, 
nothing  left  in 
any  corner, 
though  never  so 
secret,  to  stir  the 
jealousy  of  our 
GoA.  who  sees 
through  all.  Oh, 
happy  that  heart 
that  is,  as  Jacob's 
house,  purged ;  in 
which  no  more 
idols  are  to  be 
found,  but  the 
holy  God  dwell- 
ing there  alone 
as  in  His  holy 
temple,"  —  Leigh- 
Ion. 

"  Nature  without 
learning  is  like  a 
blind  man ;  learn- 
ing without  na- 
ture is  like  the 
maimed  ;  prac- 
tice without  both 
these  is  incom- 
plete. As  in  agri- 
culture a  good 
foil  is  first  sought 
tor.  then  a  skilful 
hu  s  ban  dm  an, 
and  then  good 
s-eed  ;  in  the  same 
way  nature  cor- 
responds to  the 
soil  ;  the  teacher 
to  the  husband- 
man ;  precepts 
and  instruction 
to  the  seed." — 
I'tulur  It 

"  Let  not  a  man 
trust  his  victory 
over  his  nature 
too  far  ;  for  na- 
ture will  lie 
buried  a  great 
time,  and  yet  re- 
vive iipon  the 
occasion  or  temp- 
tat  iou,—hke  as  it 
was  with  .Ssop's 
damsel,  turned 
from  a  cat  to  a 
woman,  who  sat 
V  -ry  demurely  at 
he  bjard's  end 
till  a  mouse  ran 
before  her.  "  — 
Lord  Jiacon, 


260 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xJtvli.  2'    ?4. 


i  to  whatever  quarter  of  human  experience  we  may,  we  s^hall  find 
I  how  He  has  provided  enough  to  exorcise  the  patience  and  to 
accom])lish  the  purposes  of  a  wise  and  a  sahilary  discipline  upon 
I  all  His  children/ 


/  Dr.  Chalmen. 

a  "  Or  reniler,  | 
'  But  man  accord-  I 
incr  to  liis  glory- 
ing,' i.e.  one  is 
juilgeil  acconling 
to  the  stamlanl 
of  that  of  wli.  lie 
makes  his  boast." 
—  O.Zocklev. 

"  Or,  accorjing 
as  a  man  bears 
praise.  Thus  vain 
men  seek  it ; 
weak  men  are  in- 
flated by  it ;  wise  ^ 
men  disregard  i 
it," — Faussft. 
b  "  Every  family 
has  one  of  these 
large  stone  mor- 
tars, and  you  may 
hear  the  sound  of 
the  braying  at  all 
hours  as  yoii  walk 
in  the  streets  of 
the  c  i  t  y."— 
Thomson. 

e  "  An  obstinate 
man  does  not 
hold  opinions, 
they  hold  liim." 
•^Pope. 

"  Economy  is  the 
parent  of  inte- 
grity, of  liberty, 
and  of  ease, 
and  the  beau- 
teous sister  of 
temperance,  of 
cheerfulness,  and 
health  ;  and  pro- 
fuseness  is  a 
cruel  and  crafty 
demon,  that  gra- 
dually involves 
her  followers  in 
dependence  and 
debts  ;  that  is, 
fetters  them  with 
'  irons  that  enter 
their  souls.'  "  — 
Ilaicksirvrlh. 

"  I  had  rather  see 
m.v  courtiers 
laugh  at  my 
avarice,  than  my 
people  weep  at 
my  extrava- 
grvnce."  —  Louis 
ill. 

•  Whiteerou. 


21,  22.  (21)  SO  .  .  praise,  render,  "so  let  a  man  he  to  hw 
praise,"  i.e.  "  let  him  purify  it  from  all  the  alloy  of  flatrery  and. 
baseness  with  \vh.  it  is  too  probably  mixed  up.""  f22)  bray  .  . 
mortar,  or  pound  him  with  a  pestle  in  a  mortar  :'  a  most 
thorough  and  efficient  operation  for  wheat,  and  such  things.  It 
is  a  figure  of  the  severest  afflictions  and  testings  :  and  even  such 
are  useless  to  the  obstinate  fool." 

Brny'uifi  i/i  a  morfar. — An  author,  noticing  this  mode  of 
punishment  among  the  Turks,  says,  "  Some  of  the  guards  of  the 
tower,  who  suffered  Prince  Coreskie  to  escape  from  prison,  were 
impaled,  and  others  were  pounded,  or  beaten  to  pieces,  in  great 
mortars  of  iron,  by  order  of  the  Turkish  Government." — Pnnnd- 
Ing  in  a  mortar  a.s  a  piini.s-JniicHt.—Di-.  Boothroyd  says,  on  this 
passage,  "  That  is,  no  correction,  however  severe,  will  cure  him." 
Large  mortars  are  used  in  the  East  for  the  purpose  of  separating 
the  rice  from  the  husk.  When  a  considerable  quantity  has  to  be 
prepared,  the  mortar  is  placed  outside  the  door  :  and  two  women, 
each  with  a  pestle  of  five  feet  long,  begin  the  work.  They  strike 
in  rotation,  as  blacksmiths  do  on  the  anvil.  Cruel  as  it  is.  this  is 
a  punishment  of  the  State  ;  the  poor  victim  is  thrust  into  the 
mortar,  and  beaten  with  the  pestle.  The  late  king  of  Kandy 
compelled  one  of  the  wives  of  his  rebellious  chiefs  thus  to  beat 
her  own  infant  to  death.  Hence  the  saying.  "Though  j'ou  beat 
that  loose  woman  in  a  mortar,  she  will  not  leave  her  ways:" 
which  means.  Though  you  chastise  her  ever  so  much,  she  will 
never  improve. 

23,  24.  (23)  diligent  .  .  flocks,  the  farmer's  eye  needs  to  be 
on  everything  every  day.  (24)  riches  .  .  ever,  they  can  only 
be  preserved  by  constant  care,  and  wise  tending,  the  crown, 
of  riches  and  prosperity. 

Saving  in  onler  to  give. — Two  persons  w^ho  were  employed  in 
collecting  money  for  some  public  charity,  knocked  at  the  door  of 
a  certain  gentleman,  intending  to  solicit  his  donation.  While 
waiting  there,  they  overheard  the  master  of  the  house  severely 
reproving  his  servant  for  the  waste  of  a  small  piece  of  candle. 
Judging  from  this  appearance  of  extreme  parsimony,  that  he  was 
a  covetous  man.  one  of  them  proposed  that  they  should  lose  no 
more  time  in  waiting  there,  but  go  on  to  another  house  ;  the 
other  person,  however,  thought  it  best  to  stay.  At  length  they 
were  introduced,  when  the  gentleman,  having  read  their  case, 
immediately  presented  them  with  five  guineas.  The  collectors, 
so  agreeably  disappointed,  could  not  conceal  their  surprise  ;  w^hich 
being  observed  by  the  donor,  he  desired  to  know  why  they  ex- 
pressed so  much  wonder  at  the  gift.  "  The  reason,  sir,"  said  one 
of  them,  "is  this:  we  happened  to  hear  you  severely  blaming 
your  servant  for  losing  an  inch  of  candle,  and  expected  nothing 
from  a  person  who.  we  feared,  was  so  paj'simonious."  ''  Gentle- 
men." replied  he,  "  it  is  true  I  am  very  exact  in  the  economy  of 
my  affairs  ;  I  cannot  endure  the  waste  of  anything,  however 
small  its  value  :  and  I  do  this,  that  I  may  save  out  of  a  moderate 
income  something  to  give  to  God  and  religion."* 


Cap.  xxviii.  1.] 


pnnvERns. 


261 


25 — 27.  (25)  hay,  etc.,  the  providential  aiTangements  for  the 
seasons  is  here  presented  as  an  incentive  lo  diligence."     Prob.  the  j 
idea  is.  '•  the  hay  disappeai-eth,  and  then  the  tender  .s^rass  cometh."  I 
(20)  the  lambs,  wh.  give  their  wool.     (27)  goat's  milk,  more 
plentiful  of  old  than  milk  of  cows. 

Attention  to  the  Jtocks. — We  arrived  at  (a)  well  ...  at  midnight, 
(in)  a  mountainous  place,  where  the  water  was  good  enouyli  to 
drink.     Wc  were  agreeably  surprised  to  find  the  well,  but  much 
more  so  when  we  saw  a  few  sheep  round  it.     There  never  was  a  | 
more  welcome  sight.  .  .  .  We  proposed  to  purcliase  one.  and  cat  j 
it  as  soon  as  it  should  be  half  cooked.     We  approached,  but  the 
guardian  of  the  flock  beat  a  forced  march  into  the  mountain,  and 
drove  the  intended  repast  away  from  us.     We  began  to  think  we  ! 
could  not  continue  to  be  deprived  of  what  we  could  purchase,  and  j 
sent  some  of  our  drivers  to  follow  the  flock,  which  they  hastily  ; 
did.  as  they  were  not  less  hungry  than  ourselves.  .  .  .  Wc  reached  j 
the  flock,   and    found   that   its   guardians   were   two   beautiful 
damsels  of  the  desert.  .  .  .  Those  poor  girls  had  no  other  way  to 
show  themselves  but  at  the  well :  that  is  the  only  place  they  have 
a  chance  to  see  or  be  seen.     At  last  we  purchased  the  sheep,  and 
devoured  it  ;  the  nymphs  watered  their  flocks,  filled  their  skins, 
and  set  off  at  daylight."' 


CHAPTER  THE  TJVENTY-EIGHTH. 

1.  flee  .  .  pursueth,  "  like  one  that  absconds  for  debt,  who 
tliinks  every  one  he  meets  a  bailiff.""  '•  Conscience  makes 
cowards  of  us  all."  righteous,  right-hearted,  who  have  a 
"conscience  void  of  oftence."  hold  as  a  lion,*  the  lion  is 
g-enerally  regarded  as  the  type  of  boldness,  perhaps  through  the 
contrast  bet.  his  open  attack  and  the  cat-like  crouching  of  the 
tiger.  Travellers,  such  as  Livingstone,  dispute  the  claim  of  the 
lion  to  special  boldness.  "  A  man  whose  conscience  is  with  him 
can  dare  the  universe." 

Moral  con-nrdlfp  (i:  1). — This  a  fact  that  may  be  accounted 
for  on  moral  grounds.  Conscience  is  the  tormentor  of  the  bad 
man.  I.  Then  the  finest  faculties  of  men  may  become  terrible 
scourges.  II.  Then  no  dependence  is  to  be  placed  on  the  wicked 
in  the  time  of  danger.  III.  Then  the  wicked  are  always  making 
fools  of  themselves.  IV.  Then  the  wicked  cannot  bear  the 
judgment  of  man  :  how  can  they  endure  the  vengeance  of  God.'' 
V.  Then  man  may  come  to  be  regarded  as  the  enemy  of  man.' 

A  thoiifjhth'n.'i  j/oiinq  ladi/.—K  minister  once  called  to  converse 
with  a  family  on  the  subject  of  religion.  A  gay  young  ladj' 
perceiving  him,  withdrew  through  the  back  door  to  the  house 
of  a  neighbour,  saying,  as  she  ran.  "  He  shall  not  get  me  this 
time."  The  minister  came  in  disap]iointed.  He  bethought 
himself,  however,  of  a  method  of  reaching  the  fugitive,  and, 
picking  up  a  Bible,  turned  down  a  leaf  at  that  passage,  '•  The 
wicked  flee  when  no  man  pursueth."  and  requested  her  mother 
to  hand  it  to  her  when  she  should  return.  She  returned  in 
triumphant  glee  after  the  preacher  had  left  the  house,  joyous  in 
her  thoughtlessness,  when  her  mother  showed  her  the  passage. 
She  looked  at  it ;  her  countenance  fell.  The  thought  struck 
her  that  she  could  not  flee  from  God,  from  whose  searching  eye, 


0  '•  God'a  bounty 
is  a  prrat  en- 
coui-agf>iiiciit  to 
our  iuilustry." — 
Lau'sun. 

"  It  is  no  small 
com  ni  r  mlaiiou 
to  manage  a 
UtUewcll.  He  Is 
a  pood  AS  appoiier 
tlial  can  turn  in 
aliHlrronm.  To 
live  Wfll  in  abuO 
(lance  is  th 
praise  of  the 
estate,  not  of  the 
person.  I  will 
study  more  how 
to  give  a  goocl 
nccmint  of  my 
little,  th.-in  how 
to  make  it  more." 
^Bishop  Ikdl. 

b  Belzoni. 


(I  Mat.  Henry, 
Ge.  iii.  9,  10. 

A  guilty  con* 
science  needs  no 
accuser. 

"  S  u  s  p  i  cion  al- 
ways haunts  the 
guilty  mind ;  the 
thief  doth  fear 
each  bush  an 
officer."  —  Hhake- 
sjieare. 

b  C  0  m  p .  Ps. 
.xxvii.  1—3;  Ac. 
iv.  13  ;  Ro.  i.  15, 
16. 

c  Dr.  Parker. 

"  Whose  anger 
should  he  tear 
who  knows  that 
God  is  propitious 
to  him  y  that  su- 
preme King,  the 
light  of  whose 
countenance  is 
life,  and  who,  by 
one  smile,  dis- 
perses the  ilarkesfc 
cloud,  and  calms 
the  most  turbu- 
lent tempest." — 
Abp.  Leigltlon. 

V.  1.  Dr.  J.  Scntt, 
iii.  99;  F.  llnj/d, 
G9  ;  J.  n<e.i,  267  ; 
Dr.   W.  Jones,  1; 


2G2 


PROVERBS. 


(Cap.  xxvill.  2-5. 


F.  IIV&6,  i.  103  : 
J.aai-W'HsA.  125: 
J.<J.Dicluvi,i'r2\ 
Ji.  W.  DWdia,  5i». 

dIi.T.S. 


a  "  I!lu>.  forcibly 
in  til  ■  later  his- 
tory of  Home ;  or 
in  the  troublous 
times  of  Frauce. 
See  also  the  rapid 
succession  of 
sovereigns  in  tlie 
idolatrous  king- 
dom of  Israel. 

"  There  are  few 
national  govern- 
ments so  bad  that 
they  may  not 
better  be  im- 
proi-fd  than  re- 
moved 

Thomson  cites  an 
Arabic  proverb, 
"  M.-iy  Allah  mul- 
t  i  p 1 y  your 
slieikhs  !  "  as  em- 
bodying in  its 
iniense  maledic- 
tion a  constant 
Oriental  experi- 
ence of  fearful 
calamit}'. 

•  Dr.  Cheever. 


a  "  There  have 
bepn  men  in  all 
agQ6  who  have 
had  the  manly 
honesty  to  stand 
up  against  the 
hollowness  and 
the  coTuptions 
of  their  age." — 
Vn:  Thnnvjs,  D.D. 
b  Hpk.  Com. 
" Wi  ckedness 
corrupts  a  man's 
reasonings,  gives 
him  false  prin- 
ciples, and  evil 
measuring  of 
things."—  Bishop 
Taylor. 

Ps.  Ixxxii.  5  ;  Je. 
iv.  22;  1  Co.  ii. 
14,  15  ;  Eph.  iv. 
18  ;  Ps.  x.\v.  9  ; 
Jno.vii.17;  IJno. 
11.  2i),  27. 
t  C.  Simeon,  if. A. 
"Read  not  much 
at  a  time  ;  but 
meditate  as  nuich 
as  your  time,  and 
capacity,  and  dis- 


not  the  remotest  distance,  nor  the  deepest  darkness,  could  hide 
her.  Deep  conviction  succeeded  to  serious  refiectiun.  She  now 
sought  the  miuister.  and  with  weeping  eyes  maiie  her  apolo;;y  to 
him,  which  was  rather  an  humble  confession  than  an  apology. 
"  Make  your  confession  to  God."  said  the  pastor.  "  Who  am  I? 
You  have  given  me  neither  offence  nor  injury.  But  you  have 
greatly  injured  God  and  offended  your  Saviour,  and  to  Him  you 
must  go.'"* 

2,  3.  (2)  transgression,  here  distinctly  rehellinn.  revolt 
against  the  settled  government.  many  are  the  princes, 
there  is  constant  change  of  officials  and  dynasty,  and  so  the 
restlessness  and  insecurity  of  the  nation."  a  man,  better  in  the 
plural,  /«("«,  with  reference  to  the  wise  effort  of  the  people  to 
preserve  and  to  improve  the  existing  order.*  prolonged,  or 
maintained.  This  is  the  true  and  wise  conservatism.  Establish 
order  and  government  by  wi.sely  adjtisting  it,  and  making  it 
every  way  efficient  and  satisfactory.  {'.\)  poor,  etc..  it  is  still  as 
true  as  ever  that  the  greatest  oppressors  of  the  poor  are  the  poor 
themselves,  no  food,  bee.  it  washes  out  of  the  ground  the 
gccd-covn. 

A  ponr  mnn\<i  n'ov.it  opj>7r.9xor  (i\  3). — Another  poor  man.  I. 
Who  hastens  to  be  rich.  II.  Who,  being  in  office,  tyrannises 
over  fellow-servants.  III.  Who  betrays  his  friends,  or  turns 
king's  evidence.  IV.  Such  conduct  is  unnatural.  Who  may  be 
expected  with  the  poor  so  much  as  others  of  the  poor  who  know, 
by  their  own  experience,  the  wants  and  sorrows  of  poverty  .'  V. 
Though  unnatural,  it  has  often  been  noted  :  negro  slave-drivers 
the  most  unmerciful :  see  also  Ex.  ii.  13.  Ziba  sought  the  injury 
of  Mephibosheth — Judas  betrayed  Jesus. 

Goiid  example  of  a  kinr/. — A  heathen  king,  who  had  been  for 
years  confirmed  in  the  sin  of  drunkenness,  by  the  evil  practices  of 
white  men  on  the  Sandwich  Islands,  had  been  led  to  forsake  the 
dreadful  habit.  He  said,  lately,  to  a  missionary,  •'  Suppose  you 
put  four  thousand  dollars  in  one  hand,  and  a  glass  of  rum  in  the 
other,  you  say.  You  drink  this  rum  I  give  you  four  thousand 
dollars,  I  no  drink  it;  yoti  say  you  kill  me,  I  no  drink  it."« 

4,  5.  (4)  praise  the  ■wicked,  i.e.  when  he  seems  to  be  suc- 
cessful. They  who  disregard  the  law  do  not  estimate  actions  by 
their  rightness,  or  their  motives.  Special  reference  here  seems 
to  be  to  the  successful  but  unrighteous  ruler,  contend  with 
them,  refusing  to  praise  successful  villany."  (.'5)  understand 
not  judgment,  i.e.  their  faculty  for  distingtii.«hing  between 
good  and  evil  is  darkened.  '•  W^e  lose  ethical  discernment  in 
proportion  as  we  do  evil.'"*  Great  moral  principles  are  hidden 
from  those  who  live  under  the  influence  of  sin. 

Eff'refx  of  piety  and  impiety  in  the  world  (r.  4). — I.  Of  impiety. 
Such  declare — 1.  That  obedience  to  God's  law  is  unnecessary  ; 
2.  That  not  even  the  Gospel  itself  entails  any  obligation  upon 
tis  ;  3.  That  the  way  of  wickedness  is  preferable  as  it  respects 
this  present  world  ;  4.  That  no  evil  is  to  be  apprehended  from  it  in 
the  world  to  come.  II.  Of  piety.  Such  a  man  will  contend 
with  the  other — 1.  By  the  silent  te.stimony  of  his  life  :  2.  By 
the  open  avowal  of  his  sentiments.  Learn — (1)  How  much  guilt 
attaches  to  us  all  ;  (2)  What  a  pre-eminent  measure  of  guilt  is 
contracted  by  a  backsliding  professor;  (^)  What  an  incentive 
we  have  to  cultivate  piety  in  the  highest  degree.* 


Cap.  xxviii.  6—9.] 


PROVERBS. 


263 


God's  choice  for  u.t  is  best. — God  best  knows  what  will  do  us 
good  or  hurt,  and  therefore  we  should  refer  it  to  Him  to  dispose 
of  us  according  to  His  own  pleasure.  We  should  not  want,  if 
God  saw  it  better  for  us  to  abound  :  for  He  is  no  nig-gard  of  His 
blessings,  but  is  good,  and  doth  good.  It  is  not  meet  that  man 
should  have  the  disposal  of  himself,  or  that  God  should  accommo- 
date His  providence  to  our  carnal  interest.  No  ;  God's  will  must 
always  precede,  and  ours  follow.  We  must  bring  our  hearts 
thoroughly  to  yield  to  what  God  appointeth.  How  unmeet 
judges  are  flesh  and  blood  of  what  condition  is  fit  for  us  1  We 
would  be  fed  only  with  delicacies  of  prosperity  and  pleasure  ;  but 
it  is  for  our  profit  that  we  should  be  chastened,  that  we  should 
be  partakers  of  His  holiness.** 

6,  7.  (6)  better,  etc.,  comp.  ch.  xix.  ]»  perverse,  etc,  lit. 
"  than  one  who  is  crooked  in  the  two  ways,'  or  '•  in  a  double 
way.""  be  rich,  since  riches  can  never  make  up  for  the  lack  of 
integrity.  (7)  the  law,  here  prob.  with  special  ref.  to  wise 
self-restraints  and  moral  purity,  as  indicated  in  next  clause, 
companion,  etc.,  lit.  "  one  who  feeds  gluttons  ;"*  the  profligate 
or  waster  (ch.  xxiii.  21).     shameth,  ch.  xxv.  S.' 

The  adranfage  of  vj7rightness  {r.  6). — It  makes  the  poor  who 
has  it  better  than  the  rich  who  lacks  it.  I.  In  himself — heart, 
conscience,  hopes.  II.  In  the  respect  of  other  men — contempo- 
raries, posterity.  III.  In  the  judgment  of  God.  IV.  In  the 
great  hereafter. 

The  honest  Ostiah. — A  Russian  was  travelling  fi-om  Tobolsk  to 
Beresow.  On  the  road  he  stopjjed  one  night  at  the  hut  of  an 
Ostiak.  In  the  morning,  on  continuing  his  journey,  he  dis- 
covered that  he  had  lost  his  purse,  containing  about  one  hun- 
dred roubles.  The  son  of  the  Ostiak  found  the  purse,  while  out 
a-hunting,  but  instead  of  taking  it  up,  went  and  told  his  father  ; 
who  was  equally  unwilling  to  touch  it,  and  ordered  his  son  to 
cover  it  Avith  some  bushes.  A  few  months  after  this,  the 
Russian  retui'ned,  and  stopped  at  the  same  hut,  but  the  Ostiak 
did  not  recognise  him.  He  related  the  loss  he  had  met  with. 
The  Ostiak  listened  very  attentively,  and  when  he  had  finished, 
"  You  are  welcome."  said  he  ;  here  is  my  son,  who  will  show  you 
the  spot  where  it  lies  ;  no  hand  has  touched  it  but  the  one  which 
covered  it  over,  that  you  might  recover  what  you  have  lost."<* 

8,  9.  (8)  usury  ..  gain,  or  "gain  by  usury,"  the  term 
including  all  overreaching  and  fraudulent  efforts  to  get  gain." 
Excessive  interest,  for  him  .  .  poor.  bee.  in  the  long  run  God's 
providence  will  surely  direct  the  proper  use  of  wealth,'  ch.  xiii. 
22.  (9)  turneth.  .  .  ear,  wilfully  resisting  instruction  and 
refusing  obedience.''  Here  especially  defying  social  and  moral 
rules,  his  prayer,  that  offered  as  religious  formality,''  or  that 
pressed  out  from  him  in  the  time  of  his  distress. 

The  jirayer  of  the  lawless  {v.  9). — I.  It  is  remarkable  that 
lawless  men  do  sometimes  pray  ;  pirate  of  Sicily  known  to  have 
been  punctual  in  attendance  on  confession,  etc.  II.  But  their 
prayer  an  abomination — 1.  To  self  :  irksome,  disturbing  to  their 
own  conscience  ;  2.  To  other  men  :  who  despise  their  hypocrisy  ; 
3.  To  God  :  the  prayer  of  the  wicked  an  abomination. 

Bare  self-denial. — I  once  went  to  a  friend,  says  Mr.  Cecil,  for 
the  express  purpose  of  calling  him  out  into  the  world.     I  said  to 


position  will  give 
you  leave-;  ever 
re  me  niberi  n  g 
tliat  little  read- 
ing and  much 
tliiukinc?,  little 
speaking  and 
much  hearing, 
freqiient  and 
short  prayers  and 
great  devotion,  13 
the  best  way  to  be 
wise,  to  be  holy, 
to  be  devout."^ 
Tavlor. 
d  Dr.  T.  Mantoru 

a  "  One  who  im- 
skilfully  and 
way  wardly  passes 
from  one  way  to 
another,  one  wlio, 
with  divided 
heart,  stands 
midway  between 
the  right  path 
and  the  by-path 
of  immorality." — 
0.  Ziirkler. 
b  The  carousing, 
sel  f -indulgent, 
extravagant 
spendthrift. 
c  Heb.  cdl am, 
used  only  in  these 
two  passages  in 
the  i'rov.  Pro- 
perly to  icound, 
then  reproach,  in- 
stil!. 

"  He  that  koeps  a 
rakish  company, 
and  spends  liis 
time  and  money 
with  them,  not 
only  grieves  his 
parents,  but 
shames  them,  it 
turns  to  their  dis- 
repute, as  if  tliey 
had  not  done 
their  duty  by 
him. "  —  Matthew 
Henry, 
d  Dr.  Cheever. 

a  "Orientals, 
ancient  and  mo- 
dern, have  a  pe- 
culiarly deep  and 
I  painful  experi- 
i  ence  of  the  enor- 
I  mities  of  usury." 
I  —0.  Zockler. 
I  b   "  The    law    of 
God's    govern- 
ment is  that  ill- 
gotten   gains   do 
not  prosper ;  that 
after  a  time  they 
pass   into    hands 
that    know    how 
to     use     them 


264 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxviii.  10-13, 


better."  —Spk. 
Com. 

e  Pr.  XV.  8,  xxi. 
27,  Kvi.  18  ;  Jiio. 
iv.  2  k 

d  "  Many  an  im- 
moral ni:in  is  de- 
vout afcer  his 
fasliion.  There 
is  often  foun'l  in 
men  who  outrage 
every  principle  of 
morality  a  cer- 
tain sentiment  of 
devotion,  so  that 
■they  pray  and 
Bing.  "  —  David 
Tlvm'ix.  D.D. 
e  R.  T.  S. 

a  Its  ruinous 
consequences  to 
which  the  temp- 
ter is  finally 
brought. 

Ee.  ii.  14. 

"  A  good  inten- 
tion will  no  more 
make  a  truth, 
than  a  fair  mark 
will  make  a  good 
shoot."  — Spa?-- 

SlillOf. 

"  A  man  who  is 
always  forget- 
ting his  best  in- 
tentions, may  be 
said  to  be  a 
thoroughfare  of 
good  resolu- 
tions." —  Mrs. 
Jameson. 

"  No  man  is  rich 
whose  expendi- 
ture exceeds  his 
me-.ms ;  and  no 
one  is  poor  whose 
incominffs  exceed 
bis  outgiiings." — 
Ilaliburlon. 

b  Whitecross. 

a  "  Wealth  has  a 
tendency  to  make 
the  weak-niin  led 
and  self-indul- 
gent opiniated 
and  oracular. 
The  J'  imagine 
their  mental 
tastes  more  re- 
fined,  their 
thoughts  more 
elev.ited,  th.'irin- 
tellig'-nce  more 
cli;ir  and  com- 
prehensive   than 


him,  "  It  is  your  duty  to  accept  the  loan  of  ten  thousand  pounds 
and  to  push  yourself  forward  into  an  ampler  sphere."  But  ha 
was  a  lare  character,  and  his  case  was  rare.  His  employers  had 
said,  '■  We  are  ashamed  you  should  remain  so  loncf  a  servant  in 
our  house,  with  the  whole  weig"ht  of  affairs  upon  you.  We  wish 
you  to  enter  a.s  a  principal  with  us.  a"d  will  advance  you  ten 
thousand  pounds.  It  is  the  custom  of  the  city  :  it  is  your  due  ; 
we  are  dissatisfied  to  see  you  in  your  present  sphere."  I  assured 
him  that  it  appeared  to  me  to  bo  his  duty  to  accede  to  the  pro- 
posal. But  I  did  not  prevail.  He  said,  "  Sir,  I  have  often  heard 
from  you  that  it  is  no  easy  thing  to  get  to  heaven.  I  have  often 
heard  from  you  that  it  is  no  easy  thing  to  master  the  world. 
I  have  everything  I  wish.  More  would  encumber,  increase  my 
difficulties,  anl  endanger  me.'"* 

10.  causetll  .  .  way,"  i.e.  acteth  the  tempter.  Draws  the 
righteous  into  the  enticements  of  sensuality  and  moral  evil. 
Some  bad  men  make  special  attack  upon  those  who  are  pious, 
thinking  to  boast  in  their  triumph  over  .such,  own  pit,  his 
attempts  to  destroy  the  righteous  will  lead  him  further  and 
deeper  into  sin,  with  all  its  consequences,  in  possession,  i.r. 
preserved  to  them  through  the  temptation.  God  will  defend  His 
own  who  put  their  trust  in  Him.  They  shall  "stand  in  the 
evil  day." 

Good  things  in  possession  (i\  10). — I.  Who  is  the  pos-sessor? 
The  righteous,  that  is — 1.  The  man  who  tries  to  do  right :  2. 
And  trusts  for  Divine  acceptance  in  the  righteousness  of  Christ. 
II.  What  are  the  good  things  in  possession .'  1 .  A  conscience 
at  peace  ;  2.  Approval  of  men  ;  3.  Favour  of  God ;  4.  A  good 
hope  through  grace. 

Uiighf  n)ul  would. — At  a  periodical  meeting  of  those,  generally 
in  humble  rank,  who  are  employed  in  reading  the  Scriptures  to 
the  people  in  Ireland,  a  question  was  proposed  to  a  simple, 
unlearned  man,  who  manifested  great  love  to  the  sacred  book,  to 
this  effect :— "  If  you  were  threatened  wnth  persecution  and  suf- 
fering for  retaining  your  Bible,  would  you  give  it  u]i .'  '  A  pause 
ensued,  and  the  question  was  repeated,  with  a  demand  for  a  rejily. 
"  Please  your  reverence,"  said  the  poor  man,  "  and  with  sub- 
mission, I  think  that  question  is  not  rightly  put  "  "  How  so  ? 
In  what  way  would  you  have  it  expressed  ?"  "  Why  then,  sir, 
and  begging  your  reverence's  pardon.  I  think  you  .should  ask  me, 
if  I  was  threatened  such  things  for  keeping  my  Bible,  ought  I 
to  give  it  up  1  For,  sir,  how  do  I  know  what  I  would  do  if  I  was 
tempted !''  * 

11,  12.  (11)  wise  .  .  conceit,  comj).  ch.  xxvi.  1(5.  The  ac- 
quisition of  riches  n.sually  nourishes  a  peculiar  self-confidence. 
Men  arc  apt  to  think  the  skill  to  get  monc^y  a  proof  of  extra- 
ordinaiy  wisdom."  searcheth  him,  tests  whether  his  wisdom 
is  true  or  counterfeit.*  (li;)  do  rejoice,  the  idea  rather  is, 
when  they  .are  set  in  iiositions  of  authority  and  influence  :  when 
righteousness  (not  riches)  is  honoured,  great  glory,  i.e.  there 
is  cause  for  public  gloryincr  and  rojoicing.  IMen  have  no  occasion 
to  hide  their  joy.  wicked  rise,  into  power,  hidden, •■  or  hides 
him.self.  feels  he  has  nothing  to  glory  in  :  even  needs  to  hide 
him.self  for  fear  of  the  malice  that  may  hunt  out  the  good. 

Advantages  of  the  rich  and iwor  conqmicd  {v.  11). -I.  The  poor 


cap.  xxviii.  13, 14.) 


PROVERm 


265 


have  really  the  advantage  of  the  rich  in  reference  to  Divine 
knowledg-e.  1.  They  had  the  advantage  in  the  days  of  old  :  2. 
They  have  also  the  advantage  at  this  day.  II.  Account  for  this 
fact.  1.  The  rich  are  more  blinded  by  prejudice  ;  2.  More  en- 
slaved by  custom;  3.  More  deluded  by  conceit.  Learn: — (1) 
Envy  not  those  who  are  rich  in  this  world  ;  (2)  Seek  to  be  rich 
towards  God.* 

Force  of  example. — It  is  said  that  upon  the  Eddystone  light- 
house there  is  inscribed  "  To  give  light,  and  to  save  life."  It  is 
related  that,  upon  one  occasion,  the  wreckere  near  that  coast 
detennined  that  they  would  have  a  night  of  spoil,  and  would 
entice  the  passing  vessels  on  the  shoals  and  rocks  that  abound 
there.  One  obstacle,  however,  stood  in  their  way,  and  only  one, 
and  that  was,  that  amidst  the  darkness  of  the  night,  there  would 
be  the  light  on  the  top  of  the  lighthouse,  as  a  beacon  and  a 
mark  by  which  the  mariners  directed  their  course  along  an 
otherwise  trackless  deep.  To  remove  that  light,  therefore,  was 
the  great  object  of  the  wreckers.  How  was  it  to  be  done  ?  They 
determined  to  go  in  force,  and  lay  violent  hands  on  the  keeper. 
They  went,  and  took  both  the  keejier  and  his  wife  away,  and 
rejoiced  in  the  thought  of  the  booty  which  they  would  secure  on 
the  coming  morning  from  the  wrecks  of  such  hapless  vessels  as 
might  come  ashore  in  the  midnight  gloom.  There  was  the  light- 
house, as  they  thought,  deserted  :  but  as  the  dusk  drew  on,  and 
the  darkness  of  night  was  falling,  two  little  children  of  the 
keeper,  who  had  been  left  behind,  finding  that  there  was  no  light 
above,  knowing  the  use  of  that  beacon,  and  guided  by  the  daily 
example  of  their  father,  climbed  the  ladder,  until  they  reached 
the  topmost  story,  lit  the  lamp,  and  that  night  there  were  no 
wrecks  upon  the  ooast.  It  formed  no  part  of  the  business  of 
those  children  to  light  the  lamp  :  they  w^ere  not  paid  by  the 
Government  for  doing  it  :  they  might  have  pleaded  incapacity, 
they  might  have  trembled  to  attempt  it,  but  they  did  not  ;  they 
had  seen  their  father  regularly  perform  the  duty,  and,  in  his 
absence,  they  did  it  for  him. 

13,  14.  (13)  covereth,  tries  to  hide  fr.  himself,  fr.  others, 
and  fr.  God."  Sin  may  be  covered  up  by  denying  it,  extenuating 
it.  and  forgetting  it.  not  prosper,  in  the  effort  to  cover  sin. 
"  Be  sure  your  sin  will  find  you  out."  Hushing  up  sin  does  but 
increase  a  man's  miseiy.'  confesseth,  1  Jno.  i.  8 — 10.  for- 
saketh,  wh.  gives  the  proof  of  the  sincerity  of  the  repentance. 
The  truly  penitent  strive  not  to  fall  into  sin  after  confession.'^ 
(14)  feareth,  not  merely  drcod.s.  but  cherishes  a  reverent  fear"* 
of  grieving  God..  True  fear  is  loving  awe,  sensitiveness  to  evil, 
hardeneth,  efc.  resisting  the  softenings  and  humblings  of  the 
near  thought  of  God. 

Sin  corered  and  nin  confessed  (r.  13). — I.  The  guilt  of  those 
who  cover  their  sins,  and  the  misery  that  awaits  them.     Men 
hide  their  sins — from  God.  from  fellow-men,  from  themselves,  j 
II.  The  prudence  of  those  who  confess  and  for.sake  sin,  and  the  i 
happiness  awarded.     Two  ways  are  indicated  by  which  we  may  ' 
avoid  the  misery  of  those  who  cover  their  sins— confession  and 
forsaking.     Confession  is  necessary  ;  God  demands  it.     It  must 
be  universal,  contrite.     Sin  must  he  forsaken.    This  is  the  touch- 1 
stone  of  sincerity.' — The   heneft  nf  ftarinff  aln-ays  (r.  14). — I. ' 
I  shall  describe  the  fear  here  recommended.     II.  I  would  show 


those  of  other 
I  men.  Hence  they 
i  speak  witli  an  air 
1  of  autlioritv."— 
I  D((v.  TI,vm(is,D.D. 

I  6 "Wealth blunts, 
I  poverty  sharpens, 
j  the  critical  power 
I  of  intellect."  — 
j  Spk.  Com. 

j  c  "  TSHirn  the  un- 
goilly  reign,  it  is 
the  ruin  of  men." 
-Vulgate  Version. 

"  When  power  is 
in  the  hands  of 
the  base,  good 
men  retire  from 
public  affairs." — 
Wo7'dsicoi-th. 

1  Ki.  xviii.  4 ;  Es. 
viii.  15 — 17. 

rv.  11,  12.    Dr.  T. 

Hunt,  Obs.  121— 

123. 

d  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

■'Nature  is  ara- 
riciously  frugal : 
in  matter  it  al- 
lows no  atom  to 
elude  its  grasp; 
in  mind  no 
thouglit  or  feel- 
ing to  perish.  It 
gathers  up  the 
fragments  that 
nothing  be  lost." 
— Dr.  Thomas. 


a  Ps.  xxxii.  3 — 6. 

b  "While  the  pa- 
tient conceals  his 
distemper  he  can- 
not  e.xpect  a 
cur  e."  ^  Ala  t, 
Henry. 

"  To  cover  the 
sin  which  lies  oa 
the  conscience 
with  a  layer  of 
earnest  efforts  to 
do  right  will  not 
take  the  sin 
away  ;  the  under- 
lying sin  will  as- 
similate all  the 
dead  works  that 
may  be  heaped 
upon  it,  and  the 
result  will  be  el 
greater  mass  of 
sin" — Dr.  Arnot. 

c  "  O  Saviour  I  our 
breasts  are  too 
oft     shut     upoa 


266 


11; 


Thee;  Thybnsnm 
is  ever    fipcn   to 

us."— Up.  /hill. 

d  2    Co. 
Phi.  ii.  12. 

"Oneof  ttippTPat 
ends  of  religrion 
is  to  keep  man  in 
const.ant  ilppoml- 
ence  npon  God." 
— Bp.  Wilson. 

He  that  lives 
without  fear 
shall  die  without 
hope. 

r.  13.  R.  Green- 
Itam,  Z59;  A.  Far- 
rindon,  iii.  225  ; 
Abp.  Bramhall,  v. 
145;  Bp.  Sheri- 
dan, i.  35 ;  Abp. 
Tillolson,  ix.  56 ; 
£.  Wciple,u.  Ill; 
Dr.  M.Bolf,  i.  81; 
Abp.  Sharp,  v. 
145,  vii.  113,  etc. 

V.  14.  /.  Gilbi'i-t, 
235 ;  T.  Bo.^ion.  iii. 
6  ;  Dr.  S.  Johnson, 
i.  49 ;  Dr.  N.  Lard- 
ner,  x.  294. 

e  H.  Chalelain. 

f  Dr.  Lardntr. 


«  Fs.  vii.  2,  xvii. 
12. 

ft  "  Let  not  the 
world  see  fear 
and  sad  mistrust 
govern  the  mo- 
tion of  a  l<ingly 
eye." — Shake- 
speare. 

"  One  who  is  poor 
in  discernments." 
—0.  Zockler. 

"Kings  might  be 
much  happier  in 
tlie/(en;7.s  of  their 
subjects  than  in 
their  necks  or 
estates." — Mat. 
Henry. 

V.  16.  Dr.  T.  Hunt, 
Obs.  127. 

"1  thank  the 
gods,  no  secret 
thoughts  re- 
proach  me.  No ; 
I  dare  challenge 
heaven  t<i  turn 
me  outward,  and 
■hake    my    soul 


PROVERBS.  [Cap.  xxvlil.  15. 161 

the  happiness  of  him  who  fcareth  alway.s.  III.  I  shall  endeavour 
j  to  show  how  thi3  fear  conduces  to  a  man's  happiness.  IV. 
I  Mention  some  remarks  and  observations  on  this  subject.-'' 

Jlr.tult  of  /n'nd/ie-f.s: — A  servant  of  the  Rev.  Rowland  Hill 
suddenly  died,  and  his  master  preached  his  funeral  sermon  to  a 
numerous  audience,  in  the  course  of  which  he  meutioaed  ths 
following  anecdote  :  Many  persons  present  were  acquainted  with 
the  deceased,  and  have  had  it  in  their  power  to  observe  liia 
character  and  conduct.  They  can  bear  witness  that  I  speak  Ihe 
truth  when  I  assert  that  he  has  proved  himself  a  perfectly 
sober,  honest,  industrious,  and  religious  man,  faithfully  per- 
forming, as  far  as  lay  in  his  power,  the  duties  of  his  station  ia 
life,  and  serving  God  with  constancy  and  zeal  ;  yet  this  very 
man,  this  virtuous  and  pious  man,  was  once  a  robber  on  the 
highway.  More  than  thirty  years  ago  he  stopped  me  on  the 
high-road  and  demanded  my  money.  Not  at  all  intimidated,  I 
argued  with  him.  I  asked  him  what  could  induce  him  to 
pursue  so  iniquitous  a  course  of  life.  "  I  have  been  a  coach- 
man, sir,"  said  he,  "  but  am  now  out  of  place,  and  not  being 
able  to  get  a  character,  can  get  no  employment,  and  am  there- 
fore obliged  to  resort  to  this  means  of  gaining  a  subsistence." 
I  desired  him  to  call  upon  me  ;  he  promised  he  would,  and  kept 
his  word.  I  talked  further  with  him,  and  oilered  to  take  him 
into  my  service.  He  consented,  and  ever  since  that  period  he 
has  served  me  faithfully,  and  not  me  only,  but  he  has  faithfully 
served  God.  And  instead  of  having  finished  his  life  in  a  public 
ignominious  manner,  with  a  depraved  and  hardened  mind,  as  he 
probably  soon  would  have  done,  he  has  died  in  peace,  rejoicing 
in  hope,  and  prepared,  we  trust,  for  the  society  of  just  men  mada 
perfect. 

15,  16.  (15)  roaring  lion,  who  frightens  the  beasts,  and  so 
prepares  them  to  become  his  easy  prey,  ranging  bear,  some 
prefer  rarcning,  in  allusion  to  the  "  bloodthirstiness "  of  this 
beast  ;  but  there  may  be  reference  to  the  roaming  and  stealthy 
habits.  These  beasts  represent  the  wicked  ruler  who  oppresses 
the  poor  people."  (16)  -wanteth  understanding,  a  king  who 
is  weak  is  practically  as  mischievous  as  one  who  is  wicked.* 
covetousness,  regarded  here  as  the  real  root  of  kingly  oppres- 
sions. 

A  wicked  ruler  (v.  15). — I.  His  character  is  delineated  by  a 
graphic  comparison.  1.  Roaring  lion— hungry,  terrible  ;  2. 
Ranging  bear — prowling  about  stealthily  in  search  of  prey.  II, 
His  victims  :  the  poor,  timid,  defenceless.  III.  May  be  illus- 
trated at  this  day  by  the  rulers  of  barbarous  countries — Turkey, 
Egypt,  Burmah,  etc.,  where  the  poor  are  helplessly  oppressed. 
IV.  Rejoice  in  that  King  under  whose  rule  the  poor,  oppressed, 
orphan,  widow,  may  trust. 

PaJitsy  and  the  king. — There  is  a  most  memorable  instance, 
illustrating  both  the  weakness  of  yielding  and  the  nobleness  of 
holding  fast  to  one's  convictions,  in  the  visit  of  Henry  III.  of 
France  to  Bernard  de  Palissy  in  the  dungeons  of  the  Bastile. 
The  king  desired  to  give  the  celebrated  potter  his  liberty,  asking, 
as  the  price  of  his  pardon,  the  easy  condition  of  giving  up  his 
Protestant  faith.  "  My  worthy  friend,"  said  the  monarch,  "you 
have  now  been  forty- five  years  in  the  service  of  my  mother  and 
myself  ;  we  have  suffered  you  to  retain  your  religion  amidst  fira 


Cap.xxviii.  17-20.] 


PROVERBS. 


267 


and  slaughter :  I  am  now  so  pressed  by  the  Guises  and  my  people, 
that  I  fiud  myself  compelled  to  deliver  you  into  the  hands  of 
your  enemies,  and  to-morrow  you  will  be  burnt  unless  you  are 
converted."  "  Sire,"  answered  the  old  man,  "  I  am  ready  to  give 
up  the  remainder  of  Iny  life  for  the  honour  of  God.  You  have 
told  me  several  times  that  you  pity  me.  and  now  in  my  turn 
I  pity  you,  who  use  the  words,  '  I  am  compelled.'  It  was  not 
epoken  like  a  king-,  sii'e  ;  and  they  are  words  which  neither  you. 
nor  the  Guises,  nor  the  people,  shall  ever  make  me  utter.  Sii'e,  I 
can  die."  By  continually  yielding,  the  monarch  had  become  a 
slave  ;  by  continually  acting  up  to  his  convictions,  the  potter  had 
become  more  than  a  king." 

17,  18.  (17)  violence,  etc.,  taketh  the  life ;  committeth 
murder.''  The  idea  is  that  one  who  keeps  the  guilt  of  blood  on 
his  conscience  is  simply  hurrying  on  his  own  destruction,  flee, 
seeking  some  refuge,  pit,  emblem  of  destruction,  stay  him, 
or  try  to  save  him.*  (18)  uprightly,  note  the  fig.  in  this  word. 
His  course  of  life  is  straight,  without  a  betid  in  it.  saved, 
better,  ttafc:  perverse  .  .  ways,  better,  "  He  that  walks  per- 
versely in  two  ways,  will  fall  in  one  of  the  two." "  Comp.  v.  6. 
The  evil  of  vacillation  is  here  reproved. ** 

7'he  nnirdorr.i  doom  (v.  17). — I.  His  crime  :  murder  by  what- 
ever means.  II.  His  course  :  having  been  guilty  of  so  great  a 
crime,  he  hurries  on  with  hard  heart  to  destruction.  Often 
his  anxious  efforts  to  conceal  his  crime  lead  to  its  detection. 
III.  His  isolation  :  he  has  no  sympathy,  no  help  ;  all  friends 
even  look  upon  him  with  horror. 

The  little  murdi-rer. — Two  boys  in  a  southern  city,  named 
Augustus  and  Eugene,  were  playing  top.  They  had  but  one 
top,  which  they  spun  alternately.  At  iirst  they  played  veiy 
pleasantly,  but  soon  became  angry  and  began  to  speak  unkindly, 
Eugene  said,  "  It  is  my  turn  to  whirl  the  top."  "  No,  it  is  not ; 
it  is  mine,"  said  Augustus.  They  grew  very  angry  about  it. 
Augustus  at  length  said  to  Eugene,  '"  You  lie  I  "  E  gene  struck 
him.  Augustus  struck  back  again.  They  seized  each  other  in  a 
great  rage  :  and  in  the  scnffle  Eugene  took  a  long,  sharp  knife 
from  his  pocket,  and  stabbed  Augustus  so  that  he  died  in  a  few 
moments.  Augustus  lost  his  life  and  Eugene  became  a  murderer, 
merely  to  decide  whose  turn  it  was  to  spin  a  cop  I ' 

19,  20.  (19)  tilleth,  etc.,  see  ch.  xii.  11.  poverty  enough, 
or  is  surfeited  with  poverty.  Contrast  with  '•  plenty  of  bread." 
(20)  faithful,"  one  who  must  do  right  though  he  keeps  poor, 
hastes  to  be  rich,''  so  does  not  stop  to  consider  the  means  he 
uses,  innocent,  i.e.  treated  as  innocent  bee.  he  ha^jpens  to  have 
succeeded. 

The  portion  of  the  faithful  man  (v.  20). — I.  ■\^'^lo  are  they  who 
answer  to  the  description  here  given  us  .'  1.  They  are  faithful  to 
their  convictions  in  things  relating  to  God  :  2.  To  their  engage- 
ments in  things  relating  to  man.  II.  What  are  the  peculiar 
blessings  reserved  for  them?  1.  The  approbation  of  God;  2. 
The  testimony  of  a  good  conscience  ;  3.  A  blessed  hope  of  im- 
mortality and  glory.  See  then— (1)  What  is  the  proper  scope 
and  tendency'  of  the  Gospel ;  (2)  Wh&t  bitter  self-condemnation 
waits  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving  soul.' 

TJnfaith^%d. — It  was  the  motto  of  the  great  commander  in  war, 


quite  empty  in 
their  sight.  A 
general  fierceness 
flwells  witli  inno- 
cence, and  con- 
scious virtue  is 
allow'd  some 
pride." — Dryden. 

c  Morse. 


a  Ge.  ix.  6;  Ex. 
xxi.  14. 

A  man  ladea 
with  the  blood  of 
a  soul. 

b  "  By  the  con- 
viction anil  exe- 
cution of  a  mur- 
derer humanity 
is  not  extin- 
guished,  but  en- 
larged ;  it  is  in- 
dividual compas- 
sion overcome  by 
a  regard  to  the 
general  good." — 
Fuller. 

c  Wordsworth, 

Jas.  i,  8. 

d  "  As  vacillatioB 
rises  out  of  want 
of  the  one  guid-' 
ing  principle  of 
right,  it  is  con- 
trasted with  the 
straightforward- 
ness of  the  man 
that  '  walketh 
uprightly.'"—. 
Spk.  Com. 

e  Dr.  Cheever. 

a  Pr.  XX.  6  ;  2  Ki. 
xii.  15,  xxii.  7. 
b  "  Seek  not  proud 
riches,  but  such 
as  thou  niayest 
get  justly,  use  so- 
berly, distribute 
cheerfully,  and 
leave  contented- 
ly."— LordBacon. 
"I  will  study 
more  how  to  give 
account  of  my 
little,  than  how 
to  make  it  more." 
—  tip.  Hall. 
Whatisill-gotfpn 
is  commonly  ill- 
spent 
V.  20.    W.  DerH- 


263 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxvlil  21—24* 


I  to  sho^  the  facility  of  his  conquests  over  strongest  j 'laces  and 

I  opponents,  "  I  came,  I  saw,  I  overcame  ;  "  that  is,  I  overcame  as 

!  8  ion  as  I  could  come  and  see  :  but  many  will  have  cause  sadly  to 

I  tike  up  this  motto,  "  We  came,  we  saw,   we  were  overcome  ; " 

j  that  is,  we  no  sooner  came  and  saw,  but  we  were  overcome,  we 

i  were  presently  foiled  at  the  eye.     This  will  be  the  drunkard's 

I  complaint  at  last,  yea,  when  it  will  be  too  late, — I  came,  I  saw 

the  wine,  and  was  not  only  overcome  to  drink,  but  overcome  by 

drinking.     This  will  be  the  covetous  man's  complaint. — I  came 

and  saw  the  gold,  the  goodly  glitter  of  worldly  shows,  and  was 

overcome.     This  will  be  the  adulterer's  complaint, — I  looked  and 

lusted,  and  was  overcome.** 

21,  22.  (21)  respect  of  persons,  here,  not  the  fault  of 
judges,  but  the  way  in  which  the  poor  too  often  flatter  and  toady 
the  rich,  for  .  .  bread,  •  in  order  to  get  it  a  man  will  be  willing 
to  do  any  wron?  for  his  patron.  (22)  evil  eye,  that  envies  the 
gains  and  prosperities  of  others,  considereth  .  .  him,  '•  He 
does  not  see  that  that  very  temper  of  grudging,  carking  care  ia 
leading  him  to  poverty. 

Sijo'iphancy  (v.  21). — I.  The  evil  here  to  be  noted — "respect  of 
persons.''  Mark — not  character,  ofRces,  but  persons  :  to  whom 
respect  of  various  kinds  is  paid,  for — 1.  Beauty  ;  2.  Wealth  ;  3. 
Birth,  etc.  II.  Why  this  is  an  evil — "It  is  not  good" — 1.  For 
the  person  who  is  unwisely  respected — fills  him  with  conceit, 
pride  ;  does  him  harm  mentally,  morally,  etc.;  2.  For  the  re- 
specter of  persons  nunses  sycophancy,  betrays  a  servile  spirit, 
secures  the  contempt  of  the  right-minded,  often  of  the  person  to 
whom  the  respect  is  paid. 

B't.tlwp  Portei/s.^— George  the  Fourth,  when  Prince  of  Wales, 
appointed  a  grand  military  review  to  be  held  on  the  Sabbath  day. 
The  pious  and  venerable  Bishop  Porteus,  then  Bishop  of  London, 
heard  of  it,  and  though  confined  to  his  habitation  by  that  illness 
which  Lssued  in  his  death  five  days  after,  yet  he  hastened  to  the 
palace,  and  sought  an  interview  with  the  prince.  Feeble  and 
almost  voiceless,  he  entered  the  royal  apartment,  supported  by 
two  attendants.  The  scene  was  very  affecting.  With  the  ten- 
derness of  a  father,  and  with  the  earnestness  of  one  expecting  to 
appear  before  the  King  of  kings,  he  represented  the  evil  and  sin 
of  desecrating  God's  holy  day,  and  urged  upon  the  prince  the 
consideration  of  the  bad  effects  which  the  example  of  one  in  his 
exalted  station  would  have  upon  the  present  and  eternal  destinies 
of  millions.  The  good  bishop  closed  with  the  expression  of  his 
regret  that  his  infirmities  did  not  permit  him  to  advance  and 
give  his  last  blessing  to  the  heir  of  England's  throne.  The  prince, 
much  affected,  fell  on  his  knees,  while  the  venerable  man  of 
God  implored  the  blessing  of  heaven  on  his  Royal  Highness, 
rejoicing  that  the  last  act  of  his  failing  strength  could  thus  bo 
exerted  in  attempting  to  stop  the  progress  of  Sabbath  desecration. 

!  23,  24.  (2,"?)  rebuketh,  pointing  out  his  fault.  He  may  bo 
a  "He  that  cries  j  (jigUked  at  first,  but  by-and-by  he  will  be  recognised  as  the  truesi 
surgemilor  luirt-  '  fiiend."  flattereth,  rfn.,  and  glosses  over  faults  in  order  U 
ing  hira  when  lie  j  keep  in  favour.  (24)  robbeth  .  .  mother,  cnnip.  Mat.  xv.  5,  6 
is  searciiing  liis  i  j^^cl  Pr.  xix.  2fi.*  Companion,  etc.,  stands  on  the  same  footing. 
pnT"im  weii,.in<i '  ^or  "  what  wickedness  will  he  scruple  to  commit  who  will  rob 
thank   Uim  '  too,  |  his  own  parents  ?"• 


man,  L  275 ;  P- 
H.   Mmy,  57;    J. 

RnXf,  •!». 

c  C.  Sim-'on,  Af.A. 
"  Wlien  man's  in- 
tents are  wicked, 
til  argiiilDh.uints 
tliem,  but  whsn 
t  li  <:  yr  e  jus  t, 
they're  arm'd, 
and  nothing 
daunts  them." — 
MiJdlelon, 

4  Caryl. 


a  "The  concrete 
design.ation  of  a 
trifle,     a    very] 
slight    viilue     or  | 
advantage  of  any  j 
sort."-().  ZiJcklcr.  I 
I 
"  Those  that  are 
partial    must   be  i 
paltry.      Those  | 
that    have    once 
broken     througli  ] 
the    bonds    of  1 
equity,     though,  j 
at  first    it  must  1 
be     some     great  j 
bribe,  some  noble  1 
present,    that  | 
would  bias  tliem, 
yet,    when    they 
have    debauclied 
their  consciences, 
they    will,    at 
length,    be    so 
sordid  that  for  a 
piece      of     bread 
they     will     give 
judgment 
against     their 
consc  iences." — 
Ma(.  Henry. 

vv.  21,  22.  Dr.  T. 
Html,  131,  132. 

"  Ale.xan(ler  once 
sai  1  to  a  poltroon, 
who  bore  but  dis- 
graced his  name, 
'  Either  change 
thy  name  or 
change  thy  ways.' 
So  Christ  says  to 
every  one  of  His 
inconsistent  fol- 
lowers." —  John 
Bate. 


Cap.  xxvili.  25,  26.] 


PROVE  RBS. 


269 


UnJiUal  d'tJihonesty  (v.  24).— This  crime  is  committed — I. 
Under  the  idea  that  there  is  immunity  from  punishment.  A 
parent  does  not  like  to  punish  by  force  of  law.  II.  Under  the 
impression  that  there  is  less  of  dishonesty  than  in  robbing  a 
Btranger.  Folly  of  regarding  all  in  a  house  as  common  property. 
III.  This  is  the  worst  form  of  dis^honesty.  There  is  so  much  of 
ingratitude  in  it.  IV.  Petty  pilfering  at  home  the  first  step  in  a 
dishonest  life.  V.  He  who  robs  his  parents  will  be  sure  to  rob 
God.  VI.  Many  rob  the  heavenly  who  would  not  rob  the  earthly 
father. 

Tact  in  rej^roving. — A  general  who  was  in  early  life  much 
addicted  to  profane  oaths,  dates  his  reformation  from  a  memo- 
rable check  he  received  from  a  Scottish  clergyman.  "\ATien  he 
•was  a  lieutenant,  and  stationed  at  Newcastle,  he  got  invoh-ed  in 
a  brawl  with  some  of  the  lowest  class  in  the  public  street,  and 
the  altercation  was  carried  on  by  both  parties  with  abundance  of 
impious  language.  The  clergyman,  passing  by,  was  shocked 
with  the  profanity,  and  stepping  into  the  crowd  with  his  cane 
uplifted,  thus  addressed  one  of  the  leaders  of  the  rabble  : — '•  Oh. 
John,  John  !  what  is  this  I  hear  .'  You.  only  a  poor  collier  boy. 
and  swearing  like  any  lord  in  all  the  land.  Oh,  John  !  have  you 
no  fear  of  what  will  become  of  you  ?  It  may  do  very  well  for 
this  gallant  gentleman  (pointing  to  the  lieutenant)  to  bang  and 
Bwear  as  he  pleases  ;  but  you — but  you,  John  1  it  is  not  for  you, 
or  the  like  of  you,  to  take  in  vain  the  name  of  Him  in  whom  ye 
live  and  have  your  being."  Then  turning  to  the  lieutenant,  he 
continued,  "  Ye'U  excuse  the  poor  man,  sir,  for  swearing  :  he  is 
an  ignorant  body,  and  kens  no  better."  The  young  officer  slunk 
away  in  confusion,  unable  to  make  any  reply.  Next  day  he  made 
it  his  business  to  wait  on  the  minister,  and  thanked  him  sincerely 
for  his  well-timed  reproof,  and  has  ever  since  been  an  example  of 
the  strictest  purity  of  language.'' 

25,  26.  (2.5)  proud,"  better  covefovs ;  the  man  of  large 
cupidity,  who  is  avaricious  and  insatiable.  Big  with  selfish 
ambitions,  made  fat,  or  prospered  and  blessed.*  (2fi)  own 
heart,  here,  his  mere  impulses,  wisely,  i.e.  carefully,  con- 
siderately : «  but  with  reference  to  previous  verse,  looking  for 
grace  from  God. 

Self-cm fidence  reproved  {v.  26). — I.  What  is  the  conduct  here 
reprobated?  Such  a  man — 1.  Eelies  on  his  own  wisdom  and 
understanding  ;  2.  On  his  own  purposes  and  resolutions.  II. 
The  folly  of  it.  1 .  It  robs  us  of  the  benefit  we  might  derive 
from  trusting  in  God ;  2.  It  ensures  beyond  all  doubt  our  ulti- 
mate disappointment ;  3.  It  will  keep  us  from  discovering  our 
error  till  it  is  past  a  remedy.  See.  then,  from  hence — (1)  How 
desirable  itself  is  knowledge  ;  (2)  How  necessary  is  the  knowledge 
of  Christ.'' 

A  little  girl. — A  little  girl  was  passing  by  a  garden  in  which 
were  some  very  pretty  flowers.  She  wished  much  to  have  some 
of  them  ;  she  could  have  put  her  hand  between  the  rails,  and 
have  taken  them,  and  perhaps  nobody  would  have  seen  her. 
But  she  knew  this  would  have  been  very  wicked  :  it  would  be 
stealing.  So.  after  thinking  a  little  while,  she  resolved  what  she 
■would  do.  She  went  to  the  mistress  of  the  garden,  and  asked  her 
very  prettily  to  give  her  some  of  those  nice  flowers.  The  mistress 
told  her  she  had  done  right  not  to  take  them,  and  then  showed 


when  he  has 
cured  it." — Mur. 
Henry. 

b  "  Such,  thoupli 
heirs,  are  vir- 
tually tliicvrs.  \o 
be  ranked  -with 
highwaymen."  — 
Fausset 

c  "The  aggrava- 
tion of  sin  i?  f.ro- 
portioneil  to  ihe 
obligation  of 
d  u  t  y.  A  mur- 
derer is  a  heinous 
t  r  a  n  s  g  r  e  s  S(  ir  ; 
how  much  more 
a  parricide  I  To 
rob  a  stranger,  a 
friend,  is  evil; 
how  much  more 
a  father  and 
mother!  The 
filial  obligation  of 
cherishing  caieis 
broken.  Ingrati- 
tude is  added  to 
i  n  j  u  stice."  — 
Bridges. 

Honest  industry 
is  always  re- 
warded.  Ko 
young  man  need 
complain  of  being 
kept  poor,  if  he 
rolls  up  his 
sleeves  and  goes 
cheerfully  to 
work. 
d  Whitecross. 

a  "  Or  puffed-np 
soul,  self  -  confi- 
dent, and  hence 
overbearing  and 
1  i  t  i  gious." — 
Fausset. 

b  "  Though  the 
mariner  sees  not 
the  poles>tar,  yet 
the  needle  of  the 
compass,  which 
points  to  it,  tells 
him  which  way 
he  sails.  Thus 
the  heart  that  is 
touched  with  tlie 
loadstone  of  Div. 
love,  trembling 
with  godly  fear, 
and  yet  still  look- 
ing towards  God 
by  fixed  believ- 
ing, in  terprets 
the  fear  by  the 
love  in  the  fear, 
and  tells  the  soul 
that  its  course  is 
heavenward,  to- 
wards the  havea 
of  eternal  rest." 
— Abj).  LeigMom. 


270 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zxlz.  1. 


Bph.  V.  18. 

r.  2G.  Dr.  R.  Snufh, 
\i.  399  ;  Up.  Shul- 
tlewnrth,  i.  169  ; 
Dr.  T.  D'chjhl,  ii. 
47  ;  H.  E.  Man- 
ning, 392. 

c  C.  Simeon,  3{.A. 

dS.T.S. 


b  Is.  i.  15. 

e  "  Good  men  re- 
tire from  public 
business  into  ob- 
scurity wlien  the 
dregs  of  the  na- 
tion rise  up  to 
the  summit  of 
public  affairs, 
and  tloat  as  scum 
upon  the  sur- 
face." —  Words- 
woith. 

"As  the  deepest 
hate  may  spring 
from  the  most 
violent  love,  so 
the  greatest  in- 
gratitude may 
arise  from  the 
largest  benefits. 
It  U  said  that 
Cicero  was  slain 
by  one  whom  his 
oratory  had  de- 
fended when  he 
■was  accused  of 
his  father's 
m  u  r  d  e  r."  —  J. 
Beaumont. 

"  Formerly  it  was 
the  fashion  to 
preach  the  na- 
tural ;  now  it  is 
the  ideal.  People 
too  often  forget 
that  these  things 
are  profoundly 
compatible ;  that 
in  a  beautilul 
■work  of  imagi- 
nation the  na- 
tural should  be 
ideal,  ».nd  the 
ide.il  natural."-- 
A.W.VonSchlegel. 

aR.T.S. 


a  Ex.  x.x.xii.  9  ; 
2  Ch.  xxxvi.  16  ; 
Ke.  ix  29  ;  Is. 
xlviii.  f>;  Jc.  xvi). 
83,  xx\i  18;  Ac. 
ViiSl. 


her  another  garden  full  of  beautiful  plants  and  flowers,  and 
gathered  for  her  a  fine  large  nosegay.  Let  this  teach  you  a 
lesson.  If  this  girl  had  taken  the  flowers  without  leave,  she 
would  have  been  very  unhappy  ;  and  if  she  had  been  asked  how 
she  came  by  them,  she  would  most  likely  have  told  a  lie  to  hide 
her  first  fault.  And  how  uncomfortable  she  would  have  felt  at 
night  when  she  lay  down,  and  when  she  thought  of  the  great 
God,  and  prayed  to  Him  who  has  said,  "  Thieves  shall  not  inherit 
the  kingdom  of  God."  "  Be  sure  your  sin  will  find  you  out,"  if 
you  break  God's  commands.'* 

27,  28.  (27)  not  lack,  the  needful  for  himself.*  hideth, 
etc.,''  with  the  intention  of  disregarding  the  wants  and  cries  of 
the  poor.     (28)  wicked,  rise,  comp  V.  12.' 

The  generous  man  {v.  27). — Something  is  here  said  by  implica- 
tion of — I.  His  hand.  He  giveth.  II.  His  eye.  The  cause  he 
knows  not :  he  searches  out.  Many  when  aware  of  the  approach 
of  the  poor  look  another  way.  III.  His  heart.  Sympathising, 
benevolent,  tender.  IV.  His  mind.  He  works  and  saves,  that 
he  may  give.  Two  collectors  for  a  charity  calling  on  a  rich  man 
found  him  scolding  a  servant  for  some  trifling  waste,  and  were 
the  more  surprised  at  receiving  a  large  donation.  He  said  that 
his  thrift  enabled  him  to  give  the  more.  V.  His  recompense. 
God  takes  care  that  he  shall  have  somewhat  to  give.  Learn  : — 1. 
Let  the  rich  remember  their  duty  to  the  poor  ;  2.  Let  the  poor 
rejoice  that  God  takes  care  of  their  rich  helpers. 

Jh'c.  Matthew  Henry. — It  is  related  of  the  excellent  commen- 
tator, Matthew  Henry,  that  he  enforced  upon  himself  and  others 
sentiments  calculated  to  promote  a  charitable  disposition.  "  We 
lose,"  said  he,  "  what  we  save.  Withholding  that  which  is  meet 
tends  to  spiritual  poverty — the  worst  of  all  husbandry  :  it  is  like 
grudging  seed  to  the  ground."  As  occasion  served,  he  plainly 
pointed  out  the  great  evil  of  covetousness.  Sometimes  he  urged 
upon  all  around  him  their  exposure  to  that  sin,  and  advised  them 
to  suspect  themselves  guilty  of  it.  ''We  are  born,"  said  he, 
"  with  the  world  in  our  hearts."  Noticing  that  many  think 
themselves  free  from  covetousness  because  they  are  content  with 
what  they  have,  he  added,  in  allusion  to  the  parable — "  So  was 
that  fool."  In  the  exercise  of  a  benevolent  temper,  this  good 
man  resembled  Him  who  "  maketh  His  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and 
on  the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust." 
Like  the  children  of  the  Highest,  therefore,  he  was  '"  kind  to  the 
unthankful,  and  to  the  evil."  After  lending  seven  guineas  to 
obtain  a  discharge  of  the  son  of  a  poor  friend,  who  had  enlisted 
in  the  army,  he  observed  that  many  reasons  offered  themselves 
why  he  should  have  abandoned  him  ;  but.  in  the  spirit  of 
genuine  Christianity,  he  added,  '•  The  mercy  of  God  to  me.  a  pro- 
voking, backsliding  sinner,  answered  them  all.  God  doth  not 
cut  them  oif,  though,  by  their  iniquity,  they  have  sold  them- 
selves." * 

CHAPTER  THE  TJFENTY-NINTH. 

1,  often  reproved,  lit.  a  man  of  reproofs,  hardeneth  his 
,  neck,"  in  a  stiff-necked  way  persists  in  can-ying  through  hia 
I  own  ^vill.  Allusion  is  made  to  the  intractable,  stubborn  ox.  He 
1  will  not  bend  to  the  yoke,  bo  he  must  be  killed,    "without 


Cap.  xxlx.  2, 3.] 


PROVERBS. 


271 


remedy,  for  who  can  help  a  man  who  thus  refuses  to  be  helped  ? 
Lit.  '•  they  shall  be  destroyed,  and  no  healing'." 

The  conduct  nnd  pmushment  of  xintiei's  (v.  1). — I.  Here  is  the 
conduct  of  an  incorrigible  sinner  described.  1.  He  is  often  re- 
proved ;  2.  He  hardeneth  his  neck.  II.  The  punishment  of 
ii corrigible  sinners  threatened.  1.  He  shall  suddenly  be 
d  stroyed  ;  2.  He  shall  be  destroyed  without  remedy.  Apply  :— 
(1 )  The  season  of  God's  long-suffering  is  limited  ;  (2;  Those 
who  defer  repentance  deceive  their  own  souls  :  (3)  The  reproofs 
of  God  should  be  regarded  as  expressions  of  His  mercy  ;  (4) 
Seasonable  subjection  to  God's  authority  will  be  attended  with 
certain  salvation.* 

Di/inr/  ivhilf  bl(i.tj?lierningr. — A  minister  in  a  small  seaport  town 
in  Scotlai)d  once  furnished  an  account  of  a  man  who  for  many 
years  was  master  of  a  coasting  vessel,  and  an  inhabitant  of  that 
place.  In  his  younger  days  he  made  a  profession  of  religion  ; 
and,  among  the  small  but  respectable  body  to  which  he  belonged, 
he  was  deemed  an  eminent  Christian.  He  afterwards  became  a 
deist ! — nay,  a  professed  atheist,  and  made  the  existence  of  the 
Deity  and  a  future  state  the  subjects  of  his  ridicule  and  profane 
mockery.  For  horrid  swearing  and  lewdness  he  had  perhaps 
few  equals  in  Scotland.  One  night,  in  a  public-house,  when 
swearing  awfully  in  a  rage,  he  was  summoned  into  eternity  in  a 
moment  by  the  rupture  of  a  blood-vessel.  Was  he  punished  for 
his  blasphemy  before  his  death  ?  If  not,  then  he  was  punished 
afterwards."^ 

2,3.  (2)  righteous,  ef(7.,  comp.ch.xxviii.  12.  (3)  wisdom, 
here  the  couusels  of  moral  purity,  keepeth  company,  or, 
more  forcibly,  n-ho  feedeth.  harlots,  who  "play  sad  havoc  with 
families  ;  they  draw  sons  to  ruin  and  parents  to  an  untimely 
grave.""     spendeth,  i.e.  wasteth. 

Tjvu  lands  of  rulers  {v.  2). — I.  The  righteous  are  joy -producers.  ] 
1.  As  they  enact  good  laws;  2.  As  they  administer  law  impar- 
tially ;  3.  As   they  set   a   good   example  ;    4.  As  they  strive  to 
minimise  the  public  burdens.     II.  The  wicked  are  sorrow- makers,  I 
for  reasons  the  opposite  of  those  which  mark  the  rule  of  the 
righteous. 

The  tradesman  and  the  jirince. — The  following  anecdote  of  the  j 
prince,  which  is  not,  perhaps,  generally  known,  seems  a  very  ; 
suitable   accompaniment : — A  tradesman  was   sent   for  on   the  ' 
Sabbath  day,  as  his  Royal  Highness  was  preparing  to  leave  town  I 
early  the  next  morning.     That  tradesman  was  one  who  feared  ! 
God  more  than  man  ;  and  at  the  risk  of  offending  the  prince  and  ! 
losing  his  valuable  patronage,  he  declined  to  attend  on  God's 
day,  but  took  care  to  be  at  the  palace  at  a  very  early  hour  on 
Monday  morning.     "  I  sent  for  you  yesterday."  said  the  i^rince  ; 
*'  why  did  you  not  come  ?"     "  Your  Royal  Highness,  the  King 
wanted  me."     "  The  king  !     I  thought  my  father  never  sent  for 
tradesmen  on  Sundays."     "  Please  your  Royal  Highness,  I  do  not 
mean  the  king  your  father,  but  the  King  of  kings."     A  word 
fitly  spoken  is  indeed,  as  Solomon  says,  like  apples  of  gold  in 
pictures  of  silver.     Some  of  the  last  words  of  the  prince,  when  j 
wearing  the  crown  as  George  the  Fourth,  alluded  to  his  inter-  I 
view  with  the  dying  b'shop  (Porteus).      Two  days  before  his  ! 
death  he  declared  that  nothing  in  his  past  life  gave  him  more  I 
uneasiness  than  the  recollection  of  desecrated  Sabbatha.*  I 


Pr.  i.24— 27;  Ra 
xi.  22. 

V.  1.  W.  Fenner, 
i.  121  ;  Dr.  Jcr. 
Hunt,  iv.  173  ;  5. 
Daoies,  ii.  236  ;  /. 
Parry,  3VJ;  J. 
Alilner,  iii.  1. 
b  Alpha  in  100 
Sks. 

"There  be 
many  Christians 
most  like  unto 
young  sailors, 
who  think  the 
shore  and  the 
whole  land  doth 
move  wtien  thej 
ship,  and  they 
ttieniselves  are 
moved.  Just  so 
not  a  few  do  ima- 
gine that  G-od 
m  o  T  e  t  h,  and 
s  a  i  1  e  t  h  ,  and 
ohangeth  places, 
because  their 
giddy  souls  are 
under  sail,  and 
subject  to  altera- 
tion, to  ebbing 
and  flowing.  But 
the  foundation  of 
the  Lord  abideth 
sure."  —  Samuel 
Ruilierford. 
c  Dr.  Cheever, 


a  "  She  weaves 
the  winding 
sheets  of  souls, 
and  lays  them  ia 
the  lu-n  of  ever- 
lasting death."— 
Pollok. 

V.  2.     R.  Bolton, 

I  Four  L<t.^l  Things, 
j  1  —  37  ;  Dr.  S. 
I  Johnson,  ii.  199. 

"  If  you  would  be 
I  well  with  a  great 
j  mind,  leave  him 
with  a  fayourabla 
impression  of 
you  ;    if  with  a 
little  mind,  leave 
'  him    with    a  fa- 
vourable opinion 
of  himself." — 
Coleridge. 

"  Beware  of  little 
expenses ;  a  small 
leak  will  sink  a 
great  ship. "  — • 
Franklin, 

b  Tract  Magazine 


272 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xziz.  4— Ql 


o  "  A  king  must 

make  ri'ligiou  the 
rule  of  govern- 
ment, ami  not  to 
balance  tlie  scale; 
for  he  tliat 
casteth  in  reli- 
gion only  tomalce 
the  scales  even, 
his  own  weight 
is  contained  in 
those  characters, 
—  Ml' He,  mene, 
tekel,  upharsin,  he 
is  found  too 
light,  his  king- 
dom shall  be 
taken  from  him. 
Beligiou  is  recti- 
tude."  —  Lo  rd 
Macon. 
Is.  xxxii.  1,  2. 
V.  4.  T.  Guddard, 
61. 

"  Wliat  makes  the 
capital  of  na- 
tions ?  Savings  I 
nothing  else. 
Neither  nations 
Bor  men  are  safe 
against  fortune 
unless  they  can 
hit  on  a  sj'stem 
by  which  they 
save  more  than  | 
they  spend. 
When  that  sys- 
tem is  once  esta- 
blished, at  what 
a  ratio  capital 
accumulates! 
What  resources 
the  system  gra- 
dually develops  1 
In  that  one 
ma.xim  is  the 
secret  of  Eng- 
land's great- 
ness. "  —  Caxton- 
iana. 
h  Percy  Anec. 

o  "  When  we  are 
most  commended 
for  our  discern- 
ment we  gene- 
rally act  most 
foolishly,  for 
those  very  praises 
cloud  the  uuder- 
Btanding  and 
pervert  the  judg- 
ment. "—/Scc;«. 

"  He  does  this 
even  wlien  he  is 
not  intending  it; 
the  web  of  en- 
ticing errors  be- 
fore his  neigh- 
bours' eyes  be- 
oomes,  when  he 
Aomes  iuto  con- 


4.  by  judgment,  or  the  just  administration  of  justice.  By 
righteous  decisions,  as  opposed  to  those  which  are  given  on  the 
persuasions  of  bribes,"  receiveth.  gifts,  lit.  "  a  man  of  heave- 
offerings."  overtlirowetli  it,  bee.  nothing  so  unsettles  a  natioa 
as  corruption  in  the  seat  of  judgment. 

Peter  the  Great. — In  the  year  1718  Peter  the  Great  assembled 
a  grand  council,  in  order  to  state  to  them  a  new  project  of  inter- 
nal government.  When  they  were  met,  he  first  reminded  them 
of  the  duty  of  all  monarchs  to  protect  their  people  from  foreign 
assaults ;  to  preserve  peace,  order,  and  quiet,  at  home ;  and  to 
execute  justice  alike  against  the  prince,  the  peer,  and  the  peasant ; 
he  added,  that  he  then  found  it  necessary  to  turn  his  attention 
towards  repressing  and  correcting  the  abuses  of  power  and  au- 
thority of  some  of  his  governors  of  the  provinces,  and  of  the 
lieutenants  under  them,  who  he  found  had  been  guilty  of  oppres- 
sion and  peculation,  and  had  enriched  themselves  at  the  expense 
of  his  people — a  people,  whose  contributions  and  sacrifices  had, 
for  eighteen  years,  merited  every  attention,  and  now  called  for 
him  to  defend  them  against  all  such  bloodsuckers.  The  emperor 
then  announced  that  he  had  established  a  tribunal  of  justice,  for 
the  inquiry  into,  and  the  redressing  of,  all  abuses ;  ^.nd  that  he 
had  appointed  as  president  the  most  honest  of  his  counsellors. 
Among  those  brought  before  this  new  council  or  chamber  of 
justice,  were  Princes  Menzikof  and  Dolgoroucki,  the  grand 
admiral,  and  other  minor  offenders.  The  court,  in  its  inquiries, 
spared  neither  rank  nor  influence,  and  brought  before  its  bar 
Baron  Schafiroff.  the  vice-chancellor,  the  favourite  of  the  emperor, 
and  his  prime  minister.  The  baron  was  convicted  on  several 
charges  ;  one  of  which  was  for  raising  the  rates  of  postage,  and 
keeping  the  advance  for  himself  ;  and  another  for  giving  his 
brother  a  lucrative  situation,  unknown  to  the  emperor  or  senate. 
The  baron  was  condemned  to  death.  When  the  day  of  execution 
came,  the  people  were  summoned  by  sound  of  trumpet ;  he  was 
led  to  the  public  place,  and  his  sentence  read  to  him  ;  but  when 
his  head  was  laid  on  the  block,  and  the  axe  raised  over  him,  a 
herald  proclaimed  the  mercy  of  the  emperor,  in  changing  the 
sentence  of  death  for  perpetual  banishment  to  Siberia,  with  the 
confiscation  of  all  his  property.  This  severity  had,  however,  a 
good  effect,  in  rendering  the  administration  less  corrupt.* 

5,  6.  (5)  flattereth,  camp.  ch.  xxvi.  28.  net,  etc,  by  mis- 
leading the  man  as  to  his  real  character,  he  puts  him  in  the 
power  of  the  tempter."  (6)  a  snare,  for  the  man  himself  : 
entanglement  'ui  it,  and  punishment  at  the  end  of  it.*  sing,  in 
the  confidence  and  joy  of  his  security. 

The  (jladne.ss  of  ffoodness  (v.  fi). — The  righteous  rejoices — I.  In 
the  works  and  ways  of  God.  II.  In  the  comfortable  assurance  of 
his  own  mind.  III.  In  the  iirosperity  of  other  men.  IV.  At  all 
times  :  "  songs  in  the  night."  V.  At  the  prospect  of  a  glorious 
resurrection. 

Abdallnhand  the  fly. — "  It  was  the  third  hour  of  the  day.  and  Ab 
dallah  still  lingered  over  the  morning  repast,  when  there  came  a 
little  fly  and  alighted  on  the  rim  of  his  goblet.  It  sipped  a  particle  of 
syrup  and  was  gone.  It  came  next  morning,  and  the  next,  and  the 
next  again,  till  it  caught  the  eye  of  the  scholar.  As  he  considered 
it,  and  as  it  gave  forth  its  many  colours  and  moved  itself  aright^ 
it  seemed  beautiful  exceedingly,  and  in  his  heart  he  could  no4 


Cap.  xxix.  7—9.] 


PROVERBS. 


273 


find  to  drive  it  away.  Wherefore  it  came  day  by  day  continually, 
and  waxing  bolder  and  bolder  it  withal  became  greater  and 
grreater,  till  in  the  size  as  of  a  locust  could  be  perceived  as  the 
likeness  of  a  man  ;  and  the  greater  that  it  grew,  the  more  win- 
ning were  its  ways,  frisking  like  a  sunbeam,  singing  like  a  peri. 
60  that  tbe  ejes  of  the  simple  one  were  blinded,  and  in  all  this 
he  did  not  perceive  the  subtlety  of  an  evil  jinn.  "Wherefore, 
waxing  bolder  and  yet  bolder,  whatsoever  of  dainty  meats  its 
Boul  desired  the  lying  spirit  freely  took,  and  when,  waxing 
wroth,  the  son  of  the  prophet  said.  '  This  is  my  daily  portion 
from  the  table  of  the  mufti  :  there  is  not  enough  for  thee  and 
me.'  playing  one  of  its  pleasant  tricks,  the  brazen-faced  deceiver 
caused  the  simple  one  to  smile  ;  until  in  process  of  time  the 
scholar  perceived  that  as  his  guest  waxed  stronger  and  stronger, 
he  himself  waxed  weaker  and  weaker.  Now  also  there  arose 
frequent  contention  between  the  demon  and  his  dupe,  and  the 
youth  smote  the  demon  so  sore  that  it  departed  for  a  season. 
Thereupon  Abdallah  rejoiced  exceedingly,  and  said,  'I  have 
triumphed  over  mine  enemy,  and  when  it  seemeth  good  in  my 
eight  I  shall  smite  him  that  he  die.'  But  after  not  many  days, 
lo  and  behold  !  the  jinn  came  again,  aiTayed  in  goodly  garments, 
and  bringing  a  present  in  its  hand,  and  with  its  fair  speech  say- 
ing. '  Is  it  not  a  little  one  .' '  it  enticed  this  silly  dove  so  that  he 
again  received  it  into  his  chamber.  On  the  morrow,  when 
Abdallah  came  not  into  the  assembly  of  studious  youths,  the 
mufti  said,  '  AMierefore  tarrieth  the  son  of  the  faithful  ?  per- 
chance he  sleepeth.'  Therefore  they  resorted  even  to  his  chamber, 
and  knocked,  and  lifted  up  their  voice  ;  but  as  he  made  no 
answer  the  mufti  opened  the  door,  and  behold  !  on  the  divan  lay 
the  dead  body  of  his  disciple.  His  visage  was  black  and  swollen, 
and  on  his  throat  was  the  pressure  of  a  finger  broader  than  the 
palm  of  a  mighty  man.  All  the  stuff  behmging  to  the  hapless 
one  was  gone,  the  gold  and  the  jewels,  and  the  parchment  rolls, 
and  the  changes  of  raiment ;  and  in  the  soft  earth  of  the  garden 
was  discerned  the  footsteps  of  a  giant.  The  mufti  measured 
one  of  the  prints,  and  lo  1  it  was  six  cubits  long.  What  means 
the  apologue  ?  Who  can  expound  the  riddle  ?  Is  it  the  bottle  or 
the  betting-book  ?  is  it  the  billiard-table  ?  is  it  the  theatre,  or 
the  tea-garden,  or  the  music  saloon  ?  is  it  laziness  ?  is  it  debt  ? 
is  it  the  wasted  Sunday  ?  But  know  that  an  evil  habit  is  an  elf 
constantly  expanding.  It  may  come  in  at  the  keyhole,  but  it 
will  soon  grow  too  big  for  the  house.  At  first  it  may  seem  too 
trivial  for  serious  attack,  but  it  will  presently  prove  the  death 
of  the  owner."* 

7.  cause . .  poor,  Job  xxix.  13—16.  regardeth  not,  careth 
not,  will  not  set  himself  to  consider  them.  Or.  "  He  listens  to 
no  reason,  he  has  no  sensibility  for  right  and  equity."" 

LovLi  IX.  mid  the  kitchcn-hny. — Louis  IX.,  king  of  France,  was 
found  instructing  a  poor  kitchen-boy  ;  and  being  asked  why  he 
did  so,  replied.  "  The  meanest  person  hath  a  soul  as  precious  as 
my  own,  and  bough*  with  the  same  blood  of  Christ."* 

8,  9.  (8)  scornful,"  mockers,  such  as  head  civil  strife.  Such 
as  contemptuously  disregard  God"s  law,  and  are  not  swayed  by 
moral  principles  or  national  virtues.  iDring  .  .  snare,  better, 
"set  the  city  on  fire  :"  kindle,  with  their  infiammatory  counseLs, 

VOL.  YII.     O.T.  B 


tact  with  them,  a 
nnt  in  wli,  he  ia 
cini.£;ht."-//i7;i(j'. 
'•  Flattery  is  a 
bad  sort  of  money 
to  which  our 
vanity  gives 
currency."  —  La 
Hcclu/oucauld. 

6  "  A  flatterer 
spreads  a  net  for 
a  friend's  feet, 
but  a  sinner  lays 
a  snare  for  him- 
scl/r—Words- 
woi-lh. 

V.  5.  Dr.  S.  South, 
vii.  136;  Dr.  T. 
Hunt,  Obs.  134; 
A.  AIacdo7iald, 
2o5. 

"Many  times  Go'! 
is  present  iu  the 
still  voice,  and 
private  retire- 
m>>nts  of  a  quiet 
religion,  and  the 
constant  spirit- 
ualities of  an 
ordinary  life; 
when  the  loud 
and  impetuous 
winds,  and  the 
shining  fires  of 
more  laborious 
and  expensive 
act  ions  are  profit- 
able to  others 
only,  like  a  tree 
of  balsam  distil- 
ling precious 
liquor  for  others, 
not  for  its  own 
use."-  Doddridge. 

Tonfine  your  ex- 
penses, or  they 
will  confine  you. 

cDr.  J.  Hamilton. 


a  Hitzig. 

V.  7.   T.  Jee,  XL. 

b  Dr.  C'lieever. 


a  "  Such  as  scorn 
to  be  hampered 
by  laws  and  con- 
stitutions."-ifa(. 
ilenrj/. 


274 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxix.  10. 11. 


b  "Sot  the  minds 
of  the  people  on 
fire  against  t)iH 
powers  tJiat  be." 
^Spk.  Com. 

c  "  Nothing  can 
make  a  man  so 
good  a  patriot  as 
religion." — Bp. 
Hall. 

"If  a  hee  stinps 
you.  will  you  go 
to  the   hive  and 
destroy    it? 
Would    not    a 
thousand    come 
upon    you  ?      If 
you     receive     a 
trifling  injury,  do  j 
not  go  about  the  i 
streets  proclaim-  | 
Ing    it,    and    be 
anxious     t  o  1 
avenge  it.    Let  it  I 
drop.     It  is  wis-  '■ 
dom  to  say  little  | 
respecting  the  in-  ! 
juries    yo\i    may 
have  received." — 
Anon. 

"The  best  ground 
■untilled.  soonest  ] 
runs  out  into  ; 
rank  weeds.  A  ' 
man  of  know-  ! 
ledge  that  is  I 
either  negligent  | 
or  uncorrected,  j 
cannot  but  grow  j 
wild  and  god- 
less."—i?;).  Hall. 

"In  persons 
grafted  in  a 
serious  trust.  | 
negligence  is  a  i 
crime."  —  Shake-  ! 
spea  re.  ■ 

"  It  is  better  to  ) 
sound  a  person  ■ 
with  whom  one  j 
deals  afar  off,  i 
tliau  to  fall  upon  \ 
the  point  at  I 
first." — Bacon. 


a  TTsmally  they 
that  speak  much, 
speak  much 
amiss. 

"  He  is  wise  who 
knows  when  to 
hold  his  peace." 
— A  nibrose. 

"  Wo  must  not 
•Iways  speak  all 


the  fire  of  civil  discord.*  "wrath,  if  it  is  found  among  the  people.' 
(!>)  rage  or  laugh,  try  to  influence  him  by  denunciations,  or 
humble  him  by  satire:  his  work  will  be  in  vain.  The  foolish,  and 
frivolous  will  learn  of  no  masters. 

Civic  firrhrnntl.'i  (v.  8). — Such  men  brings  a  city  into  a  snare — I. 
"WTien  as  rulers  they  treat  an  enemy  of  unknown  resources  with 
contempt.  II.  Wh'^n  as  noisy  demag"0g"ue8  they  inflame  the 
passions  of  the  vulgar.  III.  \Vhen  as  talebearers  they  spread 
slanderous  reports.  IV.  When  as  scorners  of  good  morals  they 
exert  a  baneful  influence  upon  fellow-citizens.  V.  Even  the  city 
of  God,  the  Church,  may  be  ensnared  by  teachers  of  false  doc- 
trines. 

T/ic  M'offcr  silenced. — A  minister  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
in  America,  delivered  a  series  of  discourses  against  infidelity,  in 
a  town  in  Louisiana,  on  the  Red  River,  some  of  the  citizens  of 
which  were  known  to  be  sceptical.  A  few  days  afterwards  he 
took  passage  in  a  steamer  ascending  the  Mississippi,  and  found 
on  board  several  of  the  citizens  of  that  town,  among  whom  was 
a  disciple  of  Tom  Paine,  noted  as  the  ringleader  of  a  band  of 
infidels.  So  soon  as  he  discovered  the  minister,  he  commenced 
his  horrid  blasphemies  ;  and  when  he  perceived  him  reading  at 
one  of  the  tables,  he  proposed  to  his  companions  to  go  with  him 
to  the  opposite  side  of  the  table  and  listen  to  some  stories  that 
he  had  to  tell  upon  religion  and  religious  men,  which  he  said 
would  annoy  the  old  preacher.  Quite  a  number,  prompted  by 
curiosity,  gathered  around  him  to  listen  to  his  vulgar  stories  and 
anecdotes,  all  of  which  were  pointed  against  the  Bible  and  its 
ministers.  The  preacher  did  not  raise  his  eyes  from  the  book 
which  he  was  reading,  nor  appear  to  be  in  the  least  discoucerted 
by  the  presence  of  the  rabble.  At  length  the  infidel  walked  up 
to  him,  and,  rudely  slapping  him  on  the  shoulder,  said,  "  Old 
fellow,  what  do  you  think  of  these  things  I "  He  calmly  pointed 
out  of  the  door,  and  said,  • '  Do  you  see  that  beautiful  landscape 
spread  out  in  such  quiet  loveliness  before  you.'"  "Yes."  '-It 
has  a  variety  of  flowers,  plants,  and  shrubs,  that  are  calculated  to 
fill  the  beholder  with  delight."  "  Yes."  '■  Well,  if  you  were  to 
send  out  a  dove,  he  would  pass  over  that  scene  and  see  in  it  all 
that  was  beautiful  and  lovely,  and  delight  himself  in  gazing  at 
and  admiring  it :  but  if  you  were  to  send  cut  a  buzzard  over  pre- 
cisely the  same  scene,  he  would  see  in  it  nothing  to  fix  his  atten- 
tion, unless  he  could  find  some  rotten  carcase  that  would  be 
loathsome  to  all  other  animals,  in  which  case  he  would  alight 
and  gloat  upon  it  with  exquisite  pleasure."  '"  Do  you  mean  to 
compare  me  to  a  buzzard,  sir.'"  said  the  infidel,  colouring  very 
deeply.  "  I  made  no  allusion  to  you,  sir."  said  the  minister,  very 
quietly.  The  infidel  walked  off  in  confusion,  and  went  by  the 
name  of  "  The  Buzzard  "  during  the  remainder  of  the  jiassage. 

10,  11.  (10)  bloodthirsty,  IM>.  "men  of  blood."  Ps.  v.  fi, 
xxvi.  9.  seek,  etc..  i.e.  care  for,  in  order  to  preserve,  the 
'ighteous.  (11)  all  his  mind,"  no  matter  how  imprudent  the 
occasion.  Over-free  speech  is  characteristic  of  the  foolish.  Or 
mind  may  here  stand  for  .yjivit,  passion.  The  foolish  man  has 
no  self-restraint. 

A  n-ixe  reticence  (r.  11). — I.  The  fool's  speech.  1.  lie  is  swift 
to  speak  ;  2.  Speaks  abundantly,  "  utters  all  his  mind  :"  .3.  Speaks 
worthlessly,  because  he  is  a  fool :  what  he  calls  his  mind  is  not  a 


Cap.  xxix.  12—15.] 


Pno  VERBS. 


275 


storehouse  of  good  things  :  he  is  quick  to  form  an  opinion  and  to  \ 
retail  it.     II.  The  wise  man's  silence.     1.   He  keeps  his  know- 
ledge for  a  time,  to  compare,  to  digest ;  2.  But  not  for  ever,  only  ; 
till  "  afterwards,"  as  One  who  said,  "  I  have  many  things  to  say  [ 
unto  you,  but  you  cannot  bear  them  now."  i 

Conn'rsatiou.— In  Andrew  Fuller's  diaiy  is  the  following 
entry:—"  Jan.  3,  1782.  This  afternoon,  being  on  a  visit,  as  Ij 
stepped  aside  from  the  company,  I  overheard  one  of  them  saying,  i 
'  I  love  Mr.  Fuller's  company,  it  is  so  diverting.'  This  expression  i 
moved  me  much.  Oh,  wretch  that  I  am  !  Is  this  to  have  my  ! 
speech  seasoned  with  grace  ?  0  Lord,  forgive  me !  Some 
humbling  thoughts  for  the  above  in  prayer."  "Jan.  4.  Tender  j 
this  morning  in  remembering  the  above  circumstance.  Lord,  i 
make  me  more  spiritual  in  time  to  come."* 

12,  13.  (12)  to  lies,  all  sorts  of  talebearing."  wicked,  | 
knowing  just  what  pleases  their  master,  they  will  become  in- ! 
formers  and  backbiters.  (13)  deceitful  man,  or  usurer.  He 
takes  his  advantage  of  the  poor,  lightenetli,  etc.,  He  knows  ; 
both.  ''  He  is  their  common  Father  and  Judge."  "  Both  depend  | 
on  Him,  and  He  will  do  justice."'*  | 

OjH-fi  ears  and  nimble  tongues  (v.  12). — I.  A  ruler  with  an  open  \ 
ear  ;  ready  to  hear  anything ;  easily  imposed  upon  ;  plenty  to  ' 
detract  from  others,  and  be  the  purveyors  of  scandal  :  most  that 
will  be  told  him  will  be  false.     II.  The  servants'  nimble  tongues  ;  \ 
each  one  anxious  to  get  favour  for  himself  ;  hopes  to  do  this  by  | 
depreciating  others  :  the  ruler  hears  of  each  in  turn,  and  accord-  j 
ing  to  the  tale  of  each,  all  save  himself  are  wicked.     III.  The  j 
The  judicial  mind.     The  ruler  should  bring  the  traducer  and  the 
traduced  face  to  face  ;  this  done  at  once  and  in  the  fii-st  instance 
would  operate  as  a  caution  to  others. 

Lefjcnd  of  scandal. — Two  nuns  of  the  sisterhood  of  St.  Scholas- 
tica.  though  in  other  respects  exemplary,  and  faithful  to  their 
religious  profession,  were  much  given  to  scandal  and  vain  talk. 
"Which  being  told  to  St.  Benedict,  it  displeased  him  greatly  ;  and 
he  sent  to  them  a  message,  that  if  they  did  not  refrain  their 
tongues,  and  set  a  better  example  to  the  community,  he  would 
excommunicate  them.  The  nuns  were  at  first  alarmed  and  peni- 
tent, and  promised  amendment  :  but  the  habit  was  too  strong  for 
their  good  resolves.  They  continued  their  vain  and  idle  talking  ; 
and,  in  the  midst  of  their  folly,  they  died,  and,  being  of  great 
and  noble  lineage,  they  were  buried  in  the  chui-ch  near  the  altar. 
And  afterwards,  on  a  certain  day,  as  St.  Benedict  solemnised 
mass  at  that  altar,  and  at  the  moment  when  the  officiating 
deacon  uttered  the  usual  words,  "  Let  those  who  are  excommuni- 
cated, and  forbidden  to  partake,  depart  and  leave  us,"  behold  ! 
the  two  nuns  rose  up  from  their  graves,  and,  in  the  sight  of  all 
the  people,  with  faces  drooping  and  averted,  they  glided  out  of 
the  church.  And  thus  it  happened  every  time  that  the  mass  was 
celebrated  there,  until  St.  Benedict,  taking  pity  upon  them,  ab- 
solved them  from  their  sins,  and  they  rested  in  peace.« 

14,  15.  (14)  JTidgeth  the  poor,"  who  cannot  secure  deci- 
sions by  bribes,  faithfully,  here  is  in  strict  accordance  with 
the  facts  testified  to.  (15)  rod,  the  symbol  of  parental  correc- 
tion.* It  is  not  essential  to  wise  training  that  physical  suffering 
should  be  inflicted,  left  to  himself,  "left  loose,  as  a  horse 
s  2 


we  know,  tbat 
were  folly ;  but 
what  a  man  says 
should  be  what 
he  tliinks,  other- 
wise  it  is 
knavery.' ' — Mon- 
taigne. 

"  It  is  a  shameful 
tiling  to  be  weary 
of  inquiry,  when 
what  we  search 
for  is  excellent." 
— Cicero. 

b  C.  H.  Spurgeon. 

a  "  He  that  car- 
rieth  t'atan  in  his 
ear  is  no  less 
blameworthy 
than  he  wh.  car- 
rieth  him  in  his 
toiigne."  -  Muffet. 

6  "Here  is  comfort 
to  the  poor  in  his 
sufferings  ;  here 
is  warning  to  the 
rich  in  his  vio- 
lence." —  Words- 
tcorlli, 

"  A     man     who 
takes   delight  in 
hearing      the 
faults   of   others, 
shows  sufficiently 
that  he  has  a  true 
■  relish  of  scandal, 
'  and  consequently 
i  the  seeds  of  this 
vice  within  him. 
i  If    his    mind    is 
gratified      with 
liearing    the    re- 
proaches    which 
;  are  cast  on  others, 
1  he  will  find  the 
I  same  pleasure  in 
relating     them, 
and  he  the  more 
apt   to  do  it,  as 
he  will  naturally 
imagine    every 
one  iie  converses 
with  is  delighted 
in    the    same 
manner      with 
himself." — Addi- 
son. 

c  Mrs.  Jameson. 


a  Ft.  XX.  28, 
XXV.  5. 

"  So  that  he  per- 
mits true  judg- 
ment to  reach 
the  poor."— Hit' 
zig. 


276 


PROVERBS. 


(Cap.xxix.  16, 17 


h  Comp.  I'r.  xiii. 
84,  xxiii.  13.  I 

e  Wordsicorth. 

d  "  The  mothpr 
who  thus  yiel'U 
•weakly  to  wIki*- 
is  rrally  a  ?il!'- 
indulgence,  is  a^ 
guilty  of  al>aM- 
doninff  tlie  chilil 
she  spoils,  as  if 
she  cast  liim 
forth  ;  anri  inas- 
much as  evil  nep;- 
leot  no  less  than 
evil  act  works 
out  its  own  pun- 
ishment, there 
shall  f.ill  upon 
her  the  righteous 
punish ment  of 
shame  and  igno- 
m  i  ny.  "  — iSpk. 
Com. 

e  0.  ZocJcler. 

».  15.  J.  Archer, 
88  ;  W.  Barrow, 
iii.  185  :  Bishop 
Maltby,  i.  143. 

/  Whilecross. 


«  Vs.  xxxrii.  34 — 
38,  Iviii.  10, 11. 

"  This  is  indeed 
the  supporting 
joy  of  faith,  to 
realise  the  glory 
of  this  day,  when 
the  righteous 
shall  see  the  fall 
of  the  now  tri- 
umphing wicked, 
and  one  universal 
shout  shall  swell 
throughout  the 
earth,  'Alleluiah  ! 
for  the  Lord  God 
Omnipotent 
reigneth  I' " — 
Bridges. 

b  Pr.  xiii.  24,  xix. 
18,  xxii.  15,  xxiii. 
13, 14. 

"  Not  mine,  this 
saying,  but  the 
sentence  of  the 
sage,  nothing  is 
stronger  than 
necessity."  — 
Euripides. 

e  WJiilecrots. 


without  a  rein."«  Pampered  and  indulged.*  "Exempted  fr. 
discipline,  loft  to  his  own  will."* 

Ncfih'cfcd  childhood  (v.  1.5). — Here  we  have  two  perpong 
described.  I.  The  neglected  child — 1.  Is  he  who  is  petted, 
spoiled,  by  over-indulgence  :  2.  Never  corrected  for  his  faults  ; 
;5.  His  mother  fond  and  foolish.  II.  Tlic  disgraced  mother.  1. 
By  her  daughter,  through  loss  of  virtue  by  uncurbed  vanity  ;  2. 
By  her  son,  through  loss  of  honour  by  unchecked  conceit :  .3.  Or 
she  is  impoverished  by  their  profligacy,  as  well  as  sorrow- stricken 
by  their  crime.  Learn: — (1)  Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he 
should  go,  etc.  :  (2)  Expect  such  results,  for  folly  is  bound  up  in 
the  heart  of  a  child. 

OJicdicnee  enforced. — "A  child,"  says  a  modem  writer,  "a 
short  time  since,  was  taken  ill  with  that  dangerous  disorder,  the 
croup.  He  was  a  child  most  ardently  beloved,  and  ordinarily 
very  obedient.  But  in  this  state  of  uneasiness  and  pain  he 
refused  to  take  the  medicine  which  it  was  needful  without 
delay  to  administer.  The  father  finding  him  resolute,  imme- 
diately punished  his  sick  and  suffering  son  ;  under  these  ciroum- 
stances,  and  fearing  his  son  might  soon  die.  it  must  have  been  a 
severe  trial  to  the  father  ;  but  the  consequence  was  that  the 
child  was  taught  that  sickness  was  no  excuse  for  disobedience, 
and  while  his  sickness  continued,  he  promptly  took  whatever 
medicine  was  prescribed,  and  was  patient  and  submissive.  Soon 
the  child  was  well.  Does  any  one  say  this  was  cruel .'  It  was  one 
of  the  noblest  acts  of  kindness  which  could  have  been  performed. 
If  the  father  had  shrunk  from  duty  here,  it  is  by  no  means  im- 
probable that  the  life  of  the  child  would  have  been  the  forfeit."^ 

16,  17.  (16)  •wicked  .  .  increaseth,  this  is  a  general  tntth  ; 
wicked  men  encourage  one  another,  and  so  increase  wickedness  ; 
or  reference  may  be  to  wicked  kings,  who  encourage  the  "wicked 
in  the  land,  see  .  .  fall,  and  triumph  in  it  :"  look  on  it  with 
satisfaction.  (17)  correct,  as  v.  15.*  delight,  lit.  deVujht!^, 
the  plural  signifying  the  variety  of  forms  of  pleasure,  in  well- 
trained  childiTu,  which  parents  may  gain. 

Cannes  of  piihlic  immorality  (r.  16). — I.  A  case  supposed — ''the 
wicked  multiplied."  1.  By  miscarriage  of  justice — undetected 
crime  :  2.  Venality  of  officers  of  justice  ;  3.  By  personal  influ- 
ence of  ungodly  ;  4.  By  neglected  youth — as,  from  the  connec- 
tion, this  seems  to  be  the  cause  indicated.  II.  The  result 
anticipated.  1.  Increase  of  transgressors  :  2.  Reign  of  lawless- 
ness :  3.  One  encouraging  and  tempting  another.  III.  The 
inevitable  issue.  1.  Transgressors  shall  fall,  '"though  wicked- 
ness join  hand  in  hand,"  etc. ;  2.  The  righteous  shall  see  it. 
Hence  we  infer  that  while  the  wicked  shall  fall,  the  righteous 
will  look  safely  on. 

rnrrnfal  reproof. — A  young  man  who,  when  an  infant,  had 
lost  his  father,  remarked  to  a  person  in  conversation,  "  When- 
ever I  was  guilty  of  disobeying  my  mother,  and  she  called  me  to 
account,  she  would  talk  to  me  seriously,  and  then  kneel  down  in 
prayer  and  tell  God  all  about  my  conduct,  and  the  consequences 
of  my  course.  I  used  to  feel  at  such  times  as  if  my  heart  would 
burst,  and  I  have  often  said,  •  Ma.  whip,  but  don't  talk  to  me 
and  pray  for  me.'  Ah,"  said  he,  "  it  was  the  talking  and  pray- 
ing that  affected  me  more  than  the  whipping,  though  all  were 
necessary." 


Cap.  xxix.  18-20, 


PROVERBS. 


277 


18.  no  vision,  as  1  Sa.  iii.  1.     "Redemptive  revelations  of   ''  ^"i'"<  Tmnuis, 

v^r^    ova    monnf  ""      Mnrc    o-pnprnllv    instrnfitinn    in    ftniTs  truth .    -  '  .' .     „  ,     .   , 


God  are  meant.""  More  generally,  instruction  in  God's  truth, 
given  mainly  in  those  days  by  prophets,  who  received  visions, 
people  perish,  lit.  "are  let  loose,"*  like  hair  dishevelled. 
Are  undisciplined,  unbridled.  Are  deprived  of  moral  restraints. 
Hos.  iv.  6. 

Dlriiie  vmoii  exstenfml  to  human  snlrat'wn  (v.   18). — I.    True 
vision  is  a  revelation  from  God.     Such  a  communication  is  pro- 
bable   from — 1.    The    conflicting    indications    of    the    Divine 
character  furnished  by  nature  ;  2.  The  universally  felt  moral   aua  into  a  wil- 
necessities  of  man.     II.  There  are  many  places  where,  as  yet,    d  rness    of    un- 
this  vision  is  not.     III.  Where  it  is  not  the  people  perish.     I.  It   ['yii'ig."_,r(„^J^! 
alone  reveals  a  Saviour  adapted  to  man  ;  2.  It  alone  is  associated   j^  „.rt.' 
with   spiritual  power  to  deliver   man  from   the   bondage,   and  i  6  '•  Or  '  are  made 
misery,  and  guilt,  and  doom  of  sin.     Learn  : — (1)  The  vision  of 
God  is,  to  those  who  possess  it,  a  most  precious  thing  ;  (2)  They 
who  possess  it  not  ought  to  be  the  objects  of  the  deepest  com- 
passion ;  (3)  They  who   possess   it   are   bound  by  every   consi- 
deration of  gratitude  and  pity  to  send  it  to  those  who  do  not.<^ 

Poiver  of  the  Scriptures. — The  power  and  efficacy  of  the  Scrip- 
ture upon  the  souls  of  men  showeth  it  to  be  of  God  ;  and  the 
wonderful  alteration  that  it  makes  in  a  man  for  God,  when  he 
doth  entertain  and  believe  it  in  his  heart.     It  makes  him  more 
than  a  man  in  power  to  oppose,  resist,  and  fight  against  his  own  ;  B  onaventur 
corruptions;   it    brings   him    into    a  wonderful  familiarity  and  j  wrote  out   the 
acquaintance  with  God.     It  puts  such  hfe  and  strength  into  him  I  [^"nean^ed  most 
that,  for  God's  sake  and  His  truth,  he  can  suffer  all  the  hardest   of  them  by  heart. 
things  in  the  world  without  complaining,  yea,  with  exceeding 
and  wonderful  rejoicing.'' 

19,  20.  (19)  servant,  or  slave.  Reference  is  to  one  who 
lacks  right  principle,  Avho  is  stubborn  and  sulky,  words,  i.e. 
words  alone.  He  needs  chastisement."  no  answer,  in  obedient 
action.  Mere  words  are  insufficient  in  dealing  with  the  .sVrtrc- 
Uke-  temper.  (20)  hasty,  etc..  see  ch.  xxvi.  12.  of  a  fool,  i.e. 
of  a  modest  fool,  who  is  sensible  of  his  folly.  The  free  talker 
is  usually  the  conceited  boaster. 

Serrant.i  and  .'ierrant.'^  (v.  19). — I.  Servants  of  all  qualities  may 
need  to  be  occasionally  corrected.  The  employer  must  have  his 
work  done  in  his  own  way  since  he  pays  for  it,  though  it  may 
not  be  the  best  way.  II.  Some  servants  are  pert,  give  saucy 
answers,  show  they  forget  their  position,  prove  that  they  are  in- 
tractably conceited.  III.  Others  are  sulky,  will  not  answer  at  all, 
either  by  apology  or  promise  of  amendment.  IV.  God  is  the 
great  Master  of  all ;  He  i8.sues  distinct  commands  all  may  under-  •    .     i     i 

Btand,  and  should  promptly  make  confession  of  fault  and  promise    R^\"  ?  wi\h' great 
of  improvement.  _       j  s  e  v  e  r  i  t  y ;  and 

A)if/er. — An  American  physician  of  eminence  was  walking  ;  when  they  came 
one  summer's  morning  in  his  garden,  when  he  found  that  some  !  ^"  implure  ins 
orders,  w^hich  he  had  given  to  his  gardener,  had  not  been  obeyed. 
He  sharply  rebuked  the  man,  who  replied  with  equal  warmth. 
High  words  ensued  ;  and  when  the  gentleman  returned  into  the 
house,  his  whole  frame  quivered  with  the  intensity  of  his  rage. 
In  the  most  violent  manner  he  continued  to  denounce  the  con- 1  'tija't  he  broke  a 
duct  of  his  servant,  until  passion  became  so  powerful  as  to  blood-vessel,  and 
paralyse  the  functions  of  the  bod^,  and  he  feU  dead  in  the  midst !  ^^^IZf^"""^^^ 
of  his  family 


I^.  i.  1 ;  Nah.  i.  1. 
'•  The  word  vision 
represents  the 
erudition  and 
t.'Hching  of  tho 
ministry.  ^\  here 
t  i.at  fails,  the 
P'l.ple  are  scat- 
tared  into  a 
variety  of   sects, 


naked.'  Stripped 
of  their  orna- 
ments and  so  ex- 
posed to  sliame ; 
stripped  of  their 
armour,  and  so 
exposed  to 
danger.  "  —  Mat. 
I/eii  ry. 

1'.  18.     T.  Boston, 
iii.  372. 
c  J.  M.  Jarvie. 


d  E.  Lei(j/i  il&il). 


a  "If  thou 
wouldst  have  a 
good  servant,  let 
the  servant  find 
thee  a  good 
master.  Be  not 
angry  with  him 
too  long,  lest  he 
think  tliee  ma- 
licious ;  nor  too 
soon,  lest  he  con- 
ceive thee  ras'ii ; 
nor  too  often, 
lest  he  count  thee 
humorous." — 
Quarles. 

The  Emperor 
V  a  1  e  n  t  i  n  i  a  u 


mercy,  he  up- 
braided them 
with  every  mark 
of  resentment, 
and  spoke  with 
such  vehemence, 


ground. 


278 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zxiz.  21,  22. 


a  Heb.  pdnak. 


"  He  who  in- 
d  u  I  g  e  t  h  liis 
Blare  from  l)is 
youth  will  find 
him  lit  lengrth  be- 
having  as  bis 
of  f  spri  ng." — 
EUas. 

r.  21.  r.  //»)(/. 
Obi.  1^9 


"  That  man  is 
guilty  of  imper- 
tinence who  con- 
Biiiers  not  the 
circumstances  of 
time,  or  engross- 
es the  conversa- 
tion, or  makes 
himself  the  sub- 
ject of  his  Uis- 
course,  or  pays  no 
regard  to  the 
company  he  is 
iii."—Tully. 


'  The  way  to 
avoid  the  impu- 
tation of  impu- 
dence is  not  to 
be  asliamed  of 
what  we  do,  but 
never  to  do  wiiat 
We  ought  to  be 
ashamed  of. "  — 
Tully. 

"  The  only  dis- 
advantage of  an 

honest  heart  is 
credulity."  —  P. 
Sidney. 


"An  honest 
man's  the  uolilest 
work  of  God." — 
Pope. 


"It  you  have  no- 
thing, be  an 
honest  beggar, 
ratlier  tlian  a 
res  pectabl e 
thief." --Emerson. 


•  Honesty  cou- 
pled to  be!iu\v,  is 
to  have  lioney  a 
sauce  to  sugar." 
^Sha  kespea  re. 


i  Percy  Anec, 


21,  22.  (21)  delicately,  i.e.  that  pampers  him  :<»  allows  him 
undue  familiarity  and  indulg-ence.  Only  at  penalty  can  any  one 
be  pushed  (lut  of  his  natural  place.  Each  must  be  dealt  with 
appropriately  to  their  station,  become  .  .  son,  i.e.  assume  the 
place  and  privilege  of  one.  Some  render  the  word  used  ungrate- 
ful, or  refractory.     (22)  angry,  etc.,  as  oh.  xv.  18. 

The  spoiled  servant  (r.  21). — I.  The  cause  of  this  unwise 
treatment.  1.  The  unwise  preference  of  the  master  ;  2.  The 
sneaking  duplicity  of  the  servant ;  3.  Often  the  absence  of  a 
trueted  domestic  companion  ;  sometimes  the  fact  that  the 
children  are  disobedient :  4.  Frequently  through  not  perceiving 
the  proper  relations  of  parties.  II.  The  consequences  that  flow 
from  it.  1.  The  gradual  ascendency  of  the  servant,  until  he 
obtains  power,  through  a  knowledge  of  the  master's  private 
affairs  ;  2.  The  displacement  of  the  children  from  the  parent's 
love  ;  3.  The  entire  family  at  length  tyrannised  over  by  the 
servant. 

Swift's  hutler.  —  During  the  publication  of  the  Drapier's 
Letters.  Swift  was  particularly  careful  to  conceal  himself  from 
being  known  as  the  author.  The  only  persons  in  the  secret  were 
Robert  Blakcly,  his  butler,  whom  he  employed  as  an  amanuensis, 
and  Dr  Sheriilan.  It  happened  that  on  the  very  evening  before 
the  proclamation,  offering  a  reward  of  £30t)  for  discovering  the 
author  of  these  letters,  was  is  ued,  Robert  Blakely  stopped  out 
later  than  usual  witliout  his  master's  leave.  The  dean  ordered 
the  door  to  be  locked  at  the  accustomed  hour,  and  shut  him  out. 
The  next  morning  the  poor  fellow  appeared  before  his  master 
with  mark.^  of  great  contrition.  Swift  would  hear  no  excuses, 
but,  abusing  him  severely,  bade  him  strip  off  his  livery,  and  quit 
the  house  instantly.  "  ^^^lat !"  said  he,  ''  is  it  because  I  am  in 
3'our  power  that  you  can  dare  to  t^ke  these  liberties  with  me  ? 
Get  out  of  my  house,  and  receive  the  reward  of  your  treachery. 
]Mrs.  Johnson  (Stella),  who  was  at  the  deanery,  did  not  interfere, 
but  immediately  despatched  a  messenger  to  Dr.  Sheridan,  who, 
on  his  arrival,  found  Robert  walking  up  and  down  the  hall  in 
great  agitation.  The  doctor  bade  him  not  be  uneasy,  as  he 
would  try  to  pacify  the  dean,  so  that  he  should  continue  in  his 
place.  "  That  is  not  what  vexes  me,"  replied  Robert.  '"  though 
to  be  sure  I  should  be  sorry  to  lose  so  good  a  master  :  but  what 
grieves  me  to  the  soul  is  that  my  master  should  have  so  bad  an 
opinion  of  me  as  to  suppose  me  capable  of  betraying  him  for 
any  reward  whatever."  WTien  this  was  related  to  the  dean 
he  was  so  struck  with  the  honour  and  generosity  of  sen- 
timent which  it  exhibited  in  one  so  humble  in  life,  that 
he  immediately  restored  him  to  his  situation,  and  was  not  long 
in  rewarding  his  fidelity.  The  place  of  verger  to  the  cathedral 
becoming  vacant.  Swift  called  Robert  to  him,  and  asked  him  if 
he  had  any  clothes  of  his  own  that  were  not  a  livery.  Robert 
replying  in  the  affirmative,  he  desired  him  to  take  off  his  livery, 
and  put  them  on.  The  poor  fellow,  quite  astonished,  begged  to 
know  what  crime  he  had  commited.  that  he  was  to  be  discharged. 
The  dean  ba^le  him  do  as  he  was  ordered  :  and  when  he  returned 
in  his  new  dress,  the  dean  called  all  the  other  servants  into  the 
room,  and  told  them  that  they  were  no  longer  to  consider  him  as 
their  fellow-servant,  Robert,  but  as  Mr.  Blakely,  verger  of  St. 
Patrick's  Cathedral ;  an  office  which  he  had  bestowed  on  him 


Cap.  xxix.  23-  27.]  PRO  VERBS 

for  his  faithful  services,  and  as  a  proof  of  that  sure  reward  which 
honesty  aud  fidelity  would  always  obtain.* 

23,  24.  (23)  pride,  etc.,"  as  ch.  xvi.  18,  xviii.  12.  honour 
shall  uphold,  or  ••  such  shall  lay  hold  on  honour'*  (ch.  xi.  16). 
(24)  partner  .  .  thief,  may  not  be  himself  a  thief,  but  he 
cannot  kec}}  from  himself  the  shame  of  his  partner's  wrong- 
doing. As  the  concealer  of  the  thief  he  must  share  the  thief  s 
penalty,  heareth  cursing,  the  public  declaration  of  the 
crime,     hewrayeth,''  do^'s  not  reveal  the  thief  :  keeps  silence. 

Mnrtyn  a  id  the  fjan-nmiiati. — "When  the  Rev.  Henry  Martyn  was 
at  college,  he  was  called  to  visit  a  family  in  great  distress  on 
account  of  the  expected  death  of  the  husband  and  father.  Some 
of  the  family,  lest  the  agony  of  their  grief  should  add  to  the 
distress  of  the  dying  man,  had  removed  to  another  house,  where 
Martyn  found  a  gownsman  reading  a  play  to  them  with  a  view 
to  their  consolation.  He  very  properly  rebuked  him  with  some 
severity  for  this  great  impropriety,  and  was  led  to  fear,  from  the 
manner  in  which  his  re|  roof  was  received,  that  some  unpleasant 
results  might  follow.  But  mark  the  goodness  of  God.  in 
blessing  the  means  employed  for  the  advancement  of  His  glory. 
When  this  gownsman  again  saw  Martyn,  it  was  to  thank  him 
for  his  faithful  admonition,  which  proved  the  means  of  a  saving 
change  of  heart  ;  and  these  two  holy  men  laboured  together  in 
India  in  extending  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jesus.'^ 

25.  fear  of  man,  t.e.  of  what  he  may  be  able  to  do  to  us. 
snare,  entangles  us  with  sharing  in  their  guilt."  trust  .  . 
Lord,  aud  so  fears  Him  only,  safe,  set  on  high  ;  secured  and 
established. 

'1  lu'ftar  of  man  (v.  25).— From  these  words  we  learn — I.  Our 
great  danger.  1.  For  the  fear  of  man  is  more  general  than  we 
are  aware  of  :  2.  To  all  who  yield  to  its  influence  it  brings  a 
fatal  snare.  II.  Its  proper  aud  only  effectual  antidote  :  regard 
for  God  Himself.  We  should  trust  Him  for  support,  happiness, 
recompense.  Improve  : — 1.  A  wo.d  of  caution ;  2.  Of  en- 
couragement.* 

Tn'ic  friendship. — Never  will  Christ  fail  us,  whoever  else  may  ; 
under  the  shadow  of  His  wing  there  is  both  safety  and  protec- 
tion. He  is  a  friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother.  With- 
out Christ  there  will  be  a  sense  of  insecurity,  and  often  the  want 
of  sincerity  in  those  around.  'Friends!"  said  Socrates,  "there 
is  no  friend."  And  a  friend  is  a  changeable  creature,  saith 
another  ;  all  in  changeable  colours,  as  the  peacock,  as  often 
changed  as  moved.  Besides,  many  friends  are  not  move  fickle 
than  false  :  like  deep  ponds,  clear  at  the  top,  and  all  muddy  at 
the  bottom.  Fide  erijo :  ced  ciii  ride.  Tiy  before  you  trust  : 
and  when  you  have  tried  your  utmost,  trust  not  over  far,  lest  you 
cry  out  at  length,  as  Queen  Elizabeth  did,  "  In  trust  I  have  found 
treason  :"  or.  as  Julius  Caesar,  when  stabbed  by  Brutus,  among 
others,  '•  What,  thou,  my  son  Brutus  !"  He  was  slain  in  the 
senate-house,  with  twenty-three  wounds,  given  mostly  by  persons 
whose  lives  ho  had.  preserved. 

26,  27.  (2r,)  many,  etc.,  as  ch.  xix.  6.  from  the  Lord,  fr. 
Jehovah,  the  Supremo  Ruler.  "  It  fts  better  to  wait  for  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Lord  than  to  run  hither  and  thither,  canvassing, 


279 


"  He  that  would 
build  lastingly 
must  lay  his 
foundation  low. 
As  man  fell  by 
pride,  he  recovers 
by  liumility. " — 
Quoted  by  Ni- 
clwUs. 

b  ■'  The  more  God 
honoureth  men, 
tlie  more  they 
should  liumble 
themselves.  The 
more  bounty  God 
sliows,  the  more 
humility  He  re- 
q  uires." — Rey- 
nolds. 

c  lieuray  is  old 
Eng.  to  disclose. 
V.  2a.  Bp.  Hall, 
V.  270  ;  J.  Bil- 
slone,  \i'i :  P. akeU 
ton,  ii.  339  ;  /. 
Heirlett,  ii.  207. 

d  Dr.  Cheever. 


a  "  It  easily  be- 
trays into  a  par- 
ticipation in  the 
sinful  actions  of 
meu."-0.  ZOckler. 

V.  25.  W.  May, 
74,  96;  Dr.  J. 
Foster,  i.  215;  /. 
Hun/,  iv.  51;  Jr. 
Enfield,  ii.  215; 
Dr.  G.  Croft,  i. 
209;  W.  Draper, 
172;  J.  F.  Du- 
ra nd,  17. 

b  C.Simeon,  M.A. 

"  Tliere  cannot 
be  a  more  worthy 
improvement  of 
friendship  than 
in  a  fervant 
opposition  to  the 
sins  of  tliose 
wlioni  we  profess 
to  love."  —  Bp, 
Hall. 


a  Spk.  Com. 

b  "  It  is  no  good 
sign  for  him  wUa 


280 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zxz.  L 


wouM  be  upright 
when  he  can  be 
on  friciiclly  tiTm.s 
with  t  li  e  u  n- 
goilly."-I'«7j  (jer- 
lach. 

"  There  is  a  mu- 
tual hatred  be- 
tween the  good 
and  the  bad,  old 
as  the  devil,  dee]) 
as  hell,  strong 
and  universal  as 
death.  So  long 
as  wickedness 
exists  this  mu- 
tual antaprnnism 
must  continue. "- 
Dav.Thomas,D.D. 

Ps.  cxx.\ix.  21, 
22  ;  Jno.  xv.  17 — 
19 ;  Ro.  viii.  7. 

"A  faithful 
friend  is  better 
than  gold,  —  a 
medicine  for  nu- 
sery,  an  only 
posse3sion."-/iu;'- 
ton. 

e  Percy  A  nee. 


bribing,  flattering." '■     (27)    abomination,   in  each  case  the 
word  applies  to  "  instinctive  antipathy."* 

Engli.^h  sirdar. — Mr.  Forbe.s,  who  passed  nearly  twenty  years 
in  India,  says  that  '•  the  character  of  the  English  in  India  is  an 
honour  to  their  country."     That  his  own  was  is  pretty  evident 
from  the   highly  flattering  addres.s  which  the    inhabitants  of 
;  Dhubay  presented  to  him  on  the  morning  of  his  final  dej^rturo. 
"  Dhubay,"  says  this  address,  '"famed  among  the  cities  of  the 
'  East,   was  happy  when   the   English   sirdar   presided   in   their 
durbar  ;  his  disposition  towards  the  inhabitants  was  with  the 
,  best  consideration.     He   afforded   shelter  to   all.  whether  they 
;  were  rich  or  poor  ;  he  delivered  them  from  trouble,  and  restored 
;  them  to  comfort.     All  castes  who  looked  up  to  him  obtained  re- 
'  dress,  without  distinction,  and  without  price.     When  he  took  the 
1  poor  by  the  hand  he  made  him  rich  :  under  his  jirotection  the 
!  people  were  happy,  and  reposed  on  the  bed  of  ease.     AVTicn  he 
superintended  the  garden,  each  gardener  performed  his  duty  ; 
'  rills  of  water  flowed  to  every  flower,  and  all  the  trees  of  the 
I  garden  flourished.     So  equal  was  his  justice,  that  the  tiger  and 
the  kid  might  drink  at  the  same  fountain  :  and  often  did  he  re- 
deem the  kid  from  the  tiger's  mouth.     Under  his  administration 
the  rich  dared  not  oppress  the  poor,  for  his  eyes  were  open  to  the 
great   and   small.     In   this   country   we   have   not  known   any 
government  so  upright  as  that  of  the  English.     Alas  I  if  our 
protector  forsakes  us.  we  shall  be  disconsolate  as  a  widow  :  we 
shall  mourn  the  loss  of  a  father,  and  weep  as  for  the  death  of  A 
mother  I     Allah  1  in  thy  mercy,  continue  him  to  us."* 


a   "  Son   of   the 

princes  of  Mas- 
sah." — 0.  Zockler. 

The  word  jukeh, 
signifies  reverent, 
pious,  obedient : 
from  the  verb 
yiikah,  to  fear. 

b  Wordsicorth. 

c  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

Some  Christians 
are  like  decayed 
milestones,  which 
stand  in  the  right 
road,  and  bear 
some  traces  of 
the  proper  im- 
pression, but  so 
wretchedly  muti- 
lated  and  de- 
faced, that  those 
who  pass  by  can 
hardly  read  or 
know  what  to 
make  of  tbem. 

d  W.  Spurstowe 
(1866). 


CHAPTER  THE  THIRTIETE. 

1.  A^nr,  a  name  wholly  unknown.  Very  possibly  a  symbolic 
name  for  Solomon  himself.  Others  suppose  him  to  have  been 
an  honoured  teacher,  and  Ithiel  and  Ucal  two  of  his  scholars. 
Jakeh,  some  render.  "  son  of  her  who  was  obeyed  (i.e.  the  queen 
of),  Massah.""  Ithiel,  means.  God  with  me.  Ucal,  the  Mighty 
One.  "  Prob.  indicating  the  moral  character  wh.  the  author 
desires,  and  the  kind  of  pei-sons  whom  Agur  atldresses."'* 

A  mint'K  vicwn  of  hiiii.srlf  (r.  1). — I  shall  consider  the  text — I. 
As  the  language  of  passion — 1.  In  its  object :  2.  In  its  opera- 
tion. II.  As  the  language  of  piety.  Such  expressions  may  fall 
from  the  lips  of  the  real  saint.  1.  From  a  view  of  the  law  under 
which  we  live  ;  2.  From  a  view  of  that  God  against  whom  we 
have  sinned  :  8.  From  a  view  of  the  obligation  we  lie  under  :  4. 
From  a  view  of  the  interests  we  have  at  stake.  Learn  : — Hence 
we  are  at  no  loss  to  understand — ( 1 )  Whence  it  is  that  saints  are 
so  often  dejected  in  their  minds  ;  (2)  How  far  they  are  from  piety 
who  are  filled  with  self-complacent  thoughts." 

TraveUer'.'ifare. — I  ask  only  a  pittance  for  my  passage,  but  not 
an  abundance  for  my  portion  in  these  things  :  yea,  though  Thou 
shonldest  give  me  no  kid  to  make  merry  with,  yet  will  I  not 
murmur  at  Thy  bounty  to  prodigals,  if  Thou  wilt  say,  "  Son,  all 
that  is  laid  up  is  thine,  though  thou  hast  little  or  nothing  of 
what  is  laid  out :"  but  I  will  pray.  "  Turn.  Lord,  mine  eyes  from 
beholding,  and  my  heart  froai  affecting  earthly  vanities,  and  lix 
all  my  desires  upon  heaven,  that  I  may  look  and  long  for  it,  in 


Cap.  xxx.  2—6.] 


PROVERBS. 


281 


which  there  is  nothing  that  can  offend,  but  everything  that  will 
delight  and  satisfy  to  eternity."' 

2,  3.  (2)  more  brutish,  comp.  confession  of  Ps.  Ixxiii.  22. 
The  admission  not  merely  of  ignorance,  but  even  of  natural  in- 
capacity for  apprehending  Divine  things."  A  strong  term  to 
denote  his  lowly  self -estimation.  (3)  learned  -wisdom,  i.e. 
he  did  not  regard  himself  as  learned,  certainly  not  as  having 
complete  knowledge,  the  holy,  i.e.  the  Holy  One,  God.  It 
was  in  the  higher  truths  he  most  felt  his  failure.  Lit.  ilie  hoiks, 
plurals  poss.  put  for  the  ''  Divine  reasons  of  things,  the  eternal 
principles  that  underlie  the  universe." 

BetjmiJed  genius. — -It  is  well  known  that  the  celebrated  poet. 
Burns,  fell  a  victim  to  intemperance.  In  the  beginning  of  179C 
he  had  a  severe  attack  of  rheumatic  fever  :  a  few  days  after  his 
convalescence,  we  are  told  by  Lockhart,  he  was  so  exceedingly 
imprudent  as  to  jtiin  a  festive  circle  at  a  tavern  dinner,  where  he 
remained  till  about  three  in  the  morning.  The  weather  was 
severe,  and  he  being  much  intoxicated,  took  no  precaution  in 
thus  exposing  his  debilitated  frame  to  its  influence.  It  has  been 
said  that  he  fell  asleep  upon  the  snow  on  his  way  home.  It  is 
certain  that  next  morning  he  was  sensible  of  an  icy  numbness 
through  his  joints,  that  his  rheumatism  returned  with  threefold 
force  upon  him,  and  that  from  that  unhappy  hour  his  mind 
brooded  anxiously  on  the  fatal  issue.  In  the  following  July 
Robert  Burns  was  committed  to  the  gi-ave.* 

4.  who  .  .  heaven,**  so  as  to  comprehend  the  mysteries  of 
creation.  A  figure  for  getting  above,  so  as  to  rule  and  control 
all  things,  bound  the  waters,  with  the  girdle  of  the  shores.'' 
all  the  ends,  so  that  nothing  whatever  can  be  found  that  is 
beyond  His  control,  his  name,  or  His  adequate  and  perfect 
description  :  a  name  should  be  a  complete  definition,  son's 
name,''  or  has  He  any  human  relationships  such  as  we  have  ? 
The  expression  may  spiritually  be  referred  to  Jesus,  the  Son  of 
God. 

Tnisting  in  God. — A  military  officer  being  in  a  dreadful  storm, 
his  lady,  who  was  sitting  in  the  cabin  near  him.  and  filled  with 
alarm  for  the  safety  of  the  vessel,  was  so  surprised  at  his  com- 
posure, that  she  cried  out,  "  My  dear,  are  you  not  afraid  ? 
How  is  it  possible  you  can  be  so  calm  in  such  a  storm .'"  He 
arose  from  a  chair  lashed  to  the  deck,  and  drew  his  sword. 
Pointing  it  to  his  wife's  breast,  he  said,  ''Are  you  not  afraid?" 
She  instantly  replied,  "  No — certainly  not."  '"  Why  ?"  said  the 
officer.  "Because,"  rejoined  his  lady,  "I  know  the  sword  is  in 
the  hand  of  my  husband,  and  he  loves  me  too  well  to  hurt  me." 
'*  Then,"  said  he.  "  remember,  I  know  in  whom  I  have  believed, 
and  that  He  holds  the  winds  in  His  fists,  and  the  waters  in  the 
hollow  of  His  hand." 

5,  6.  (5)  pure,«  Ps.  xii.  6,  xviii.  30.  xix.  8.  cxix.  140.  It  is 
far  better  humbly  to  study  the  revealed  Word  than  to  puzzle  over 
unexplained  and  insoluble  mysteries,  shield,  etc.,  Ps.  xviii.  30. 
(6)  add  .  .  words,  *  the  tendency  to  add  to  God's  revelation  is 
Been  in  the  crowding  traditions  of  our  Lord's  time,  and  the 
elaborate  and  various  theologies  of  these  times.  But  reference 
ie  here  epecially  intended  to  vain  human  speculations,    a  liar, 


I  a  Comp.  Mat.  xL 
I  25  ;  1  Cor.  iii.  18, 

iv.  10. 

I  Humility    is    at 

\  once  tlie  charac- 

1  teristicanciquali- 

I  ficatiou     of     all 

I  true  pliilosopbj'. 

j  "Every believer's 

1  experience     wit- 

nessetli   to    this, 

that    every    one 

that   beheves  on 

Jesus  Christ,  acts 

tliat  faith  as  the 

chief  of  sinners : 

every   man    that 

seeth    himself 

rightly  thinks  so 

I  (if    liimself,    and 

J  tlierein   thinks 

1  not  amiss.     God 

I  only  knows  who 

lis    truly    the 

I  greatest    sinner, 

!  and   every  hum- 

i  bled  sinner  will 

think   he  is  the 

I  man." — Traill, 

b  Wltilecross. 


a  Comp.  Jno.  HL 
]  13;  Is.xl.l2;  Ro. 
X.  6,  7. 

'  b  "  Or,  reference 

j  may   be  '  to  the 

I  upper     mass    of 

waters,   wrapped 

!  in  the  clouds  of 

I  heaven    as   in   a 

I  capacious     g  a  r- 

ment,'and  so  kejit 

back  from  jpour- 

ing    down    upon 

the    earth." — 0. 

Zociier. 

I  c  Re.  xix.  12: 

V.  4.  Dr.  W.  Wish- 
art,  Tfieol.  i.  75; 
T.  Bradbury,  i. 
87. 

"Nicknamea 
stick  to  people, 
and  the  most 
ridiculous  are  the 
most  adhesive," 
— Ualiburlon. 

a  Heb.  tsemphah, 
purified  and  re- 
fined in  fire. 
"  Look  not  for 
another  master, 
t  li  o  u  hast  the 
oracles  of  God. 
X  o  one  teaches 
like  them.  Ignor« 


282  pnovERBS.  [Cap.  xxx.  7—10. 

anceof  the  Scrip-   one  makinsr  representations  and  explanations  which  are  proved 

*r'an  'eviK-'i'  i  to  be  false  and  unworthy. 

C/injsostom.  i       H7/0  arc  the  Cdwnrd.t  / — The  captain  of  a  ship  says,  '•  I  am  in 

6  De.iv.  2,  xii.32;  ;  the  habit  of  reading  the  Scriptures  to  the  crew.     I  have  suffered 

t  6^J/'.b!/ W"  I  ™^ich  lately  at  sea;    having  been  dismasted,   and  had  all  my 

Morn.'k.r.    vi! ;  boats  washed  away,  a  little  to  the  westward  of  Cape  Clear.     1 

427;  /.  ^i7//n(7.s- :  then  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing  who  was  who  :  and  I  found 

n'/  ^^/ '  ^'i  ^■'   t^®  most  unprincipled  men  the  most  useless  and  the  greatest 

TiuugMs-.   /. "^.   cowards  in  this  awful  gale,  and  the  Bible  men  altogether  the 

SctiU,  i.  ;-J73.  ' 

c  Uv.  Clieerei: 

a  "  One  staff  will 

help  a  man  on  liis 

way,  but  a  bundle 

of  staves    would 

burden       and 

weary    liini." — 

Abp.  Lriylilon. 

b  "  Lest  1  assail 

God's    name 


reverse,  most  useful  and  courageous. '"'^ 

7 — 9.  (7)  deny,  or  withhold  not  from  me.  iDefore  I  die,  or, 
as  long  as  I  live.  (8)  vanity,  etc..  with  special  reference  to 
vain  speculations  and  lying  assumptions  of  special  knowledge. 
He  wants  the  spirit  of  contentment,  that  he  may  be  kept  within 
the  limits  of  revelation,  poverty,  etc.,"  a  wise  limitation  of 
his  cii'cumstauces  would  be  in  harmony  with  the  wise  limitation 
of  his  thinking,    convenient,  or  a  necessary,  apijoiuted  portion. 


lice,  mercy,  etc., 
which  tlie  poor 
are  tempted  to 
do." — Finissi-I. 
1  Ti.  vi.  6,  10;  1 
Jno.  ii.  16. 
V.  7.  Dr.  J.Jnrlin, 
il.  285  :  J.  Cosi-ns, 
li.'i(il;Bp./irviin 


attributes.asjus-  Comp.  our  Lord's  prayer,  "Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread." 
(I»)  deny  thee,  in  self-satisfaction  and  luxurious  enjoyment, 
take,  i.e.  violently  take.* 

The  prtji/rr  of  A///n-  (rv.  7 — 9). — I.  It  was  short — long  and 
short  prayers.  II.  It  was  comprehensive — two  petitions  -  for 
his  soul  grace,  for  his  body  suitable  food.  III.  It  was  spiritual — 
against  excessive  wealth  and  pinching  poverty.  IV.  It  was  wise 
i — proceeding  from  an  accurate  and  judicious  survey  of  the 
A'^M  '^K^'-  «''  ™oi''''l  f-ffects  produced  by  the  different  conditions  of  human  life. 
jVV«7on,'  iii. '119';  i  The  rich  and  the  poor  have  their  peculiar  temptations.  V.  It 
lit:  J.  Wither'  i  was  believing.  It  breathes  a  fine  spirit  of  dependence  upon  God. 
spi)onM.&d;Ahp.  j  yj    j^,  -Rras  moderate— the  golden  mean.<^^ 

J^mrie  182 '\ft  i  Inftxenrc  of  porcrti/. — The  dangerous  and  deadly  influence  of 
Fhtdes]  iii.'  277 ;  [  great  poverty  I  may  illustrate  by  a  scene  which  I  have  not  for- 
/.  HV6»7c;'.8i  i^B/).  I  gotten,  nor  can  forget.  Alone  in  the  garret  of  a  dilapidated 
^/■"'i^'  ^7;,/,'f'|'  blouse,  within  a  wretched  room,  stretched  on  a  pallet  of  straw, 
ii.  ae ;  Dr.  J.  Jic'tj- '  covered  only  by  some  scanty,  filthy  rags,  with  no  fire  in  the 
lyn,  ii.  345;  Dr.  \  emjjty  chimney,  and  the  winter  wind  blowing  in  cold  and  fitful 
jr.  ^((/fi/,  i.  250;  j  g-yy|^g  through  the  broken,  battered  window,  an  old  woman 
c  G.  Brooll  '  '  '  ^^y-  feeble,  wasted,  grey.  She  had  passed  the  eleventh  hour ; 
"To  be  truly  and  j  the  hand  was  creeping  on  to  the  twelfth.  Had  she  been  called  .' 
really  indepeu- 1  It  was  important  to  turn  to  the  best  account  the  few  remaining 
dent,  is  to  sup-  |  ^^^^^^  ^^  jjfg  .   ^^  j  ^.^^j.^   ^^   j^^^j,  ^f  j^^^.  g^^^j^    ^^^j   ^q^,^   j^g^  ^f   ^ 

Saviour — urging  her  to  prepare  for  that  other  world  on  whose 
awful  border  her  spirit  was  hovering.  She  looked  ;  she  stared  : 
and.  raising  herself  on  her  elbow,  with  chattering  teelh  and 
ravenous  look  exclaimed,  "  I  am  cold  and  hungry."  Promisiug 
help,  I  at  the  same  time  warned  her  that  there  ^vas  something 
worse  than  cold  and  hunger.  Whereupon  stretching  out  a  naked 
and  skinny  arm,  with  an  answer  which,  if  it  did  not  siitisfy  the 
reason,  touched  the  feelings,  she  said.  "  If  you  were  as  cold  and 
as  hungry  as  I  am,  you  could  think  of  nothing  else.'"' 

10.  accuse,  Ilrb.  "  Hurt  not  with  thy  tongiTe."  Flander 
not."  cnrse  thee,  turn  on  thee,  and  tell  of  thy  wrong  doings. 
Masters  and  mistresses  1  honld  be  very  careful  of  listening  to 
reports  about  their  se:  vant;:  :  and  men  should  take  heed  and  not 


port  ourselves  by 
our  own  exer- 
tions."— Purler. 
"Richer  tlian 
doing  nothing 
lor  a  bauble ; 
prouder  than 
rustling  in  uu- 
paid-for  silk." — 
Slia  {espea  re. 
d  Dr.  Guthrie. 


a  Ps.  X.  7. 

"  Make     not     a 

siave    to    accuse 

Lis  master."     So 

rend.      ISerthcuu, 

h:l2i<i,  etc. 

"In  a  word,  in-         jj  ^j^,,  harmony  cl  l.'.mily  life  and  social  relations. 

gr.ititude   IS    too      ■'^  „.        .  .      y-  T .-i.-    ii-_i 

tase  to  return  a 


Treatment  of  sctmius. — I  am  quite  Bure  that  no  one  would 


Cap.  XXX.  11—14., 


PROVERBS. 


283 


have  to  complain  of  servants  if  they  would  both  bear  in  mind 
the  sensitiveness  which  is  already  produced  by  the  improved 
education  of  the  class  from  which  they  are  taken,  and.  while 
they  carefully  avoid  the  peremptory  tone  of  command  which  is 
too  common,  trust  them  more.  Many  a  well-intentioned  lady, 
moreover,  keeps  up  a  spirit  of  small  but  chronic  resentment  in 
her  household  by  supervision  in  those  matters  which  lie  outside 
the  covenant  between  mistress  and  servant.  Servants,  for 
example,  should  never  be  compelled  to  do  their  shopping  and 
see  their  friends  on  the  sly.  Let  them  have  the  privilege  of 
entertaining  some  of  their  acquaintances,  and  going  out  to  do 
their  own  inevitable  business.  An-ange,  if  possible,  for  your 
eervants  to  have  a  party  of  their  o-wti  friends  some  day  when  you 
are  away  from  home  yourself.  "WTien  you  are  absent  for  a  time, 
bring  back  some  little  present ;  not  an  offensively  good  book, 
but  such  a  knick-knack  as  is  decorative  rather  than  severely 
iiseful.  Do  not  be  too  censorious  about  bonnets  and  hoops. 
Eather  give  your  maid  some  article  of  dress  which  is  dainty,  and 
yet  becoming,  and  thus  win  her  confidence,  by  assuming  the 
righteousness  of  a  certain  amount  of  personal  self-respect.  Meet 
the  inevitable  weaknesses  of  youth,  good  looks  and  high  spirits 
half-way.  and  let  your  o'n'h  good  taste  and  better  cultivation 
lead  them  aright.  Do  not  sniff  at  them,  and  send  them  off  at  a 
tangent,  thus  possibly  driving  them  into  defiant  and  outrageous 
extremes.  Above  all.  be  courteous.  Do  not  claim  as  a  prero- 
gative of  gentility  to  speak  sharply  to  those  who  are  required  to 
answer  you  with  respect.  It  seems  to  me  that  servants  are 
sometimes  expected  to  be  the  most  gentle  in  the  household,  and 
to  keep  rules  of  politeness  which  their  betters  are  exempted 
from  observing.  If  you  treat  your  equal  with  courtesy,  who  is 
privileged  to  resent  an  impertinence,  how  much  more  cautious 
phould  you  be  in  your  tone  towards  those  from  whom  you 
demand  a  repectful  demeanour.* 

11—14.  (II)  generation,  or  class  of  people."  curseth  .  . 
mother,  are  abusive  to  their  parents.  (12)  pure,  etc.,  and  so 
are  hypocrites,  such  as  the  Pharisee  who  boasted  of  his  goodness 
in  his  prayer.*"  "  It  is  of  the  essence  of  this  temper  that  its 
hypocrisy  is  vneonsciovs."  (13)  lofty,  etc.,  proud.  The  atti- 
tude characteristic  of  the  proud  is  vigorously  sketched.  (14) 
teeth,  etc.,  the  cruel,  jaw  teeth,  or  eye-teeth  ;  those  wh.  in 
the  beasts  are  used  for  seizing  and  tearing. 

The  si'lf-deceicer  e.rpofied  (v.  12). — Among  the  generation  of 
eelf-deceivers  we  must  number — I.  The  decent  formalist :  he  is 
pure  in  his  o-\vn  eyes,  he  is  not  washed  from  his  filthiness.  II. 
The  almost  Christian  :  he  goes  much  farther  than  the  formalist, 
but,  like  him,  he  deceiveth  his  own  soul.  III.  The  inconsistent 
professor  :  who  more  confident  of  the  goodness  of  his  state  than 
he  who  professes  to  believe  in  Christ,  but  who  more  open  to  self- 
deception?  Address — 1.  Those  who,  though  pure  in  their  own 
eyes,  are  not  washed  ;  2.  Those  who,  though  not  pure  in  their 
own  eyes,  are  really  washed  from  their  filthiness.'' 

TJte  ungratcfnl  smi. — Some  years  ago  an  Irish  gentleman,  who 
was  an  extensive  contractor  on  our  public  works,  was  reduced 
t<i  poverty  by  the  profligacy  and  dishonesty  of  an  ungrateful 
Bon.  The  old  inan  lost  his  wife  ;  and,  to  add  to  his  calamity, 
his  health  failed,  and  to  fill  up  the  cup  of  his  Borrow  he  Lost  his 


kindness,  and  too 
proud  til  regard 
it ;  much  like  the 
tops  of  moun- 
tains, barren,  in- 
d  e  e  d,  but  yet 
lofty  ;  they  pro- 
duce n  o  t  h  i  n  g, 
they  feed  nobody, 
they  clothe  no- 
bnd_y,  yet  are 
high  and  stately, 
and  look  down 
upon  all  the 
world  about 
t  hem."  —  Dr. 
tiouih. 


"  Ingratitude  ia 
a  nail  w  h  i  c  h, 
driven  into  the 
tree  of  courtesy, 
causes  it  to 
wither  :  it  is  a 
broken  channel, 
by  which  the 
foundations  of 
the  affections  are 
undermined  ; 
i  and  a  lump  of 
]  soot,  which,  fall- 
ins  into  the  dish 
of  friendship, 
destroys  its  scent 
and  flavour. "  — 
Basil. 


b  Chamber*. 


a  Young  men  of 
that  black  cha- 
racter commonly 
herd  together, 
and  irritate  one 
another  against 
their  parents. 

b  Lu.  xviii.  11. 

c  Of  some  sins 
we  are  not  sen- 
sible, because 
they  are  ha- 
bitual, wh.  very 
circumstance  is 
an  aggravation 
of  their  guilt. 

V.  12.  R.  Ersiine, 
i.  .325  ;  Dr.  J. 
Vfuriif,  i.  169  ;  J. 
Milwr,  ii.  103; 
D.  Muarr,  1. 

v.  13.     J.  WallU, 

121. 

d  C.Simion,  M.A. 

"  Early  impres- 
sions are  not 
easily  erased ;  tho 


284 


PROVERBS. 


tOap.  XXX.  15—17. 


Tlrgin     wax     Is  j 
Jaillifal    to     the  I 
signet,  and   sub-  j 
sequent    impres- 
sions seem  rallier 
to     indent     the  ' 
former  ones  than 
to    eraiUcate 
them." — Collon. 
"  'I'is     hut     in-  ' 
struct  ion,  all! 
Our    parent's 
Land    writes    on 
our  heart  the  first 
faint  cliaracters, 
■which    time,   re- 
tracing,  deepens 
into     strength, 
that  nothing  can  i 
efface  but  death  • 
or  Heaven." —  1 
Aaron  Hill.  i 


a  Galuka,  in  the 
Indian,  is  tlie 
name  of  the 
bloodsucker. 

h  Spk.  Cum. 

e  Ref.  would  be 
either  to  the  un- 
natural death  of 
such  unn.it  ural 
children,  or  to  ' 
the  fact  tliat 
they  should  lie 
nn  bur  led.  men 
being  unwilling 
to  give  them  the 
respect  shown  in 
decent  burial. 

La  XX.  9  ;  Pr.  xx. 

20. 

«.  15.  Bp.  Aber- 
nethy,  377  ;  Dr. 
T.  Hunt,  Obs. 
145—165. 

"  If  I  had  no 
other  reason  and 
motive  for  being 
religious,  I  would 
earnestly  strive 
to  be  so  for  the 
sake  of  my  age  1 
mother,  that;  I 
might  requite 
her  care  of  me, 
and  cause  the 
widow's  heart  to 
sing  for  joy." — 
Hvoker. 

Eochart  asserts 
that  the  "  two 
daugliters "  sig- 
nify Hades  and 
the  grave,  whicli 
are  never  satis- 
fled. 

4R.T.S. 


sight.  Thus  poor,  friendless,  blind,  and  forsaken,  he  found  an 
asylum  in  the  Franklin  county  almshouse,  Pennsylvania.  While 
an  inmate  of  this  refug'e  for  .the  afflicted,  his  wicked  and  un- 
grateful son  travelled  that  "w^ay ;  he  'was  informed  of  his 
father'.''  situation,  and  that  his  parent  wished  to  see  him  ;  and 
although  he  passed  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  almshouse, 
he  refused  to  stop  and  see  the  kind  father  he  had  ruiued.  Now 
mark  the  result.  The  very  day  he  passed  the  almshouse  on  his 
way  to  Gettysburg-,  in  an  op^n  carriage,  he  was  overtaken  by  a 
storm,  and  took  a  severe  cold  that  resulted  in  the  destruction  of 
his  eyes.  He  lay  in  Gettysburg-  in  a  critical  situation  until  his 
funds  were  exhausted,  and  those  who  had  him  in  charge  took 
him  to  the  Franklin  county  almshouse.  The  very  day  he  was 
brought  in.  his  father,  having  died  the  day  before,  was  carried 
out.  He  was  put  in  the  same  room,  and  occupied  the  same  bed, 
and,  in  a  short  time,  followed  his  neglected  and  heartbroken 
father  to  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ. 

15 — 17.  (15)  horseleecll,  Heb.  aluhah.'  The  leech  fastens 
with  the  utmost  tenacity  on  the  mouths  of  cattle  or  legs  of 
travellers,  and  is  used  as  an  emblem  of  the  eager  desire  that 
nothing  can  satisfy.  The  precise  creature  meant  by  Agur  cannot 
be  determined.  t-WO  daughters,  "  that  wh.  is  characteristic  of 
the  creature,  its  voracious  aiDpetite,  is  here  represented  as  its 
daughters.'*  enough,  Heb.  wealth,  (ic.)  filled  -with  water, 
such  earth  will  %  take  any  quantity  of  rain.  (17)  eye,  chief 
organ  for  expressing  mockery  and  contempt,  ravens,  wh.  are 
still  found  in  the  ravines  and  valleys  of  Syria.' 

Note  on  lior.<<eIccoh. — The  Heb.  alukah  doubtless  signifies  some 
species  of  leech,  a  creature  that  for  ages  has  been  an  emblem  of 
rajiacity  and  cruelty.  Both  the  British  horseleech  {Hoenwpns 
mnqni.miqa^  and  the  medical  leech  (Sanfjuixuga  medichmrnt) 
abound  in  Syria  Thus  of  the  lake  Phiala  (S.E.  of  Banias  = 
Paneas  Ctesarea)  Robinson  .«ays,  "it  supplies  the  whole  country 
with  leeches  :  which  are  gathered  by  men  wafling  in  and  letting 
the  leeches  fasten  themselves  upon  their  legs."  The  Heb. 
alukah  is  from  a  root  =  to  adhere,  and  to  this  day  the  Arabs  call 
the  Limnati^  Nilotica  "  alak." — Dr.  Adam  Clarke. — The  late 
Dr.  Adam  Clarke,  when  but  a  little  boy,  one  day  disobeyed  his 
mother,  and  the  disobedience  was  accompanied  with  some  look 
or  gesture  that  indicated  an  undervaluing  of  her  authority.  This 
was  a  high  affront :  she  immediately  took  up  the  Bible,  and 
opened  on  these  words  (Prov.  xxx.  17),  which  she  read  and  com- 
mented on  in  a  most  solemn  manner  :  "The  eye  that  mocketh  at 
his  father,  and  despiseth  to  obey  his  mother,  the  ravens  of  the 
valley  .shall  pick  it  out,  and  the  yoiing  eagles  shall  eat  it."  The 
poor  culprit  was  cut  to  the  heart,  believing  the  words  had  been 
sent  immediately  from  heaven  :  he  went  out  into  the  fields  with 
a  troubled  spirit,  and  was  musing  on  this  terrible  denunciation 
of  Divine  di.spleasure,  when  the  hotir.se  croak  of  a  raven  sounded 
to  his  conscience  an  alarm  more  dreadful  than  the  cry  of  fire  at 
midnight  1  He  looked  up.  and  soon  perceived  this  most  ominous 
bird,  and  actually  supposing  it  to  be  the  raven  of  which  the  text 
spoke,  coming  to  pick  out  his  eyes,  he  clapped  his  hands  on  them, 
and  with  the  utmost  sjieed  and  trepidation  ran  towards  the  house, 
as  fast  as  his  alarm  and  perturbation  would  admit,  that  he  might 
escape  the  impending  vengeance  \* 


Cap.  X3EX.  18—23.] 


PROVERBS. 


285 


18—20.  (18)  too  "wonderful,  beyond  my  tracing  so  as  ftdly  | 
to  explain,     way,  or  path  :  in  each  of  the  things  here  men- ' 
tioned  no  such  trace  is  left  as  may  enable  the  course  taken  to  be 
detected.    (19)  midst,  or  heart.    (20)  done  no  wickedness,  ■ 
bee.  none  can  point  out  the  signs  of  the  wrong." 

The  four  teachers  {rr.  18,  19). — Many  things  became  to  Agur 
the  inlets  of  -wise  reflection.     I.  An  eagle  in  the  air ;  that  sublime  , 
thing,  overcoming,  walking,  on  the  wings  of  the  wind,  sailing 
through  the  thunderstorm,  living  where   the   lightnings   play, 
able  to  gaze  on  the  sun.     II.  A  serpent :  that  long,  cruel  creature, 
its  coils,  its  rapid  spring,  its  strange  interlocking  of  vertebrfe. ' 
III.  Man  imitating  nature  ;    the  way  of  a  ship,  that  dead  yet ' 
living  bird  of  art  and  science  :  art  has  nothing  more  graceful, 
more  amazingly  buoyant  and  natural.     IV.  More  wonderful  than  ; 
all  o^her.  relaticn  of  hearts.     How  two  people  who  never  saw  I 
each  other,  meet,  and  how  a  lifelong  relationship  rises,  so  that  i 
if  one  heart  is  torn  from  the  other  the  survivor  pines  and  almost  ■ 
dies.'' — The  ivaij  of  the  eagle. — I.  It  is  heavy,  and  yet  it  flies.     II. 
The  air  resists  it,  and  yet  it  flies.     III.  The  resistance  helps  it, , 
and  therefore  it  flies.     IV.  There  are  extraordinary  and  Divine 
contrivances  to  aid  it.  and  therefore  it  flies." 

The  fight  of  the  eagle. — Great  as  are  the  distances  which  these  | 
birds  sometimes  fly,  it  becomes  comprehensible  when  we  know  I 
that  an  eagle,  as  he  sweeps  freely  through  the  air,  traverses  a ' 
space  of  sixty  feet  in  a  second  of  time.     To  be  able  thus  rapidly  i 
to  move  along  is  undoubtedly  an  attribute  of  jjower :  but  there 
is  something  far  more  imposing,  far  more  majestic,  in  that  calm  ■ 
onward  motion,  when,  with  wings  outspread  and  quite  still,  the  I 
mighty  bird  floats  buoya.ntl_y  in  the  atmosjihere,  upheld  and  borne  I 
along  by  the  act  of  mere  volition.     The  length  of  time  he  can  I 
thus  remain  suspended   without  a   single    beat  of    his  broad,  ' 
shadowy  pinions,  is  to  me  still  an  inexplicable  fact.     He  will  sail 
forwai-d  in  a  perfectly  horizontal  direction  for  a  distance  of  more 
than  a  mile,  without  the  slightest  quiver  of  a  feather  giving  sign 
that  the  wings  are  moved.     Not  less  extraordinary  is  the  power 
the  bird  possesses  of  arresting  himself  instantaneously  at  a  certain 
spot  and  dropping  through  the  air  with  folded  wings  from  a  height 
of  three  or  four  thousand  feet.   When  circling  so  high  up  that  he 
shows  but  as  a  dot,  he  will  suddenly  close  both  wings,  and,  fall- 
ing like  an  aerolite,  pass  through  the  intervening  space  in  a  few 
seconds  of  time.     With  a  burst  his  broad  pinions  are  again  un- 
folded, his  dowuM'ard  progress  is  arrested,  and  he  sweeps  away 
horizontally,  smoothly,  and  ■without  effort.     He  has  been  seen  to 
do  this  when  carrying  a  sheep  of  twenty  pounds'  weight  in  his 
talons  :  and  from  so  giddy  a  height  that  both  the  eagle  and  his 
booty  were  not  larger  than  a  sparrow.     It  was  directly  over  a 
wall  of  rock  in  which  the  eyrie  was  built :  and  while  the  speck 
in  the  clouds  was  being  examined,  and  doubts  entertained  as  to 
the  possibility  of  its  being  the  eagle,  down  he  came  headlong, 
every  instant  increasing  in  size,  when,  in  passing  the  precipice, 
out:  flew  his  mighty  wings,  the  sheep  was  flung  into  the  nest,  and 
on  the  magnificent  creature  moved,  calmly  and  unflurried,  as  a 
barque  sails  gently  down  the  stream  of  a  river. 

21 — 23.  f21)  cannot  bear,  they  are  things  intolerable  ;  "by 
them  the  stati-  of  nations  and  the  world  is  turned  upside  down." 
(22;   reigneth,   becomes  masterful,     fool"  .  .  meat,  or  those 


a  "  The  soul  wh. 
lias  revolted  from 
the  heavenly 
Bridegroom 
thinks  that  it 
can  wash  away 
its  pollution  by 
its  own  hnndg, 
and  it  justifies 
itself  in  its  own 
eyes." — W'ordi- 
vorth. 

b  E.  Paxton  Hood. 

c  Ibid. 

"Beasts,  birds, 
and  insects,  even 
to  the  minutest 
and  meanest  of 
their  kind,  act 
with  the  unerr- 
ing providence 
of  instinct; 
man,  the  while, 
who  possesses  a 
higher  faculty, 
abuses  it,  and 
therefore  goes 
lilundering  on. 
They,  by  their 
unconscious  and 
unh  esi ta ti  ng 
obedience  to  the 
laws  of  nature, 
fulfil  the  end  of 
their  existence ; 
he,  in  wilful  neg- 
lect of  the  law8 
of  God,  loses 
sight  of  the  end 
of  his," — Southey. 


"  Instinct  is  that 
power  of  volition 
or  impulse  pro- 
duced by  the  pe- 
culiar nature  of 
an  animal,  which 
prompts  it  to  do 
certain  things 
independent  of 
all  instruction  or 
experience  and 
without  delibera- 
tion, where  such 
act  is  immedi- 
ately connected 
with  its  own  in- 
dividual preser- 
vation, or  with 
that  of  its  kind." 
— Maunder, 


a  A  silly,  mde, 
boisterous 
viciousman. 


286 


PROVElinS. 


[Can.  XXX.  24—28. 


6  An  ill-natured, 
cross  -grained 
woman. 

c    Or    i^ersnarlps 

her    mistress   to 

leave     her     her 

money. 

r.     23.       Dr.     T. 

Hunt,  Ob.t.  158. 

Provs.-"  The  lion 
harl  neel  of  the 
mou.^e." -£■«?.';>''. 
— ■'  Soon  or  late, 
the  strong  noerls 
the  help  of   tlie  ; 
weak."  —  French.  \ 
—  "  Every      ten  l 
years,    one    man  | 
has       need       of 
another."  — 
ItalUin. 

d  Shakespeare. 


a  Lft.  xi.  5  ;   Ps. 
civ.  18. 

6  Is.  xxxiii.  4. 

e  Caleb  Morris. 

d    Dr.     Richard 
Neicton. 

"Man's  instincts 
are  elevated  and 
ennobled  by  the 
moral  ends  and 
purposes  of  his 
beini?.  He  is  not 
destined  to  be  the 
slave  of  b  1  i  n  d 
impulses,  a  vessel  I 
purposeless,  un-  | 
meant.  He  is  con-  j 
slituted  by  his 
moral  and  intelli- 
gent will  to  be 
the  first  freed 
being,  the  mas- 
terwork  and  the 
end  of  nature ; 
but  this  freedom 
and  high  office 
can  only  oo-e.xist 
with  fealty  and 
devotion  to  the 
service  of  truth 
and  virtue." — 
Mittlliew  Greene. 

c  Kirby. 

"  Vain  man  I  to 
be  so  fond  of 
breathing  long, 
and  spinning  out 
a  thread  of  mi- 
Bery.  The  longer 
life,  the  greater 
choice  of  evil."  — 
Young, 


who  are  worthless  and  yet  are  prospered  and  honoured.  (21!) 
odious,  unlovable  :  one  worthy  of  hate.*  One  who  when 
married  triumphs  insolently  over  others,  lieir,  etc.,  takes  her 
place  as  a  wife."" 

l'Jvil.<t  afti  ndanf  on  .lerranf-t. — 

I  follow  him  to  serve  my  turn  upon  him  : 

We  cannot  all  be  ma'Jters.  nor  all  masters 

Cannot  be  truly  foUow'd.     You  shall  mark 

Many  a  duteous  and  knee-crooking-  knave. 

That,  doting  on  his  own  obsequious  bondao^e, 

Wears  out  his  time,  much  like  his  master's  ass. 

For  nought  but  provender  ;  and.  Mhen  he's  old,  cashier'd  ; — 

Whip  me  such  honest  knaves  :  others  there  are, 

Who,  trimm'd  in  forms  and  visages  of  duty, 

Keep  yet  their  hearts  attending  on  themselves ;  ^ 

And,  throwing  but  shows  of  service  on  their  lords. 

Do  well  thrive  by  them,  and,  when  they  have  lined  their  coats, 

Do  themselves  homage  :  these  fellows  have  some  soul ; 

And  such  a  one  do  I  profess  mysdf.'' 

24 — 28.  (24)  wise,  specially  here  the  wonderful  in-tfinef  ot 
the  creatures  is  referred  to.  Wise  here  means  "  quick  of  wit." 
(25)  ants,  ch.  vi.  <) — 8.  Their  collective  and  organised  action 
is  very  striking,  prepare,  their  foresight  is  specially  noticed. 
This  is  only  true  of  some  kinds  of  ants.  ('2(i)  conles,"  either  field- 
mice  or  rabbits.  "Jerboas."  (27)  by  bands,  in  masses,  under 
some  kind  of  organisation.*  (28)  spider  .  .  hands,  pnss.  a 
kind  of  lizard  is  meant,  one  that  secretes  a  venomous  exudation 
fr.  the  feet,  and  so  catches  spiders,  tlies.  etc. 

Spiritual  dUif/t'nce  a  .wurcf  iif  //tt/i/ji/ie.t.'!  (rr.  24 — 28). — Let  us 
take  a  general  view  of  the  whole  passage,  and  notice  the  great 
moral  truths  which  it  teaches.  I.  That  we  ought  to  act  accord- 
ing to  the  whole  of  our  nature, — they  do  so.  II.  That  we  ought 
to  secure  all  the  happiness  of  which  our  nature  is  susceptible, — 
they  do  so.  1.  God  has  provided  happiness  for  every  nature,  and 
for  every  nature  its  own  happiness  ;  2.  Man"s  happiness  is  to  be 
obtained  in  connection  with  its  own  activity  :  ,3.  We  ought  not 
to  be  satisfied  without  obtaining  all  the  happiness  which  the 
Divine  mercy  has  provided  for  us.'' — The  xj)id('v'.'<  c.rampic  (r.  28). 
— I.  What  things  are  there  about  a  spider  which  it  is  worth  our 
while  to  imitate?  1.  Indu.stry  :  2.  Perseverance.  II.  What 
does  the  spider  gain  by  its  industry  and  perseverance  ?  An 
honourable  place  and  an  honest  living.  III.  What  may  we  gain 
by  industry  and  perseverance  in  the  use  of  the  means  in  our 
power .'  We  may  gain  a  more  honourable  place  and  a  better 
life  than  that  of  the  spider,  and  we  may  gain  these  for  others  as 
j  well  as  ourselves.'* 

Prelicnsori/  nrf/an.i  of  the  apidrr. — Spiders  are  gifted  with  the 

1  faculty  of  walking  against  gravity,  even  upon  glass,  and  in  a 

[  prone  position.     This  is  not  effected  by  firoduoiug  atmospheric 

I  pressure  by  the  adhesion  of  suckers,  but  by  a  brush,  formed  of 

[  slender  bristles,  fringed  on  each  side  with  exceeding  fine  hairs, 

gradually   diminishing   in    length    as    they   approach    its    ex- 

,  tremity,  where  they  occur  in  such  profusion  as  to  form  a  thick 

brush  on  its  interior  surface.     This  is  one  of  the  modes  by  which 

they  take  hold  with  their  hands,  and  thus  they  ascend  walls,  and 

set  their  snares  in  the  palace  as  well  as  the  cottage.     A\'hocver 


Cap.  xxxi.  1—3.] 


PROVERBS. 


287 


examines  the  under  side  of  the  last  joint  or  digit  of  the  foot  of 
this  animal  with  a  common  pocket  lens,  will  see  that  it  is 
clothed  with  a  very  thick  brush,  the  hairs  of  which,  under  a 
more  powerful  magnifier,  appear  somewhat  hooked  at  the  apex  ; 
In  some  species  this  brush  is  divided  longitudinally,  so  as  to  form 
two.' 

29 — 31.  (29)  go  well,  in  moving  are  majestic  or  comely  : 
have  a  stately  movement.  (30)  lion,  camp,  his  movement  with 
that  of  tiger.  (31)  greyhound,  poss.  should  be  a  linme.  Lit. 
'■  one  with  loins  girded  :"  with  allusion  to  stately  trappings  of 
tb«  war-horse,     king,  in  his  state  robes. 

Moffat  and  the  Hon. — "At  Sitlagole  River,'  says  Mr.  Moffat,  in 
his  Miiixionav)/  Laionrii  and  Scniex,  "about  a  hundred  and  sixty 
miles  from  the  Kuruman,  we  halted  in  the  afternoon,  and  allowed 
our  oxen  to  graze  on  a  rising  bank  opposite  our  waggons,  and 
somewhat  farther  than  a  gunshot  from  them.  Having  but  just 
halted,  and  not  having  loosened  a  gun,  we  were  taken  by  sur- 
prise by  two  lions  rushing  out  from  a  neighbouring  thicket. 
The  oldest  one,  of  enormous  size,  approached  within  ten  yards  of 
the  oxen,  and  bounding  on  one  of  my  best,  killed  him  in  a 
moment,  by  sending  his  great  teeth  through  the  vertebras  of  the 
neck.  The  younger  lion  couched  at  the  distance,  while  the  elder 
licked  his  prey,  turning  his  head  occasionally  towards  the  other 
oxen,  which  had  caught  his  scent  and  scampered  off  :  then,  with 
his  forefeet  upon  the  carcase,  he  looked  and  roared  at  us,  who 
were  all  in  a  scuffle  to  loosen  our  guns  and  attack  his  majesty. 
Two  of  our  number,  more  eager  to  frighten  than  to  kill,  dis- 
charged their  muskets  :  and  probably  a  ball  whistling  past  his 
ear  induced  him  to  retire  to  the  thicket  whence  he  had  come, 
leaving  us  in  quiet  possession  of  the  meat.  At  Meritsane,  the 
bed  of  another  dry  river,  we  had  a  serenade  of  desert  music,  com- 
posed of  the  treble,  counter,  and  bass  voices  of  jackals,  hyenas, 
and  lions." 

32,  33.  (32)  lay  .  .  mouth,  the  sign  of  humiliation."  (83) 
forcing,  or  pressing.'' 

Count  Caroiir  and  Garihaldi. — Bixio  rose  to  speak  in  the  name 
of  concord  and  Italy.     He  said  he  was  Italian  above  all  things. 
He  had  faith  in  Garibaldi :  but  he  also  trusted  the  patriotism  of 
Count  Cavoiir.     "  Gentlemen,  I  have  a  beloved  family  at  home. 
Gentlemen.  I  would  willingly   give   that  family  and  my  own 
self  to  be  able  to  join  the  hands  of  these  two  great  men, — bring  ; 
them  to  forget  and  forgive.     Parties,  gentlemen,  are  ruining  us  : ! 
they  disgrace  us  ;  we  must  forget  and  forgive."     This  blunt  but  j 
hearty  eloquence  went  home  to  every  man's  soul.     After  Bixio's 
epeech,  another  outbreak  would  have  been  impossible/ 


CHAPTER  THE  THIRTY-FIRST. 

1 — 3.  (1)  Lemuel,"  prob.  a  name  of  King  Solomon.  (2) 
what,  my  son  ?  the  language  of  emphasis,  son  .  .  vows, 
one  dedicated  to  God.  (3)  strength,  bodily  vigour,  wh.  is  soon 
wasted  by  the  indulgences  of  vice,  destroyeth,  enervates : 
plucks  away  the  physical  and  the  mental  energy. 


Some  years  since, 
several  persons 
saw  a  young  man 
approach  the 
river  Seine,  in 
Paris,  with  the 
intention  of 
drowning  hisdog. 
Having  rowed 
into  the  strpam, 
he  tlirew  the  dog 
into  tlie  water. 
The  poor  crea- 
ture attempted  to 
climb  up  the  side 
of  the  boat,  but 
his  cruel  master 
always  pushed 
him  hack  with 
theoars.  Induing 
this,  he  liiraself 
fell  into  the 
water,  and  would 
certainly  have 
been  drowned, 
had  not  his  faith- 
ful dog  instantly 
laid  liold  of  him, 
and  kept  him 
above  water  till 
assistance  ar- 
rived,  when  his 
life  was  saved. 
"  Live  as  long  at 
you  may.  the 
first  twenty  years 
are  the  longest 
half  of  your  life." 
— Suuthey. 


a  Comp.  Job  xxL 
5,  xxix.  9,  xl.  4. 

6  "The  Oriental 
mode  of  churn- 
ing by  squeezing 
and  wringing  a 
leathern  bag  or 
bottle  that  con- 
tains the  milk, 
makes  more  ap- 
parent and  vivid 
the  meaning  of 
this  comparison." 
—Thorns  'n. 
c  The  Times. 


a  Lemuel  means 
to  God,  or  mora 
fullv,  dedicated  to 
God. 

"  The  ways  of  li- 
centiousness are 
here    intended. 


288 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  zxzi.  4—0. 


wh.  ruin  physic- 1  D'idactic  poetry. — Didactic  or  gnomic  poetry  is  that  which 
kinRsamlpriirces '  <ielivers  moral  precepts  in  elegant  and  pointed  verses,  often  ilhis- 
wlio  give  them-  trated  by  a  comparison  expressed  or  implied,  similar  to  the  moral 
selves  up  t o  :  sentences  and  adas^es  of  ancient  sages.  The  principal  specitficna 
are  the  Books  of  Proverbs  and  Ecclesiastes.  This  kind  of  poetry 
represents  the  nearest  approach  of  the  people  to  anything  like 
philo.=ophy.  It  is  the  form  in  which  the  poet  communicates 
knowledge  to  others,  and  it  requires  for  its  development  a  time 
of  peace  and  tranquillity,  such  as  we  find  in  the  age  of  Solomon.* 


them 
Zockler. 

b  R.  Tuck,  B.A. 


»  "  S  t  i  m  ulants 
enfeeble  reason 
ami  pervert  the 
heart,  and  do  not 
suit  rulers,  who 
need  clear  and 
steady  mind  s, 
and  well-govern- 
ed affections." — 
Fuivset. 

b  Ps.  civ.  15. 
c  Whilecross. 

M  e  n's  lives 
should  be  like  the 
flav.  more  beau- 
tiful in  t'le  even- 
ing :  or,  like  the 
summer,  aglow 
with  promise; 
and,  like  the  au- 
tumn, rich  with 
the  golden 
sheaves,  where 
pood  works  and 
deeds  have  ri- 
pened on  the 
field. 


a  Ruined  by  their 
oppressors. 

"To  send  the  in- 
jured unredress'd 
away,  how  gre.at 
Boe'er  the  offen- 
d  e  r,  and  the 
wrong'd  howe'er 
obscure,  is 
■wicked,  weak, 
and  vile,  —  de- 
grades,  defiles, 
and  .should  de- 
throne a  king." 
—Smollet. 

The  greatest 
pleasure  of  life  is 
love;  the  greatest 
treasure  content- 
ment ;  the  great- 
est posses  sion 
health ;  the 
pr  e  a  t  e  s  t  ease 
sleep  ;  and  the 
best  medicine  a 
true  friend. 


4 — 7.  (4)  strong  drink,  reference  is  made  here  to  drinking 
liahifs,  wh.  loosen  the  self-restraint,  and  destroy  the  faculty  of 
clear  judgment."  '■  Strong  drink  was  distilled  from  barley,  or 
honey,  or  dates."  (.5)  pervert,  alter,  so  as  to  injure  the  poor 
suppliant.  (6)  heavy  hearts,  lit.  bitter  of  soul.  The  medi- 
cinal use  of  such  stimulants  seems  to  have  been  recognised.  "  It 
was  a  Jewish  custom  to  give  a  cup  of  wine  to  mourners."* 

Fidelity  to  principle. — An  officer  in  the  American  army,  who 
had  some  business  to  transact  with  General  Washington,  was  in- 
vited to  dine  with  him.  Just  before  dinner  was  concluded, 
Washington  called  him  by  name,  and  requested  him  to  drink  a 
glass  of  wine  with  him.  "  You  will  have  the  goodness  to  excuse 
me.  General,"  was  the  reply,  "  as  I  have  made  it  a  rule  not  to 
take  wine."  The  eyes  of  a  numerous  company,  of  both  sexes, 
were  instantly  turned  upon  the  young  officer,  and  expressions  of 
disapprobation  appeared  on  all  sides.  Washington,  ob.«erving 
the  feelings  of  his  company,  thus  addressed  them : — "  Gentlemen, 

Mr. is  right.     I  do  not  wish  any  of  my  guests  to  partake  of 

anj-thing  against  their  inclination,  and  I  certainly  do  not  wish 
them  to  violate  any  established  principle  in  Iheir  social  inter- 
course with  me.     I  honour  Mr. for  his  frankness,  for  his 

consistency  in  thus  adhering  to  an  established  rule  which  can 
never  do  him  harm,  and  for  the  adoption  of  which,  I  have  no 
doubt,  he  has  good  and  sufficient  reasons."' 

8,  9.  (8)  appointed,  f/c," /?7.  children  of  bereavement :  those 
destined  to,  or  in  danger  of,  the  loss  of  their  goods.  It  is  king's 
woi"k  to  defend  and  plead  for  such.  Or  ref .  may  be  to  helpless, 
orphaned  children,  (it)  judge  righteously,  Le.  xix.  15  ;  De. 
i.  1(5. 

A  judge  nhore  rexentment. — In  the  latter  half  of  the  last  century 
the  lord  justice  clerk  of  Scotland,  who  had  a  fine  avenue  of  trees 
leading  to  his  country  house,  though  not  growing  on  ground 
which  he  could  call  his  own,  happened  to  displease  the  proprietor, 
who  caused  all  the  trees  to  be  cut  down.  The  damage  was 
irreparable,  liut  his  lordship,  who  was  of  a  mild  and  amiable  dis- 
position, submitted  to  it  in  silence.  Two  or  tliree  years  after- 
wards, it  happened  that  this  laird's  whole  estate  wa.«  put  in 
jeopardy  by  the  next  heir-at-law  producing  a  prior  will,  which, 
though  it  had  long  lain  donnant.  appeared  so  plain  and  genuine, 
that  the  laird  nearly  gave  up  his  right :  and  abandoned  all  hope, 
when  he  found  it  must  be  decided  by  the  man  he  had  so  deeply 
injured.  The  strict  integrity  of  the  judge  was,  however,  a  sufficient 
guarantee  that  justice  would  be  impartially  a/lministered.  The 
judge,  when  the  cause  came  before  him,  sifted  it  with  inde- 
fatigable industry  and  zeal  for  ]iub]ic  justice,  when  he  discovered 
the  will  was  a  forgery  ;  and  thus,  contrary  to  all  expectation,  the 


Cap.  xxxi.  10—14.] 


PROVERBS. 


28^ 


laird  gained  his  cause.  He  then  waited  on  the  judge  with  shame 
and  confusion,  and  acknowledged  that  he  would  never  have 
recovered  the  suit  had  it  not  been  for  his  lordship,  as  his  own 
counsel  had  given  it  up.  "  You  have  nothing  to  thank  me  for," 
said  the  judge,  "  but  my  having  taken  due  pains  to  do  you  justice. 
This  was  a  duty  I  owed  to  myself,  and  I  should  have  been  un- 
worthy of  the  place  I  occupy  if  I  suffered  any  injury  done  to 
myself  to  influence  me  in  the  administration,  of  justice."  * 

10 — 12.  (10)  virtuous,"  not  merely  chaste,  but  including 
moral  strength,  uprightness,  cultured  and  noble  character,  fitness 
for  domestic  duties,  etc.  her  price,  or  value,  rubies,  better, 
jji'arJ.1.  (II)  safely  trust,  this  is  unusual;  husbands  in  the 
E.  generally  trust  locks  and  keys.*  need  of  spoil,''  better,  no 
lack  of  gain.  The  results  of  honest  labour  being  wisely  and  well 
expended  at  home,  no  need  arises  for  unlawful  schemes  for 
raising  money.  (12)  do  him  good,  in  every  sense,  moral  and 
intellectual  good,  as  well  as  temporal.  She  fears  to  do  anything 
that  may  turn  to  his  prejudice. 

ScIuioLs  of  iiuluntnj  (v.  10). — The  description  here  given  of  a 
queen  is  but  ill  suited  to  the  refinements  of  the  present  age. 
Consider  it  with  a  view  to  the  lower  classes.  I.  The  character  of 
a  virtuous  woman.  She  is  described  by — 1.  Her  industry;  2. 
Her  prudence  ;  3.  Her  piety.  II.  It  is  not  easy  to  estimate  the 
worth  of  such  a  character,  for  she  is — 1.  An  ornament  to  her 
eex ;  2.  A  blessing  to  her  family  ;  3.  A  comfort  to  all  around 
her.  III.  The  tendency  of  this  institution  to  increase  their 
number.  1.  It  is  rare  we  find  among  the  poor  a  combination  of 
the  qualities  insisted  upon  :  2.  A  school  of  industry  a  boon  to 
the  rising  race.  IV.  Consider  some  objections.  1.  Among  the 
rich — some  think  it  better  that  the  poor  should  be  kept  in  igno- 
rance, others  that  persons  may  be  wanted  for  agricultural  work  ; 
2.  Among  the  }x>or — they  are  unwilling  to  forego  the  immediate 
earnings  of  their  children.'' 

Occupation. — People  may  tell  you  of  your  being  unfit  for  some 
peculiar  occupations  in  life  :  but  heed  them  not.  Whatever 
employ  you  follow  with  perseverance  and  assiduity  will  be  found 
fit  for  you  :  it  will  be  your  support  in  youth,  and  your  comfort  in 
age.  In  learning  the  useful  part  of  any  profession,  very  mode- 
rate aVjilities  will  suflTice — great  abilities  are  generally  injurious  to 
the  possessors.  Life  has  been  compared  to  a  race  ;  but  the  allu- 
sion still  improves  by  observing  that  the  most  swift  are  ever  the 
most  apt  to  stray  from  the  course." 

13,  14.  (13)  -wool  and  flax,  "in  Sidon,  at  this  day,  a 
majoritj'  of  the  women  are  thus  working  in  raw  silk  and  cotton, 
instead  of  wool  and  flax.  Tlie  produce  is  sold  to  merchants  who 
come  from  afar."«  "with  her  hands,*  so  we  are  taught  that 
handicraft  is  not  unworthy  of  princesses.  "  The  most  distin- 
guished queens  of  the  ancient  time  excelled  in  the  art  of 
spinning.''  (14)  food  from  afar,  either  by  selling  to  foreign 
merchants,  or  by  carefully  finding  out  the  best  markets,  though 
they  may  be  distant  ones.     Comp.  v.  24. 

The  royal  merchant  {v.  14). — I.  The  merchant  is  a  profitable 
ship,  to  teach  a  wife  in  all  things  to  endeavour  her  husband's 
pi'ofit.  II.  The  merchant  is  a  painful  ship,  and  she  must  be  a 
painful  wife.     III.  He  is  the  merchant,  she  the  ship,  she  must 

VOL.  VII.      O.T.  T 


"  The  injustice  of 
men  subserves 
the  justice  of 
God,  and  oftea 
His  mercy. "  — 
Madame    Swelch' 


b  Percy  Anec. 


I  6  "  The  husband, 
j  iu  nine  cases  oufc 
1  of  every  ten,  does 
not  feel  very  con- 
I  fident  that  '  she 
I  will  do  him  good 
'  and  not  evil,'  and 
]  therefore  he  setB 
i  a  jealous  watch 
j  over  her,  and 
1  places  every 
valuable  article 
under  lock  and 
I  k e y.  This  is 
,  mainly  owing  to 
I  two  things,  had 
j  education  and 
]  want  of  love." — 
i  Thomson. 

c  "  A  strong  ex- 
pre.««iou  to  de- 
scribe the  rich 
profit  to  which 
the  co-operation 
of  the  efficient 
wife  helps  her 
h  u  s  b  a  n  d's  ac- 
tivity  in  his  oc- 
cupation."— 0. 
Zockler. 

1  Cor.  vii.  34. 

V.  10.  J.  Colby, 
Wedding  Ser.  51. 

d  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

e  Goldsmith. 


a  Thomson. 

b  Lit.  "And  la- 
boureth  with  her 
hauil's  pleasure," 
or,  "and  labonr- 
eth  in  the  busi- 
ness of  her 
hands." 

c  Bushnell. 

It  is  reported  of 
Augustus  him- 
self, at  the  height 
of  the  Eoinan 
splendour,  that 
he  wore  a   robe 


290 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxxi.  15-20. 


wh.  was  made  for 
him  by  Li  via,  his 
wife. 

vv.XO-i^.Bemmy, 
f'(im.  Preach,  ii 
305. 

d  R.  Wilkinson. 
Preaclied  before 
the  kinpr's  ma-  i 
jesty  at  the  nup- 
ti.als  of  an  hoii- 
ouiable  lord  and 
his  lady. 


a  "  She  does  this 
with  what  she 
can  spare  out  of 
the  gains  of  her 
ownhousewifery. 
Men  should  not 
lay  out  anything 
upon  superflui- 
ties, till,  by  the 
blessing  of  God 
upon  their  in- 
dustry, they  have 
got  beforehand, 
and  can  afford  it : 
and  then  the 
fruit  of  the  vine- 
yard is  likely  to 
be  doubly  sweet, 
when  it  is  the 
fruit  of  honest 
industry."— Ji/a^ 
Henry. 

tw.lO— 31.  Dr.  J. 
Fordyce,  i.  207. 

"_  have  observed 
among  all  na- 
tions that  the 
•women  ornament 
themselves  more 
than  the  men." 
— Ledyard. 

t  Dr.  Barrow, 


a  The  idea  of  this 
V.  may  be  that, 
estimating  the 
value  of  her  mer- 
chandise, she 
takes  care  to 
watch  over  it 
well  during  the 
darkness  of  the 
night. 

b  "  The  distaff 
Was  held  in  one 
hand,  or  under 
one  arm,  and  the 
spindle,  hanging 
by  the  thread, 
vas  ocoaeioually 


conclude  she  was  made  for  him.  IV.  She  is  like  a  merchant's 
ship,  that  is,  a  friendly  fellow  and  peaceable  companion,  not  a 
man-of-war  to  him.** 

Flax. — Cotton,  thoug-h  it  appears  to  have  been  known  to  the 
Eg-yptians,  and  is  largely  cultivated  by  the  modem  inhabitants 
of  Palestine,  does  not  seem  to  have  been  used  by  the  Hebrews  of 
Old  Testament  times.  Flax  was  extensively  grown  both  in 
Egypt  and  Palestine,  and  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  articles  of 
manufacture  recorded  in  sacred  history.  We  learn  from  Josh.  u. 
6  that  the  stalks  of  flax  were  laid  upon  the  housetops  to  dry  ;  thej 
were  then  peeled  or  split  into  fibres,  and  the  tow  separated  from 
them  by  a  comb. 

15 — 17.  (l^)  risetll  .  .  night,  in  the  E.  the  industrious  are 
usually  very  early  risers.  In  hot  countries  early  morning  is  the 
best  time  for  work,  meat,  or  rations  of  food,  portion,  or 
allotment  of  work.  If  the  wife  had  to  start  them  forth  into  the 
fields,  she  would  need  to  arrange  the  woi'k  and  food  for  each. 
Doing  this  early  prevented  the  servants  wasting  their  time. 
(Ifi)  buyeth  it,  by  the  produce  of  her  o^vn  labour  she  even 
adds  to  the  property  of  the  family,  vineyard,  she  plants  vines 
in  this  field  she  buys."  (17)  girdeth,  etc.,  the  girdle  being  au 
important  article  of  dress,  and  especially  tightened  in  prepara- 
tion for  work. 

An  old  i}roverh  verified  (vv.  15 — 17). — "  Early  to  bed,",  etc.  We 
have  here — I.  An  early  riser.  1.  This  good  for  body  and  mind  ; 
2.  A  corrective  of  lazy  and  luxurious  habits  ;  3.  House  in  order 
for  early  meals,  work,  and  worship.  II.  A  careful  housewife. 
If  the  mistress  rises  late  waste  comes  of  servants  helping  them- 
selves, or  they  imitate  her  example  of  idleness.  III.  She  is  a 
thoughtful  bargainer — considers  before  she  buys.  IV.  She  en- 
joys good  health,  in  great  measure  the  result  of  good  habits  and 
thoughtfulness,  as  she  promotes  early  rising,  cleanliness,  in- 
dustry, and  economy. 

Indii.<<f?-y. — Industry  doth  not  consist  merely  in  action,  for  that 
is  incessant  in  all  persons  ;  our  miud  being  like  a  ship  in  the  sea, 
if  not  steered  to  some  good  purpose  by  reason,  yet  tossed  by  the 
waves  of  fancy,  or  driven  by  the  winds  of  temptation  some- 
whither ;  but  the  direction  of  our  mind  to  some  good  end,  with- 
out roving  or  flinching,  in  a  straight  and  steady  course,  drawing 
after  it  our  active  powers  in  execution  thereof,  doth  constitute 
industry.* 

18 — 20.  (18)  perceiveth,  tastes,  discerns,  finds  out  that  it  is 
good  thus  to  labour  and  sell  the  produce  of  her  labour,  and  so 
finds  new  incentives,  candle  .  .  night,  ITiompson  says  that  in 
the  E.  the  very  poorest  people  even  keep  a  light  burning  all 
through  the  night,  i"  fear  of  night-dangers.<»  (19)  distaff ,  re- 
ferred to  in  V.  13.*  Lit.  the  whorl,  or  wheel.  (20)  stretchetb 
.  .  hand,  her  open  palm.  Her  ho.low  or  bent  hand,  holding 
some  gift." 

Ml/  lady  hovnfifiil  (v.  2^). — I.  She  has  a  sympathising  heart — 
thinks  of  the  poor.  II.  She  has  discriminating  eyes — distin- 
guishing between  the  deserving  poor  and  others.  III.  She  has 
liberal  hands.  TV.  She  has  a  self-denying  benevolence  ;  it  is  for 
this,  in  part,  that  she  is  industrious,  etc. 

An  American  lady.— The  lat«  Rev.  Mr.  Rodgers,  of  America, 


Cap,  xxxi.  21-23.] 


I'ROYERBS. 


291 


often  relaterl  anecdotes  concerning'  the  un'^xpected  rrpi  1  e  and 
the  agreeable  surprises  which  occurred  iu  the  course  ol'  the  ex- 
cursions he  made  to  solicit  aid  to  charitable  objects.  One  of  the 
latter  class  may  serve  as  a  specimen.  Mr.  Rodg'ers,  attended  by 
an  officer  of  the  church,  called  one  morning  at  the  house  of  an 
excellent  woman,  a  widow,  who  had  recently  lost  by  death  a 
pious  and  beloved  daughter.  As  her  circumstances  were  narrow, 
little  was  expected  from  her.  Indeed  they  called  upon  her 
chiefly  to  testify  their  respect,  and  to  avoid  the  imputation  of 
either  forgetting  her  person  or  despising  her  mite.  To  their 
great  surpilse,  however,  when  their  errand  was  made  known, 
she  presented  to  them,  with  much  promptness  and  cordiality,  a 
sum  which,  for  her,  was  very  large — so  large,  indeed,  that  they 
felt  and  expressed  some  scruples  about  accepting  it.  She  put  an 
end  to  the  difficulty  by  saying,  with  much  decision,  '•  You  must 
take  it  all :  I  had  laid  it  up  as  a  portion  for  my  dauo-hter  :  and  I 
am  determined  that  He  who  has  my  daughter  shall  have  her 
portion  too."'' 

21 — 23.  (21)  snow,  the  indication  of  cold  weather,  for  wh. 
clothing  shotikl  be  adapted,  scarlet,  the  warm  colour,  put  here 
for  warm  clothing.  (22)  silk,"  better, /I'we  linen,  the  bi/,s.sii.i  of 
Egypt.  (23)  known,  i.e.  observed,  as  a  singularly  well-cared-for 
man.  "The  htisband  of  such  a  wife  is  distinguished  among  his 
compeers  by  a  costume  clean,  whole,  and  handsome,  and  a 
countenance  contented  and  hapjiy."  * 

Friidence  and  taste  (rr.  21,  22).  —  I.  She  anticipates  the 
changing  seasons  by  approimate  preparations,  provides  seasonable 
clothing.  II.  She  affects  the  beautiful  as  well  as  the  useful :  the 
beautiful  and  the  good  are  united  iu  her  thoughts  and  toils. 
III.  She  is  known  through  her  husband,  by  his  happy  deport- 
ment, appearance,  and  unruffled  temper  ;  his  wisdom  receives 
strength  from  her.  IV.  Such  a  woman  will  be  wise  in  her  choice 
of  a  husband.  Note  : — This  may  be  applied  to  the  Chui'ch  and 
Christ,  '•  The  bride,  the  Lamb's  wife." 

Si/k  for  one  year's  spinn'nifj. — The  city  of  Lyons  consumes 
annually  two  million  pounds  of  spun  silk.  Four  cocoons  and  a 
fraction  are  necessary  to  produce  a  graumie  (the  five-hitndredth 
part  of  a  pound)  ;  consequently,  the  consumption  of  Lyons  alone 
requires  4.200,000.000  cocoons  :  the  length  of  silk  thread  in  each 
being  about  500  metres,  the  total  is  equal  to  2.100,000  millions  of 
metres :  which  is  fourteen  times  the  distance  of  the  earth  from 
the  sun,  or  .5.494  times  that  of  the  moon  from  the  earth.  That 
length  would  encircle  the  globe  at  the  equator  52,505  times,  or 
reach  200,000  (imes  round  the  moon. 

24—26.  (24)  fine  linen,  the  word  used  here  indicates  not 
the  material,  but  the  made-up  garments."  Lit.  a  wide  rohc 
merchant,  lit.  Cauaanite,  or  the  Phoenician  merchant.  (25) 
rejoice,  ete.,  some  render.  Slie  langhetli  at  the  future,  in  reliance 
on  her  stores  and  her  skill.  The  evil  day  finds  her  provided  for. 
(20)  openeth  .  .  wisdom,  her  conversation  is  sensible,  law  of 
kindness,*  she  rules,  but  with  due  consideration  and  tenderness. 
"  She  was  too  rich  iu  love  for  envies,  too  noble  for  jealousies,  too 
confiding  for  suspicions,  too  truthful  for  falsehood,  too  good  for 
scandal." 

A  good  wife's  future  joy  {v.  25).— I.  The  provision  for  this  joy  : 
t2 


bit  aiifl  twirla 
by  thcotlicr.  Tli. 
weaving  procfss 
was  equally  ruda 
aiifl  simple." — 
liushnell. 

c  "  The  industry 
is  not  selfisli,  Imt 
bears  the  fruit  (if 
an  open-hamleil 
charity."  —  Spk. 
(Jom. 

d  R.  T.  S. 

"  If  thou  woulilst 
]:)lease  the  ladies, 
thuu  must  en- 
deavour to  make 
them  pleased 
with  them- 
selves."—  fuller. 


a  "  Fcarlet,  pur- 
ple, ta])estr}',  ami 
embroidery  are 
still  the  favourite 
colours  and  pat- 
terns of  Uriental 
ta,ste."-7'  ticmison. 

b  "  'Tis  meet  for 
thee  to  sit  among 
the  princes,  and 
hold  thy  council, 
witli  thy  body 
clad  in  raiment 
fair  and  clean." — 
llumer, 

rr.  xii.  4. 

"  Of  women  it 
lias  alw.ays  been 
known  that  no 
ceusm-e  wounds 
so  deeply,  or  tliat 
they  nsent  so 
long,  as  .'peaking 
against  their  per- 
si  ns  or  their 
i\resi."-Dr.JvUn- 
soii. 


a  Isa.  iii.  23. 

6  "  Her  wisdom 
anil  kindness  to- 
gether put  a  com- 
manding power 
into  all  she  says; 
they  command 
respect  ;  they 
conuiiand  cora- 
jiliance."  — •  Mat. 
Ihury. 

1  Ti.  ii.  8—10;  1 
Pe.  iii.  3,4. 


292 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxxi.  27—29. 


vv.  26,  27,  W. 
Gahan,  263. 
Proverbs.  — 
"There  arc  only 
two  good  women 
in  the  world  : 
one  of  them  is 
dead,  and  the 
otiier  is  not  to 
be  found.  One 
hair  of  a  woman 
draws  more  than 
a  bell-rope."  — 
Geiinan.  "A  wo- 
man's counsel  is 
no  great  thing; 
but  he  who  doSs 
not  take  it  is  a 
fool.  W  o  in  e  n, 
wind,  and  for- 
tune soon 
change." —  Span- 
ish. "Women 
are  wise  off- 
hand, and  fools 
on  reflection. 
Whatever  a  wo- 
man wills  she 
can.  "  —  Ilulian. 
"  What  a  woman 
wills,  God  wills." 
—French.  "  A 
woman's  tongue 
is  her  sword,  and 
she  does  not  let 
it  rust.""C7ii/i«f. 
e  Dr.  Todd. 

V.  28.    M.  Heni-y, 
Misc.  Wks. 
t'l.  28-31.     J.  B. 
MassUlon,      xiv. 
231.  I 

V.  29.  W.  Crnmp- 
ton,  Wfd.  ficrs. 
225;  .4bbfV((mba- 
ceies,  iii.  393.  | 

a  J.  Durrani. 
"  A  lamp  is  lit  in 
■woman's  eye, 
that  souls  else 
lost  on  earth  re- 
member angels 
by."-;V./^.  }ViUi.i. 
"A  woman  moved 
is  like  a  fount:iin 
troubled,  muddy, 
ill-seeming,  and 
bereft  of  beautj'." 
— fihate.yicare. 
Rev.  A.  Atv.'ood, 
of  /'hilndcli)hia, 
said  that  wo- 
man's qualities 
shone  with  a 
glorious  bright- 
ness in  the  hour  ' 
of  mankind's 
affliction  and 
gickne.ss.  She  is 
the  nurse  of  the 
world. 


her  character,  habits.  II.  The  subject  of  this  joy  :  her  home, 
1  children,  husband,  prosperity.  III.  The  nature  of  it :  her  children, 
I  etc.  Verse  2S.  The  joy  of  rest  and  reward  in  advanced  life,  the 
favour  of  God.  joy  in  anticipation  of  the  future  life. — A  gnnd 
waninn's  tongue  (r.  2G). — It  is  marked  by — I.  "Wisdom  :  she  does 
not  prate  of  things  beyond  her  sphere  ;  has  good  advice  for  her 
daughter  and  her  husband.  II.  Kindness  :  she  is  no  scold,  or 
loud-voiced  woman  ;  her  words  are  full  of  tenderness,  love,  truth, 
cheerful  piety. 

The  memory  of  a  praying  mother  cherished. — A  short  time  since, 
just  at  sunset  on  a  summer's  day,  I  -went  to  the  grave  of  a  dear 
sister  of  mine.  Her  two  little  boys  went  with  me.  When  we 
had  arrived  there,  I  saw  four  little  rose  bushes  standing,  two  at 
the  head  and  two  at  the  foot  of  the  grave,  bending  over  as  if  to 
meet  and  hang  over  the  grave.  "  That  is  her  grave, — our  mother's 
grave,'"  said  one  of  the  boys.  "And  those  rose  bushes?"  said  I, 
as  the  tears  started  in  my  eyes.  "  Those,"  said  the  eldest, 
"  brother,  and  I,  and  father  set  soon  after  she  was  laid  there. 
Those  two  at  the  head  she  planted  in  the  garden  herself,  and  we 
took  them  up  and  set  them  there,  and  call  them  '  Mother's 
bushes.'  "  "  And  what  do  you  remember  about  your  dear  mother, 
my  boys?"  "Oh,  everything."  "  A\'hat  in  particular?"  "Oh, 
this,  uncle,  that  there  never  -was  a  day  since  I  can  remember  that 
she  did  not  take  us  to  her  closet  and  pray  with  us,  unless  she  was 
sick  on  the  bed."  Never  did  that  sister  seem  so  dear  to  me  as  at 
that  moment,  and  never  did  my  heart  feel  so  full  a  hope  iu  the 
words  which  were  engraved  on  the  tombstone, — 
"  No  mortal  woes 
Can  reach  the  peaceful  sleeper  here, 
"While  angels  watch  her  soft  repose."* 

27—29.  (27)  bread,  of  idleness,  leaving  others  to  do  her 
duty.  (28)  blessed,  bee.  of  her  earnest  labours  on  their  behalf, 
and  because  of  her  gracious  influence  upon  them.  (29)  thou, 
the  ideal  person  described.  Or  this  may  be  the  exclamation  of 
the  grateful,  trustful  husband. 

A  n-ord  to  niofhcr.f  (r.  28). — Direct  the  attention  of  mothers  to — 
I.  The  duties  of  the  maternal  relation.  II.  Maternal  advantages. 
III.  The  encouragement  which  mothers  have  to  believe  that 
their  children  will  rise  up  to  call  them  blessed." 

(rood  dai/ghfers. — In  the  year  1773,  Peter  Burrell.  Esq.,  of 
Beckenham,  in  Kent,  whose  health  was  rapidly  declining,  was 
advised  by  his  physicians  to  go  to  Spa  for  the  recovery  of  his 
health.  His  daughters  feared  that  those  who  had  only  motives 
entirely  mercenary  would  not  pay  him  that  attention  -which  he 
might  expect  from  those  who.  from  duty  and  affection  united, 
would  feel  the  greatest  pleasure  in  ministering  to  his  ease  and 
comfort ;  they,  therefore,  resolved  to  accompany  him.  They 
proved  that  it  was  not  a  spii'it  of  dissipation  and  gaiety  that  led 
them  to  Spa,  for  they  were  not  to  be  seen  in  any  of  the  gay  and 
fashionable  circles  ;  they  were  never  out  of  their  father's  com- 
pany, and  never  stirred  from  home,  except  to  attend  him,  either 
to  take  the  air  or  drink  the  waters  ;  in  a  word,  they  lived  a  most 
recluse  life  in  the  midst  of  a  town  then  the  resort  of  the  most 
illustrious  and  fashionable  personages  of  Europe.  This  exemplary 
attention  to  their  father  procured  these  three  amiable  sisters  the 
admiration  of  all  the  English  at  Spa,  and  was  the  cause  of  their 


Cap.  xxxl.  30,  31.] 


PROVERBS. 


293 


elevation  to  that  rank  in  life  to  which  their  merits  gave  them  so 
just  a  title.  They  were  all  married  to  noblemen  :  one  to  the  Earl 
of  Beverley  ;  another  to  the  Duke  of  Hamilton,  and  afterwards 
to  the  Marquis  of  Exeter  ;  and  a  third  to  the  Duke  of  Nor- 
thumberland. And  it  is  justice  to  them  to  say,  that  they  reflected 
honour  on  their  rank,  rather  than  derived  any  from  it.* 

30,  31.  (30)  favour,  grace  of  person,  deceitful,  it  may  be 
put  on  to  hide  really  unworthy  character,  beauty,  of  counte- 
nance, vain,  bee.  not  lasting.  It  passes  with  the  advancing 
years,  and  sad  is  that  woman's  lot  who  has  only  her  beauty  to 
depend  upon,  feareth  the  Lord,  regarded  as  the  root  of  piety." 
"  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  condition  of  all  womanly  as  well  as 
manly  excellence."  (31)  fruit  .  .  hands,  which  is  the  praise 
due  to  a  skilful,  diligent,  and  faithful  wife. 

Fciuinine  beauty  {v.  30). — I.  It  is  attractive  while  it  lasts.  II. 
With  some  it  lasts  to  old  age  ;  the  beauty  of  such  women  then. 
III.  The  thoughtless  have  eyes  for  physical  beauty  only.  IV. 
Beauty  often  provokes  vanity,  and  is  vain  to  charm  the  minds  of 
others  who  at  length  discover  nothing  beneath  it.  V.  Seek  that 
beauty  that  comes  of  piety,  beauty  of  heart,  and  mind,  and  life, 
these  really  promote  beauty  of  person. 

Bca  uty. — Hearing  a  young  lady  highly  praised  for  her  beauty, 
Gotthold  asked,  "  What  kind  of  beauty  do  you  mean  1  Merely 
that  of  the  body,  or  that  also  of  the  mind  1  I  see  well  that  you 
have  been  looking  no  further  than  the  sign  which  nature  dis- 
plays outside  the  house,  but  have  never  asked  for  the  host  who 
dwells  within.  Beauty  is  an  excellent  gift  of  God,  nor  has  the 
pen  of  the  Holy  Spirit  forgotten  to  speak  its  praise  ;  but  it  is 
virtuous  and  godly  beauty  alone  which  Scripture  honours,  ex- 
pressly declaring,  on  the  other  hand,  that  a  fair  woman  which  is 
without  discretion  is  as  a  jewel  of  gold  in  a  swine's  snout  (Prov.  xi. 
22).  Many  a  pretty  girl  is  like  the  flower  called  the  imperial 
crown,  which  is  admii-ed,  no  doubt,  for  its  showy  appearance, 
but  despised  for  its  unpleasant  odour.  Were  her  mind  as  free 
from  pride,  selfishness,  luxury,  and  levity,  as  her  countenance 
from  spots  and  wrinkles,  and  could  she  govern  her  inward  incli- 
nations as  she  does  her  external  carriage,  she  would  have  none 
to  match  her.  But  who  loves  the  caterpillar  and  such  insects, 
however  showy  their  appearance,  and  bright  and  variegated  the 
colours  that  adorn  them,  seeing  they  injure  and  defile  the  trees 
and  plants  on  which  they  settle  ?  What  the  better  is  an  apple 
for  its  rosy  skin,  if  the  maggot  have  penetrated  and  devoured  its 
heart  1  What  care  I  for  the  beautiful  brown  of  the  nut,  if  it  be 
worm-eaten,  and  fill  the  mouth  with  corruption?  Even  so  ex- 
ternal beauty  of  person  deserves  no  praise,  unless  matched  with 
the  inward  beauty  of  virtue  and  holiness.  It  is  therefore  far 
better  to  acquire  beauty  than  to  be  born  with  it.  The  best  kind 
is  that  which  does  not  wither  at  the  touch  of  fever,  like  a  flower, 
but  lasts  and  endures  on  a  bed  of  sickness,  in  old  age,  and  even 
nnto  death." — Different  ideas  of  heauty. — WTiat  different  ideas 
are  formed  in  different  nations  concerning  the  beauty  of  the 
human  shape  and  countenance  1  A  fair  complexion  is  a  shocking 
deformity  on  the  Guinea  coast ;  thick  lii)s  and  a  flat  nose  are  a 
beauty.  In  some  nations,  long  ears  that  hang  down  upon  the 
shoulders  are  the  objects  of  universal  admiration.  In  China,  if  a 
lady's  foot  is  so  large  as  to  be  fit  to  walk  upon,  she  is  regarded  as 


6  Dr.  Cheeeer. 


a  "As  an  Impe- 
r  i  s  h  a  b  1  e  and 
therefore  really 
praiseworthy 
possession,  there 
is  contrasted 
with  favour  and 
beauty  the  dispo- 
sition to  fear 
•God."-0.  ZSckler. 

"  That  love  wh. 
is  cemented  by 
youth  and 
beauty,  when 
tliese  moulder 
and  decay,  as 
soon  they  do, 
fades  too.  But 
if  husbands  and 
wives  are  each 
reconcileil  unto 
God  in  Christ, 
and  so  heirs  of 
life  and  one  with 
God,  then  are 
they  truly  one  in 
God,  each  with 
the  other,  and 
that  is  the  surest 
and  sweetest 
union  that  can 
be.  " — Archbishop 
Leiglilon. 

A  woman  dis- 
tinguished for 
her  modesty, 
meekness,  and 
prudence,  and 
other  virtues,  will 
engage  affection 
and  respect  when 
other  a  c  c  o  m- 
plishments  fade 
and  decline. 

V.  30.  Dr.  A.  Lit- 
tleton, 60 ;  Dr. 
Cotton  Mather, 
Oiimmenls  for 
the  Daus.  of  Zion; 
Dr.  T.  Leland,  ii. 
267  ;  R.  Warner, 
ii. 376;  D.Gibson, 
333. 

V.  31.  /.  Penn, 
216. 

"  The  devil  fish- 
eth  best  for  souls 
of  men  when  his 
hook  is  baited 
with  a  lovely 
limb :  love  Ughta 


294 


PROVERBS. 


[Cap.  xxxi.  30,  3L 


upon  the  hoart, 
and  straiglit  wi; 
fnel  nioro  wnrlils 
of  Wealth  slcain 
in  an  upturneil 
eye  than  in  the 
lii-h  hoart  of  the 
miser  sea.  Beauty 
li.uh  made  our 
greatest  mau- 
liooils  weak." — 
Alex.  Smith. 

I  Smilh. 

"  Fragrant  the 
rose,  but  soon  it 
fades  away ;  the 
violet  sweet,  but 
quickly  will  de- 
cay; the  lily  fair  a 
transient  beauty 
■wears ;  and  the 
white  snow  soon 
weeps  away  in 
tears  :  such  is  the 
bloom  of  beauty, 
cropt  by  time, 
full  soon  it  fades, 
and  withers  in 
its  prime."— 
Theocritus. 

C  Emerson. 

d  Ld.  Kaimes. 

"  A  face  that 
should  content 
nie  wondrous 
well,  should  not 
be  fair,  but  lovel.v 
to  behold :  of 
lively  look,  all 
grief  for  to  repel 
with  right  good 
grace,  so  would  I 
that  it  should 
speak  without 
woril,  such  words 
as  none  can  tell." 
—Sir  T  ho  mat 
Wmlt. 

eSfithatr. 


a  monster  of  ugliness.  Some  of  the  savage  nations  in  North 
America  tie  four  boards  round  the  heads  of  their  chilih-en,  and 
thus  squeeze  them,  while  the  bones  are  tender  and  gristly,  into  a 
form  that  is  almost  perfectly  square.  Europeans  are  astonished 
at  the  absurd  barbarity  of  this  practice,  to  ^^•hich  some  missionarioa 
have  imputed  the  singular  stiijndity  of  those  nations  among 
whom  it  })revails  ;  but  when  they  condemn  those  savages,  they 
do  not  reflect  that  the  ladies  in  England  had,  till  within  these 
very  few  years,  been  endeavouring  for  near  a  century  past  to 
squeeze  the  beautiful  roundness  of  their  natural  shapes  into  a 
square  form  of  the  same  kind.'' — Beauty  and  rlrfiie. — The  problem 
of  restoring  to  the  most  original  internal  beauty  is  solved  by  the 
redemption  of  the  soul.  The  ruin,  or  the  blank,  that  we  see  in 
nature  is  in  our  own  eye.  The  axis  of  vision  is  not  coincident 
with  the  axis  of  things,  and  so  they  appear  not  transparent,  but 
opaque.  The  reason  why  the  world  lacks  unity  is,  that  man  is 
disunited  himself.  A  life  in  harmony  with  nature,  the  love  of 
truth  and  virtue,  will  purge  the  eyes  to  understand  her  text,  so 
that  the  world  shall  be  to  us  an  open  book,  and  every  form 
significant  of  its  hidden  life  and  final  cause.'' — Damjcrs  of  beauty. 
— Beauty  is  a  dangerous  property,  tending  to  corrupt  the  mind 
of  the  wife,  though  it  soon  loses  its  influence  over  the  husband. 
A  figure  agreeable  and  engaging,  which  inspires  affection  without 
the  ebriety  of  love,  is  a  much  safer  choice.  The  graces  lose  not 
their  influence  like  beauty.  At  the  end  of  thirtj'  years,  a  virtuous 
woman,  who  makes  an  agreeable  companion,  charms  her  husband 
more  than  at  first.  The  comparison  of  love  to  fire  holds  good  ia 
one  respect,  that  the  fiercer  it  burns  the  sooner  it  is  extinguished.' 
Com^afiswn  for  maligned  heaiLty. — 

Nought  is  there  under  heaven's  wide  hollowTiess 
That  moves  more  dear  compassion  of  the  mind 

Than  beauty  brought  to  unworthy  wretchedness, 
Thi-ough  envy's  snares,  or  fortune's  freaks  unkind. 

I,  whether  lately  through  her  brightness  blind, 
Or  through  allegiance  and  fast  fealty 

Which  I  do  owe  unto  all  womankind. 

Feel  my  heart  pierced  with  so  great  agony 

"When  such  I  »ee,  that  all  for  pity  I  could  die.* 


THE  BOOK  OF  ECCLESIASTEa 


fnfrobttdron. 


Title,  neh.  Koheleth  ;  Gli.  Ecclesiastes,  which  in  Eng^lish  is  equivalent  to 
"  The  Preacher."  The  Hebrew  title  is  from  the  initial  word  of  the  book. 
Author.  Uncertain.  Solomon  {Home.  Amjnn),  Isaiah  {llahhi  Kiinchi).  Heze- 
kiah  {Talmudists),  composed  by  order  of  .Zerubbabel  for  his  son  Abihud 
{Grot ins),  written  after  the  Babylonian  captivity  {Jalui),  or  abont  the  time  of 
Antiochus  Epiphanes  {Zlrkel).  It  is  to  be  noted  that — (1)  It  is  fuller  of 
Ai'amaic  or  Chaldee  words  than  Provs.  or  Pss.,  or  writings  of  times  of  the 
monarchy,  (2)  That  the  word  for  the  Divine  Name  is  not  Jehovah,  but 
Elohim.  (3)  It  describes  a  decay  of  the  social  and  political  state  that  seems 
not  to  belong  to  the  time  of  David,  or  Solomon.  (4)  Its  tone  of  scepticism 
does  not  agree  with  the  devoutness  of  David  and  Solomon.  These  points  have, 
however,  been  controverted.  But,  on  the  whole,  then,  while  it  must  be 
admitted  that  the  verdict  of  nearly  all  recent  criticism  is  against  the  Solomonic 
authorship  of  the  book,  it  must  be  said  chat  no  satisfactory  theory  has  yet 
been  submitted  in  its  place,  and  that  after  all  we  must  say  of  it.  as  of  the 
Book  of  Job — in  some  respects  the  most  like  it,  and  the  most  unlike,  among 
the  books  of  the  Old  Testament, — as  Origen  said  of  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews, 
"Who  wrote  it,  God  only  knows"  (Phaiipfre).  Scope.  '"Be  godly,  and  con- 
cerning everything  else  be  tranquil "  {Lvthcr).  "  The  great  design  of  this 
book  is  evidently  to  show  the  utter  insufficiency  of  all  earthly  pursuits  and 
objects,  as  the  chief  end  of  life,  to  confer  solid  happiness,  and  then  to  draw 
men  ofE  from  apparent  good  to  the  only  real  and  permanent  good — the  fear  of 
God  and  communion  with  Him.  '  Vanity  of  vanities,  all  is  vanity,'  is  its  first 
lesson;  'Fear  God  and  keep  His  commandments,'  is  its  last''  (Angus).  "It 
is  a  penitential  discourse,  and  in  it  the  writer  endeavour.s  from  sad  experience 
to  show  the  vanity  of  all  earthly  pursuits,  and  the  insufficiency  of  eai'thly  en- 
joyment. The  doctrine  of  a  future  retribution  forms  the  great  basis  of  this 
book,  and  practical  religion  is  its  leading  truth  "  {Pinnock).  (See  also  The 
Quest  of  the  Chief  Good,  by  the  i^rc.  ^S".  Cox.)  Style.  "  Bp.  Lowth  has  classed 
this  book  among  the  didactic  poetry  of  the  Hebrews  ;  but  JMr.  Des  Voeux 
considers  it  as  a  philosophical  discourse  vrritten  in  a  rhetorical  style,  and  inter- 
spersed with  verses,  which  are  introduced  as  occasion  served :  whence  it 
obtained  a  place  among  the  poetical  books.  To  this  opinion  Bp.  Lowtli  subse- 
quently declared  his  assent "  {Home).  "  By  the  Jews  it  was  not  reckoned 
one  of  the  poetical  books,  and  indeed  the  whole,  except  iii.  2 — 8.  vii.  1 — 14, 
xi.  17.  xii.  7,  is  written  in  prose  "  {Anrfus).  Canonioity.  "  The  canonicity  of 
Eccles.  is  recognised  by  the  early  Christian  writers,  and  though  the  book  is  not 
formally  quoted  by  our  Lord  or  His  Apostles,  there  are  several  references  to  it 
in  the  New  Testament.  It  is  to  be  noted  that  in  Ecclesiastes  wisdom  is  used 
in  the  sense  of  science,  or  sagacity  ;  in  Proverbs  it  is  identical  with  piety.  It 
is  a  strange  proof  of  the  depravity  of  our  nature  that  modern  infidels — 
Frederick  the  Great,  Voltaire,  and  others — have  warmly  praised  those  parts  of 
Ecclesiastes  in  which  Solomon  records  the  false  principles  which  his  folly  had 
for  the  moment  led  him  to  maintain.  The  true  wisdom  of  the  book  they 
entirely  disregard  "  (^Angus). 


?DltOpSTS. 


Aetw 
Part 


Sect. 
Sect. 

Sect. 
Seel. 
Sect. 
Sect. 
Sect. 
Seel. 
Sect. 
Sect. 
Sect. 

Sect. 
Sect. 
Sect 
Sect. 

Seel. 
Sect. 
Sect. 
Sect. 


ding  to  Mr.  TToldetl.  Adopted  by  Home. 
I.— THE    VANITY    OF    EARTHLY 

CONDITIONS,       OCCUPATIONS, 

AND  PLEASURES. 

1.  Vanity  of  earthly  things i.  2. 

2.  Labour  unprofitable,  life   transitory 

i.  3— 11. 

3.  Vanity  of  laborious  study,  .i.  12—18. 

4.  Luxury  and  pleasure  vanity  ii.  1 — 11. 

5.  Human  learning  but  vanity  ii.  12 — 17. 

6.  Human  labour  vanity   ....ii.  18 — 23. 

7.  Sensual  enjoyments  empty  ii.  24 — 26. 

8.  A  time  for  all  things iii.  1 — 14. 

9.  Vanity  of  human  pvu-suits  iii.  15 — 17. 

10.  Life  and  death iii.  18—22. 

11.  Vanity  increased  by  oppression 

iv.  1—3. 

12.  Vanity  of  prosperity    iv.  4. 

13.  Vanity  of  folly  iv.  5,  6. 

14.  Vanity  of  covetousness iv.  7,  8. 

15.  Dominion  and  empire  vanity 

iv.  9— IS. 

16.  Divine  worsliip  maybe  vain  v.  1 — 7. 

17.  Murmuring  at  injustice  vain  v.  8,  9. 

18.  Vanity  of  riches    v.  10-20. 

19.  Vanity  of  avarice    vi.  1—9. 


Part  II.— THE  NATURE.  EXrELLEN^rT!. 
AND  BENEFICIAL  EFFECTS  OP 
WISDOM  OR  RELIGION. 


Sect.  20. 
Sect.  21. 
Sect.  22. 
Sect.  23. 
Seel.  24. 

Sect.  25. 
Sect.  26. 


Sect.  28. 
Sect.  29. 
Sect.  30. 
Sect.  31. 
Sect.  32. 
Sect.  33. 


What  is  the  chief  good  .  .vi.  10—12. 

The  praise  of  character vii.  1. 

Benefits  of  affliction  . . .  .vii  2—10. 
The  excellence  of  wisdom  vii.  1 1 — 14 
An  objection  and  the  answer  vii.  15 — 
viii.  7. 
Wickedness  and  wisdom,  .viii.  8 — 13. 
An  objection  and  the  answer 

viii.  14 — ix.  1. 

An  objection  and  the  answer  ix.  2— 

X.  17. 

Banefulness  of  sloth    x.  18. 

The  power  of  wealth  x.  19. 

Speaking  evil  of  dignities  ...  .x.  20. 
Charity  and  benevolence,  .xi.  1 — 10. 

Early  piety  xii.  1 — 7. 

The  conclusion xii.  8—14. 


Additional  note  on  the  avthor.if)ip  of  fhi.1  book. — If  it  is  the  production  of 
Solomon,  it  presents  an  interesting  and  instructive  picture  of  that  monarch's 
return  to  a  better  mind,  when,  at  the  close  of  life,  he  took  a  retrospect  of  his 
past  career.  The  general  design  of  the  author  is  to  set  forth  the  nothingness 
of  earthly  pursuits  and  enjoyments,  and  to  recommend  the  acquisition  of 
heavenly  wisdom.  From  the  commencement  to  vi.  9,  the  former  theme  is 
enlarged  upon,  the  writer  reviewing  the  various  conditions  and  objects  of 
human  life,  and  showing  that  '"all  is  vanity."  From  vi.  10  to  the  end.  the 
excellence  of  wisdom  is  exhibited.  The  sum  and  crowning  lesson  of  the  whole 
being,  "  Fear  God  and  keep  His  commandments  "  (^Litton). 


298 


ECCLBSIASTES. 


[Cap.  1. 1-3. 


n  "  It  describes 
a  person  in  the 
act  of  calling 
togetlier  an  as- 
sembly of  peojjle 
as  if  with  the 
intention  of  ad- 
dressing them. 
Tlie  word  thus 
understood  refi-rs 
us  to  the  action 
of  wisdom  per- 
son i  fi  ed,  de- 
scribed in  Pr.  i. 
20,  viii.  8,  etc." 
— Spk.  Com. 

h  "  The  theme  of 
Ecclesiastesisthe 
vanity  of  all 
e.arthly  things 
apart  from  O-od." 
—  Wurdsworth. 

e  From  a  word 
signifying  to 
liang  over,  over- 
flow, remain  over 
and  above. 

d  "  Sol.  writes 
with  this  design, 
that  we  may  not 
dote  upon  this 
life,  wh.  is  under 
the  sun,  but  maj' 
earnestly  desire 
tliat  life  wh.  is 
not  blighted  by 
that  vanity  wh. 
is  under  the  sun, 
but  is  enlight- 
ened by  that 
truth  wh.  came 
from  Him  who 
made  the  sun." — 
S(.  Augusline. 

Ps.  xx\i\.  5,  6, 
11,  Ixii.  9,  c\liv. 
4 ;  Ko.  viii.  2u,  21. 

r.  2.  Bnusset,  xvi' 
ia4  ;  A'.  Er-ikhte, 
i.  296;  Bi-rtheau. 
ii.  207 ;  G.  J.  Zol- 
likoffer,  ii.  452 ; 
E.  Denisnn,  Unir. 
(S('r.29;  liiKCouy- 
beare,  ii.  481. 

e Stems  and  Twigs. 

f  Dr.  J.  Hamilton. 


CHAPTER  THE  FIRST. 

1—3.  (1)  preacher,  Heb.  koMeth.  fem.  noun  fr.  kalal,  to 
call  ;  so  signifying'  an  assembler,  or  convener."  Doubtless  a 
symbolical  name  for  Solomon,  in  Jerusalem,  the  place  of  his 
royal  residence,  and  the  centre  of  his  kingdom.  (2)  vanity, 
Heb.  Itchel,  found  thirty-seven  times  in  this  book.  That  wh. 
fails  to  satisfy,  vanity  of  vanities,*  Heb.  idiom  for  the  very 
highest  degree  of  vanity.  Comp.  '•  holy  of  holies,"  "  song  of 
songs."  all,  all  sorts,  every  earthly  thing.  Things  are  all  vaia 
and  unsatisfying  when  made  the  end  and  not  the  means.  (3) 
profit,"  or  what  is  the  good  of  all  man's  toil  ?  Get  what  he 
may  it  does  not  satisfy  him.  under  the  sun,  a  fig.  way  of 
saying,  in  this  present  life.'' 

Vanity  (r.  2). — I.  This  estimate  was  made  by  a  competent 
judge.  II.  Given  in  unqualified  terms.  III.  Abundantly  en- 
dorsed by  the  historical  Scripture.  IV.  Assented  to  by  all  who 
have  finished  their  course.'' 

Worldly  plca.^iive  linsatLsfiiin/j. — Lord  CJifsterfield. — The  most 
polished  Englishman  of  the  last  century  was  Philip  Dormer 
Stanhope,  the  fourth  earl  of  Chesterfield.  High-born  and  well- 
bred,  clever,  eloquent,  and  witty,  and  endowed  with  a  large 
amount  of  natural  amenity,  he  was  bent  on  distinction.  To 
dazzle  his  contemporaries  was  the  business  of  his  life.  He  was 
a  man  who  made  his  own  model.  From  the  speeches  of  Cicero, 
from  the  epigrams  of  Martial,  from  the  saloons  of  Paris  and 
Versailles,  he  gleaned  the  several  ingredients  of  classic  grace  and 
modern  refinement,  and  sought  to  combine  them  in  the  courtier, 
the  statesman,  and  the  orator.  He  had  no  God.  In  the  shrine 
where  the  Most  High  should  be,  there  was  a  dim  outline  which 
looked  very  like  a  colossal  Stanhope  carrying  a  young  Chesterfield 
in  its  arms  ;  but,  unless  this  mixture  of  self-idolatry  and  son- 
worship  deserve  the  name,  there  was  no  religion  in  the  man.  He 
had  his  reward.  At  a  levee,  or  in  a  di'awing-room,  he  moved 
"  the  admh'ed  of  all  admirers."  Few  made  such  formidable 
speeches  in  Parliament.  None  uttered  so  many  brilliant  sayings 
in  society.  He  got  ribbons,  plaudits,  diplomatic  appointments, 
the  smiles  of-  the  fair,  the  envy  of  his  peers  :  everything  except 
true  human  affection — everything  except  the  approbation  of 
God.  Should  any  one  wish  to  repeat  the  man  the  mould  is  still 
extant.  It  will  be  found  in  Lord  Chesterfield's  Letter!)  to  his 
Son — a  book  of  which  our  great  moralist  said,  in  effect,  that 
"  it  inculcates  the  morals  of  the  profligate  with  the  manners  of  a 
dancing-master."  But  before  taking  more  trouble  it  is  well  to 
know  the  result.  At  the  close  he  confessed  that  his  life  had 
been  as  joyless  as  it  had  been  selfish  and  hollow.  "  I  have  re- 
cently read  Solomon  with  a  kind  of  sympathetic  feeling.  I  have 
been  as  wicked  and  as  vain,  though  not  as  wise  as  he  ;  but  now 
I  am  old  enough  to  feel  the  truth  of  his  reflection,  'All  is  vanity 
and  vexation  of  spirit.' "  Re^iartees  sparkled  on  his  dying  lips, 
but  all  was  dreary  within,  all  was  darkness  ahead.  The  fame 
for  which  he  lived  expired  before  himself :  and  now  truth  de- 
clines to  write  his  epitaph,  and  virtue  has  no  garlands  for  his 
grave./ 


Cap.  i.  4-11.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


299 


4 — 7.  (4)  generation,  the  people  on  the  earth  are  supposed 
to  be  changed  about  every  twenty-five  to  thirty  years.  So  man 
does  not  stay  on  earth  long  enough  to  enjoy  the  fruitage  of  his 
labours,  earth  .  .  ever,"  it  is  not  absolutely  pennanent,  but  its 
continuance  contrasts  with  the  changing  races  on  it.  The  term 
"  ever  "  is  used  in  Scripture  as  a  figure,  and  a  comparison.  (.5) 
sun,  etc.,  it  makes  no  real  progress,  only  repeats  the  same  routine 
day  after  day.  hasteth,  7/cd.  pauteth.''  The  Psalmist  evidently 
had  no  idea  of  the  circular  form  and  movement  of  the  earth. 
(«)  whirleth,  etc..  blowing  from  different  quarters,  yet  settling 
at  last  to  the  prevailing  N.  or  S.''  circuits,  or  veerings.  The 
word  is  not  used  in  the  modern  scientific  sense.  (7)  not  full, 
bee.  the  waters  are  drawn  up  as  clouds,  and  sent  back  to  refresh 
the  earth."* 

Contra. 9t  between  the  duration  of  earth  aiid  the  life  of  man  {v.  4). 
— Note  some  things  that  verify  the  greatness  of  the  contrast. 
1.  History, — which  would  not  be  but  for  those  who  have  passed 
away  ;  2.  Burial  grounds. — yet  nature  around  them  is  the  same  ; 
3.  Abodes  of  the  living  :  how  many  generations  have  passed  away 
since  this  became  a  city  !  4.  What  shall  I  be  when  the  present 
generation  has  passed  away  !  5.  There  are  occasional  states  of 
feeliug  in  which  the  reflection  comes  with  special  force ;  6.  How 
little  hold  we  have  on  the  world  !  7.  The  only  essential  good  to 
be  gained  from  the  world  is  what  may  be  cai'ried  out  of  it.« 

J'mvidence  in  the  n-ind. — The  wind  has  called  at  yon  city, 
foetid  with  miasma,  and  groaning  with  pestilence  ;  and,  with  its 
besom  of  swift  pinions,  it  has  swept  the  plague  away.  It  has 
looked  into  yon  haven,  and  found  a  forest  of  laden  shijis  sleeping 
over  their  freights  ;  and  it  has  chased  them  all  to  sea.  And 
finding  the  harvest  arrested  in  a  broad  and  fertile  realm,  the 
earth  chapped,  and  the  crops  withering,  it  is  now  hurrying 
with  that  black  armament  of  clouds  to  drench  it  in  Ufesome 
irrigation.  To  narrow  observation  or  to  selfishness,  that  wind  is 
an  annoyance  ;  to  faith,  it  is  God's  angel  forwarding  the  mighty 
plan.  Tis  a  boisterous  night,  and  Pictish  savages  curse  the 
noisy  blast  which  shakes  their  peat-hovel  round  their  ears  ;  but 
that  noisy  blast  has  landed  the  Gospel  on  St.  Andrew's  shore.  It 
blows  a  fearful  tempest,  and  it  sets  some  rheumatic  joints  on 
aching  ;  but  the  morrow  shows,  dashed  in  pieces,  the  awful 
Annada  which  was  fetching  the  Spanish  Inquisition  to  our 
British  Isle.  The  wind  blows  east,  and  detains  James's  ships  at 
Harwich  ;  but  it  guides  King  William  to  Torbay.  Yes,  "  the 
wind  blows  south,  and  the  wind  blows  north  ;  it  whirleth  about 
continually,  and  returneth  again  according  to  its  circuits  : "  but, 
in  the  coiu-se  of  these  circuits,  the  wind  has  blown  to  our  little 
speck  of  seagirt  happiness  the  Gospel  and  Protestantism,  and 
civil  and  religious  liberty.-^ 

8 — 11.  (8)  full  of  labour,  ceaseless  movement  and  activity 
are  around  us.  more  than  man  can  recount."  eye  .  .  hearing, 
i.e.  for  man  there  is  no  present  satisfaction,  no  rest,  though  for 
him,  too,  all  things  seem  to  go  in  a  circle.*  (9)  no  new  thing, 
no  new  source  of  plea.sure.  Life  is  a  round  of  the  same  duties, 
cares,  and  jileasures.  Things  may  seem  new  to  individuals,  they 
are  not  new  in  themselves."  (10)  old  time,  Ileb.  ages.  (11) 
no  remembrance,  and  therefore  things  may  be  thought  new 
wh.  really  have  been  before.    "  Our  considering  old  things  as 


a  Ps.  civ.  5,  cxix* 
90. 

b  Comp.  Ps.  xix.  5. 

"  The  metaphor 
applies  rather  to 
tlie  rising  sun, 
which  seems  la- 
boriously to 
mouut  up  to  the 
meridian,  than  to 
the  setting  sun." 
— Fausset. 

c  The  N.  and  S. 
winds  are  the 
two  prevailing 
winds  in  Pales- 
tine and  Egypt. 

d  "  Not  only  what 
is  most  stable  in 
creation,  as  the 
earth,  and  what; 
is  most  glorious, 
as  the  sun,  but 
also  what  seems 
to  be  most  free, 
viz.,  the  wind 
and  the  rivers, 
are  bound  by  the 
same  chain  of 
lifeless  continu* 
ity. " —  Word** 
worth. 

vv:2—4.  S.Mar- 
riott, 281. 

V.4.  W.  Berriman, 
ii.  128  ;  J.  Foster, 
ii.  117;  £p.  Ho- 
tjart,  i.  88  ;  J. 
(Jvant,  371  ;  F, 
French,  127. 

e  J.  Foster. 

Wild  "  as  winds 
that  sweep  the 
deserts." — Dry- 
den.  "  As  the 
winds,  raging 
and  impetuous." 
—Durfey.  "  As 
winds  and  fight- 
ing seas."-r/iof7»- 
son. 

f  Dr.  J.  Hamilton. 


a  "  Man  cannot 
express  all  the 
things  in  the 
world  which  un- 
dergo this  cease- 
less, changeless 
cycle  of  vicissi- 
tudes. " — Fausset. 
b  "  The  abun- 
dance of  pheno- 
mena, wh.  presses 
ou  eye,  eax,  and 


300 


ECCLESIASTMS. 


[Cap.  1. 12, 13 


the  remaiuing 
senses,  is  end- 
less. Tliere  are 
always  objects 
wh.  the  eye  must 
Bee,  does  see,  ami 
brings  to  liim 
who  wouM  gladly 
close  his  labours." 
—Uitzig. 
Pr.  xxvii.  20. 
c  '■  All  things 
under  the  sun 
are  only  repro- 
ductions or  mo- 
difications of 
things  which  al- 
ready exist,  and 
wore  created  at 
the  beginning. 
This  was  true  of 
Sol.s  temple,  and 
of  all  the  glories 
of  his  reign,  and 
It  is  tnie  of  all 
modern  inven- 
tions and  dis- 
c  o  V  e  r  i  es. " — 
Wordsworth. 
V.  9.  Dr.  J.  Trapp, 
ii.  303;  J.Sdurin, 
V.  147  ;  B.  a  Snow- 
don,  4U1. 
d  ir.  Stevens. 
e  li.  r.  s. 


a  "Thfi  preterite 
is  very  frequently 
used  in  describ- 
ing a  past  which 
reaches  forward 
intothepresent." 
—Ilemjstenberg. 

i  "Beginning 
with  the  time  of 
tis  accession  to 
the  throne,  he 
relates  the 
anxious  efforts 
which  he  made, 
with  his  unpre- 
c  e  d  e  n  t  e  d  re- 
sources, to  ad- 
vance wisdom, 
pleasure,  gran- 
deur, and  every 
personal  gratifi- 
cation, and  how 
the  result  of  his 
experience  was 
'no  profit,'  and  a 
conviction  tliat 
all,  even  God's 
gifts  of  eartlily 
good  to  good 
men,  in  this  life 
are  subject  to 
vanity.  "  —  Spk. 
Com. 

a  Elohim  ia   the 


new  is  bee.  of  the  contiuiial  extinction  of  the  remembrance  of 

former  thiu.q;8." 

Inuujinnnj  schemes  of  happinexx  (v.  9). — Ob.serve  three  thinars. 
I.  The  error  which  he  attacks.  Discover  this  by  determininjr  the 
sense  of  the  text.  II.  Let  us  admit  these  truths  with  all  their 
effects.  1.  Examine  the  a])()oiutment  of  man  ;  2.  Look  into  the 
school  of  the  world  :  3.  Into  the  exjjerience  of  Solomon  ;  4. 
Review  the  history  of  our  own  lives.  III.  From  all  these  reflec- 
tions what  consequences  shall  we  draw  ?  1.  They  to  who:n  God 
has  appointed  the  good  thing-a  of  life  should  know  the  value  of 
them  ;  2.  Bear  patiently  the  evils  of  your  present  condition. <^ 

True  hnppiiifus. — After  all  our  attainments,  if  we  are  truly 
wise,  we  shall  love  to  sit  as  humble  disciples  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
to  acquire  more  important  knowledge  than  this  world  can  impart. 
Human  learning  will  not  bear  to  be  brought  into  comparison 
with  the  knowledge  of  Christ  and  Him  crucified.  A  little  of  it 
may  inflate  with  vanity,  but  a  profound  acquaintauce  w^ith  its 
treasures  will  deepen  humility  and  render  us  sensible  of  our 
ignorance.  A  young  man  named  Worgan,  in  the  near  view  of 
eternity,  said  to  his  mother, "'  I  have  been  endeavouring  to  obtain 
one  of  the  highest  seats  in  the  literary  world  ;  but  I  can  now 
willingly  resign  it  to  obtain  the  lowest  seat  in  heaven."  And 
Sir  Isaac  Newton  said,  a  little  before  his  death,  "  I  do  not  know 
what  I  may  appear  to  the  world,  but  to  myself  I  seem  to  have 
been  only  like  a  boy  jjlaying  on  the  sea-shore,  and  diverting  my- 
self in  now  and  then  finding  a  smoother  pebble,  or  a  prettier 
shell  than  ordinary,  whilst  the  great  ocean  of  truth  lay  all  un- 
discovered before  me."  ' 

12,  13.  (12)  preacher,  as  v.  1.  Solomon  here  begins  to  give 
his  personal  experiences,  in  Jerusalem,  distinguished  fr. 
Hebron.  Some  think  that  the  expression  icax  kinrj  is  only 
suitable  to  some  one  who,  at  the  time  of  writing,  had  ceased  to  be 
king  ;  and  so  cannot  refer  to  Solomon.  But  so  much  cannot  be 
argued  from  the  mere  form  of  a  tense."  Sol.  was  king  when 
this  particular  trial  was  made.  (13)  gave,  etc.,  undertook  this 
work  heartily.*  wisdom,  powers  of  observation  and  judgment, 
travail,  work  regarded  as  causing  care,  and  anxiety,  and  effort. 
God,  Heb.  Elohim.«  The  name  Jehovah  does  not  occur  in  this 
book,    exercised,  or  disciplined. 

The  royal  prcaclier  {v.  12). — I.  Every  true  preacher  is  in  some 
sense  a  king.  II.  Every  king  is  a  preacher  of  some  kind. —  Tlu; 
mark  of  a  true  preacher  (r.  13). — I.  He  is  a  man  of  study- 
seeking  and  searching  in  order  to  know.  II.  He  is  a  man  of 
varied  knowledge—"  all  things."  III.  He  studies  heartily,  not 
perfunctorily.  IV.  He  discerns  the  truth  that  travail  is  for  tlie 
discipline  of  the  sons  of  men. 

Talent  trlthotit  prinetple. — An  affecting  illustration  of  the 
truth  of  Solomon's  remark  is  furnished  in  the  historj^  of  Combe, 
the  unhappy  author  of  Dr.  Syntax,  in  Search  of  the  I'icture.tfjve. 
"  We  find,"  says  a  reviewer  in  the  Companion  to  rlie  Library,  "  this 
improvident  man,  and  all  within  a  few  years,  figuring  as  a  boy 
I  at  Eton,  a  scholar  at  Oxford,  a  student  in  the  Temple,  with  a 
very  handsome  independent  fortune  :  a  barrister  pleading  with 
success  :  a  man  of  fashion  intimately  associating  with  lords  and 
ladies,  and  calling  himself  (from  his  courtly  dress  and  splendid 
liveries)  '  The  Piike  ; '  and  then  ^n  outcast  spendthrift ;  a  privaw 


Cap.  1. 14, 15.] 


BCCLESIASTES. 


SOI 


soldier  ;  a  novice  in  a  French  monastery,  playingf  the  monk  to 
get  his  bread  for  the  time  beir.g :  a  str-oUing  player ;  a  gentleman's 
servant  ;  and  a  waiter  at  an  inn  a:  SM-ansoa.  It  was  after  all 
these  metamorphoses  that  he  turned  himself  into  an  author. 
His  last  scene  of  all  was  the  King's  Bench,  where  he  wrote 
Syntax  and  some  other  works ;  and  there  he  died,  after  an  im- 
prisonment (for  debt)  of  twenty  years. 

14,  15.  (14)  works  .  .  sun,  the  actions  and  lives  of  men.  not 
the  occurrences  of  na,ture.  vexation  of  spirit,  lit.  windy  effort. 
A  feeding  on  wind."  ^  Utterly  unsatisfying.  (15)  crooked,  etc., 
prob.  a  proverbial  sentence.  Man  has  ho  power  to  alter  con- 
ditions fixed  by  God,  however  unsuitable  he  may  regard  them.* 
"  Human  labour  and  human  knowledge  cannot  regenerate  man- 
kind." 

Crooked  things  straightened  (v.  15). — I.  We  are  all  bom  with 
crooked  hearts.  This  may  be  proved  from  the  Bible,  and  without 
the  Bible.  II.  Like  the  tree  or  the  clay,  our  hearts  are  having 
something  done  with  them.  III.  The  importance  of  keeping 
straight  while  we  are  being  educated.  IV.  How  are  we  to  get 
straight  ?     Get  Jesus  to  help  us.     Help  ourselves.' 

Vanity  of  worldly  greatness. — The  great  Wolsey,  after  he  had 
climbed  the  highest  round  of  ambition 's  ladder,  in  the  evening 
of  life  bitterly  exclaimed,  "  Would  that  I  had  served  my  God  as 
faithfully  as  I  have  served  my  king  I  He  M'ould  not  hnve  abandoned 
ma  in  my  old  age."  The  illustrious  statesman,  William  Pitt,  the 
favourite  of  king  and  people,  "  died,"  saysWilberforce,  his  friend, 
"  of  a  broken  heart."  Oa  his  dying  bed  he  is  stated  to  have  said, 
*'  I  fear  I  have  neglected  prayer  too  m  uch  to  make  it  available  on 
a  death-bed."  Still  more  distressing  was  the  closing  scene  of 
Sheridan's  career.  He  who  had  stoofl  on  the  pinnacle  of  glory, 
auJ  gained  the  most  flattering  distiu  ctions,  writes  in  old  age  to 
one  of  his  friends, "  I  am  absolutely  undone  and  broken-hearted." 
Misfortunes  crowded  on  him,  and  his  last  moments  were  haunted 
by  fears  of  a  i^rison.  Forsaken  by  his  gay  associates,  dispirited, 
and  world-weary,  he  closed  his  eyes  in  gloom  and  sorrow.  Sir 
Walter  Scott  thus  gives  his  dirge  of  life.  Refemng  to  his  de- 
parture from  Abbofcsford,  he  writes  : — "  When  I  think  what  this 
place  now  is,  and  what  it  has  been  not  long  ago.  I  think  my  heart 
will  break.  .  .  .  Some  new  object  of  complaint  comes  every 
moment ;  sicknesses  come  thicker  and  thicker  :  friends  are  fewer 
and  fewer.  The  recollection  of  youth,  health,  and  powers  of 
activity,  neither  improved  nor  enjoyed,  is  a  poor  strain  of  comfort. 
The  bast  is,  the  long  halt  will  arrive  at  length  and  close  all." 
"  Save  me  from  the  horrors  of  a  gaol."  were  almost  the  dying 
words  of  the  poet  Burns.  Campbell,  who  wrote  'i  he  Pleasures  of 
Hope,  speaks  in  this  melanclioly  strain  : — "  I  am  alone  in  the 
world.  My  wife  and  the  child  of  my  hopes  are  dead.  My  only 
surviving  child  is  consigned  to  a  living  tomb, —  a  lunatic  asylum. 
M/  last  hop 33  are  blighted.  As  for  fame,  it  is  a  bubble  that 
must  soon  burst.  Earned  for  others,  shared  with  others,  it  was 
sweet ;  but  at  my  age,  to  my  own  solitary  experience,  it  is  bitter. 
Left  in  my  chamber  alone  with  myself,  is  it  wonderful  my 
philosophy  at  times  takes  flight ;  that  I  rush  into  company  ; 
resort  to  that  which  blunts  but  heals  no  pang ;  and  then,  sick  of 
the  world  and  dissatisfied  with  myself,  shrink  back  into  solitude  ?  " 
Poor  Campbell  1   What  a  change  would  have  passed  over  him  if  he 


Goil  of  nature, 
Jehovah  the  God 
of  tlie  covenant. 

V.  13.  ,S'.  Swith, 
2m;R.H.Froude, 
ii.  14. 


a  Ho.  xii.  1. 
0  •■  Man  cannot 
altrr  what  is  (ap- 
[.ari'iitly)  uunist 
in  God's  arraiipe- 
ni  e  n  t  of  t  li  e 
world,  nor  make 
or  regard  its 
failures  perfeet  ; 
hemmed  in  with- 
in tlie  narrow 
limits  of  the 
wfirld  as  it  is 
Constituted,  lie  is 
not  able  to  per- 
form the  most 
important  thing 
that  he  above  all 
things  should  ba 
able  to  do."  — 
nUziq. 
Eg.  vii.  13. 
!'.  14.  Bp.  Eey- 
?inl<h,  i.  1  ;  /-•. 
Skdion,  iii.  319  ; 
Dr.  S.  Jc/insun,  i. 
215  ;  5.  Smilli.  ii. 
111. 

v.  15.    A   Fuller, 
675. 

c  Dr.  R.  Xetelon. 
Look  at  the  con- 
volvulus. The 
delicate  -  looking 
flower,  with  a 
slender  stalk  that 
loves  to  climb  up 
very  high,  should 
suggest  to  us 
how  weak  and 
feeble  man 
should  forget 
those  tilings  t);at 
are  beneath,  and 
aspire  after  a 
crown  of  glory. 
"  Life  is  con- 
tracted within  a 
narrow  and  bar- 
ren circle,  year 
after  year  steals 
somevhat  away 
from  their  store 
of  comfort,  de- 
prives them  of 
some  of  their 
Eincient  friends, 
blunts  some  of 
their  power  of 
sensation,  or  in- 
capacilates  them 
for-'  mc function 
of  iXK^.'—Jilair. 


302 


ECCLESrA.^TES. 


[Cap.  1. 16-ia 


d  Bulloek. 

a  lilt,  vaunting 
extravagance. 

ft  "  We  become 
more  sensible  of 
our  ignorance 
and  impotence, 
and,  tlierefore, 
sorrowful,  in  pro- 
portion as  we  dis- 
cover more  of  the 
constitution  of 
nature,  and  tlie 
sclieme  of  provi- 
dence in  the  go- 
rernmeut  of  tlie 
world ;  every  dis- 
covery serving  to 
convince  us  tliat 
more  remains 
concealed  of  wh. 
■we  liad  no  sus- 
picion before." — 
Bp.  BiiUer. 

Ec.  xii.  12  ;  1  Co. 
iii.  18—20. 

"  The  deeper  our 
vision  the  more 
clearly  we  per- 
ceive the  imper- 
fections among 
the  children  of 
men,  and  that 
usually  producHS 
unrest  in  tlie 
miud." — Hansen. 

vv.  16,  17.  ifas- 
aillon,  xiv.  182. 

vr.  17, 18.  A.  Ful- 
ler, 346. 

V.  18  Bp.  Wit  kins, 
165;  Dr.  fl.S.it'/i. 
ix.2.5);  It.Ful.l.'s. 
iii.  2ii2  ;  T.  Bul- 
guy,  i.  18. 

"  Yet  true  re- 
nown is  St  11  with 
virtue  join'd,  but 
lu,-t  of  power  lets 
loo<e  the  bridled 
mind  ;  the  blast 
w'lich  his  am- 
bitious spirit 
swell 'd,  see  by 
how  weak  a  te- 
niiri:  it  was  held. 
If  glory  was  a 
b.iit  that  angl■l.^ 
nwaUow'd,     bow 


had  exchanged  his  philosophy  for  Christianity, — if  he  had  known 
the  pleasures  of  Christian  hope, — if,  in  the  reali-sed  presence  of 
the  invisible  Jesus,  and  His  unutterable  sympathy,  he  had  found 
'•  the  balm  of  Gilead,"  to  heal,  not  to  blunt,  the  pangs  of  hia 
wounded  spirit  1 "  "^ 

16—18.  (16)  communed,  entered  into  counsel  with  myself, 
great  estate,  riches,  and  influence,  more  .  .  Jerusalem,  re- 
ferring either  to  the  Canaanite  kings  who  in  early  times  reigned 
in  Jerusalem  ;  or  more  prob.  to  the  priests,  judges,  and  two 
previous  kings.  The  expression  should  be  taken  generally, 
experience,  the  knowledge  was  not  merely  theoretic.  (17) 
madness"  and  folly,  things  in  wh.  ma»iy  men  appear  to  find 
satisfaction.  He  wanted  his  experiences  to  include  all  sides  of 
human  life.  (18)  much,  grief/  German  i^rov.,  "  Much  wisdom 
causeth  headache." 

The.  hll^s  of  ignorance  and  folly  of  nnsdorrt  (v.  18). — I.  The  more 
one  knows  of  himself,  the  more  sad  h<5  will  be  at  his  sinfulness. 
II.  Or  of  God,  the  more  sad  that  he  began  to  serve  Him  so  late, 
and  has  served  Him  so  poorly.  III.  Or  of  the  world,  the  more 
sad  that  its  conquest  by  science  should  be  so  slow.  IV.  But  the 
opposite  is  also  true,  that  with  increase  of  knowledge  comes 
increase  of  joy.  V.  And  the  joy  outweighs  the  grief.  VI.  The 
greatest  joy  of  all  is  to  know  God,  and  Jesus  whom  He  has 
sent. 

[/.•ies  of  BooJi  of  Ec cl ('slant eii. — Dr.  Hamilton  said  that  truly  the 
Book  of  Ecclesiastes  has  a  special  bearing  upon  the  time  of 
restlessness  and  revolution — a  time  when  years  bring  about  a 
series  of  changes  for  which  decades  or  centuries  would  have  been 
required  in  former  periods  of  the  earth's  history.  Through  all,  it 
is  still  true  that  life  is  as  full  of  labour  as  ever  ;  machinery  and 
modern  science  have  in  many  instances  given  to  man's  work  a 
new  bias  and  direction,  yet  they  have  done  little  to  lighten  the 
burden,  since  with  fre.sh  accessions  of  knowledge  new  exigencies 
arise.  And  there  come  moments  in  the  history  of  the  thoughtful 
and  sensitive  when,  instead  of  being  stimulated  by  the  rush  and 
whirl  of  modern  life,  they  are  almost  ready  to  shrink  within 
themselves,  or  drop  their  tools  from  their  slack  and  nerveless 
arms.  How  can  they  play  their  part  satisfactorily  in  an  era  so 
exacting  and  iron-like  as  this  .'  Or,  listening  to  the  sullen  grind- 
ing of  some  mighty  engine,  which,  heedless  of  day  or  night, 
works  on  unresting,  they  think,  "  What  a  puny  and  intermittent 
crja^ure  is  man  as  compared  with  the  machine  human  skill  has 
devised  !  "  And  they  almost  doubt  the  superiority  of  mind  over 
matter,  since  it  is  the  sympathetic  nature  of  mind  that  makes  so 
often  the  burdens  of  life  press  heavily.  Th3  philosopher  rubs 
his  chin,  and  preaches  the  "  gospel  of  labour,"  or  tells  us  of  its 
dignity,  yet  this  helps  us  little  ;  only  when  we  look  skyward 
does  the  load  cease  to  weary.  Then  do  we  realise  that  it  is  the 
will  of  God  that  labour  should  succeed  labour  in  the  lives  of 
most, — each,  besides  its  immediate  object,  tending  towards  some 
final  goal.  Even  pagans  thought  that  "  there  must  be  an  end,  to 
which  all  other  ends  are  means  ; "  and  if  we  ask  Aristotle  what 
he  supposes  this  to  bo,  he  vaguely  ansv.ers,  "  Happiness."  But 
whose  ?  nnd  how  realised  .'  To  the  Christian  work,  r,  however, 
it  is  infallibly  secured,  for  it  dtpcnd  not  ujion  himself,  not  upon 
the  (plant tiVi  of  labour  performed,  but  it*  eecured  by  God's  promise, 


Cap.  ii.  1— 6.j 


ECCLESIASTES. 


303 


which  faith  accepts.  Whether  we  accomplish  much  or  little  is  i  *'',?^,*'"i"''^  ^"j"'* 
not  a  matter  of  indifference  :  still,  we  need  not  vex  ourselves  if  resist  it  ?°'—Z)/y* 
in  the  general  fulness  of  labour  ^jarur  share  looks  poor,  so  that  it 
be  done  unto  God. 


CHAPTER  THE  SECOND. 

1 — 3.  (1)  I  said,  etc.,  commencing  a  new  section,  in  wh. 
Sol.  relates  his  experience  in  using  his  rlchcx  to  procure  satisfac- 
tion, prove  thee,  test  or  try  thee."  mirth,  that  kind  of 
self-indvilgence  which  excites  mirth  :  the  pleasures  of  gay  and 
merry  society,  etc.*  (2)  laughter,  the  unrestrained  checrful- 
uess  attending  sensual  enjoyment,  mad,  it  puts  men  beside 
themselves,  out  of  their  own  self-control.  (3)  unto  wine,  or 
the  pleasures  of  the  table,  rich  feasting  and  abundant  drinking, 
acquainting,  etc.,''  not  abandoning  himself  to  indulgence,  but 
carefully  observing  its  influence  upon  him.  But  he  became  the 
victim  of  his  dangerous  expei'iments. 

The  (Irunhard's  cn/irrrKion.—An  aged  Christian  gave  a  visitor 
of  the  poor  the  following  account  of  his  conversion.  He  said 
that  previous  to  the  Lord's  meeting  with  him  he  was  a  notori- 
ously wicked  character,  and  among  many  other  vices  he  was 
much  addicted  to  drinking  to  excess.  On  a  certain  occasion  he 
had  what  he  termed  "broken  out,"  and  had  been  in  a  state  of 
intoxication  for.  I  think  he  said,  a  fortnight.  When  the  effects 
of  the  liquor  left  him,  and  he  bfgan  to  come  to  himself,  his 
spirits  sank  unusually  low,  and  guilt  and  remorse  preyed  on  his 
mind  so  much  that  he  was  driven  to  despair,  and  felt  himself  so 
miserable  that  he  determined  on  the  rash  act  of  putting  an  end 
to  his  existence.  He  accordingly  procured  a  rope  to  hang  him- 
self. At  that  time  his  wife,  who  was  a  truly  pious  woman,  was 
at  chapel.  A  thought  came  into  his  mind  that  he  should  like  his 
wife  to  know  his  fate  soon  after  he  was  dead.  This  induced  him 
to  go  round  the  back  of  the  chapel  to  seek  for  a  convenient  place 
to  commit  the  fatal  deed,  expecting  that  when  the  congregation 
came  out  he  should  be  found  dead,  and  that  his  wife  would  be 
informed.  When  passing  the  back  of  the  chapel,  with  the  rope 
in  his  pocket,  the  sound  of  the  minister's  voice  caught  his  ear, 
and  induced  him  to  go  and  look  in  at  the  door.  At  the  instant 
the  minister  was  preaching  in  a  very  animated  manner  on  the 
efficacy  of  the  blood  of  Christ  to  cleanse  the  guilty  conscience, 
stated  that  the  Saviour  was  able  and  willing  to  save  the  vilest 
rebels,  and  then  gave  a  most  pressing  invitation  to  the  chief  of 
sinners,  saying — 

'•  Come  and  welcome,  come  and  welcome, 
All  that  feel  your  need  of  Him." 
These  and  similar  sentences  so  penetrated  his  heart  that  they 
produced  feelings  which  are  easier  conceived  than  described. 
When  the  service  was  over  he  went  home,  fell  on  his  knees,  and 
cried  for  mercy.  His  wife  was  astonii^hed  at  first  at  the  won- 
derful change  ;  but,  on  inquiry,  she  found  the  Lord  had  answered 
her  prayer  in  behalf  of  her  husband. 

4 — 6.  (4,  5)  gardens,  etc.,  paradises,  parks,  or  pleasure- 
gardens."  (6)  pools,  "the  so-called  Solomon's  piools  lie  S.  of 
Bethlehem,  upon  the  usual  route  from  Hebron  to  Jerusalem,  and 


n  I  will  try  whe- 
ther thou  wilt 
feel  contented 
and  happ.v  in  this 
new  object  of  thy 
experience,  viz., 
in  cheerful  sen- 
sual enjoyment. 

ft  "  Mirth  is  the 
entertainment  of 
the  fancy,  and 
though  it  conies 
short  of  the  solid 
delights  of  the 
rational  powers, 
yet  it  is  to  be 
preferred  before 
those  that  are 
merely  carnal  and 
sensual.  Some 
distinguish  man 
from  the  brutes, 
not  only  as  rt?ii- 
mn/  ralionii/e,  a 
rational  animal, 
but  as  animiil  ri- 
.fibile,  a  laughing 
animal."  —  MaU 
Henry. 

c  "  He  acted  not 
as  a  sensual 
voluptuary,  t)ut 
ratlieras  a  philo- 
sophical experi- 
mental i  St." — 
Wordstcorth. 

V.\.  Dr. A. Mary- 
land, ii.  49 ;  T. 
Niirman.  i.  99 ; 
Dr.  F.  Francklin, 
iii.  47;  S.  Smith, 
i.  403. 

r.  2.  T.  Hunier, 
ii.  307;  J.  Mar- 
riott, 323. 

r.  3.  Dr.  J.  Orr, 
i.  38  ;  Dr.  C.  Uiu- 
sey,  265. 


a  "  There  was, 
about  50  stadia 
from  .Terusalem, 
a   certain   place 


304 


ECCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  il.  7-9. 


called  Ethan, 
very  pleasant  in 
fine  gardens,  and 
abounding  in 
rivulets  of  water, 
whither  he  (So- 
lomon) was  wont 
to  go  every  morn- 
ing, sitting  on 
higii  in  his  cha- 
riot."— Josephus. 

b  Kilto. 

"  The  first  pool  is 
S82  l)y  2u7  and  50 
feet  deep  ;  the  se- 
cond is  423  by 
250  and  39  deep ; 
the  third  is  380 
by  236  and  25 
deep.  Allot  them, 
however,  are 
considerably  nar- 
rower at  the  up- 
per end."  —  A'u- 
binson. 

vv.  4,    8.    J.    a 

Dieteric,  Antiq. 
527. 

c  H.  Eaton. 


a  Comp.  Ezr.  ii. 
65,  58. 

"On  account  of 
their  natural  fi- 
delity, slaves 
born  in  the  house 
were  regarded  as 
a  very  valuable 
possession."  —  0. 
Zockler. 

b  2  Sa.  xix.  35. 
c  W.  Aniot. 
"  Lowliness  is 
young  ambition's 
ladder,  whereto 
the  climber  up- 
ward turns  liis 
face  ;  but  wlien 
he  once  obtains 
the  utmost 
round,  he  then 
unto  the  ladder 
turns  his  back, 
looks  in  the 
clouds,  scorning 
the  base  degrees 
by  wliich  he  did 
ascend." — Hhake- 
speare. 

"  Life,like  a  dome 
of  many-coloured 
glass,  stains  the 
white  radiance  of 
et>a-nity."— ^/d- 

i4r 


about  six  miles  from  the  Holy  City."*  An  adjoining  hill  still 
bears  the  name  of  the  "  Little  Paradise." 

A peojjh's park  {vv.  5,  (i). — I.  We  are  struck  with  its  extent: 
so  the  Scriptures  are  long'  and  broad,  and  well  laid  out.  II.  Like 
the  Bible  in  the  variety  here  witnessed  :  trees,  flowers,  streams, 
etc.  III.  Open  to  all :  so  is  the  Bible.  IV.  Marked  by  order 
and  obedience  to  law  :  law  in  beauty  and  utility.  \ . "  The  chief 
glory  is  the  river  that  flows  through  it.' 

Pooh  (if  Salomon. — '•  If,"  says  Dean  Stanley,  "  Hebron  and 
Bethlehem  are  special  memorials  of  David,  there  is  one  spot 
between  the  two  which  calls  to  mind  in  a  lively  form  the  works 
of  the  peaceful  reign  which  succeeded.  In  the  long  green  vale 
of  Urtas,  unusually  green  amongst  the  rocky  knolls  of  Judtea. 
Solomon  '  planted  him  vineyards  and  made  him  gardens  and  a 
"  paradise,"  and  planted  trees  in  them  of  all  kinds  of  fruits,  and 
made  him  reservoirs  of  water,  to  water  therewith  the  wood  that 
bringeth  forth  trees.'  From  these  gardens  came,  in  part  at  least, 
the  imagery  of  the  Canticles  ;  and  in  these,  probably  more  than 
anywhere  else,  the  wise  king  cultivated  his  knowledge  of  trees, 
from  the  transplanted  cedar  to  the  native  hyssop.  The  great 
reservoirs  still  remain  ;  and  the  huge  square  hill  in  its  neigh- 
bourhood, by  Europeans  called  •  the  Frank  Mountain,'  is  known 
to  the  Arabs  only  as  the  •  Jebel  el  Fiu-eidis,'  the  •  Mountain  of 
the  Little  Paradise,'  evidently  from  its  vicinity  to  the  gardens  of 
the  Wady  Urtas,  which  in  the  lament  of  Solomon  are  expressly 
called  by  this  very  name." 

7 — 9.  (7)  got,  or  bought :  distinguished  fr.  those  bom  in  the 
house."  great  and  small,  or  oxen  and  sheep,  all .  .  before 
me,  comp.  Davids  flocks  and  herds  (1  Chro.  xxvii.  21),  31).  (8) 
peculiar  treasure,  that  for  wh.  each  district  or  kingdom  was 
specially  famous.  This  was  offered  to  Sol.  as  gift,  or  paid  as 
tribute,  singers,  the  common  luxury  of  Eastern  courts.* 
They  sang  and  played  whil-st  the  guests  were  at  the  table.  (9) 
my  wisdom,  power  to  observe  and  philosophise  about  it  all : 
see  V.  3. 

Earth's  trea.wre.<i  iin.<tofi.if>/i>itj. — A  ship,  bearing  a  hundred 
emigrants,  has  been  driven  from  her  course  and  wrecked  on  a 
desert  island,  far  from  the  tracks  of  man.  There  is  no  way  of 
escape  ;  but  there  are  means  of  subsistence.  An  ocean  unvisitcd 
by  ordinary  voyagers  circles  round  their  prison  :  but  they  have 
seed,  with  a  rich  soil  to  receive,  and  a  genial  climate  to  ripen  it. 
Ere  any  plan  has  been  laid,  or  any  operations  begun,  an  explor- 
ing party  returns  to  head-quarters,  reporting  the  discovery  of  a 
gold  mine.  Thither  instantly  the  whole  party  resort  to  dig. 
They  labour  successfully,  day  by  day,  and  month  after  month. 
They  acquire  and  accumulate  large  heaps  of  gold.  But  ppring  is 
past,  and  not  a  field  has  been  cleared,  nor  a  grain  of  f  5od  com- 
mitted to  the  ground.  The  summer  comes,  a.id  thrir  wealth 
increases  ;  but  the  store  of  food  is  small.  In  harvest  they  begin 
to  discover  that  their  heaps  of  gold  are  worthless.  ■\Mien  famine 
stares  them  in  the  face,  a  suspicion  shoots  across  their  fainting 
hearts  that  the  gold  has  cheated  them.  They  rush  to  the  woods, 
fell  the  trees,  dig  the  roots,  till  the  ground,  sow  the  seed.  It  is 
too  late  !  Winter  has  come  ;  and  their  seed  rots  in  the  ground. 
They  die  of  want  in  the  midst  of  their  treasures.  This  earth  is 
the  little  isle,  eternity  the  ocean  round  it  ;  on  this  shore  we  have 


Cap.  ii.  10-14.1 


ECCLESIASTES. 


305 


been  cast.  There  is  a  living  seed,  but  gold  mines  attract  us  :  we  |  "  Thriftless  am- 
epend  spring  and  summer  there,  winter  overtakes  us  toiling  j  ^'*\°"'  t'lat  win 
there,  destitute  of  the  bread  of  life,  forgetting  that  we  ought  to  '  o  w  n  ""^l  i  f '"'s 
"  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  His  righteousness  ;  and  all  ,  means."—  Shake- 
these  things  shall  be  added  unto  us.""  speare. 


10,  11.  (10)  whatsoever,  etc.,  he  never  had  the  pain  of 
restriction  and  limitation  ;  he  had  no  wish  ungratified.  my 
portion,'*  this  temporary  joy  and  rejoicing  was  all  the  portion 
he  gained,  and  he  felt  that  it  was  not  worth  the  labour.  (11) 
no  profit,  no  permanent  satisfying  profit.* 

Lore  not  the  norld  (r.  11). — This  passage  suggests  to  us — I. 
The  habit  of  men  in  pursuing  worldly  objects.  II.  The  evils  by 
which  worldly  objects  are  pursued  and  invariably  attended.  III. 
The  vast  importance  of  turning  our  attention  from  worldly 
objects  and  of  seeking  the  attainment  of  far  higher  blessings.* 

^'orldlj/  tilings  Kiimtisfy'ing. — The  ivorm  at  the  core. — There 
was  a  rich  man  at  the  court  of  King  Herod ;  he  was  his  high 
chamberlain,  and  was  clothed  in  costly  apparel,  and  lived  in  the 
greatest  state  and  magnificence.  And  there  came  to  him  from 
distant  lands  a  friend  of  his  youth,  whom  he  had  not  seen  for 
many  years.  Anxious  to  do  him  honour,  the  high  chamberlain 
made  a  great  feast,  and  invited  all  his  friends.  The  tables  were 
laden  with  the  most  delicate  viands  on  dishes  of  gold  and  silver. 
and  many  costly  vessels  filled  with  wines  of  all  kinds.  The  rich 
man  sat  at  the  head  of  his  table  ;  on  his  right  hand  sat  the  friend 
who  had  come  from  distant  lands  ;  and  they  ate,  and  drank,  and 
were  satisfied.  Then  said  the  stranger  to  the  king's  high  cham- 
berlain, "  I  have  never  seen  such  magnificence  as  this  in  my 
native  land."  And  he  praised  all  he  saw,  and  esteemed  his 
friend  the  happiest  of  men.  But  the  rich  man,  the  king's 
high  chamberlain,  took  an  apple  from  off  a  golden  dish ;  the  j 
apple  was  large  and  smooth,  and  rosy  as  the  cheek  of  a  sleeping 
infant ;  and  as  he  handed  it  to  his  friend  he  said,  ''  Behold  this 
apple,  it  lay  upon  a  golden  dish,  and  it  is  lovely  to  look  upon." 
And  the  stranger,  the  friend  of  his  youth,  took  the  apple  and  cut 
it  through  ;  but,  alas  !  at  its  core  was  a  worm  I  Then  the  stranger 
gave  a  glance  towards  his  host.  But  the  high  chamberlain 
looked  down  and  sighed.* 

12—14.  (12)  after  the  king,  the  meaning  prob.  is,  that  no 
man  can  hereafter  have  so  good  an  opportunity  of  testing  what 
power  there  is  in  so-called  earthly  good  to  satisfy  the  soul."  He 
is  about  to  give  what  may  seem  to  many  a  surprising  conclusion, 
BO  he  reaffirms  his  peculiar  fitness  to  give  such  a  judgment.  (13) 
■wisdom  .  .  folly,  this  is  his  conclusion.  "V\^isdom  restrains 
pleasure  so  as  to  make  it  serve  good  uses,  but  folly  yields  to  plea- 
sure, and  is  ensnared  and  degraded  thereby.*  (14)  in  his  head," 
so  that  he  may  use  them,  darkness,  the  dimness  brought  on  by 
self-indulgences,     one  event,  death. 

Eye.'i  and  no  eyes. — The  Russian  proverb  says  of  the  non-obser- 
vant man,  "He  goes  through  the  forest  and  sees  no  firewood." 
Dr.  Johnson  once  said,  '■  Some  men  wUl  leam  more  in  the 
Hampstead  stage  than  others  in  the  tour  of  Europe."  Sir 
Isambard  Brunei  took  his  first  lessons  in  forming  the  Thames 
Tunnel  from  the  tiny  ship-worm.  He  saw  how  the  little  crea- 
ture  perforated  the  wood  with  its  well-armed  head,  first  ii  one 

VOL.  vn.    O.T.  u 


a  lliy  profit,  my 
advantage. 

J  1  Ti.  vi.  6—11  ; 
1  Jno.  u.  15—17. 

V.  11.  Ahp.  Sharp, 
vi.  283. 

6  J.  Parsotu. 

"  When  Garrick 
sbowed  Dr.  .Jubn- 
son  liis  fine  house, 
garilens,  statues, 
pictures,  etc.,  at 
Hampton  Court, 
what  ideas  did 
the}'  awalien  in 
the  mind  of  th.at 
great  man  ?  In- 
steail  of  a  flatter- 
ing compliment 
that  was  expect- 
ed, '  Ah  1  David 
David  1 '  said  tlie 
Doctor, 'these  are 
tlie  things  wliich 
make  a  death- 
bed terrible  I' " — 
J.  Whitecross. 

"A  man's  life  Is 
an  appendix  to 
his  heart."— 
South. 

c  Br.  Krumma- 
Cher, 


a  "  What  is  any 
man  that  in  tbis 
study  of  wisdom 
and  folly  shall 
come  after  me, 
who  from  my 
position  have  h,ad 
such  peculiar  ad- 
vantages for  car- 
rying it  on  ? 
Ihat  which  man 
did  of  old  he  can 
but  do  again  ;  he 
is  not  likely  to 
add  to  the  rei^ult 
of  my  researches, 
nor  even  to  equal 
them."-.S/'i.  dnn. 
b  "  The  real 
strengtli  of  Ufa 
is  in  wisdom 
alone,  whilat  folly 


306 


ECCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  il.  15-23, 


js  vain,  empty, 
anil  unsubstan- 
tial."— Elster. 

"  The  baffled  trial 
noeils  not  be  re- 
peated. "  —  Mat. 
Ilenyg. 

e  Tlie  eyes  of  his 
understanding. 

d  S.  Smiles. 

a  Comp.  1  Co.  xr. 
30  ;  Ga.  v.  11. 

V.  17.  Saurin,  T. 
Wi;  L.Booker M- 
"In  thejniorning 
we  carry  the 
world  like  Atlas; 
at  noon  we  stoop 
and  bend  beneath 
It ;  and  at  night 
it  crushes  us  flat 
to  the  ground." — 
Beeclier. 

6  W.  Steven*. 


a  "  One  hope 
alone  was  left  to 
the  disappointed 
worldling,  the 
perpetuation  of 
his  name  and 
riches,  labor- 
iously gatliereti, 
through  his  suc- 
cessoT."—Fuusset. 

b  Ps.  xxxix.  6. 

V.  20.  T.  Emlyn, 
ill.  87. 

e  W.  Clift. 

"  Worldly  riches 
are  like  nuts : 
many  clothes  are 
torn  in  gettintr 
them,  many  a 
tooth  broke  in 
cracking  them, 
but  never  a  belly 
filled  with  eating 
them."  -Venning. 

d  Dr.  Cheecer. 


a  Kqnity  is  right 
consideration  of 
tlie  claims  of 
others,  and  the 
harmonious  ail- 
j'lsfmentof  tliem 
with  our  own 
claims.    Or,  it  is 


direction  and  then  in  another,  till  the  archway  was  complete, 
and  then  daubing  over  thereof  and  sides  with  a  kind  of  varnish  ; 
and  by  copying  this  work  exactly,  on  a  large  scale,  Brunei  wa« 
at  length  enabled  to  accomplish  the  work."* — Zral  atid  2}>'f'fft'ncp. 
— The  late  Rev.  Charles  Simeon  thus  aptly  illustrates  zeal  and 
prudence  : — Two  ships  were  aground  at  London  Bridge.  The 
proprietors  of  one  sent  for  a  hundred  horses,  and  pulled  it  to 
pieces  :  the  proprietors  of  the  other  waited  for  the  tide,  and  with 
sails  and  rudder  directed  it  as  they  pleased. 

15-17.  (1.5)  "wliy  .  .  wise?  Seeing  I  shall  not  live  to  reap 
the  fruits  of  wisdom,  how  am  I  better  for  being  wise.'" 
vanity,  the  arrangement  that  the  wise  is  no  better  off  in  rela- 
tion to  death  than  the  fool.  (16)  no  remembrance,  no  per- 
petual memorial  of  those  who  have  lived  their  lives  prudently. 
Sol.  here  speaks  in  a  very  sad  and  melancholy  frame.  The  light 
of  eternity  puts  meaning  and  solemnity  on  our  present  life,  as 
the  fool,  sec  2  Sa.  iii.  83  ;  Ps.  xlix.  10.  (17)  hated  life,  he 
felt  weary  of  life  wh.  had  so  little  real  result  and  fruitage.  The 
term  used  indicates  disgust,  weariness,  antipathy. 

Disgust  n-ith  life  (r.  17). — I.  Rid  the  text  of  several  false 
meanings  which  it  may  seem  at  first  sight  to  countenance. 
We  may  be  disgusted  with  life — 1.  Through  melancholy  ;  2. 
Misanthropy  ;  3.  Discontent ;  4.  Ennui.  II.  Proceed  to  justify 
the  sense  given.* 

18—20.  (18)  man  .  .  after  me,  Sol.  could  not  retain  what  he 
might  gain.  The  fruit  of  his  labours  another  would  reap.  But 
we  need  not  regard  this  fact  in  so  melancholy  a  way."  (19) 
wise,  to  make  good  use  of  it.  a  fool,*  to  squander  it  all  away. 
So  often  the  sons  of  the  rich  scatter,  in  frivolities,  all  that  the 
parents  have  laboriously  gathered.  Sol.  evidently  had  little 
pleasure  in  his  son  Rehoboam.  (20)  despair  of  all,  he  could 
get  satisfaction  out  of  nothing  which  his  riches  could  procure. 

FuUji  of  uiiu/.tsinij  wcdUh  for  children  (rr.  18,  I'J). — I.  It  takes 
from  chiklren  the  expectation  and  the  purpose  to  succeed  in  life 
by  their  own  efforts.  II.  It  deprives  children  of  the  education 
and  discipline  of  self-reliance.  III.  It  educates  children  in  the 
radical  error  that  they  are  not  to  do  service  in  the  world,  but  are 
to  be  served.  IV.  It  brings  evil  to  parents  as  well  as  childi'en. 
V.  Society  suffers  from  this  evil,  as,  in  consequence  of  it,  it  is 
deprived,  in  a  great  measure,  of  the  active  services  of  the  children 
of  the  rich.  VI.  This  evil  prevents  united  effort  among  the 
rich  for  the  indu.«';rial  welfare  of  the  community  in  which  they 
live.*^ 

T/w  rich  man's  heir. — An  old  woman,  who  showed  the  house 
and  pictures  at  Towcester.  expressed  herself  in  these  remarkable 
words  : — "  That  is  Sir  Robei-t  Farmer  ;  he  lived  in  the  country, 
took  care  of  his  estate,  built  this  house,  and  paid  for  it ;  managed 
well,  saved  money,  and  died  rich.  That  is  his  son.  He  was 
made  a  lord,  took  a  place  at  court,  spent  his  estate,  and  died  a 
beggar  ! "  A  very  concise  but  full  account,  and  fraught  with  a 
valuable  moral  lesson.  "  He  layeth  up  riches,  and  knoweth  not 
who  shall  gather  them."'' 

21 — 23.  (21)  in  equity,"  or  Heb.  may  mean,  n-ifh  .luceesg : 
but  the  ordinary  sense  of  equity,  as  social  right,  is  etjually  suit- 
able,   not  laboured,  therein,  it  seems  to  be  a  rule  of  life  that 


Cap.  ill.  1—4.) 


ECCLESIASTES. 


307 


Bome  are  to  gain,  and  others  are  to  spend.*  (22)  hath  man,  i.e. 
the  mail  him.self.  whose  life  is  so  brief  after  the  fruits  of  his  life- 
labours  are  won.  vexation,  worry  of  his  business  and  his 
strugg-le.  (23)  his  travail,  or  toil.  The  penalty  of  sin  is  not 
toil,  but  an.rious  toll,  toil  in  the  "sweat  of  the  face."  not 
rest  .  .  night,  the  planning  and  scheming  even  preventing 
sleep. 

Time. — Time,  like  a  long  flowing  stream,  makes  haste  into 
eternity,  and  is  for  ever  lost  and  swallowed  up  there  ;  and  while 
it  is  hastening  to  its  period,  it  sweeps  away  all  things  with  it 
which  are  not  immortal.  There  is  a  limit  appointed  by  Provi- 
dence to  the  duration  of  all  the  pleasant  and  desirable  scenes  of 
life,  to  all  the  works  of  the  hands  of  men,  and  all  that  is  made 
of  flesh  and  blood.  Let  us  not  doat  upon  anything  here  below  ; 
for  heaven  hath  inscribed  "vanity"  upon  it.  The  moment  is 
hastening  when  the  decree  of  heaven  shall  be  uttered,  and 
Providence  shall  pronounce  upon  every  glory  of  the  earth,  "  Its 
time  shall  be  no  longer."* 

24—26.  (24)  nothing  "better,  etc.,  three  trans,  of  this  sen- 
tence have  been  suggested.  1.  Is  it  not  better  for  man  to  eat  ? " 
2.  There  is  no  happiness  for  the  man  who  eats.*  3.  There  is  no 
happiness  for  man  but  in  eating.''  eat,  etc.,  Sol.  suggests  that 
the  amount  of  pleasure  wh.  comes  immediately  out  of  the  eating 
and  the  working  is  all  a  man  may  hope  to  gain.''  (25)  more 
than  I,  as  a  rich  king  he  had  every  possible  delicacy  at  command. 
(26)  travail,  toil  with  anguish  in  it.  Toil  bringing  no  satis- 
fying food  to  the  toiler. 

The  use  of  appetite  (v.  24). — I.  Man  must  labour  in  order  to 
eat.  II.  He  must  eat  in  order  to  live.  III.  What  is  thus  a 
necessity,  is  also  a  pleasure.  IV.  The  pleasure  of  the  palate  a 
God-ordained  incentive  to  toil,  and  reward  of  it.  V.  All  this  is 
also  true  of  soul-nourishment.  "  Blessed  are  they  who  hunger," 
etc. 


CHAPTER  THE  THIRD. 

1 — 4.  (1)  season,  fitting  time,  or  more  exactly  here,  a  fixed 
and  limited  time."  (2)  be  born,  Heh.  to  bear.  Sol.  thus  im- 
pressively sets  forth  the  fickleness  and  mutability  of  everything 
on  earth.  (3)  to  kill,  judicially,  or  in  defensive  war.  (4) 
dance,  the  expression  of  gladness  and  rejoicing.'  Sol.  does  not 
here  assert  that  everything  is  predetermined,  and  so  teach  fat  >1- 
ism.  He  is  but  weary  with  the  ceaseless  and  orderly  change  fr. 
one  thing  to  its  opposite,  wh.  he  observes  all  around  him. 

A  time  to  die  (r.  2).— I.  It  is  the  time  of  parting— of  finally 
parting  with  our  dear  brother.  II.  This  is  a  season  of  weeping. 
III.  This  weeping,  parting  season  is  also  replete  with  instruction. 
1.  It  is  here  we  feel  that  our  nature  is  social  ;  2.  It  is  here  that 
we  learn  that  our  nature  is  mortal  ;  3.  It  is  here,  too,  that  we 
learn  that  our  nature  is  sinful  ;  4.  It  also  confirms  our  faith  in 
the  validity  and  value  of  our  common  Christianity.'' 

A  .sen.tonfor  everiftJiing.— At  a  festival  party  of  old  and  young 

the  question  was  asked,' "  ^^^lich  season  of  life  is  most  happy.'" 

After  being  freely  discussed  by  the  guests,  it  was  referred  for 

answer  to  the  host,  upon  whom  was  the  burden  of  fourscore 

U2 


giving  to  each 
liis  due  accord- 
ing to  the  sense 
of  natural  riglit. 
In  law  the  term 
is  iiiied  of  a  court 
wh.  decides  cases 
by  rcg.ard  to 
moral,  as  dis- 
tinguished from 
legal,  right  or 
claim. 

b  There  is  a  com- 
mon sa}-ing  in 
theNorth  of  Eng- 
land to  this 
effect,  "  The  first 
generation  buys 
the  carriage,  the 
second  rides  in 
the  carriage,  and 
the  third  pawns 
the  carriage." 
c  Dr.  Wads. 

a  Luther,    Vtiljf^ 

etc. 

b  Sfpttiagint,  Kno- 
bel,  etc. 

c  U.  ZocHer.  etc. 
d  "  To  eat  and 
drink,  and  let 
one's  soul  be 
merry,  is  the 
triad  of  sensual 
life,  wh.  is  some- 
times used,  in  a 
bad  sense,  of 
vicious  excess 
and  indulgence, 
and  again  in  a 
good  or  morally 
unprejudicial 
sense.' '-  O.Zockler. 


a  "  He  shows  that 
all  things  on 
earth  ebb  and 
flow  in  a  restless 
vicissitude,  and 
are  succeeded  by 
their  contraries, 
and  that  nothing 
under  the  heaven 
'  continueth  in 
one  stay,'  and 
that  it  is  only 
things  spiritual 
and  Divine  wh. 
are  not  affected 
by  the  mutations 
of  time.  "  —  St. 
Jerome. 

b  "There  is  no 
music  in  tlie  life 
that  sounds  with 
idiot  laughter 
solely  ;  there'g 
not  a  string  ab- 


308 


ECCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  ill  5-lS. 


tuned  to  mirth 
but  has  its  clionl 
in  melancholy." 
—Thos.  Ihwd. 

e  Studies  for  the 
Pulpit. 

d  Dr.  Adanu 


a  Isa.  V.  2,  Ixii. 
10. 

6  2  Sa.  i.  2,  11, 
etc. 

r».  1—8.  fJ.  Good- 
win, iii.  334. 

The  worldling  is 
like  the  himlcr 
wheel  of  a  carri- 
age, ever  follow- 
ing after  the 
front  wlieel  of 
happiness,  but 
never  overtaking 
it. 

C  S.  Stennett. 


a  "  After  review- 
ing the  works  of 
man  in  a  new 
liglit,  viz.,  as  I 
works  ordained  I 
by  God,  and  parts 
of  His  great  de- ' 
sign,  he  repeats 
his  question  as  in 
ch.  L  3."—Spk. 
Com. 

b  "  God  has  ar- 
ranged all  things 
beautifullyin  this 
life,  but  always 
only  'in  His 
time,'  always 
only  so  that  it  re- 
mains beautiful 
and  sood  for  man 
during  its  re- 
stricted time,  but 
after  tliat  be- 
comes an  evil  for 
him ;  therefore 
always  only  so  ■ 
tliat  the  glory  of  | 
this  e.irth  soon 
reaches  its  end." 
-  0.  ZOctU'i: 

a  "  The  vanity. 
thf>rpforf",  which 
belongs  to  all  hu- 


years.  He  asked  if  they  had  not  noticed  a  group  of  trees  before 
the  dwelling,  and  said  :  "  When  the  spring  comes,  and  in  the  soft 
air  the  buds  are  breaking  on  the  trees,  and  they  are  covered  with 
blossoms,  I  think,  How  beautiful  is  spring  !  And  when  summer 
comes,  and  covers  the  trees  with  its  heavy  foliage,  and  singing 
birds  are  all  among  the  branches,  I  think,  How  beautiful  is  sum- 
mer !  When  autumn  loads  them  with  golden  fruit,  and  their 
leaves  bear  the  gorgeous  tint  of  frost,  I  think.  How  beautiful  is 
autumn  !  And  when  it  is  sere  winter,  and  there  is  neither  foliage 
nor  fruit,  then  I  look  up,  and  through  the  leafless  branches — as  I 
could  never  until  now — I  see  the  stars  shine  through."  '^ 

5 — 8.  (5)  stones,  regarded  as  injuring  the  land,"  and  as 
material  for  building,  refrain,  or  be  far  from.  (6)  get,  seek, 
or  acquire.  (7)  rend,  as  in  seasons  of  mourning.*  (8)  hate, 
in  the  usual  Bible  sense,  wh.  we  can  only  express  by  "  loving 
less,"  or  '■  b^'ing  indifferent  to." 

The  time  fur  xpccch  (v.  7). — I.  "Wlien  one  has  something  to  say 
suited  to  the  hearer  and  the  occasion.  II.  When  one  is  unruffled 
in  temper  and  calm  in  mind.  III.  WTien  the  occasion  and  the 
audience  minister  the  opportunity.  IV.  No  time  but  is  fit  for 
the  speech  of  prayer. 

Time  for  all  titingn. — Time  is  the  gift  of  God,  a  boon  of  in- 
estimable value.  What  pity  it  should  be  abused  or  trifled  with  ! 
I  say  not  that  it  is  to  be  wholly  emploved  in  meditation  and 
devotion.  That  man  mistakes  religion  who.  under  a  notion  of 
exalted  piety,  turns  his  back  on  the  world,  and  retires  into 
obscurity.  There  is  a  time  for  everything  under  the  sun.  A 
time  for  prudent  consideration  about  our  tempoi'al  interests  :  a 
time  for  honest  labour,  to  procure  a  subsistence,  and  to  acquife  a 
competence  ;  a  time  for  food  and  sleep  :  a  time  for  recreation 
and  amusement.  We  may  enjoy  what  God  has  given  us,  as  well 
as  labour  for  it." 

9 — 11.  (9)  profit,  permanent  good  for  him=elf.  In  the  per- 
petual change  of  things,  there  is  nothing  lasting,  no  continuous 
happiness."  (10)  sons  of  men,  ///.  children  of  Adam.  See  Ge. 
iii.  17 — 19.  exercised,  and  so  cultured,  tried,  and  taught.  A 
sinful  world  had  better  be  a  travailling  world,  and  it  cannot  but 
be  a  troublous  world.  (11)  in  his  time,  within  His  limitations. 
On  these  words  rests  the  emphasis  of  the  verse. f"  world  .  . 
heart,  or  given  them  the  power  to  tJiiiik  ohoiif  the  world,  and 
God's  ways  with  it  and  them.  find  out,  fully,  or  perfectly. 
We  are  always  studying  to  know  more  of  God  ;  never  exhausting 
the  mysteries  of  creation  or  Providence. 

The  n-orhl  in  the  .wi/l  (r.  11). — I.  The  world  is  in  every  man's 
heart  as  a  mental  image.  II.  As  a  necess^fy  influence.  III.  As  a 
great  reality.  1.  The  character  of  the  material  world  is  to  a  man 
what  he  makes  of  it  :  2.  The  character  of  the  human  world  is  to 
man  what  he  makes  of  it ;  ,S.  The  character  of  the  god  of  the  world 
is  to  man  what  he  makes  of  it.  The  subject  teaches — (1)  The 
greatness  of  the  human  soul  :  (2)  The  duty  of  mental  modesty  ; 
3.  The  necessity  of  soul-culture  :  4.  The  nature  of  the  mUlenial 
glory  ;  5.  The  need  of  Divine  influence. 

12 — 15.  (12)  good,  profit,  r.  9.  Lasting,  satisfying  good, 
re.joice,  with  the  measure  of  present  joy  that  is  attainable,  do 
good,  Pb.  xxxiv.  15,  xxxvii.  3.    "Doing  good  is  a  principal  cou- 


Cap.  iii.  16-20.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


SG9 


dition  and  occupation  of  human  happiness."  (13)  eat,  etc.,  as 
ch.  ii.  24.  (14)  for  ever,^  in  the  sense  of  complete,  and  in- 
cluding continuous,  fear,  with  the  reverence  that  is  kin  with 
dependence.  (15)  that  .  .  been,  as  ch.  i.  9.  requireth.  .  . 
past,  or  seeketh  again  that  wh.  is  driven  away.*  Past  things 
are  not  lost.  In  the  Divine  order  they  are  sure  to  turn  up 
again. 

The  impotency  of  time  (v-  15). — This  language  will  apply — 1. 
To  all  the  elements  of  material  existence  ;  2.  To  all  the  steps  of 
mankind  :  3.  To  all  the  general  types  of  human  character  ;  4.  To 
all  the  principles  of  the  Divine  government  ;  5.  To  the  grand 
design  of  all  things  ;  6.  To  the  recollections  of  the  human 
memory  ;  7.  To  all  the  conditions  of  man's  well-being. 

16 — 18.  (16)  place  of  judgment,  seat  of  the  authorised 
judge,  wickedness,  the  special  wickedness  of  corrupt  decisions 
determined  by  bribes."  righteousness,  innocence  or  virtue,  as 
applied  to  the  individual  man.  (17)  God  shall  judge,  the 
Btrange  things  of  human  life  will  yet  one  day  be  Divinely 
rectified.*  time  there,  i.e.  with  God.  (18)  estate,  condition 
of  suffering  and  persecution.  It  has  its  gracious  purpose.  It 
reveals  men  to  themselves  and  makes  them  humble,  beasts, 
no  better  than  the  beasts  without  the  grace  of  Grod."  Not  the 
.  brutal  disposition  of  beasts,  but  their  subjection  to  the  rule  of 
death,  is  here  referred  to. 

Fvagmi'iits  of  tune. — As  in  money,  so  in  time,  we  are  to  look 
chiefly  to  the  smallest  portions.  Take  care  of  the  pence,  and  the 
pounds  will  take  care  of  themselves.  Take  care  of  the  minutes, 
and  the  hours  and  years  will  take  care  of  themselves.  Gold  is 
not  found  in  California  for  the  most  in  great  masses,  but  in 
little  grains.  It  is  sifted  out  of  the  sand  in  minute  particles, 
which,  melted  together,  produce  the  rich  ingots  that  excite  the 
world's  cupidity.  So  the  spare  pieces  of  time,  the  shreds,  the 
odds  and  ends  of  time  put  together,  may  form  a  very  great  and 
beautiful  work.  Hale  wrote  his  Contemplation.?  when  on  his 
circuits.  Dr.  Mason  Good  translated  Lucretius  in  his  carriage, 
while,  as  a  physician,  he  rode  from  door  to  door.  One  of  the 
chancellors  of  France  penned  a  bulky  volume  in  the  successive 
intervals  of  daily  waiting  for  dinner.  Doddridge  wrote  his 
£.rposition  chiefly  before  breakfast.  Kirke  White  studied 
Greek,  went  over  the  nouns  and  verbs,  as  he  was  going  to  and 
from  a  lawyer's  ofiice.  Burney  learned  French  and  Italian  while 
riding  on  horseback.  Franklin  laid  the  foundation  of  his 
wonderful  stock  of  knowledge  in  his  dinner  hours  and  evenings, 
while  working  as  a  printer's  boy.  In  the  Palace  of  Industry 
there  were  several  curious  specimens  of  art,  wrought  by  humble 
individuals  out  of  such  fragments  of  time  as  they  could  secure 
from  their  regular  occupations.  Oh,  the  preciousness  of  moments ! 
no  gold  or  gems  can  be  compared  to  them.  Yet  all  have  them  ; 
while  some  are  thereby  enriched  and  others  leave  themselves  in 
poverty.  The  wealth  of  time  is  like  gold  in  the  mine — like  the 
gem  in  the  pebble — like  the  diamond  in  the  deep.  The  mine 
must  be  worked — the  pebble  ground  and  polished — the  deep 
fathomed  and  searched.'' 

19,  20.  (19)  that,  viz.,  dcatn."  one  breath,  the  breathing 
of  the  air  is  the  common  sign  of  life  in  animals  and  in  man. 


man  and  earthly 
things,  is  not  of 
God ;  it  is  no 
part  of  His  work, 
but  is  a  conse- 
quence of  man's 
fa.\\."— Words- 
toorlh. 

b  "  The  meaning 
of  the  V.  is  tliat 
there  is  a  cuu- 
nection  between 
events  past,  pre- 
sent, an<l  future  ; 
and  this  connec- 
tion exists  in  the 
justice  of  God 
who  controls  all." 
—Spk.  Com. 


a  Ec.  v.  8. 

b  "  If  judgment 
instantly  fol- 
lowed every  sin, 
there  would  be 
no  scope  for  free- 
will, faith,  and 
perseverance  of 
saints  in  spit« 
of  difficulties."— 
Fausset. 

"  It  is  an  un- 
speakable com- 
fort to  the  op- 
pressed that  their 
cause  will  be 
heard  over 
a  gai  n." — Mat. 
Beniy. 

c  "  Every  man 
that  minds  his 
body  only,  and 
not  his  soul, 
makes  himself  no 
better  than  a 
brute,  and  must 
wish,  at  least,  to 
die  like  one." — 
Ibid. 

«."[&.  Dr.  A.Mark- 
land,  ii.  89. 

r.  17.  Dr.  J.  Bar- 
rojp,  V.  514  ;  Dr. 
J.  Leland,n.ZGh; 
Dr.  J.  Orysdale, 
U.  237. 

d  Dr.  Stoughton, 


a  Called  here,  by 
a  bold  metaphor, 
chance.    "For 


810 


ECCLESIASTE3. 


[Cap.lv.  1-3. 


chance  are  tlie 
sons  of  men,  ami 
chance  the 
boasts." 

"  That  is  saifl  to 
be  vain  which 
vanislieth." — Ar- 
rowsTtiith. 

"  tlncurbVl  am- 
bition, unresist- 
ing sloth,  ami 
base  (lepcndnnce, 
are  the  fiemls  ac- 
curst."— Mason. 

b  H.  Smith. 


a  So  LXX.,  Vulg., 
Eu-ald,  etc. 

5  A  further  sug- 
gestion is  that 
this  I',  is  a  re- 
flection on  how 
few  tliere  are 
wlio  consider  the 
(li  ilercnce  bet. 
the  future  of  man 
ami  beast,  and 
let  the  difference 
order  their  con- 
duct in  this  pre- 
sent life. 

c  E&  ii.  -4,  iii.  13 

V.  21.  Dr.  J.  Ed- 
XDdrdi,  110. 

This  li"e  is  I'ke 
on  inn,  in  which 
the  soul  spends  a 
few  moments  on 
its  journey. 

d  W.  Guest. 


n  "If  reli  pion 
■ivcre  not  taken 
into  account,  to 
die  as  ooon  as 
possible  would  be 
desirable,  so  as 
not  to  suffer,  or 
witness,  oppres- 
sions."— Faiissel. 

b  "  For  dreadfii 
is  tliat  gloomy 
vale ;  and  tlicii 
the  daik  descent 


no  preeminence,  in  respect  of  the  uncertainty  and  the  peril 

of  death.     The  expression  must  be  strictly  limited  to  its  con- 
nection.   Both  beast  and  man  are  "fortuities."    (20;  one  place, 
I  the  grave,     dust,  Ge.  iii.  I'J. 

[  Death. — Where  are  they  who  founded  this  goodly  city  ?  \\ho 
'  possessed  these  fair  houses,  and  walked  thes-;  pleasant  fii'lds.  who 
[  created  these  stately  temples,  who  kneeled  in  these  seats,  who 
!  preached  out  of  this  place,  but  thirty  years  agone  .'  Otir  fathers 
have  summoned  us.  and  we  must  summon  our  children  to  the 
grave.  While  we  play  our  pageants  upon  this  stage  of  short  con- 
tinuance, every  man  hath  a  part,  some  longer,  and  some  shorter  ; 
and  while  the  actors  are  at  it,  suddenly  Death  steps  upon  the 
stage,  like  a  hawk  which  separates  one  of  the  doves  from  the 
flight  ;  ho  shoo.s  his  dart,  where  it  lights  there  falls  one  of  the 
actors  dead  before  him,  and  makes  all  the  rest  stand  aghast : 
they  muse,  and  mourn,  and  bury  him,  and  then  to  the  sport 
again.* 

21,  22.  (21)  that  goeth,  or  perhaps  better.  n-Tirfher  it  goefh.* 
It  is  evidently  the  question  of  the  bitterly  .sceptical  man.  Some 
commentators  think  it  is  a  clear  declaration  of  the  difference  bet. 
the  future  of  the  spirit  of  man,  and  of  the  beast  :  but  this 
would  seem  to  be  putting  our  notions  into  the  Sacred  Word.* 
Of  the  future  of  the  spirit  of  beasts  nothing  whatever  has  been 
revealed  to  us.  (22)  rejoice,  Sol.  returns  from  consideration  of 
moral  mysteries  to  the  simple  but  poor  conclusion  he  has  already 
twice  reached."^ 

Cheerful  2)ief!/. — You  often  hear  of  the  Puritans,  and  this  has 
formed  our  adjective.  Puritanical.  I  imagine  there  is  a  good 
deal  of  mistake  about  the  Puritans  in  this  matter  of  recreations. 
I  can  scarcely  think  that  they  would  have  done  the  noble  work 
they  accomplished  had  they  been  the  kind  of  men  this  term 
includes.  We  are  certainly  told  of  John  Owen,  the  prince  of  the 
Puritans,  and  the  vice-chancellor  of  Oxford  University,  that  "  he 
delighted  in  manly  exercises,  in  leaping,  throwing  the  bar.  bell- 
ringing,  playing  the  flute,  and  similar  amusements."  These 
Puritans,  you  may  rely  upon  it.  were  far  more  genial  men  than 
their  enemies  represented.  It  is  the  little  nature  that  can  only 
be  grave;  it  is  the  little  nature  that  can  only  be  funny.  A. 
great  nature  has  room  in  his  sc/'j-l  for  both  the  serious  and  the 
pleasant.'' 


CHAPTER  THE  FOURTH. 

1 — 3.  (l)  oppressions,  violence  ;  refusals  of  justice  ;  govern- 
mental and  social  tyrannies,  no  comforter,  on  the  supposition 
that  this  present  life  was  oil  to  them.  God  is  the  comforter  of 
the  oppressed  :  but  apart  from  Him.  thc^ir  life-condition  seems 
hopeless."  (2)  praised  the  dead,*  as  .Job  iii.  1:5—21.  (3) 
not  yet  been,  the  unborn  :  a  vehement  expression,"^  to  be  treated 
as  a  strong  figure. 

Comfort  (r.  1 ). — I.  Men  have  need  of  sjTnpathy,  especially 
under  certain  circumstances.  II.  Here  is  a  sad  ense  supposed  ; 
the  oi)pressed  and  sad,  without  human  comfort.  III.  W<>  are  re- 
minded of  the  Divine  Father,— the  God  of  all  consolation.     IV. 


Cap.iv.  4— 6.1 


ECCLESIASTES. 


311 


And  of  the  words  of  Jesus, — "  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless.'' 
V.  And  of  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit, — the  Comforter. 

Enjoyment  of  the  coniforts  of  life. — Believe  me,  I  speak  it 
deliberately  and  with  full  conviction,  I  have  enjoyed  many  of 
the  comforts  of  life,  none  of  which  I  wish  to  esteem  lightly  : 
often  have  I  been  charmed  with  the  beauties  of  nature,  and 
refreshed  with  her  bountiful  gifts.  I  have  spent  many  an  hour 
in  sweet  meditation,  and  in  reading  the  most  valuable  productions 
of  the  wisest  men.  I  have  often  been  delighted  with  the  con- 
Tersation  of  ingenious,  sensible,  and  exalted  characters  :  my  eyes 
have  been  powerfully  attracted  by  the  finest  productions  of 
human  art,  and  my  ears  by  enchanting  melodies.  I  have  found 
pleasure  when  calling  into  activity  the  powers  of  my  own  mind, 
when  residing  in  my  own  native  land  or  travelling  through 
foreign  parts,  when  surrounded  by  large  and  splendid  com- 
panies— still  more,  when  moving  in  the  small  endearing  circle  of 
my  own  family  :  yet.  to  speak  the  truth  before  God,  who  is  my 
Judge,  I  must  confess  I  know  not  any  joy  that  is  so  dear  to  me. 
that  so  fully  satisfies  the  inmost  desires  of  my  mind,  that  so 
enlivens,  refines,  and  elevates  my  whole  nature,  as  that  which  I 
derive  from  religion,  from  faith  in  God  :  as  one  who  not  only  is 
the  parent  of  men,  but  has  condescended,  as  a  brother,  to  clothe 
Himself  with  our  nature.  Nothing  affords  me  greater  delight 
than  a  solid  hope  that  I  partake  of  His  favours,  and  rely  on  His 
never- failing  support  and  protection.  .  .  .  He,  who  has  been  so 
often  my  hope,  my  refuge,  my  confidence,  when  I  stood  upon  the 
brink  of  an  abyss,  where  I  could  not  move  one  step  forward  ;  He 
who,  in  answer  to  my  prayer,  has  helped  me  when  every  prospect 
of  help  vanished  ;  that  God  who  has  safely  conducted  me,  not 
merely  through  flowery  paths,  but  likewise  across  precipices  and 
burning  sands  :  may  this  God  be  thy  God,  thy  refuge,  thy  com- 
fort, as  He  has  been  mine.* 

4 — 6.  (4)  every  right  work,  i.e.  every  work  wh.  seems  right 
bee.  it  proves  successful.  Success  is  man's  imperfect  and  un- 
worthy test  of  right,  for  this,  i.e.  for  his  success."  So  ev§n 
men's  successes  are  not  all  blessing  to  them.  (5)  fool,  etc.,  as 
Pr.  vi.  10.  xxiv.  33.  eateth  .  .  flesh,  i.e.  "  he  is  a  self-tormentor, 
never  satisfied,  his  spirit  preying  on  itself."  *  (6)  handful,  lit. 
what  fills  the  hollow  of  a  hand,  quietness,  the  restfulness  of 
honest  labour,  both  hands,  or  fists  grasping  tightly.  Better 
take  this  ver.  as  an  answer  to  the  feverish  jealousy  and  indulgent 
idleness  of  prev.  vv. 

An  old  j)or trait  of  modern  men  (vv.  4 — 8). — I.  Here  is  a  man 
■working  for  the  good  of  society.  1.  The  goodness  of  heaven  in 
Bending  such  men  in  every  age  ;  2.  The  rightful  acknowledg- 
ments of  most  useful  services  are  not  to  be  expected  on  earth  ;  3. 
The  moral  state  of  society  is  both  unwise  and  unrighteous.  II. 
Here  is  a  man  utterly  worthless  in  society.  1.  He  exhausts  his 
own  property  ;  2.  He  wrongly  estimates  his  own  happiness.  III. 
Here  is  a  man  avariciously  making  use  of  society.  1.  He  sketches 
the  world  entirely  for  himself  ;  2.  Unremittingly  for  himself." 

£nri/  inmtiahle. — Mr.  Badman's  envy  was  so  rank  and  strong, 
that  if  it  at  any  time  turned  its  head  against  a  man,  it  would 
hardly  ever  be  pulled  in  again.  He  would  watch  ever  that  man 
to  do  him  mischief,  as  the  cat  watches  over  the  mouse  to  destroy 
it ;  yea,  he  would  wait  seven  years,  but  he  would  have  an  oppor- 


so  deep,  that  none 
can  reascend  the 
steeps. "  —  Atui- 
creon. 

"Hope  not  forim- 
mortality  —  the 
waning  moons 
again  tlieir  waste 
repair ;  but  we, 
wlien  once  to 
death  gone  down, 
are  nought  but 
dust  and  sltadoio," 
— Horace, 

c  Comp.  Job  iil. 
10,  X.  18  ;  Ec.  Ti 
3  ;    Je.    XX.    14 ; 

Mat.  xxvi.  24. 

I'.  1.  Dr.  J.  Orion, 
i.  263. 

r.  2.  Dr.  J.  Gill,  L 
651. 

"  All  religion  and 
all  ethics  are 
summed  up  ia 
justice.  "  —  Con- 
icay. 

c  Lavater. 


a  Horace  com* 
plains  that  every 
ancient  hero 
found  by  bitter 
pprsonal  experi- 
ence, that  envy 
of  Iieroism  is  only 
quenched  by  the 
liero's  death. 

6  Is.  ix.  20,  xlix, 
2S. 

I'.  4.  Dr.  T.  WUe, 
164. 

V.  6.  Dr.  J.  Lang' 
home,  i.  185. 

c  Dr.  D.  T/wmas. 

"  A  good  man  and 
a  wise  man  may 
at  times  be  angry 
with  the  world, 
at  times  grieved 
for  it ;  but  bs 
sure  no  man  waa 
ever  d  i  s  c  o  n> 
tented  with  tliQ 


312 


ECCLESUHTES. 


[Cap.  Iv.  7-14. 


world  will)  did 
Lis  duty  in  it." — 
Soui/tey. 

d  Bunyan. 


"Wliat  80  foolish 

as  the  chase  of 
fame  !  How  vain 
the  prize  !  how 
impotent  our 
aim  I  F(ir  what 
are  men  who 
grasp  at  praise 
sublime,  but  bub- 
bles on  the  rapid 
stream  of  time, 
that  rise  and  fall, 
tliat  swell,  and 
are  no  more  ? 
born  and  forgot. 
ten  thousand  in 
an  hour. "-Young. 

"  Crates  threw 
his  gold  into 
the  sea,  saying, 
'  I  will  destroy 
thee,  lest  thou 
destroy  me  ! '  If 
men  do  not  put 
the  love  of  the 
world  to  death, 
the  love  of  the 
world  will  put 
them  to  death." 
—  Venning. 

a  Dr.  Arrowsmilh. 


b  "  The  symbol 
is  taken  from  the 
fact  that  a  cord 
of  three  strands 
holds  more  firmly 
than  one  consist- 
ing of  a  simple 
strand,  or  of  two 
only."-C  Ziickler. 


"  Strong  alone, 
but  stronger  with 
others."  —  Ger. 
Proverb. 


'.  9.   Bp.  Wil&ins, 
G3. 


I'll.      9-12.       O. 
WlateficU,  V.  107. 


a  3  Sa.  vii.  a 


tunity  to  hurt  liim  :  and  when  he  had  it,  he  would  make  him 
feel  the  weight  of  his  envy.  This  envy  is  the  very  father  and 
mother  of  a  great  many  hideous  aid  prodigious  wickednes-sea. 
It  both  begets  them,  and  also  nourishes  them  up  till  they  come 
to  their  cursed  maturity  in  the  bosom  of  him  that  entertains 
them.** 

7,  8.  (7)  vanity,  in  one  of  its  pai-ticular  forms.   (8)  second, 
any  one   related   to   him,  for   whom   lie   might  work,     end  . 
labour,   though   he   can  do   nothing  with   his   riches,  yet  he 
struggles  for  them  as  if  they  were  everything  to  him. 

Vanity  vnirrrsal. — Wherefore  bethink  thyself  at  length,  O 
deluded  world  !  and  write  over  all  thy  school-doors,  '•  Let  not  the 
wise  man  glory  in  his  wisdom  ; "  over  all  thy  court-gates.  "  Let 
not  the  mighty  man  glory  in  his  might ;  "  over  all  thy  exchanges 
i  and  banks,  ••  Let  not  the  rich  man  glory  in  his  riches."  "Write 
!  upon  thy  looking-glas.ses  Bathsheba"s  motto,  "  Favour  is  deceitful, 
and  beauty  is  vain  ;"  upon  thy  mews  and  artillery-yards,  that  of 
the  Psalmist,  "  God  delighteth  not  in  the  strength  of  a  horse ; 
He  taketh  not  pleasure  in  the  legs  of  a  man  ; "  upon  thy  taverns, 
inns,  and  ale-houses,  that  of  Solomon,  "  Wine  is  a  mocker,  strong 
drink  is  raging,  and  whosoever  is  deceived  thereby  is  not  wise  ; " 
upon  thy  magazines  and  wardrobes,  that  of  our  Savionr.  "Lay 
not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  on  earth,  where  moth  and  rust 
doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  break  through  and  steal."  Write 
upon  thy  counting-houses  that  of  Habakkuk,  '"  Woe  to  him  that 
increaseth  that  which  is  not  his  1  how  long .'  and  to  him  that 
loadeth  himself  with  thick  clay  I "  thy  playhouses,  that  of  Paul, 
'•  Lovers  of  pleasure  more  than  lovers  of  God  ;''  thy  banqueting- 
houses.  that  of  the  same  holy  Apostle,  •'  Meats  for  the  belly,  and 
the  belly  for  meats  ;  but  God  shall  destroy  both  them  and  it ;  " 
yea,  upon  all  thine  accommodations,  that  of  the  Preacher, 
"  Vanity  of  vanities  :  all  is  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit."'* 

9—12.  (9)  good  reward,  in  their  common  joy  while 
sharing  the  fruits  of  their  labour.  '•  A  man  without  a  com- 
panion is  like  a  left  hand  without  a  right.""  (Id)  fall,  bodily, 
or  into  any  kind  of  distress.  (11)  warm  alone  ?  fig.  is  from 
marriage  relations,  but  reference  is  to  the  wai-mth  of  the  sym- 
pathy felt  in  all  social  ties.  The  miserly  is  ever  the  miserable. 
(12)  threefold  cord,*  such  as  husband,  wife,  and  child.  Need 
not  find  allusion  to  the  Trinity  here. 

Ttvo  liftter  than,  one  (v.  U). — I.  Give  some  examples.  It  applies 
to  marriage,  to  friendship,  to  useful  labours,  etc.  II.  Offer  some 
reasons.  Life  is  the  more  wholesome  and  pleasant  for  its  com- 
panionships :  work  is  easier  for  mutual  toil  ;  worship  for  blended 
voices  :  self-help  aids  mutual  help. 

ChriKfian  vnion.^-'RoY.  T.  L.  Cuyler  sketches  this  scene  at  a 
late  Christian  Convention  in  BrookljTi :  ••  The  Convention  closed 
by  joining  hands,  and  singing,  '  Say.  brother  will  you  meet  us  .'' 
I  saw  one  of  Dr.  Storr's  deacons  and  a  Quaker  and  a  Methodist 
standing  with  clasped  hands,  and  flanked  by  a  ]?aptist  and  a 
Pre.sl)yterian  clergyman.  It  reminded  me  of  the  time  when  we 
college  students,  standing  thus  in  the  chemical  lecture-hall,  the 
electric  current  leaped  from  the  charged  battery  through  the 
whole  circle  in  an  instant." 

13,  14.  (13)  better,  in  the  souse  of  happier,     child,  though 


Cap.  iv.  15, 16.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


313 


he  may  seem  despised,  king,  such  as  perhaps  Sol.  now  felt 
himself  to  be  :  or  such  as  he  feared  Kehoboam  would  prove. 
wlio  .  .  admonished,  who  is  so  stiff  aud  settled  in  his  ways 
and  opinions  that  he  cannot  be  advised.  (14)  he,  i.e.  the  poor 
and  wise  child.«  Comp.  cases  of  Joseph  and  of  Jeroboam, 
whereas  .  .  poor,  better  trans.  "  Although  he  was  born  poor  in 
his  kingdom." 

A  comimrison  (r.  13).— Such  a  child  is  better— I.  In  his  experi- 
ence. 11.  In  his  influence.  III.  In  his  prospect.  Few  can  be 
kings,  but  many  can  be  saints.'' 

15,  16.  (15)  second  child,  the  one  succeeding  the  aged, 
foolish  king.  "  A  somewhat  inflated  description  of  the  dominion 
and  adherents  wh.  that  child  had  acquired."  Called  "second 
child,"  as  one  coming  second,  next  after  the  king."  (16)  come 
after,  i.e.  the  next  generation  after  that  which  sets  up  the 
youthful  king.*  This  might  ti'uly  be  applied  to  Jeroboam. 
Little  children. — 

Sporting  through  the  forest  wide ; 

Playing  by  the  water  side  : 

Wandering  o'er  the  heathy  fells  ; 

Down  within  the  woodland  dells : 

All  among  the  mountains  wild, 

Dwelleth  many  a  little  child  ! 

In  the  baron's  hall  of  pride  ; 

By  the  poor  man's  dull  fireside  ; 

'Mid  the  mighty,  'mid  the  mean, 

Little  children  may  be  seen, 

Like  the  flowers  that  spring  up  fair, 

Bright  and  countless  everywhere  1 

In  the  fair  isles  of  the  main  ; 

In  the  desert's  lone  domain  ; 

In  the  savage  mountaiu  glen  ; 

'Mong  the  tribes  of  swarthy  men ; 

"Wheresoe'er  a  foot  hath  gone  ; 

Wheresoe'er  the  sun  hath  shone 

On  a  league  of  peopled  ground. 

Little  children  may  be  found  1 

Blessings  on  them  !  they  in  me 

Move  a  kindly  sympathy 

With  their  wishes,  hopes,  and  fears  •, 

With  their  laughter  aud  their  tears ; 

With  their  wonder  so  intense, 

And  their  small  experience  I 

Little  children,  not  alone 

On  the  wide  earth  are  ye  known, 

'Mid  its  labours  and  its  cares, 

'Mid  its  sufferings  and  its  snares  ; 

Free  from  sorrow,  free  from  ctrife, 

In  the  world  of  love  and  life, 

Where  no  sinful  thing  hath  trod— 

In  the  presence  of  your  God, 

Spotless,  blameless,  glorified— 

Little  children,  ye  abide  I " 


V.     13.      Dr.     T. 

Chalmers,  vi.  249- 

6  Dr.  Thomas. 

"  Ever}'  mau's  life 
lies  williiu  the 
present ;  for  the 
past  is  spcut  and 
done  with,  and 
the  future  is  un- 
certain. "  —  Mar- 
cus Antoninus. 

a  Comp.  Yakoob 
Khan  brought 
out  of  prison  to 
succeed  Sliero 
Ali  in  the  rule 
of  Afghanistan, 
and  again  a  pri- 
soner. 

6  The  popularity 
of  kings  is  noto- 
riously short- 
lived. 

"  I  am  fond  of 
children.  1  think 
them  the  poetry 
of  thn  world — the 
fresh  flowers  of 
our  hearts  and 
homes  ;  little 
conjurers,  with. 
their  '  natural 
magic,'  evoking 
by  their  spells 
what  delights 
and  enriches  all 
ranks,  and  equal- 
ises the  different 
classes  of  society. 
Often  as  they 
bring  with  them 
an.xieties  and 
cares,  and  live  to 
occasion  sorrow 
and  grief,  we 
should  get  on 
very  badly  with- 
out them."  —  T. 
Blnney. 

"  There  Is  no 
kind  of  sinners 
more  inconvinc- 
ible  and  incu- 
rable than  the 
worliily- minded. 
It  is  a  nde  with- 
out exception, — 
those  sins  which 
have  the  greatest 
appearance  of 
reason,  and  the 
least  of  sensu- 
olity,  are  the 
most  plausible 
and  prevaiUng." 
—Dr.  Bales. 
e  Mary  Howilt, 


314 


ECCLESIASTES. 


Cap.  V.  1—7. 


a  Comp.  JVWr- 
vinn's  verse  : — 
"  Keep  Thou  ray 
feet,  I  do  not 
ask  to  see,"  etc. 

"Give  thy  mind 
to  what  tliou  art 
going  to  do." — 
Spk.  Com. 

b  1  Sa.  XV.  22. 

cComp.  Mat.  vi.  7. 

d  "  The  habit  of 
an  excess  of 
words  causes  the 
speech  to  de- 
generate into 
vain  and  sense- 
less twaddle." — 
0.  Zockler. 

Pr.  X.  19. 
♦.  1.  J.  Mede,  i. 
432  ;  Dr.  E.  May- 
nard,  ii.  135  ;  Dr. 
T.  LeUtnd,  ii.  1  ; 
Dr.  T.  Sharp,  i. 
363;  Dr.J.lang- 
horne,  ii.  137  ; 
Dr.  C.J.Vaughan, 
358. 

V.2.  Dr. R. South, 
ii.  83  ;  &iurin, 
Tiii.  397  ;  Bishop 
Lowlh,  330  ;  Bp. 
Fulford,  i.  98  ; 
/.  Williams,  12. 

e  G.  Brooks. 

To  give  up  the 
world  is  to  give 
up  the  evil  of  it ; 
but  to  be  shut 
up  in  a  cloister  is 
not  to  be  shut 
out  of  it.  The 
world  is  every- 
where. 


a  Do.  xxiL  22— 
24. 

b    "  It     was    a 

thoughtlessness 
that  I  made  the 
vow  at  all."  Such 
an  excuse  is  not 
weak  only,  but 
Wicked.  Yet  this 


CHAPTER  THE  FIFTH.-. 

1—3.  (1)  keep  .  .  God,"  the  shoes,  or  sandals,  were  removed 
on  entering  the  sacred  temple.  The  way  of  walkin.ij  may  indi- 
cate a  reverent  spirit.  In  dirticult  paths  we  need  to  watch  every 
footfall,  hear,*  attend,  give  good  heed,  and  obey,  of  fools, 
wh.  is  merely  ceremonial.  (2)  rash,  especially  in  Div.  worship, 
making  vows,  etc.'  few,  so  careful,  studied,  and  becommg. 
(3)  multitude  of  business,  wh.  oppressing  the  mind  keeps  it 
active  all  the  night,  multitude  of  words,''  often  the  saying 
is  true,  "  The  more  words  the  less  sense." 

lierereneefor  the  snnctvanj  (V.  1). — I.  State  the  duty.  1.  Our 
duty  as  we  enter  public  worship  ;  2.  As  we  are  engaged  in  it. 
II.  Enforce  the  duty.  1.  Impropriety  of  conduct  in  public  wor- 
ship is  foolish  ;  2.  Is  sinful  ;  S.  Is  dangerous.* 

Rev.  S.  Lavington. — The  late  Rev.  Samuel  Lavington,  of  Bide- 
ford,  has  been  described  as  one  of  the  most  impressive  preachers 
of  his  day.  He  was  eminently  devoted  to  the  study  of  his  Bible, 
and  to  prayer.  The  effect  of  his  preaching  was  very  strikingly 
exhibited  at  the  ordination  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Seaward,  at  Barn- 
staple. He  introduced  his  discourse  by  using  the  following 
language  :— "  What  a  multitude  is  here  assembled  to  see  an 
ordination  !  Many  of  you  were  perhaps  never  pi-esent  at  such  a 
solemnity  before ;  and  I  should  be  very  sorry  if,  when  the 
assembly  breaks  up.  you  should  go  away  with  visible  disappoint- 
ment and  say,  '  Is  that  all ;"  Why,  '  what  came  ye  out  for  to 
see  ?'  Did  you  expect  to  see  a  number  of  apost  les  met  together 
to  lay  their  hands  upon  the  head  of  a  young  minister,  and  com- 
municate to  him  some  miraculous  powers  ?  Alas  !  we  have  them 
not  ourselves.  If  we  had,  you  should  not  take  all  this  trouble 
for  nothing.  If  we  had,  you  should  have  something  by  which 
to  remember  an  ordination  as  long  as  you  live.  If  the  Holy 
Ghost  were  at  our  command,  most  gkidly  would  we  lay  our 
hands  upon  you  all ;  and  this  assembly  should  be  like  that 
mentioned  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  :  '  VVhile  Peter  yet  spake 
these  words,  the  Holy  Ghost  fell  on  all  them  which  heard  the 
word.'  But  what  we  cannot  command,  we  may  humbly  and 
earnestly  supplicate.  Shall  I  then  beg  the  favour  of  you  to  join 
with  me  in  this  short  ejaculation  to  the  God  of  all  grace  .' — '  O 
God  the  Lord,  to  whom  belong  the  issues  from  death,  pour  out 
Thy  spirit  upon  all  in  this  assembly  ;  and  command  on  every 
one  of  us  a  blessing  out  of  Zion,  even  life  for  evermore. 
Amen.'"  The  congregation,  abstracted  for  the  moment  from  all 
other  objects,  forgot  the  order  of  worship,  rose  from  their  seats, 
joined  in  the  collect,  and  then  resumed  their  places  with  the 
greatest  solemnity. 

4 — 7.  (4)  vowest,<»  even  if  thou  didst  it  hastily,  show  thy 
manliness  in  paying  it,  whatsoever  it  may  cost  thee,  pay,  Ps. 
Ixvi.  13.  14,  cxvi.  14.  (5)  not  VOW,  holding  back  fr.  relig. 
actions  than  not  prove  the  sincerity  of  the  action,  (fi)  mouth 
.  .  sin,  rnnip.  James's  Ep.  for  snares  of  the  tongue,  the  angel, 
either  the  priest,  or  poss.  the  angel  who  is  supposed  to  record  all 
our  actions,    error,*  our  relig.  acts  should  be  eo  serious  and  so 


Cap.  V.  8—11.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


315 


thoughtful,  that  this  should  be  felt  as  an  unreasonable  and 
wicked  excuse.     (7)  dreams,  v.  3. 

Ih'ligious  vows  {v.  4). — I.  Men  are  apt  to  make  vows  to  God — 
1.  When  in  trouble  ;  2.  When  conscience-smitten  under  the 
Gospel ;  3.  WTien  alarmed  by  the  near  prospect  of  death.  II. 
Men  are  apt  to  forget  the  vows  they  have  made.  1.  They  j-ield 
to  temptation  ;  2.  Passing  events  obliterate  the  imi^ression  ;  8. 
Forgotten  vows  were  probably  made  in  self-reliance  ;  4.  Men 
should  imitate  the  Psalmist.  Compare  Ps.  1.  14  with  Ps.  Ixvi. 
13,  14. 

Promising  and  performing. —  The  hfoTicn  hon-l. — Sir  William 
Napier,  when  taking  a  loug  country  walk  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Bath,  met  a  little  peasant  girl,  who  was  crying  bitterly,  with 
a  broken  bowl  in  her  hand.  Sir  William  inquired  the  cause  of 
her  tears,  and  encouraged  by  his  kind  face  and  voice,  she  told 
her  tale  ;  how  she  had  broken  the  bowl  which  had  held  her 
father's  dinner,  and  was  afraid  now  to  go  home,  for  she  knew 
her  mother  would  be  very  angry,  and  would  punish  her.  But  a 
sudden  idea  seemed  to  strike  her,  and  looking  up  in  Sir  William's 
face,  she  exclaimed,  "  But  'ee  can  mend  it.  cannot  'ee  ?"  "  No, 
but  he  could  give  her  sixpence  to  buy  another."  He  pulled  out 
his  purse,  and  was  dismayed  to  find  it  quite  empty.  He  told  the 
child,  however,  that  if  she  came  to  the  same  place  at  the  same 
hour  next  day,  he  would  be  sure  to  meet  her  and  to  bring  a 
sixpence  with  him,  and  that  she  must  tell  her  mother  this.  On 
reaching  his  home,  however.  Sir  William  found  a  note  from  a 
friend  at  Bath,  inviting  him  to  dinner  next  day,  to  meet  a 
gentleman  whom  he  particularly  wished  to  see.  He  recollected 
with  regret  his  promise  to  the  little  girl,  and  considered  whether 
it  might  not  be  possible  to  combine  the  two.  But  he  soon  saw 
this  could  not  be  done,  and  refused  the  tempting  dinner  invita- 
tion, saying  he  had  "  a  pre-engagement."  "  I  could  not  dis- 
appoint the  child,"  he  said  to  his  daughters ;  "she  trusted  in  me 
80  implicitly." 

8 — 11.  C8)  matter,  marg.  will  or  purpose  :  i.e.  at  what  seems 
a  strange  permission  of  God.  Be  sure  that  those  in  higher  oiRce 
will  sooner  or  later  take  notice,  and  be  quite  sure  that  God  will 
overrule  it  all."  higher,  etc.,  or  trans.  "  High  watches  over 
high,  and  High  Ones  over  them."  (9)  for  all,  the  produce  of 
the  earth  is  the  entire  source  of  human  wealth.  On  God's  pro- 
visions in  the  earth  kings  and  peoples  together  depend.''  (10) 
loveth  silver,  has  the  lust  of  acquisition,  wh.  nothing  can 
eatisfy."  (11^  eat  them,  labourers  and  servants,  "what  good, 
a  misanthropic  speech. 

Socrates  and  Char  ides. — 'While  Athens  was  governed  by  thirty 
tyrants,  Socrates,  the  philosopher,  was  summoned  to  the  senate- 
house,  and  ordered  to  go,  with  some  other  persons  they  named, 
to  seize  one  Leon,  a  man  of  rank  and  fortune,  whom  they 
determined  to  put  out  of  the  way,  that  they  might  enjoy  his 
estate.  This  commission  Socrates  flatly  refused,  and,  not  satis- 
fied therewith,  added  his  reasons  f(H*  such  refusal :  "  I  will  never 
willingly  assist  an  unjust  act,"  Charicles  sharply  replied,  "  Dost 
thou  think,  Socrates,  to  talk  always  in  this  high  style,  and  not 
to  suffer?"  "Far  from  it,"  added  he;  "I  expect  to  Buffer  a 
thousand  ills,  but  none  bo  great  as  to  do  unjustly."  1 


I  is  a  characteristio 
j  evasion  of  super- 
ficiality   and    le- 
vity iu  religious 
matters. 

V.    4.     Bp.  Beve- 

ridge,  vii,  39  ;  T. 

'  Kiioicles,  iii.  197  ; 

J.  0.  Foyster,  382. 

I'D.  4, 5.  //.  While, 
202  ;  J.  Scott.  49  ; 
J.  Slade,  iii,  294. 

vr.  5,  6.    Dr.   W. 

I'aley,  i.  45. 

r.  7.  E.  Palleson, 
325  ;  P.  Goodwill, 
154. 

"  Do  not  fear  tha 
power  of  the 
world.  When  a 
blind  man  runs 
against  you  in 
the  street,  yoa 
are  not  angry 
with  him.  You 
say,  'He  is  blind, 
Ijoor  man,  or  he 
would  not  have 
hurt  me.'  So 
you  may  say  of 
the  world,  when 
they  speak  evil 
of  Christ,  'They 
are  blind. '  "— 
McC/ieyne. 


a  "  There  ia 
coming  a  capital 
judgment  at  last, 
and  an  earnest 
of  it  in  partial 
punishment  of 
sinners  mean- 
while. "—/"aMwefc 

b  The  point  here 

is,  that  when 
rulers  oppress  the 
cultivators  of  the 
land  they  limit 
production,  and 
so  injure  them- 
selves, 

c  1  Ti.  vi,  9, 10. 

V.  8.  Dr.  B.  Steb' 
bing,  ii,  24. 

ti.lO.  Dr.A.  Mark- 
land,  ii.  93  ;  Bp, 
liurd,  vi.  366. 


316 


ECCLESIASTES. 


Cap.  V.  12-20. 


*  "  Fears  for  his 
wealth,  anil  an 
overloadiid  Bto- 
mach,  without 
labouring,  will 
not  sulfer  the 
rich  oppressor  to 
hX^tp."  —  Fausset. 

b  Job  i.  21  ;  Ps. 
xlix.l7;lTi.vi.7. 

«.  12.  Il.Belgrave, 
Monitor  to  Fami- 
liet. 

vv.  13, 14.  Dr.  J. 
Donnt,  y.  506. 


"  Riches  often- 
times, if  nobody 
talce  them  away, 
make  to  them- 
selves wings  and 
fly  away  ;  and 
truly,  many  a 
time  the  undue 
sparing  of  them 
is  but  letting 
their  wings  grow, 
wh.  makes  them 
ready  to  fly  away, 
and  the  contri- 
buting a  part  of 
them  to  do  good 
only  clips  their 
wings  a  little,  j 
and  makes  them  I 
stay  the  longer 
with  their 
owner.  "  —  Abp. 
Leighloiu 

e  Roberts, 


•  "In  order  to 
enjoy  the  good 
that  there  is  in 
the  riches  of  this 
world,  it  is  neces- 
sary that  one 
have  a  perfect 
rule  over  them, 
i.e.  that  in  the 
use  of  them  he 
may  at  all  times 
act  in  accordance 
with  the  Divine 
purpose."  — 
Hansen. 

"A  cheerful  spirit 
!s  a  great  bless- 
ing ;  it  makes 
the  yoke  of  our 
employment! 


12—17.  (12)  labouring  man,  one  who  toils,  with  his  hands, 
in  the  fields.  He  has  no  cares,  and  is  weary  enough  to  thoroughly 
enjoy  his  slumbers."  (13)  kept,  not  distributed,  so  as  to  become 
a  blessing  to  others.  Hoarded  up.  (14)  evil  travail,  thieves, 
etc.,  or  unsuccessful  speculations,  a  son,  late  in  life  perhaps, 
nothing,  all  his  misused  treasure  having  vanished.  (15) 
naked,  etc.,  if  he  keep  his  stores  all  his  life,  he  cannot  take 
them  to  the  grave  with  him.*  (16)  SOre  evil,  he  tries  all  his 
life  to  keej).  and  then  at  death  must  lo.%e.  (17)  pain,  of  his  feara 
and  anxieties  about  his  hoards. 

The  sleep  of  the  toiler  {v.  12). — It  is  sweet — 1.  As  a  rest  from 
labour  ;  2.  As  a  repairer  of  exhausted  energy  ;  3.  As  a  season  of 
oblivion ;  4.  As  a  ground  of  thankfulness  to  Him  who  knows 
what  things  we  have  need  of  ;  5.  As  a  reminder  of  the  death  of 
the  believer,  and  the  awakening  to  everlasting  life. 

Anxieties  of  the  rich. — In  many  parts  of  the  East  there  are  not 
any  banks  for  money,  or  public  offices,  in  which  the  affluent  can 
deposit  their  riches  ;  consequently  the  property  must  be  kept  in 
the  house,  or  concealed  in  some  secret  place.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances, it  is  no  wonder  that  a  man  having  great  wealth 
should  live  in  constant  dread  of  its  being  stolen.  There  are  those 
who  have  large  treasures  concealed  in  their  houses,  gardens,  or 
fields  ;  and,  the  fact  being  known,  they  are  closely  watched, 
whenever  thej-^  pay  special  attention  to  any  particular  place  or 
object.  The  late  king  of  Kandy,  after  he  was  taken  prisoner, 
and  on  his  voyage  to  Madras,  was  much  concerned  about  some  of 
his  concealed  treasures,  and  yet  he  would  not  tell  where  they 
were.  So  great  is  the  anxiety  of  some,  arising  from  the  jewels 
and  gold  which  they  keep  in  theii*  frail  houses,  that  they  literally 
watch  a  great  part  of  the  night,  and  sleep  in  the  day,  that  their 
golden  deity  may  not  be  taken  from  them.  I  knew  a  man  who 
had  nearly  all  his  wealth  in  gold  pagodas,  which  he  kept  in  a 
large  chest  in  his  bedroom.  Neither  in  body  nor  in  mind  did  he 
ever  wander  far  from  the  precious  treasure  ;  his  abundance  hin- 
dered him  from  sleeping  ;  and  for  a  time  it  seemed  as  if  it  would 
hinder  him  from  dying  ;  for  when  that  fatal  moment  came,  he 
several  times,  when  apparently  gone,  again  opened  his  eyes,  and 
again  gave  another  look  at  the  chest ;  and  one  of  the  last  offices 
of  his  hands  was  to  make  an  attempt  to  feel  for  the  key  under 
his  pillow  1 ' 

18—20.  (18)  good,  etc.,  a  repetition  of  his  very  weak  conclu- 
sion. (19)  power  to  eat,  in  the  sense  of  enjoying  and  using. 
(20)  much  remember,  or  think  on  ;  anxiously  ponder  over. 
Thankful  to  God  for  present  good,  he  enjoys  it,  and  leaves  in 
Gods  hands  the  rest.  God  answereth  him,  approving  of  his 
acts,  and  giving  him  the  joy  of  a  quiet  conscience. " 

ThenoblematVs  je7vels. — A  rich  nobleman  was  once  showing  a 
friend  a  great  collection  of  precious  stones,  whose  value  was 
almost  beyond  counting.  There  were  diamonds,  and  pearls,  and 
rubies,  and  gems  from  almost  every  country  on  the  globe,  which 
had  been  gathered  by  their  possessor  by  the  greatest  labour  and 
expense.  "  And  yet,"  he  remarked,  "  they  yield  me  no  income." 
His  friend  replied  that  he  had  two  stones,  which  cost  him  but 
five  pounds  each,  yet  they  yielded  him  a  very  considerable  annual 
income.  And  he  led  him  down  to  the  mill,  and  pointed  to  the 
two  toiling  grey  millstones.      They  were  laboriously  crushing 


Cap.  vi.  1—5.) 


ECCLESIASTES, 


317 


the  grain  into  snowy  flour,  for  the  use  of  hundreds  who  depended 
on  this  work  for  their  daily  bread.  Those  two  dull  homely  stones 
did  more  good  in  the  world  and  raised  a  larger  income  than  all 
the  nobleman's  jewels.  So  it  is  with  idle  treasure  everywhere. 
It  is  doing  nobody  any  good.  While  poor  souls  are  dying  of 
thirst,  the  money  is  hoarded  and  hid  away  which  might  take  the 
water  of  life  to  them. 


CHAPTER  THE  SIXTH. 

1,  2.  (1)  common,  better,  it  lies  heavy  on  men :  "  great 
upon  man."  (2)  for  his  soul,  not  here  his  spiritual  nature, 
but  his  failing  and  craving,  not  power,  etc.,  either  by  bringing 
eickness  upon  him,  or  making  his  care  so  overwhelming  that  he 
can  enjoy  nothing  ;  comp.  chap.  v.  19.  a  stranger,  an  alien,  in 
whom  he  has  no  interest,  evil  disease,  i.e.  as  bad  as  an  evil 
disease. 

lll-healfh,  ill-ease  (v.  2). — I.  We  have  here  an  illustration  of  a 
not  uncommon  lot  in  life — great  wealth,  etc.,  with  little  power 
for  enjoyment.  II.  We  are  reminded  that  enjoyment  is  often 
niarred  by  the  misuse  of  what  seems  to  provide  the  opportunity. 

III.  It  is  suggested  that  this  is  in  accordance  with  laws  of  health, 
and  of  moral  government,  which  none  can  break  with  impunity. 

IV.  We  infer  that  life  should  be  ordered  by  the  will  of  God. 
JVote  on  verse  2.— There  is  not  a  repetition  of  the  same  idea  in 

these  words  as  might  at  first  appear.  "  Wealth  "  is  but  another 
form  of  the  word  "  weal,"  or  "  well-being,"  including  those  things 
which  tend  to  the  welfare  of  men,  not  merely  money  or  other 
riches.  In  modem  speech  wealth  has  come  to  mean  only  "  pro- 
perty," that  upon  which  a  man  can  place  his  hand.  In  former 
times  many  persons  would  have  been  called  "  wealthy  "  to  whom 
we  should  not  now  apply  the  epithet.  So  when  Paul,  in  1  Cor.  x. 
24,  calls  upon  the  brethren  to  seek  each  one  to  promote  his 
brother's  wealth,  he  is  far  from  intending  to  say  that  it  should 
be  the  object  of  the  Corinthians  to  make  each  other  rich  ;  they 
were  to  strive  to  promote,  in  every  way  they  could,  the  prosperity 
of  others,  in  spiritual  as  well  as  in  temporal  things. 

3 — 5.  (3)  days  .  .  be  many,  Knohel  trans,  "and  be  a  great 
man  all  his  years."  no  burial,"  i.e.  no  honourable  burial,' 
through  the  absence  of  all  filial  esteem  for  the  mean  and  miserly 
man.  untimely  birth,  wh.  involves  never  experiencing  life 
at  all.  See  similar  strong  fig.  ch.  iv.  3.  (4)  he,  i.e.  the  untimely 
birth  of  V.  3.'  (.5)  this  .  .  other,  i.e.  than  the  avaricious  man, 
who  neither  knows  rest  in  life  or  in  death. 

Soul-porcrty  (r.  3). — I.  We  have  a  case  supposed — a  large 
household,  great  wealth,  etc.  II.  A  possibility  suggested— the 
eoul  void  of  good,  poverty  in  the  midst  of  wealth.  III.  A  truth 
asserted — such  a  man  had  better  not  have  lived  ;  he  has  had  his 
good  things,  he  has  had  the  toil  of  getting,  the  worry  of  keeping, 
the  disappointment  of  leaving,  and  nothing  to  go  to. 

l/nele.i.i  7'iche,<i. — Daniel  Dancer. — This  man  was  remarkable  for 
a  miserly  disposition.  Lady  Tempest,  the  only  person  who  had 
the  least  influence  over  him,  one  day  prevailed  on  him  to  purchase 
8,  hat  (having  worn  his  own  for  thirteen  years)  from  a  Jew  for  a 


easy,  and  the 
burden  of  our 
afflictions  light." 
— Mai.  Henry, 

Ec.  xi.  9. 


A  gentleman 
being  shown 
through  the  mag- 
nificent grounds 
of  a  nobleman, 
said  to  the  owner, 
"  Well,  my  lord, 
all  this  and 
heaven  would  be 
noble ;  but  this 
and  hell  would 
be  terrible." 

When  Rothschild 
heard  that  the 
head  of  the  Ag- 
nade  family  was 
dead:  "How 
much  does  he 
leave  ?"  he  asked. 
"  Twenty  mil- 
Uons."  "You 
mean  eighty  ?" 
"  No,  twenty." 
"  Dear  nie,  I 
thought  he  was 
in  easy  circum- 
stances,*' remark- 
ed the  modern 
CroesuB. 


a  "For  a  corpM 
to  lie  unburied 
was  a  circum- 
stance in  itself 
of  pecuhar  ig- 
nominy and 
shame.  "  —  Spk. 
Com. 

h  Isa.  liii.  9 ;  Je. 
xxii.  19, 

e  He  is  a  type  of 
the  driftless  ex- 
istence of  him 
wlio  makes  riches 
the  chief  good. 
"  The  wealth  of 
the  Cretans  con- 
sists in  health, 
vigour,  and  cou- 
rage, domestic 
quiet,  concord, 
public  hberty, 
plenty  of  all  that 
is  necessary,  and 


318 


ECCLESIASTES. 


Cap.  vl.  6  -lO, 


contempt  of  all 
that  is  supfrflu- 
ous ;  a  haliit  of 
iniiustry,  an  ab- 
horrence of  idle- 
ness,  an  emnla- 
tion  in  virtue, 
Bnbniission  to  tlie 
laws,  anil  a  re- 
Terence  of  the 
gods." — Finelon. 
"  Worldly  wealth 
is  the  devil's 
bait ;  and  those 
■whose  minds 
feed  upon  riches, 
recede,  in  gene- 
ral, from  real 
happiness,  in  pro- 
portion as  their 
stores  increase; 
as  the  moon 
when  she  is  ful- 
lest of  light  is 
farthest  from  the 
Bun." — Burton. 

e.6.  G.Wiitefield, 
749. 

"  Those  who  tra- 
vel through  de- 
Berts  would  often 
be  at  a  loss  for 
water  if  certain 
indications, 
which  the  hand 
of  Providencehas 
marked  out,  did 
not  serve  to  guide 
them  to  a  supply. 
The  secret  wells 
are,  for  the  most 
part,  discoverable 
from  the  verdure 
which  is  nou- 
rished by  their 
pr«isence.  So  the 
fruitfulness  of 
good  works  of 
the  believer, 
amidst  the  dead- 
ness  and  .sterility 
around  him,  pro- 
claims the  Chris- 
tian's life. "  — 
Salter. 

a  Fope, 


a" k  man  cannot 

with  the  greatest 
riclies  make  his 
part  good  against 
the  arrests  of 
sickness  or  deatli, 
but  must  yield  to 
his  fate." — Mat. 
Jleni-y. 

V.  9.    J.  Balguy, 


shilling  ;  but  to  her  great  surprise,  when  she  called  the  next  day, 
she  saw  that  the  old  chapcau  still  covered  his  head.  On  inquiry, 
it  was  found  that,  after  much  solicitation,  he  had  prevailed  on 
old  Griffiths,  his  servant,  to  purchase  the  hat  for  eighteen  pence, 
which  Mr.  Dancer  boujrht  the  day  before  for  a  shilling.  He 
generally,  in  severe  weather,  lay  in  bed  to  keep  himself  warm  ; 
to  light  a  fire  he  thought  expensive,  though  he  had  £3,000  per 
annum,  besides  immense  riches.  He  never  took  snuff,  for  that 
was  extravagant,  but  he  always  carried  a  snuff-box.  This  pro- 
bably he  would  fill  in  the  course  of  a  month  by  pinches  obtained 
from  others.  When  the  box  was  full,  he  would  barter  the  con- 
tents for  a  farthing  candle  at  a  neighbouring  greengrocer's  ; 
this  candle  was  made  to  last  till  the  box  was  again  full,  as  he 
never  suffered  any  light  in  his  house  except  while  he  was  goin^ 
to  bed.  He  seldom  washed  his  face  and  hands  but  when  the  sun 
shone  forth,  then  he  would  betake  himself  to  a  neighbouring 
pool,  and  use  sand  instead  of  soap  ;  when  he  was  w^ashed  he  would 
lie  on  his  back  and  dry  himself  in  the  sun,  as  he  never  used  a 
towel,  for  that  would  wear,  and,  ■when  dirty,  the  washing  was 
I  expensive. 

6—8.  (6)  thousand  years,  etc.,  the  good  of  long  life  beingf 
I  destroyed  by  the  utterly  selfish  way  of  spending  the  long  years. 
(7)  man,  i.e.  thp  man  Sol.  now  speaks  of.  mouth,  type  of 
sensual  and  selfish  gratification,  appetite,  the  craving  excited 
by  indulgence.  (8)  knoweth  . .  living,  in  a  modest  and  con- 
tented style. 
The  qviet  life.— 

Happy  the  man  whose  wish  and  care 

A  few  paternal  acres  bound, 
Content  to  breathe  his  native  air 

In  his  own  ground. 

"Whose  herds  with  milk,  whose  fields  with  bread, 

Whose  flocks  supply  him  with  attire  ; 
Whose  trees  in  summer  yield  him  shade. 
In  winter,  fire. 

Blest,  who  can  unconcern 'dlr  find 

Hours,  days,  and  years  glide  soft  away, 
In  health  of  body,  peace  of  mind, 
Quiet  by  day. 

Sound  sleep  by  night ;  study  and  ease 
Together  mixed  ;  sweet  recreation, 
And  innocence,  which  most  does  please. 
With  meditation." 

9,  10.  (9)  "better,  thisr.  appears  to  answer  the  question  pr'» 
in  r.  8.  sight  .  .  eyes,  type  of  intellectual  gratifications,  which 
bring  so  much  more  satisfaction  than  merely  sensual  indulgences. 
(10)  contend  .  .  he,  sre  ch.  ix.  1  ;  1  Cor.  X.  22.a 

UncqitaJ  conflletn  (v.  10). — I.  This  has  been  often  illustrated  in 
national  history  ;  the  Zulu  war  for  instance.  II.  Individual  life, 
too,  often  supplies  examples,  as  when  one  of  much  conceit  and 
small  knowledge  is  worsted  in  argument ;  as  when  one  with  small 
capital  competes  with  greater  capital  and  knowledge  of  trade. 


Cap.  vii  1.) 


ECCLES/A.'iTES. 


319 


III.  VVho  hath  fought  against  God  and  prospered  ?  yet  this  war  is 
constantly  waged  by  the  thoughtless  and  impenitent.  IV.  God 
in  Christ  offers  peace. 

A//  /.<  vanity. — I  once  heard  of  a  sagacious  man,  who,  being  on 
his  death-bed,  was  solicited  to  leave  some  memorial  to  his  friends. 
Unable  to  articulate,  he  made  signs  to  have  pen  and  ink  brought 
to  him,  and  with  these  traced  two  great  circles,  or  nothings,  upon 
a  sheet  of  paper.  After  his  decease,  there  was  much  speculation 
what  these  could  mean.  The  common  conjecture  was,  that  he 
intended  to  signify  that  the  body  and  the  soul  have  their 
appointed  circuits,  and  that,  when  these  are  finis-hed,  they  return 
severally  to  their  origin — the  body  to  the  earth,  and  the  spirit 
unto  God.  In  my  opinion,  however,  the  two  ciphers  must  have 
been  intended  to  show  the  nullity  of  all  terrestrial  things,  just  as 
the  wisest  of  monarchs  could  find  nothing  but  vanity  and  vexa- 
tion in  the  learning,  pleasures,  joys,  honour,  wealth,  and  glory  of 
the  world.* 

11,  12.  (11)  things,  those  detailed  in  the  previous  ch. 
better,  for  all  the  things  he  seeks  so  earnestly,  and  calls  so  good. 
(12)  good,  real  and  lasting  good,  vain  life,  or  life  of  his 
vanity." 

Life. — O  life,  I  have  enjoyed  thee  !  Not  every  draught  from 
thy  fountain  has  had  a  bitter  taste  ;  truly,  not  all  upon  earth  is 
vanitj'.  if  we  enjoy  not  the  creature  alone,  but,  in  the  creature, 
enjoy  also  the  Creator.  But  that  which  sweetens  thee  do  I  indeed 
take  with  me  :  and  that  is.  the  friendship  of  my  God,  which  has 
flowed  to  me  through  all  created  things,  as  through  so  many 
channels.  Earthly  channels  may  fail,  but  He  knows  how  to  pro- 
vide new  ones.  Gone,  gone,  is  life's  enjoyment  and  sweetness, 
when  we  seek  them  in  the  creature  only  ;  while,  on  the  other 
hand,  they  are  ever  present  to  those  who.  in  the  good  things  of 
this  life,  recognise  the  hand  that  bestows  them.  Thus,  every  day 
becomes  a  treasury  and  the  poorest  life  may  become  a  rich  one. 
No,  I  do  not  look  back  upon  it  as  mere  vanity  ;  but  now,  when  in 
the  silence  of  my  chamber  I  survey  all  the  past,  my  heart  is  filled 
with  a  joy  which  is  too  great  for  it  to  contain.* 


i  '•  Tliere  is  a  bur- 
den of    care    in 

I  getting     riches  ; 
t  fear  in    keeping 
I  them  ;      tenipta- 
•  tion     in     using 
!  them  ;    guilt    in 
abusing     them  ; 
sorrow  in  losing 
them  ;      and     a 
'  burden     of     ac- 
count at  last  to 
be  given  up  con- 
cerning them."— 
Matthew  Henry, 


CHAPTER  THE  SEVENTH. 

1.  good  name,  or  good  reputation  ;  as  Pr.  xxii.  1.  In  the 
Heb.  there  is  a  play  upon  the  similar  words  i^hem,  a  name,  shemen, 
ointment."  The  reader  will  observe  the  similarity  bet.  this  part 
of  Ecclesiastes  and  the  Bk.  of  Proverbs,  better,  more  to  be 
desired.'  ointment,'  scent,  or  oil,  which  is  in  general  use  and 
highly  valued  in  hot  climates,  day  of  death,  etc.,  comp. 
Phil.  i.  23.  Sol.  by  this  sentence  commends  a  serious  disposi- 
tion ;  one  that  takes  into  consideration  the  ending  of  life.'' 
"  To  the  man  with  a  good  name  death  is  the  entrance  on  a  better 
life." 

T>ro  important  day.f  {v.  1). — For  one  who  is  prepared,  the  day 
of  death  is  better  than  the  day  of  birth.  I.  For  in  the  day  of 
birth  one  is  clothed  with  a  weak  and  frail  body,  while  in  the  day 
of  death  one  is  clothed  with  the  Lord  from  heaven.  II.  In  the 
day  of  birth  one  enters  a  world  of  contention  and  ciiange  in- 


J  Gotthold. 

a  "  One  would 
only  be  justified 
in  esteeming 
wealth  in  case  he 
knew  the  future, 
and  had  it  in  his 
power.  The 
merest  chance 
can  suddenly  rob 
one  of  all  that 
has  been  ga- 
thered with  pain 
and  toil.  A  great 
catastrophe  may 
come,  and  sweep 
everything  away 
as  a  flood.  The 
l)ractical  result, 
tlierefore,  is  that 
one  should  strive 
after  the  true 
riches.  "  — Heng' 
stenberg. 

6  Tholuci 


a  The  Heb.  worda 
of  the  sentence 
are  T6b  shem  mi- 
sMmen  t6b. 

b  "  The  honour 
'  of  virtue  is  really 
:  more  valuable 
,  and  desirable 
than  all  the 
wealth  and  plea- 
sure in  thig 
world."  —  Mat. 
Henry. 

e  "  Tlie  likeness 
bet.  reputation 
and  odour  sup- 
plies a  commoa 
metaphor ;     tho 


320 


BCCLESIASTES. 


[Cap,  vl.  2—6; 


contrast  is  be- 
tween ropata- 
tion,  as  an  hon- 
ourable attain- 
iTii^nt  \vh.  only 
■wise  men  win, 
and  fragrant 
odour  as  a  grati- 
fication of  the 
senses  which  all 
nieu  enjoy."  — 
Spk.  Com. 

d  "  A  Kood  and 
reputable  name, 
■wh.  secures  an 
ideal  existence 
■with  posterity,  is 
more  valuable 
than  all  sensual 
p  1  e  a  8  u  r  e." — 
Mster. 

e  JoxeetU 

a  "  In  the  ceme- 
teries in  the 
neighbourhood  of 
Cairo  are  many 
private  burying 
grounds,  each  one 
belonging  to  one 
family  ;  and  they. 
If  the  owners  be  of 
Bufficient  wealth, 
have  erected 
within  them  a 
house  of  mourn- 
ing. To  this  the 
females  of  the  fa- 
mily repair  twice 
a  year,  and  re- 
main there  for 
three  or  more 
davs  and  nights." 
—Gaiixby. 
h  The  Lord  Jesus 
taught  us  that 
times  of  feasting 
may  be  sanctified 
by  giving  His 
presence  at  the 
marriage  feast  in 
Cana. 

c  Comp.  godly 
sorrow,  2  Cor.  vii. 
10. 

d  yfaurer. 
e  C.  Cecil. 
f    Dr.   H.   Mac- 
tnillan. 


a  "  The  fool's 
heart  is  all  upon 
it  to  be  merry 
and  jovial ;  his 
■whole  delight  is 
in  sport  and 
gaiety,  in  merry 
stories,  merry 
BoncTn  and  merry 
oompany,  merry 


vested  with  the  helplessneRS  and  inexperience  of  infancy  ;  in  the 
day  of  death  one  is  crowned  with  immortality,  and  invested  with 
the  power  of  an  endless  life.  III.  In  the  day  of  birth  one  enters 
on  a  life  of  sorrow  ;  in  the  day  of  death  he  passes  on  to  the 
whole  gain  of  dying.  IV.  In  the  day  of  birth  one  is  born  to  die  ; 
in  the  day  of  death  one  dies  to  live  for  ever. 

A  good  name  among  the  DrH.<i(',<t. — Nothing-  is  more  sacred  with 
a  Druse  than  his  public  reputation.  He  will  overlook  an  insult 
if  known  only  to  him  who  has  offered  it,  and  will  put  up  with 
blows  when  his  interest  is  concerned,  provided  nobody  is  a 
witness  ;  but  the  slig-htest  abuse  given  in  public  he  revenges 
■with  the  greatest  fury.  This  is  the  most  remai'kablo  feature  of 
the  national  character.  In  public  a  Druse  may  appear  honour- 
able, but  he  is  easily  tempted  to  a  contrary  behaviour  when  he 
has  reason  to  think  that  his  conduct  will  remain  undiscovered. 
The  ties  of  blood  and  friendship  have  no  power  among  them  ; 
the  son  no  sooner  attains  the  years  of  maturity  than  he  begins  to 
plot  against  his  father," 

2,  3.  (2)  house  of  mourning:,  or  a  house  where  there  » 
mourning  or  lamentation  for  the  dead."  that  .  .  men,  viz.,  the 
death  wh.  they  are  taking  into  consideration  m  the  house  of 
mourning.*  lay  .  .  heart,  seriously  ponder  it,  and  try  to  learn 
wise  lessons  from  the  brevity  of  life,  etc.  (3)  sorrow,  not  here 
ffj'iff,  but  rather  neriou.s'nes.'i.''  laughter,  regarded  as  the  ex- 
pression of  thoughtless  and  boisterous  merry-making.  sad- 
ness, etc.,  comp.  Ps.  xc.  12  ;  2  Cor.  vi.  10.  "  In  sadness  of 
countenance  there  may  be  a  good  (cheerful)  heart."'' 

The  hoiixc  of  mourning  {v.  2). — It  is  better  than  the  house  of 
feasting,  because — I.  It  gives  better  lessons.  II.  It  has  better 
company.  III.  It  has  better  comforts.  IV.  A  better  end  awaits 
us  in  the  house  of  mourning." 

Reflection  and  absorption. — The  light  of  comfort  Bhines  in  the 
darkness  of  sorrow.  To  use  a  homely  illustration,  a  towel,  when 
wetted,  becomes  darker  than  before,  but  at  the  same  time  it 
becomes  more  transparent.  In  quitting  one  medium  for  another 
— the  air  for  water — its  power  of  reflecting  light  is  diminished, 
but  its  power  of  absorbing  light  is  increased,  so  that  the  dark- 
ness of  the  towel  is  due  to  its  increased  trani5parency.  This  is 
the  case,  too,  with  such  minerals  as  tabasheez  and  hydrophane, 
a  variety  of  opal,  and  also  with  table-salt  and  snow,  which  are 
opaque  when  dry,  but  when  immersed  in  water  become  trans- 
parent. Thus  it  is  with  sanctified  trial.  When  passing  from 
the  element  of  joy  into  the  element  of  sorrow  life  is  darkened, 
but  it  is  made  more  transparent  than  before.  It  does  not  reflect 
so  much  gladness,  but  it  allows  us  to  see  deeper  into  its  true 

nature By  a  gracious  dispensation  of  Heaven,  the  loss  of 

reflection  becomes  a  gain  of  absorption./ 

4 — 6.  (4)  wise,  a  strong  way  of  saying  that  a  man  finds  he 
can  learn  best  in  serious  and  solemn  scenes.  ''  Where  he  can  be 
serious,  the  wise  man  is  in  his  element."  fools,"  inconsiderate 
men,  but  always  in  Scripture  with  the  idea  of  wilfulness,  lead- 
ing to  -wickedness.  (5)  rebuke,  etc.,''  comp.  Pr.  xiii.  18,  xv. 
31,  32.  (6)  crackling,  etc.,  noisy  for  a  very  brief  time.''  and 
answering  to  the  merriment  of  fools.  "  Quickly  blazing  upi 
j  with  loud  crackling  aaid  snapping,  and  also  (luickly  consumed." 


Oap.vii.  7    10.] 


ECCLESJASTES. 


Ml 


CrackUnq  of  thorm. — In  reference  to  this  expression  it  may  he 
observed  that  dried  cow-dung  was  in  Palestine  commonly  used 
for  fuel,  as  it  is  at  the  present  day  ;  but  it  is  remarkably  slow  in 
burning  :  on  this  account  the  Arabs  frequently  threaten  to  burn 
a  person  with  cow-dung,  as  a  lingering  death.  This  fuel  forms 
a  striking  contrast  to  the  short-lived  and  noisy  violence  of  thorns 
and  furze,  which  are  speedily  consumed,  with  the  crackling  noise 
alluded  to.  Roberts  says,  '•  In  some  places,  firewood  being  very 
scarce,  the  people  gather  cow-dung,  make  it  into  cakes,  and  dry 
it  in  the  sun.  after  which  it  is  ready  for  fuel.  This  practice  is 
alluded  to  in  Ezekiel  iv.  15.  Those  who  are  accustomed  to  have 
their  food  prepared  in  this  way  prefer  it  to  any  other  ;  they  tell 
you  it  is  sweeter  and  more  holy,  as  the  fuel  comes  from  their 
sacred  animal." 

7.  oppression,  Ps.  Ixii.  10.  Perhaps  here  the  pressvre  that 
is  put  on  a  wise  man,  as,  for  instance,  with  bribes.  By  this 
pressure  he  may  be  made  mad  or  foolish  enough  to  turn  aside 
from  the  right.  iSome  think  the  reference  is  to  the  exercise  of 
tyrannical  power  by  the  wise."  gift,  or  bribe.  De.  xvi.  19.* 
heart,  i.e.  the  right  intentions  of  the  heart. 

Not  to  be  bribed. — When  great  presents  were  sent  to  Epami- 
nondas,  the  celebrated  Theban  general,  he  used  to  observe  :  "  If 
the  thing  you  desire  be  good,  I  will  do  it  without  any  bribe,  even 
because  it  is  good  :  if  it  be  not  honest,  I  will  not  do  it  for  all  the 
goods  in  the  world."  He  was  so  great  a  contemner  of  riches, 
that  when  he  died  he  left  not  enough  to  discharge  the  expenses 
of  the  funeral. 

8—10.  (8)  better  is  the  end,  bee.  the  painful  uncertain- 
ties and  toils  are  over."  patient  in  spirit,  comp.  N.  T.  Greek 
word,  mahrothumia.  long-sufleriug.*  proud,  impatient,  hasty, 
self-confident,  unwilling  to  wait.  (9)  angry,  better,  scns'itire, 
easily  offended.*^  resteth,  comp.  Eph.  iv.  26.  "A  fretful, 
irritable  disposition  is  mainly  found  in  fools."  (10)  former  .  . 
better,  this  question  is  still  often  asked,  esp.  as  men  grow  old. 
But  it  is  usually  the  sign  of  a  peevish  and  repining  disposition. 
Those  who  ask  thus  fail  worthily  to  observe  Gods  working  in 
time  present. 

Patience  and  pride  (v.  8). — I.  A  patient  spirit  is  more  noble 
than  a  proud  spirit.  1.  It  sees  farther  ;  2.  Is  more  generous;  3. 
Suffers  less  humiliation.  II.  A  patient  spirit  is  more  advanta- 
geous than  a  proud  spirit.  1.  It  produces  wise  counsel;  2.  It 
maintains  strong  and  lasting  friendships  ;  3.  It  ensures  constant 
co-operation  in  any  good  work  :  4.  It  brings  about  influence  and 
honour  for  its  possessor.  III.  The  patient  spirit  is  more  Christ- 
like than  the  proud.  See  Jesus — 1.  Before  the  proud  ;  2.  With 
the  proud.'' 

J.  Bradford  and  J.  We.ilpy. — Joseph  Bradford  was  for  some 
years  the  travelling  companion  of  Mr.  Wesley,  for  whom  he 
would  have  sacrificed  health  and  even  life,  but  to  whom  his  will 
would  never  bend,  except  in  meekness.  "Joseph,''  said  Mr. 
Wesley,  one  day,  "take  these  letters  to  the  post."  B.  "  I  will 
take  them  after  preaching,  sir."  W.  "  Take  them  now,  Joseph." 
B.  "  I  wish  to  hear  you  preach,  sir  ;  and  there  will  be  sufficient 
time  for  the  post  after  service."  W.  "  I  insist  upon  your  going 
now,  Joseph."      B.   "I  will  not  go  at  present."      W.    "You 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  X 


days  and  merry 
nights.  This  is 
liis  folly,  and  it 
hflps  to  make 
him  more  and 
more  foolish." — 
Mel.  Ili'iirij. 
b  Illus.  fr.  case  of 
llehoboam,  1  Ki. 
xii.  6-15. 
c  "Our  boatman's 
boy  always  had 
to  go  or.  shore, 
and  gather  sticks, 
thorns,  doura- 
straw,  rubbish 
— anything  he 
could  lay  his 
hands  upon,  for 
boiling  the  men'? 
pot.  But  these 
dried  thorns,  etc., 
though  they 
make  a  great 
noise  for  a  lime, 
soon  burn  o\it, 
and  are  then 
quiet  enough." — 
GatUby. 

a  This  may  be 
illustrated  in  the 
case  of  Nebu- 
chadnezzar, Da. 
iv.  25. 

b  "  Sometimes  in 
Egypt  bribes  are 
taken  from  both 
plaintiff  and  i^^- 
feiidant ;  and  the 
<iecision  is  given 
in  favour  of  him 
wlio  pays  the 
highest." — Lane. 

a  "  Fair  begin- 
nings (hke  Solo- 
mon's) are  often 
belied  by  what 
comes  after." — 
Wordswo/i/i. 
"In  a  subordi- 
nate sense  this 
prov.  is  one  of 
practical  and  po- 
litical prudence, 
and  recommends 
qtiickness  of  de- 
spatch, and  is  a 
warning  against 
tedious  proli.Kity 
anci  desultory 
speaking."- Xo/'i/ 
Bacon. 

"It  is  better 
quietly  to  wait 
the  course  of  an 
atfair  until  its 
issue,  and  not  to 
judge  and  act 
until  then,  than 
to  proceed  rashly, 
and  with  passion- 
ate   haste,    and 


822 

bring  upon  one- 
self its  bad  con- 
6eq  uen  oes."  — 
0.  Z!kkt>'>: 
h  Col.  i.  11 ;  He. 
vi.  12,  15  ;  Jas.  v. 
7,8. 

c  Comp.  Reho- 
boam,  1  Ki.  xii. 
13. 

"  That  will  break 
a  prouii  man  s 
heart  wliich  will 
not  break  a 
humble  man's 
s  1  e  e  p." — Ma  I. 
Jlenry. 

d  Stems  and 
TiciffS. 

a  "  Eosenmiiller 
and  others  un- 
derstand this  to 
mean  that  wis- 
dom preserves 
life  in  safety,  or 
renders  life  calm 
and  happy ;  but 
adeeper  meaning 
is  elicited  by 
comparing  these 
words  with  those 
of  our  Lord,  'The 
worils  that  I 
Bpeak  unto  you 
they  are  spirit 
and"  they  are 
life'  (Jno.  vi.  03, 
and  see  Mat.  iv. 
4)." — Spk.  Com." 

Pr.  viii.  11,  xvi. 
16  ;  2  Ti.  iii.  15. 

vi\  11,  12.  Abp. 
Dawes,  i.  1U3. 

V.  12.  Dr.  A. 
Gernrd.i.453;/I. 
Melvill,  23. 

k  D.  Clieever, 


ECCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  vll.  11-14 


a  "  Consider  that 
every  work  of 
God  is  wise,  just, 
and  good,  and 
there  is  an  ad- 
mirable bpauty 
and  harmony  in 
Bis  works,  and 
nil  will  ajipp.ir  at 
last  to  have  beeu 


-won't  ?"  B.  "  No,  sir."  IT''.  "  Then  you  and  I  must  part."  B. 
••  Very  good,  eir."  The  good  men  nlept  over  it.  Both  -were  early 
risers.  At  four  o'clock  the  next  moiiiiiig  the  refractory  helper 
was  accosted  with.  ••  Jo.>^eph.  have  you  considered  what  I  said — 

I  that  we  must  part  ?"  B.  ''Yes,  sir."  ■  U'.  "  And  must  we  part  ?" 
B.  ••  Please  yourself,  sir."  JI '.  "  Will  you  ask  my  pardon, 
Joseph.''     B.  "No.    sir.'      TI'.  "You    won't.'"      B.  "No,    sir." 

I  \V.  "  Then  I  will  ask  yours,  Joseph."  Poor  Joseph  was  instantly 
melted  :  smitten  as  by  the  word  of  Moses,  when  forth  gushed  the 
tears,  like  the  water  from  the  rock.  He  had  a  tender  soul :  and 
it  was  soon  observed  when  the  appeal  was  made  to  the  heart 
instead  of  the  head. 

11,  12.  (11)  with  an  inheritance,  marg.  "as  good  as  an 

inheritance."  The  rest  of  the  verse  should  read.  "yea.  better,  to 
them  that  see  the  sun  :"  i.e.  to  the  living.  (12)  defence,  or 
shadow.  Those  who  have  wisdom  are  as  well  defended  as  those 
that  have  money  ;  and.  beyond  this,  wisdom  has  its  own  special 
advantages,  giveth  life,  animates  him.  Money  may  be  a 
blessing  on  a  man's  circumstances :  wisdom  is  an  additional 
bljssing  to  the  man  himself." 

'lite  .wl<liff\^  .'(hi eld. — .Samuel  Proctor  was  trained  up  in  the 
use  of  religious  ordiuances.  and  in  early  life  felt  some  religious 
impressions.  He  afterwards  enlisted  as  a  soldier  in  the  first 
regiment  of  foot  guards,  and  was  made  a  grenadier.  Notwith- 
standing this,  the  impressions  made  upon  his  mind  continued  ; 
and  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  as  a  guardian  angel,  attended  him 
through  the  changing  scenes  of  life.  There  were  a  few  in  the 
regiment  who  met  for  pious  and  devotional  ex'f'rcises  :  he  cast  in 
his  lot  among  them,  and  always  carried  a  small  pocket  Bible  in 
one  pocket  and  his  hymn-book  in  the  other.  He  took  j>art  in  the 
struggle  on  the  jilains  of  Waterloo  in  181.5.  In  the  evening  of 
June  II),  in  the  tremendous  conflict  on  that  day,  his  regiment 
w^as  ordered  to  di.^lodge  the  French  from  a  wood  of  which  they 
had  taken  possession,  and  from  which  they  annoyed  the  allied 
army.  While  thus  engaged  he  was  thrown  a  distance  of  four  or 
five  yards  by  a  force  on  his  hip,  for  which  he  could  not  account 
at  the  time  :  but  when  he  came  to  examine  his  Bible  he  sa^w, 
with  overwhelming  grat  itude  to  the  Preserver  of  his  life,  what  it 
■was  that  had  thus  driven  him.  A  musket-ball  had  struck  his 
hip  whore  his  Bible  rested  in  his  pocket,  and  penetrated  nearly 
half  through  that  sacred  book.  All  who  saw  the  ball  said  that 
it  would  undoubtedly  have  killed  him  had  it  not  been  for  the 
Bible,  which  served  as  a  shield.  The  Bible  was  kept  as  a  sacred 
treasure,  and  laid  up  in  his  house,  like  the  sword  of  Goliath  in 
the  tabernacle.  "  That  Bible."  said  Proctor,  "  has  twice  saved 
me  instrumeutally — first,  from  death  in  battle,  and  second,  from 
death  eternal."* 

13,  14.  (13)  ■work  of  God,  orderings  of  Divine  Providence.* 

straight,  etc.,  for  the  mystery  of  Providence  is  that  some 
things  appear  to  us  to  be  made  crooked.'  (14)  joyful,  pros- 
perous times  are  sent  for  our  gladdening,  and  it  is  proper  to 
rejoice  in  them,  consider,  bee.  adverse  times  are  just  as  truly 
sent  to  lead  to  seriousness  and  review,  one  .  .  other,  i.e.  wisely 
pro'iortioned  tliem.  and  fitted  them  together  in  every  life.' 

Themes  fur  the  day  of  adeersity  {v.  14). — I.  Some  themes  for 


Cap.  vii.  15, 16.] 


ECCLESIiSTES. 


328 


eaints  in  the  day  of  adversity.  1.  Consider  who  sends  the 
adversity  ;  2.  Why  it  is  sent :  3.  What  j'ou  have  in  the  day  of 
adversity ;  4.  What  you  shall  be  after  the  day  of  adversity  ;  5. 
What  you  need  now  to  glorify  God.  II.  Some  themes  for  sinners 
in  the  day  of  adversity.  Consider — 1.  The  joys  you  have  had  ; 
2.  "VMiat  you  deserve  :  3.  WTience  your  adversity  comes ;  4.  The 
infinitely  greater  adversity  of  lost  souls  ;  5.  That  Jesus  is  willing 
to  save  in  this  day  of  adversity."* 

Two  nnnirnrrs. — Early  in  life  (says  a  lady  in  South  Carolina)  I 
became  interested  in  tracts  :  but  it  was  not  until  a  season  of 
affliction  that  I  realised  their  value.  A  dear  friend  was  taken 
from  me  by  death,  and  my  soul  was  disquieted  within  me,  when  a 
female  acquaintance  to  whom,  when  in  affliction.  I  had  once  sent 
the  Friendly  Vinif  to  ihe  Iloune  of  3Jo!tr/iin/j,  returned  the  same 
tract  to  me.  I  had  before  read  it  as  applicable  to  others,  but  now, 
as  addressed  to  myself  ;  and  I  humbly  trust  I  was  thereby  enabled 
to  view  the  goodness  of  my  heavenly  Father,  even  in  the  bitter- 
ness of  my  cup,  and  to  say  from  the  heart,  "  It  is  the  Lord  ;  let 
Him  do  what  seemeth  to  Him  good."  The  same  tract  wa«,  some 
years  since,  presented  by  my  revered  father,  on  paying  his  bill, 
to  the  landlady  of  a  house  where  we  put  up  for  the  night.  Calling 
afterwards  at  the  same  inn,  the  landlady,  on  hearing  my  name, 
invited  me  into  her  sitting-room,  told  me  of  her  receiving  the 
tract,  and  that  at  the  time  it  was  presented  to  her  she  had  just 
been  called  to  bury  a  beloved  daughter,  and  was  weeping  over 
her  loss  in  all  the  anguish  of  that  sorrow  which  "  worketh  death." 
At  first  she  was  only  anxious  to  know  to  whom  she  was  indebted 
for  the  tract ;  but  curiosity  soon  led  her  to  examine  the  gift 
itself,  and  God  blessed  it  to  her  conviction,  her  conversion,  and 
her  lasting  consolation  :  indeed,  she  never  parted  with  it  but 
when  some  friend  or  neighbour  was  in  affliction. 

15,  16.  (15)  all  things,  i.e.  all  sorts  of  things,  days  .  • 
vanity,  such  as  he  gives  account  of  in  previous  chapters,  when 
he  was  trying  all  possible  experiences,  just,  etc..  this  mysterious 
association  of  righteousness  and  misfortune  can  be  seen  in  eveiy 
age.  It  is  the  bewilderment  of  Asaph  and  of  Job.  (IG)  righteous 
over  much.,  '■  a  warning  against  that  strictly  exact  but  hypo- 
critical and  external  righteousness  of  those  predecessors  of  the 
Pharisees  to  whom  the  preceding  r.  referred.""  Do  not  think 
thou  canst  grasp  and  apprehend  these  mysteries.*  destroy 
thyself,  as  r.  15,  "  perisheth,"  etc. 

Rif/Iiteoii.t  over  much  (r.  16). — I.  What  is  the  real  import  of  this 
passage  .'  The  thing  condemned  here  is  evidently  not  having  too 
much  righteousness,  but  estimating  our  righteousness  more  highly 
than  we  ought,  and  priding  ourselves  in  and  boasting  of  that 
which  we  really  do  not  possess.  II.  What  all  of  us  should  leam 
from  the  subject  before  us.  1.  The  importance  of  obtaining 
proper  views  of  our  own  righteousness  ;  2.  Rightly  to  appreciate 
the  righteousness  of  Christ :  3.  To  pray  that  we  may  be  made 
in  every  respect  what  God  would  have  us  be."^ 

Jliif/o  Grnthtf:. — Hugo  Grotius  was  born  at  Delft,  April  10, 1583, 
and  had  the  best  masters  to  direct  his  education.  He  was  dis- 
tinguished from  his  earliest  years  by  the  great  brilliancy  of  his 
parts,  and  his  application  was  equally  remarkable.  At  eight  years 
of  age  he  composed  Latin  elegiac  verses  ;  and  at  fourteen  he 
maintained  public  theses  in  mathematics,  law,  and  philosophy, 
X2 


for  the  best."— 
Mat.  Henry. 

Tie.  viii.  2,  5  ;  Eo 
viii.  28. 

h  "  In  observing 
the  works  of  God 
thou  wilt  find 
tliat  His  influ- 
ence is  eternal 
and  immutable ; 
for  who  can  har- 
monise the  de- 
fects and  imper- 
fections of  hu> 
man  life  decreed 
by  Him?"  — 0. 
Zockler. 

c  "  This  mixture 
of  good  and  evil 
days  is  by  the 
Div.  prov.  so  pro- 
portioned, that  it 
sufficiently  justi- 
fies the  dealings 
of  God  towards 
the  sons  of  men, 
and  obviates  all 
pur  discontent 
and  murmuring 
against  Him." — 
Bp.  Bull. 

d  Stems     ani 

Twigs. 


a  0.  ZScltler. 

b  "  The  sugges- 
tion that  ttie.so 
rt'.  are  intended 
to  advocate  a 
middle  course  be- 
tween sin  and 
virtue  is  at  vari- 
ance with  the 
whole  ten  or  of 
the  book."— ^<Sp*. 
Com. 

"  Poss.  Sol.  is  de- 
liveringaprecept 
against  straining 
any  one  virtue 
to  extremes." — 
Wo?-clsicorth. 

"If  you  see  a 
man  rigorousaud 
severe  with  re- 
gard to  the  sins 
of  his  brethren, 
so  as  not  to  make 
charitable  allow- 
ances, and  to  ex- 
tend pardon  to 
them,  you  may 
presume  that 
man  to  be  righte- 
ous over   much 


324 


ECCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  vil.  17-22. 


Kot  to  recognise 
human  weakness, 
anil  to  make  al- 
lowance for  it,  is 
inhuman  justice." 
— S.  Jerome. 

V.  15.  Dr.  T.  Ful- 
ler, Com.  on  Mil  It.; 
Dr.  R.  Fidde.i.  iii. 
347;  Dr.  W.Cliig- 
gett,  iii.  124;  A. 
Fuller,  512. 

c  W,  Snell. 


a  Pr.  X.  27 ;  Ps. 

Iv.  23;    Job  XV. 
32,  xxii.  16.  I 


t>.  17.     J.  Marti- 
neau,  i.  333. 

"  A  bare  and 
tortoise  engaged 
to  ran  a  race  ; 
but  the  hare,  de- 
peniling  on  the 
swiftness  of  his 
foot,  delayed  in 
starting  off  upon 
the  proposed  race 
so  long  that  the 
tortoise  reached 
the  goal,  and  won 
the  prize  through 
its  perseverance, 
though  slow  in 
its  motions."  — 
John  Bate. 
b  Bib.  Treasury. 


VV.  19,  20.  Dr.  R. 

Oell,  Essay,  761. 

V.  20.  Luther,  Op. 
i  154  ;  T,  Boston, 
ii.  374. 

"  The  true  law  of 
the  race  is  pro- 
gress and  de- 
velopment. 
Whenever  civi- 
lisation pauses  in 
the  march  of  con- 
quest, it  is  over- 
thrown by  the 
barbarian."  — 
Simms. 

a  Wldtecross. 


a" As  therefore 
thou,  being  far 
from  jjerfcctly 
'  just  '  thyself, 
bast  much  to  be 


with  general  applause.  His  reputation  by  this  time  was  esta- 
blished, and  he  was  mentioued  by  the  principal  scholars  of  the 
age  as  a  prodigy  of  learning  and  as  destined  to  make  a  conspicu- 
ous figure  in  the  republic  of  letters.  In  l.o'.t.S  he  accompanied 
Barnevelt,  ambassador  extraordinary  of  the  Dutch  States,  in  a 
journey  to  France,  where  he  was  introduced  to  Henry  IV.,  who 
was  so  pleased  with  his  learning  that  he  presented  him  with  his 
picture  and  a  gold  chain.  While  in  France  he  took  the  degree 
of  Doctor  of  Laws.  The  following  year  he  commenced  practice 
as  an  advocate,  and  pleaded  his  first  cause  at  Delft.  In  the  same 
year,  though  then  only  seventeen,  he  was  chosen  historiogi-apher 
to  the  United  Provinces,  in  jireference  to  several  learned  men 
who  were  candidates  for  that  ofiice. 

17,  18.  (17)  over  mucli -wicked,  maliciously  wicked.  All 
are  wicked  from  frailty,  some  are  wicked  in  wilfulness.  Such 
cannot  escape  the  due  penalties,  die  .  .  time,  sinful  indulgence 
surely  shortening  life."  (18)  take  .  .  this,  i.e.  this  counsel. 
And  the  '■  fear  of  God  "  is  the  only  sufficient  security  from  both 
extremes,  of  self-righteousness  and  self-indulgence. 

T/ie  7r(tniing  dc.tpiscd. — A  minister  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Birmingham  recently  stated,  in  one  of  his  discourses,  the  follow- 
ing fact.  A  deacon  of  a  Christian  church  was  walking,  one 
Sabbath  day,  to  the  house  of  God,  when  he  saw  a  young  man, 
with  whom  he  had  some  slight  acquaintance,  come  out  of  an  inn 
and  mount  his  horse.  "  Can  you  tell  me,  deacon,"  said  he,  jocosely, 
"how  far  it  is  to  hell.'"  The  deacon  paused,  reflected  for  a 
moment,  then  replied,  "  It  is  not  far  off.  You  may  come  to  it 
sooner  than  you  expect."  The  young  man  laughed,  put  spurs  to 
his  horse,  and  was  soon  out  of  sight.  The  deacon  walked  gently 
on,  and  as  the  road  made  a  turn  saw  a  crowd  before  him.  Coming 
up  to  the  spot,  he  saw  the  young  man  to  whom  he  had  just  before 
spoken  the  words  of  warning,  lying  a  corpse  upon  the  ground. 
His  horse  had  become  restive  and  unmanageable,  and  thrown  his 
rider,  who,  falling  on  his  head,  was  kiUed  upon  the  spot.* 

19,  20.  (19)  strengtheneth,  etc.,  Pr.  xxi.  22,  xxiv.  5  ; 
Eccl.  ix.  13—16.  (20)  for,  should  be,  hut.  just,  a  perfectly 
righteous,  or  perfectly  wise,  see  v.  16.  sinneth  not,  cumj}. 
Ro.  iii.  9—18  ;  1  Jno.  i.  8. 

Dijiiiff  like  a  Chrlitian. — Anne  de  Montmorency,  constable  of 
France,  having  been  mortally  wounded  at  an  engagement,  was 
exhorted  by  those  who  stood  around  him  to  die  like  a  good  Chria- 
tian,  and  with  the  same  courage  which  he  had  shown  in  his  life- 
time. To  this  he  most  nobly  replied  in  the  following  manner  :— 
Gentlemen  and  fellow- soldiers  1  I  thank  you  all  very  kindly  for 
your  anxious  care  and  concern  about  me  :  but  the  man  who  has 
been  enabled  to  endeavour  to  live  well  for  fourscore  years  past 
can  never  need  to  seek  now  how  to  die  well  for  a  quarter  of  an 
hour.  But  observe,  my  having  been  enabled  to  endeavour  to  live 
well,  is  not  the  ground  of  my  dependence  ;  no,  my  sole  depen- 
dence is  on  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  by  the  grace  of  God,  through  Him, 
that  I  now  am  what  I  am."" 

21,  22.  (21)  take,  etc.,  counsel  based  on  the  consideration 
that  all  are  sinners.  Many  things  will  be  said  by  imperfect  folk 
which  you  will  be  wiser  not  to  hear  or  heed."  Do  not  be  curious 
to  hear  how  people  judge  thee.  "  A  warning  against  idle  curiosity^ 


Cap.  vll.  23 -28.] 


ECnLESlASTES. 


325 


and  latent  desire  of  praise."  (22)  cursed  others,*  spoken  evil 
of.  The  sense  of  our  own  frailty  should  ever  make  us  considerate 
towards  others.  | 

A  quid  pro  quo. — A  lady  bcingf  visited  with  a  violent  disorder,  ! 
was  under  the  necessity  of  applying^  for  medical  assistance.     Her  , 
doctor  being  a  gentleman  of  great  latitude  in  his  religious  senti-  j 
ments.  endeavoured,  in  the  course  of  his  attendance,  to  persuade  his  i 
patient  to  adopt  his  creed,  as  well  as  to  take  his  medicines.     He  I 
frequently  insisted,  with  a  considerable  degree  of  dogmatism, 
that  repentance  and  reformation  were  all  that  either  God  or  man 
could  require  of  us,  and  that  consequently  there  was  no  necessity 
for  an  atonement  by  the  sufferings  of  the  Son  of  God.     As  this 
was  a  doctrine  the  lady  did  not  believe,  she  contented  herself 
with  following  his  medical  prescriptions,  without  embracing  his 
creed.     On  her  recovery,   she   forwarded  a  note  to  the  doctor,  j 
desiring  the  favour  of  his  company  to  tea  when  it  suited  his 
convenience,  and  requesting  him  to  make  out  his  bill.    In  a  short 
time  he  made  his  visit,  and  the  tea-table  being  removed,  she 
addressed  him  as  follows  : — '•  My  long  illness  has  occasioned  you 
a  number  of  journeys  :  and  I  suppose,  doctor,  you  have  procured 
my  medicines  at  considerable  expense."    The  doctor  acknowledged 
that  "  good  drugs  were  not  to  be  obtained  but  at  a  very  high 
price."     Upon  which  she  replied,  "  I  am  extremely  sorry  that  1 1 
have  put  you  to  so  much  labour  and  expense,  and  also  promise  j 
that,  on  any  future  indissposition,  I  will  never  trouble  you  again.  | 
So  you  see  I  both  rejaent  and  reform."     The  doctor,  immediately 
shrugging  up  his  shoulders,  exclaimed,  "  That  will  not  do  for 
me."     "  The  words  of  the  wise  are  as  goads."' 

23,  24.  (2.3)  proved,  or  found  out.  This  is  some  of  the  fruit 
of  his  dearly-bought  experience,  wise,  he  wanted  to  be  perfectly, 
absolutely  wise  ;  but  this  was  beyond  attainment.  (21)  that  .  . 
far  off,  viz..  the  very  innermost  essence  of  wisdom." 

A  man  sared  from  dnmninfj  by  a  child. — A  very  gallant  action  was 
recently  performed  at  Heme  Bay,  by  a  child  aged  nine  years,  the 
eon  of  Colonel  Munro,  of  the  Bower,  Maidstone.  He  and  a  younger 
brother  had  gone  down  to  bathe,  and  saw  a  man  in  the  water, 
who  had  sunk  once.  The  little  fellow  was  not  at  first  aware  he 
could  not  swim,  but  when  he  perceived  the  man  in  danger,  and 
about  to  sink  the  second  time,  he  bravely  rushed  into  the  water, 
and  swam  to  his  assistance.  The  man  immediately  caught  at 
him,  and  both  would  have  been  involved  in  the  same  destruction 
had  not  the  child  had  the  presence  of  mind  to  dive,  and  thus 
escape  his  grasp  ;  then  approaching  more  cautiously  he  dexterously 
seized  him  by  the  arm  and  di-agged  him  ashore.  The  persons 
present  speak  with  admiration  of  the  prompt  and  cool  manner  in 
which  the  little  fellow  acted,  and  afiRrm  that  but  for  his  intre- 
pidity the  man  must  inevitably  have  been  drowned,  as  his  situa- 
tion previously  had  been  unnoticed  from  the  shore. 

25,  26.  (25)  the  reason,  to  get  an  insight  into  the  inner 
meaning  and  purpose  of  things  good  and  bad.  "  The  right  esti- 
mation of  things."  (2(5)  I  find,  etc.,  Pr.  xxii.  14."  pleaseth 
God,  the  God-fearing  and  just  men. 

A  bow  drawn  at  a  venture. — "About  twenty  years  ago,"  says 
Dr.  Wisner,  "  I  -was  called,  in  the  providence  of  God,  to  preach  a 
Bprmon  in  a  village  a  little  more  than  twenty  miles  from  where  I 


forgiven  by  God, 
do  not  take  too 
strict  account, rti 
llie  st'lj-rigliltous 
do,  of  vv  (I r d  s 
spoken  against 
tliee  by  otlitrs." 
—  F<i  ussi'l. 

"  The  wisdom  of 
tlie  Creator  lias 
given  us  two 
ears,  and  only 
one  tongue,  in 
order  to  teach  us 
that  we  must 
liear  twice  before 
we  speak  once." 
— aturke. 

"  Pompey  showed 
his  wisdom  and 
m  a  g  n  a  n  i  m  i  t  y 
when  the  papers 
of  Ids  enemy  Ser- 
torius  were 
lirought  to  him, 
by  ordering  them 
ail  to  be  Ijurnt." 
— Ld.  bacon. 

j  6  1  Ki.  ii.  44. 

V.  21.  D.  Sturmy, 
145 ;    Bp. 

Ti.  407. 

c  Whilecrois. 


Hurd, 


a  Bo.  xi.  33L 

"  The  books  wh. 
once  we  valued 
more  than  the 
apple  of  the  eye 
we  have  quite 
e.\hausted.  What 
is  that  but  saying 
tliat  we  have 
come  up  with 
the  point  of  view 
which  the  uni- 
versal mind  took 
through  the  eyes 
of  one  scribe ; 
we  have  been 
that  man,  and 
have  passed  on." 
— Emersvn. 


a  "  Thevenot  says 
there  is  a  custom 
amongst  the 
Arabs,  in  some 
parts,  of  sending 
out,  in  a  way 
where  travellers 
are  expected,  a 
handsome       wo- 


326 


ECCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  vll.  27-29. 


Dian.intenrs.nnd 
witli  lier  hair  di- 
slipvellerl.  'i'lie 
passing  traveller 
pities  her,  takes 
her  heliind  him 
on  his  beast;  then 
she  throws  a  cord 
about  his  neck 
and  strangles 
him,  or  holds  liim 
until  the  robbers 
come." — Gadshy. 

C'omp,  1  Ki.  xi,  1 
—8;  Pr.  ii.  16— 
19,  T.  3,  etc. 

"  Now,  by  St, 
Paul,  the  work 
goesbraTely  ou," 
—ColHy  Cibber. 


a  Both  Burck- 
fiardl  and  Lime 
give  the  women 
of  Cairo  a  sad 
cliaracter  for  im- 
morality ;  and  no 
wonder.consider- 
ing  the  surround- 
ings in  which 
they  are  edu- 
cated, and  the 
evil  influence  of 
the  system  of 
polygamy. 

b  "  Man  has  visi- 
bly lost  his  way, 
auil  feels  in  him- 
self some  relics  of 
a  happy  state  fr. 
wh.  he  is  fallen, 
and  wh,  he  can- 
not recover.  He 
seeks  it  every- 
where with  rest- 
lessness, and  un- 
successfully in 
impenetrable 
dark  ness." — 
Pascal. 

t  B.  Dickinson, 
M.A. 

d  Dr.  Cuyler. 


!  wa«  then  settled.  I  preached  from  Rev.  iii.  20  :  '  Behold,  I  stand 
at  the  door,  and  knock  :  if  any  man  hear  My  voice,  and  open  the 
door,  I  will  come  in  to  him,  and  will  suji  with  him,  and  he  with 
Me.'  After  pointing  out  some  of  the  ways  in  which  Christ 
knocked  at  the  doors  of  sinners,  I  remarked  that  He  was  then 
knoc'dug-  at  the  door  of  that  young  man  who  had  recently  been 
bereaved  of  a  beloved  parent,  and  inquired  whether  he  would 
then  listen  to  the  Saviour,  and  open  the  door.  I  did  not  at  that 
time  know  that  there  had  been  any  recent  bereavement  in  the 
congregation,  but  twenty  years  afterwards,  at  a  meeting  of  Synod, 
one  of  the  elders  from  that  church  came  to  me,  and  with  deep 
emotion  informed  me  that  the  remark  to  which  I  have  alluded 
was  to  his  soul  '  a  nail  in  a  sure  place,  fixed  by  the  Master  of 
assemblies.'  He  was.  at  the  time  of  my  preaching,  mourning  the 
loss  of  a  beloved  mother  ;  and  when  I  unwittingly  alluded  to  his 
case,  and  inquired  whether  he  would  listen  to  Christ's  voice  and 
open  the  door,  his  heart  resjionded  '  I  will,'  and  there,  in  his  seat 
in  the  house  of  God,  the  Saviour  came  '  in  unto  him,'  and  filled 
his  soul  with  joy  and  peace,  according  to  His  gracious  promise." 

27 — 29.  (27)  one  by  one,  i.e.  weighing  and  considering- 
each  separately.  (28)  one  man,  "  whose  good  qualities  satisfy 
expectations."  woman,  etc.,  it  appears  that,  at  the  present 
day,  the  immodesty,  ignorance,  and  degradation  of  the  women 
in  Eastern  harems  is  painful  to  contemplate."  (29)  upright, 
Ge.  i.  27.  inventions,*  tricks,  conceits,  evil  artifices.  No 
reference  is  intended  to  scientific  inventions  and  discoveries. 

Alarm  to  distillers  {v.  29). — I.  The  business  of  distilling 
confers  no  benefits  on  your  fellow-men.  II.  It  is  not  only 
useless,  but  it  is  the  occasion  of  many  and  great  evils.  III.  It 
destroys  to  a  great  extent  the  bounties  of  Providence.  IV.  By 
continuing  this  destructive  business  you  greatly  offend  the 
virtuous  and  respectable  part  of  the  community.  V.  You  pursue 
a  pernicious  calling  in  opposition  to  great  light.  VI.  Persever- 
ance in  this  business  must  necessarily  be  at  the  expense  of  your 
own  reputation  and  that  of  your  posterity.  VII.  By  prosecuting 
it  in  a  day  of  light  and  reform  you  peculiarly  offend  God,  and 
endanger  your  immortal  interests." 

'J'he  deceit/ill  ness  of  sin. — We  have  heard  of  a  singular  tree 
that  forcibly  illustrates  the  deceitf ulness  of  sin.  It  is  called  the 
"  Judas  tree."  The  blossoms  appear  before  the  leaves,  and  they 
are  of  brilliant  crimson.  The  flaming  beauty  of  the  flowers 
attracts  iunumerable  insects,  and  the  wandering  bee  is  drawn  to 
it  to  gather  honey.  But  every  bee  that  alights  upon  the  blossoms 
imbibes  a  fatal  opiate,  and  drops  dead  from  among  the  crimson 
flowers  to  the  earth.  Beneath  this  enticing  tree  the  earth  is 
strewed  with  the  victims  of  its  fatal  fascinations.  That  fatal 
plant  that  attracts  only  to  destroy  is  a  vivid  emblem  of  the 
deceitfulness  and  deadliness  of  sin.  For  the  poison  of  sin's 
bewitching  flowers  there  is  but  one  remedy.  It  is  found  in  the 
"  leaves  of  the  tree  of  life  "  tliat  groweth  ou  Mount  Calvary.* 


Oap.viii.  1-5.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


327 


CHAPTER  THE  EIGHTH. 

1 — 3.  (1>  who  .  .  man  ?   whatever  be   the  outward  circum- 
stances,  Sol.   intimates  that  the  wise  man   has  the  best  of  it. 
interpretation,  has  soma  insig-ht  into  the  meaning-  of  thing-s." 
face  to  slline,    as  with   the  smiles  of   serenity,      boldness, 
better,  ncn'riti/,  or  ghiom,  or  anxiety.''     (2)  oath  of  God,  oath 
of  allegiance  taken  at  the  king-'s  accession.     King's  were  regarded  \  23 
as  God"s  anointed.     ''An  oath  of  God  is  an  oath  made  with  ani"xhat  repulsive 
appeal  to  God   as   witness."     (3)  hasty  .     sight,    do  not  in  ' ' 
Budden  anger  break  away  from  allegiance.     Sta,nd  not,  i.e.  do 
not  persist  in."    whatsoever,  etc.,  the  Eastern  king  is  inde- 
pendent and  uncontrolled. 

Be  2)vompt. — Preparation  for  eternity  must  be  now,  at  once,  |  unamiable  and 
and  in  advance  of  the  danger.  The  fable  of  the  wild  boar  and  ^"^'^"'^  *'^''''*-  " 
the  fox  teaches  us  this  lesson  :— Once  upon  a  time,  a  wild  boar 


a  "  Can  solve  the 
problem  of  God's 
d) spensatious 
with  a  nation."— 
Wordsworth. 

b  Comp.  Da.  viii. 


harshness  and 
stiffness  of  the 
features  wli.  are 
a  necessary  re- 
sult of  a  coarse, 


is  the  civilising, 
softening,      and 


of  the  jungle  was  whetting  his  tusts  against  the  trunk  of  a  ]  morally  refining 

tree.     A  fox  passing  by  asked  him  why  he  did  this,  seeing  that  \  i"fl">?nce  of  true 

neither  hunter  nor  hound  was  near.      "Truel"  said  the  boar,  i  gQ„i°^„,°n  tl,at 

'•  but  when  that  danger  does  arise,  I  shall  have  something  else  1  the  author  has  in 

to  do  than  to  shar])en  my  weapons  1"     Was  it  not  very  true? —  j  view."-O.Zoc*/er. 

On  a  wild  coast  of  Britain  there  are  tall  and  craggy  cliffs,  which   c  "In  presence  of 

overhang  the  ocean.     The  people  residing  near  make  their  liveli-  1  a  king  it  is  proper 

hooil  by  gathering  the  eggs  of  the  rock-birds.     An  iron  is  fixed  |  and''yeTfirm'!\'o 

in  the  cliff  above  ;  a  rope  is  attached,  and  the  adventurer  lowers  [  show     ourselves 

himself,  until  he  arrives  at  the  ledge  of  the  rock.     In  this  he  I  neither  over 

encounters  many  dangers.     Once  a  man  found  the  rock  to  over-  i  ^'"""^  '^°J'  °^^^ 

hang  so  much  that  he  was  obliged  to  swing  himself  to  and  fro, ;  him.^'~-El°^ld. 

so  as  to  gain  his  foothold   on  the  rock.     He  succeeded  ;  but  in  j  ^  j  Dr  j.  Jeffrey 

doing  so  he  lost  the  rope   from  his  grasp.     The  rope  swung  to  j  i.  153 ;  .e.5eei/on| 

and  fro — its  vibrations   becoming  less  ami  less,  and  each  time !  125. 

more  and  more  distant.     The  man  stood,  and  quick  as  thought  j" Let  us  labour 

reasoned  thus  with  himself  :—'■  That  rope  is  my  only  chance  of  !  for    that  larger 

life.     In  a  little  while  it  will  be  for  ever  beyond  my  reach.     It  I  ''"'^  '''''"S*'.'"  '=°°'; 
,,         .,  .,,   ,  .  _  ''         .    1       ,     1  ,     p  ..     prehension     of 

IS  nearer  now  than  it  ever  will  be  again.     I  must  lay  hold  of  it 

or  die  I"      So   saying,   promptitude    nerved    his    strength  ;    he 

sprang  from  the  clifE  as  the  rope  was  next  approaching,  caught 

it,  and  was  safe  !     This  is  just  our  state  of  peril  by  reason  of  our 

Bin.     There  are  opportunities  now  ;    and,  for  aught  we  know, 

they  may  be  gradually  diminishing.     Come  now.     Lay  hold  on 

your  hope  now  1     Be  prompt,  and  "  whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth 

to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might ;    for  there  is  no  work,  nor  device, 

nor  knowledge,  nor  -wisdom  in  the  grave,  whither  thou  goest." 

4,  5.  (4)  what  doest  thou  ?  none  may  resist  the  king's 
arbitrary  power,  or  object  to  his  commands.  (5)  feel  .  .  thing, 
be  influenced  by  no  seditious  or  rebellious  schemes,  time  and 
judgment,  for  influencing  the  king,  and  securing  the  due 
modification  of  his  schemes.  There  is  no  intended  reference  here 
to  the  doctrine  of  a  general  judgment. 

Ohedience  and  its  re/rard. — A  man  who  had  been  accustomed 
to  go  with  the  cars  on  week-days  informed  his  wife  that  he  had 
been  requested  to  go  with  the  cars  on  the  Sabbath.  She  replied, 
"  I  take  it  for  granted  that  you  do  not  intend  to  go."  Such  was 
her  confidence  in  her  husband  that  he  would  not  do  a  wicked 


truth,  that  more 
and  more  tho- 
rough repudia- 
tion of  error, 
wliich  shall  make 
tlie  history  of 
mankind  a  series 
of  ascending  de- 
v  e  1  o  p  m  e  n  t  s. " 
— Horace  Mann. 


"As  for  mv  death, 
I  bless  God  I  feel 
and  find  so  much 
inward  joy  and 
comfort  to  my 
soul,  that  if  I 
were  put  to  my 
choice  whether  I 
would  die  or  Uve, 
I  would  a  thou- 
sand times  rather 
choose  death 
than    life,   if    it 


ft28 


ECCLESIASTEa. 


[Cap.  viii.  6-^. 


may  stand  with 
the  holy  will  of 
God."  —  Edward 
D  eving. 

''  The  progress 
from  infancy  to 
boyhomi  is  im- 
perceptible. In 
that  long  dawn 
of  the  mind  we 
take  but  little 
heed.  The  years 
pass  by  iis,  one 
by  one,  little  dis- 
tingnishable 
from  each  other. 
But  when  the 
intellectual  sun 
of  our  life  is 
risen,  we  take  due 
note  of  joy  and 
Borrow. " — Harry 
Corn  wait. 
a  Bib.  Treasury. 

a  "  A  heavy  mis- 
fortunevisitshim 
as  a  well-deserved 
punishment,  and 
he  falls  a  victim 
of  his  foolish  ef- 
fort to  struggle 
against  the 
Divinely  -  sanc- 
tioned ordi- 
nances of  tliis 
•world."— 0.  Ziick- 
ler. 

"  Bacon  said  — 
*  Time  is  the 
greatest  of  inno- 
vator.s.' He  might 
also  have  Siiid, 
'  the  greatest  of 
improvers.'  And 
I  like  Sladame  de 
Etael's  observa- 
tion on  this  sub- 
ject quite  as  well 
as  Lord  Bacon's. 
It  is  this— "That 
past  which  is  so 
presumptuously 
brouglit  forward 
as  a  preo(.'dent 
for  the  present 
was  itself  found- 
ed on  an  altera- 
tion of  some  past 
that  went  before 
\t."—Collcn. 

c  Dr.  J.  Watts. 


a  This  entire 
clause  from  v.  2 
prob.  concerns 
disobedience  and 
disloyalty  to 


thing  for  money.  He  told  her  that  if  he  should  not  g-o  he  might 
lose  his  place,  that  he  had  no  other  employment,  the  tim  s  were 
hard,  and  he  had  a  family  to  support.  "'I  know  it,"  mu\  .-^he  ; 
'•  but  I  hope  you  will  not  forget  that  if  a  man  cannot  yuiiport  a 
family  by  keeping  the  Sabbath,  he  certainly  cannot  i<n|)port 
them  by  breaking  it," — a  sentence  which  ought  to  be  written  in 
letters  of  gold,  and  held  up  to  the  view  of  all  Christendom.  '•  I 
am  very  glad,"  said  the  man,  "  that  you  think  so  ;  I  think  so 
myself.  That  was  what  I  wanted  —to  see  whether  we  think 
alike."  He  told  the  superintendent  that  he  liked  his  situation, 
and  should  be  very  sorry  to  lo.se  it,  but  that  he  could  not  go  with 
the  mail  on  the  Sabbath  ;  that  he  wished  to  attend  public  wor- 
ship, and  go  with  his  children  to  the  Sabbath  school.  He  did  not 
lose  his  place,  nor  did  he  suffer  in  a  pecuniary  point  of  view. 
He  prospered  more  than  before,  an  dlived  to  bear  his  testimony 
not  only  to  the  duty,  but  to  the  utility,  even  for  this  world,  of 
keeping  the  Sabbath." 

6,  7.  (6)  misery  of  man,  i.e.  of  the  man  who,  neglecting 
to  take  the  right  time  and  the  right  way.  opposes  the  king's 
will,  and  so  rouses  the  king's  anger."  (7)  whon,  or  how.  He 
does  not  wisely  estimate  the  consequences  of  his  rebellious 
action. 

Life  and  death. — Death  was  to  the  Romans  the  end  of  sensa- 
tion and  pleasure  ;  yet,  instead  of  regarding  the  emblems  of  it 
with  aversion,  they  rather  sought  iu  them  a  higher  relish  for 
present  enjoyment.  A  skeleton  was  not  un  frequently  introduced 
among  the  guests  at  festive  parties,  with  the  exhortation,^ 
"  Mramn.i  diiin  licet  e.\:<ie  bene'' — '"Let  us  enjoy  life  while  we 
may."  It  is  related  of  the  Egyptians,  by  Herodotus  and  others, 
that  in  order  to  prevent  irregularities  at  their  convivial  meetings, 
and  to  give  some  check  to  excessive  mirth,  they  were  used  to 
bring  into  the  room  after  supper,  when  they  began  their  wine, 
the  image  of  a  dead  man  carved  in  wood,  or  a  coSin,  probably 
containing  the  embalmed  remains  of  some  ancestor  of  the  family. 
This  sjiectacle  was  presented  to  each  of  the  company  by  a  person 
whose  office  it  was  to  pronounce  distinctly  the  following  words  : 
"  Look  upon  this,  and  be  merry  :  for  such  as  this,  when  dead, 
shalt  thou  be."  A  strange  ceremony  this  !  It  shows,  however, 
in  what  abhorrence  this  veiy  extraordinary  people  held  those 
extravagances  which  too  often  disgrace  public  and  domestic 
festivities.  Solomon  was  a  wise  and  good  man  :  he  knew  what 
danger  young  people  were  exposed  to.  especially  on  these 
occasions.  Nor  can  we  do  them  a  kinder  office  than  to  whis|ier 
in  their  ear  these  memorable  words  of  his,  when  they  are  thus 
tempted  to  excess  :  "  Rejoice.  0  young  man,  in  thy  youth  :  and 
let  thy  heart  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and  walk  in 
the  ways  of  thine  heart,  and  in  the  sight  of  thine  eyes  :  but 
know  thou,  that  for  all  these  things  God  will  bring  thee  into 
judgment."* 

8,  9.  (8)  to  retain  the  spirit,  when  it  ie  passing  fr.  the 
body  in  what  we  call  death  (Job  xiv.  5).  no  discharge, 
seldom  any  for  the  soldier  when  called  to  the  battle  ;  none  for 
the  man  when  called  to  die.  So  man  is  whully  doiH'ndent  on 
God.     His  life  is  wholly  in  God's  bauds.     There  may,  however. 


wards  authority,  [  still  be  reference  to  the  anger  of  the  king,  wh.  commands  the 


Cap.  viii.  10-13.] 


ECCLESIASTEa. 


329 


execution  of  the  over-bold  servant,  and  will  by  no  means  change 
his  purpose."  (9)  to  his  own  hurt,  should  be,  to  his  hurt; 
i.e.  to  the  injury  of  the  subject. 

The  contunpJiit'ion.  of  human  life  {v.  9). — I.  This  contemplation 
of  human  life  tshould  be  with  reference  to  God.  II.  With  refer- 
ence to  the  object  of  forming  a  true  estimate  of  human  nature. 
III.  AVith  reference  to  the  illustration  and  confirmation  of 
religious  belief.  IV.  With  reference  to  the  faithful  correction 
of  ourselves.  V.  Think  of  what  men  are  doing  under  the  sun, 
and  what  they  will  be  doing,  ere  long,  somewhere  else.* 

10,  11.  (10)  wicked,  here,  wicked  rulers,  place  .  .  holy, 
i.e.  the  seat  of  authority  and  judgment.  Though  buried  with 
much  show,  their  memory  was  not  cherished.<»  (11)  speedily, 
immediately  upon  the  sentence  being  pronounced.  Long-suffer- 
ing patience  is  presumed  on  by  those  whose  hearts  are  evil.*  •'  A 
very  common  reason  for  the  increase  of  crime  and  wickedness." 
Eo.  ii.  4,  5  ;  2  Pe.  iii.  8,  9. 

The  abuse  of  Divine  forhearanee  {v.  11). — I.  Sin  is  deservedly 
called  an  evil  work  ;  it  degTades  and  defiles  the  soul ;  there  is  a 
sentence  recorded  against  it.  II.  Sentence  against  an  evil  work 
is  not  executed  speedily  ;  if  it  were,  this  would  cease  to  be  a 
state  of  probation — God  would  be  the  destroyer  rather  than  the 
governor  of  the  world.  III.  The  depravity  of  man  turns  Divine 
clemency  into  presumption.  1.  Solomon  does  not  draw  the 
reflection  from  a  few  single  instances  :  2.  Nothing  can  be  more 
vile  or  base  than  this  abuse  ;  3.  Be  assured  nothing  will  be  more 
fatal.'' 

Neglect  and,  its  eonseqnenees. — During  the  eighty  years'  war, 
which  resulted  in  the  triumphant  establishment  of  the  "  United 
Netherlands."  the  city  of  Antwerp  was  besieg^ed  by  the  Spaniards, 
under  the  celebrated  Prince  of  Parma.  The  possession  of  that 
city  was  the  turning  point  in  the  war.  as  far  as  the  southern 
provinces  (now  Belgium)  were  concerned.  Parma  had  nearly 
gained  possession,  by  constructing,  at  vast  outlay,  a  bridge  across 
the  river  Scheldt.  To  blow  up  that  bridge  was  the  aim  of  the 
Protestant  forces  within  the  beleagured  city.  Accordingly,  two 
fire-ships,  loaded  with  all  manner  of  combustibles  and  terrible 
explosives,  were  floated  down  towards  the  bridge  during  the 
darkness  of  the  night.  As  soon  as  the  "  hell-bumerg  "  (as  the 
Dutchmen  styled  them)  blew  the  bridge  to  atoms,  a  rocket  was 
to  be  sent  up,  and  the  heavily  armed  Dutch  fleet  lying  below 
were  to  force  their  way  through  and  bring  relief  and  triumph 
into  Antwerp.  Had  that  signal  been  made  the  city  would  have 
been  delivered,  the  Spaniards  driven  out  of  the  Low  Countries, 
fifty  years  of  bloodj-  M-ar  prevented,  and.  probably,  all  Belgium 
would  have  been  to  this  day  a  part  of  Protestant  Holland.  The 
weary  patriots  on  the  wharves  of  Antwerp  heard  the  tremendous 
explosion  of  the  fire-ships,  and  anxiously  watched  for  the  rising! 
of  the  rocket.  But,  alas !  as  Motley  tells  us  in  his  brilliant 
naiTative  of  the  scene,  "  that  rocket  never  rose  !"  And  after  the 
lapse  of  three  centuries,  it  is  difficult  to  restrain  the  bitter 
indignation  which  follows  every  mention  of  that  stupid  Dutch 
admiral,  who  failed  to  make  the  simple  signal  at  the  critical 
moment.'' 


V.  8.  D.  Sturmy, 
286  ;  Dr.  W.  Coo- 
per, i.  393 ;  W.  J. 
E.  JBeimell,  i.  323. 


0.9. 

16. 


/.  foster,  ii, 


12,  13.  (12)  prolonged,  with  a  Divine  patience  and  long-  a  Ps.  joctrlf.  It, 


b  J.  Foster, 


a  "Their  being  at 
last  overtaken  by 
death  and  obli- 
vion, shows  their 
lot  also  to  be 
■vanity."— Spk. 
Com. 

Wordsworth  re- 
fers in  illustra- 
tion to  the  death 
of  Jeroboam. 

b  "They  see  not 
the  smoke  of  the 
pit,  therefore 
they  dread  not 
the  fire."— South. 
"  Because  a  vici- 
ous man  escapes 
at  present,  he  is 
apt  to  draw  false 
conclusions  from 
it,  and  from  the 
delay  of  God's 
punishments  in 
this  life,  either 
to  conceive  them 
at  so  remote  a 
distance,  or  per- 
haps so  uncer- 
tain, that, though 
he  has  some 
doubtful  nii.sgiv- 
ings  of  the  fu- 
ture, yet  he 
hopes,  in  the 
main,  that  his 
fears  are  greater 
than  his  danger." 
— Sterne. 

c  W.  Jay. 

■'  We  are  never 
present  with,  but 
always  ourselves. 
Fear,  desire,  and 
hope  are  still 
pushing  us  on 
toward  the  fu- 
ture. "-J/o/(  taigne 

d  Dr.  Cuyler. 


330 


ErCLESrASTES. 


[Cap.viil.14,15. 


18-20;  Is.  iii. 
10,11. 

b  Job  xiv.  2  ;  Ps. 
cii.  11,  cix.  23. 

"  When  the  Ori- 
entals wish  to 
pay  you  a  very 
high  compli- 
ment, they  say, 
'.May  your 
shallow  never  de- 
cline, or  tHcline 
rather,  it  should 
be.  That  is, — 
'  May  you  live  for 
ever; '  for  if  ttn^ 
shadow  does  not 
incline,  life  must 
c  o  n  ti  aue." — 
Oadsby. 

V.  12.  /.  SanHn, 
i.  287  ;  li.  W.  Dib- 
den,  177. 

«.  13.  R.  Walker, 
iv.  161. 

e  C.  If.  Spurgeon. 

"The  mind  na- 
turally makes 
progress,  and  the 
will  naturally 
clings  to  objects ; 
so  tliat  for  want 
of  right  objects  it 
will  .attaoli  itself 
to  wrong  ones." 
— Pascal. 


a  Vs.  Ixxiii.  14. 

"  Since  the  un- 
equal distribu- 
tion of  human 
destiny  points  to 
the  futile  cha- 
racter of  all 
earthly  occur- 
rences and  con- 
ditions, we  must 
so  much  the  more 
enjoy  present 
happiness,  ami 
profit  by  it  witli 
a  contenteil 
mind." — 0.  Ziick- 
ler, 

"  Ths  equality  of 

result  for  the  evil 
Rnd  just  is  oidy 
BU  exteriKil  and 
farlial  one.  To 
those  whom  God 
loves  everything 
must  be  for  the 
best,  audtlie  final 
issue     separates 


sufferins:  that  may  seem  to  be  inexplicable,  well  .  .  God,  how- 
ever things  may  look,  and  however  they  may  feel,  this  is  hie 
assurance."  The  ritfhteotis  will  surely  come  off  be.st.  ni  ffir  long 
run.  ;13)  a  shadow,*  where  there  is  but  a  brief  sunsetting-, 
the  shadows  pa.ss  V'ry  swiftly,  feareth  .  .  God,  the  underlying 
teaching  of  this  book  is  that  it  is  every  way  better,  for  this  life, 
to  fear  and  serve  God  :  see  ch.  xii.  l.'J. 

Fire  fears  (r.  12). — There  is — I.  The  fear  caused  by  an  awaken- 
ing conscience.  II.  The  fear  of  anxioty.  III.  A  fear  which 
works  caution.  IV.  The  fear  of  jealousy.  V.  The  fear  which  is 
felt  when  we  have  had  Divine  manifestations.<^ 

God'-f  iinerrin.fi  J^ulr/inrnt. — There  will  be  no  error  in  the  judg- 
ment pronounced  by  God  at  the  great  day  of  account :  no  after 
discoveries  of  individual  character  and  cou<luct  which,  if  pre- 
viously known,  would  have  reversed  the  decision.  There  is  an 
instructive  legend  illustrative  of  this  thought  connected  with  the 
interesting  village  of  Beddgelert,  in  North  AVales,  from  which 
the  village  takes  its  name.  The  legend  is  this:  "  There  was  a 
certain  nobleman  who  had  an  only  son  ;  he  had  also  a  favourite 
hound.  A.S  he  entered  his  dwelling  one  day,  the  dog  met  him 
with  his  jaws  stained  with  blood.  The  father  proceeded  to  the 
room  where  he  expected  to  find  his  child,  but  the  child  was  not 
there.  Immediately  he  thought  that  the  dog  had  slain  his  child. 
He  raised  the  weapon  that  was  in  his  hand,  and  destroj'ed  the 
dog  on  the  spot.  As  he  passed  into  the  house  to  inquire  further, 
he  found  that  the  faithful  dog  had  stood  between  his  child  and  a 
wolf ;  and  in  combat  with  the  wolf — successful  combat^had 
been  thus  besprinkled  with  blood — not  the  blood  of  the  child, 
but  of  his  foe.  The  child  had  been  saved  by  the  hound.  The 
remorse  he  felt  at  having  so  recompensed  the  fidelity  of  the 
animal,  at  having  thus  taken  away  the  faithful  creature's  life, 
led  him  to  build  in  the  village  a  tomb  to  the  dogs  memory  ;  and 
the  village  is  called  the  grave  of  Gelert." 

14,  15.  (14)  just  .  .  wioked,"  so  far  as  our  present  observa- 
tion is  concerned,  there  appears  to  be  an  unequal  distribution  of 
rewards  and  punishments  ;  and  this  suggests  •'  the  inequality  of 
God's  justice."  (15)  mirth.,  or  a  bright  and  cheerful  enjoyment 
of  present  things.  "  He  would  have  us  cheerfully  to  enjoy  what 
God  has  given  us  in  the  world,  to  be  content  with  it,  and  to  make 
the  best  of  it."*  abide  with  him,  a  man  may  keep  a  cheerful 
disposition  under  all  changes  of  outward  circumstances. 

FacetiouKne.tfi. — Such  facetiousness  is  not  absolutely  unreason- 
able or  unlawful  which  ministereth  harmless  divertisement  and 
delight  to  conversation  Charmless,  I  say,— that  is,  not  intrenching 
upon  piety,  not  infringing  charity  or  justice,  not  disturbing 
peace).  For  Christianity  is  not  so  tetrical,  so  harsh,  so  envious, 
as  to  bar  us  continually  from  innocent,  much  less  from  whole- 
some and  useful  pleasure,  such  as  human  life  doth  need  or 
require.  And  if  jocular  discourse  may  serve  to  good  purposes  of 
this  kind  ;  if  it  may  be  apt  to  raise  our  drooping  spirits,  to  allay 
our  irksome  cares,  to  whet  our  blunted  industry,  to  recreate  our 
minds,  being  tired  and  cloyed  with  graver  occupations  ;  if  it  may 
breed  alacrity,  or  maintain  good-humour  among  us  ;  if  it  may 
conduce  to  sweeten  conversation  and  endear  society,  then  is  it 
not  inconvenient  or  unprofitable.  If  for  those  ends  we  may  use 
other  recreations,  employing  on  them  our  ears  and  eyes,  our 


Cap.  viii.  16, 17.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


331 


6  Mat.  Henry. 

V.  14.    R.  Adams, 
(8  ;  Dr.  N.  Carter, 

235. 

"  It  is  wonderful 
how  soon  a  piano 


hands  and  feet,  our  other  instruments  of  sense  and  motion  ;  why  '  the  evil  from  th« 

may  we  not  as  well  to  them  accommodate  our  organs  of  speech  1  P?'^'  '-ii^'W^ten- 

and  interior  sense  ?     Why  should  those  games  which  excite  our 

wits  and  fancies  be   less   reasonable    than    those   whereby   our 

grosser  parts  and  faculties   are  exercised .'      Yea,  why  are  not 

those  more  reasonable,  since  they  are  performed  in  a  manly  way, 

and  have  in  them  a  smack  of  reason  ;  seeing  also  they  may  be 

so  managed,  as  not  only  to  divert  and  please,  but  to  improve  and 

profit  the   mind,   rousing    and    quickening    it,  yea.   sometimes 

enlightening  and  instructing  it,  by  good  sense  conveyed  in  jocular  |  gets  "into"a '  log 

expression  I     It  would  surely  be  hard,  that  we  should  be  tied  ever  I  l^ut  on  the  fron- 

to  knit  the   brow  and   squeeze    the  brain  (to  be  always  sadly  |  fj^.'"v  X°"  ^'°"'^ 

dumpish,  or  seriously  pensive),  that  all  divertisement  of  mirth   it  under  a  pine 

and  pleasantness  should  be  shut  out  of  conversation  :  and  how  ■  stump.    With  it 

can  we  better  relieve  our  minds,  or  relax  our  thoughts,  how  can  *  *^"'"ss    a    Latin 

we  be  more  ingenuously  cheerful,  in  what  more  kindly  way  can  l  fne"^"oT  '  those 

we  exhilarate  ourselves  and  others,  than  by  thus  sacrificing  to  !  tow  -  liead    boys 

the  Graces,  as  the  ancients  called  it.'     Are  not  some   persons   '^^^/^^'"' 'i  l^yroa 

always,  and  all  persons  sometimes,  uncapable  othervsdse  to  divert 

themselves,  than  by  such  discourses  'I     Shall  we,  I  say,  have  no 

recreation  .'  or  must  our  recreations  be  ever  clownish  or  childish, 

consisting  merely  in  rustical  efforts,  or  in  petty  sleights  of  bodily 

strength  and  activity  ?     Were  we,  in  fine,  obliged  ever  to  talk 

like    philosophers,   assigning   dry   reasons   for  everything,   and 

dropping  grave  sentences  upon  all  occasions,  would  it  not  much 

deaden  human  life,  and  make  ordinary  conversation  exceedingly 

to  languish  .'     Facetiousuess,  therefore,  in  such  cases,  and  to  such 

purposes,  may  be  allowable.*^ 


on  Suiida}'.  Now 
let  colleges,  now 
let  senates  take 
heed  :  for  here  is 
one  who,  opening 
these  fine  tastes 
on  the  basis  of 
the  pioneer's  iron 
constitution,  will 
gather  all  their 
laurels  in  his 
strong  hands." — 
Emerson, 
c  Dr.  J.  Barrow. 


a  Pb.  cxlvii. 
Ro.  xi.  33. 


5; 


16,  17.  (IG)  business,  with  special  reference  to  the  anxious 
search  of  men  after  happiness,  and  after  the  perfect  knowledge, 
seeth.  sleep,  or  enjoyeth  sleep.  Extreme  anxiety  and  care  will 
prevent  sleep.  Sol.  prob.  gives  his  own  personal  experience. 
(17)  cannot  find  out,"  so  as  to  explain  all  the  irregularities 
and  mysteries.  "  Our  ignorance  is  the  proper  answer  to  many  j  fuije"r'^'^stat«nent 
things  wh.  are  called  objections  against  religion."  i  in  ecc.  of  the  in- 

Warren  Hasthig>i. — On  one  bright  summer  day,  the  boy,  then  '  capacity  of  every 
just  seven  years  old,  lay  on  the  bank  of  the  rivulet  which  flows  ™'^",  ^"^^^  ,  ^^ 
through  the  old  domain  of  his  house  to  join  the  Isis.  There,  as  1  standing  to  corn- 
threescore  and  ten  years  later  he  told  the  tale,  rose  in  his  mind  a  prehend  the 
scheme  which,  through  all  the  turns  of  his  eventful  career,  was  ,  V}^^^  and  opera- 
never  abandoned.  He  would  recover  the  estate  which  had  belonged  j  nite^and  Eternal 
to  his  fathers.  He  would  be  Hastings  of  Daylesford.  This  pur- 
pose, formed  in  infancy  and  poverty,  grew  stronger  as  his  intel- 
lect expanded  and  as  his  fortune  rose.  He  pursued  his  plan  with 
that  calm  but  indomitable  force  of  will  which  was  the  most 
striking  peculiarity  of  his  character.  When,  under  a  tropical 
Bun,  he  ruled  fifty  millions  of  Asiatics,  his  hopes,  amidst  all  the 
cares  of  war,  finance,  and  legislation,  still  pointed  to  Daylesford. 
And  when  his  long  public  life,  so  singularly  chequered  with  good 
and  evil,  with  glory  and  obloquy,  had  at  length  closed  for  ever,  ili 
was  to  Daylesford  that  he  retired  to  die,* 


Goti."—Spk.Com. 

vv.  16,    17.     Bp. 
Butler,  168. 


b  Macaulay, 


332 


ECCLESTASTES. 


tCap.  ix.  1-8. 


a  "  Hatred  in 
Scrip,  is  not  al- 
ways to  lie  unilor- 
stooil  rigorously. 
It  frequently  sig- 
nifies no  more 
than  a  lesser  de- 
gree of  love." — 
Cruden. 

6  "  Men  incline  to 
say,  '  If  it  must 
be  a  short  life, 
then  let  it  be  a 
merry  one.'  So 
they  say  when  no 
light  of  the  lite  to 
come  shines  upon 
the  life  that  now 
is."— /J.  J'lick. 
Ecc.  viii.  11. 
vo.  I,  2.  T.  PyU, 
ui.  381  ;  Dr.  W. 
Craig,  ii.  217. 
V.  2.  G.  Carl  el  on, 
126  ;  .ft.  Fiddes, 
i.  333;  B.  N'eirlivi, 
i.  281  ;  Dr.  J.  Fos- 
ter, IV.  203;  Dr. 
A.  liees,  iii.  295  ; 
r.  ir.  Fowle,  ii. 
213. 

t>.  4.    T.  Adams, 
4K;  Dr.  .r.  Jamie- 
ton,  ii.  65  ;  Dr.  W. 
S.    Done,  52;    £. 
Cooper,  i.  63. 
e  G.  Brooks. 
d  Dr.  OiUhrie. 
a  Is.  xxxviii.  18, 
19  ;  Coinp.  Ps.  vi. 
5,  xxx.9,l,'cxxviii. 
11,  cxv.  17 ;  Ecc. 
ix.  10. 

b  1  Sa.  xxiv.  14. 
c  Pr.  XXX.  30. 
"  The  meanest 
beggar  alive  has 
that  comfort  of 
this  world,  and 
does  that  service 
to  it  which  the 
greatest  prince, 
when  he  is  dead. 
is  utterly  inca- 
pable of." — Mai. 
Henry. 

d  Job  xiv.  10 — 
14. 

V.  5.  Bp.  Hopkins, 
iv.  531 ;  J.  Pi'i'ioi, 
373 ;  J.  Pi,'rci; 
118  ;  Dr.  S.  Flies- 
nfre,  ii.  301;  J. 
W.  Warier,  i.  2  43. 
vo.  5,  6.  J.  Cal- 
thrnp,  i.  275  ;  Sir 
H.  W.  Moncrleff, 
170. 

t  Beta  in  100  Sks. 
•  Wordsworth 


CHAPTER  THE  NINTH. 

1 — 3.  (1)  in  the  hand  of  God,  i.e.  they  are  wholly  dependent 
on  Him,  they  are  not  able  to  control,  and  shape  as  they  please, 
their  own  life,  love  or  hatred,"  i.e.  either  the  love  or  hatred 
of  God  towards  him,  as  these  may  be  intimated  in  his  outward 
circumstances  :  in  prosperity  or  adversity.  Omit  bi/  and  that  is, 
and  read  last  clause,  all  are  be/ore  them,  i.e.  all  are  yet  to  be  found 
out.  (2)  all . .  alike  to  all,  this  is  only  superiicially  true.  It 
is  only  true  of  the  common  earthly  conditions.  (3)  heart  .  , 
evil,  i.e.  the  common  lot,  and  the  certainty  of  death,  Sol.  thinka 
have  a  demoralising  influence.* 

A  state  of  siii,  a  state  of  madness  {v.  3). — A  state  of  sin  is  a 
state  of  madness.  For  in  sin  as  in  madness — 1.  Reason  is  de- 
throned ;  2.  There  are  strange  hallucinations  ;  3.  There  is  a  wild 
disregard  of  counsel ;  4.  There  is  a  perverse  tendency  to  suspect 
the  sanity  of  others  ;  .5.  There  is  an  irrepressible  impulse  to  inflict 
injury  ;  6.  There  is  a  strong  propensity  to  self-destruction.*^ 

The  heart  of  stone. — Near  by  a  stone,  in  a  mass  of  rock  that 
had  fallen  from  some  overhanging  crag,  we  once  came  upon  an 
adder  as  it  lay  in  ribbon  coil  basking  on  the  sunny  ground.  At 
our  approach  the  reptile  stirred,  uncoiled  itself,  and  hissing,  gave 
signs  of  batt  le.  Attacked,  it  retreated,  and  making  for  that  grey 
stone  wormed  itself  into  a  hole  in  its  side.  Its  nest  and  home 
were  there.  And  looking  on  that  sheltered  rock,  the  home  and 
nest  of  the  adder,  it  seemed  to  me  a  fitting  emblem  of  that  heart 
which  the  Bible  describes  as  "  a  heart  of  stone."  <* 

4—6.  (4)  joined  .  .  living,  i.e.  who  still  lives  on  the  earth. 
Dread  of  death  as  the  ending  of  the  earthly  life  is  expressed  even 
by  O.  T.  saints."  dog,  in  O.  T.  a  metaphor  of  the  vilest  per- 
sons.* lion,  regarded  as  the  noblest  of  the  animals."  (5) 
know  .  .  die,  and  while  this  may  distress,  it  also  gives  oppor- 
tunity for  amendment,  and  impulse  to  goodness,  a  reward,  of 
even  living  long  in  the  memories  of  those  who  knew  them.  The 
dead  are  soon  forgotten.  (G)  perished,  ended  and  done.  It 
was  all  earthly,  and  from  earth  they  have  passed,  under  the 
sun,  Sol.  confines  his  attention  to  the  connections  of  the  dead 
with  this  world,  he  tells  nothing  of  their  future  state.** 

The  eertainnj  of  death  {v.  .5). — I.  The  awful  declaration  in  the 
text.  Consider  death — 1.  In  the  pains  it  inflicts;  2.  In  the 
changes  it  produces  ;  3.  In  the  dissolution  that  it  effects.  II. 
The  evidences  that  ws  have  of  its  truth.  1.  The  Bible  declares 
that  we  shall  die  ;  2.  Experience  teaches  that  we  shall  die  ;  3. 
Facts  testify  that  we  shall  die  ;  4.  The  state  of  the  world  serves 
to  convince  us  that  we  shall  die.  III.  Draw  some  practical 
inferences  from  it.  1.  Let  us  learn  to  transfer  our  hatred  from 
the  effect  to  the  cause  ;  2.  See  the  extreme  folly  of  worldly 
anxiety  and  carking  care  ;  3.  Let  us  labour  to  prepare  for  death  ; 
4.  Let  us  make  the  best  use  of  life  we  can — live  to  God,  live  to 
do  good,  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  say, "  For  me  to  live  is  Christ, 
and  to  die  is  gain."* 

7,  8.  (7)  go,  etc.,<^  in  this  passage  Sol.  renews  the  advice  of 
ch.  viii.  15.    Cheerfully  and  contentedly  accept  your  present  lot. 


Cap.  Ix.  g,  10.] 


ECCLE81A8TES. 


333 


and  get  as  much  good  as  you  can  out  of  it.  wine,  used  as  a  I 
symbol  and  producer  of  joy.*  accepteth  thy  works,  there- 1 
fore  it.  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  you  live,  while  you  live, 
wisely  and  well.  (8)  always  white,  the  kind  of  garments 
suitable  to  joj'ousness  and  festivity,  no  ointment,  in  time  of 
distress  or  grief  the  anointing  of  the  body  was  neglected. 

Customs  of  modern  Arahs. — The  customs  of  the  Arabs  in 
almost  every  detail  have  remained  unchanged.  Thus  in  dress, 
nomadic  habits,  goods,  the  anointing  -with  oil,  they  retain  the 
habits  and  formalities  of  the  distant  past,  and  the  present  is  but 
the  exact  picture  of  those  periods  which  are  historically  recorded 
in  the  Old  Testament.  "  Let  thy  garments  be  always  white,  and 
let  thy  head  lack  no  ointment."  "^ 

9,  10.  (9)  thy  wife,  thy  one  wife."  A  possible  commenda- 
tion of  the  advantages  of  monogamy  over  polygamy,  for  that, 
etc.,  reverting  to  his  idea  that  the  tnjoyincnt  of  life  is  all  that  is 
now  possible  to  man.  (10)  with  tliy  might,*  i.e.  earnestly  : 
put  all  your  heart  into  it.'  no  work,  coiiijj.Jno.  ix.  4.  device, 
or  plan.  Com]i.  the  Christian  view  of  the  grave,  now  that  ''life 
and  immortality  have  been  brought  to  light." 

}]  orJi  ivhilc  it  V.V  called  day  (r.  10). — I.  The  work  for  the  hand 
to  do.  1.  To  get  good  ;  2.  To  do  good.  II.  How  it  should  be 
done.  With  the  might.  III.  Why?  1.  A  great  work  to  be 
done ;  2.  Little  time  to  do  it  in ;  3.  No  opportunities  after 
death.'' 

Cliri.'itian  nwrl-ers  of  the  past. — Adam  Clarlte. — Dr.  Adam 
Clarke  said  that  "  the  old  proverb  about  having  too  many  irons 
in  the  fire  is  an  abominable  lie.  Have  all  in  it— shovel,  tongs, 
and  poker  !"  It  is  not  so  much  the  multiplicity  of  employments 
as  the  want  of  system  in  them  that  distracts  and  injures  both 
the  work  and  the  workman. —  ]]e.sley. — Wesley  said,  "I  am 
always  in  haste,  but  never  in  a  hurry  :  leisure  and  I  have  long 
taken  leave  of  each  other."  He  travelled  about  .5.000  miles  in  a 
year  :  preached  about  three  times  a  day,  commencing  at  five 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  his  published  works  amounted  to 
about  200  volumes. — Asht/ry  and  C'ohe. — Asbury  travelled  6,000 
miles  a  year,  and  preached  incessantly.  Coke  crossed  the  Atlantic 
eighteen  times,  preached,  wrote,  travelled,  establish<  d  missions, 
begged  from  door  to  door  for  them,  and  laboured  in  all  respects 
as  if,  like  the  Apostles,  he  would  ''  turn  the  world  upside  down." 
At  near  seventy  years  of  age  he  started  to  Christianise  India  ! 
— Luther. — It  is  said  that  Luther  preached  almost  daily  ;  he 
lectured  constantly  as  a  professor  :  he  was  burdened  with  the 
care  of  all  the  churches  ;  his  correspondence,  even  as  now  extant, 
fills  many  volumes  ;  he  M'as  pei-petually  harassed  with  contro- 
versies, and  was  one  of  the  most  voluminous  writers  of  his  day. 
—  Caicin. — The  same,  and  even  more,  may  be  said  of  Calvin. 
While  in  Strasburg  he  preached  or  lectured  every  day.  In 
Geneva  he  was  pastor,  professor,  and  almost  magistrate.  He 
lectured  every  other  day  :  on  alternate  weeks  he  preached  daily  ; 
he  was  overwhelmed  with  letters  from  all  parts  of  Europe,  and 
was  the  author  of  works  numerous  and  biilky.  that  any  man  of 
our  day  would  think  more  than  enough  to  occupy  his  whole  un- 
divided time.  And  all  this,  too.  in  the  midst  of  perpetual  in- 
firmity of  the  flesh. — Baxter. — Baxter  was  also  a  tireless  worker. 
Besides  his  regular  and  frequent  occasions  of  preaching  and 


thinks  that  Sol. 
here  adopts  the 
language  of  the 
worldly  libertine. 
"  If  this  is  thy 
estimate  of  liu- 
man  destiny,  and 
if  thou  wilt  con- 
fine thy  view  to 
the  perishable 
thinp.'^  of  this  life, 
then  take  up  with 
the  language  of 
those  who  say, 
'  Let  us  eat  and 
drink,  for  t  o-mor- 
row  we  die.' " 
6  Ge.  xxvii.  26; 
Ps.  civ.  15. 
c  Sir  S.  Baker. 


a  The  constant 
felk.wship  of  one 
kindred  spirit  is 
an  important  ele- 
ment in  the  en- 
joyment of  the 
earthly  life. 

bWot-d.ftrcrlh.fol- 
I  lowing  Heyigslf-n- 
b(-?-g  and  Eicald, 
gives  a  singular 
turn  to  this  pas- 
[  sage.  "I  et  might 
:  be     right     with 
I  thee.      Care    no- 
tliing  for  God  or 
!  man,  but  use  thy 
I  strengtli   accord- 
ing to  thy  will." 
He    regards   the 
counsel     as     ad- 
dressed to  viorld- 
ly  politicians." 

c  "  Harvest  days 
are  busy  days. 
And  we  must 
make  hay  while 
tlie  sun  sliines." 
— Atui.  Henry. 

"  The  soul's  play- 
day  is  Satan's 
work-day :  the 
idler  the  man  the 
busier  the  tempt- 
er."— South. 

I'.  10.  W.  Undue, 
V.  133;  li.Bcixler, 
vii.  487;  Dr.  J. 
Edunrds,  iii.  92 ; 
Dr.  J.  Bnrrow,iii. 
141  ;  Abp.  TiUot- 
son,  xi.  59  :  B?:  J. 
Ditchal,  iii.  203; 
Dr.  Gtivse,  182; 
Br.  T.  'FivnVVn, 
ii.  159;  J.Balguy, 
iinZK  Butcher, 


334 


ECCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  Ix.  11-1& 


21 ;  H.  Marriott, 
ii.  169. 

d  W.  W.  Whythe. 

e  Bib.  Treasury. 


a  "  Human  ac- 
tinus  are  re- 
garded  as  in  this 
■world  dependent 
entirely  on  Div. 
fate,  and  their 
success,  there- 
fore, i^  too  often 
in  no  comparison 
■with  the  real  a'i- 
lity  and  strength 
of  the  actor."— 
O.  Zockler. 

b  Sterne. 

V.  11.  Dr.  T.  Man- 
ton,  247 :  Abp. 
Tillotson,  iii.  26; 
Dr.  S.  Clarke,  vi. 
205 ;  L.  Slerne, 
ii.6. 

V.  12.  B.  Bed- 
dome,  6. 

e  Dr.  Lathrop. 

"  Not  because  I 
raise  myself 
above  something, 
but  t)ecause  I 
raise  myself  to 
something,  do  I 
approve  myself." 
— Jacobi. 

d  Dr.  Amott. 


a  "The  Chaldee 
Targum  explains 
this  passage  as  an 
allegory  :  '  The 
city  is  the  human 
body,  the  great 
king  is  an  evil 
desire,  the  poor 
man  a  good  dis- 
position.' But 
this  is  wholly  un- 
necessary. '^—Spk, 
Com. 

vv.    13—15.      W. 
Jones,  i.  2U9. 
tv.  14,  15.  R.  Er- 
Ikime,  y.  321. 


speaking-  at  religious  meetings,  he  spent  two  d.ay.s  of  the  ■n-eek  in 
catechising  the  people  from  house  to  house,  spending  an  hour 
Avith  each  family.  He  -was  likewise  forced  by  the  necessity  of 
his  people  to  practise  physic,  and  as  he  never  took  a  penny  from 
any  one  he  was  crowded  with  patients.  In  the  midst  of  all  this 
he  was  an  author, of  most  sweet  and  precious  power,  and  wrote 
works  that  will  never  die — more  in  number  than  most  of  us  can 
find  time  to  read.  Such  have  been  some  of  God's  good  workmen 
of  the  ijast — "  workmen  that  need  not  to  be  ashamed."* 

11,  12.  (11)  race,  etc.,"  Sol.  is  still  looking-  gloomily  at  life. 
Now  he  suggests  that  there  is  no  certain  advantage  to  the 
diligent  and  the  earnest.  Even  when  working  ••  with  our 
might"  we  must  cherish  the  feeling  that  the  results  of  our  work 
we  must  leave  in  God's  hands,  chance,  i.e.  what  seems  to  be 
chance,  but  really  is  Divine  providence.  "  Apt  seasons  and  fit 
conjunctures  (seem  to)  have  the  greatest  sway  in  the  turns  and 
disposals  of  men's  fortunes.''*  (12)  snared,  etc.,  strikingly 
indicating  man's  helpless  condition  in  the  presence  of  Divine 
destiny. 

Death  ineritaMe  and  often  sudden  {v.  12). — I.  The  time  of 
every  man's  death  is  uncertain  to  him.  II.  Death  often  ap- 
proaches men  in  a  secret,  unsuspected  manner.  III.  When  the 
snares  of  death  fall  on  the  sons  of  men  there  is  no  way  of 
escape.  IV.  Death  is  often  sudden.  1.  Without  previous  warn- 
ing :  2.  No  time  for  preparation  ;  3.  Little  reliance  to  be  placed 
on  death-bed  repentance.  V.  The  snares  of  death  fall  on  some 
in  an  evil  time.  1.  To  such  as  are  immersed  in  the  snares  of  the 
world  ;  2.  To  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  pleasures  of  the 
woild  ;  3.  To  all  who  are  unprepared." 

One  thing  to  all. — "  If  one  thing  happens  to  all  in  the  journey 
of  life,  what  advantage  have  the  good  /  Much  every  way,  and 
specifically  thus : — The  hnrduess  which  disciples  experience  in 
following  the  Lord  is  righteousness  rubbing  on  the  remaining 
lusts,  and  so  wasting  their  deformities  away  ;  whereas  the  hard- 
ness of  a  transgressor's  way  is  the  carnal  mind,  in  its  impotent 
enmity,  dashing  itself  against  the  bosses  of  the  Almighty  buckler. 
The  one  is  a  strainer,  made  strait  to  purge  the  imjiurities  avray, 
through  which  the  purified  emerges  into  peace  :  the  other  is  the 
vengeance  which  belongeth  unto  God,  beginning  even  here  to 
repay." '' 

13—15.  (13)  this  -wisdom,  or  this  illustration  of  wisdom. 
Wisdom  of  this  kind.  (14)  little  city,  etc.,  corap.  2  Sa.  xx. 
16 — 22.  This  account  is  a  parable  rather  than  an  historical 
incident."  bulwarks,  military  works,  mounds,  etc..  such  as 
besiegers  raise.  (1.5)  he  delivered,  etc..  so  it  seems  that 
wisdom  can,  in  part,  avail  against  evil  destiny,  remembered, 
or  had  rememhered, ;  had  taken  any  notice  of  him.  or  his  Avisdom. 

The  mriovr  of  the  city  (r.  W). — I.  I  .shall  make  some  observa- 
tions on  this  i<leal  poor  wise  man.  1.  Although  he  had  known 
he  had  been  unhonoured.  it  was  still  his  duty  to  save  the  city  :  2. 
The  same  wisdom  which  enabled  him  to  save  a  city  would  en.able 
him  to  bear  ingratitude  :  3.  No  doubt  this  neglect  was  the  best 
thing  for  the  poor  wise  man — very  often  the  loa<i  of  honour 
turns  men's  brains.  Am  I  addressing  any  poor  wise  man  who 
has  saved  a  city  ?    Do  I  address  any  poor  man  who  thinks  ha 


Oap.lx.  13-15.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


335 


could  save  a  city  as  well  as  anybody,  if  he  were  in  his  proper 
place  ?  II.  I  shall  adduce  a  case  in  point, — the  great  example 
of  the  unappreciated  poor  wise  man — Jesus  of  Nazareth.  1.  Like 
the  poor  man  in  the  text.  He  was  a  public  benefactor  ;  2.  He 
was  wise  ;  3.  The  one  barrier  to  His  popularity  \^'as  His  poverty  : 
4.  His  poverty  was  no  barrier  to  usefulness — nay.  it  contributed 
to  His  usefulness.'' — The  city  saced. — Historical  :  Cities  saved  by 
single  persons :  Athens.  Themistocles  ;  Syracuse,  Archimedes  : 
Samaria  and  Dothan,  Elisha  ;  Jerusalem,  Isaiah.  Prob.  no  par- 
ticular person  or  event  ref.  to.  Text  a  fable  or  parable,  meant  to 
show  that  men  must  not  expect  to  be  rewarded  by  men  even  if 
they  do  good.  Consider — I.  The  2)our  ivixe  man  nf  the  fahle,  and 
rvhat  he  teaches.  1.  One  should  try  to  do  good  though  sure  of  no 
reward.  If  men  praise  the  good  done,  well  ;  if  not,  never  mind. 
We  should  do  God's  will,  and  wait  for  His  "  Well  done."  Dr. 
Franklin  read  Cotton  Mather's  U.sxai/s  to  do  Good,  when  young. 
and  resolved  that  ■'  doing  good  "  should  be  his  chief  aim.  2.  The 
man  was  n-ine.  and  therefore  could  endure  ingratitude.  He  did 
what  was  right  for  the  sake  of  the  right,  and  not  of  the  reward. 
Wisdom  chooses  the  right  time  and  way  of  doing  good.  Praise 
often  spoils  people,  as  dainties  do  those  who  have  been  used  to 
homely  fare.  3.  Such  men  get  their  wisdom  from  God.  He 
mercifully  gives  wisdom  sometimes  to  counterbalance  poverty. 
Wisdom  is  true  wealth.  Knowledge  is  power.  II.  The  poor  n-'tse 
man  of  histonj.  and  irhaf  He  tearhe.i.  Not  Themistocles,  or 
Elisha,  but  Jesus.  1.  He  was  poor.  Had  no  need  to  be.  Not 
poor  because  He  could  not  help  it.  Became  poor  for  the  good  of 
others.  He  could  better  mix  with  the  poor.  His  influence  not 
that  of  wealth  and  station.  Common  people  heard  Him  gladly. 
He  understood  all  about  the  poor,  spoke  in  a  familiar  way  about 
familiar  things.  2.  He  was  wise.  Did  what  He  saw  needed 
to  be  done,  at  the  right  time,  in  the  right  way.  Did  not  benefit 
some  at  the  expense  of  others.  IMourned  over  the  city,  but  not 
its  ingratitude  to  Him.  3.  He  saved  a  city  :  town  of  Mansoul. 
Yours,  mine.  Saved  it  by  dying  Himself.  111.  siege  of  Calais. 
Hostages.  The  queen  said,  '•  Save  them  for  my  sake."  Learn  : — 
(1)  He  is  remembered  by  many — angels,  saints  in  glory,  good 
men  on  earth,  sinners  when  they  repent.  2.  He  is  forgotten  by 
the  wicked,  who  are  benefited  by  the  blessings  He  gives ;  even 
such  will  think  of  Him  on  their  death-bed.  In  heaven  or  in 
hell.  He  will  be  remembered  by  the  saved  and  the  lost  for  ever. 

Men  who  saved  cities. — It  is  not  unlikely  that  in  these  words 
Solomon  referred  to  some  real  historical  fact,  for  such  a  fact  is 
recorded  in  more  than  one  instance.  Archimedes,  by  his  extra- 
ordinary wisdom,  saved  the  city  of  Syracuse,  when  besieged  by 
the  Romans.  He  did  this,  not  by  fighting,  nor  by  teaching 
others  to  fight :  he  acted  not  as  a  soldier,  but  as  a  philosopher — 
co'.i.strucring  machines  and  burning  lenses,  which  destroyed  the 
Roman  ships  as  they  approached  the  walls  of  the  city.  It  is  true 
the  city  was  taken,  yet  not  by  the  Roman  forces,  but  by  the 
treachery  of  one  who  betrayed  it.  Nor  was  Archimedes  either 
rewarded  or  even  spared  on  account  of  his  skiU,  but  was  cruelly 
mnrdered  while  in  the  act  of  working  out  a  new  problem  for  the 
further  safety  of  the  city.  There  is  also  a  story  of  Anaximenes, 
who  met  Alexander  when  he  was  marching  to  destroy  Lampsacus. 
Alexander,  suspecting  that  Anaximenes  was  coming  to  intercede 


vv.  14—17.  J.  B. 
Smith,  i.  157. 

b  Stems  and  Twigs. 

"I  would  aihise 
all  in  general, 
that  they  would 
take  into  serious 
consideration  the 
true  and  genuine 
ends  of  know- 
ledge ;  that  they 
seek  it  not  either 
for  pleasure,  or 
content  ion,  or 
contempt  of 
others,  or  for  pro- 
fit, or  fame,  or  for 
lionour  and  pro- 
iiiiiticiu.  (ir  S:;uch- 
likc  adulterate  ir 
inferior  ends  ; 
but  for  merit 
and  emolument 
of  life,  tliat  they 
may  regulate  and 
pirfect  the  same 
in  charity.  "  — 
Bacon. 

"  KDowledge  is 
corrupted  four 
manner  of  ways. 
First,  by  the  con- 
tempt of  it,  in 
ignorance.  Se- 
condly, by  the 
luxuriousnesa 
and  wantonness 
of  it.  in  curiosity. 
Thirdly,  by  the 
defect  anil  un- 
certainty of  it, 
in  opinion, 
Fourthlj',  bj-  con- 
tradiction •  and 
opposition  unto 
it.  in  error." — 
Reynolds. 

"  When  we  rise 
in  knowledge,  as 
the  prospect  wi- 
dens, the  objects 
of  our  regard  be- 
come more  ob- 
scure ;  and  the 
unlettered  pea- 
sant, whose  views 
are  only  directed 
to  the  narrow 
sphere  around 
him,  beholds  na- 
ture witli  a  finer 
relish,  and  tastes 
her  blessings 
with  a  keener 
appetite,  than 
tlie  philosopher 
whose  mind  at- 
tempts to  grasp 


336 


ECCLE.'^irASTES. 


[Cap.  X.  1. 


a  universal  sys- 
tem."-C,'.  i/(/.;);n7/,. 

"Knowlnlge  is 
that  iiif(irm;ition 
wliicli  the  miml 
receives  eiiUor 
by  its  own  expe- 
rience or  by  the 
testimony  of 
others.  The  be- 
neficial u.se  of 
knowledffe  is  wis- 
dom. That  por- 
tion of  know- 
ledge, the  truth 
of  which  can  be 
demonstrated,  is 
Bcience."— il/a««- 
der. 

t  Dr.  W.  Cooke. 


a  "Wisdom,  how- 
ever splendid,  if 
in  lowly  state,  is 
BO  obscured  by 
the  cloud  of  po- 
verty that  in  a 
brief  time  it  has 
all  eyes  averted, 
ami  utterly  fails 
from  the  me- 
mory."—Car(- 
vright. 

b  0.  Zockler. 

"One  sinner,  who 
makes  it  his  busi- 
ness to  debauch 
others,  may  de- 
featand  frustrate 
the  intentions  of 
a  great  many 
good  laws  and  a  I 
great  deal  of  good 
preaching,  and 
draw  many  into 
his  pernicious 
■ways ;  one  sinner 
may  be  the  ruin 
of  a  town,  as  one 
Achan  troubled 
the  whole  camp 
of  Israel."— itfa/. 
Beni-y. 

e  W.  W.  Whylhe. 

d  Bib.  Treasury. 


a  "The  thought , 
wh.  underlies  the 
whole  ch.  is  the 


for  the  safety  of  the  city,  immediately  rosolved  to  frustrate  hia 
purno.>^e  by  taking"  an  oath  that  he  would  not  grant  him  any- 
thin'.^  that  he  should  a'^k.  Then  said  Anaximenes,  "I  request 
that  you  will  destroy  this  city."  Alexander  was  thus  outwitted, 
but  he  respected  his  oath,  and  the  city  was  spared.  Thus  it  was 
the  wisdom  of  one  man  which,  by  suddenly  taking-  advantage  of 
Alexander's  oath,  saved  a  noble  city  from  destruction.  In  like 
manner,  when  Alexander  was  marching  against  Jerusalem,  he 
was  met  by  Jaddua,  the  high-priest,  whose  wise  policy  subdued 
the  vengeful  determination  of  Alexander,  won  his  favour,  and 
caused  the  city  to  be  saved  from  destruction.  Solomon  could 
not,  of  course,  have  one  of  these  in.stances  in  view,  because  he 
lived  long  before  they  occurred  ;  but  he  might  have  others  in 
view  equally  true.  His  design  was  to  show  that  in  this  life 
virtue  and  wisdom  may  perform  the  most  important  services, 
and  yet  often  be  unrewarded  ;  and  hence  the  certainty  of  a 
future  life,  when  God  will  render  to  every  man  according  to  his 
deeds.' 

16—18.  (16)  •wisdom,  or  mental  energy,  and  skill,  strength, 
or  mere  matexial,  brute  force,  despised,  and  this  Sol.  puts 
among  the  strange  things  that  perplex  him  in  the  affairs  of  this 
world."  (17)  in  quiet,  i.e.  when  they  are  calmly  listened  to; 
as  in  the  case  given  the  words  of  the  poor  wise  man  were,  cry, 
loudest  noise  of  command  by  king  or  general.  (18)  one  .  . 
good,  the  sinner  here  is  "  one  of  those  coarse  miscreants  or 
fools,  who  can  command  physical  strength,  but  are  destitute  of 
wisdom."* 

Individual  inflnence  (v.  18). — I.  How  a  sinner  destroys  good. 
1.  By  not  doing  good  ;  2.  By  an  evil  example  ;  3.  By  a  bad 
example.  II.  How  much  good  he  destroys.  1.  A  good  dis- 
position ;  2.  A  good  conscience  :  3.  Good  sense  ;  4.  Good  learn- 
ing ;  5.  A  good  estate  ;  6.  His  own  soul ;  7.  The  souls  of 
others.* 

"  Wet  the  rope.9." — The  property  of  cords  contracting  their 
length  by  moisture  became  generally  known,  it  is  said,  on  the 
raising  of  the  Egyptian  obelisk  in  the  square  facing  St.  Peter"s, 
at  Rome,  by  order  of  Pope  Sixtus  V.  The  great  work  was  under- 
taken in  the  year  1580,  and  the  day  for  raising  the  obelisk  was 
marked  with  great  solemnity.  High  mass  was  celebrated  at  St. 
Peter's,  and  the  architect  and  workmen  received  the  benediction 
of  the  Pope.  The  blast  of  a  trumpet  was  the  given  signal,  when 
engines  were  set  in  motion  by  an  incredible  number  of  horses  ;  but 
not  until  after  fifty-two  unsuccessful  attempts  had  been  made  was 
the  huge  block  lifted  from  the  earth.  As  the  ropes  which  held  it 
had  somewhat  stretched,  the  base  of  the  obelisk  could  not  reach  the 
summit  of  the  pt^destal.  when  a  man  in  the  crowd  cried  out,  "  Wet 
the  ropes !  "  This  advice  was  followed,  and  the  column,  as  of 
itself,  gradually  rose  to  the  required  height,  and  was  placed  up- 
right on  the  pedestal  prepared  for  it."* 


CHAPTER  THE  TENTH. 

1.  "  This  ch.  consists  entirely  of  rhythmical  sentences,  giving 

advice,  more  or  less,  as  to  conduct.""     dead  flies,  Heb.  ffirs  of 

tidva.at»seoithat\  death.    Flies  are  killed  by  di'opping  into  the  scent,  and  there 


Cap.  X.  2—4.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


337 


they  pollute  it.*"  ointment,  the  word  intimates  valuable  and 
delicate  perfume,  apothecary,  perfumer.  Dealer  in  spices, 
little  folly,  insignificant  as  a  fly.  The  higher  a  man's  character 
is  the  more  does  folly,  or  sin,  spoil  it."^  '"  Those  who  make  a  great 
profession  of  religion  have  need  to  walk  very  circumspectly." 

A  little  evil  .spoils  mvch  good  (v.  1). — I.  We  will  take  two  or 
three  illustrations  of  the  passage  before  us.  It  is  true,  as  a 
general  principle  and  rule,  that  a  little  evil  will  counterbalance 
much  good.  History  shows  this.  One  sin  ruined  the  world. 
The  distinguishing  sins  and  follies  of  individual  nations  and 
men  :  Benvenuto  Cellini — passion  ;  Bacon — avarice.  II.  Account 
for  what  we  have  thus  illustrated.  1.  The  presence  of  folly  in 
the  midst  of  wisdom  and  honour — traceable  to  a  sinful  nature,  to 
onesidedness  of  culture,  to  overlooking  of  little  things,  to  malice 
of  the  enemy,  to  worldly  opposition  :  2.  The  power  of  a  little 
folly  in  marring  reputation  for  wisdom.  Because  there  is  so 
much  folly  in  the  world.  Men  are  apt  to  point  at  the  folly  of 
others.     Men  fomi  their  judgment  of  others  bj'  little  things. 

"^  single  n-ovm  killed  that  tree." — During  the  summer  of  1853 
(writes  a  gentleman)  I  was  an  invalid,  and  was  induced,  on  the 
recommendation  of  my  physician,  to  go  to  the  Hydropathic  Estab- 
lishment at  Sudbrook  Park,  near  Richmond,  in  Surrey.  During 
my  sojourn  there,  I  was  one  day  walking  through  the  romantic 
grounds  and  park  with  some  friends  and  the  proprietor,  Dr.  Ellis. 
when  the  doctor  drew  our  attention  to  a  large  sycamore  tree, 
decayed  to  the  core.  "  That  fine  tree,"  said  he,  "  was  killed  by  a 
single  woi-m."  In  answer  to  our  inquiries,  we  found  that  about 
two  years  previously  the  tree  was  as  healthy  as  any  in  the  jiark, 
when  a  wood-worm,  about  three  inches  long,  was  observed  to  be 
forcing  its  •w&y  under  the  bark  of  the  trunk.  It  caught  the  eye 
of  a  naturalist  who  was  staying  at  the  establishment,  and  he 
remarked,  •'  Let  that  worm  alone,  doctor,  and  it  will  kill  the  tree." 
This  seemed  very  improbable,  but  it  was  agreed  that  the  black- 
headed  worm  should  not  be  disturbed.  After  a  time  it  was  found 
that  the  worm  had  tunnelled  its  way  a  considerable  distance 
under  the  bark.  The  next  summer  the  leaves  of  the  tree  dropped 
off  very  early,  and  in  the  succeeding  year  it  was  a  dead,  rotten 
thing,  and  the  hole  made  by  the  worm  might  be  seen  in  the  very 
heart  of  the  once  noble  trunk.  '•  Ah,"  said  one  who  was  present, 
"  let  us  learn  a  lesson  from  that  dead  tree.  How  many,  who  once 
promised  fair  for  usefulness  in  the  world  and  the  church,  have 
been  ruined  by  a  single  sin  I  " 

2—4.  (2)  right  hand,  or,  in  the  right  place.  "The  right 
hand  is  more  expert  than  the  left."  °  at  his  left,  not  having 
right  self-control,  he  goes  about  things  as  awkwardly  as  a  left- 
handed  man.*  (3)  walketh  .  .  way,  comes  out  into  public 
view  and  relations.  In  all  his  intercourse,  saith  .  .  fool,  ex- 
posing his  folly  in  his  speech  and  acts.""  (4)  against  thee,  in 
anger,  leave  . .  place,  in  thine  anger  against  him.  yielding, 
the  spirit  of  patience  often  wins  the  victory,  calming  down 
anger. 

Living  fn  rcorh. — We  live  no  more  than  we  work,  and  we  work 
no  more  than  we  labour.  As  idleness  is  the  burial  of  ourselves, 
so  unlaboriousness  (if  I  may  so  speak)  is  the  burial  of  our  works. 
Without  diligence  they  not  only  flag,  but  die  upon  our  hands. 
There  are  some  whose  very  business  is  idleness,  and  there  are 
VOL.  vir,     O.T.  Y 


wisdom  wh.  in- 
cludes piety  and 
I  patience,  as  prac- 
j  ticiU  guidance 
I  thrnugli  all  the 
I  perplexitips  of 
I  \ife."—^l:.  Com. 

'  6  "  The    swarms 

I  of  flies  in  the  B. 

very  soon  corrupt 

I  and  destroy  any 

I  moist      unguent 

or   mixture    wh. 

is   not    carefully 

covered  fr.  them, 

and  pollute  a  dish 

of  food  in  a  few 

minute  s."  — 

Tristram. 

"  The  verbs  are 
sing.,  the  noun 
plur.,  implying 
that  each  of  the 
flies  causes  the 
stin  king  savour." 
— Fausset. 

c  Ecc.  vii.  1. 

t'.  1.    Dr.  J.  Z>H. 

clwX,  iii.  87. 

A  white  gar- 
ment  appears 
worse  with  slight 
soiling  than  do 
coloured  gar- 
ni cuts  much 
soiled ;  so  a  little 
fault  in  a  good 
man  attracts 
more  attention 
than  great  of- 
fences in  bad 
men.— Ecc.  x.  X. 


a  "  The  wise  man 
goes  about  his 
business  with 
dexterity,  turns 
his  hand  readily 
to  it,  and  goes 
through  it  with 
despatch." — Mat. 
Henry. 

6  '•  A  wise  man's 
sense  is  in  its 
place  ready  to 
help  and  protect 
him  ;  but  a  fool's 
is  missing  when 
it  is  wanted,  and 
so  is  useless."— 
Rosenmiiller.     ' 


338 


ECCLESIASTE3. 


[Cap  X.  5— la 


c  "  He  is  arrogant 
us  wpII  as  igno- 
rant ;  lip  despises 
the  wise,  anrl 
thinks  them 
fools;  and  is  not 
conscious  that  he 
is  a  fool,  but 
thinks  himself 
wis  e." — Words- 
worth. 

«  One  of  the  most 

frequent  weak- 
nesses of  kings 
is  the  injudicious 
selection  of  high 
officials. 

b  Ft.  XXX.  21,  22. 

c  Stems  and  Twigs. 

He  who  does  not 
know  his  own 
faults  has  learned 
notliing ;  he  who 
has  learned  that 
he  knows  no- 
thing is  already 
very  wise. 

a  Esth.  vii.  10; 
Ps.  vii.  15 ;  Pr. 
xxvi.  27.  Comp. 
1  Ki.  xiv.  10—14, 
xvi.  26. 

h  Isa.  xxxiv.  15 ; 
Am.  V.  19. 

"  The  breaking  of 
this  hedge  ap- 
pears clearly  as 
an  action  by 
■which  one  seeks 
to  injure  his 
neighbour."  —  0. 
Zockler: 

"  If  princes  be- 
come tyrants,  or 
subjects  become 
rebels,  all  his- 
tories will  tell 
both  what  is 
likely  to  be  their 
fate,  and  that  it 
is  at  their  utmost 
peril,  and  it  were 
better  for  both  to 
be  content  with- 
in their  own 
bounds.  "  —  Mat. 
Henry. 

c  A.-S.  hwettan, 
Ger.  wetzen  :  to 
rub  for  the  pur- 
pose of  sharpen- 
ing. 

d  Stems  and 
Tuigi. 


many  who  are  idle  in  their  business.  "  Not  slothful  in  business." 
To  be  slow  in  business  is  ill,  but  to  be  slothful  is  far  worse.  An 
industrious  man  is  often  wearied  with  workin.?.  but  he  is  never 
weary  of  his  work.  To  be  weary  when  Ave  l<novv  not  why,  fore- 
shows diseases  of  the  body.  I  am  sure  it  is  an  jugument  of  a 
diseased  soul.  The  heart  of  the  sluggard  is  like  the  lield  of  the 
sluggard,  overgrown  with  weeds. 

5 — 7.  (5)  as,  or.  by  reason  of.  Evil  is  occasinned  by  this 
error  on  the  part  of  the  ruler.  (6)  folly  .  .  dignity,  thron{;h 
the  favouritism  of  the  ruler,  wh.  blinds  him  to  the  unfitness  of 
the  persons  he  raises  to  high  places."  riell,  here  in  wisdom 
rather  than  in  wealth.  The  noble  and  distinguished.  (7)  upon 
horses,  so  put  out  of  their  proper  place  by  the  caprice  of  the 
king.* 

Servants  on  horses  (v.  7). — I.  This  phenomenon  maybe  observed 
in  national  life  :  kings  devoid  of  morality  or  dignity  :  prir.ces 
besotted  and  bloodthirsty ;  statesmen  vain  and  mercenary  ; 
generals  craven  and  indolent.  II.  This  phenomenon  uiaj-  be 
i  observed  in  ecclesiastical  life  :  Bonner.  Wolsey.  I,aud. — prefeiTed 
to  such  as  Ridley,  Latimer,  and  Taylor.  III.  This  phenomenon 
may  be  observed  in  social  life  :  the  Countess  of  Huntingdon  ; 
the  actress  Siddons.  1.  The  position  of  the  believer  must  be  like 
his  Lord's ;  2.  The  position  of  the  believer  tends  to  fit  him  for 
being  with  his  Lord.' 

8 — 10.  (8)  diggeth,  efc,  refer,  to  the  ruler  who  thus  sets  up 
unworthy  persons  :  the  evil  is  sure  to  come  back  on  himself.^ 
shall  fall,  not  absolutely  sJiall,  but  it  is  very  UJa-Ii/  that  he  will. 
breaketli,  etc.,  the  hedge  is  rather  the  wall  of  stones  and 
plaster  usually  built  round  a  vineyard  :  in  the  crevices  sti-pents 
are  wont  to  nestle.*  (9)  hurt,  is  in  danger  of  being  hurt  by 
their  falling  on  him.  endangered,  or  cut  himself.  (10)  whet,* 
or  sharpen. 

Penalty  (v.  S). — I.  The  hedge. — God's  laws  :  they  are  designed 
for  the  protection  of  His  possessions,  and  for  the  security  of  His 
loyal  subjects.  II.  The  breaker. — Adam  ;  every  man.  All  have 
sinned.  They  are  wilful,  having  been  warned.  III.  The  ser- 
pent,— penalty  :  suffering  here,  and  hereafter.  IV.  The  repairer. 
This  is  the  Lord  Jesus.  He  repairs  the  broken  law.  and  offers  an 
antidote  to  the  bitten,  and  deliverance  from  future  harm.  We 
have  broken  the  hedge,  the  serpent  has  bitten  Him."* 

The  ivorhman  and  his  tools. — See  ver.  9,  "  cleaveth  wood." 
Sketch  a  scene  in  a  wood  :  woodman  felling  trees  :  hard,  knotty 
wood;  tools  soon  blunted  ;  woodman  has  to  '"put  to  more 
strength ; "  previous  fatigue  disqualifies  him  for  this  ;  he 
sharpens  his  tools,  and  then  works  on,  etc.  ;  wi.-<dom,  i.e.  his 
sense  of  what  is  fit,  directs  him.  If  he  were  guided  by  common 
sense,  his  work  and  fatigue  would  be  less,  and  earnings  greater. 
Consider — I.  The  n-ork  ive  have  to  do.  Trees  to  fell.  Ignorance, 
bad  habits,  social  drawbacks,  natural  disqualififations  to  over- 
come. These  are  trees  of  hard  wood.  II.  The  fools  n-e  have  to 
itse.  We  have  axes  to  use  :  mind,  memoiy,  resolution,  heart, 
conscience.  These  we  have  about  us.  There  are  others  also,  aa 
books,  schools,  etc.  III.  Jfo7v  to  it.se  them.  Three  ways  :— 1. 
When  the  axe  gets  blunt,  whet  it.  Exercise  thought,  memory, 
feeling,  etc.  ;  study  books,  obey  teachers,  etc.     2.  Otherwise  put 


Cap.  X.  11-15.] 


ECCLE!^IASTES. 


339 


on  more  streng-tli.  If  we  have  not  wherewith  to  whet  the  iron, 
we  must  be  more  dilig-ent  with  such  means  as  we  have.  3.  The 
best  way.  Wliet  the  iron,  and  put  on  .strength  as  well.  To  do 
this,  seek  wisdom  profitable  to  direct  :  Go"!  gives  it ;  we  all 
need  it ;  all  may  have  it.  Hint : — (1)  Seek  wisdom  ;  (2)  Use 
wisdom.' 

11—13.  (11)  -without  enchantment,  i.e.  if  he  be  not  charmed 
into  quietness.  "  As  one  may  escape  the  serpent  by  charms,  so 
one  may  escape  the  sting  of  a  calumniator  by  discretion."" 
babbler,  lit.  "Master  of  the  tongue."*  (12)  gracious,  full  of 
kindliness  and  grace  :  doing  good  to  those  who  hear  him. 
swallow  up,  etc.,  bring  him  to  ruin.«  (13)  beginning,  etc., 
his  foolish  talk  tends  to  become  worse  than  foolish. 

Serpent-charming.— Oi  the  incantation  of  serpents  there  can  be 
no  doubt.  It  is  mentioned  in  Scripture,  and  very  many  have 
been  the  instances  witnessed  of  the  power  possessed  by  the  snake- 
chavmero  over  these  subtle  and  venomous  creatures.  It  was  in 
India,  where  serpents  and  charmers  abound,  that  a  little  boy  of 
three  years  of  age  once  wandered  unobserved  into  a  room  where 
a  large  tub  of  water  was  kept,  for  the  purpose  of  sailing  some 
little  boats.  His  mother  coming  to  seek  him.  and  finding  the 
door  ajar,  looked  in  before  she  entered,  when,  to  her  horror,  she 
observed  that  while  her  child  was  quietly  amusing  himself  on 
one  side  of  the  tub,  a  large  cobra  was  coiled  round  at  the  other, 
which,  with  head  raised  and  hood  extended,  quietly  watched  the 
movements  of  the  child.  One  step,  and  the  little  one,  unthink- 
ing of  evil,  would  have  received  the  poisonous  wound,  from 
which  there  could  have  been  no  recovery.  It  was  but  the  work 
of  an  instant  for  the  mother  to  catch  up  her  little  son,  place  him 
in  safety  in  the  next  room,  and  give  the  alarm.  But  the  serpent 
had  quickly  made  its  escape  into  the  garden,  the  way  by  which 
it  had  entered,  and  could  not  be  found.  A  serpent-charmer  was 
called,  who,  seating  himself  near  a  hole  in  the  ground  into  which 
it  was  supposed  the  animal  might  have  retreated,  commenced 
playing  a  wild  strain  on  a  flute-like  instrument,  while  all  eyes 
were  fixed  upon  the  entrance  to  the  hole.  In  about  ten  minutes 
the  serpent's  head  appeared,  then  its  body,  and  finally  it  sat  before 
the  charmer,  its  head  raised,  and  turning  it  from  side  to  side,  a.s 
if  listening  intently  to  the  music.  After  a  short  time  the  man 
was  able  to  handle  the  serpent  with  impunity,  and  at  last  he 
cooUy  twisted  it  round  his  neck,  and  walked  off.'' 

14,  15.  (14)  full  of  words,  or  plans  ;  declarations  of  what 
he  ivill  do.''  He  talks  very  freely  about  things  of  which  he  can 
know  nothing.  (15)  wearies,  bee.  he  does  not  conduct  his 
business  with  wisdom  and  skill.  Intelligence  lightens  labour.  | 
know  .  .  city,  i.e.  they  have  not  the  capacity  to  apprehend  the 
plainest  thing,  such  as  the  entrance  into  a  great  city.  ' 

Iligh-falutin  talk.— Br.  Oliver  Wendall  Holmes,  in  the  course  j 
of  an  interesting  article  on  the  photographic  art.  delivers  himself  I 
of  the  following  astounding  paragraph  :  "  Then  we  replace  the  j 
elide  in  the  shield,  draw  this  out  of  the  camera,  and  carry  it  back  I 
into  the  shadowy  realm  where  Cocytus  flows  in  black  nitrate  of 
Bilver,  and  Acheron  stagnates  in  the  pool  of  hyposulphite,  and 
invisible  ghosts,  trooping  down  from  the  world  of  day,  cross  a 
Btyx  of  dissolved  sulphate  of  iron,  and  appear  before  the  Rhada- 
y  2 


e  Hive. 


a  Fausset. 

b  "One  of  ready 
tongue,  not  mak- 
ing timely  use  of 
liis  gift ;  a  hero 
witli  his  tongue, 
but  witliout  en- 
ergy and  prompt- 
ness in  action."— 
O.  Zikkler. 

"  Instances  are 
not  wanting 
where  the  ser- 
pents have  been 
(leaf  to  the  voice 
and  music  of  the 
charmers,  and 
fastened  upon 
them  ;  when 
death  has  taken 
place  in  a  few 
minutes."  — 
Gadiby. 

c  Pr.  X.  32,  xil. 
13  ;  Matt.  xiL  36. 


"  Every  genera- 
tion enjoys  the 
use  of  a  vast 
hoard  bequeath- 
ed to  it  by 
antiquity,  and 
transmits  that 
hoard,  augment- 
pil  by  t'resli  acqui- 
sitions, to  future 
a,ges.''-iiacaula!/. 


d  Bib.  Tr^eatury. 


a  Jas.  iv.  13. 

rr.     15—17.      J. 

Dieleric,  Ant.  634. 

"  There  is  no- 
thing that  makes 
a  man  suspect 
much,  more  than 
to  know  little ; 
and  therefore 
men  should  re- 
medy suspicion 
by  procuring  to 
know  more,  and 
not  to  keep  their 
suspicions  in 
smother. " — Mont 
Bacon. 


340 


BCCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  si.  1. 


"  What  cracker  is 
this  same,  tliat 
deafs  our  ears 
with  this  abund- 
ance of  super- 
fluous breath  ?"— 
Shakespeare. 
"  There  are  two 
distinct  sorts  of 
what  we  call 
bashfulness:  this, 
the  awkwardness 
of  a  booby,  which 
a  few  steps  into 
the  world  will 
convert  into  the 
pertness  of  a  cox- 
comb ;  til  at,  a 
c  o  n  s  c  i  o  u  sness, 
which  the  most 
delicate  feelings 
produce,  and  the 
most  extensive 
knowledge  can- 
not always  re- 
move." —  Mac- 
kenzie. 
b  Jeffers. 


a  Pr.  TLX-a.  4. 
b  Dr.  Tuimer. 


a  "  The  peasants 
build  very  ephe- 
meral habitations 
with  small  stones 
and  mud,  which, 
if  deserted,  soon 
fall  and  melt 
away  like  sum- 
mer snow  on  the 
mountains.  The 
roof  of  any  of 
these  huts,  for- 
saken or  neg- 
lected througti 
idleness,  will 
•  drop  through  ' 
in  a  single  win- 
ter, and  then  the 
unprotected 
walls  wash  down 
by  the  rain,  ami 
speedily  become 
mere  shapeless 
heAps."  -Thomson. 
b  Bp.  Hall. 


a  "  The  Eg.  hns- 
bandman  sows 
his  seed,  accord- 
ing to  its  nature, 
at  various  stages 
of  the  inunda- 
tion. Rice,  for 
instance,  is 
thrown  upon  the 
water    when    it 


manthus  of  that  lurid  Hades  ! " — Some  years  ago,  a  physician, 
while  in  his  patieufs  room,  thus  addres.sed  a  surgeon  :  '•  You 
must  not  fail  to  phlebotomise  the  old  gentleman  to-morrow  ! " 
"  I  will  never  suffer  it."  cried  the  sick  man,  in  a  fright.  "  Sir, 
don't  be  alarmed,"  replied  the  surgeon  :  "the  doctor  only  orders 
you  to  be  bled."  "  0,  as  for  the  bleeding,"  replied  the  venerable 
patient,  "  it  matters  little  ;  but  as  for  the  other,  I  would  sooner 
die  than  endure  it."  Who  will  dare  blame  our  aged  friend  for 
such  a  determination?  What  sane  man  would  submit  to  the 
barbarous  and  excruciating  operation  of  being  phlebotomised.' — 
Andrew  Jackson  wa-  once  making  a  stump  speech  in  a  country- 
village  out  West.  Just  as  he  was  concluding,  Amos  Kendall, 
who  .sat  behind  him,  whispered,  "  Tip  'em  a  little  Latin,  General ; 
they  won't  be  satisfied  without  it."  The  "  Hero  of  New  Orleans" 
instantly  thought  of  a  few  phrases  he  knew,  and  in  a  voice  of 
thunder,  wound  up  his  speech  by  exclaiming,  "  E  pJurihu.'^  nnum — 
sine  qna  non  ; — up  plus  idtva  ! — multnm  in  parro!"  The  effect 
was  tremendous,  and  the  shouts  could  be  heai-d  for  miles.* 

16,  17.  CI 6)  a  child,  young  in  years  :  but  especially  young 
in  intelligence,  princes  .  .  morning,  regarded  as  a  sign  of 
intemperance.  (17)  son  of  nobles,  Heb.  fig.  for  "one  of  noble 
disposition."  in  due  season,  after  duty  is  properly  performed. 
In  E.  much  public  duty  is  done  in  the  early  morning."" 

Eafbig  in  the  morning. — It  is  considered  unmanly  in  Samoa  to 
eat  early  in  the  morning.  It  is  even  the  language  of  abuse  to 
hint  that  a  person  does  so.  It  is  like  comparing  him  to  a  pig, 
which  is  fed  the  first  thing  in  the  morning.* 

18—20.  (18)  building  decayeth,  all  buildings  requiring 
constant  attention  and  repair.  droppetli  through,  the  rain 
coming  through,  and  breaking  down,  the  flat  roof."  (19)  money 
.  .  things,  other  things  have  their  special  ends.  Money  is  neces- 
sary for  all  things.  (20)  thy  thought,  bee.  there  is  danger  of 
even  seditious  thought  gaining  some  expression,  in  look  or  atti- 
tude if  not  in  word,  bird,  etc..  the  swift  flight  of  birds,  and 
their  possible  observation,  though  so  high  up.  are  intimated. 

The  idle  man. — The  idle  man  is  the  devil's  cushion,  on  which 
he  taketh  his  free  ease  ;  who,  as  he  is  incapable  of  any  good,  so 
is  he  fitly  disposed  for  all  evil  motions.  The  standing  water 
soon  stinketh  ;  whereas  the  current  ever  keeps  clear  and  cleanly, 
conveying  down  all  noisome  matter  that  might  infect  it  by  the 
force  of  its  stream.  If  I  do  but  little  good  to  others  by  my 
endeavours  ;  yet  this  is  great  good  to  me,  that  by  my  labour  I 
keep  myself  from  hurt.* 


CHAPTER  THE  ELEVENTH. 

1.  bread,  or  bread-corn,  waters,  allusion  to  custom  of  sow- 
ing the  Nile  lands  while  the  waters  were  lying  over  them."  Sol. 
intends  to  inculcate  here  the  duty  of  charity.  The  word  "  waters  " 
is  sometimes  used  in  Scrip,  for  "multitudes."  e.g.  Rev.  xvi.  5. 

f'ertainfies  and  vncet-tainties  (r.  1). — I.  There  are  certainties 
and  uncertainties  in  reference  to  God.  1 .  He  is  the  supreme  and 
original  Worker.  II.  There  are  certainties  and  uncertainties  in 
reference  to  Providence,     1.  Man's  agency  is  subordinate;  2. 


Cap. xl.  2,  3] 


SCCLESIASTES. 


341 


Man  must  work  according  to  certain  laws.  III.  There  are  cer- 
tainties in  reference  to  society.  1.  That  men  have  certain  moral 
and  spiritual  duties  to  perform  ;  2.  That  the  latent  evil  of  the 
human  heart  is  liable  to  explosion  ;  cultivate,  as  much  as  possible, 
your  thinking  powers  ;  let  not  the  uncertainties  connected  with 
Providence  tempt  you  either  to  indolence  or  despondency  ;  work 
in  faith  through  the  power  of  God.* 

Whitejield  and  the  lantern-ioy. — Whitefield  often  stood  on  the 
outside  of  the  Court-house  in  Philadelphia,  and  preached  to  the 
thousands  who  crowded  the  streets  below.  On  one  of  these 
occasions  a  youth  pressed  as  near  to  his  favourite  preacher  as 
possible,  and,  to  testify  his  respect,  held  a  lantern  for  his  accom- 
modation. Soon  after  the  sermon  began  he  became  so  absorbed 
in  the  subject,  that  the  lantern  fell  from  his  hand  and  was 
dashed  to  pieces,  and  that  part  of  the  audience  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  speaker's  stand  was  not  a  little  discomposed  by 
the  occurrence.  Some  years  after,  Mr.  Whitefield,  in  the  course 
of  his  fifth  visit  to  America,  about  the  year  1754,  on  a  journey 
from  the  southward,  called  at  St.  George's,  rid  Delaware,  where 
Mr.  Eodgers  was  then  settled  in  the  ministry,  and  spent  some 
time  with  him.  In  the  course  of  the  visit.  Mr.  Rodgers,  riding 
one  day  with  his  visitor  in  a  close  carriage,  asked  him  whether 
he  recollected  the  occurrence  of  the  little  boy  who  was  so  much 
affected  with  his  preaching  as  to  let  the  lantern  fall .'  Whitefield 
answerea,  "  Oh  1  yes,  I  remember  it  well,  and  have  often  thought 
I  would  give  anything  in  my  power  to  know  who  that  little  boy 
was,  and  what  had  become  of  him."  Mr.  Rodgers  replied  with  a 
Bmile,  "  I  am  that  little  boy."  Mr.  WTiitefield,  with  tears  of  joy, 
started  from  his  seat,  clasped  him  in  his  arms,  and  with  strong 
emotion  remarked  that  he  was  the  fourteenth  person  then  in  the 
ministry  whom  he  had  discovered  in  the  course  of  that  visit  to 
America,  of  whose  convers-.on  he  had  been  the  instrument. 

2,  3.  (2)  give,  etc.,  i.e  do  not  stint  your  ,generosities,  for  at 
best  you  can  do  but  little  toward  relieving  human  sorrows."  (3) 
empty,  etc.,  i.e.  they  do  not  hoard,  they  give  away.  Or  perhaps, 
with  allusion  to  coming  misfortunes  :  when  the  clouds  of  cala- 
mity are  full,  they  are  sure  to  empty  their  contents  on  thee. 
tree  fall,''  etc.,  wherever  the  misfortune  comes,  if  you  are  in  the 
way,  you  will  have  to  bear  it. 

Law  and  life  (r.  3). — I.  The  key  to  the  passage,  the  broad  idea 
which  underlies  the  whole,  is  in  the  first  verse.  The  main  point 
here  then  is,  that  in  all  husbandry  there  are  two  elements — the 
intelligence  and  energy  of  the  man,  and  the  co-operation  of  a 
secret  force,  the  springs  of  which  and  the  methods  escape  him, 
but  on  which  absolutely  depend  all  his  fruits.  II.  The  writer  of 
this  book  asks  us  to  consider  how  much  that  has  the  most  im- 
portant bearing  on  the  results  of  our  activity  is  hopelessly  beyond 
the  control  of  our  hand.  1.  The  awful  force  and  inevitable  cer- 
tainty of  the  processes  of  nature  ;  2.  There  is  the  absolutely 
certain  sequence  of  physical  causes  and  effects,  or  antecedents 
and  consequents,  which  we  call  laws  of  nature,  which  vary  not 
one  hair's  breadth  from  their  ordained  order  in  obedience  to  the 
mandates  of  our  will,  but  which,  by  observing  and  mastering 
the  principle  of  that  order,  we  can  use  for  the  accomplishing  of 
our  ends  ;  3.  The  writer,  while  he  sees  this  constant  order,  had  a 
dark  sad  vision  of  the  uncertainties  which  cross  it.    III.  There 


has  become  con- 
fiueil  within  tlie 
hinits  of  tlie  little 
squai-e  beils  into 
which  the  soil  is 
liivided  for  the 
purpose.  These 
beds  are  sepa- 
rated by  narrow 
causeways,  or 
pat  lis  of  raised 
earth,  upon  wh. 
the  labourer 
treads,  dryshod, 
as  he  passes  from 
bed  to  bal  iu  the 
prosecution  of 
his  task." — Van 
Lennep. 

"  Do  good,  cast 
thy  bread  into 
the  water ;  it 
shall  one  day  be 
repaid  thee." — 
Arab.  Proverb. 

"Wheat  is  never 
sown  on  wet 
lauds  ;  barley 
sometimes  is." — 
Gadsby. 

V.  1.  R.  Duke,  1 ; 
J.  Douglas,  73  ; 
H.  A.  Atkinson, 
267  ;  Dr.  C.  J. 
Vaughan,  509. 

b  Caleb  Motrii, 


a  "  Or,  you  know 
not  what  re- 
verses may  be- 
fall either  that 
person  who  by 
your  liberality 
will  be  strength- 
ened to  meet 
them,  or  your- 
self, who  may 
come  to  need 
grateful  friends. 
Comp.  Lu.  xvi.  9." 
— apk.  Com. 

b  This  image  is 
not  in  any  way 
connected  -with 
the  state  of  de- 
parted souls. 

vv.  1,  2.    F.  Webb, 

i.  103. 

V.  2.    A.  Munton, 

347. 

"  Our  life  is  like 
that  wax  melting 
in  the  flame. 
Death  puts  his 
stamp  on  it,  and 
then  it  cools,  and 


342 


ECCLES/ASrpS. 


[Cap.  xl.  4-S. 


mould,  and  we 
are  cast  into  that 
shape  through- 
out eternity." — 
C.  H.  Spurgeon. 


e  J. 
B.A. 


B.    Brown. 


the  impress  never  being  this  law  of  calamity  at  work,  defying  all  calculation  and 
OMike  th'rburn-  =^^^  defence,  what  is  the  true  policy  of  life  ?  1.  Do  not  be  afraid 
ing '  metal,  run-  !  of  giving  with  a  bountiful  hand,  lest  your  charity  should  be 
ning  forth  from  |  wasted  ;  2.  Do  not  be  afraid  of  working,  lest  your  toil  should  be 
the  cauiixoiimto   fruitless  ;  .3.  Do  not  be  afraid  of  loving,  because  every  love  is  a 

thenioulil.  Death  c        •     , 

cools  us  in  that   Sire  germ  of  pain." 

"  The  Da'iTyman's  Davr/liter"  in  Turltey. — "That  well-known 
tract  The  Dainjmati^s  Daughter,  written  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  by 
the  Rev.  Legh  Richmond,  found  its  vfa^y  to  Constantinople. 
There  it  was  translated  into  the  Armenian  tongue  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Goodell,  an  American  missionary  to  Turkey.  A  copy  of  this 
version  was  carried  to  Nicomedia  (or  Ismid),  and  fell  into  the 
hands  of  aVartabed,  or  preaching  priest  of  the  Armenian  Church. 
He,  upon  perusing  it,  was  deeply  affected  by  the  picture  it  pre- 
sented of  simple  and  genuine  Christianity,  the  result  of  faith  in 
Jesus  and  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  such  as  he  supposed 
to  have  existed  only  amongst  the  primitive  Christians.  Com- 
paring the  spirit  and  principles  of  this  sweet  stoiy  with  the  con- 
dition of  the  corrupt  and  idolatrous  Armenian  Church,  he  was  led 
to  the  study  of  the  New  Testament ;  and  the  result  was  his  own 
conversion  by  the  Divine  grace.  He  then  communicated  the 
knowledge  of  this  wondrous  tract,  and  his  own  blessed  experience, 
to  another  Vartabed,  with  the  same  results  in  his  case  also.  These 
two  converted  priests,  expelled  from  their  own  corrupt  commu- 
nion, were  the  chief  beginnings  of  the  evangelical  church  now 
existing  in  Nicomedia.  That  church  has  given  origin  to  two 
others  in  the  neighbourhood  ;  and  as  the  good  influence  extends 
itself  widely  in  aU  directions,  it  is  impossible  to  say  how  far 
throughout  Turkey  may  yet  be  diffused  the  beneficial  leaven  of 
The  Dairyman's  Davghter* 

4 — 6.  (-1)  observeth  .  .  sow,  such  watching  the  clouds  would 
be  a  sign  of  a  timid  hesitancy  that  would  ensure  failure."  (5) 
stead' of  sowing !  spirit,  or  wind,  comp.  Jno.  iii.  8.  bones,  <"/<?.,  Job  x.  8 — 12.* 
and  reaping,!  -works  of  God,  the  issues  of  God's  will :  His  ways  in  the  future, 
ir^watchingl^^)  whether  shall  prosper,  i.e.  whether  God  will  permit 
the  wind  and  j  success  to  any  or  all.  We  should  not  only  be  diligent,  but  we 
clouds." -/"a Hwe/.  should  work  at  various  things,  in  view  of  the  uncertain  succesa 
"  If    we    stand  i  attending  all  human  schemes. 

The  erenhig  (r.  .5). — I.  Every  day  has  its  evening — 1.  With  its 
quiet  hour  for  meditation — as  with  Isaac  ;  2.  With  its  vacant 
hour  to  be  filled  up  vnth  some  work  for  Je.sus.  II.  Every  Life 
,  also  has  its  evening.  1.  It  is  clouded  or  bright,  for  the  most 
jections  and  fan-  part,  as  the  day  has  been  ;  2.  Sometimes  the  evening  is  unliiie 
and"fanger  where  '  the  day, — a  contrast  to  it.  III.  The  evening  does  not  always 
there  is  none,  we  {  Commence  at  the  same  hour — short  and  long  days, — with  some 
shall  never  go  on,  I  the  sun  goes  down  while  it  is  yet  noon.  Learn: — In  secular 
Srough  with  o??  things  men  live  for  the  evening  of  life  :  let  it  be  so  in  things 
•work,   nor   make  ;  spiritual. 

anything  of  it."  I  Dr.  Beecher  and  h!.<f  one  hearer. — A'story  is  told  of  Dr.  Beechei, 
— -iJ/d^  lltT\)-y.  ,  q£  Cincinnati,  that  is  worth  recording,  as  illustrating  the  truth 
"He  whom  the  ^jjat  we  can  never  tell  wliat  may  result  from  an  apparently  in- 
Buit,  and  who  is  significant  action.  The  doctor  once  engaged  to  preach  for  a 
ever  waiting  for  country  minister,  on  excliange,  and  the  Sabbath  proved  to  be 
a  more   favoura- 1  excessively  stormy,  cold,   and  uncomfortable.     It  was  in  mid- 


"  We  are  all 
drawn  and  at- 
tracted by  the 
desire  of  know- 
ledge and  sci- 
ence, to  excel 
In  which,  we 
think,  is  honour- 
able ;  while  we 
deem  it  mean 
and  base  to  be 
led  astray,  and  to 
wander  in  igno- 
rance and  error." 
— Cicero. 

4  Dr.  Blackwood. 


m  "  The  farmer 
would  get  on  | 
badly,    who, 


we 

thus,  magnifying  I 
every  little  diffi- 
culty, anil    niak-  1 
ing  the  worst  of  j 
it,    starting    ob-  } 


f  iVa  iTy '  ""t  iTe   "winter,  and  the  snow  was  piled  in  heaps  all  along  the  roads,  so  as 
proper  period  for '  to  make  the  passage  very  difficult.    Still  the  minister  urged  his 


Cap.  xi  7,  8.1 


ECCL[.S,'ASTES. 


343 


horse  through  the  drifts  till  he  reached  the  church,  put  the 
aninjal  into  a  shed,  and  went  in.  As  yet  there  was  no  person  in 
the  house,  and  after  looking-  about,  the  old  g-entleman.  then 
young-,  took  his  seat  in  the  pulpit.  Soon  the  door  opened,  and  a 
single  individual  walked  up  the  aisle,  looked  about,  and  took  a 
S(^ao.  The  hour  came  for  commencing-  service,  but  no  more 
hearc-rs  AVhethi-r  to  preach  to  such  an  audience  or  not,  was  now 
the  question  ;  and  it  was  one  that  Lyman  Beecher  was  not  long 
in  deciding.  He  felt  that  he  had  a  duty  to  perform,  and  he  had 
no  riulit  to  refuse  to  do  it  because  only  one  man  could  reap  the 
benefit,  of  it ;  and  accordingly  he  went  through  all  the  services, 
praying,  singing,  preaching,  and  the  benediction,  with  only  one 
hearer.  And  when  all  was  over,  he  hastened  down  from  the 
desk  to  speak  to  his  '"  congregation,"  but  he  had  departed.  A 
circumstance  eo  rare  was  referred  to  occasionally,  but  twenty 
years  ofverwards  it  was  brought  to  the  doctor's  mind  quite 
straDgely.  Travelling  somewhere  in  Ohio,  the  doctor  alighted 
from  the  stage  one  day,  in  a  pleasant  village,  when  a  gentleman 
stepped  uj)  and  spoke  to  him,  familiarly  calling  him  by  name. 
"I  do  not  remeniber  you,"  said  the  doctor.  '"I  suppose  not," 
said  the  stranger,  ■•  but  we  spent  two  hours  together  in  a  house 
alone  once,  in  a  storm."  "  I  do  not  recall  it,  sir."  added  the  old 
man  :  "  pray.  pray,  when  was  it  ?  "  "  Do  you  remember  preach- 
ing twenty  years  ago.  in  such  a  place,  to  a  single  person ! "  '"  Yes, 
yes,"  said  the  doctor,  gra.sping-  bis  hand,  "  I  do.  indeed  ;  and  if 
you  are  the  man,  I  have  been  wishing  to  see  you  ever  since."  "  I 
am  the  man.  sir  :  and  thn>  st  nnon  saved  my  sonl,  made  a  minister 
of  me,  and  yonder  is  my  church.  The  converts  of  that  sermon, 
sir,  are  all  over  Ohio." " 

7,  8.  (7)  the  light,"  of  life  ;  wh.  the  young  are  especially 
able  to  enjoy,  behold  the  sun,  Ps.  Iviii.  8  ;  Jno.  xi.  9.  (8j 
days  of  darkness,  the  many  times  of  trouble  there  are  sure  to 
be.  and  the  long  waiting  months  of  old  age.  when  the  interest  in 
life  largely  ceases.  Some  think  that  the  reference  is  to  the  dark 
waiting  time  in  Sheol.* 

h'i'uiemher. — I.  In  present  prosperity  remember  the  dark  days 
to  come  (xi.  7,  8).  Light,  life,  joy,  prosperity,  etc..  are  pleasant. 
We  may  "  be  glad  in  the  gay  sunshine."  Right  that  we  should 
be  so.  Right  also  that  we  should  remember  that,  as  night  succeeds 
day.  and  winter  follov\s  summer,  so  too  the  trouble  man  is  born 
to  (Job  V.  7)  will  presently  overtake  us.  Men  labour  in  the  day 
that  tliey  may  have  a  home  to  return  to  at  night ;  they  toil  in 
summer  that  they  may  not  starve  in  winter  ;  and  in  prosperity 
they  should  "  lay  by  in  store "  for  rainy  days.  Especially  in 
regard  to  the  higher  life,  now  is  our  spring  and  summer.  Let  us 
store  up  our  Sabbath  lessons  against  daj's  of  toil,  trouble,  sick- 
ness, etc.  II.  In  youthful  joyousness  remember  the  judgment 
(xi.  9.  10).  No  harm  in  innocent  mirth.  But  it  is  good  to  be 
"  meriy  and  wise  "  together,  and  not  to  be  merry  alone.  For 
then  we  shall  be  careful  in  choice  of  sports  and  companions. 
The  command,  "  Rejoice,"  etc.,  not  ironical,  as  some  think  (see 
Patrick,  etc.),  but  serious.  The  gist  of  it  is.  Let  youthful  joyous- 
ness be  tempered  and  puriiied  by  right  thought  and  principle. 
"  Religion  never  was  designed  to  make  otxr  pleasures  less,"  but 
pure  and  holy.  III.  In  bodily  health  remember  the  common  lot 
(Jtii.  1 — 7).    "  It  is  appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die."    Our 


actioii."-0.  ZSeX' 
Icr. 

b  Also  Job  xxxi. 
15  ;  Ps.  c.xx.xix. 
13—16 ;  Jer.  i.  5. 

V.  6.  T.  SI.  John, 
iL15^  :  Ahp.Sum- 

•'  Knowledge  is 
never  of  very- 
serious  use  to 
man  until  it  baa 
become  part  of 
his  cus:omary 
course  of  think- 
ing. The  kuo-w- 
ledge  -which 
barely  passes 
through  the 
niiuii  resembles 
that  wliich  is 
gained  of  a 
country  by  a 
traveller  who  is 
whirled  through 
it  in  a  stage  ;  or 
by  a  bird  flitting 
over  it  in  his 
passage  to  an- 
otlier. ' '  —  D  wight, 

c  Hogg't  bt^ 
structor. 


a  The  "light" 
here  stands  for 
"life,"  of  which 
it  is  the  symboL 
Comp.  Job  iiL 
20;  Ps.  xxx-vi.  9, 
xUx.  19,  Ivi.  13. 

h  Piegarded  as  the 
dark  prison  be- 
neath the  earth. 

"\Vhile  the  sun 
of  earthly  pro- 
spects shines,  we 
are  apt  to  feel  the 
day  of  evil  at  a 
distance  from  our 
minds  ;  we  are 
reluciant  to  ad- 
U[it  the  possi- 
bility of  a  change 
of  scene ;  we  shut 
out  tiie,  thought 
of  calamity  and 
disti-ess  as  an 
unwelcome  in- 
truder. Experi- 
ence, in  most 
cases,  soon  alters 
the  sentiments, 
and  events  arise 
which  impress  an 
indehhle  convic- 
tion of  the  short 
duration     at 


344 


ECCIESIASTES. 


[Cap.  xl.  9, 10. 


earthly  good." — 
Robert  Hall. 

V.  7.  S.  Smith,  i. 
123;  A.  Miitilon, 
145  ;  H.  Turner, 
323. 

1'.  8.  Dr.  J.  Scott, 
iii.  295 ;  J.  Norris, 
iv.  353 ;  R.  Hail, 
V.  295. 

"  All  men  that 
have  rambled 
after  happiness 
have  faileil ;  nei- 
ther learning, 
nor  fame,  nor 
wealth,  nor  plea- 
sure, taken  sepa- 
rately or  jointly, 
CO  iiltl  ever  give  it, 
without  acting 
up  to  tlie  heiglit 
•nd  dignity  of 
human  nature, 
and  getting  a 
right  set  of 
pri  nciples  for 
thought  and 
practice:  a- 
mongst  which 
may  be  reckoned 
the  love  of  jus- 
tice, temperance, 
fortitude,  and  be- 
nevolence."—^rt- 
toidnus. 

"  It  is  heaven 
upon  earth  to 
have  a  man's 
mind  move  in 
charity,  rest  in 
Providence,  and 
turn  upon  the 
poles  of  truth." 
— Lord  Bacon. 

c  Mr.  Corderoy. 


a  "  These  sen- 
tences mai-k  tlie 
gradual  progress 
in  self  -  imlulg- 
ence,  to  whicli 
the  j'oung  espe- 
cially are  prone ; 
they  see  the 
robes,  but  do  not 
discover  the 
thorns,  until 
pierced  liy  them." 
—  Fauistt. 

"  T  h  o  u  g  h  1 1  ess 
and      s  e  n  s  \i  a  1 

young    irian 

gratify  thy  appe- 


eaithly  house  is  called  a  tabernacle.    A  tabernacle,  or  tent,  is  at 

best  a  frail  thinj>-.  adapted  only  for  pilgrims,  travellers.     Only  in 

the  future  shall  we  have  a  "  buildinfi:  of  God,"  etc. — a  body  that 

sickness  and  death  cannot  touch.     (See  Matthew  Henry's  beauti- . 

ful    comment   on    this    passage— also   Robert   Southey's    poem, 

"  Father  William.")    The  best  provision  for  sickness  and  death. — 

religion.     This  to  be  best  studied  and  obtained  during  health. 

IV.  In  every  circumstance  remember  the  law  of  God  (xii.  13, 14). 

This  known  and  obeyed  will  help  us  to  possess  prosperity  without 

pride,  to  enjoy  youth  without  sin,  and  in  health  to  prepare  for 

the  end.     The  commandment  is  exceeding  broad.     It  includes 

i  thought,  desire,  motive,  as  well  as  word  and  deed.     If  the  fear  of 

God  be  lodged  in  the  heart,  it  will  outwork  itself  in  obedience  to 

I  the  Divine  will.    Learn— 1.  Gratitude  for  prosperity  ;  2.  Wisdom 

i  in  recreation  ;  3.  Forethought  in  health  ;  4.  Obedience  to  God 

I  at  all  times. 

t  A  cloudless  sliy. — TMien  in  Madeira.  I  rose  early  one  morning, 
I  hoping  to  reach  the  summit  of  a  certain  mountain,  to  gaze  upon 
i  a  magnificent  scene,  and  enjoy  the  balmy  air.  I  had  a  servant 
I  with  me,  and  we  had  got  up  some  two  thousand  feet,  when  a 
:  thick  mist  was  seen  descending  upon  us,  quite  obscuring  the 
I  whole  face  of  the  heavens,  and  I  thought  we  had  no  chance  left 
j  but  at  once  to  retrace  our  steps.  But  as  the  cloud  came  nearer, 
my  guide  ran  on,  penetrating  the  mist,  and  calling  to  me  ever 
j  and  anon,  and  saying,  •'  Press  on,  master,  press  on  !  There  is 
I  light  beyond."  I  did  press  on  ;  in  a  few  minutes  the  mist  was 
i  jmssed,  and  I  gazed  upon  a  scene  of  transcendent  beauty.  All 
I  was  bright  and  cloudless  above  :  and  below  was  the  almost  level 
mist,  concealing  the  world  below,  and  glistening  in  the  rays  of 
I  the  sun  like  a  field  of  untrodden  snow  : — there  was  nothing 
I  between  us  and  heaven.  I  have  often  thought  since  there  was 
nothing  like  "  pressing  on  "  in  every  trial  of  life,  assured  that, 
although  the  mists  of  earth  may  hang  around  us  at  certain 
stages  of  our  journey,  there  is  light  bej'ond.  You.  the  friends  of 
Sunday  schools,  have  present  difficulties,  but  I  would  ask  you  to 
listen  to  the  voice  which  on  that  occasion  came  from  the 
untutored  Madeiranese — "  Press  on  !  there  is  light  beyond" — in 
this  world  ;  and,  by-and-by,  there  shall  be  the  light,  all  un- 
clouded, of  heaven  ;  and,  rejoicing  in  that  light,  we  shall  be 
constrained  to  exclaim, "  Hallelujah,  for  the  Lord  God  Omni]wtent 
reigneth  :  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  have  become  the  kingdoms 
of  our  God  and  of  His  Christ."  ' 

9,  10.  (9)  rejoice,  perhaps  spoken  with  a  tinge  of  irony. 
The  advice,  however,  is  in  accordance  with  Sol.'s  counsel  tlirough- 
out  this  book,  to  m.ake  the  best  of  time  present.  The  limit  to 
free  enjoyment  should  be  the  remembrance  of  coming  judgment." 
God  .  .judgment,  not  exclusively  in  the  next  life  ;  even  here 
men  come  into  (lods  judgment,  and  sufl'er  the  nece.ssary  bitter 
consequences  of  self-indulgence.  (10)  sorrow,  or  that  wh.  will 
surely  work  out  at  last  into  sorrow,  thy  flesh,  the  body  being 
the  organ  of  sensual  and  sinful  indulgences  ;  2  Ti.  ii.  22. 

Ati  anl'idoie  to  dissijtathm  (r.  10). — Our  text  teaches  us — I. 
That  there  will  be  a  future  judgment.  1.  The  time  of  it  is 
ai>pointed  :  2.  The  precursors  are  described :  .3.  The  judge  ia 
named.  II.  That  God  will  bring  us  into  judgment.  1.  All  will 
be  judged  ;  some  will  be  glad,  others  will  shrink  ;  2.  God  will 


Cap.  xil.  LI 


ECCLES/ASTES. 


346 


bring  all  into  judgment.  III.  God  will  bring  us  into  judgment 
for  all  these  things.  The  heart  prompts  to  many  evil  ways. 
Name  two.     1.  Of  infidelity  ;  2.  Of  sensuality.* 

A  thoiiffkfle.fs  wldier. — i)r.  John  Evans,  the  author  of  some 
excellent  sermons  on  the  Christian  temper,  introduced,  on  one 
occasion,  a  sermon  to  young  people  in  the  following  manner  : — 
"  Shall  I  be  allowed  to  preface  this  discourse  with  relating  a 
passage  concerning  an  acquaintance  of  mine,  who  has  been  many 
years  dead,  but  which  I  remember  to  have  received,  when  young, 
from  himself  .'  When  ho  was  an  apprentice  in  this  city,  the  civil 
•war  began  ;  his  inclination  led  him  into  the  army,  where  he  had  a 
captain's  commission.  It  vvas  fashionable  for  all  the  men  of  that 
army  to  carry  a  Bible  along  with  them  ;  which,  therefore,  he  and 
many  others  did,  who  yet  made  little  use  of  it,  and  hardly  had  any 
sense  of  serious  religion.  At  length  he  was  commanded,  with 
his  company,  to  storm  a  fort,  wherein  they  were,  for  a  short  time, 
exposed  to  the  thickest  of  the  enemy's  fire.  When  he  had  ac- 
complished this  enterprise,  and  the  heat  of  the  action  was  over, 
lie  found  that  a  musket  ball  had  lodged  in  his  Bible,  which  was 
in  his  pocket,  upon  such  a  part  of  his  body,  that  it  must  neces- 
sarily have  proved  mortal  to  him,  had  it  not  been  for  this  season- 
able and  well-placed  piece  of  armour.  Upon  a  nearer  observation 
he  found  the  ball  had  made  its  way  so  far  in  his  Bible  as  to  rest 
directly  upon  that  part  of  the  first  unbroken  leaf  where  the 
words  of  my  text  are  found.  It  was  Ec.  xi.  2  ;  '  Rejoice,  0 
young  man,  in  thy  youth  ;  and  let  thy  heart  cheer  thee  in  the 
days  of  thy  youth,  and  walk  in  the  ways  of  thine  heart,  and  in 
the  sight  of  thine  eyes  ;  but  know  thou,  that  for  all  these  things 
God  will  bring  thee  into  judgment.'  As  the  surprising  deliverance, 
you  may  apprehend,  much  affected  him,  so  a  passage  which  his 
conscience  told  him  was  veiy  apposite  to  his  ca  e,  and  which 
Providence  in  so  remarkable  a  way  pointed  to  his  observation, 
made  the  deepest  and  best  impression  on  his  mind  ;  and,  by  the 
gi-ace  of  God,  he,  from  that  time,  attended  to  religion  in  earnest, 
and  continued  in  the  practice  of  it  to  a  good  old  age  ;  frequently 
making  the  remark,  with  pleasure,  that  his  Bible  had  been  the 
salvation  both  of  his  body  and  his  soul."  « 


CHAPTER  THE  TWELFTH. 

1.  remember,  think  on  :  keep  ever  before  thee  the  law  of 
thy  Creator.  Creator,  Heb.  plur.  Cn-atont :  perhaps  as  inti- 
mating God's  relation  to  all  the  different  parts  of  our  being. 
He  who  makes  has  right  of  rule  over  the  thing  made,  evil 
days,  times  of  trouble  wh.  too  surely  come  in  man's  advanced 
years,  no  pleasure,  etc.,  i.e.  the  time  of  old  age,  when  the 
senses  are  dulled. 

Early  ])\ety  {v.  1). — I.  How  you  are  called  to  remember  your 
'  Creator.  1.  Who  He  is  ;  2.  What  He  has  done  ;  8.  What  He  is 
doing  ;  4.  "What  He  has  promised  to  do  ;  5.  What  He  has  deter- 
mined to  do.  II.  When  He  should  be  especially  remembered. 
1.  Youth  is  the  most  impressible  time^most  critical  ;  2.  Most 
honourable  to  serve  God  then  ;  •^.  Most  profitable.  III.  Why  it 
should  not  be  deferred.  1.  Evil  days ;  2.  Old  age  has  its 
peculiar   infirmities,  remarkable^  incapacity  for    improvement. 


tites,  indulge  al] 
tliy  passions, 
deny  thyself  no- 
thing, (_at.  drink, 
and  be  merry  ; 
disrf'gard  the  ail- 
nioniiiiins  of  con- 
science, traniplo 
under  foot  the 
authority  of  reve- 
lation, but  think 
not  that  thou 
shalt  always  i^ro- 
sper  in  the  waya 
of  sin,  or  carry 
for  ever  that  air 
of  jollity  and  tri- 
umph. "  —  J.  A. 
JamfS. 

Ro.  ii.  6—9. 

!'.  9.  H.  Smith, 
126;  Bp.8.  M-in-d, 
241;  Bp.  t^tiliing- 
Jieet,  iii.  Ib2  :  Di: 
J.  Eduaids.  617; 
Bp.  Hickmtn,  ii. 
277;  Or.  1\  Dod- 
dridge, ii.  189  ; 
&  Umith,  2u9  ; 
Dr. C.J.  Vauglian, 
523. 

6    Omega    in  100 

Sks. 

"Knowledge, 
when  wisdom  is 
too  weak  to  guide 
her.  is  like  a  head- 
strong horse  that 
throws  the  ri- 
der."— Quarles. 

cR.T.3. 


t>.  1.  Dr.  J.  Donne, 
vi.  17;  H.  Smilh, 
184;  0.  Hevwood, 
V.  519;  Sir  M. 
Hah:  ii.  325  ;  Dr. 
J.  Ediciuds,  iii. 
285;  Abp.  Tillot- 
son,  iv.  76 ;  Dr. 
J.  Trap/),  U.  I ; 
Dr.  J.  Eiaiis,  79  ; 
J.  Fmccett,  1G6 ; 
Dr. ./.  Miltier.  53  ; 
J.fMlatid.i.386; 
Dr.  J.  Jarlin,  iv. 
217;  G.Whitefield, 
V.  159;  Bp.  Por- 
teus.  iii.  177;  Bp. 
Colensc,  72 :  Dr. 
C.  J.  Vnughan., 
3  05;  Dr.  T. 
Dwight,  ii.  156. 


346 


ECCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  xii.  2-4. 


■  R.  Cecil. 

Childliood  does 
souii; limes  pay  a 
secmiJ  visit  to 
man  —  youth 
never.  How  re- 
sponsible are  we 
for  tlie  use  of  a 
perio.l  so  precious 
in  itself,  which 
will  soon  jiass 
away  ami  uever 
retui-n. 

"  You  are  oM  ; 
nature  in  yon 
Btamls  on  the 
very  verge  of  her 
con  tiue. '  'SJiake- 
tpeare. 

"  Years  steal  fire 
from  tlie  mi  ml  ao 
vigour  from  the 
iiuib/'—Iiyi-on. 


a  The  darkening 

of  tlie  lights  of 
heaven  denotes  a 
time  of  atftiotion 
and  sadness. 
Comp.  Job  iii.  9  ; 
Is.  V.  30;  Eze. 
xxxii.  7,  8.  Con- 
trast 2  Sa.  xxiii. 
4,5. 

b  "  The  season  of 
weakness  and  de- 
crei)itude,  when 
no  sooner  has  one 
cloud  of  sorro"/ 
dischnrged  its 
dark  crntcnts 
and  disappeared, 
but  uiiot  her 
black  clouit,  sw<il- 
len  with  showers 
of  sorrows,  re- 
turns in  its 
place." —  H'ords- 
worlh. 

c  Pome,  e.g.,  Um- 
livit.  E'sler,  C'cx, 
think  this  and 
foil.  rr.  a  poetic 
description  of  the 
day  of  death,  re- 
presented under 
fig.  of  a  f-earful 
tempest. 

d  Ex.  xi.  5 ;  Mat. 
xxiv.  41. 

"  Even  in  the 
downfall  of  his 
mellow'd  years, 
Vbea     nature 


Note  :  — Nothing  in  religion  can  be  done  without  Christ ;  all  to 
which  we  are  called  may  be  done  with  llim." 

Early  piety. — Many  a  one,  who  lives  to  a  good  old  age,  remem- 
bered liim  in  the  days  of  youth  ;  and  for  not  a  few,  dying  early, 
have  these  words  supplied  the  theme  of  funeral  meditation.  In 
one  instance  the  verse,  "  Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days 
of  thj-  youth,"  itself  was  both  funeral  sermon  and  obituaiy.  A 
letter  received  in  New  York  from  Atlanta,  Ga.,  gives  tliis  inci- 
dent of  the  battle  at  Bull  Run  :  "  A  staft'-officer  from  Charleston, 
engaged  in  the  battle  on  the  21st  July,  18G1,  says  :  'I  rode  out 
the  day  after  the  battle  to  view  the  ground,  and  passed  piles  of 
dead  in  various  positions.  Under  a  large  tree  I  saw  a  body  lying, 
very  handsomely  dressed,  witli  a  fancy  sword,  and  a  handkerchief 
over  the  face.  It  attracted  my  curiosity.  I  stopped,  removed 
the  handkerchief,  and  saw  one  of  the  handsomest  faces  I  ever 
met  with,  of  a  boy  not  more  than  twelve  or  fourteen  years  old. 
His  appearance  auil  dress  indicated  high  social  position  :  probably 
he  was  a  temporary  aid  to  some  general  officer.  To  ascertain  who 
he  was,  I  examiued  his  pockets,  and  found  a  Testament,  in  which 
was  written.  "James  Simmons,  New  York.  From  his  loving 
mother.  My  son,  remember  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy 
youth."  I  wished  very  much  to  take  the  body  away,  but  I  waa 
six  mi.^e;-»  from  quarters,  on  horseback,  and  it  was  impossible.' " 

2 — 4.  (2)  not  darkened,"  by  reason  of  weakness  or  disease, 
which  prevents  their  enjoyment.  clouds  .  .  rain,  fig.  for 
trouble  coming  again  and  again.*  (.S)  keepers,"  etc.,  the  arms, 
with  the  hands,  wh.  become  tremulous  in  the  aged,  strong 
men,  the  legs,  wh.  in  age  lose  their  muscular  power, 
grinders,''  or  teeth.  Fern,  gender,  bee.  work  of  hand-mill 
was  done  bf  women,  look  .  .  windows,  the  eyes;  sight  of 
the  aged  is  dim.  (4)  doors,  etc.,  the  lips,  in  allusion  to  the 
silent  mumbling  of  their  food  by  those  who  have  lost  their 
teeth,  rise  .  .  bird,  wake  with  the  least  sound,  so  light  is  his 
sleep.  Or  allusion  may  be  to  his  voice  becoming  weak  as  a  bird's, 
daughters  .  .  low,  he  can  no  longer  sing,  or  join  in  singing, 
or  even  care  for  singing. 

Dcicription  of  old  aye. — We  have  here  an  elegant  description 
of  old  age.  "  Then  the  sun,  and  the  light,  and  the  moon,  and 
the  stars,  will  be  darkened."  That  is.  all  outward  comfort  and 
l)rosi)erity,  whether  by  day  or  by  night,  will  be  eclipsed  and 
withdrawn.  "  Aud  the  clouds  will  return  after  the  rain."  That 
is,  one  bodily  distemper  and  trouble  will  follow  another  in  quick 
succosrion.  Then  will  "  the  keepers  of  the  house  tremble." 
That  IS,  the  arms  and  hands,  which  defend  the  body,  will  by 
reason  ■).?  their  cold  and  dry  temper  shake  and  quiver.  "  And 
the  sti ->apr  men  will  bow  themselves."  That  is.  the  thighs  and 
legs,  whic\i  have  strongly  borne  up  the  structure  of  the  body, 
will  be  w*uk,  and  need  the  support  of  a  staff  to  assist  them. 
"  And  the  grinders  will  cease  because  they  are  few."  That  is, 
the  teeth,  vhich  chew  and  grind  om*  food,  will  break,  decay, 
and  fall  of  t :  so  that,  being  reduced  to  a  few,  they  wiU  be  unable 
to  do  theL  office.  "  And  those  who  look  out  at  the  ^vlndows  will 
be  darkened."  That  is,  the  sigtt  will  fail ;  the  eye,  through 
which,  as  through  a  window,  the  soul  looks  out,  being  dim  and 
weakened.  "  And  the  doors  shall  be  shut  in  the  streets."  That 
is,  the  lips  and  mouth  will  be  disabled  from  speaking  and  eating. 


Cap.  3dl.  5,  6.1 


ECCLESIASTES. 


347 


brought  him  to 
the  door  of 
death. "  —  Shake- 
speare. 

"  When  every  day 
that  comes, 
comes  to  decay  a 
day's  work  in 
us." — /bid. 


road  in  the  fair- 
est face. "  —  ia 
Rochefoucauld. 

"These  are  the 
effects  of  doting 
age,  vain  doubts, 
and    idle    cares, 


more  wise,  but 
now  decay'd,  and 
sunk  into  the 
socket,  peeping 
by  fits,  and  giv- 


"  AVTien  the  sound  of  the  grinding'  is  lo'w."    That  is,  digestion, 
'v^'hich  is   assisted  by  chewing,  will  be  weak  and  imperfect,  so 
that  the  system  will  be  ill  supplied  with  nourishment.     "And 
he  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of  the  bird."     That  is,  our  sleep  will 
be  shallow,  that  the  least  noise  will  awake  us,  and  so  short,  that 
it  will  prevent  the  cock  crowing.     "  And  all  the  daughters  of 
music  shall  be  brought  low."     That  is,  our  ears  will  grow  duU, 
Bo  that  the  sweetest  music  will  have  lost  all  its  charms.     "And 
they  shall  be  afraid  of  that  which  is  high."     That  is,  we  shall,  I  "xime's  chariot- 
by  reason  of  weariness,  dizziness,  and  want  of  breath,  be  afraid  I  wheels     make 
of  ascending  high  places,  and  of  attempting  such  high  things  j  tlieir     carriage- 
as    in  youth   -we  adventured   upon   without  hesitation.     "And         ' 
fears  shall  be  in  the  way."     That  is,  we  shall  be  afraid  in  our 
journeying,  lest  we  dash  our  weak  and  weary  foot  against  a 
Btone.     '■  And  the  almond  tree  shall  flourish."     That  is,  our  head 
■will   grow   white,  like    the   almond   tree,   ■which   soon    ripens. 
"  And  the  grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden."     That  is,  the  least 
'Weight  will  be  too  heavy  for  our  infirm  body  ;  yea,  we,  being  I  ^}^^     o^er  -  cau- 
then    like   enough   to    grasshoppers,   shall   be    a   burden    hoth '  1^'°^"^  ^^^'^j  ^^°°°^ 
to  ourselves  and  to  others.     "And  desire. shall  fail."     That  is, 
all  our  bodily  appetites  wiU  cool  and   cease.     At  length   "  the 
silver   cord  will    be   loosed."     That  is,  the  backbone,  with  the 
spinal   maiTow   which    it  encloses,    and  the   nerves  and  fibres 
belonging  to  it,  ■will  be  weakened.     "And  the  golden  bowl  will   iug  simple  light." 
be  broken."     That  is,  the  vessel  and  membrane  in  which  the  i  ~iJ''yden. 
brain  is  enclosed  (which  is  aptly  called  "  golden,"  both  f or  its  |  ^  ^  ^^^^-^^ 
colour  and  value)  will  at  last  be  shattered.     "  And  the  pitcher  j 
will  be  broken  at  the   fountain."     That  is,  the  veins  will  cease    uj  ^^  ^j^  ^^^ 
from  doing  their  office  at  the  right  ventricle  of  the  heart,  which  I  and   these  same 
is  the  fountain  of  life  ;  and  so,  our  blood  stagnating,  we  are  soon  j  crosses  spoil  me." 
extinguished.     "  And  the  wheel  shall  be  broken  at  the  cistern."  I  —^^"^''^peare. 
That  is,  the  great  artery,  which  is  knit  to  ths  left  side  of  the   "  Every  man  de- 
heart,  by  which  the  blood  is  conveyed  into  the  system  generally,  |  sires  to  live  long; 
ceases  its  action,  and  the  pulse  with  it,  which  are  the  immediate  i,^^„*^,  ^°r.^T•\i 
forerunners  of  death.     And  "  thten  the  dust  returns  to  the  earth  "  ""  ' 
as  it  was,  and  the  spirit  returns  unto  God  who  gave  it."     Thus 
we  see  man's  body,  like  some  curious  edifice,  fii-st  battered  by 
various  storms  ;  at  length  the  roof  and  walls  decay  ;  and  at  last 
it  falls  to  the  ground ;  but  our  blessed  Redeemer  hath  pro-vided 
for  the  inhabitant  "  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens."* 

5,  6.  (5)  high,  prob.  high  ground.  The  aged  cannot  ascend  an  eminencfw* 
hills."  fears,  nervously  dreads  any  journeying:  -wants  to  be  !  would  be  difficult 
left  quietly  at  home.  almond,  wh.  bears  wMte  flowers.*  [  <"i  account  of 
grasshopper,  or  locust.  Even  an  insect  is  felt  a  burden  to  the  '  ''^''^'"  sunken 
weak  old  man.  desire,  lit.  the  eapcr  herrij,  wh.  was  eaten 
befoi'e  meals  to  provoke  appetite  ;  even  it  would  no  longer  have 
its  effect,  long  home,  so  the  grave  is  conceived.'  (G)  silver 
cord,  by  wh.  the  house-lamp  was  hung  from  the  ceiling.<* 
bo-wl,  the  lamp  itself,  pitcher,  the  body  compared  to  an 
earthen  vessel.«  ■wheel ,  the  cistern  wheel  by  wh.  the  bucket  is 
lowered  and  raised  ;  illus.  the  -vital  processes  of  the  body. 

The  grasshopper. — Sir  Thomas  Gresham,  who  built  the  Royal 
Exchange  in  London,  was  the  son  of  a  poor  woman,  who,  while  he   'eaves  Jo  not  ap- 
was  an  infant,  abandoned  him  in  a  field.     By  the  providence  of   \^^^^     'after?'^^ 
God,  ho^wever,  the  chirping  of  a  grasshopper  attracted  a  boy  to  I  Thomson. 


would  be  old."—" 
Swift. 


j  chests  and  short 
b  r  e  a  t  h."  —  0. 
ZocUer. 

b  "  It  is  the  type 
of  old  age  whose 
hair  is  white  ;  .  . . 
the  white  blos- 
soms completely 
cover  the  whole 
tree ;    the  green 


348 


SCCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  xll.  7-10. 


e  "  The  ancient 

Egyptians  called 

their  tuuibs  their 

'  long   home,'   or 

'everlasting 

liabitations.'  "  — 

Gudshii. 

d  The  thread  of 

Ufa. 

e  2  Cor.  iv.  7. 

a  "The  spirit  of 
every  man  after 
death,  good  or 
bad,  in  some 
sense  goes  to  God 
either  as  a  Father 
or  as  a  Judge,  to 
be  kept  some- 
where under  the 
custody  of  His 
Almiglity  power, 
in  order  to  tlie 
receiving  of  His 
final  sentence  at 
the  last  judg- 
ment, either  of 
happiness  or  mi- 
sery."— lip.  Bull. 

b  I>i:  J.  U.  New- 
num. 


V.  8.  Sp.  Mallhy, 
i.  480;  Dr.  H. 
Blair,  ii.  178. 

"  The  vanity  of 
the  world  also 
appears  in  this, 
that  a  httle  cross 
■will  embitter 
great  comforts. . . 
One  dead  fly  is 
enough  to  cor- 
rupt a  whole  box 
of  the  world's 
most  fragrant 
ointment. .  There 
are  so  many  in- 
gredients re- 
quired to  make 
up  worldly  feli- 
city—  as  riches, 
health,  honour, 
friends,  good 
name,  and  the 
like — that  if 
these  be  wanting 
tlic  whole  com- 
position is  sijoil- 
ed." — Hopkins. 

"  Old  age  is  talk- 
ative, and  I  may 
learn  somewhat 
of  moment  from 
him." -Whitehead. 

aIi.T.a. 


the  spot  where  the  child  lay  ;  and  his  life  was  by  this  meana 
preserved.  After  Sir  Thomas  had,  by  his  unparalleled  success  aa 
a  merchant,  risen  to  the  pinnacle  of  commercial  wealth  and 
greatness,  he  chose  a  grasshopper  for  his  crest ;  and  becoming, 
under  the  patronage  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  the  founder  of  the 
Royal  Exchange,  his  crest  was  placed  on  the  walls  of  the  building 
in  several  parts,  and  a  vane  or  weathercock,  in  the  figure  of  a 
grasshopper,  was  fixed  on  the  summit  of  the  tower. 

7.  dust,  Ge.  iii.  19.  The  body  formed  of  dust,  spirit,  etc^ 
a  clear  intimation  of  belief  in  immortality  of  the  soul." 

Thf!  i/idividiiulUi/  of  the  .wtil  (r.  7). — I.  Nothing  is  more  diffi- 
cult to  realise  than  that  every  man  has  a  distinct  soul.  II.  All 
the  souls  that  have  passed  away  from  earth  are  alive  yet.  III. 
Every  one  of  all  the  souls  A\'hich  have  ever  been  on  the  earth  is 
in  one  of  two  distinct  states, — one  the  subject  of  God's  favour  ; 
the  other  under  His  wrath.  IV.  All  souls  now  living  are  on  the 
way  to  one  or  other  of  these  states.     V.  How  is  it  with  us  !  * 

A  little  hoyn  mintalie. — A  little  girl  in  Yorkshire,  about  seven 
years  of  age,  went,  accompanied  by  a  brother  younger  than  her- 
self, to  see  an  aunt  who  lay  dead.  On  their  return  home,  the 
little  boy  expressed  his  surprise  that  he  had  seen  his  aunt,  saj'ing, 
"  I  always  thought  when  people  were  dead  that  they  went  to 
heaven  ;  but  my  aunt  is  not,  for  I  saw  her."  '•  Brother."  replied 
his  sister,  "  I  fear  you  do  not  understand  it :  it  is  not  the  body 
that  goes  to  heaven  ;  it  is  '  the  think '  that  goes  to  heaven  ;  the 
body  remains,  and  it  is  put  into  the  grave,  where  it  sleeps  till 
God  shall  raise  it  up  again." 

8 — 10.  (8)  all  is  vanity,  a  conclusion  fr.  looking  at  all 
features  of  life.  (9)  knowledge,  gave  practical  counsel  for 
the  ordering  of  life  while  we  have  it.  (10)  acceptable  WOrds, 
Heb.  words  of  delight :  pleasant,  agreeable. 

Acceptable  ivords. — The  following  anecdote,  related  by  Dr. 
Franklin,  which  is  equally  characteristic  of  the  preacher  and 
himself,  admirably  illustrates  the  power  of  Mr.  Whitefield's 
eloquence  : — "  I  happened,"  says  the  doctor,  "  to  attend  one  of 
his  sermons,  in  the  course  of  which  I  perceived  he  intended 
to  finish  with  a  collection,  and  I  silently  resolved  he  should  get 
( nothing  from  me.  I  had  in  my  pocket  a  handful  of  copper 
'  money,  three  or  four  silver  dollars,  and  five  pistoles  in  gold.  As 
I  he  proceeded.  I  began  to  soften,  and  concluded  to  give  the 
;  copper.  Another  stroke  of  his  oratory  made  me  ashamed  of 
!  that,  and  de^rmined  me  to  give  the  silver  ;  and  he  finisb.ed  so 
i  admirably,  that  I  emptied  mj-  pocket  wholly  into  the  collector's 
!  dish — gold  and  all.  At  this  sermon  there  was  also. one  of  our 
j  club,  who,  being  of  my  sentiments  respecting  the  building  in 
Georgia,  and  suspecting  a  collection  might  be  intended,  had.  by 
precaution,  emptied  his  pockets  before  he  came  from  home. 
'  Towards  the  conclusion  of  the  discourse,  however,  he  felt  a 
I  strong  inclination  to  give,  and  applied  to  a  neighbour,  who 
1  stood  near  him.  to  lend  him  some  money  for  the  purpose.  The 
t  request  was  made  to,  perhaps,  the  only  man  in  the  company  who 
I  had  the  coldness  not  to  be  affected  by  the  preacher,  his  answer 
!  was,  '  At  any  other  time,  friend  Hodgkinson,  I  would  lend  to 
j  thee  freely  ;  but  not  now,  for  thee  seems  to  be  out  of  thy  right 
I  senses.'"* 


Cap.  xil.  11-14.] 


ECCLESIASTES. 


349 


11,  12.  (11)  goads,  used  by  herdsmen  to  drive  on  cattle. 
nails,  or  tent-peys.  The  allusion  is  to  their  being  driven  into,  j 
and  fixed  in.  the  memory,  masters  of  assemblies,"  or  tent-  ' 
makers  :  those  who  erect  tents  :  a  fig.  for  teachers  or  preachers. 
one  shepherd,  God,  the  one  source  of  wisdom  for  all  teachers. 
(12)  man,y  books,  as  the  result  of  much  effort  to  force  out  the 
eeci-ets  of  life  :  full  of  your  own  anxious  but  vain  siieculations. 
The  counsel  is  to  be  willing  to  receive  revealed  truth  :  and  not 
weary  the  mind  with  mere  speculations,    study,*  eager  curiosity. 

Teacliinfi  to  pvrjmse. — Interpretation  of  the  text  {v.  11). — Orton 
thus  paraphrases  this  text : — "The  words  of  the  preacher  are  not 
only  true,  but  affecting  ;  like  goads,  quickening  us  to  duty,  or 
like  nails,  that  take  fast  hold,  and  leave  an  abiding  impression 
upon  the  mind,  when  drawn  by  the  masters  of  the  assemblies, 
the  preachei's  of  truth  ;  which  are  given  from  one  shepherd,  an 
allusion  to  the  master  shepherd,  who  gives  a  goad  to  him  who 
drives  the  plough,  or  a  nail  to  him  that  is  to  repair  a  building." — 
Pericles. — It  is  said  of  Pericles,  the  Athenian  orator,  that  before 
he  went  out  to  address  the  people,  he  prayed  to  the  gods  that 
nothing  might  go  out  of  his  mouth  but  what  might  be  to  the 
purpose.  What  an  example  does  this  heathen  set  for  the  Chris- 
tian preacher  and  teacher  !  How  much  is  uttered  by  these  public 
instructors  which,  as  far  as  any  one  can  see.  is  to  no  purpose 
whatever  except  to  fill  up  the  hour! — Words  not  7rasted. — A 
deaf  man  was  remarkable  for  his  accurate  knowledge  of  almost 
all  subjects  which  depended  pai-ticularly  upon  his  intercourse 
with  others.  He  was  once  asked  the  reason  of  this,  when  he 
replied,  "  People  do  not  waste  their  breath  talking  nonsense  to 
me  through  a  speaking-trumpet."  If  they  had  anything  to  say, 
it  was  always  to  the  purpose,  and  put  in  the  fewest  possible 
words.  The  Christian  teacher  should  set  before  him  a  direct  pur- 
pose, a  great  and  lofty  object,  and  make  everything  bear  upon  it. 
His  great  aim  is  to  explain  Gods  truth,  and  apply  it  to  the  saving 
of  the  souls  of  his  scholars.  j 

13,14.  (13)  conclnsion,  a  very  limited  and  imperfect  one  :  j 
not  such  as  David  would  have  arrived  at :  not  such  as  Chris- 
tianity teaches.  The  fea:-  of  God.  as  the  practical  rule  of  life, 
may  he,,  and  should  be.  glorified  into  the  love  of  God  as  the 
inward  inspiration  of  life,  whole  .  .  man,  i.e.  this  is  man's 
part :  the  mysteries  he  must  be  willing  to  leave.  (14)  into  , 
judgment,  Ro.  ii.  16.  xiv.  10  :  2  Cor.  v.  10." 

The  whole  diit;/  of  man  (r.  13). — This  is  real  religion.     I.  It  is  , 
the  design    of    man's   creation.      II.  The    object  of  God's  pro- ! 
ridential    dispensation.     III.     The   chief   excellency    of    man's 
character.     IV.  The  sole  foundation   of    his  happiness.     V.  It 
harmonises  with  all  his  circumstances. 

Photographs  on  the  n-all. — The  infinite  galleries  of  the  past 
await  but  one  brief  process,  and  all  their  pictures  will  be  called 
out  and  fixed  for  ever.  I  had  a  curious  illustration  of  this  great 
fact  on  a  humble  scale.  AVhen  a  bookcase,  long  standing  in  one 
place,  was  removed,  there  was  the  exact  image  left  on  the  wall 
of  the  whole,  and  of  many  of  its  portions.  But  in  the  midst  of 
tliis  picture  was  another,  the  precise  outline  of  a  map  which  had 
hung  on  the  wall  before  the  bookcase  was  placed  there.  We  had 
all  forgottcTi  everything  about  the  map  until  we  saw  its  photo-  i 
graph  on  the  wall.    Thus,  some  day  or  another,  we  may  remember  , 


I  a  "  Tlieniai?ter  of 
'  assemlilies  Is  tlie 
j  slieikli,  who  or- 
I  (lers  tlie  gather- 
:  ing    togretiier    oi 

the  tent  ilwellej's, 
]  and  the  pitcliiiig 
I  of  the  encamp- 
I  meiit."-Ka/i  Len- 

nep. 

b  '•  This  is  only 
the  (liscourag-e- 
ment  of  the  pru- 
rient and  roving 
curiosity  wliich 
is  always  craving 
something  new, 
however  per- 
nicious and  poi- 
sonous, and  de- 
vours it  with 
ravenous  avidity, 
and  has  no  appe- 
tite for  what  ja 
old,  however 
wholesome  it  may 
he."-Wordswurlli. 

V.     11.      Dr.    R. 

Fiddes,  143. 

r.  12.  Ar.  A.  Mei- 
l(in,i.  102;  Dr.  J. 
Tnipp,  i.  297. 

"  Knowledge  al- 
ways desires  in- 
crease :  it  is  like 
fire,  which  must 
be  first  kindled 
by  some  external 
agent,  but  which 
will  afterwards 
propagate  itself." 
— Johnsun. 

a  "  Because  God 
is  intinitelj'  just, 
He  will  neither 
let  hidden  evil  be 
unpunished,  nor 
hidden  good  be 
unrewarded.  "  — 
Wolle. 

"  We  shall  see  of 
what  vast  conse- 
quence it  is  to  u9 
that  we  be  re- 
ligious, if  we 
consider  the  ac- 
count we  must 
every  one  of  us 
shortly  give  of 
himself  to  God  ; 
thence  he  argued 
against  a  volup- 
tuous and  vicious 
life  (ch.  xi.  9), 
and  here  for  a 
religious  Ufe." — 
Mat.  Hf-nry 
vv.  13, 14.  Dr.  T. 
Dteiglit,  M.  340; 
Bp.  Jackson,  82. 


350 


BCCLESIASTES. 


[Cap.  xii.  13, 14i 


b  0.  yr.  Hntmes. 
'_'  Deeper  than  tlie 
judfrment.  deeper 
than  the  feehugs, 
lies  the  seat  of 
human  ctiarao*^er 
— in  tliat  wiiic'h 
is  t)ie  mystery  nf 
Bll  beings  ami  all 
things,  in  what 
■we  call  their 
'i\ature,' without 
knowing  where 
tt  lies,  what  it  is, 
or  how  it  wields 
its  power.  All 
■We  l«now  is,  that 
it  does  exert  a 
power  over  ex- 
ternal ciroum- 
Btances,  bending 
them  all  in  its 
own  direction,  or 
breaking  its  in- 
Btruments 
against  what  it 
cannot  bend.  The 
nature  of  an 
acorn  turns  dews, 
air,  soils,  and 
sunbeams  to  oak; 
and  though  cir- 
cumstances may 
destroy  its  power, 
they  cannot  di- 
vert it  while  it 
survives.  It  de- 
fies man,  beast, 
earth,  and  sky, 
to  make  it  pro- 
duce elm.  Culti- 
vation may  affect 
its  quality,  and 
training  its  form; 
but  whether  it 
shall  produce 
oak,  ash,  or  elm, 
is  a  matter  into 
wh.  noforcefrom 
■without  can  en- 
ter— a  matter  not 
of  circumstances, 
but  purely  of  na- 
t\ire.  To  turn  na- 
ture belongs  to 
the  Power  which 
originally  fixed 
nature.' 
Arthur. 
c  Tullock. 


a  sin  which  has  been  covered  up.  when  this  lower  universe  la 
pulled  away  from  before  the  wall  of  infinity,  where  the  wrong'- 
doing  stands  self-recorded.* — Chavncfcr — (7*  importance  to  the 
youiKj. — The  young  grow  up  and  go  into  the  world  and  take  their 
places  there  often  with  little  feeling  of  another  world,  and  how 
they  stand  in  relation  to  it.  Their  characters  are  formed,  as  it 
might  seem,  by  chance,  and  the  tastes  and  opinions  of  the 
accidental  society  into  which  they  are  thrown.  And  no  doubt 
such  influences  are  very  potent.  They  are  the  envelopiag  at- 
mosphere of  character,  silently  feeding  and  rounding  the  outlinea 
of  its  growth.  But  withal,  its  true  springs  are  deeper, — •'  Out  of 
the  heart  are  the  issues  of  life."  The  soul  within  is  the  germ  of 
the  unfolding  man.  no  less  than  the  seed  is  that  of  the  plant, 
fashioned  and  fed  as  it  may  be  by  the  outer  air.  And  the  essential 
form  of  character  will  be  found  in  every  case  to  depend  upon  the 
nature  of  the  inner  life  from  which  it  springs.  Whether  this  be 
dull  and  torpid,  or  quick  and  powerful,  will  very  soon  show  itself 
in  the  outward  fashion  of  the  man.  The  mere  surface  of  many 
lives  may  look^qually  fair,  but  there  will  be  found  to  be  a  great 
difference,  according  as  some  hold 'to  a  higher  life,  and  draw  their 
most  central  and  enduring  qualities  thence,  and  as  others  are 
found  to  have  no  higher  attachment — no  living  spring  of  Divine 
righteousness  and  strength.  What  is  deepest  in  everj'  man,  and 
most  influential,  however  little  at  times  it  may  seem  so,  is,  after 
all,  his  relation  to  God  and  the  Unseen.  The  genuine  root  of 
character  is  here,  as  trial  soon  proves.  How  a  man  believes 
concerning  God  and  the  higher  world — how  his  soul  is — will 
show  itself  in  his  whole  life.  From  this  inner  source,  its  essential 
and  determining  qualities  will  run.  On  this  foundation  its 
structure  rests.  The  religious  belief  of  young  men.  therefore,  is 
a  subject  of  the  most  vital  moment  for  themselves  and  for  all. 
Whatever  tends  to  affect  it  is  pregnant  with  incalculable  con- 
sequences. To  weaken  or  lose  it,  is  to  impair  the  very  life  of 
society.  To  deepen  and  expand  it,  is  to  add  strength  to  character 
and  durability  to  virtue."" — Moth-eaten  characters. — We  do  well  to 
remember  that  a  little  tooth,  which  is  almost  too  small  for  the 
microscope,  may  nevertheless  be  large  enough  to  cut  one  thread, 
and  another  thread,  and  another  thread  ;  and  when  you  have 
begun  to  cut  threads,  you  have  begun  to  make  holes ;  and  when  you 
have  begun  to  make  holes,  the  destruction  of  the  garment  is  at 
hand  ;  and  a  character  that  is  moth-eaten,  that  has  begun  to  be 
pierced  by  petty  sins  and  vices,  is  weakened,  and  is  being  prepared 
for  deBtruction.* 


w. 


tHE  SONG  OF  SOLOMOUL 


Iittrobuctmm 

I.  AntTlor.  Ascribed  to  Solomon  by  univerpal  voice  of  antiquity  ;  thia 
"Song- of  Song's" — that  is,  The  Best  of  Soiif/s — the  only  one  left  of  the  1,005 
written  by  Solomon.  (1  Kings  iv.  32.)  II.  Authenticity.  It  is  suggested 
{Bp.  Warburton)  that  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  its  canonicity,  since  Ezra,  who 
compiled  the  canon,  acted  by  inspiration  of  the  Most  Hig-h.  Although  not 
quoted  in  the  New  Testament,  it  formed  part  of  the  Jewish  Scriptures  {Jox. 
Antiq.  viii.  2 — .5),  was  included  in  the  translation  of  the  LXX.,  and  in  all 
ancient  catalogues.  It  is  also  attested  by  Or\(jen,  Jerome,  Theodont.  and  the 
Tahmtd.  III.  Structure.  A  poem  :  but  critics  are  not  agreed  as  to  the 
class  of  Hebrew  poetry  in  which  it  should  be  placed.  The  following  are  some 
of  the  chief  opinions  : — A  poem  to  inculcate  the  Divine  approbation  of  mar- 
riage (Mio/iarll.t)  ;  a  representation,  by  Solomon's  son,  of  a  trial  of  skill 
between  a  shepherd  and  a  shepherdess  (Mendels.svhn)  ;  a  nuptial  song  (Ha mi er)  : 
a  regular  drama,  which  is  to  be  explained  by  the  consideration  that  the  Jews 
were  wont  to  celebrate  their  nuptials  for  seven  days  togeth(^r,  distinguished  by 
peculiar  solemnities  (Bnssi/et,  with  whom  agree  Chime/',  Bp.  Pervji.  and  Mr. 
Williams)  ;  an  idyll  {Bmirr)  ;  eight  idylls  {.Tnhii)  :  a  series  of  twelve  sacred 
idylls,  each  distinct  and  independent  of  the  other  {Dr.  Good,  and  mainly  of  the 
same  opinion  is  Sir  W.  Joiwh).  "  It  is  a  poem,  in  which  there  are  two 
characters,  a  male  {Shelomoh,  Peace),  and  a  female  called  by  the  same  name 
with  a  female  termination  (Shiilnm.lfh).  There  are  treble  and  bass  solos,  which 
occasionally  glide  into  a  duet  (ii.  7,  iii.  5,  viii.  4),  terminating  in  a  chorus  of 
virgins  (iii.  6 — II,  v.  9,  vi.  1,  13,  viii.  .5,  8,  'J).  The  sonnet  of  each  of  the  two 
principal  characters  is  not  distinguished  in  our  translation,  as  it  is  in  the 
Hebrew,  by  the  use  of  the  masculine  and  feminine  pronouns  and  adjectives  ; 
but  they  may  be  thus  marked:  Shulamith  begins  a  treble  solo  (i.  2 — (3),  fol- 
lowed by  a  dialogue  or  duet  (of  about  a  vcr.'^e  each,  to  ii.  3).  terminating  in  the 
duet  (ii.  6,  7).  Then  Shulamith  sings  a  solo  (ii.  8 — 13).  answered  by  Shelomoh 
(chap,  vii.),  in  praise  of  his  spouse.  The  two  intervening  chapters  (v.  and  vi.) 
appear  to  be  sung  by  Shulamith  and  the  chorus,  and  chap.  viii.  by  them  alto- 
gether in  chorus.  .  .  .  Shelomoh  would  seem  to  be  a  personification  of  •  Salem ' 
(Jerusalem),  and  this  ode  would  thus  portray  the  yearning  of  the  bereaved 
Israelitish  Church  towards  the  holy  temple  on  Mount  Zion,  after  the  separation 
of  the  ten  tribes.  This  more  fitly  typifies  the  love  between  the  Church  and 
Chi-ist  than  an  '  Epithalamium '  on  the  marriage  of  Solomon  with  a  heathen 
princess  ;  while  the  terms  of  endearment  lose  all  their  grossness  when  applied 
to  two  nations  with  their  distinctive  physical  features  — a  view  which  the 
constant  transition  (in  the  original  Hebrew)  from  the  singular  to  the  plural 
(or  collective)  pronouns  strengthens  "  (Owford  Teacher's  Bible). 


Bossuet,  Bp.  of  Meaux,  is  of  opinion  that  this  Song  is  a  regular  drama,  explained  by  the  Jews 
celelirating  their  nuptials  for  seven  days  togethor.  He  accordingly  divides  it  in  the  following 
manner  :  — Day  1,  ("hapter  i.— ii.  6  :  Day  2,  ii.  7—17  :  Bay  .S,  iii.—v.  1 :  Day  4,  v.  2— vi.  9  :  Tiny  5, 
vi.  lU— vii.  11  :  Day  6,  vii.  12— viii.  3  :  Day  7,  viii.  4—14.  With  Bossuet  agrees  Calmet,  Bp.  Percy, 
and  Mr.  Williams.  Dr.  Good,  after  others,  considers  it  as  forming  not  one  continued  and 
individual  poem,  but  a  series  of  sacred  idyls,  12  in  number,  thus :— Idyl  1,  Chap.  i.  1 — 8  :  Idyl  2, 
i.  9— ii.  7  :  Idyl  3,  ii.  8—17:  Idyl  4,  iii.  1—5  :  Idyl  5,  iii.  G— iv.  7  :  Idyl  6,  iv.  8— v.  1  :  Idyl  7.  v.  2— 
vi.  10 :  Idyl  8,  vi  11—13 :  Idyl  9,  vii  1—9  :  Idyl  10,  vii.  10— viU.  4 :  Idyl  11,  viii.  6—7 :  Idyl  13, 
viii.  8—14, 


Cap.  i.  1-3.] 


SONO  OF  SOLOMOK 


353 


CHAPTER  THE  FIRST. 

1 — 3.  (1)  song  of  songa,  i.e.  the  chief  of  songs.  Sol.  wrote 
"ODP  thousand  and  tive  songs,""  but  this  one  only  is  preserved, 
which  is  Solomon's,  lit.  to,  or  for,  Solomon  UsuaUy  re- 
garded as  ascribing-  the  authorship  to  Sol.*  (2)  _.;iys  me,  the 
almost  universal  sign  of  personal  affection' bet.  blood-relations 
and  friends,  better  than  wine,  which  was  re;^arded  as 
"  making  glad  the  heart."  (3)  savour  .  .  ointments,  these 
were  freely  used  in  dressing  for  entertainments.''  ponred. 
forth,  and  so  the  sweetness  flows  abroad,  virgins,  all  the 
court  ladies  are  admirers  of  the  brilliant  and  lovely  king. 

The  Church's  lore  to  Chriat  (rr.  3.  4).— There  are  two  points 
for  our  consideration.  I.  The  reason  of  the  Church's  love  for 
Christ.  1.  His  name  :  2.  On  account  of  the  fragi-ance  diflFused 
by  His  name.  II.  Her  ardent  desire  after  Him.  1.  Her  suppli- 
cation ;  2.  Her  resolution.  Learn — (1)  What  reason  we  have  to 
seek  the  knowledge  of  Chi'ist ;  (2)  In  what  way  we  should  testify 
our  regard  for  Him." 

Altogether  lovehj. — Jesus  Christ  is  comprehensive  of  all  things 
that  are  lovely  :  He  seals  up  the  sum  of  all  loveliness  :  things 
that  shine  as  single  stars  with  a  particular  glory,  all  meet  in 
Christ,  as  a  glorious  constellation.  Cast  your  eyes  among  all 
created  beings  ;  survey  the  universe  ;  observe  strength  in  one, 
beiuity  in  a  second,  faithfulness  in  a  thu'd,  wisdom  in  a  foixrth  ; 
but  you  shall  fiiud  none  excelling  in  them  all.  as  Christ  doth. 
Bread  hath  one  quality,  water  another,  physic  another  ;  but  none 
hath  all  in  itself,  as  Christ  hath.  He  is  bread  to  the  hungiy, 
water  to  the  thirsty,  a  garment  to  the  naked,  healing  to  the 
wounded,  and  whatsoever  a  soul  can  desire  is  found  in  Him..^ 

The  study  of  the  life  of  Chri.^t. — If  any  earnest  desire  of 
happiness,  any  high  esteem  of  virtue,  any  true  affection  to 
genuine  sanctity,  do  lodge  in  our  breasts,  we  should  apply  this 
most  excellent  means  of  attaining  them  :  the  study  and  en- 
deavour of  imitating  the  life  of  our  Lord.  If  we  have  in  us  any 
truth  and  sincerity,  and  do  not  vainly  prevaricate  in  our 
profession  of  being  Christ's  disciples,  and  votaries  of  that  most 
holy  institution,  let  us  manifest  it  by  a  real  conformity  to  the 
practice  of  Him  who  is  our  master  and  author  of  our  faith. 
If  we  have  in  us  any  wisdom  or  sober  consideration  of  things, 
let  us  employ  it  in  following  the  steps  of  that  infallible  Guide, 
designed  by  heaven  to  lead  us  in  the  straight,  even,  and  pleasant 
ways  of  righteousness,  unto  the  possession  of  everlasting  bliss. 
If  we  do  verily  like  and  approve  the  practice  of  Christ,  and  are 
affected  with  the  innocent,  sweet,  and  lovely  comeliness  thereof, 
let  us  declare  such  our  mind  by  a  sedulous  care  to  resemble  it. 
If  we  bear  any  honour  and  reverence,  any  love  and  affection  to 
Christ:  if  we  are  at  all  sensible  of  our  relations,  our  manifold  obliga- 
tions, our  duties  to  our  great  Lord,  our  best  friend .  our  most  gracious 
Redeemer  ;  let  us  testify  it  by  a  zealous  care  to  become  like  to 
Him  ;  let  a  lively  image  of  His  most  righteous  and  innocent, 
most  holy  and  pious,  most  pure  and  spotless  life  be  ever  present 
to  our  fancies ;  so  as  to  inform  our  judgments,  to  excite  our 
affections,  to  quicken  our  endeavours,  to  regulate  our  purposes, 

VOL.  VII.     O.T.  Z 


a  1  Ki.  Iv.  32. 

Luther  calls  this 
"The  High 
Song." 

6  "In  many  Ps" 
the  same  Heb- 
particle  occllr^;  in 
the  title  as  a  sign 
of  autliorship." — 
Spk.  Com. 

c  "  For  a  king  to 
permit  his  hands, 
or  even  garment, 
to  be  kissed,  was 
counted  a  great 
honour,  but  that 
he  should  himself 
kiss  another  ^rilh 
his  moil  III  is  the 
greatest  honour." 
— Fausset. 

"  Every  precept 
of  Christ  received 
by  His  Church  is 
as  one  of  His 
kisses." — St.  Gre- 
gory. 

d  Jno.  xii.  3. 

See  Hansard 
Knolhjs,  Expos, 
of  cap.  i. 

V.  1.  R.  Sihhes, 
2  Ser.  1G39  ;  Bp. 
W.  Nicholson, 
Apos.  Creed,  141. 

e  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

f  J.  Flavel. 

"  In  the  beautiful 
character  of  the 
blessed  Jesus 
there  was  not  a 
more  striking 
feature  than  a 
certain  sensibi- 
lity, which  dis- 
posed Him  to 
take  part  in  every 
one's  affliction  to 
which  He  was  a 
witness,  and  to 
be  ready  to  afford 
it  a  miraculous 
relief.  He  was 
apt  to  be  parti- 
cularly touched 
by  instances  of 
domestic  distress, 
in  whicli  tlie  suf- 
feriugarises  from 
those  feelings  of 
friendship,  grow- 
ing out  of  natural 


354 


BONO  OF  SOLOMOy. 


[Cap.  1. 4-a 


affection  and  ha- 
bitiiiil  eiiiiiar- 
moiit.  wliicli  con- 
stitute the  per- 
fection of  man  as 
a  social  creature, 
and  distinpuisli 
tlie  society  of  tlie 
human  kiml  from 
the  instinctive 
herdings  of  the 
lower  animals." 
— Bishop  Hvisley. 

g  I.  Barrow. 


a  Oontp.  Jno.  vi. 
44,  xii.  32. 
6  "A  simple  ex- 
pression of  the 
virgin's  raptu- 
rous joy  at  tlie 
high  honour  ami 
delight  granted 
her  by  the  king." 
— 0.  Zijckler. 
e  "  The  Arab 
tent  is  made  of 
goat's  hair  clo^h, 
always  black,  or 
of  a  dark  brown, 
about  three- 
fourths  of  a  yaril 
wide,  manufac- 
tured by  the 
■women  of  the 
household,  and 
cut  in  long  strips, 
wh.  are  stitched 
together  at  the 
edges  until  the 
desired  width  is 
obtained.  This 
tent  cloth  pos- 
sesses the  double 
advantage  of 
being  watei'proof, 
and  of  absorbing 
the  sun's  rays, 
and  it  is  thus  ac- 
tually cooler  than 
the  white  tent  of 
the  more  civiliseil 
traveller. " —  Van 
Lennep. 

d     Stems    and 
Twigs. 
c  n.  Sihbet. 


a  "  The  sheep  are 
led  to  pasture 
only  towards 
Bimsetduring  the 
grnat<?r  part  of 
the  year,  anil  re- 
turn home  in  the 
ni  o  r  n  i  n  g,  or 
sjienil  the  day, 
aoiuebimes      the 


to  correct  oiir  mistakes,  to  direct,  amend,  and  sanctify  our  whol« 
lives.  Let  us,  with  incessant  diligence  of  study,  meditate  upon 
the  best  of  histories,  wherein  the  tenor  of  His  divine  practice  ia 
represented  to  us.  Revolving  frequently  in  our  thoughts  all  the 
most  considerable  passages  thereof,  entertaining  them  with 
devout  passions,  impressing  them  on  our  memories,  and  striving 
to  express  them  in  our  conversation,  let  us  endeavour  con- 
tinually to  walk  in  the  steps  of  our  Lord,  and  "  to  follow  the 
Lamb  whithersoever  He  goeth."  Which  that  we  may  be  able  to 
do,  do  thou,  0  blessed  Redeemer,  draw  us  ;  draw  us  by  the  cords 
of  Thy  lo'  e  ;  draw  us  by  the  sense  of  Thy  goodness  :  draw  us  by 
the  incomparable  M'orth  and  excellency  of  Thy  person  ;  draw  U8 
by  the  unspotted  purity  and  beauty  of  Thy  example  ;  draw  us  by 
the  merit  of  Thy  gracious  death,  and  by  the  power  of  Thy  holy 
Spirit ;  draw  us,  "  good  Lord,  and  we  shall  run  after  thee."*' 

4—6.  (4)  dra'W  me,  by  some  look  or  motion  of  love  that 

will  give  me  encouragement,     run,  immediately  and  earnestly 

rt  spiMding  to  such  a  love-sign."    king  .  .  chambers,  the  ex- 

!  jiression  of  wonder  at  the  grace  thus  shown  to  her.*     upright, 

\i'tc.,  better,  "uprightly  do  they  (the  virgins)  love  thee."      (5) 

I  black,   swart,  or  dark-hued.     "  The  Arabs  of  the  desert  are 

browned  by  constant  exposure  to  the  sun."     tents  of  Kedar,* 

Ge.  XXV.  13.      curtains,  i.e.  comely  as  the   curtains,  or  lich 

I  hangings,  of  Sol.'s  tent.     (6)  sun  .  .  me,  exposure  to  the  sun 

I  being  the  cause  of  her  dark  tints,     angry,  or  jealous  of  me. 

!  keeper,  etc.,  thinking  to  keep  me  safe  by  finding  work  for  me. 

mine  own  vineyard,  her  beauty,  wh.  the  king  having  seen, 

had  won  for  himself. 

The  cry  of  the  bride  {v.  4). — I.  The  request.  It  is — 1.  Earnest ; 
2.  Constant ;  3.  Believing  ;  4.  Personal ;  5.  Unconditional.  II. 
The  promise — "  We  will  run,"  etc.  Notice  this  promise  in  its — 1. 
Boldness  ;  2.  Greatness  ;  3.  Humility  ;  4.  Object.  III.  How  the 
request  is  answered.  Jesus  draws  by — 1.  Silence  ;  2.  A  look  ;  3. 
A  word  ;  4.  By  former  promises  brought  to  mind  ;  5.  By  afflic- 
tions ;  6.  By  the  ordinances.'' 

Blaclt  hut  comely. — There  is  a  double  principle  in  a  Christian 
in  all  things  that  he  doth  :  there  is  the  flesh  and  spirit,  and  these 
two  issue  out  in  whatsoever  comes  from  him.  In  his  good  words 
there  is  flesh  as  well  as  spirit,  in  his  thoughts  and  desires,  in  his 
prayer ;  his  prayer  itself  stands  in  contraries.  So  everything 
that  comes  from  him  is  tainted  with  that  that  is  contrary ;  the 
flesh  opposeth  and  hinders  the  work  of  the  Spirit,  and  so  it  stains 
our  goo(.l  works.  A  Christian,  at  the  same  time,  is  deformed  and 
well-favoured,  black  in  regard  of  sin,  but  well-favoured  in  regard 
of  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  the  acceptation  of  Christ.' 

7,  8.  (7)  thou  feedest,  this  sentence  indicates  her  fear  of 
a  public  reception,  and  desire  to  meet  the  king  privately,  rest 
at  noon,"  lie  down  during  the  oppressive  hours,  turneth 
aside,  going  astray,  not  knowing  where  her  beloved  one  was. 
(8)  if,  etc..  answer  taken  up  by  the  chorus  of  women.  Perhaps 
spoken  with  a  slight  tone  of  irony.*  footsteps,  i.e.  watch  and 
follow  the  tracks,  and  you.  will  soon  find  out.  kids,  the  satire 
of  this  is  seen  when  we  note  that  the  kids  of  the  flock  are  given  iu 
charge  to  the  little  boys  and  gii'ls,  who  lead  them  a  short  distance 
off,  or  suffer  them  to  feed  among  the  tents  of  the  encampment. 


Cap.  i.  9-11.1 


SONG  OF  SOLO  MO  IT. 


355 


The  saint  and  the  Savionr  (rr.  7,  8). — I.  Tlie  address  of  the 
Baint.  to  the  Saviour.  1.  An  acknowledgment  of  His  love;  2.  A 
longing  for  communion  ;  3.  A  dread  of  declension.  II.  The 
reply  of  the  Saviour  to  the  saint.  1.  A  slight  reproof ;  2.  A 
warm  exprtS'iion  of  admiration  ;  3.  A  plain  direction."^ 

'J7ie  fjnaf. — He  is  superior  to  the  sheep  both  in  sentiment  and 
dexterity  :  he  is  stronger,  lighter,  and  more  agile  than  the  ram  ; 
he  is  sprightly,  capricious,  and  given  to  wander  ;  and  it  is  with 
difficulty  he  can  be  confined  to  a  flock.  He  loves  to  retire  into 
solitude,  to  climb  steep  and  rugged  places,  to  stand,  even  to 
Bleep,  on  the  points  of  rocks,  and  the  edges  of  the  most  frightful 
precipices.  He  is  robust  and  easily  nourished  ;  for  he  eats 
almost  every  herb,  and  is  injured  by  a  very  inconsiderable 
number.  Though  he  seems  to  feel  the  effects  of  severe  cold,  he 
is  not  afraid  of  rain,  or  storms,  or  too  great  a  degree  of  heat ;  he 
cheerfully  exposes  himself  to  the  sun,  and  without  inconvenience 
Bleeps  under  its  most  ardent  rays.  But  he  is  inconstant  in  his 
passious,  and  irregular  in  his  actions.  He  walks,  stops  short, 
runs,  leaps,  approaches,  retires,  shows  and  conceals  himself,  or 
flies  off,  as  if  he  were  actuated  by  mere  caprice,  and  without  any 
other  cause  than  what  arises  from  an  eccentric  vivacity  of 
temper.  The  suppleness  of  his  organs,  and  the  strength  and 
nervousness  of  his  frame,  are  hardly  suflBcient  to  support  the 
petulance  and  rapidity  of  his  natural  movements.'' 

9—11.  (9)  compared,  etc..  this  is  the  address  of  the  king- 
lover,  company,  lit.  a  man-  of  mine.  He  compares  his  bride 
to  a  beautiful  horse."  (10)  rows  of  jewels,  ornaments 
dangling  from  the  bride's  head-dre.'-s.*  chains,  comj).  Eze.  xvi. 
11—13.  (11)  studs,  points,  little  silver  ornaments  fixed  on  the 
necklace,  or  head-dress.  "  Disks  of  silver  pierced  and  strung 
together."  The  bridegroom  promises  her  addition  to  her  orna- 
ments. 

A'ofe  on  v.  9. — This  appears  a  very  coarse  compliment,  to  a  mere 
English  reader,  arising-  frLm  the  difference  of  our  manners  ;  but 
the  horse  is  an  animal  in  very  high  estimation  in  the  East.  The 
Arabians  are  extravagantly  fond  of  their  horses,  and  caress  them 
as  if  they  were  their  children.  DArvieux  gives  a  diverting 
account  of  the  affectionate  caresses  an  Arab  used  to  give  a  mare 
which  belonged  to  him.  He  had  sold  it  to  a  merchant  at  Rama, 
and  when  he  came  to  see  it  (which  he  frequently  did),  he  would 
weep  over  it,  kiss  its  eyes,  and  when  he  depai  ted,  go  backwards, 
bidding  it  adieu  in  the  most  tender  manner.  The  horses  of 
Egypt  are  so  remarkable  for  stateliness  and  beauty,  as  to  be  sent 
as  presents  of  great  value  to  the  Sublime  Porte  ;  and  it  appears 
from  sacred  history  that  they  were  in  no  less  esteem  formerly 
among  the  kings  of  Syria,  and  of  the  Hittites,  as  well  as , 
Solomon  himself,  who  bought  his  horses  at  150  shekels,  which  , 
(at  Dean  Prideaux"s  calculation  of  three  shillings  the  shekel)  is  i 
£22  10s.  each,  a  very  considerable  price  at  which  to  purchase  I 
twelve  thousand  horses  together.  The  qualities  which  form  the  j 
beauty  of  these  horses  are  tallness,  proportionable  corpulency,  I 
and  stateliness  of  manner ;  the  same  qu-alities  which  they  i 
adinire  in  their  women,  particularly  corpulency,  which  is  known  | 
to  be  one  of  the  most  esteemed  characters  of  beauty  in  the  East. 
Neibuhr  says :  "  As  plumpness  is  thought  a  beauty  in  the  East, 
the  women,  in  order  to  obtain  this  beauty,  swallow,  every 
Z  2 


noon-day  hoars 
only,  in  the 
breezy  shade  of 
a  frieiully  grove, 
or  under  bootlxs 
prepared  for  the 
purpose.  "  —  Van 
Leniit-p. 

b  "  It  was  jeer- 
ingly  intended, 
and  if  it  did  not 
exactly  wound 
her  deeply,  it 
was  certainly 
adapted  to  in- 
crease her  long- 
ing fur  her  lover." 
—0.  Zockler. 

V.  7.  Dr.  J.  Ed- 
wards, Gospel 
Treas.  428  ;  8. 
Gough,  187  ;  C. 
Bradley,  236. 

vv.  7, 8.  J.  Jowitt, 
330. 

c  G.  Brooks, 

d  Buffon. 


a  "  The  simile  Is 
peculiarly  appro- 
priate on  the 
lips,  or  from  the 
pen,  of  Sol.,  who 
first  brought 
horses  and  cha- 
riots from  Egypt. 
1  Ki.  .X.  28,  29."— 
Sj-ik.  Com. 

"  On  account  of 
her  youthful 
bloom,  and  her 
unaffected  de- 
meanour, whose 
lovely  charms  are 
still  further 
heightened  by 
the  simple  orna- 
ments worn  upon 
her  head  and 
neck."— DeUlzsch. 

b  "  Persian  ladies 
wear  two  or  three 
rows  of  pearls 
round  the  head, 
!  beginning  on  the 
forehead,  and  de- 
scending down 
the  cheeks,  and 
under  the  chin, 
so  that  their 
faces  seem  to  be 
set  in  pearls." — 
Olearius. 

"  Give  every  kind 
of  knowledge  its 
due  attention  and 
respect;  but  what 


356 


SONU  or  SOLOMON. 


[Cap.  1.12-14. 


Bcipnce  is  to  be 
cimipared  to  tlie 
kiidwleilge  of 
T'lirist  crucified  ? 
Had  a  traveller 
lost  his  way  in 
some  desert, 
whrre  he  liad 
wamlcred  till  he 
was  fainting 
with  hunger  and 
thirst,  for  what 
would  he  first 
ask  ?  for  music, 
for  painting-;  ? 
No,  he  wiiuld  iisk 
for  bread,  fur 
water!  Anything 
else  offered  hi  in 
would  be  a  mock- 
ery of  his  mi- 
sery."—iJ.  Cecil. 
c  Burder. 

Divine      love 

makes  the  soul 
better  at  obeying 
than  disputing. 

d  Saunders. 


a  Obtained  from 
an  Inilian  plant 
now  called  juta- 
mansi. 

Jno.  xii.  1 — 3. 

b  Ps.  xlv.  8. 

cLaicsonia  Alba. 

d  Thomson. 

e  Jos.  XV.  62 ; 
1  Sa.  xxiii.  29, 
xxiv.  1  ;  2  Chr. 
XX.  2 ;  Eze.  xlvii. 
10. 

V.  12.  T.  A f anion, 
iii.  83  ;  D.  Wilco.r, 
ii.  150  ;  J.  Scoll, 
227. 

e.  13.  R.  Robin- 
son, ii.  3. 

/  C.  H.  Spurgeon. 

"  The  blossoms  of 
the  henna  are 
-White,  and  grow 
in  clusters.  Their 
sweet  perfume 
makes  them  spe- 
cial favourites 
with  the  women, 
who  are  fond  of 
placing  bunches 
of  tliem  in  their 
( 


morning  and  every  evening-,  three  of  these  insects  Ca  species  of 
fcncljrionrg),  fried  in  butter.'  Upon  this  princip'e  is  founded  the 
compliment  of  Solomon  ;  and  it  is  remarkable  that  the  eleg^ant 
Theocritus,  in  his  epilhalamium  for  the  celebrated  queen  Helen, 
whom  he  described  as  phinip  and  large,  uses  exactly  the  pame 
image,  compaiing'  her  to  the  /lor.ti;  in  Ihc,  cJiariof.s  of  i/ii'.s:iah/.' 

SyiiipatJii/  of  Chrixt. — But  if  my  dear  husband,  Christ,  do  for 
my  trial  leave  me  alone  unto  myself,  alas!  I  know  in  -what  case 
I  shall  be  then  ;  but  if  for  my  proof  He  do  so,  yet  I  am  sure  He 
will  not  be  long-  or  far  from  me.  Though  he  stand  behind  the 
wall  and  hide  Himself,  as  Solomon  says  in  his  mystical  ballad 
(Cant,  ii.),  yet  will  He  peep  in  by  a  cleft  to  see  how  I  do.  He  ia 
so  tender-hearted  a  Joseph,  that  though  He  speak  roughly  to  His 
brethren,  and  handle  them  hardly,  yea,  and  threatens  grievous 
bondage  to  his  best-bclovcd  brother,  Benjamin,  yet  He  cannot 
contain  Himself  from  weeping  with  us,  and  upon  us,  with  fall- 
ing on  our  necks  and  sweetly  kissin.g  us.  Such,  such  a  brother, 
is  our  Christ  unto  us  all ;  wherefore  hasten  to  go  unto  Him,  as 
Jacob  did,  with  his  sons  and  family,  leaving  their  own  country 
and  acquaiutance.  Yea,  this  our  Joseph  hath  obtained  for  us 
His  brethren,  that  Pharaoh  the  infidel  shall  minister  unto  us 
chariots  wherein  at  ease  we  may  be  carried  to  come  unto  Him  ; 
as  we  have  had  experience  how  our  very  adversaries  do  heli)  us 
unto  our  everlasting  bliss  by  their  speedy  dispatch  ;  yea,  and 
how  all  things  have  been  helping  unto  us,  blessed  be  our  God  !'' 

12 — 14.  (12)  at  his  table,  lit.  tn  his  circle,  couches  being 
arranged  in  a  circular  form,  spikenard,"  costly  oil  with  wh. 
the  bride  had  scented  her.self.  Perhaps  intimating  that  she  was 
doing  all  she  could  to  render  herself  acceptable  to  him.  (13) 
myriii,*  a  costly  myrrh-gum  wh.  the  ladies  of  the  East  are  in 
the  habit  of  carrying  in  their  bosom,  perhaps  in  a  little  bag. 
he  .  .  breasts,  better  rendered,  "  which  (i.e.  the  myrrh)  lodgeth 
in  my  bosom."  (14)  camphire,  or  henna,'  used  as  dye  ;  and 
the  Orientals  are  extravagantly  fond  of  the  odour  of  the  flowers. "* 
Engedi,  famed  for  its  aromatic  shrubs.' 

A  bundle,  of  myrrh  (v.  13). — Jesus  is  like  a  bundle  of  myrrh. 
I.  Precious — a  very  valuable  drug.  II.  Pleasant.  III.  Perfum- 
ing. IV.  Preserving.  V.  A  disinfectant.  VI.  A  cui-e.  VII.  A 
beautifier.    VIII.  It  was  connected  with  sacrifice/ 

A  chiKter  of  ca  dij) hi  re. —This  is  the  al-hennah,  or  Cyprus.  It  is 
here  mentioned  as  a  perfume,  and  its  clusters  are  noticed.  This 
beautiful,  odoriferous  plant,  if  it  is  not  annually  cut  and  kept 
low,  grows  ten  or  twelve  feet  high,  putting  out  its  little  flowers 
in  clu.sters,  which  yield  a  most  grateful  smell,  like  camphire,  and 
may  therefore  be  alluded  to  (Cant.  i.  14).  Its  plants,  after  they 
are  dried  and  powdered,  are  disposed  of  to  good  advantage  in  all 
the  markets  of  this  kingdom  of  Tunis.  For  with  this  all  the 
African  ladies  that  can  purchase  it  tinge  their  lips,  hair,  hands, 
and  feet,  rendering  them  thereby  of  a  tawny,  saffron  colour, 
which,  with  them,  is  reckoned  a  great  beauty.  Russel  mentions 
the  same  practice  of  dyeing  their  feet  and  hands  with  hennah  as 
general  among  all  sects  and  conditions  at  Aleppo.  Hasselquist 
assures  us  he  saw  the  nails  of  some  mummies  tinged  with  the  al- 
hennah,  which  proves  the  antiquity  of  the  practice.  And  as  this 
plant  does  not  appear  to  be  a  native  of  Palestine,  but  of  India 
and  Egypt,  and  eeems  mentioned  (Cant.  i.  14)  as  a  curiosity 


Cap.  ii.  1,  2.] 


SONG  OF  SOLOMOy. 


357 


growing  in  the  vineyards  of  Engedi,  it  is  probable  that  the  Jews 
mis'ht  be  acquainted  with  its  use  as  a  dye  or  tinge  before  they 
had  experienced  its  odoriferous  quality,  and  might,  from  the 
former  circumstance,  give  it  its  name.  See  more  concerning  the 
henuah,  or  al-hennah.  in  Harmer's  Oittlinesof  a  New  Commentary 
on  Solomon's  Sung,  p.  218,  etc? 

15 — 17.  (15)  doves'  eyes,«  all  Oriental  poets  are  fond  of 
doves"  eyes.  Comp.  ch.  v.  12.  Some  think  the  likeness  of  the 
bride's  eyes  is  to  doves,  to  the  lustrous  and  shimmeiing  plumage 
of  the  dove,  not  precisely  to  its  eyes.  (16)  pleasant,  '•  full  of 
moral  grace  and  charm."  green,  referring  to  their  then  sitting 
together  on  a  flowery  bank.  No  reference  to  a  bed.  as  they  were 
resting  at  noontide.  (17)  house,  fancifully  referring  to  the 
trees  that  hung  over  and  shaded  them,  as  if  they  were  pillars  and 
beams  of  a  palace,  rafters,  or  galleries ;  in  allusion  to  the 
avenues  of  trees. 

Most  fair  {r.  16). — I.  Jesus  is  fair  from  every  point  of  view. 
1.  How  amiable  in  our  trials;  2.  In  our  afflictions;  3.  In  our 
perseculious.  II.  He  is  fair  in  all  His  offices.  III.  In  every  act 
of  His  life.  IV.  In  every  trait  of  His  character.  Learn  to  be 
constantly  looking  unto  Jesus. 

The  ei/cs  of  the  dove. — The  eyes  of  a  dove,  always  brilliant  and 
lovely,  kindle  with  peculiar  delight  by  the  side  of  a  crystal 
brook,  for  this  is  her  favourite  haunt :  here  she  loves  to  wash 
and  to  quench  her  thirst.  But  the  inspired  writer  seems  to  inti- 
mate that,  not  satisfied  with  a  single  rivulet,  she  delights  especially 
in  those  places  which  are  watered  with  numerous  streams,  whose 
full  flowing  tide  approaches  the  height  of  the  banks,  and  ofl'ers 
her  an  easy  and  abundant  supply.  They  seem  as  if  they  were 
washed  with  milk,  from  their  shining  whiteness ;  and  fitly, 
rather  fully  set,  like  a  gem  set  in  gold,  neither  too  prominent  nor 
too  depressed,  but  so  formed  as  with  nice  adaptation  to  fill  up  the 
socket.* 


CHAPTER  THE  SECOND. 

1,  2.  (1)  rose,  prob.  some  plant  with  a  bulbous  root." 
Evidently  some  wild  flower  is  meant.  Sharon,  the  most  beau- 
tiful meadow  land  of  Palestine,  lily,  not  the  white  lily  with 
wh.  we  are  familiar,  but  the  red  lily.*  or  a  red  anemone.  (2) 
among  thorns,  set  off  by  the  contrast.  Thorny  shrubs  and 
plants  abound  in  Palestine. 

Tlte  lily  /imont/  thorns  (r.  2). — I.  This  illustrates  the  lavish 
b?ste)wment  of  the  love  of  God.  II.  It  illustrates  the  power 
possessed  by  the  love  of  Chri.st  of  rendering  beautiful  objects 
morally  unsightly.  III.  It  illustrates  also  the  tenacity  of  Divine 
love.  IV.  It  suggests  also  the  jealousy  and  power  of  the  love  of 
Christ  of  and  over  all  other  and  opposite  plants  and  principles. 

The  roKC  of  Sharon. — The  plain  of  Sharon  is  still  renowned 
for  its  fertility  and  beauty,  though  roses,  properly  speaking,  do 
not  grow  there.  The  flower  referred  to  is  no  doubt  the  cistus, 
which  is  found  there  in  abundance,  and  is  well  known  in  our 
English  gardens.  It  is  supposed  that  the  myrrh  (ladanum) 
referred  to  in  verse  13  of  last  chapter,  as  well  as  in  Gen. 
xsixvii.  25,  was  the  product  of  this  plant.     A  writer  in  Scripture 


bosoms.  " 
Leiinep. 


Burder. 


a  "The  protni- 
neiit  features  of 
her  beauty,  gen- 
tleness, and  con- 
stant luve.  era- 
bk'Di  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  who 
changes  us  to 
His  own  like- 
ness."— Fuusset. 

v.\T.  R.ifkhell, 
Bamp.  Lee.  240. 

"  Your  eye  dis- 
courses  with 
more  rhetoric 
than  all  the  gild- 
ed tongues  of 
orators."  —  Mar- 
mion. 

"  'WTiat  needs  a 
tongue  to  such 
a  speaking  eye  ? 
that  more  per- 
suades than  win- 
ning oratory." — 
Old  f'liiy,  '•  Ed- 
%tai-d  the  Third." 

b  Paxton, 


a  Thomsnn  iden- 
tifies with  tho 
nmlva,  or  marsh 
mallow. 


Fansset  says  mfa- 
dotc-stiffron,  with 
flower  of  whlta 
or  violet  colour. 


6  "  There  is  a 
wild  flower  ex- 
triinely  common 
in  all  Western 
Asia,  wliich  pre- 
sents the  appear- 
ance of  a  small 
tulip,  wliile  it  is 
sujierior  to  it  in 
beauty,  and  it  is 
mistaken  easily 
for  it.  In  French 


358 


SOyO  OF  SOLOMON. 


tCap.II.S,4. 


called  the  mea- 
dow anwi'i,ii,>, 
and  niiplit  descr- 
vt'dli'  be  callvd 
the  queen  of  the 
nieatlows.  This 
delicate  and 
grucefid  fiowcr  is 
reniaika'ulc  for 
the  eivat  variety 
of  colour?  it  as- 
sumes; it  is  often 
seen  of  a  bright 
scarlet,  and  of 
every  shade  of 
purple  and  pink, 
as  well  as  straw 
colour  and 
white."  —  Van 
Lennep, 

vv.  1—4.  5.  E. 
Pierce,  101. 

•.2.  S.Lee,Ecdes. 
Gemens. 

vv.  2,  3.  R. 
AJ'Clieyne,  310. 

cSirR.K.Poiier. 


a  Pr.   xxT.   11; 

Joel  i.  12. 

"It  is  a  generic 
word  (like  ma- 
lum in  Latin), 
and  may  include 
the  citron  and 
lemon." —  yy'vids- 
worth. 

h  Delitzsch. 

eStemsand  Twigs. 

"  The  bride, 
transplanted  fr.  a 
lowly  station  to 
new  scenes  of  un- 
wonted splen- 
dour, finds  sup- 
port and  safety 
in  the  known  at- 
tachment of  her 
beloved.  His 
"  love "  is  her 
"  banner." — Sp/c. 
Com. 

Ps.lxv.  4. 

V.  3.  T.  ifanton, 
iii.  42  ;  T.  Boston, 
iii.  165;  R.  Er- 
tkine,  ix.  60;  T. 
Blackley,  i.  212. 


Nntiivnl  Hixfory  of  the  Society  for  Promoting-  Christian  Kuow- 
I'llg'.".  spcakinj;- of  the  cistus.  says: — "  Several  kinds  of  it  pro- 
duce a  swe<^t-sc;.m  Led  g-um,  called  ladanum,  which  is  thought  to 
be  the  drug-  intended  in  two  passa.^res  of  the  Book  of  Genesis, 
where  the  word  is  rendered  myrrh.  This  gum  was  found  sticking 
to  the  beards  of  goats,  by  the  Arabs,  who  at  length  discovered 
that  their  charge  had  been  feeding  on  the  young  branch  s  of 
the  cistus,  and  had  procured  the  gum  from  them.  After  this  the 
precious  gum  was  obtained  by  passing  leather  whips  over  the 
shrubs,  wounding  but  not  destroying  them  ;  it  was  then  allowed 
to  dry  on  the  whips,  and  afterwards  carefully  scraped  off.  It 
exudes  most  about  sunrise.  The  gum  is  now  used,  mixed  with 
frankincense,  mace,  and  mint,  as  a  streng-thening  plaster  ;  while 
I  the  more  liquid  juice  isemjiloyed  to  produce  sleep,  being,  in  fact, 
tincture  of  opium." — "  In  the  East  this  flower  is  extremely 
fragrant,  aud  has  always  been  much  admired.  In  what  e.steein 
it  was  held  by  the  ancient  Greeks,  may  be  seen  in  the  Odes  of 
Anncrcon,  and  the  comparisons  in  L'rch/.'i.  24,  14,  18,  L.  8.  show 
that  the  Jews  were  likewise  much  delighted  with  it.  '  In  no 
country  of  the  world  does  the  rose  grow  in  such  perfection  as  in 
Persia  ;  in  uo  country  is  it  so  cultivated  and  prized  by  the 
natives.  Their  gardens  and  courts  are  crowded  with  its  plants, 
their  rooms  ornamented  with  vases,  filled  with  its  gatheied 
bunfhos.  aud  every  bath  strewn  with  the  full-blown  flowers, 
plufked  from  the  ever-replenished  stems.  Even  the  humblest 
individual,  who  pays  a  piece  of  copper  money  for  a  few  whiffs 
of  a  kelioun,  feels  a  double  enjoyment  when  he  finds  it  stuck 
with  a  bud  from  his  dear  native  tree.'  "* 

3,  4.  (.S)  apple  tree,  Heb.  tai>pnach,<^  perhaps  the  citron, 
the  fjinnce,  or  the  orange.  Still,  nothing  can  exceed  the  beauty 
of  the  apple  tree,  with  its  tinted  blossoms  and  its  rich  fruits, 
shadow,  a  term  more  suited  to  the  citron  tree.  (4)  banquet- 
ing house,  lit.  house  of  n-ine.  or  "  bower  of  delight."  banner, 
etc.,  •'  love  waves  as  a  protecting  and  comforting  banner  over 
my  head  when  I  am  near  Him.'"* 

The  hieroglyphic  of  lore  (v.  3). — ^The  apple  tree  was  the 
emblem  of  love.  This  emblem  teaches  us — I.  The  great  supe- 
riority of  Divine  love.  Consider — 1.  The  majesty  of  Divine  love  ; 
2.  The  compass  of  Divine  love  ;  3.  The  expressions  of  Divine 
love.  II.  The  abundant  provisions  of  Divine  love.  1.  Shelter; 
2.  Refreshment ;  8.  Enjoyment.  III.  The  blessed  freeness  of 
Divine  love,  "  I  sat  down,"  etc.* 

The  apple. — In  the  East  the  apple  is  of  no  value  :  and  there- 
fore seems  by  no  means  entitled  to  the  praise  with  which  it  is 
honoured  by  the  Spirit  of  inspiration.  The  inhabitants  of  Pales- 
tine and  Egypt  import  their  apples  from  Damascus,  the  produce 
of  their  own  orchards  being  almost  unfit  for  use.  The  tree,  then, 
to  which  the  spouse  compares  her  Lord  in  the  Song  of  Solomon, 
whose  shade  was  so  refreshing,  and  whose  fruit  was  so  delicious, 
so  comforting,  so  restorative,  could  not  be  the  apple  tree,  whose 
fruit  can  hardly  be  eaten  ;  nor  could  the  apple  tree,  which  the 
prophet  mentions  with  the  vine,  the  fig,  the  palm,  and  the  pome- 
granate, which  furnished  the  hungiy  with  a  grateful  repast,  the 
failure  of  which  was  con.sidered  as  a  public  calamity,  be  really 
of  that  species.  "  The  vine  is  dried  up,  the  fig  tree  lan- 
guisheth,  tiie  pomegranate  tree,  the  palm  tree,  also  the  apple 


Cap.il.  3, 4.] 


SONG  OF  SOLOJfOy. 


359 


tree,  even  all  the  trees  of  the  field,  are  withered  :  because  joy 
is  withered  away  from  the  sons  of  men."     M.  Forskall  says  the 
apple  tree  is  extremely  rare,  and  is  named  tyffah  by  the  in- 
habitants of  Palestine.     In  deference  to  his  authority,  the  editor 
of  Cahnet,  with  eveiy  disposition  to  render  the  oiig-iml  term  by 
the  citron,  is  inclined  to  revert  again  to  the  apple.     But  if.  as 
Forskall  admits,  the  apple  tree  is  extremely  rare,  it  cannot,  with 
propriety,  be  classed  with  the  vine,  and  other  fruit-bea-  ing  trees.  ] 
that  are  extremely  common  in  Palestine  and  Sj'ria.     And  if  it  | 
grow  "  with  diflBcnlty  in  hot  countries."  and  reijuired  ev    i  the  | 
"  assiduous  attention  "  of  such  a  monarch  as  SoLmon,  before  it  | 
could   be  raised  and  propagated,  an  inspired  writer  certainly 
would  not  number  it  am.ong  the  "  trees  of  the  field,"  which,  as 
the  phrase  clearly  implies,  can  live  and  thrive  without  the  fos- 1 
tering  care  of  man.    The  citron  is  a  large  and  beautiful  tree, 
always  green,  perfuming  the  air  with  its  exijuisite  odour,  and 
extending  a  deep  and  refreshing  shade  over  the  panting  inha- 
bitants of  the  torrid  regions.     Well,   then,  might  the   si'ouse 
exclaim  :  "  As  the  citron  tree  among  the  trees  of  the  wood  ;  so 
is  my  beloved  among  the  sons.     I  sat  down  under  his  shadow 
with  great  delight,  and  his  fruit  was  sweet  to  my  taste."     A  more 
beautiful  object  can  hardly   be   conceived   than  a  large    and 
spreading  citron,  loaded  with  gold-colouvcd  apples,  and  clothed 
with  leaves  of  the    richest   green.      Waundrell  preferred   the 
orange  garden,  or  citron  grove,  at  Beroot,  the  palace  of  the  Emir 
Facardine,  on  the  coast  of  Syria,  to  everything  else  he  met  with 
there,  although  it  was  only  a  large  quadrangular  plot  of  ground, 
divided  into  sixteen  smaller  squares  :   but  the  walks  were  so 
shaded  with  orange  trees,  of  a  large  spreading  size,  and  so  richly 
adorned  with  fruit,  that  he  thought  nothing  could  be  more  per- 
fect in  its  kind,  or,  had  it  been  duly  cultivated,  could  have  been 
more  delightful.      When  it  is  recollected  that  the  difference 
between  citron  and  orange  trees  is  not  very  discernible,  excepting 
by  the    fruit,   both  of  which,  however,  have  the  same  golden 
colour,    this  passage  of  Maundrell's  may  serve  as  a  comment  on 
the  words  of  Solomon,  quoted  in  the  beginning  of  the  section.'' 
— Shade,  according  to  Mr.  Wood,  in  his  description  of  the  rains  of 
Balbec,  is  an  essential  article  in  Oriental  luxury.     The  greatest 
people  seek  these  refreshments,  as  well  as  the  meaner.     So  Dr. 
Pococke  found  the  patriarch  of  the  Maronites  (who  was  one  of 
their  greatest  families)  and  a  bishop  sitting  under  a  tree.     Any 
tree  that  is  thick  and  spreading  doth  for  them  :  but  it  must 
certainly  be  an  addition  to  their  enjoying  of  themselves,  when 
the  tree  is  of  a  fragrant  nature,  as  well  as  shady,  which  the  citron 
tree  is.    Travellers  there,  we  find  in  their  accounts,  have  made  use 
of  plane  trees,  walnut  trees,  etc.,  and  Egmont  and  Heyman  were 
entertained  with  coffee  at  Mount  Sinai,  under  the  orange  trees  of 
the  gai-den  of  that  place.     The  people  of  those  countiies  not  only 
fi-equently  sit  under  shady  trees,  and  take  collations  under  them, 
but  sometimes  the  fruit  of  those  trees  under  which  they  sit  is 
shaken  down  upon  them,  as  agreeableness.     So  Dr.  Pococke  tells 
us,  when  he  was  at  Sidon,  he  was  entertained  in  a  garden,  in 
the  shade  of  some  apricot  trees,  and  the  fruit  of  them  was  shaken 
upon  him.     He  speaks  of  it  indeed  as  if  it  was  done  as  a  great 
proof  of  their  abundance,   but  it  seems  rather  to  have  been 
designed  as  an  agreeable  addition  to  the  entertainment.* 


V.  4.  J.  Shower,  1. 
195  ;  J.  a  Miller, 

220. 

"Tliat  you  may 
be  beloreil,  be 
amiable." —  Orid. 
"  Love  will  often 
m  a  li  e  a  wise 
man  act  like  a 
fool."  —Grerille. 
'•  No  cord  or  cable 
can  draw  so  for- 
cibly, or  bind  so 
fast,  as  love  can 
do  with  only  a 
single  thread,"— 
Biirlon.  "  Love 
sees  wliat  no  eye 
sees  ;  love  hears 
w li a t  no  ear 
hears ;  and  what 
never  rose  in  the 
lieurtof  man.  love 
prepares  for  its 
o\)]ect."-Jjiratei: 
"  The  pleasu'e  of 
love  is  in  loving." 
~La  Hnchefou- 
ciiiihl.  "They  do 
nut  love  tliat  do 
not  show  their 
lo  ve."-  ..S/(f(  ke- 
spmre.  "  Love  is 
an  alchemist, 
tliat  can  tn'ns- 
mute  poison  into 
food."-  Bolton. 
The  classic  poets 
represent  love  as 
blind. 

d  Paxton. 
"  The  true  one 
of  youth's  love 
proving  a  faith- 
ful helpmate  in 
those  years  when 
the  dream  of  life 
is  over,  and  we 
live  in  its  reali- 
ties."—,SoH//(e2/. 
"  Thou  sweetest 
thing,  that  e'er 
did  tixitshghtly- 
fibred  sprays  to 
the  rude  rock, 
ah  I  wouMstthou 
cling  to  me  ? 
Rough  and  storm 
worn  I  am,  yet 
love  me  as  thou 
truly  dost,  I  will 
love  thee  again 
with  true  and 
honest  heart, 
though  all  un- 
meet to  be  the 
mate  of  such 
sweet  gentle- 
ness "  —  Joanna 
B/iillu'. 
e  Ilarmer. 


380 


soxa  OF  soLOjfoy. 


[Cap,  li.  5-7. 


«  "  The  original 
term  m  o  a  ii  s 
grapes  comiircss- 
eil  into  cakos, 
which  wore  an 
article  of  food."-- 
Ayre. 

Hos.  iii.  1.  Spe 
also  1  Sa.  XXX.  12 

6  "  The  agreeable 
and  Ileal  tlifiil 
qualities  of  the 
apiiles  of  Syria 
are  celebrated  by 
travell;n-s  and 
physiologists."  — 
Woi-dsieorlh. 

"The  district  of 
Askelon  is  espe- 
cially celebrated 
for  itsapplt>s,  \vh. 
are  the  largest 
and  best  I  liave 
ever  seen  in  this 
c  o  u  n  1 1  y."  — 
Thomson. 

c  "  It  is  thought 
a  irross  ni  leness 
ill  the  East  to 
an'aken  uiesleep- 
i:r_'.  csp.  a  person 
of  rauK." — Faus- 
scl. 

e.  7.  "Here 
again  the  custom 
illustrates  the 
passage ;  it  would 
be  considered 
barbarous  in  the 
extreme  to  awake 
a  person  out  of 
his  sleep.  IIow 
often,  in  going  to 
the  house  of  a 
native,  you  are 
saluted  with 
'  Xltlera  -  kuUn  - 
irt/nr,'  i.e.  '  He 
sleeps.'  Ask 
them  to  arouse 
liim  :  the  reply  is, 
'  Komlnlha,'  i.e. 
'  I  cannot.'  In- 
deed, to  request 
8uch  a  thing 
shows  at  once 
tliat  you  are  grif- 
fin, or  new-comer. 
'  Only  think  of 
that  igncirant 
Englishman  :  he 
went  to  the  house 
of  our  chief,  and 
being  told  he  was 
osleep,  he  said  he 
must  see  him,  and 
actually  made 
Buch  a  noise  as  to 


5 — 7.  (5)  flagons,"  cakes  of  raisins,  or  dried  grapes,  com- 
fort, or  refresh  me.  apples,  prob.  the  fruit  we  so  name.* 
sick,  feeling  faiut  and  exhausted,  so  as  to  need  reviving  i'uod. 
Siokue,ss  of  stomach  is  often  one  result  of  excited  feeling-.  (i'>) 
left,  rfc,  the  attitude  of  one  who  would  support  another  when 
fainting'  and  sick.  (7)  charge  you,  call  upon  you,  adjure  you. 
roes,  or  gazelles  ;  the.se,  with  the  hinds,  are  shy  and  gentle 
creatures,  and  she  intimates  that  genuine  love  can  as  little  beaf 
to  be  disturbed  as  they." 

Note  on  v.  5. — Dr.  Boothroyd  : — "  Support  me  with  cordial ; 
support  me  with  citrons :  for  still  I  languish  with  love."  Dr. 
A.  Clarke  : — "  The  ver.sious  in  general  understand  some  kind  of 
ointments  or  perfumes  by  the  first  term,"'  if.  flagons.  '•  Com- 
fort me  with  apples  :  "'  they  had  not  apples,  as  we  in  England  ; 
it  is  therefore  x^i'obable  that  the  citron  or  the  orange  (both  of 
which  are  believed  to  be  good  for  the  complaint  alluded  to)  is 
the  fruit  meant.  "I  am  sick  of  love."  Is  it  not  amusing  to  see 
parent,-?  and  physicians  treating  this  affection  as  a  disease  of  a 
very  serious  nature.'  It  is  called  the  (Jdina-Cdi'hnl,  i.e.  Cupid's 
fever,  which  is  said  to  be  produced  by  a  wound  inflicted  by  one 
of  his  five  arrows.  When  a  j'oung  man  or  woman  becomes 
languid,  looks  thin,  refuses  food,  sei'ks  retirement,  and  neglects 
duties,  the  father  and  mother  hold  grave  consultations ;  they 
apply  to  the  medical  man,  and  he  furnishes  them  with 
medicines,  which  are  forthwith  to  be  administered,  to  relieve  the 
poor  patient.  I  believe  the  '' versions  in  general"  are  right  in 
supposing  "  ointments  or  perfumes "  are  meant,  inst:ead  of 
flagons,  because  they  are  still  considered  to  be  most  efficacious  in 
removing  the  complaint.  Thus,  when  the  fever  is  most 
distressing,  the  sufferer  is  washed  with  rosewater,  rubbed  with 
perfumed  oils,  and  the  dust  of  sand.il  wood.  The  margin  has, 
instead  of  comfort,  ''straw  me  with  apples;"  which  pro))ahly 
means  the  citrons  were  to  be  put  near  to  him,  as  it  is  belies  ed 
they  imbibe  the  heat,  and  consequently  lessen  the  fever.  It  is 
also  thought  to  be  highly  beneficial  for  the  young  sufferer  to 
sleep  on  the  tender  leaves  of  the  plantain  tree  (I/tiiiann),  or  the 
lotus  flowers  ;  and  if,  in  addition,  strings  of  pearls  are  tied  to 
different  parts  of  the  body,  there  is  reason  to  hope  the  patient 
will  do  well.'' 

T/ie  antelope. — The  antelope,  like  the  hind,  with  which  it  is  so 
frequently  associated  in  Sci  ipture,  is  a  timid  creature,  extremely 
jealous  and  watchful,  sleeps  little,  is  easilj'  disturbed,  takes 
alarm  on  the  slightest  occasion  :  and  the  moment  its  fears  are 
awakened,  it  flies,  or  seems  rather  to  disappear,  from  the  sight 
of  the  intruder.  Soft  and  cautious  is  the  step  which  iuterrujits 
not  the  light  slumbers  of  this  gentle  and  suspicious  creature.  It 
is  probable,  from  some  hints  in  the  sacred  volume,  that  the 
shepherd  in  the  Eastern  desert  sometimes  wished  to  beguile  the 
tedious  moments  by  contemplating  the  beautiful  form  of  the 
sleeping  antelope.  But  this  was  a  gratification  he  could  not 
hope  to  enjoy,  unless  he  appi'oached  it  with  the  utmost  care,  and 
maintained  a  profound  silence.  "WTien,  therefore,  an  Oriental 
charged  his  companion,  by  the  antelope,  not  to  disturb  the  repose 
of  another,  he  intimated,  by  a  most  expressive  and  beautiful 
allusion,  the  necessity  of  iising  the  greatest  circumspection. 
This  statement  imparts  a  great  degree  of  clearness  and  energy 


Cap.  ii.  8-13.] 


sajtra  of  solomon. 


361 


to  the  solemn  adjui-ation  wliicli  the  spouse  twice  addresses  to  the 
daughters  of  Jenisalem,  when  she  charged  them  not  to  disturb 
the  repose  of  her  beloved  one  :  "  I  charge  you,  O  ye  daughters  of 
Jerusalem,  by  the  roes  (the  antelopes),  and  by  the  hinds  of  the 
field,  that  ye  stir  not  up,  nor  awake  my  love,  till  he  please.'' 
In  this  language,  which  is  pastoral,  and  equally  beautiful  and 
significant,  the  spouse  delicately  intimates  her  anxiety  to  detain 
her  Lord,  that  she  may  enjoy  the  happiness  of  contemplating  His 
glory  ;  her  deep  sense  of  the  evil  nature  and  bitter  consequences 
of  sin  ;  her  apprehension  lest  her  companions,  the  members  of 
her  family,  should  by  some  rash  and  unholy  deed  provoke  Him 
to  depart :  and  how  reasonable  it  was  that  they  who  coveted 
the  society  of  that  beautful  creature,  and  were  accustomed  to 
watch  over  its  slumbers  in  guarded  silence,  should  be  equally 
cautious  not  to  disturb  the  communion  which  she  then  enjoyed 
with  her  Saviour.* 

8,  9.  (8)  voice,  or  sound  of  his  footstep."    (9)  wall,  "  the 

clay-built  wall  of  the  house  or  vineyard  of  the  bride's  family." 
A  different  word  from  that  meaning  the  strong  wall  of  a  city  or 
fortress,  windows  .  .  lattice,*  the  beloved  was  looking  in 
from  the  outside,     shewing  himself,  i.e.  peering  or  peeping. 

The  voice  of  the  ieloced  {v.  8). — I.  The  beloved.  Christ  is — 1. 
The  beloved  of  the  Father  ;  2.  Of  the  angels  ;  3.  Of  His  people. 
II.  The  revelation  of  the  beloved — the  voice.  He  reveals  Him- 
self— 1.  By  His  Word ;  2.  By  His  Spirit  dwelling  in  the  heart. 
Note — This  voice  is  pleasant,  instructive,  influential.  III.  The 
coming  of  Christ.  1.  This  was  the  language  of  primitive  and 
expectant  saints  ;  2.  He  came  by  His  incarnation  ;  3.  He  comes 
to  the  penitent  sinner  ;  4.  To  the  afflicted  saint  ;  5.  He  comes  at 
death  to  receive  the  soul  to  glory  ;  6.  He  will  come  in  judgment 
to  complete  the  salvation  of  His  people.' 

Windows  in,  the  East. — In  Ea^^tern  countries  the  windows  are 
made  of  lattice-work,  so  closely  set  together,  that  a  person  out- 
side cannot  see  what  is  taking  place  within  ;  while  any  one 
within  can  see  all  that  goes  on  outside.  In  the  centre  of  this 
lattice  work,  however,  there  is  a  small  door,  opening  on  hinges, 
about  the  size  of  a  face,  through  which  a  person  can  hold  com- 
munication with  any  one  outside.  ^\'hen  one  does  not  wish  to  be 
seen  at  the  opening,  or  to  communicate  with  the  outside,  he  has 
only  to  step  a  little  aside,  where  he  is  unobserved,  though  he  can 
observe.  "  The  mother  of  Sisera  looked  out  at  the  window,  and 
cried  through  the  lattice,"  Judg.  v.  28.  Windows,  in  Eastern 
countries,  from  their  peculiar  construction,  have  thus  suggested 
the  images,  so  expressive  and  beautiful,  used  in  many  passages 
of  Scripture. 

10 — 13.  (10)  rise  up,  etc.,  invitation  to  a  time  of  fellowship. 
(11)  winter,  wh.  keeps  people  within  the  house,  rain,  "for 
the  six  summer  months  rain  rarely  falls  in  Palestine."  (12) 
singing,  not  merely  of  bii-ds,  though  spring  is  the  special  time 
for  their  songs,  turtle,  a  kind  of  dove,"  wh.  was  a  bird  of 
passage  in  Palestine  ;  so  its  return  indicated  spring,  as  does  the 
return  of  the  cuckoo  and  the  swallow  with  us.  (13)  fig,  etc., 
lit.  "  the  fig  tree  spices  its  fruit."  *    vines,  when  just  in  blossom. 

A  song  of  three  eras  {vv.  12, 13). — We  may  regard  these  words — 
I.  As  a  prophetic  song  of  the  first  advent,  when  the  winter  of 


awake  liim ;  and 
tlien  laughed  at 
what  he  had 
done.'" — Roberts, 
d  Roberts. 

"  The  desire  of 
power  to  excess 
caused  angels  to 
fall  ;  the  desire 
of  knowledge  to 
excess  caused 
man  to  fall ;  but 
in  charity  is  no 
excess,  neither 
can  man  nor 
angels  come  into 
danger  by  it." — 
Bacon. 

€  Paxlon, 

a  "We  Tiave 
started  up  and 
sent  leaping  over 
tlie  plain  another 
of  cfol.'s  favour- 
ites. What  ele- 
gant creatures 
those  gazelles  are, 
and  how  gi-ace- 
fully  they  bound! 
These  lovely 
harts  are  very 
tindd,  and  de- 
scend at  night  to 
the  plains  to  feed 
among  the  lilies 
until  the  day- 
break, and  the 
shadows  flee 
a,wa.y."-Thomson. 

b  "  Windows  of 
female  members 
of  the  household 
are  screened  with 
lattice- work 
made  of  narrow 
slats  of  wood,  ar- 
ranged diagon- 
ally at  right 
angles  with  each 
other,  and  so 
close  together 
that  persons 
within  can  see 
without  being 
sfeen." — Van  Len- 
nep. 
c  Pulpit  Themes. 

a  "  The  more 
common  species 
of  turtle-doves 
come  up  from 
the  south  in  the 
early  spring,  and 
graiiually  fill  the 
whole  land,  not 
only  of  Palestine 
and  Syria,  but 
the  whole  Penin- 
sula of  Asia  Ml* 


3G2 

nor." — Van  Len- 
nep. 

iFipsintheHoly 
Lauil  rippii  abmit 
the  end  of  June. 

''This  description 
©f  spring  has  not 
perhaps  its  equal 
iu  any  of  our 
poets  (Greek  or 
Ijatin).''-Mercier. 


80X0  OF  SOLOMOg. 


[Cap.  ji.  14.  15. 


tii>.  10—13.  T. 
Pierce,  110  ;  T. 
Jones,  283. 

TO.12, 13. /".  Oa/tf- 

ley,  245. 

e.  13.  R.  Erskine, 

ix.  205. 

e  Stems  and  Tioigs. 

d  Paxton. 

"  A  lover's  hope 
resembles  the 
bean  in  the  nur- 
sery tale  ;  let  it 
once  take  root, 
and  it  will  grow 
so  rapidly,  that, 
in  the  course  of 
a  few  hours,  the 
giant  Iniagina- 
nation  builds  a 
castle  on  the  top, 
and  by-and-by 
comes  Disap- 
pointment with 
the  curta!  axe, 
and  hows  down 
both  the  plant 
and  the  super- 
structure." —  Sir 
Waller  Scott. 

e  I.  Walton. 


a  Tame  pigeons 
are  fond  of  build- 
ing their  nests  in 
the  secret  places 
underneath  the 
stairs  leading  to 
the  roofs  of 
houses. 

6  "This  V.  is  the 
fragment  of  a 
vintager's  song, 
which  Shulamith 
sings  in  nnswer 
to  the  request  of 
her  lover."— /^<>r- 
der,  etc. 

V.  14.  O.  Camp- 
Mi.  136. 

v.\5Abp.  Sandys, 
Sd. 

«  W,  Stevens. 


exclusivencss  and  moral  darkness  was  past.  II.  As  an  experi- 
mental  song  of  Christ's  advent  to  tlie  soul.  III.  As  a  pro|ihetic 
song  of  the  final  glory.  1.  Be  patient,  the  winter  will  soon  be 
past ;  2.  Be  diligent ;  3.  Be  appreciative  ;  4.  Be  earnest,  think  of 
the  winter  of  the  ungod]y.« 

Kof(-'  on  (-.  10. — The  Orientals  distinguish  their  winter  into  two 
parts,  or  rather  the  depth  of  winter,  from  the  commencement 
and  termination  of  the  season,  by  the  .severity  of  the  cold.  This, 
which  lasts  about  forty  days,  they  call  Murbauia.  To  this 
rigorous  part  of  the  season  the  wise  man  seems  to  refer  in  that 
beautiful  passage  of  the  Song  :  "  Ri.se  up.  my  love,  my  fair  one, 
and  come  away.  For,  lo,  the  winter  is  past,  the  rain  is  over  and 
gone  :  the  flowers  appear  on  the  earth  ;  the  time  of  the  singing 
of  birds  is  come  ;  and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  our  land." 
If  we  explain  this  text  by  the  natural  phenomena,  these  words, 
"  the  rain  is  over  and  gone,"  cannot  be  considered  as  an  ex- 
position of  the  preceding  clause,  "  for,  lo,  the  winter  is  past :  " 
and  as  denoting  that  the  moist  part  of  the  year  was  entirely 
gone,  along  with  which,  Dr.  Russel  assures  us,  all  rural  delights 
abandon  the  plains  of  Syria  ;  but  the  meaning  is,  that  the 
Murbania,  the  depth  of  winter,  is  past  and  over,  and  the 
weather  become  agreeably  warm  ;  the  rain  has  just  ceaswl,  and 
consequently  has  left  the  sure  and  agreeable  prospect  of  un- 
disturbed and  pleasant  serenity  for  several  days.  It  had  been 
no  inducement  to  the  spouse  to  quit  her  apartments  with  the 
view  of  enjoying  the  pleasures  of  the  country,  to  be  told  that 
the  rainy  season  had  completely  terminated,  and  the  intense 
heats  of  summer,  under  which  almost  any  plant  and  flower 
sickens  and  fades  away,  had  commenced.'^ 

S'lnri'mg  of  bivd.s. — "  But  the  nightingale,  another  of  my  airy 
creatures,  breathes  such  loud  music  out  of  her  little  instrumental 
throat,  that  it  might  make  mankind  to  think  miracles  are  not 
ceased.  He  that  at  midnight,  when  the  veiy  labourer  sleeps 
securely,  should  hear,  as  I  have  very  often,  the  clear  airs,  the 
sweet  descants,  the  natural  rising  and  falling,  the  doubling  and 
redoubling  of  her  voice,  might  weU  be  lifted  above  earth,  and 
say,  '  Lord,  what  music  hast  Thou  provided  for  the  saints  in 
heaven,  when  Thou  affordest  bad  men  such  music  on  earth !"'" 

14,  15.  (14)  clefts,  f('c.."  with  reference  to  the  dove,  wh.  hides 
in  holes  of  the  rocks.  "  The  hiding-places  of  the  rocky  precipices." 
This  continues  the  lover's  entreaty  to  come  out  from  the  secret 
chambers  of  the  harem.  (1.5)  foxes,  better.jrtc^a?.^,  shy  animals, 
wh.  come  forth  only  at  night,  and  then  do  great  mischief  in  the 
vineyards,  as  they  are  excessively  fond  of  grapes,  tender 
grapes,  as  v.  13.*  See  prev.  reference  to  the  bride  being  busy 
in  the  vineyards,  ch.  i.  6.  She  hints  that  these  vinej'ard  duties 
prevent  her  hastening  to  join  him. 

The  dove  and  the  rock  (r.  14 \ — I.  The  title  given  by  Christ  to 
the  converted  soul.  Dove — 1.  Beautiful;  2.  Cleanly;  3.  Hai-m- 
less  ;  4.  Loving ;  5.  Fruitful ;  6.  Sociable  ;  7.  Defenceless  :  8. 
Swift  in  flight;  9.  Homely;  10.  Quick-sighted;  11.  ITsed  in 
sacrifice  ;  12.  Lures  wild  doves  to  the  dove-cote.  II.  Place  of 
residence.  1.  Clefts  of  rock.  Christ  the  spiritual  Eock  ;  2.  Secret 
place  of  the  stairs,  ordinances,  prayer,  etc.  III.  The  reipiest. 
1.  Let  me  see  Thy  countenance  ;  2.  Let  me  hear  Thy  voice.  IV. 
The  motives.    Apply — 1.  To  those  who  aie  not  in  the  defta  of 


Cap.  ii,  16. 17.] 


SO^G  OF  SOLOMON. 


363 


rock  ;  2.  To  those  who  are  ;  3.  To  a\\.'—The  little  foxes  (v.  15).— 
I.  Some  of  the  little  foxes  that  spoil  the  vine.  The  little  foxes 
of — 1.  Unsanctified  tempers  ;  2.  Of  the  tongue  ;  3.  Of  the  habits 
of  the  life  :  4.  Of  irregularity  and  neglect ;  5.  Of  pernicious 
thoughts  and  judgings  :  6.  Of  selfishness.  II.  How  they  spoil 
the  vine.  1.  I'hey  deprive  of  spii-itual  strength  ;  2.  They  prevent 
growih  and  fruitful»ess  :  3.  They  endanger  spiritual  life.  Ill 
What  we  are  to  do  with  them.  1.  Vigilance  is  necessary  ;  2.  They 
must  be  entrapped  :  3.  They  must  be  destroyed.  Learn  : — Let  the 
Bubjectleadto — (I )  Self-examination;  (2) Fidelity;  (3)  Resolution.* 
J\\)te  on  V.  14. — The  Tamul  translation  has,  instead  of  "  counte- 
nance," "form:"  "Thy  form  is  comely."  Dr.  Boothroyd  says, 
"  stairs  "  is  certainly  improper ;  but  may  there  not  be  here  an 
allusion  to  the  ancient  custom  of  building  towers  in  the  East, 
for  the  purpose  of  accommodating  doves  .'  I  have  seen  one  which 
had  stairs  inside  (probably  to  enable  a  person  to  ascend  and  watch 
for  the  approach  of  strangers)  :  on  the  outside  were  numerous 
holes,  in  regular  order,  where  the  doves  concealed  themselves, 
and  brought  up  their  young.  It  is  common  to  call  a  female  by 
the  name  of  dove,  but  it  refers  more  to  secrecy  than  beauty.  The 
mother  of  Rama  said  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  go  to  the 
desert,  but  she  did  not  mention  the  reason  to  her  husband  ;  upon 
which  he  said,  by  way  of  persuading  her  to  tell  him,  "  Oh  !  my 
dove,  am  I  a  stranger .'  "  <  The  phi'ase  which  we  render  the  secret 
places  of  the  stairs  may,  with  more  propriety,  be  translated  the 
secret  crevices  of  the  precipitous  rocks  ;  for  the  original  term 
signifies  a  place  so  high  and  steep  that  it  cannot  be  approached 
but  by  ladders.  So  closely  pursued  were  the  people  of  Israel,  and 
eo  unable  to  resist  the  assault  of  their  enemies,  that,  like  the 
timid  dove,  they  fled  to  the  fastnesses  of  the  mountains,  and  the 
holes  of  the  rocks./ 

16,  17.  (16)  feedeth,  etc.,  recalling  the  comparison  of  the 
roe.  (17)  shadows,  of  night :  the  time  in  wh.  timid  roes  feed. 
Bether,"  better  translate,  division,  separation,  time  of  parting 
between  beloved  and  bride.  The  local  reference  would  be  to 
mountains  of  Bithron.  separated  from  the  rest  of  Israel  by  Jordan, 
and  not  far  from  Bethabara. 
The  mountain  of  myrrh. — 

Up  to  the  fair  myrrh-mountain, 

The  fresh  frankincense  hill, 

I"ll  get  me  in  this  midnight, 

And  drink  of  love  my  fill. 

O  hills  of  fragrance,  smiling 

With  every  flower  of  love  ; 

O  slopes  of  sweetness,  breathing 

Your  odours  from  above, — 
Ye  send  me  silent  welcome, 

I  waft  you  mine  again  ; 
Give  me  the  wings  of  morning, 
Burst  this  still-binding  chain. 
For  soon  shall  break  the  day, 
And  shadows  flee  away. 
Amid  time's  angry  uproar, 
Unmoved,  unrufiied,  still 
Keep,  keep  me  calmly,  truly 
Doing  the  loved  one's  wiUL 


d  Dr.  J.  Bums. 

"  Foxes  are  ob- 
served by  many 
authors  to  ba 
fond  of  grapes, 
and  to  make 
great  liavoc  iu 
vineyards.  Ari- 
stopliaues  (in  his 
Equites)  com- 
pares soldiers  to 
foxes,  who  spoil 
wliole  countries, 
as  the  others  do 
vineyards.  Galen 
(in  his  Book  of 
All  men  Is)  tells  U3 
that  hunters  did 
not  scruple  to  eat 
the  flesh  of  foxes 
in  autumn,  when 
they  were  grown 
fat  with  feeding 
on  grapes.  "  — 
Burder. 

"  Alas !  the  love 
of  woman  1  it  ia 
known  to  be  a 
lovely  ami  a  f ear- 
f  u  1  thin  g."^ 
Byron. 

e  Roberts. 

f  Paxton. 


a  Mr.  WiUiam$ 
believes  that  he 
has  found  the 
ancient  Bether  in 
Wady  Beitlr, 
which  comes 
down  from  the 
south,  and  unites 
with  Wady  el 
Werd. 

Eusebius  says  Be- 
ther was  an  im- 
pregnable for- 
tress not  far 
from    Jerusalem. 

V.  16.  W.  Pemble, 
583 ;  Bossuet,  ix. 
130;  Botirdaloue, 
ii.  347 ;  D.  Wilcox, 
ii.  177  ;  Br.  E. 
Payson,  i.  552  ; 
H.  E..  Manning, 
iii.  411  ;  H. 
Vaughan,  216. 

V.  17.  T.  Boston, 
V.  525. 

"  He  loved  Amye, 
till  he  saw  Flo- 
riat,    and   wtaea 


364 


BONO  OF  SOLOMON. 


[Cap.  U.  16,  IT, 


he  saw  Cyntliia, 
forgot  them  both; 
but  fair  Phillis 
was  incompara- 
bly beyond  them 
all :  Clorris  sur- 
passed her,  anil 
yet  when  he 
espied  Amaryllis, 
she  was  his  sole 
mistress.  O  di- 
Tine  Amaryllis  1 
how  lovely,  how 
tall,  how  comely 
she  was,  till  he 
saw  another,  and 
then  slie  was  the 
sole  subject  of 
his  thouphts.  In 
fine,  her  he  loves 
best  he  saw  last." 
—R.  Burton. 
"  Love  I  what  a 
vol  ume  i  n  a  w  ord  I 
an  ocean  in  a 
tear !  A  seventh 
h  eaven  in  a 
glance!  a  whirl- 
wind in  a  sigh  1 
The  liglitning  in 
a  touch— a  mil- 
lennium in  a  mo- 
ment I  Whatc-on- 
centratcd  joy,  or 
woe,  in  bless  (1  or 
blighted  iovel" 
—  Tapper. 
"Love  one  human 
being  purely  and 
warmly,  and  you 
will  love  aU.  Tlie 
heart  in  this 
heaven,  like  the 
wandering  sun, 
sees  nothing, 
from  the  dew- 
drop  to  the  ocean, 
but  a  mircor 
which  it  warms 
and  fills." — Hich- 
ter. 

"  Love»is  not  love 
which  alters 
when  it  altera- 
tion finds,  or 
bends  with  the 
remover  to  re- 
move ;  0  no  I  it 
is  nn  ever  fixed 
mark,  that  looks 
on  teiri pests,  and 
is  never  shaken  ; 
it  is  the  star  to 
every  wandering 
bark  whose 
worth's  un- 
known, although 
his  height  be 
taken."  —  S/tai^ 
tpeart. 


Mid  din  of  stormy  voices, 

The  clamour  and  the  war. 
Keep  me  with  eye  full-gazing' 

On  the  eternal  star  ; 
Still  working,  suffering,  loving, 

Still  true  and  self-denied  ; 
In  the  old  faith  abiding, 

To  the  old  names  allied. 

For  soon  shall  break  the  day, 
And  shadows  flee  away. 

From  earthly  power  and  weakness 

Keep  me  alike  apart ; 
From  self-will  and  unmeekness. 

From  pride  of  lip  or  heart. 
Without  let  tempests  gather, 

Let  all  be  calm  within, 
Unfretted  and  unshaken 

By  human  strife  and  sin, 
And  when  these  limbs  are  weary, 

And  throbs  this  sleepless  brain. 
With  breath  from  yon  myrrh-mountaill 

Revive  my  soul  again. 

For  soon  shall  break  the  day, 
And  shadows  flee  away. 

There  my  Beloved  dwelleth. 

He  calls  me  up  to  Him  ; 
He  bids  me  quit  these  valleys, 

These  moorlands  brown  and  dim. 
There  my  long-parted  wait  me. 

The  missed  and  mourned  below ; 
Now,  eager  to  rejoin  them, 

I  fain  would  rise  and  go. 
Not  long  we  here  shall  linger, 

Not  long  we  here  shall  sigh  ; 
The  hour  of  dew  and  dawning 

Is  hastening  from  on  high. 
For  soon  shall  break  the  day, 
And  shadows  flee  away. 

O  streaks  of  happy  dayspring, 

Salute  us  from  above  ; 
O  never-setting  sunlight, 

Earth  longeth  for  thy  love. 
O  hymns  of  unknown  gladness. 

That  hail  us  from  these  skies, 
Swell  till  you  gently  silence 

Earth's  meaner  melodies. 
O  hope,  all  hope  surpassing. 

For  evermore  to  be  ; 
0  Christ,  the  Church's  Bridegrooia, 

In  Paradise  with  Thee  1 

For  soon  shall  break  the  day, 
And  shadows  flee  awajr« 


Cap.  iii.  1-8.] 


SONO  OF  SOLOMON. 


365 


CHAPTER  THE  THIRD. 

1 — 5.  (1)  by  night,  in  the  night-liours.  Some  take  this  as 
the  narration  of  her  dreams.  (2)  rise  now,  or,  Come,  let  me 
rise,  city,  Jerusalem,  or  perhaps  Shunem.  (3)  watchmen, 
night-guards,  or  sentinels.  (4)  mother's  house,  i.e.  the  part 
of  tne  dwelling  appropriated  to  the  females.  (5)  charge,  etc., 
as  ch.  ii.  7. 

Perseverance  crowned  nnth  svccess  (vv.  1 — 4). — In  our  remarks 
on  the  bride's  experience  we  shall  notice — I.  Her  persevering 
exertions.  1.  This  to  correct  our  lukewarmness  ;  2.  To  stimulate 
our  desires  after  Him  ;  3.  To  endear  His  presence  to  us.  II. 
The  successful  issue  of  them.  This  is — 1.  Expressly  promised  by- 
God  Himself  ;  2.  Confirmed  by  natural  experience.  III.  The  use 
she  made  of  her  success.  And  thus  we  should — 1.  Exert  our- 
selves to  retain  the  Saviour  with  us  ;  2.  Seek  to  enjoy  the  most 
intimate  communion  with  Him.  Learn— 1.  To  fix  our  hearts 
supremely  on  the  Lord  ;  2.  Not  to  yield  to  sloth  in  our  pursuit  of 
Him  ;  3.  Nor  to  despondency." 

The  strength  of  love. — Mercers'  Hall  stands  upon  a  most  interest- 
ing site.  Here  was  the  house  of  Gilbert  Becket,  a  yeoman,  who, 
whilst  following  his  lord  to  the  Holy  Land  during  the  crusades, 
was  taken  prisoner  by  a  Saracen  emir,  and  confined  in  a  dungeon. 
The  emir  had  a  daughter,  who  saw  and  pitied  the  captive.  Pity  in 
this  instance  proved  akin  to  love,  and  under  the  influence  of  these 
feelings  she  contrived  to  set  him  free.  Gilbert  returned  to 
England,  leaving  his  benefactress  behind,  pining  in  sorrow  for 
his  loss,  which  at  last  grew  so  insupportable  that  she  determined 
to  seek  him  through  the  world.  She  went  to  the  nearest  port, 
and  embarked  on  the  sea,  the  words '•  London "  and  "Gilbert" 
being  all  the  directions  she  had  to  guide  her.  The  fir,<t  sufficed 
to  guide  her  to  the  English  capital ;  but  when  there,  she  could 
only  wander  from  street  to  street,  repeating  with  touching  pathos 
the  other, — "  Gilbert !  Gilbert ! "  How  the  fond  and  single- 
hearted  girl  succeeded  in  finding  Gilbert  the  story  sayeth  not ; 
but  she  did  find  him,  and  was  rewarded  for  all  her  troubles, 
obtained  the  fruition  of  all  her  hopes.  The  yeoman  welcomed 
her  with  tears  of  joy,  had  her  immediately  baptised,  and  was  then 
united  to  her  in  marriage.  The  son  of  the  fair  pagan  and  the 
yeoman  was  the  far-famed  Thomas  a  Becket.* 

6—8.  (6)  who  is  this  ?  ref.  to  the  bride's  entry  into  the  city 
of  David.  This  is  an  expression  of  admiration,  wilderness,  or 
the  pasture-lands  ;  the  country,  pillars  of  smoke,  arising  from 
the  frankincense  and  other  perfumes  burned  in  connection  with 
a  bridal  procession,  powders,  or  spices.  (7)  bed,  or  royal 
palanquin,  sent  to  fetch  the  bride  in.  valiant  men,  to  form  a 
body-guard,  or  guard  of  honour.  (8)  upon  his  thigh,  ready 
for  instant  use.     fear,  of  robbers  attacking  the  procession.'* 

Christ  exalted  to  glory  (r.  6). — I.  Consider  the  importance  of 
the  ascension  of  Christ  to  confirm  our  faith.  II.  That  the  ascen- 
sion of  Christ  was  a  suitable  reward  for  His  services.  And — III. 
The  special  promised  benefits  by  it  conferred  upon  us.* 

Perfumes. — The  use  of  perfumes  at  Eastern  marriages  is  com- 
mon ;  and  upon  great  occasions  very  profuse.    Not  only  are  the 


S.  ffinton, 


1. 

:  144. 

i  V.  3.     S.  Deyling, 
i  iii.  16. 

I  V.  4.  J.  Wniison, 
i  5ii;R.M-Cneyne, 
412. 

I  "  Mightier      far 

j  than  strength  of 

nerve  and  sinew. 

Lor    the    sway  of 

magic         potent 

over     sun     and 

star,    is    love, 

tliough     oft     to 

1  agony      distrest, 

j  and    tiiough    its 

I  favourite  seat  be 

i  feeble-    woman's 

breast."  —  Shake- 

!  speare. 

a  C.  Simeon,  M.A. 

"  A  man  may  be 

a    miser    of    liis 

wealth ;    he  may 

tie  up  his  talent 

in  a  napkin ;  he 

may  hug  himself 

[  inliisreputation; 

t  but  lie  is  always 

generous    in   his 

love.    Love  can- 

\  notstayatliome; 

i  a     man     cannot 

'  keep  it  to  liim- 

1  self.     Like  light, 

]  it   is    constantly 

I  travelling.         A 

man  must  spend 

it,  must  give  it 

I  away."-Z)r.  Macf 

I  leod. 

b  Old  England. 


a  "  The  king's 
affection  is  ex- 
pressed not  only 
by  the  state  in 
which  the  bride 
is  conducted  to 
the  palace,  but 
also  by  his  solici- 
tude for  her  ease 
and  safety  on  the 
journey." — Spk. 
Com. 


b  H. 
M.A. 


YerKhoyle, 


36^ 


80X0  OF  SOLOMON. 


[Car.  111.  9—11, 


*  Love  and  hate 
live  and  grow 
togetlier  in  the 
heart.  Wlipu  they 
■wax,  they  wax- 
together;  when 
they  wane,  they 
wane  togotlier ;  I 
mean  real  love  of 
good  and  real 
hate  of  e\-il.  If 
you  increase  in 
love  of  good,  you 
will  also,  and  by 
the  same  act,  in- 
crease in  the 
loathing  of  evil ; 
ifyou  have  learnt 
to  loathe  sin 
more,  you  have 
also  at  the  same 
moment  learnt 
to  rejoice  more 
heartily  in  holi- 
ness."— Amot. 

e  PaxtoH, 


a  0.  ZSckler. 

V.  11.  Dr.J.Donne, 
■7.  1  ;  J.  Fiacel, 
Ti.  545. 

•'  They  should  be- 
ware who  charges 
lay  in  love,  on 
solid  ground  they 
make  them,  for 
there  are  hearts 
so  prouiUy  fond, 
that  wring  them 
hard  they'll 
break,  or  ever 
they  will  stoop 
to  right  them- 
selves." —  J.  S. 
J\iwwles. 

"  An  old,  a  grave 
discreet  man,  is  I 
fittes':  to  dis- 
course of  love 
matters :  because 
he  hath  likely 
more  experience, 
ob.iorved  more, 
hath  a  more  staiil 
judgment,  can 
better  dis'^crn, 
resolve,  cliscuss, 
advise,  give  bet- 
ter cautionn  and 
more  solid  jire- 
cepts.  better  in- 
form his  auditors 
in  such   a  sub- 


garments  scented  till,  in  the  Psalmist's  language,  they  smell  of 
myrrh,  aloes,  and  cassia  ;  it  is  also  customary  for  virgins  to  meet, 
and  lead  the  procession,  with  silver  gilt  pots  of  perfumes  :  and 
sometiuies  aromatics  are  burned  in  the  windows  of  all  the  hou.ses 
in  the  streets  through  which  the  procession  is  to  pass,  till  the  air 
becomes  loaded  with  fragrant  odours.  In  allusion  to  this  prac- 
tice it  is  demanded,  "  Who  is  this  that  cometh  out  of  the  wilder- 
ness like  pillars  of  smoke,  perfumed  with  myrrh  and  frank- 
incense ?"  So  liberally  were  these  rich  perfumes  burned  on  this 
occasion,  that  a  pillar  of  smoke  ascended  from  the  censers,  so 
high,  that  it  could  be  seen  at  a  consideiable  distance  :  and  the 
perfume  was  so  rich,  as  to  equal  in  value  and  fragrance  all  the 
powders  of  the  merchant.  The  custom  of  burning  perfumes  on 
these  occasions  still  continues  in  the  East ;  for  Laiy  JIarj-  Wortley 
Montagu,  describing  the  reception  of  a  young  Turkish  bride  at 
the  bagnio,  says,  "  Two  virgins  met  her  at  the  door  ;  two  othera 
filled  silver  gilt  pots  with  perfumes,  and  began  the  procession, 
the  rest  following  in  pairs,  to  the  number  of  thirty.  In  this 
order  they  marched  round  the  three  rooms  of  the  bagnio. "  And 
Maillet  informs  us  that  when  the  ambassadors  of  an  Eastern 
monarch,  sent  to  propose  marriage  to  an  Egyptian  queen,  made 
their  entrance  into  the  capital  of  that  kingdom,  the  streets 
through  which  they  passed  were  strewed  with  flowers,  and  precious 
odours,  burning  in  the  windows  from  very  early  in  the  morning, 
embalmed  the  air.' 

9—11.  (9)  chariot,  the  palanquin  of  v.  7  further  described, 
wood  of  Lebanon,  very  costly,  and  sweet  -  smelling.  (10) 
pillars,  to  support  the  canopy,  covering,  or  canopy,  or 
perhaps  seat  of  cushions,  paved,  etc.,  reference  is  probably  to 
mosaic  work  or  tapestry,  given,  as  a  sign  of  goodwill,  to  the 
bride  by  the  court  ladies.  (11)  go  forth,  to  meet  the  procession : 
as  in  the  parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins,  mother,  i.e.  Bathsheba. 
The  crown  referred  to  is  the  festive  coronet  of  gold  and  silver 
wh.  bridegrooms  wore  at  Israelitish  weddings." 

The  couch  or  jmlanquhi. — The  original  word,  aperhn.  does  not 
occur  anywhere  else,  and  is  not,  therefore,  the  usual  word  for  a 
chariot.  The  description  appears  to  suggest  the  idea  of  a  portable 
couch,  litter,  or  palanquin.  Such  conveyances  were  in  use 
among  the  ancient  Egyptians,  with  whose  refinement  Solomon 
appears  to  have  been  well  acquainted.  Mr.  \\'ilkinson  saw,  at 
Beni-Hassan,  a  representation,  which  is  copied  in  his  late  work, 
of  a  person  of  distinction  carried  in  an  open  palanquin  by  four 
bearers,  closely  followed  by  an  attendant  with  a  sort  of  para-sol. 
Such  vehicles  are  still  employed  by  persons  of  consideration  in 
different  Eastern  countries,  and  are  very  various  in  their  character 
and  mode  of  use  :  but  in  general  terms  they  may  be  described 
as  couches,  covered  with  a  canojiy  supported  by  pillars  at  the 
four  corners,  and  hung  round  with  curtains  to  protect  the  person 
from  the  sun  :  and  carried  on  men's  shoulders  by  means  of  two 
poles,  on  which  they  are  .supported.  They  are  usually  long  enough 
for  the  rider  to  recline  at  full  length  in  them,  and  about  three  feet 
broad  :  but  the  size,  height,  and  richness  depend,  of  course,  on 
the  rank  or  wealth  of  the  owner.  The  number  of  bearers  is 
proportioned  to  the  weight,  and  in  travelling  there  are  two 
or  more  sets,  which  relieve  each  other  by  turns.  When,  however, 
litters  of  this  description  axe  employed  in  Western  Asia,  they  are 


Cap.  iv.  1—3.] 


BONO  OF  SOLOMON. 


367 


seldom  carried  by  men,  but  by  two  animals  (usually  camels  or 
mules),  one  of  which  goes  before  and  the  other  behind  between 
the  polos.  There  is  another  kind  of  canopied  litter,  mounted  on 
the  back  of  a  single  animal  (an  elephant,  in  India),  on  which 
great  perrons  ride  in  state,  and  which,  from  its  elevation  and 
richness,  is  conspicuous  from  afar  :  but  in  the  present  instance 
something  of  the  other  sort  is  probably  intended.  Vehicles  of 
this  description,  particularly  royal  ones,  are  sometimes  of  astonish- 
ing magnificence,  the  woodwork  being  covered  with  silver,  and 
enriched  with  precious  stones,  while  the  canopy  is  of  the  most 
costly  stuffs,  brocades,  and  satins,  also  adorned  with  jewels,  and 
the  interior  fitting-up  of  corresponding  splendcj^iC.' — Such  a 
ceremony  as  this  was  customary  among  the  Jews  at  their  mar- 
riages. Maillet  informs  us  the  crowns  were  made  of  different 
materials.  Describing  the  custom,  as  practised  by  the  members 
of  the  Greek  Church  who  now  live  in  Egypt,  he  says,  "  that  the 
parties  to  be  maiTied  are  placed  opjiosite  to  a  reading-desk,  upon 
which  the  book  of  the  Gospels  is  placed,  and  upon  the  book  two 
croAvns.  which  are  made  of  such  material  as  people  choose,  of 
flowers,  of  cloth,  or  of  tinsel.  There  he  (the  priest)  continues 
his  benedictions  and  prayers,  into  which  he  introduces  all  the 
patriarchs  of  the  Old  Testament.  He  after  that  i^laces  these 
crowns,  the  one  on  the  head  of  the  bridegroom,  the  other  on  that 
of  the  bride,  and  covers  them  both  ^vith  a  veil."  After  some 
other  ceremonies,  the  priest  concludes  the  whole  by  taking  off 
their  crowns,  and  dismissing  them  with  prayers.* 


CHAPTER  THE  FOURTH. 

%  1 — 3.  (1)  doves'  eyes,  ch.  i.  15.    within  thy  locks,  or 

behind  thy  veil,  hair  .  .  goats,  i.e.  "her  locks  were  jet,  glossy 
black,  like  the  Syrian  goats." "  appear,  viarg.  eat  of.  (2) 
teeth  .  .  sheep,  "one  of  the  pleasantest  sights  to  be  witnessed 
under  the  clear  and  brilliant  sky  of  AVestern  Asia  is  a  flock  of 
enow-white  sheep,  scattered  over  the  surface  of  a  fine  green 
meadow." ''  hear  twins,  better,  '•  are  equal  pairs  and  none  is 
lost,"  referring  to  the  regularity  and  completeness  of  the  teeth. 
(3)  scarlet,  contrasting  beautifully  with  the  white  of  the 
teeth,  speech,  better,  mouth,  the  organ  of  speech,  temples, 
likened  to  a  sliced  pomegranate  blushing  with  its  fruitful  seeds. 
"  The  fruit  is  of  a  flesh  colour,  with  tints  of  a  deeper  rose." 

21ie  Syrian  goat. — The  goats  of  Palestine  are  of  two  kinds, — 
the  one  differing  little  from  those  of  our  own  country  ;  the  other 
somewhat  larger  than  ours,  and  remarkable  for  the  length  of  its 
ears.  The  missionary  Schulz,  writing  from  Lebanon,  describes 
these  animals  : — "We  pitched  our  tent  near  a  brook,  and  wit- 
nessed the  manner  in  which  the  goats  are  led  down  from  the 
mountains,  in  order  to  drink  at  the  brook.  There  were  two 
herds,  of  a  light  reddish  colour,  with  long  hair  and  hanging  ears. 
These  goats  are  called  in  Arabic  kemmel ;  they  are  shorn  like  sheep, 
and  their-  hair  is  sold  under  the  name  of  camel's  hair.  The  yarn 
which  is  purchased  in  Europe  for  camel's  hair  is  mixed  and  adul- 
terated with  wool.  Goats  such  as  I  have  described  are  most 
numerous  in  Gilead  and  Angora  in  Lesser  Asia.  The  hair  of 
these  animals  was  probably  that  employed  in  making  curtains  j 


ject,  and  by  rea- 
son of  his  riDer 
years,  sooner 'di- 
vert."—.fiuWon. 

"  Love's  feeling 
I  is  more  soft  and 
j  sensible  than  are 
the  tender  liorns 
]  of  cockled  snails; 
love's  tongua 
[  proves  dainty 
Bacchus  gi-oss  in 
t  a.  s.te."— Shake- 
speare. 

"  'Tis  love  com- 
bined with  guilt 
alone,  that  melts 
the  soften'd  soul 
to  cowardice  and 
sloth  ;  but  vir- 
tuous passions 
prompt  the  great 
resolve,  and  fan 
the  slumbering 
spark  of  heavenly 
&:e."—Jo/msoit' 

b  Dr.  Kitta. 

c  Burder, 


a  Thomumi 
b  Van  Lennep. 


"  A  beautiful  eye 
makes  silence 
eloquent ;  a  kind 
eye  makes  con- 
tradiction an  as- 
sent;  an  enraged 
eye  makes  beauty 
deformed.  This 
little  member 
giveslife  to  every 
other  part  about 
us ;  and  I  believe 
the  story  of  Ar- 
gus implies  no 
more  than  that 
the  eye  is  in 
every  part ;  that 
is  to  say,  every 
other  part  would 
be  mutilated, 
were  not  its  foroa 
represented  more 
by  the  eye  than 
even  by  itself,"— 
Addison. 


368 


SOyO  OF  SOLOMON. 


[Cap.  iv.  4—9. 


"  I  dare  not  look 
upon  her  eyes, 
wliere  wTongcil 
love  sits  like  the 
basi  lisk." — Na- 
thaniel Field. 


a  "  Some  quiet 
spot,  it  may  be  in 
the  garden  of  the 
palace,  which  is 
the  scene  of  the 
present  meet- 
ing."—Z>eiif«c/(. 

V.  6.  W.  Romaine, 
iii.  93. 

V.  7.  Dr.  T.  Crisp, 
H.  410  ;  Bossuet, 
ii.  113. 

"  Love  is  like  the 
spirit  in  Ezekiol's 
wheels,  that 
made  them  move 
so  swiftly ;  so 
that  dulness, 
sluggishness,  and 
wearisomeness  is 
quickly  dispelled 
by  heavenly  love, 
as  the  ice  is  pre- 
sently dissolved 
by  the  sun- 
beams."-jln(/iO«j' 
Burgess. 

b  Dr.  Thomson. 


m  "  These  refer- 
ences describe 
the  will!  inhos- 
pitable character 
of  the  district 
■Tom  which  the 
bride  comes."  — 
O.  ZbckUr. 

h  Qeseniits. 

V.  8.  T.  Boston, 
m.  118. 

''Solid  love, 
whose  root  is  vir- 
tue, can  no  more 
die  than  virtue 
itseil."-ii'ra,<7/iUj. 


for  the  tabernacle  (Ex.  xxv.  4).  As  they  descended  from  the 
mountain,'?.  I  was  reminded  of  the  expression  in  the  Song  of 
Solomon  (iv.  1),  'Thy  hair  is  as  a  flock  of  goats,  that  appear  from 
Mount  Gilead.'  Goats'  milk  was  formerly,  as  it  is  now,  a  favourite 
article  of  food  in  the  East :  hence  in  Pr.  xxvii.  27  it  is  promised 
as  one  of  the  rewards  of  industry,  '  Thou  shalt  have  goats'  milk 
enough  for  thy  food,  for  the  food  of  thy  household,  and  for  the 
maintenance  for  thy  maidens.'  " 

4—7.  (4)  tower,  etc.,  see  Ne.  iii.  25—27  ;  Mi.  iv.  8.  hang, 
etc.,  with  allusion  to  the  bride's  necklaces  and  ornaments.  (.5) 
young  roes,  beautiful  and  delicate,  and  exactly  matching,  (fi) 
break,  etc,  breathe  ;  this  seems  to  exprfes  the  desire  of  the 
bride  to  get  away  from  the  public  excitement  to  the  retirements 
of  the  palace,  wh.  are  jioetically  called  the  "  mountain  of  myi-rh," 
etc."     (7)  all  fair,  summing  up  the  praises. 

21ie  Hulch  lihj. — This  flower  is  very  large,  and  the  three  inner 
petals  meet  above,  and  form  a  gorgeous  canopy,  such  as  art  never 
approached,  and  king  never  sat  under,  even  in  his  iitmost  glory. 
And  when  I  met  this  incomparable  flower  in  all  its  loveliness, 
among  the  oak-woods  around  the  northern  bai^e  of  Tabor  and  ou 
the  hills  of  Nazareth,  where  our  Lord  spent  His  youth,  I  folb 
assured  that  it  was  to  this  He  referred.  We  call  it  Huleh  lily 
because  it  was  here  that  it  was  first  discovered.  Its  botanical 
name,  if  it  has  one,  I  am  unacquainted  with,  and  am  not  anxious 
j  to  have  any  other  than  that  which  connects  it  with  its  neigh- 
bourhood. I  suppose,  also,  that  it  is  this  identical  flower  to  which 
Solomon  refers  in  the  Song  of  Songs,  '•  I  am  the  rose  of  Sharon, 
and  the  lily  of  the  valleys.  As  the  lily  among  thorns,  so  is  my 
love  among  the  daughters."  The  bride,  comparing  her  beloved 
to  a  roe  or  a  young  hart,  sees  him  feeding  among  the  lilies.  Our 
flower  delights  most  in  the  valleys,  but  is  also  found  on  the  moun^ 
tains.  It  grows  among  thorns,  and  I  have  sadly  lacerated  my 
hands  in  extricating  it  from  them.  Nothing  can  be  in  higher 
contrast  than  the  luxuriant,  velvety  softness  of  this  lily,  and  the 
crabbed,  tangled  hedge  of  thorns  about  it.  Gazelles  still  delight 
to  feed  among  them,  and  you  can  scarcely  ride  through  the  \\-oods 
north  of  Tabor,  where  these  lilies  abound,  without  frightening 
them  from  their  pasture.* 

8,  9.  (8)  Lebanon,  the  district  fr.  whence  the  bride  was 
brought.  Amana,  or  Abane,  the  part  of  the  Antilibanus  that 
looks  over  Damascus.  Slienir,  another  peak  of  the  same  range. 
Hermon,  the  culminating  point  of  the  Antilibanus.  lions' 
dens,  or  panthers',  wh.  have  been  seen  in  Southern  Lebanon  in 
recent  years."  There  is,  however,  no  difliculty  in  assuming  that 
lions  were  found  in  those  wooded  regions,  (it)  ravished,  taken 
away,     one  .  .  eyes,  or  ■'  one  look  of  thine."  * 

())ic  of  thine  eyifs. — There  is  a  singularity  in  this  imagery, 
which  has  much  perplexed  the  critics  :  and  perhaps  it  is  not 
jiossible  to  ascertain  the  meaning  of  the  poet  beyond  a  doubt. 
Supposing  the  royal  bridegroom  to  have  had  a  profile,  or  side 
view  of  his  bride,  iu  the  present  instance,  only  one  eye.  or  one 
side  of  her  necklace,  would  be  observable  :  yet  tliis  charms  and 
overpowers  him.  Tertullian  mentions  a  custom  in  the  East,  of 
women  unveiling  only  one  eye  in  convei'sation,  while  they  keep 
the  other  covered  :  and  Niebidir  mentions  a  like  custom  in  eome 


Oap.lv.  10-15.] 


SONO  OF  SOLOMOy. 


369 


parts  of  Arabia.   This  brings  us  to  nearly  the  same  interpretation 
as  the  above." 

10,  11.  (10)  love,  or  loves,  endearments,  caresses.  (11)  dl'Op, 
honey,  as  the  honeycomb  does,  under  thy  tongue,  so  as  to 
sweeten  thy  words,     smell,  etc.,  comp.  Ge.  xxvii.  27." 

The  hcarcnhj  Brldi'ijioom. — Thrice  happy  souls  that  have  Christ 
for  their  Commander,  and  are  led,  governed,  and  conducted  by 
Him  as  their  King  and  Captain  of  their  salvation.  His  very 
"  banner  "  over  them  is  love  ;  all  His  commands  are  commands 
of  love  ;  all  the  service  He  lequireth  of  them  is  imposed  in  love  ; 
He  never  enjoineth  them  anything  but  what  is  for  their  good. 
They  are  never  losers  by  obeying  His  pleasure  ;  all  their  losses 
come  by  their  disobedience :  He  never  putteth  them  upon  any 
euflPering,  but  it  is  done  in  love.  He  chooseth  the  sweet  attribute 
of  love,  showing  that  it  is  a  special  act  of  His  love  that  He 
leadeth  on  His  followers  to  conflict,  intending  to  make  them 
happy  gainers,  "  more  than  conquerors."  * 

12—15.  (12)  enclosed,  marg.  J(7?Tf^  (ch.  viii.  9).  fountain 
sealed,  so  set  apart  for  the  jiarticular  service  of  the  king."  (13) 
pomegranates,*  regarded  as  a  .sacred  fruit,  '•  emblem  of  spiritu;,! 
fruitfulness  in  good  works,  camphire,  or  cypress,  henna  <^  (ch.  i. 
14).  (14)  spikenard,  etc.,  different  kinds  of  spices  that  were 
highly  esteemed.  Some  of  them  were  foreign  plants.  The 
description  is  not  of  an  actual,  but  an  idea,!,  garden,  saffron, 
or  crocus,  calamus,  a  sweet  cane,  brought  from  Aj'abia  Felix, 
cinnamon,  if  the  well-known  article  of  commerce  it  came  fr. 
Ceylon.  (15)  living  waters,  i.e.  flowing  waters,  running 
streams. 

The  xealed  founfalri. — This  morning  we  went  to  see  some  re- 
markable places  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bethlehem.  The  fii-st 
place  that  we  directed  our  course  to  was  those  famous  fountains, 
pools,  and  gardens,  about  an  hour  and  a  quarter  distant  from 
Bethlehem,  southward,  said  to  have  been  the  contrivance  and 
delight  of  King  Solomon.  To  these  works  and  places  of  pleasure 
that  great  prince  is  supposed  to  allude,  Ec.  ii.  5,  6,  where,  among 
the  other  instances  of  his  magnificence,  he  reckons  up  his  gar- 
dens, and  vineyards,  and  pools.  As  for  the  pools,  they  are  three 
in  number,  lying  in  a  row  above  each  other,  being  so  disposed 
that  the  waters  of  the  uppermost  may  descend  into  the  second, 
and  those  of  the  second  into  the  third.  Their  figure  is  quad- 
rangular ;  the  breadth  is  the  same  in  all,  amounting  to  about 
ninety  paces  ;  in  their  length  there  is  some  difference  between 
them,  the  first  being  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  paces  long, 
the  second  two  hundred,  and  the  third  two  hundred  and  twenty. 
They  are  all  lined  with  wall,  and  plastered,  and  contain  a  great 
depth  of  water.  Close  by  the  pools  is  a  pleaf^ant  castle  of  a 
modern  structure  ;  and  at  about  the  distance  of  one  hundred  and 
forty  paces  from  them  is  a  fountain,  from  which,  princijially, 
they  derive  their  waters.  This  the  friars  will  have  to  be  that 
"  sealed  fountain  "  to  which  the  holy  spouse  is  compared.  Cant. 
iv.  12.  and,  in  confinnation  of  this  opinion,  they  pretend  a 
tradition,  that  King  Solomon  shut  up  these  springs,  and  kept  the 
door  of  them  sealed  with  his  signet,  to  the  end  that  he  might 
preserve  the  waters  for  his  own  drinking,  in  their  natural  fresh- 
ness and  purity.    Nor  was  it  difficult  thus  to  secure  them,  they 

VOIi.  VII.      O.T.  A  A 


a  Comp.  Ps.  xlv.  9. 
Proverbs. — "  No- 
body's sweet- 
lieart  is  iiply." — 
llitich.  '•People in 
love  think  other 
people's  eyes  are 
out."  —  .'<pnnis/i. 
"  Love  is  Mind." 
Eiiijti-tli.-"  Faults 
are  tliick  where 
love  is  thin." — 
Wtlsh.  "  To  love 
and  to  be  wise  is 
im  possible." — 
Spanisli.  "True 
love  never  grows 
heavy."  ■■  Who 
would  be  loved 
must  lev  e." 
— Italian, 
b  J.  ilaynard 
(1646). 


a  "  Tlie  garden 
and  the  sjiring 
being  locked  up 
and  sealed,  na- 
tuially  indicates 
that  the  access  is 
open  only  to  the 
owner  and  pos- 
sessor himself."— 
V.  ZOcklei: 

Comp.  Ge.  xxiz. 
3  ;  Da.  vi.  17. 

b  "  One  species  of 
pomegranate  has 
kernels  of  a  deep 
crimson  colour, 
preferred  by  some 
on  acciiunt  of 
tli>^ir  strong  aci- 
dity, their  juice 
being  sometimes 
used  instead  of 
vinegar.  The 
otlier  variety  is 
nearly  white,  of 
a  pleasant  sweet 
flavour,  very  re- 
fi-eshing.  and  a 
great  favourite 
with  all  classes. 
These  trees  are 
often  seen  iu 
gardens  by  run- 
ning water,  but 
they  are  also 
grown  in  e.vten- 
sive  orchards, 
where  they  can 
be  irrigated,  a.s 
at  Nnrlikessy, 
near  Smyrna." — 
Van  Lenneji. 

c  The  hr-nnn  is  a 
shrub  rising  &VQ 


S70 


soya  OF  SOLOMON. 


[Cap.  Iv.  16. 


or  SIX  fere  y.iih, 
■with  tragrxnt 
wliilisli  flcAfers 
growing  in  clus- 
ters {Lawsonia 
alba). 

V.     U.      R.    M. 

liPCheyne,  337. 

♦.     15.      Dr.    A. 

Monro,  191;  Bp. 
Vidal,  342. 

"  Love  that  has 
nothing  but 
beauty  to  keep  it 
in  good  health,  is 
short-lived,  and 
apt  to  liave  ague- 
fits." — Erasmus. 

"They  say,  base 
men  being  in 
love,  have  then 
anotiilityintheir 
natures  more 
than  is  native  to 
them."  —  Shake- 
speare. 

d  Maundrell. 

•  Burder. 


a  "  The  beauties 
and  attractions 
of  both  north  and 
southof  Lebanon, 
with  its  streams 
of  sparkling 
water  and  fresli 
mountain  air,  of 
Engedi  with  its 
tropical  climate 
and  henna  plan- 
tations, of  the 
spice-groves  of 
Arabia  Felix,  and 
of  the  rarest  pro- 
ducts of  the  dis- 
tant mysterious 
Opliir,  must  all 
combine  to  fur- 
nish out  one 
glorious  repre- 
sentation."—.S(.iA-. 
Com. 

V.  16.  Young  (of 
Hawick),  2;  Dr. 
R.  Hawker,  ii. 
483;  R.  P.  Riul- 
dicom,  i.  225  ;  E. 
Blencowe,  iii.  325. 

"  Love  is  poesie 
— it  doth  create  ; 
from  fading  fea- 
tiu-es,  dim  soul, 
doubtful  heart, 
ftud  this  world's 


risinof  under  gfround,  and  having-  no  avenue  to  them  but  by 
a  little  hole,  like  to  the  mouth  of  a  narrow  well.  Throug-h  thia 
hole  you  descend  directly  down,  but  not  without  some  difficulty, 
for  about  four  yards,  and  then  arrive  in  a  vaulted  room,  fifteen 
paces  long,  and  eight  broad.  Joining  to  this  is  another  room,  of 
the  same  fashion,  but  somewhat  less.  Both  these  rooms  are 
covered  with  handsome  stone  arches,  very  ancient,  and  perhaps 
the  work  of  Solomon  himself.  Below  the  pools  here  runs  down 
a  narrow  rocky  valley,  enclosed  on  both  sides  with  high  moun- 
tains. This  the  friars  will  have  to  be  the  "  enclosed  garden " 
alluded  to  in  the  same  place  of  the  Canticles  before  cited.  What 
truth  there  may  be  in  this  conjecture,  I  cannot  absolutely 
pronounce.  As  to  the  pools,  it  is  piobable  enou'.,'-h  they  may  be 
the  same  with  Solomon's  ;  there  not  being  the  like  store  of 
excellent  spring- water  to  be  met  with  anywhere  else  throughout 
all  Palestine.'  — Feirouz,  a  vizier,  having  divorced  his  wife  Chem- 
sennissa,  on  suppieion  of  criminal  conversation  with  the  sultan, 
the  brothers  of  Ohemsennissa  applying  for  redress  to  their  judge, 
"  My  lord."  said  they,  "  we  have  rented  to  Feirouz  a  most  de- 
lightful garden,  a  terrestrial  paradise  ;  he  took  possession  of  it, 
encompassed  with  high  walls,  and  planted  with  the  most  beauti- 
ful trees,  that  bloomed  with  flowers  and  fruit.  He  has  broken 
down  the  walls,  plucked  the  tender  flowers,  devoured  the  finest 
fruit,  and  would  now  restore  to  us  this  garden,  robbed  of  every- 
thing that  contributed  to  render  it  delicious,  when  we  gave  him 
admis.sion  to  it."  Feirouz,  in  his  defence,  and  the  sultan  in  his 
attention  to  Chemsennissa's  innocence,  still  carry  on  the  same 
allegory  of  the  garden,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  author.« 

16.  north  .  .  south,  not  the  east  or  west  winds,  bee.  the  one 
brought  the  biting  cold,  and  the  other  the  severe  rains.  Two 
opposite  winds  are  mentioned  bee.  the  fragrance  is  to  be  wafted 
in  all  directions,  his  garden,"  hers,  but  she  wUlingly  acknow- 
ledges it  as  his. 

The  south  wind. — The  suffocating  heats  wafted  on  the  wings 
of  the  south  wind  from  the  glowing  sands  of  the  desert  are  felt 
more  or  less  in  all  the  Oriental  regions,  and  even  in  Italy  itself, 
although  far  distant  from  the  terrible  wastes  of  the  neighbouring 
continents,  where  they  produce  a  general  languor  and  difficulty 
of  respiration.  A  wind  so  fatal  or  injurious  to  the  people  of  the 
East  must  be  to  them  an  object  of  alarm  or  dismay.  Yet,  in  the 
Song  of  Solomon,  its  pestilential  blast  is  invited  by  the  spouse  to 
come  and  Slow  upon  her  garden,  and  waft  its  fragrance  to  her 
beloved.  If  the  south  winds  in  Judaja  are  as  oppressive  as  they 
are  in  Barbary  and  Egyjit,  and  as  the  winds  from  the  desert  are 
at  Aleppo  (which,  according  to  Russel,  are  of  the  same  nature  as 
the  south  winds  in  Canaan),  or  if  they  are  only  very  hot,  as  Le 
Bruin  certainly  found  them  in  October,  would  the  spouse  have 
desired  the  north  wind  to  depart,  as  Bochart  renders  it.  and  the 
south  wind  to  blow  ?  The  supposition  cannot  be  admitted.  An 
inspired  writer  never  departs  from  the  strictest  truth  and  pro- 
priety in  the  use  of  figures,  according  to  the  rules  of  Oriental 
composition  ;  and  therefore  a  meaning  directly  opposite  must  be 
the  true  one,  to  correspond  with  the  physical  character  of  that 
wind.  The  nature  of  the  prayer  also  requires  a  different  version ; 
for  is  it  to  be  supposed  that  tlie  spouse,  in  the  same  breath,  would 
desire  two  directly  opposite  winds  to  blow  upon  her  garden  1    Ii 


Cap.  V.  1.] 


S0!rO  OF  SOLOMON. 


371 


now  remains  to  inquire  if  the  original  text  will  admit  of  another 
version,  and  it  must  be  evident  that  the  onlj'  difficulty  lies  in  the 
term  which  we  render  ''  Come  thou."  Now  the  verb  ho  signifies 
both  to  come  and  to  depart ;  literally,  to  remove  from  one  place 
to  another.  In  this  sense  of  going  or  departing  it  is  used  in  the 
prophecies  of  Jonah  twice  in  one  verse  :  "  He  found  a  ship  (haa) 
going  to  Tarshish  ;  so  he  paid  the  fare  thereof,  and  went  down 
into  it  (laho)  to  go  with  them."  It  occurs  again  in  this  sense  in 
the  Book  of  Ruth,  and  is  so  rendered  in  our  translation  :  "  He 
went  (rai/abo)  to  lie  down  at  the  end  of  the  heap  of  corn."  The 
going  down  or  departure  of  the  sun  is  expressed  by  a  derivative 
of  the  same  verb  in  the  Book  of  Deuteronomy  :  "  Are  they  not 
on  the  other  side  Jordan,  by  the  way  where  the  sun  goeth  down  ?" 
Joshua  uses  it  in  the  same  sense  :  "  Unto  the  gi-eat  sea  (Mebo), 
towards  the  going  down  of  the  sun,  shall  be  your  coast."  The 
passage,  then,  under  consideration,  may  be  rendered  in  this 
manner,  putting  the  addi-ess  to  the  south  wind  in  a  parenthesis  : 
"  Arise,  0  north  -wind  (retire,  thou  south),  blow  upon  my  garden, 
let  the  spices  thereof  flow  forth,  that  my  beloved  may  come  into 
his  garden,  and  eat  his  pleasant  fruits."  This  conclusion,  were 
any  confirmation  necessary  to  establish  so  plain  a  truth,  is  veri- 
fied by  the  testimony  of  Le  Bruin,  already  quoted,  who,  in  the 
course  of  his  travels  in  Palestine,  found  from  experience  that  it 
produced  an  oppressive  heat,  not  the  gentle  and  inviting  warmth 
•which  Sanctius  supposed.  No  traveller,  so  far  as  the  writer  has 
been  able  to  discover,  gives  a  favourable  account  of  the  south 
wind  ;  consequently,  it  cannot  be  an  object  of  desire  :  the  view, 
therefore,  which  Harmer  first  gave  of  this  text  is,  in  every  re- 
epect,  entitled  to  the  preference  :  "  Awake,  0  north  wind  (depart, 
thou  south),  blow  upon  my  garden,  that  the  spices  thereof  may 
flow  out."* 


CHAPTER  THE  FIFTH. 

1.  sister  . .  spouse,  better,  sister-bride,  have  gathered, 
etc.,  these  figures  of  speech  may  be  referred  to  the  "  graces  of 
the  Church  ;"  "  Christ  describes  Himself  as  nourished  and  re- 
freshed by  them,  and  invites  others,  even  the  holy  angels  them- 
selves, to  taste  them  with  delight."  "  The  king  indicates  that  he 
is  every  way  pleased,  and  satisfied  with  his  bride,  eat  .  . 
abiindantly,  an  invitation  addressed  to  the  guests  at  the 
marriage. 

Open-air  customs  in  tlie  East. — The  inhabitants  of  the  great 
towns  of  Syria,  during  the  pleasant  weather  in  winter,  fre- 
quently leave  their  homes  and  give  entertainments  to  their 
friends  under  tents  pitched  in  the  country  for  that  purpose.  In 
April  and  pai-t  of  May  they  retire  to  the  gardens,  and  in  the  heat 
of  summer  receive  their  guests  in  the  summer-houses,  or  under 
the  Hhade  of  the  trees.  The  same  custom  seems,  from  the  invita- 
tion of  the  bridegroom,  to  have  prevailed  in  the  land  of  Canaan 
in  the  time  of  Solomon.  The  inhabitants  of  Aleppo  make  their 
excursion  very  early  in  the  season  ;  and  the  cold  weather  is  not 
enpposed  by  Solomon  to  have  ceased  long  before,  since  it  is  dis- 
tinctly mentioned.  In  Syria,  the  narcissus  flowers  during  the 
whole  of  the  Murbania ;  hyacinths  and  violets,  at  latest,  before 
A  a2 


wretched  happi- 
ness, a  life  wliich 
is  as  near  to 
heaven  a?  are  the 
stars.''— Z(rti7«/. 
"  When  hearts 
are  join'd  in  vir- 
tu o  u  s  union, 
love's  impartial 
beams  gild  the 
low  cottage  of  the 
faithful  swaia 
with  equal 
warmth,  as  when 
he  darts  his  fires 
on  canopies  of 
state."— /"en/on. 
" I  love  thee 
more  than  the 
sunburnt  earth 
loves  softening 
showers  —  more 
than  new  ran- 
somed captives 
love  the  day,  or 
dying  martyrs, 
breathing  forth 
tlieir  souls,  the 
ai;clamatious  of 
whole  hosts  of 
angels."  —  Cum- 
bciia  nd. 

"A  reserved  lover, 
it  is  said,  alwaya 
makes  a  suspid* 
ous  husbani"— 
Goldsmith. 

b  Paxton. 


a  Woi'dstoorlh. 

r.  1.  Bossuet,  rill. 

182. 

"  The  first  sound 
in  the  song  of 
love  scarce  more 
than  silence  is, 
and  yet  a  sound. 
Hands  of  invisi- 
ble spirits  touch 
the  sti'iugs  of 
that  mysterious 
instnuuent,  the 
soul,  and  play 
the  preludeof  our 
fate." — Lvngfel 
loir. 

"  Draw  my  soul 
to  Thyself  by  the 
secret  power  of 
Thy  love,  as  the 
sunshine  in  the 
spring  draws 
forth  the  crea- 
tures from  their 


372 


aoira  of  solomon. 


Cap.  V.  2-A 


winter  cells; 

meet  it  lialf-way, 
anil  entice  it  to 
Thee,  as  tlieloail- 
Btone  doth  the 
iron,  and  as  the 
greater  flame  at- 
tracts the  less." 
— Baxter. 

He  who  li.is  love 
in  his  heart  lias 
spurs  iu  liis 
sides. 

I  Paxton. 


a  "The  sleep  of 
Orientals  is  pro- 
verbially heavy, 
and  loud  and  re- 
peated knockings 
at  doors  are  some- 
times heard  at 
the  deaii  of  night, 
accompanied  by 
the  reiterated 
shouts  of  some 
belated  traveller, 
re-ecliocd  by  the 
narrow  streets, 
and  arousing  all 
the  barking  curs 
of  tlie  neighbour- 
hood ;  then  a  par- 
ley ensues,  the 
gate  opens  to  ad- 
mit the  stranger, 
and  the  street  is 
again  hushed  and 
s  i  1  e  n  t." —  Va  n 
Lennep. 

b  Paxton. 


a  "  Pore,  op  per- 

haps     liquid 

mjTrh,  that  wh. 
weeps  or  drops 
from  the  tree,  tlie 
most  esteemed 
but  most  expen- 
sive of  this  class 
of  perfumes." — 
Good. 

vv.  2—8.  Dr.  E. 
B.  Pusey,  381. 

"  Oh  !  there  is 
nothing  holier  in 
this  life  of  oiirs 
than  the  fiist 
consciousness  of 
love  —  the  first 
fluttering  of  its 


it  is  quite  over.  Therefore,  when  Solomon  says  the  flowers 
appear  on  the  earth,  he  does  not  mean  the  time  wlieu  the  f  arliest 
flowers  disclose  their  bloom,  but  when  the  verdunt  turf  is  thickly 
studded  with  all  the  rich,  the  gay,  and  the  divert  ificd  j  roiusion 
of  an  Oriental  spring-.  This  delis^-htJ'ul  season  is  ii.-inn  d  in  at 
AlCjipo  about  the  middle  of  February  by  the  appearance  of  a 
small  crane's-bill  on  the  bank  of  the  river  which  meanders 
through  its  extensive  gardens  :  and  a  few  days  after,  so  rajdd  is 
the  progress  of  vegetation,  all  the  beauty  of  spring  is  displayed  : 
about  the  same  time,  the  birds  renew  their  songs.  AVhen 
Thevenot  visited  Jordan  on  the  sixteenth  of  April,  ho  found  the 
little  woods  on  the  margin  of  the  river  filled  with  nightingales 
in  full  chorus.  This  is  rather  earlier  than  at  Aleppo,  where  they 
do  not  appear  till  nearly  the  end  of  the  month.  These  facts 
illustrate  the  strict  propriety  of  Solomon's  description,  every  cir- 
cumstance of  which  is  accurately  copied  from  nature.* 

2 — 4.  (2)  sleep  .  .  waketh,  fig.  of  dreaming  in  sleep, 
knocketh,  as  at  the  door  of  the  house."  undefiled,  or  perfect 
one.  filled  "witll  dew,  through  waiting  so  long  in  the  night 
air.  (3)  put  off,  etc.,  these  are  the  excuses  of  drowsiness,  or 
the  parleying  so  customary  in  the  E.  coat,  tunic,  or  under- 
garment, feet,  which  were  bare  during  the  day,  so  needed 
washing  at  night.  (4)  hole  .  .  door,  a  hole  was  necessary  bee. 
the  bolts  of  the  lock  were  lifted  on  the  inside. 

Uasfern  Joclis. — In  the  capital  of  Egypt,  also,  all  their  locks 
and  keys  are  of  wood  ;  they  have  none  of  iron,  not  even  for  their 
city  gates,  which  mny  with  ease  be  opened  without  a  key.  The 
keys,  or  bits  of  timber  with  little  pieces  of  wire,  lift  up  other 
pieces  of  wire  that  are  in  the  lock,  and  enter  into  certain  little 
lioles  out  of  which  the  ends  of  the  wires  that  are  in  the  key  have 
just  expelled  the  corresponding  wires,  upon  which  the  gate  is 
opened.  But  to  accomplish  this  a  key  is  not  necessary  ;  the 
Egyptian  lock  is  so  imperfectly  made  that  one  may  without  diffi- 
culty open  it  with  his  finger,  armed  with  a  little  soft  paste.  The 
locks  in  Canaan  at  one  time  do  not  seem  to  have  been  made 
with  greater  art.  if  Solomon  allude  to  the  ease  with  which  they 
were  frequently  opened  without  a  key  ; — "  My  beloved  put  in  his 
hand  by  the  hole  of  the  door,  and  my  bowels  were  moved  for 
him."* 

5,  6.  (5)  dropped  with  myrrh,"  either  coming  from  the 
dew-laden  hands  of  her  beloved,  or  from  her  profusely  anointing 
herself  before  retiring  to  rest.  (C)  withdrawn  himself,  bee. 
grieved  with  her  drowsy  indifference,  my  soul  failed,  better, 
I  was  not  in  my  senses  when  he  spake  first.  She  grieves  over 
the  careless  answer  of  r.  3. 

JJaiid.1  driipj)inri  nn/rr?/. — 'When  the  spouse  rose  from  her  bed 
to  open  to  her  beloved,  her  hand  dropped  myrrh  (balsam),  and 
her  fingers  sweet-smelUng  mjTrh,  on  the  handles  of  the  lock. 
In  this  remark  she  seems  to  allude  rather,  to  a  liquid  than  a 
powder  ;  for  the  word  rendered  dropped,  signifies  to  distil  as  the 
heavens  or  the  clouds  do  rain,  or  as  the  mountains  are  said  to 
distil  new  wine  from  the  vines  planted  there,  or  as  the  inverted 
cups  of  lilies  shed  their  roscid  or  honey  drops.  The  same  term  is 
figuratively  applied  to  words  or  discourse,  which  are  said  to  distil 
as  the  dew,  and  diop  as  the  rain  ;  but  still  the  allusion  is  to  some 


Cap.  V.  7—9.] 


80m  OF  SOLOMON. 


373 


liquid.  As  a  noun,  it  is  the  name  of  stacte,  or  myrrh,  distilling 
from  the  tree  of  its  own  accord,  without  incision.  Again,  the 
word  rendered  sweet-smelling  signifies  passing  ofif,  distilling,  or 
ti'ickling  down  ;  and  therefore,  in  its  present  connection,  more 
naturally  refers  to  a  fluid  than  to  a  dry  powder.  If  these  obser- 
vations be  just,  it  will  not  be  difficult  to  ascertain  the  real  sense 
of  the  passage.  When  the  spouse  rose  from  her  bed  to  open  the 
door  of  her  apartment,  she  hastily  prepared  to  receive  her 
beloved,  by  washing  herself  with  myrrh  and  water,  or,  according 
to  an  established  custom  in  the  East,  by  anointing  her  head  with 
liquid  essence  of  balsam,  a  part  of  which,  in  either  case,  might 
remain  on  her  hands  and  fingers,  and  from  them  trickle  down  on 
the  handles  of  the  lock.* 

7,  8.  (7)  -watchmen,  night  police,  smote  me,  bee.  pro- 
perly a  woman  had  no  business  in  the  streets  at  night.  The 
watchmen  took  her  for  a  person  of  bad  character.  (8)  sick  of 
love,  and  so  fully  penitent  for  seeming  to  neglect  him. 

The  Bibl'ia  Fauperum. — Before  the  invention  of  printing  no 
books  existed  exce^st  such  as  were  written.  These  were  so  scarce 
and  high-priced  that  hardly  any  person  except  the  rich  could 
aflford  to  purchase  them ;  consequently,  the  greater  part  of  the 
people  of  every  country  remained  in  the  deepest  ignorance. 
This,  at  length,  began  to  pass  away ;  and  among  the  earliest 
attempts  to  impart  religious  instruction  was  the  Bthlta  Pau- 
■per>nn,  or,  "The  Poor  Man's  Bible,"  supposed  to  have  been 
printed  about  the  year  1420.  It  consists  of  forty  pictures  en- 
graved on  wood  (printing  by  type  was  not  then  invented);  each 
picture  is  divided  into  three  parts,  containing '  subjects  taken 
from  the  Bible,  very  rudely  drawn  and  imperfectly  executed, 
with  a  text  or  a  few  words  explaining  the  subject  of  the  picture. 
Those  who  were  unable  to  possess  larger  works  might  thus  obtain, 
at  a  small  expense,  a  degree  of  knowledge  of  some  of  the  events 
recorded  in  the  Scriptures.  A  few  copies  are  still  to  be  found, 
and  some  idea  of  the  work  may  be  ac(iuired  from  a  description  of 
the  fortieth  or  last  picture.  In  the  middle  division  is  repre- 1 
sented  the  Redeemer  bestowing  the  crown  of  life  on  one  of  those  I 
who  had  departed  in  His  fear  and  love.  On  the  left  is  the 
daughter  of  Zion,  crowned  by  the  spouse,  as  described  in  the  | 
Song  of  Solomon  ;  and  on  the  right  is  represented  the  angel  | 
speaking  to  St.  John.  At  the  upper  part  of  the  picture  are  busts 
of  David  and  Isaiah,  and  two  texts  of  Scripture — one  is  Sol.  Song 
V.  7,  8  ;  the  other  Rev.  xxi.,  the  latter  part  of  the  9th  verse. 
There  are  also  some  other  short  inscriptions.  A  fuller  account  of 
this  work  may  be  seen  in  the  Rev.  T.  H.  Home's  publication  on 
the  Holy  Scriptures.  The  copies  of  this  '•  Poor  Man's  Bible  " 
which  remain  are  generally  incomplete,  and  have  been  much 
used.  Imperfect  as  this  method  of  teaching  the  truths  contained 
in  the  Bible  must  have  been,  yet,  from  several  circumstances,  it 
appears  to  have  been  received  with  eagerness,  and  may  remind  us 
that  when  our  Lord  was  upon  earth  "the  common  people  heard 
Him  gladly." 

9.  what  .  .  beloved,  the  earnestness  of  the  bride  needed  to 
be  accounted  for.  This  question  provides  the  occasion  for  her 
dilating  on  the  excellencies  of  the  bridegi-oom.     "  Christian  in 


silken  wings — 
the  first  rising 
sound  and  breath 
of  that  wind 
which  is  so  soon 
to  sweep  through 
the  soul,  to  purify 
or  to  destroy  I" 
— Longfellow, 


6  Paxton. 


"  They  plucked 
off    her  veil,    in 

order  to  discover 
who  she  was.  It 
is  well  known 
that  the  eunuchs, 
in  tlie  Eastern 
countries,  are  at 
present  autho- 
rised to  treat  the 
females  under 
their  charge  in 
this  manner." — • 
Burder. 

" '  We  are  never 
engaged  to  love 
till  the  Lord'3 
kindness  draw 
us'  (Hos.  xi.  4)." 
— Halliburton. 

"  Even  He  that 
died  for  us  upon 
the  cross,  in  the 
last  hour,  in  the 
unutterable 
agony  of  death, 
was  mindful  of 
His  mother,  as  if 
to  teach  us  that 
this  holy  love 
should  be  ovir  last 
worldly  thought 
— the  last  point  of 
earth  from  which 
the  soul  should 
take  its  flight 
for  heaven." — 
Longfellow. 

"  Why  did  she 
love  him  ?  Curi- 
ous fool  1  be  still ; 
is  human  love 
the  growth  of 
human  will  ?" — • 
Byron. 


a  Spk.  Com. 

"  To  me  there  is 
but  one  place  in 


tei^reters  apply  the  description  directly  Ito  the  Incarnate  Son, '  the  °worm,''°and 


374 


SONG  OF  SOLOMON. 


[Cap.  V.  10-18. 


that  where  thou 
art ;  for  where'er 
I  be,  thy  love 
doth  seek  its  way 
into  my  heart,  as 
will  a  bird  into 
her  secret  nest ; 
then  sit  and  sing; 
Bwect  wing  of 
beauty,  sing." — 
Bit  Hell. 
h  G.  Brooks, 


a  "  Conspicuous 
as  a  standard 
amidst  a  liost  of 
other  men." — 0. 
Zockler. 

b  "  Doves  delight 
in  clear  water 
brooks,  and  often 
bathe  in  them, 
and  then  their 
liquid  loving 
eyes,  '  fitly  set ' 
within  a  border 
of  softest  skyey 
blue,  do  look  as 
though  just 
washed  in  trans- 
parent milk. " — 
Thomson. 

"These  doves 
Btart  up  from 
every  spring  aud 
■water-course."  — 
Van  Lennep. 

V.  10.  G.  Moore, 
198  ;  G.  Patrick, 
81;  W.Fenn.Zii. 

"  A  pair  of  bright 
eyes  with  a  dozen 
glances  suffice  to 
subdue  a  man ; 
to  enslave  him, 
and  inflame ;  to 
make  him  even 
forget ;  they  daz- 
zle him  so,  that 
the  past  becomes 
straightway  dim 
to  him  ;  and  he 
BO  prizes  them, 
that  he  would 
give  all  his  life 
to  possess  them. 
What  is  the  fond 
love  of  dearest 
friends  compared 
to  his  treasure  ? 
Is  memory  as 
strong  as  expect- 
ancy, fruition  as 
hunger,gratitude 
fts  desire?" — 
T/iackeray. 


partly  in  His  eternal  Godliead,  but  chiefly  in  His  risen  and  glori- 
fied humanity."" 

T/ic  Divine  liridrgronm  (v.  9). — I.  The  transcendent  excellen- 
cies of  the  Redeemer.  1.  As  they  are  in  themselves  ;  2.  As  they 
are  com^iared  with  those  of  others.  II.  The  regard  we  owe  Him. 
1.  We  should  prefer  Him  to  every  person  and  to  every  object 
that  can  botoiue  His  rival  :  2.  We  should  bewai'e  of  provoking 
Him  to  withdraw  from  us  His  gracious  presence  :  3.  If  on  any 
occasion  we  have  lost  a  sense  of  His  presence,  we  should  employ 
diligently  the  apjiointed  means  of  regaining  it  ;  4.  If  He  con- 
descends to  return,  we  should  find  our  chief  hap]nuess  in  Hia 
communion,  and  surrender  ourselves  completely  to  His  will.' 

10 — 13.  (10)  white,  "  the  complexion  most  admired  in  youth." 
hit.  dazzling  white,  ruddy,  with  reference  to  his  rosy,  tinted 
cheeks,  the  chiefest,  or  a  standard-bearer."  (11)  head.  c^<;., 
i.e.  "  it  is  noble  and  precious  as  the  finest  gold."  bushy,  curled  ; 
lit.  hill  upon  hill,  black,  sign  of  youth  and  strength.  (12) 
eyes,  etc..  comp.  ch.  i.  15.  An  extravajirant  poetical  figure.* 
fitly  set,  or,  sitting  on  fulness,  perhaps  with  an  allusion  to  the 
conrex  form  of  the  eye.  (l.':>j  sweet  flowers,  marg.,  towers  of 
perfume  ;  prob.  plants  trained  on  trellis-work. 

Note  on  r.  10.— In  our  translation,  the  Church  represents  her 
Saviour  as  the  standard-bearer  in  the  armies  of  the  living  God. 
••  My  beloved  is  white  and  ruddy,  the  chiefest  among  ten  thou- 
sand ; "  or,  according  to  the  margin,  a  standard-bearer  among 
ten  thousand.  These  phrases  are  made  synonymous,  on  the 
groundless  supposition  that  a  standard-bearer  is  the  chief  of  the 
company  ;  for  ainong  the  modern  Orientals,  a  standard-bearer  is 
not  the  chief,  more  than  among  the  nations  of  Europe.  He  is, 
on  the  contrary,  the  lowest  commissioned  oflicer  in  the  corps 
who  bears  the  colours.  This,  however,  seems  to  be  merely  a 
mistake  of  our  translators,  in  rendering  the  phrase  dagiil  meri- 
bahah.  If  we  understand  by  the  word  dagnl,  such  a  flag  as  is 
carried  at  the  head  of  our  troops,  then,  as  the  Hebrew  participle 
is  the  pahul,  which  has  a  passive,  and  not  an  active  sense, 
it  must  signify  one  before  whom  a  standard  is  borne  ;  not  the 
person  who  lifts  up  and  displays  it,  but  him  in  whose  honour  the 
standard  is  displayed.  It  was  not  a  mark  of  superior  dignity  in 
the  East  to  display  the  standard,  but  it  was  a  mark  of  dignity 
and  honour  to  have  the  standard  carried  before  one  :  and  the 
same  idea  seems  to  be  entertained  in  other  parts  of  the  world. 
The  passage,  then,  is  rightly  translated  thus  :  My  beloved  is 
vfhite  and  ruddy,  and  honourable,  as  one  before  whom,  or 
around  whom,  ten  thousand  standards  are  borne.  The  com- 
pliment is  returned  by  her  Lord  in  these  words  :  "  Thou  art 
beautiful,  O  my  love,  as  Tirzah,  comely  as  Jerusalem,  terrible  aa 
an  army  with  banners  ; "  and  again,  •'  Who  is  she  that  looketh 
forth  as  the  morning,  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as  the  sun,  terrible 
as  an  army  with  banners  ? "  Mr.  Harmer  imagines  that  these 
texts  refer  to  a  marriage  procession,  siuTOunded  with  flambeaux. 
But  what  is  terrible  in  a  company  of  women,  even  although 
"  dressed  in  rich  attire,  surrounded  with  nuptial  flambeaux," 
blazing  ever  so  fiercely  ?  Besides,  his  view  sinks  the  last  mem- 
ber of  the  comparison,  and,  indeed,  seems  to  throw  over  it  an  air 
of  ridicule :  Who  is  this  that  looketh  forth  as  the  morning,  fair 
as  the  moon  clear  as  the  Bun,  aud  dazzling,  like  a  bride  lighted 


Cap.v.  14— 16.] 


SONO  OF  SOLOMON. 


375 


home  with  flambeaux  ?  The  common  translation  certainly  sus- 
tains much  better  the  dignity  of  the  last  clause,  while  it  gives 
the  geiiuine  meaning  of  a'nit,  which,  in  every  passage  of  Scrip- 
ture where  it  occurs,  signifies, either  terrible,  or  the  tumult  and 
confusion  of  mind  which  terror  produces.'' 

Note  on  v.  12. — Hebrew,  for  fitly  set,  "sitting  in  fulness;"  that 
is.  "  fitly  placed,  and  set  as  a  precious  stone  in  the  foil  of  a  ring.'' 
"  See  that  youth,  what  a  beautiful  eye  he  has !  it  is  like  a 
eapphire  set  in  silver  ;  "  which  means,  the  metal  represents  the 
white  and  the  blue,  the  other  part  the  eye.  The  eyes  of  their 
more  sacred  idols  are  made  of  precious  stones.  "  Washed  with 
milk."  Though  people  thus  wash  themselves  after  a  funeral,  the 
custom  is  also- spoken  of.  by  way  of  figure,  as  a  matter  of  great 
joy.  "  Oh  !  yes,  they  are  a  happy  pair  ;  they  wash  themselves 
with  milk."  "  The  joy  is  as  great  as  being  bathed  in 
milk."  But  some  do  thus  actually  wash  their  bodies  three 
or  four  times  a  month,  and  the  effect  is  said  to  be  cooling  and 
pleasing.  I  suppose,  however,  it  arises  as  much  from  an  idea  of 
luxury  as  any  other  cause.  The  residence  of  the  god  Vishnoo 
is  said  to  be  surrounded  by  a  sea  of  milk,  which  may  also 
be  another  reason  to  induce  the  devotee  thus  to  bathe 
himself."* 

14 — 16.  (14)  rings,  some  think  should  be  cylinders,  or  rods." 
beryl,  Heb.  7ai:\fii.<:h  ;  prob.  the  chrysolite,  or  topaz.*  (15) 
pillars,  fig.  of  strength  and  steadfastness;,  sockets  of  gold, 
fig.  for  the  sandals,  as  Lebanon,  either  taking  fig.  fr.  the 
majestic  mountain  form,  or  from  the  white  limestone  rocks. 
excellent,  etc.,  the  cedar  being  regarded  as  a  pecnlinvly  hand- 
some tree.  (IG)  mouth,  B.eh.  palate,  regarded  as  the  organ  of 
speech,     altogether,  i.e.  all  of  him  is  precious." 

I'he  brlicrcT's  boa.vt  (r.  16). — This  is  my  Friend.  I.  Let  me 
tell  you  how  I  made  His  acquaintance.  II.  Let  me  tell  you  how 
He  treats  me.  1.  He  never  speaks  of  my  past  ingratitude  ;  2. 
He  never  fails  to  supply  my  wants  ;  3.  He  never  shuns  to  rebuke 
me  for  my  follies  ;  4.  He  never  seems  to  grow  weary  of  me  ;  5. 
He  never  treats  me  as  a  mere  dependent ;  He  calls  me  His  friend. 
III.  Let  me  tell,  further,  what  I  think  of  Him.  1.  He  is  as 
condescending  as  He  is  rich  ;  2.  His  love  is  as  ardent  as  it  is 
constant ;  3.  He  is  as  jealous  of  my  affection  as  He  is  deserving 
of  it  ;  4.  He  is  as  lavish  of  His  promises  as  He  is  faithful  in 
their  performance.  IV.  Let  me  ask.  Do  you  know  Him  ?  He  is 
gi-acious — 1.  To  be  the  friend  of  such- a  miserable  being  as  I ;  2. 
To  let  it  be  known  to  all  the  world  ;  3.  To  tell  me  freely  to  invite 
all  my  friends  to  His  house  and  home,  to  be  His  friends  as 
I  am.'' 

Note  on  v.  15. — "  His  thighs  are  as  pillars  of  marble,  fixed 
upon  pedestals  of  fine  gold  ; "  alluding  to  his  sandals  bound 
on  his  feet  with  golden  ribands  ;  or,  perhaps,  expressive  of  the 
feet  then  selves,  as  being  of  a  redder  tincture  than  the  legs  and 
thighs.  The  Asiatics  used  to  dye  their  feet  of  a  deep  red  colour. 
Thus  the  lover  in  Gitagnvinda  says,  "  O  damsel,  shall  I  dye  red, 
with  the  juice  of  alactaca,  those  beautiful  feet,  which  wUl  make 
fche  full-blown  land  lotos  blush  with  shame  ?"• 


c  Paxion. 

"  That  fine  part 
of  our  constitu- 
tion, the  eye, 
seems  as  much 
the  receptacle 
and  seat  of  our 
passions,  appe- 
tites, and  incli- 
nations, as  the 
mind  itself  ;  and 
at  least  it  is  the 
outward  portal  to 
introduce  them 
to  the  house 
within,  or  rather 
the  common 
thorouglifare  to 
let  our  atfeotions 
pass  in  and  out. 
Love,  anger, 
pride,  and  ava- 
rice, all  visibly 
move  in  thoso 
little  orbs." — Ad- 
dison, 
d  Robert*. 

a  "  Kings  ara 
worn  on  all  the 
fingers-  even  on 
the  thumbs— and 
are  often  set  with 
precious  stones." 
~  Vttn  Leniiep. 
b  "  The  hands 
bent  in  are  com- 
pared to  beauti- 
ful rings,  in 
which  beryl  is 
set,  as  the  nails 
are  in  the  fin- 
gers."— Fausset. 
c  "  Why  should  I 
thus  endeavour 
to  express  His 
b  e  a  VI  t  y  piece- 
meal, when  He  is 
in  Himself  and 
altogether  the 
One  longed  for, 
drawing  all  to 
love,  compelling 
all  to  love,  and 
inspiring  with  a 
longing  (for  His 
company)  not 
only  those  who 
see,  but  thoso 
j  who  hear  ?  "  — 
Thendoret. 
!■.  16.  T.  Watson, 
I  435  ;  Dr.  S.  Hop- 
i  i!n.s,  47;  J.Flavel, 
I  ii.  214;  J.  Slock, 
'  73 ;  E.  Cooper,  L 
230  ;  J.  Johnstone, 
43  ;  C.  Neat,  173. 
d  Stems  an dTwigt, 
«  Sir  W.  Jonet, 


376 


SONO  OF  SOLOMON. 


Cap.  vi.  1—9. 


a  "The  daughters 
of  Jerus.  perceive 
from  tlie  bright- 
ness of  her  coun- 
tenance that  she 
has  received  in- 
telligence and  il- 
lumination from 
Him.  He  who 
before  seemed  to 
be  at  a  distance 
from  her  house, 
is  now  seen  to  be 
close  by  in  His 
garden."  -  Words- 
woith. 

b  "  Christ  now 
not  only  feeils 
His  flock  among 
lilies,  but  also 
gathers  lilies  ; 
gathers  with  joy 
and  acceptance 
from  His  people 
those  fruits  of 
holiness  which 
through  the 
prace  of  His 
Spirit  they  are 
coutinually 
bringing  forth." 
— T/irupp. 

a  Jos.  xii.  24. 
yrhe  name  Tirzah 
signities/)/«(i(TH/- 
n#4i;  Tirzah  was 
the  first  capital 
of  the  kingdom 
of  Israel,  where 
Jeroboam  lived, 
and  where  the 
other  earlier 
kings  of  Israel 
lived  before  Omri 
removed  the 
capital  to  Sa- 
maria. 1  Ki.  xvi. 
15—18,  24."  — 
Woi-dxworth. 
b  "  The  artillery 
of  the  eyes  is  an 
Idea  common  to 
poets  of  every 
nation." — Good. 
c  Gesenius. 
"  From  those 
marvellously 
beautiful  eyes  a 
grave,  reproach- 
ful look  had 
fallen  upon  him." 
—O.  Zockler. 
d  Roberts. 


a  1  Ki.  xi.  3. 

b  "  In  its  ethical 


CHAPTER  THE  SIXTH. 

1 — 3.  (1)  whither,  efc,  another  question  pnt  by  the  com- 
panions, wh.  gives  occasion  for  a  response  indicating-  the  bride's 
confidence  and  affection."  (2)  beds  of  spices,  or  balm*  By 
this  the  bride  intimates  tha^  Sol.  is  otherwise  engaged  just  at 
the  time,  but  she  is  sure  that  he  still  cares  for  her.  (3)  I  .  . 
beloved's,  i.e.  I  really  care  for  him,  and  love  the  bond  thai 
binds  me  to  him.  At  this  appeal  the  bridegroom  at  once  re- 
appears. 

The  lily  in  the  East. — "Our  camels  were  scattered  on  the 
numerous  slopes  in  search  of  food.  On  these  heights  the  lilies 
abounded,  with  grass  and  low  shrubs  between.  I  noticed  that 
the  camels  did  not  touch  the  lilies  at  all,  but  cropped  what  lay 
between.  It  reminded  me  of  the  words,  '  He  feedeth  among  the 
lilies,' — among,  but  not  on  the  lilies  ;  for  while  the  lily  furnishes 
no  acceptable  food  for  flocks  and  herds,  it  seems,  by  the  shade 
of  its  high  broad  leaves,  to  retain  the  moisture,  and  so  to 
nourish  herbage,  wherever  it  grows.  The  place  of  lilies  would 
thus  be  the  place  of  the  richest  pasture,  as  Solomon  evidently 
indicates  when,  again  using  the  figure,  he  speaks  of  the 
•  young  roes  which  feed  among  the  lilies '  (Cant.  iv.  5,  and 
again  vi.  3;." 

4 — 6.  (4)  thou,  etc.,  "  Renewed  declaration  of  love  after 
estrangement."  Tirzah,  an  old  Canaanitish  royal  city."  In 
the  tribe  of  Ephraim  :  a  remarkably  beautiful  and  charming 
town  in  northern  Palestine.  The  exact  site  is  not  now  known. 
Jerusalem,  Ps.  xlviii.  2.  terrible,  etc.,  or  awe-inspiring. 
Alluding  to  the  power  of  her  eyes.*  Subduing  and  captivating 
with  her  glances.'^  (5)  overcome  me,  or  taken  me  hj  storm, 
hair,  etc.,  ch.  iv.  1.    (6)  teeth,  etc.,  ch.  iv.  2. 

Note  on  v.  4. — This  and  the  next  chapter  give  an  idea  of  what 
were  thff  notions  of  beauty  in  the  bride  ;  she  was  like  the  city  of 
Tirzah,  belonging  to  the  tribe  of  Ephraim.  A  handsome  Hindoo 
female  is  compared  to  the  sacred  city  of  Seedanib.aram.  The 
following,  also,  are  signs  of  beauty  in  an  Eastern  woman  :  her 
skin  is  the  colour  of  gold  ;  her  hands,  nails,  and  soles  of  the  feet, 
are  of  a  reddish  hue  ;  her  limbs  must  be  smooth,  and  her  irait; 
like  the  stately  swan.  Her  feet  .nre  small,  like  the  litantif!  1 
lotus  ;  her  waist  is  slender  as  the  lightning  :  her  arms  are  short, 
and  her  fingers  resemble  the  five  ])etals  of  thekantha  flower  :  her 
breasts  are  like  the  young  cocoa-nut.  and  her  neck  is  as  the  trunk 
of  the  areca  tree.  Her  mouth  is  like  the  nmbal  flower,  and  her 
lips  as  coral ;  her  teeth  are  like  beautiful  pearls  ;  her  nose  is  high, 
and  lifted  up.  like  that  of  the  chameleon  (when  raised  to  snuff 
the  wind)  :  her  eyes  are  like  the  sting  of  the  wasp,  and  the 
karungu-vally  flower  ;  her  bi'ows  are  like  the  bow,  and  nicely 
separated  ;  and  her  hair  is  as  the  black  cloud.** 

7—9.  (7)  piece  .  .  locks,  ch.  iv.  3.  (8)  queens,  etc..  Sol. 
had  a  large  harem,"  but  he  intimates  here  his  preference  of  this 
bride  to  all  others.  (9)  but  one,*  the  one  to  whom  he  speaks. 
"  These  words  represent  the  oneness  of  the  Church  Universal."' « 

The  dove. — The  conjugal  chastity  of  the  dove  has  been  cele« 


Cap.  vl.  10-13.] 


SONG  OF  SOLOMON. 


377 


brated  by  every  writer  who  has  described  or  alluded  to  her 
character.  She  admits  but  of  one  mate  ;  she  never  forsakes 
him  till  death  puts  an  end  to  their  union  ;  and  never  abandons 
of  her  own  accord  the  nest  which  their  united  labour  has  pro- 
vided. .(Elian  and  other  ancient  writers  affirm  that  the  turtle 
and  the  wood-pigeon  punish  adultery  with  death.  The  black 
pigeon,  when  her  mate  dies,  obstinately  rejects  the  embraces 
of  another,  and  continues  in  a  widowed  state  for  life.  Hence, 
among  the  Egyptians,  a  black  pigeon  was  the  symbol  of  a  widow 
who  declined  to  enter  again  into  the  marriage  relation.  This 
fact  was  so  well  known,  or  at  least  so  generally  admitted  among 
the  ancients,  that  TertuUian  endeavours  to  establish  the  doctrine 
of  monogamy  by  the  example  of  that  bird.  These  facts  have 
been  transferred  by  later  authors  to  the  widowed  turtle,  which, 
deaf  to  the  solicitations  of  another  mate,  continues,  in  mournful 
strains,  to  deplore  her  loss,  till  death  puts  a  period  to  her  sorrows. 
These  facts  unfold  the  true  reason  that  the  Church  is  by  Solomon 
BO  frequently  compared  to  the  dove,** 

10,  11.  (10)  who,  question  asked  by  the  chorus,  as  the 
morning,  the  dawn  being  regarded  as  beautiful,  moon,  or 
the  White  One."  sun,  or  burning  heat,  comp.  Ps.  xix.  9. 
terrible,  etc.,  prob.  with  special  reference  to  the  starry  host. 
The  fig.  is  differently  used  va.  v.  i.  (11)  nuts,  Heb.  egoz.  the 
walnut ;  still  common  in  northern  Palestine  :*  Josephus  says  it 
abounded  on  shores  of  Lake  of  Galilee. 

The  rose  of  Sfiaron. — A  gentleman  being  with  IMr.  Hervey,  in 
his  garden,  he  plucked  a  rose,  and  desired  the  gentleman  to 
present  it  to  his  wife,  to  put  her  in  mind  of  her  Redeemer,  the 
Rose  of  Sharon.  She  put  such  a  respect  upon  the  giver  and  the 
gift,  as  to  put  it  into  a  frame  with  a  glass  :  upon  hearing  of  this 
he  wrote  the  gentleman  : — "  Yoiir  lady  has  shown  the  most 
welcome  complaisance  to  me,  and  to  the  rose,  in  putting  it  to 
euch  a  use  ;  and  could  that  poor  vegetable  be  sensible,  it  would 
rejoice  to  be  a  remembrancer  of  its  amiable  Creator.  I  heartily 
wish  she  may  every  day  become  more  and  more  acquainted  with 
the  Rose  of  Sharon  ;  that  His  loveliness,  riches,  and  glory  may 
be  revealed  in  her  heart  by  the  Holy  Ghost."" 

12,  13.  (12)  or  ever,  Heb.  I  knew  not.  soul,  or  her  desire  ; 
her  strong  affection,  made  .  .  Ammi-nadib,  or  the  chariot 
of  a  lordly  person,  or  of  my  willing  people."  (13)  O  Shu- 
lamite,  or  giving  her  name,  Shulamith.  two  armies,  or 
Malianalm.  A  dancing  company  of  two  hosts.  Some  parti- 
cularly graceful  form  of  dancing.*  Some  trans.  "  A  dance  as  it 
were  of  angel  choirs." 

An  American  woman. — Some  years  ago,  on  a  tour  to  Canada 

(says  Mr.  C ,  a  gentleman  in  America),  I  travelled  near  the 

"WTiite  Mountains,  in  New  Hampshire,  visiting  from  house  to 
house,  conversing  with  every  person  I  met  about  his  eternal 
interests,  and  presenting  all  with  religious  tracts,  which  were 
received  with  so  much  gi-atitude  and  joy  as  to  render  my  journey 
exceedingly  pleasant.  The  next  year  I  was  employed  by  the 
New  Hampshire  Bible  Society  to  travel  round  the  White  Moun- 
tains :  and  calling  at  a  house,  I  said,  in  an  affectionate  manner, 
"Will  you  tell  me  if  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  dwells  here  ?"  "I 
trust,"  said  the  woman,  "  that  He  is  precious  to  my  soul,  yea,  and 


significance  in" 
valiiable  as  a 
Divine  witness 
to  tlie  principle 
of  monogamy, 
under  the  O.  T., 
and  in  tU(=  luxu- 
rious age  of  iioXo- 
xnon." -tipk.  Com. 
c  St.  Augustine. 
V.  8.  Alcuin,  II. 
ii.  639  ;  F.  Oake- 
ley,  21. 

V.  9.    Bp.  Hall,  y. 
236  ;    /.   Archer, 


a    Job    XXV. 
xxxi.  26. 


>f 


"  I  could  see  to 
read  by  moon- 
light, when  the 
moon  was  only  in 
the  first  quarter." 
—Gadshy. 

b  "  The  nuts  men- 
tioned here  were 
probably  the  al- 
mond ,  walnut,  fil- 
bert, and  pista- 
chio."—  Van  Len- 
nep. 

c  Wliitecross. 


rt  "  In  a  moment 
her  soul  is  carried 
away  directly,  ir- 
resistibly, rapi<lly 
toward  her  bride- 
groom and  her 
King."  —  Moodf 
Stuart. 

b  "  There  is  no- 
thing incongru- 
ous with  Oriental 
custom  iu  a  com- 
pany of  lailieg 
Hsking  one  of 
their  number  to 
dance  before 
them."-Spi:  Com. 
"  Ask  me  no  rea- 
son why  I  love 
you ;  for  though 
love  use  reason 
for  its  precision. 


378 


SONO  OF  SOLOUOy. 


[Cap.  vli  1—6. 


he  aJmit3  liim 
not  for  his  coun- 
cillor. You  are 
not  young,  no 
more  am  I ;  go  to 
then,  there's  sym- 
pathy :  you  are 
merry,  so  am  I. 
Ha  1  ha  1  then 
there's  more 
sympathy :  you 
love  sack,  and  so 
do  I.  Woulil  you 
desire  bettersym- 
pathy  ?  "—Hhake- 
tpeare. 

eR.T.i3. 


•  *  The  richer 
class  wear  either 
BOcks  or  stock- 
ings, of  cotton  or 
wool,  or  a  mo- 
rocco "  mest," 
wh.  is  a  boot  or 
sock  of  soft 
leather,  with  a 
sole  of  the  same, 
and  is  worn  in- 
side the  shoe." — 
F.i«  Lenncp. 
b  lAidy  S/iHl. 
c  Otidsby. 
«.  2.  Dr.  J.  Ed- 
wards Exer.  13U. 
d  Harder. 

a  "  The  simile 
well  sets  forth 
the  appearance 
of  a  large  clear 
liquid  eye."-Spl:. 
Com. 

V.  5.  E.  Erskine,  i. 
76. 

'  O  how  beauti- 
ful it  is  to  love  I 
Even  thou  that 
siicerest  and 
laugliest  in  coM 
indiflferenoo  or 
scorn  if  otheri 
are  near  thee,— 
thou,  too,  must 
ackncwlt>dge  its 
truth  wlien  thou 
art  alone,  and 
ooufess    tUat    • 


altogether  lovely."  I  inquired  when,  and  by  what  means,  she 
hoped  she  might  be  born  again.  "  A  man  of  the  name  of  C — — ," 
she  said,  "  came  in  here  about  a  year  since,  and  gave  me  a  tract. 
When  he  was  gone,  one  of  my  children  began  to  read  it  aloud. 
It  showed  me  my  sins  against  a  holy  God,  and  revealed  Hia 
■wrath  against  me.  I  felt  that  I  was  lost  for  ever.  I  read  the 
tract  again  and  again,  and  my  ruin  only  appeared  greater  than 
before,  till  at  length  I  had  a  discovery  of  the  way  of  salvation 
by  a  crucified  Redeemer."    She  added,  "  I  have  longed  to  see 

that  Mr.  C ever  since."    When  I  told  her  I  was  the  man, 

she  looked  at  me  with  a  pleasing  surprise,  and  expressed  her  joy 
and  gratitude  with  such  unaffected  sincerity,  as  abundantly 
repaid  me  for  all  the  sacrifices  I  had  made.  Her  husband  then 
said,  "  You  gave  me  a  tract  also,  but  I  was  unmoved  by  it :  since 
that,  however,  I  hope  the  Lord  has  shown  mercy  to  my  soul." 

Four  seasons  (adds  Mr.  C )  I  have  been  out  on  the  delightful 

business  of  scattering  your  silent  and  powerful  missionaries, 
and  were  I  able,  I  would  travel  through  every  destitute  portion 
of  our  country,  dispersing  Bibles  and  tracts,  at  my  own  expense  : 
though  faint,  yet  piu'suing.* 


CHAPTER  TEE  SEVENTH. 

1 — 3.  (1)  shoes,  or  sandals.  Reference  is  intended  to  the 
gracefulness  of  her  stepping,  rather  than  to  the  beauty  of  her 
shoes."  joints,  etc.,  ladies  in  the  E.  wear  eight  or  ten  pairs  of 
drawers,  and  these  are  often  covered  with  jewels.  They  stand 
in  the  stead  of  our  gown.*  (2)  heap  .  .  lilies,  the  Jews  were 
in  the  habit  of  strewing  flowers  round  their  heaps  of  wheat 
when  threshed  in  the  open  air."     (3)  t'WO  breasts,  as  ch.  iv.  5. 

Note  oil  V.  1. — The  word  rendered  joints  means  the  concealed 
dress,  or  drawers,  which  are  still  worn  by  the  Moorish  and 
Turkish  women  of  rank.  Lady  M.  W.  Montagu,  in  describing 
her  Turidsh  dress,  says,  "  the  first  part  of  my  dress  is  a  pair  of 
drawers,  very  full,  that  reaches  down  to  my  shoes,  and  conceals 
the  legs  more  modestly  than  your  petticoats  ;  they  are  of  a  thin, 
rose-coloured  damask,  brocaded  with  flowers."  ** 

4,  5.  (4)  neck,  ch.  iv.  4.  fishpools,  etc.,  Heshbon  -was  a 
royal  city  of  the  Amorites.  A  large  pool  is  still  found  in  the 
neighbourhood."  Bath-rabbim,  better  trans,  the  populous 
city  ;  or  the  daughter  of  multitudes.  to'Vfer  of  Lebanon ,  a 
straight  nose  was  regarded  as  forming  a  handsome  profile.  The 
tower  referred  to  is  not  known.  (5)  Carmel,  wh.  has  a  soft 
and  rounded  top.  purple,  of  the  deepest  shade,  with  special 
reference  to  its  lustre,  held. .  galleries,  better,  bound  by  the 
tresses. 

Note  on  v.  4. — Whatever  is  majestic  and  comely  in  the  human 
countenance,  whatever  commands  the  reverence  and  excites 
the  love  of  the  beholder — Lebanon,  and  its  towering  cedars,  are 
employed  by  the  sacred  writers  to  express.  In  the  commendation 
of  the  Church,  the  countenance  of  her  Lord  is  as  Lebanon, 
excellent  as  the  cedars  :  while  in  the  eulogium  which  He  pro- 
nounces on  His  beloved,  one  feature  of  her  countenance  is  com- 
pared to  the  highest  peak  of  that  mountain,  to  the  Saiuun^ 


Cap.  vli.  0—13.] 


SONO  OF  SOLOMON. 


379 


which  rises,  with  majestic  grandeur,  above  the  tallest  cedars  that 
adoru  its  summits  :  "  Thy  nose  is  as  the  tower  of  Lebanon,  which 
looketh  towards  Damascus."  Calmet  imag'ines.  with  no  small 
degree  of  probability,  that  the  sacred  writer  alludes  to  an  elegant 
tower  of  white  marble,  which,  in  his  days,  crowned  the  summit 
of  a  lofty  precipice,  at  the  foot  of  which  the  river  Barrady 
foams,  about  the  distance  of  two  miles  from  Damascus.  When 
Maundrell  visited  the  place  he  found  a  small  structure,  like  a 
sheikh's  sepulchre,  erected  on  the  highest  point  of  the  precipice, 
where  it  had  probably  stood.  From  this  elevated  station,  which 
forms  a  part  of  Lebanon,  the  traveller  enjoyed  the  most  perfect 
view  of  the  city.  So  charming  was  the  landscape,  so  rich  and 
diversified  the  scenery,  that  he  confessedly  found  it  no  easy 
matter  to  tear  himself  away  from  the  paradise  of  delights 
which  bloomed  at  his  feet.  Nor  was  a  very  late  traveller  less 
delighted  with  this  most  enchanting  prospect.* 

6,  7.  (6)  for  delights,  or  among  delightsome  things.  (7) 
palm  tree,  wh.  grows  straight  and  tall."  grapes,  or  dates 
growing  on  the  palm  tree. 

Note  on  v.  6. — The  Eastern  women,  among  other  ornaments, 
used  httle  perfume  boxes,  or  vessels  fdled  with  perfumes,  to  smell 
at.  These  were  worn  suspended  from  the  neck,  and  hanging 
down  on  the  breast.  This  circumstance  is  alluded  to  in  the 
bundle  of  myrrh.  These  olfactoriola,  or  smelling-boxes  (as  the 
Vulgate  rightly  denominates  them),  are  still  in  use  among  the 
Persian  women,  to  whose  necklaces,  which  fall  below  the  bosom, 
is  fastened  a  large  box  of  sweets  ;  some  of  these  boxes  are  as  big 
as  one's  hand ;  the  common  ones  are  of  gold,  the  others  are 
covered  with  jewels.  They  are  all  bored  through,  and  filled  with 
a  black  paste  very  light,  made  of  musk  and  amber,  but  of  very 
strong  smeU.* 

8 — 10.  (8)  I  said,  etc.,  after  admiring  his  bride,  the  bride- 
groom desires  to  gain  her  for  himself,  nose,  or  breath.  (9) 
roof,  etc.,  or  palate,  sweetly,  or  tasting  i^leasantly.  causing 
.  .  speak,  influence  of  pleasant  wine.  (10)  my  beloved,  as 
vi.  3. 

Note  on  v.  10  — Olearius  observes,  in  his  description  of  the 
dress  of  the  Persian  women,  "  Around  the  cheeks  and  the  chin 
they  have  one  or  two  rows  of  pearls  or  jewels,  so  that  the  whole 
face  is  adorned  with  pearls  or  jewels.  I  am  aware  that  this  is  a 
very  ancient  Eastern  custom  ;  for  already  in  Solomons  Song  it 
is  said, '  thy  cheeks  are  comely  with  rows  of  jewels,'  etc.  All 
these  Persian  court  ladies  had  over  their  curled  locks,  instead  of 
pearls,  two  long  and  thick  cords  of  woven  and  beaten  gold,  hang- 
ing down  from  the  crown  of  the  head  over  the  face  on  both  sides ; 
this  ornament,  because  it  is  worn  at  court,  is  quite  usual  among 
the  Persian  women,  and  does  not  become  them  ill,  in  their  black 
hair"  (DeUa  Valla).  Rauwolf  gives  a  similar  description  of  the 
head-dress  of  the  Arabian  women  in  the  desert  of  Mesopotamia  : 
"  \Mien  they  wish  to  adorn  themselves,  they  have  their  trinkets, 
such  as  balls  of  marble,  and  yellow  agate,  glass  beads  of  divers 
colours,  longish  pieces  of  metal  strung  upon  a  thread,  hanging 
pendent  upon  then-  temples,  nearly  a  span  in  length."" 

11 — 13.   (11)  field,  or  country :  where  in  quietness  mutual 


foolish  world  la 
prone  to  laugh  ia 
public  at  what  in 
private  it  reveres 
as  one  of  the 
highest  impulses 
of  our  nature ; 
namely,  love."— 
Longfelloio, 


b  Paxton, 


a  "  Tae  stem, 
tall,  slender,  and 
erect  as  rectitude 
herself,  suggests 
to  the  Arab  poets 
many  a  symbol 
for  their  lady- 
love."— Thomson, 

"  Love's  voice 
doth  sing  as 
sweetly  in  a  beg- 
gar as  a  king."— 
Decker. 

b  Burder, 


V.  9.  Alex.  Pirie, 
Crit.  Obs.  Wis.  iii. 

r.  10.  BossuetyXV. 
321. 

"A  heat  full  of 
coldness,  a  sweet 
full  of  bitterness, 
a  pain  full  of 
pleasantness, 
which  maketh 
tlioughts  have 
eyes,  and  hearts, 
an<l  ears  ;  bred  by 
desire,  nursed  by 
delight,  weaned 
by  jealiiusy,  killed 
by  dissembling, 
buried  by  ingra- 
titude :  and  tliia 
is  love," — Lilly, 

a  EosenmuUe.'. 


380 


SOiTfl'  OF  SOLOMON. 


[Cap.vlli.1-4, 


a  Mandragora 
renialis,  or  Alro- 
Jia  nvtndragiira. 
A  wild  pliiut  com- 
mon in  Pal.,  of 
tlie  same  genus 
with  the  bella- 
donna, bexring 
small  yellow  ap- 
ples, about  the 
size  of  a  nutmeg. 

"The  conscious- 
ness of  being 
loved  softens  the 
keenest  pang, 
even  at  the  mo- 
ment of  parting ; 
yea,  even  the 
eternal  farewell 
is  robbed  of  half 
of  its  bitterness, 
when  uttered  in 
accents  that 
breathe  love  to 
the  last  sigh." — 
Addison. 

"  We  paint  love 
as  a  child,  when 
he  should  sit  a 
giant  on  his 
clouds,  the  great 
disturbing  spirit 
of  the  world." — 
Croly. 

h  Paxton. 

"Lovers  say,  the 
heart  hath  treble 
wrong,  when  it  is 
barrel  the  aid- 
ance  of  the 
tongue.' ' — Shake- 
tpeare. 


a  Gadsby, 

•'  The  ancients 
sought  to  in- 
crease  the 
strength  of  their 
potations  by  a 
mixture  of  spices 
with  their  wine ; 
and  so  likewise 
do  modern  Orien- 
tals."—  Van  Len- 
nep. 

"  More  loved  by 
tap  than  by  the 
eye  the  light." — 
T.  Cooke. 


society  may  be  enjoyed.     (12)  let  us  see,  etc.,  ch.  vi.  11.    (13) 
mandrakes,  Ge.  xxx.  14.     Heb.  dndaim.  love-apples." 

Note  on  v.  11. — In  the  gardens  around  Aleppo,  commodious 
villas  are  built  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants,  to  which  they 
retire  during  the  oppressive  heats  of  summer.  Here,  amid  the 
wild  and  almost  impervious  thickets  of  pomegranate,  and  other 
fruit-bearing  trees,  the  languid  native  and  exhausted  traveller 
find  a  delightful  retreat  from  the  scorching  beams  of  the  sun. 
A  similar  custom  of  retiring  into  the  country,  and  taking  shelter 
in  the  gardens  at  that  season,  appears  to  have  been  followed  iu 
Palestine,  in  ages  very  remote.  The  exquisite  pleasure  which 
an  Oriental  feels,  while  he  reclines  under  the  deep  shade  of  the 
pomegranate,  the  apple,  and  other  fruitful  trees  in  the  Syrian 
gardens,  which,  uniting  their  branches  over  his  head,  defend  him 
from  the  glowing  firmament,  is  well  described  by  Russel.  "  Re- 
vived by  the  freshening  breeze,  the  purling  of  the  brooks,  and  the 
verdure  of  the  groves,  his  ear  will  catch  the  melody  of  the 
nightingale,  delightful  beyond  what  is  heard  in  England  ;  with 
conscious  gratitude  to  heaven,  he  will  recline  on  the  simple  mat, 
and  bless  the  hospitable  shelter.  Beyond  the  limits  of  the  gardens, 
hardly  a  vestige  of  verdure  remains,  the  fields  are  turneii  into  a 
parched  and  naked  waste."  In  Persia,  Mr.  Martyn  found  the 
heat  of  the  external  air  quite  intolerable.  In  spite  of  every  pre- 
caution, the  moisture  of  the  body  being  soon  quite  exhausted,  he 
grew  restless,  and  thought  he  should  have  lost  his  senses,  and 
concluded,  that  though  he  might  hold  out  a  day  or  two.  death 
was  inevitable.  Not  only  the  actual  enjoyment  of  shade  and 
water  diffuses  the  sweetest  pleasure  through  the  panting  bosom 
of  an  Oriental,  but  what  is  almost  iaconceivable  to  the  native  of 
a  northern  clime,  even  the  very  idea,  the  simple  recurrence  of 
these  gratifications  to  the  mind,  conveys  a  lively  satisfaction,  and 
a  renovating  energy  to  his  heart,  when  ready  to  fail  him  in  the 
midst  of  the  burning  desert.  "  He  who  smiles  at  the  pleasure  we 
received,"  says  Lichtenstein,  "  from  only  being  reminded  of  shade, 
or  thinks  this  observation  trivial,  must  feel  the  force  of  an  African 
sun,  to  have  an  idea  of  the  value  of  shade  and  water."  * 


CHAPTER  THE  EIGHTH. 

1 — 4.  (1)  as  my  brother,  i.e.  of  the  same  rank  and  class  as 

myself.  The  bride's  trouble  is  the  kingly  dignity  and  court- 
surroundings  of  her  beloved.  She  is  a  simple  country  maiden. 
(2)  spiced  .  .  pomegranate,  "  The  juice  of  the  pomegranate 
still  forms  a  very  agreeable  sherbet.""  (3)  left,  etc.,  see  ii.  6. 
(4)  charge  you,  etc..  see  ii.  7. 

Note  on  v.  2. — Tlie  fragrant  odour  of  the  wines  produced  in  the 
vineyards  of  Lebanon  seems  chiefly  to  have  attracted  the  notice 
of  our  translators.  This  quality  is  either  factitious  or  natural. 
The  Orientals,  not  satisfied  with  the  fragrance  emitted  by  the 
essential  oil  of  the  grape,  frequently  put  spices  into  their  wines 
to  increase  their  flavour.  To  this  practice  Solomon  alludes  in 
these  words  :  "  I  would  cause  thee  to  drink  of  spiced  wine  of  the 
juice  of  my  pomegranate."  But  Savar3^  in  his  Letter.i  on  Greece, 
afiHrms  that  various  kinds  of  natiu-ally  perfumed  wines  ai*e  pro- 


Cap.  viii.  5-7.] 


SOyO  OF  SOLOMON. 


381 


duced  in  Crete  and  some  of  the  neighbouring-  islands  :  and  the 
wine  of  Lebanon,  to  which  the  sacred  writer  alludes,  was  probably 
of  the  same  species.* 

5.  who,  etc.,  the  cry  of  the  chorus.  Formerly  the  bride 
approached  in  a  grand  procession  (ch.  iii.  6),  now  she  comes 
attended  only  bv  her  spouse.  I  raised  thee,  the  king  reminds 
her  of  some  former  episode  in  their  acquaintance.  This  apple 
tree  was  "  the  trj^sting-spot  of  earliest  vows." 

Lcanhig  on  Christ  {v.  5). — Observe  what  this  attitude  denotes. 

I.  Weariness.  II.  Dependence.  III.  Communion.  IV.  Tender- 
ness. V.  Activity'." — Bi'pcndcnce  on  thr  ^a flour  (r.  5). — I.  Rest- 
ing on  His  promises.  II.  Relying  on  His  powder.  III.  Realising 
Bis  love.  IV.  Rejoicing  in  His  salvation.* — Coming  from,  the 
rvihlcrncss  {v.  5). — I.  This  world  may  be  compared  to  a  wilder- 
ness. 1.  It  is  unfruitful  ;  2.  Changeful  ;  3.  Dangerous.  II. 
The  Christian  coming  up  from  it.  1.  He  has  ceased  to  regard  it 
as  his  home  ;  2.  He  is  detaching  his  affections  from  it ;  .3.  He  is 
soon  to  be  removed  to  another  scene.  III.  As  he  comes  up  from 
it  he  leans  on  his  Beloved.  1.  Resting  on  His  promises  ;  2. 
Trusting-  in  His  grace  ;  3.  Enjoying  His  sympathy  ;  4.  Realising 
His  presence.  IV.  His  movements  in  it  excite  attention.  1. 
Inquiry  ;  2.  Admiration  ;  3.  Congratulation.'^ 

iSfielter  only  in  <'hri.it. — A  Chinese  convert  is  spoken  of  by  Dr. 
Medhurst  as  having  used  the  following  language  to  illustrate  the 
futility  of  human  merits,  and  the  necessity  of  relying  on  Jesus 
Christ  alone  for  salvation  : — "  How  can  a  man  trust  in  his  own 
righteousness  ?  It  is  like  seeking  shelter  under  one's  o-wn  I 
shadow  ;  he  may  stoop  to  the  very  ground,  and,  the  lower  we 
bend,  we  still  find  that  our  shadow  is  beneath  us.  But  if  a  man 
flee  to  the  shadow  of  a  great  rock,  or  of  a  wide  spreading  tree,  he 
"will  find  abundant  shelter  from  the  rays  of  the  noonday  sun.  So 
human  merits  are  unavailing,  and  Chi-ist  alone  is  able  to  save  to 
the  uttermost  those  who  come  unto  God  by  Him."  * 

6,  7.  (6)  set .  .  heart,  i.e.  let  me  be  united  to  thee  for  ever, 
cruel,  or  hard,  vehement  flame,  or,  "  a  very  flame  of  the 
Lord.""  (7;  utterly  condemned,  or  with  scorn  should  he  be 
scorned. 

The  lore  that  pa.^.<ieth  knowledge  (v.  7). — The  text  singles  out 
two  things  about  this  love.  I.  It  is  unquenchable  by  the  waters 
of — 1.  Shame  and  suffering  ;  2.  Of  death  ;  3.  Of  our  unworthi- 
ness;   4.  Of  our  long  rejection;   5.  Of  our  daily  inconsistency. 

II.  It  is  unpurchasable.  1.  As  a  gift  to  persuade  Him  to  love  ; 
2.  As  a  payment  for  having  been  loved  ;  3.  As  a  bribe  to  tempt 
Him  not  to  love  ;  4.  As  a  substitute  for  love.* 

A  seal  on  the  heart. — This  alludes  to  jewels  having  the  name  or 
portrait  of  the  beloved  person  engraved  on  them,  and  worn  next 
the  heart  or  on  the  arm.  In  the  pictures  of  the  Eastern  princesses 
and  heroines  there  is  sometimes  a  large  square  jewel  on  the  fore- 
part of  the  arm,  a  little  below  the  shoulder.  "  When  all  the 
persons  had  assembled  in  the  divan  every  one  remained  sitting  or 
standing  in  his  place  without  moving,  till  in  about  half  an  hour 
came  two  kapudschis.  one  of  whom  carried  the  imperial  signet- 
ring,  and  presented  it  to  the  grand  vizier,  who  arose  from  his 
eofa  and  received  the  eignet-ring  with  a  kind  of  bow,  kissed  it. 
put  it  on  his  hand,  took  it  off  again,  and  put  it  in  the  bag  in 


6  Paxton. 


a.  6.  Bossuet,  xL 
91 ;  T.  Sosinn,  X. 
550;  E.  Erskine, 
ii.  124;  R.  P. 
Budriicc-m,  i.  351 ; 
J.  Johnstone,  150 ; 
A.  Roberts,  iii. 
264;  J.  Cawood, 
i.349:  R.  A.  Suck- 
ling, 235. 


and 


t   Stems 
Ttcigs. 

b  J.  T.  NolUdge. 

c  G.  Brooks. 

"  Love  is  old,  old 
as  eternity,  but 
not  outworn  : 
with  each  new 
being  born,  or  to 
be  horn."-Byron. 

"  That  love  alone, 
which  virtue's 
laws  control,  de- 
serves reception 
in  the  human 
soul."-  Euripides. 

"But  sweeter  still 
than  this,  than 
these,  than  all, 
is  first  and  pas- 
sionate love — it 
stands  alone." — • 
Byron. 


a  Coverdale. 


Eo.  viii.  36. 

vv.  5—7.  R.  M. 
M'Cheyne,  342. 

V.  6.  Bp.  W.  Ni- 
cholson, 380;  J. 
Flu  vel,  vi.  /. 
WUilt!/,  ii.  299. 

vv.  6,  7.  C.  B. 
Kenaway,  193. 


vv.  6—8.   J.  Sau- 
rin,  iii.  145. 

6  Dr.  Bonar, 

"  O  artless  love, 
where    the    soul 


383 


BONO  OF  SOLOMON. 


[Cap.  viil.  8—14. 


tongue,  and  only- 
nature  speaks 
what  nature 
thiTiXs."-Dr-yden. 


t  Roienmuller. 

"  There    is    a 

comfort  in  tlie 
strength  of  love; 
'twill  make  a 
thing  endurable, 
which  else  would 
break  the  heart." 
—  Wordsworth. 


a  Murphy. 


a  "  Vineyards  are 
often  let  out  to 
husbandmen. 
The  price  or  hire 
Is  always  paid 
in  kind,  and 
amounts  to  one- 
half  the  produce 
of  the  vineyard. 
We  have,  how- 
ever, personally 
known  many 
cases  in  which 
the  hire  was  paid 
in  money." — Van 
Lennep. 

The  Lord's  love 
is  free  as  the  air ; 
full  .as  the  ocean ; 
boundless  as  eter 
nity;  immutable 
as  His  throne ; 
and  unchange- 
able as  His  ua- 
ture, 

"There     are 

depths  of  love  in 
Christ  beyond 
what  we  have 
seen ;  therefore, 
dig  deep,  and  la- 
bour and  take 
pains  for  Him, 
and  set  by  so 
much  time  in  the 
day  for  Him  as 
you  can.  He  will 
be  won  with  la- 
bour."— Ruther- 
ford. 


which  it  had  been  befoi-e,  and  placed  both  in  a  pocket  at  the  left 
side  of  his  kaftan,  as  it  were  upon  his  heart.'" 

8 — 10.  (8)  little  sister,  a  young'er  sister,  not  yet;  come  to 
woman's  e.^tate.  (9)  wall,  ?.<?.  steadfast  in  virtue,  palace  of 
silver,  i.e.  marry  her  to  one  of  high  estate,  door,  light- 
minded,  easily  niored  fr.  virtue,  inclose  her,  defending  her 
from  temptation.  (10)  a  wall,  steadfast  in  chastity,  favour, 
or  peace. 

An  Etixtcrn  palace. — The  eye  is  lost  in  contemplating  the  rich 
assemblage  of  ornaments  which  appear  in  every  part  of  this 
noble  hall.  From  the  pavement  to  the  bi'ginning  of  the  arches, 
the  walls  are  decorated  with  elegant  mosaic  :  the  panels  between 
the  arches  are  filled  with  a  very  delicate  ornament,  which,  at  a 
little  distance,  has  the  appearance  of  a  plain  mass,  and  the  ceiling 
is  composed  of  stalactites  in  stucco,  and  is  finished  in  a  style  of 
equal  elegance.  The  distribution  of  the  various  parts  of  this 
noble  apartment  is  truly  enchanting.  The  balconies  above  were 
occupied  by  musicians  ;  below  sat  the  women  ;  while  a  jet  iVean 
in  the  centre  diffused  a  refreshing  coolness  through  the  hall. 
The  windows  in  the  background  are  finished  in  a  similar  manner, 
and  look  into  a  little  myrtle  garden.*" 

11 — 14.  Cll)  Baal-hamon,  a  tower  bo  named  is  mentioned 
as  being  in  Samaria.  Or  reference  may  be  to  Baalbek, 
keepers,  tenants."  (12)  my  vineyard,  wh.  was  herself,  as  a 
loving  and  faithful  wife,  those  that  keep,  with  possible 
reference  to  her  brothers,  who  had  been  her  guardians.  (13) 
cause  .  .  hear,  as  ch.  ii.  14.  (14)  make  haste,  or,  flee,  my 
heJored.  mountains  of  spices,  Heb.  Besamin.  Com'p.  ch.  ii. 
17, — mountains  of  Bether.  or  division.     See  also  ch.  iv.  6. 

3Iovnfains  of  L^rael. — The  only  remarkable  mountain  on  the 
western  border  of  Canaan  is  Carmel,  which  lies  on  the  sea- coast, 
at  the  south  end  of  the  tribe  of  Asher,  and  is  frequently  men- 
tioned in  the  sacred  writings.  On  this  mountain,  which  is  very 
rocky,  and  about  two  thousand  feet  in  height,  the  prophet  Elijah 
fixed  his  residence  ;  and  the  monks  of  the  Greek  Church,  who 
have  a  convent  upon  it,  show  the  inquisitive  stranger  the  gi'otto, 
neatly  cut  out  in  the  solid  rock,  where,  at  a  distance  from  tae 
tumult  of  the  world,  the  venerable  seer  reposed.  At  the  distance 
of  a  league  are  two  fountains,  which  they  pretend  the  prophet, 
by  his  miraculous  powers,  made  to  spring  out  of  the  earth  :  and 
lower  down,  towards  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  is  the  cave  where 
he  instructed  the  people.  It  is  an  excavation  in  the  rock,  cut 
very  smooth  both  above  and  below,  of  about  twenty  paces  in 
length,  fifteen  in  breadth,  and  veiy  high  ;  and  Thevenot.  who 
paid  a  visit  to  the  monks  of  Mount  Carmel,  pronounces  it  one 
of  the  finest  grottos  that  can  be  seen.  The  beautiful  shape  and 
towering  height  of  Carmel  furnish  Solomon  with  a  striking^ 
simile,  expressive  of  the  loveliness  and  majesty  of  the  Church  in 
the  eyes  of  her  Redeemer  :  "  Thy  head  upon  thee  is  like  Carmel, 
and  the  hair  of  thy  head  like  purple  ;  the  King  is  held  in  the 
galleries."  The  mountain  itself  is  nothing  but  rock.  The 
monks,  however,  have,  with  great  labour,  covered  some  parts  of 
it  with  soil,  on  which  they  cultivate  flowers  and  fruits  of  various 
kinds  ;  but  the  fields  around  have  been  celebrated  in  all  ages  for 
the  extent  of  their  pastures  and  the  richness  of  their  verdure. 


Cap.  viii.  11-14.] 


SOXO  OF  SOLOMON. 


383 


So  great  was  the  fertility  of  this  region,  that,  in  the  language  of 
the  sacred  writers,  the  name  Carmel  is  often  equivalent  to  a 
fruitful  field.  This  was  undoubtedly  the  reason  that  the  covetous 
and  churlish  Nabal  chose  it  for  the  range  of  his  numerous  flocks 
and  herds.* 


Love.- 


Seemeth  hot  love  at  times  so  occupied 

For  thee,  as  though  it  cared  for  none  beside  ? 

To  great  and  small  things  love  alike  can  reach, 
And  cares  for  each  as  all,  and  all  as  each. 

Love  of  my  bonds  partook,  that  I  might  be 
In  turn  partaker  of  its  liberty. 

Love  found  me  in  the  wilderness,  at  cost 
Of  painful  guests,  when  I  myself  had  lost. 

Love,  on  its  shoulders  joyfully  did  lay 
Me,  weary  with  the  greatness  of  my  way. 

Love  lit  the  lamp  and  swept  the  house  all  round, 
Till  the  lost  money  in  the  end  was  found. 

Love,  the  King's  image  there  would  stamp  again, 
Effaced  in  part  and  soil'd  with  rust  and  stain. 

Twas  love,  whose  quick  and  ever  watchful  eye 
The  wanderer's  first  step  homeward  did  espy. 

From  its  own  wardrobe  love  gave  word  to  bring 
What  things  I  needed — shoes,  and  robe,  and  ring. 

Love  threatens,  that  it  may  not  strike,  and  still 
Unheeded,  strikes,  that  so  it  may  not  kill. 

Love  set  me  up  on  high  ;  when  I  grew  vain 

Of  that  my  height,  love  brought  me  down  again. 

Love  often  draws  good  for  us  from  our  ill, 
Skilful  to  bless  us  e'en  against  our  will. 

The  bond-servant  of  love  alone  is  free  ; 
All  other  freedom  is  but  slavery. 

How  far  above  all  prize  love's  costly  wine, 
"What  can  the  meanest  chalice  make  divine  i 

Fear  this  effects,  that  I  do  not  the  ill, 
Love  more — that  I  thereunto  have  no  will. 

Seeds  burst  not  their  dark  cells  without  a  throe  ; 
All  birth  is  effort ;  shall  not  love's  be  so  ? 

Love  weeps — but  from  its  eyes  these  two  things  win 
The  largest  tears — its  own,  its  brother's  sin.. 

The  sweetness  of  the  trodden  camomile 

Is  love's,  which  injured,  yields  more  sweets  the  while. 


6  Paxion. 

"  It  is  like  the 
sun  in  the  sky, 
tliat  tljrows  his 
c  omfortable 
beams  upon  all 
and  forbears  not 
to  warm  even 
tliat  earth  tliat 
beareth  weeds. 
Love  extends  to 
earth  and  lieaven. 
In  heaven  it 
affecteth  God, 
the  Maker  and 
the  Mover ;  the 
angels,  as  our 
guardians ;  the 
t  r  i  u  m  phant 
saints,  for  their 
pious  sanctity. 
On  earth,  it  em« 
braceth  those 
that  fear  the 
Lord  especially ; 
itwisheth  conver- 
sion to  those  that 
do  not ;  it  coun- 
sels the  rich  ;  it 
comforts  the 
poor ;  it  reve- 
renceth  supe- 
riors, respecteth 
inferiors ;  doth 
good  to  friends, 
no  evil  to  foes  ; 
wisheth  well  to 
all.  This  is  the 
latitude  of  love." 
—T.  Adams. 

"  She  never  told 
her  love,  but  let 
concealment,  like 
a  worm  i'  the  bud, 
feed  on  her  da- 
mask cheek :  she 
pined  in  thought; 
and,  with  a  green 
and  yellow  me-'' 
lancholy,  she  sat 
like  patience 
on  a  monument, 
smiling  at  grief.'" 
■ — Shakespeare. 

"  I  find  she  loves 
him  much,  be- 
cause she  hides 
it.  Love  teaches 
cunning  even  to 
innocence ;  and, 
when  he  gets  pos- 
session, his  first 
work  is  to  dig 
deep  within  a 
heart,  and  there 
lie  hid,  and,  like 
a  miser  in  the 
dark,  to  feast 
eJone." —  Di-ydeu. 


384 


SOXa  OF  SOLOMON. 


[Cap.  Tiil.  11-14< 


"  Love  is  tlie 
root  of  creation  ; 
God's  essence. 
Worliis  without 
number  lie  in  His 
bosom  like  cliil- 
firen ;  He  made 
them  for  His  pur- 
pose only, — only 
to  love  and  to 
be  loved  again. 
He  breathed 
forth  His  spirit 
into  the  slumber- 
ing dust,  and  up- 
right standing.it 
laid  its  hand  on 
its  heart,  and  felt 
it  was  warm  with 
a  flame  out  of 
heaven  ;  quench, 
O  quench  not 
that  tlanie  1  it  is 
the  breath  of 
your      being." — 


Tlic  heart  of  love  is  with  a  thousand  woes 
Pierced,  which  secure  iudifference  never  knowa. 

The  rose  aye  wears  the  silent  thorn  at  heart, 
And  never  yet  might  pain  for  love  depart. 

Once  o'er  this  painful  earth  a  Man  did  move, 
The  man  of  griefs,  because  the  man  of  love. 

Hope,  faith  and  love,  at  God's  high  altar  .shine, 
Lamp  triple-branched,  and  fed  with  oil  Divine. 

Two  of  these  triple-lights  shall  once  grow  pale, 
They  burn  without,  but  love  within  the  veil. 

Notljiing  is  true  but  love,  nor  aught  of  worth  ; 
Love  is  the  incense  which  doth  sweeten  earth. 

Oh,  merchant  at  heaven's  mart  for  heavenly  wan  I 
Love  is  the  only  coin  that  passes  there. 

The  wine  of  love  can  be  obtained  by  none, 
fiave  Him  who  trod  the  wiue-preas  all  alone  I 


Date.  Due 

JE" 

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