7 Therefore go thou, just man,
and eat thy bread in gladness, and drink thy wine with joy; for thy
works please God. 8 In each time thy clothes be white,
and oil fail not from thine head.
The Book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 9:7-8
Brethren:
This verse is an inference. If death be such, then life is of the nature of a holiday. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. The sentiment is not exactly Epicurean, (let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die,) but, “Our living to-day is proof of God’s merciful favour, and that he is pleased, not angry, with us.” Therefore let us enjoy the bread and wine, the good which he gives, with grateful and joyous temper. White garments, grateful in hot countries, are associated with festivities and triumphs, and are the customary holiday garb. So, also, perfumes were gladdening and demonstrative of gladness. Although Koheleth is by no means now looking at life from a Christian and religious, but only from a moral and practical, point, yet his counsel coincides with that of the psalmist: “Serve the Lord with gladness;” and with that of the apostle, “Rejoice evermore.” Joyfulness of heart is a religious and Christian precept.
This verse is an inference. If death be such, then life is of the nature of a holiday. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. The sentiment is not exactly Epicurean, (let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die,) but, “Our living to-day is proof of God’s merciful favour, and that he is pleased, not angry, with us.” Therefore let us enjoy the bread and wine, the good which he gives, with grateful and joyous temper. White garments, grateful in hot countries, are associated with festivities and triumphs, and are the customary holiday garb. So, also, perfumes were gladdening and demonstrative of gladness. Although Koheleth is by no means now looking at life from a Christian and religious, but only from a moral and practical, point, yet his counsel coincides with that of the psalmist: “Serve the Lord with gladness;” and with that of the apostle, “Rejoice evermore.” Joyfulness of heart is a religious and Christian precept.
Daniel Whedon - 19th Century
Theologian
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