Wesley Corpus

Chapter II Solomon shews, that there is no true happiness to be had in mirth and the pleasures of sense, ver. 1 - 11. He considers wisdom again, and owns it to be an excellent thing, and yet insufficient to give happiness, ver. 12 - 16. He shews that business and wealth are only vanity and vexation of spirit, ver. 17 - 23. And that if there be any good therein, it is only to these who sit loose to them, ver. 24 - 26. I said - Being disappointed of my hopes from knowledge, I resolved to try another course. Go to - O my soul! I will try whether I cannot make thee happy, by the enjoyment of sensual delights. Vanity - Is vain, and unable to make men happy. It is mad - This is an act of madness, more fit for fools who know nothing, than for wise men in this sinful, and dangerous, and deplorable state of mankind. What doth it - What good doth it Or how can it make men happy I challenge all the Epicures in the world to give me a solid answer. To wine - To gratify myself with delicious meats and drinks. Yet - Yet resolving to use my wisdom, that I might try whether I could not arrive at satisfaction, by mixing wine and wisdom together. To lay hold - To pursue sensual pleasures, which was my folly. 'Till - 'Till I might find out the true way to contentment and satisfaction, during this mortal life. The wood - The nurseries of young trees, which for the multitude of them were like a wood or forest. Peculiar treasure - The greatest jewels and rarities of other kings, which they gave to me, either as a tribute, or by way of present. Of provinces - Which were imposed upon or presented by all the provinces of my dominions. Great - In riches, and power, and glory. My wisdom remained - As yet I was not wholly seduced from God. And - Whatsoever was grateful to my senses. Rejoiced - I had the comfort of all my labours, and was not hindered from the full enjoyment of them by sickness or war, or any other calamity. My portion - This present enjoyment of them, was all the benefit which I could expect from all my labours.