236 Of the proper Improvement S E R M. the condition of men, and other points of X. a parallel nature and tendency, which, though not fo agreeable to flefh and blood, are molt worthy of the mind, and may have a falutary effete to the improving and en- tertaining its higher powers : For it is to be obferved, the text Pays, the heart of the wile is in the houfe of mourning, but the heart of fools in the houfe of mirth ; the bodily prefence is of very fmall confideration, but the proper employment of the thoughts and affeaions is principally to be regarded, and the other chofen by a wife man, only with a view to promote it. Secondly, when mournful are declared better than joyful occafions, and forrow than mirth, the meaning is not to banifh all pleafure, even of the external fenfes, from human life. Solomon in this book often takes care to prevent mifconftrutions of that fort ; he calls upon men to rejoice in the fruit of their labour, and in their por- tion under the fun ; not to indulge them- felves in the exceffes of fenfual gratification, which, as he fpeaks, takes away the heart, darkens the underftanding, and enervates the mind ; but to receive with gratitude, and enjoy with chearfulnefs the external gifts
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