/ . NOW or NEVER. more. Here they have no more reward, the memory of them will be here forgotten. "They have no more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun." From hence he further infers, that the comforts of life are but short and transitory, and therefore that what the creature can afford, must be presently taken: and as the wicked shall have no more but present pleasures, so the faithful may take their lawful comforts in the present moderate use of the creatlues. For if their enjoyment be of right and use to any, it is to them; and, theref9re, though they may not use them to their hu.rt, to the pampering of their flesh, and strengthening their lusts, and hindering spiritual duties, benefits, and salvation; yet must they "serve the Lord with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things " which he giveth them. Next he infers, from the brevity of man's life, the necessity of speed and diligence in his duty. And this is in the words of my text; where you have, 1. The duty commanded. 2. The reason or motive to enforce it. The duty is in the first part, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do," that is, whatever work is assigned thee by God to do in this thy transitory life, "do it with thy might;" that is, 1. Speedily, without delay. 2. Diligently; and not with slothful!less, or by halves. 2. The motive is in the latter part, "For there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest;" that is, it must be now m· never. The grave, where thy work cannot be done, will quickly end thy opportunities. The sense is obviously contained in these two propositions:- DocTRINE 1.-" The work of this life cannot be done when this life is ended: or, There is no working in the grave, to which we are all making haste."
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