15. And wine that maketh glad the heart of man. By the aid of genial showers the earth produces not merely necessaries
but luxuries, that which furnishes a feast as well that which makes a meal. Oh
that we were wise enough to know how to use this gladdening product of the
vine; but, alas, we full often turn it to ill account, and debase ourselves
therewith. Of this we must ourselves bear the blame; he deserves to be
miserable who turns even blessings into curses. And oil to make his face toshine. The easterns use oil more than we do, and probably are wiser in this
respect than we are: they delight in anointings with perfumed oils, and regard
the shining of the face as a choice emblem of joy. God is to be praised for all
the products of the soil, not one of which could come to us were it not that he
causeth it to grow. And bread which strengtheneth man’s heart. Men have
more courage after they are fed: many a depressed spirit has been comforted by
a good substantial meal. We ought to bless God for strength of heart as well as
force of limb, since if we possess them they are both the bounties of his
kindness.
PREVIOUS
NEXT
No comments:
Post a Comment