Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 11:8

8 But if a man live many years , and rejoice in them all ; yet let him remember the days of darkness , for they shall be many . All that cometh is vanity.

Which is a priviledge granted but to few persons comparatively.

And suppose he enjoy all the comforts, and escape all the imbitterments of humane Life, all his days: which also is a great rarity.

It is his Duty and Interest seriously to consider.

Of death, or of the state of the dead, which is oft expressed by darkness, as Iob 10. 21. Psal. 88. 12. &c. and here is opposed to the foregoing Light.

i. e. Far more than the days of this short Life, especially if to the time of lying in the Grave be added that greater and utter darkness which is reserved for impenitent sinners, and which is everlasting, Mat. 22. 13. & 25. 30. 2 Pet. 2. 17. Iud. v. 13. And this is added for the caution of mankind, that they may not rejoice excessively in, nor content themselves with the happiness of the present Life, but may seek for somthing more durable, and more satisfactory.

All things which befall any man belonging only to this Life, whether they be comfortable or vexatious, they are but vain and inconsiderable, because they are short and transitory.