John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 2:24

Verſ. 24. There is nothing better for a man, &c.] This may ſeem to ſavour of Epicuriſme; as may alſo ſome following paſſages of this book. For which cauſe ſome of the old Jew-Doctors were once in a minde to hide this whole book out of the way; and not ſuffer the common ſort to [illegible: 1 word] any more. But this they needed never to have done: for the Preacher expreſly calls carnal mirth madneſſe, in this very chapter; and ſheweth that the happineſs of a man ſtands in fearing God, and keeping his Commandements, chap. 12. All which is poynt-blank againſt Atheiſme and Epicuriſme. And whereas here and elſewhere the liberal uſe of the Creatures is commended and commanded; this is done in oppoſition to, and deteſtation of ſuch parſimonious penny-fathers, as deny themſelves that neceſſary and honeſt affluence that God hath permitted and afforded them: living ſordidly, that they may grow rich ſuddenly, although they know not how ſoon they may leave all, nor yet to whom.

This alſo I ſaw that it was from the hand of God] It is he that fills our hearts, as with food, ſo with gladneſſe, Acts 14.17. He can curſe our bleſſings, make our table a ſnare, ſauce that we eat, ſpice that we drink, with his fierce wrath, as he did the Quails to thoſe Iſraelites. He can diſſweeten our Delicates, either with ſickneſſe, Job 33.20. or ſorrow, Pſal. 107.17, 18. or ſudden terrour, 1 Sam. 30.16, 17. & 1 King. 1.41. Adoniah's feaſt ended in horrour; aſtoniſhment was ſerved up for their laſt diſh. Let God therefore bee ſought, for a comfortable uſe of the Creature, and then be merry at thy meat, and put ſorrow from thy heart, chap. 9.7. Eat the fat, and drink the ſweet, &c. for the joy of the Lord is your ſtrength, Nehem. 8.10.