For riches are not for ever, &c.— See Hiller. pars 2: p. 9. The author of the Observations remarks, that milk is a great part of the diet of the eastern people. Their goats furnish them with some of it, and, as Dr. Russell informs us, are chiefly kept for that purpose; that they yield it in inconsiderable quantities; and that it is sweet and well tasted. This, at Aleppo, is however chiefly from the beginning of April to September, they being they being generally supplied during the other parts of the year with cow's milk, such as it is; for being commonly kept at the gardens, and fed with the refuse, the milk generally tastes so strong of garlick or cabbage leaves, as to be very disagreeable. Might there not be the same difference in Judea in the time of Solomon? And may not his words in this place be designed to express the superior quality of goat's milk to that of any other kind in that country?
REFLECTIONS.—Diligence is necessary in every vocation, and the master's eye is essential to the prosperity of his affairs. As the wealth of the east consisted chiefly in their flocks, and the fruit of the field, there are particularly instanced, and reasons given to inforce the needful care over them.
1. Riches are perishable things; even crowns are not secure: therefore it becomes every man to take care of what God has given him, that it be not wasted by his negligence.
2. The liberal provision that Providence has made leaves the negligent inexcusable. The earth, under the divine blessing, produces food for the cattle in abundance, and herbs for the service of man.
3. The benefit accruing from our industry will amply repay our labours. We shall have a sufficiency of clothes, meat, and money for ourselves and our families; and, though plain and homely be the fare, perhaps the more wholesome. Note; (1.) If we must look thus to our flocks, that they may thrive, how much more needful is it for us to search often into the state of our souls, whether they prosper: for without this, what would it profit a man to gain the whole world, if, after all, he lost his immortal soul? (2.) If a sheep be of such value, and require such attendance, how much more the glorious flock which Christ hath purchased with his blood, and committed to our care! Negligence of this trust would be attended with aggravated ruin.