Evidently they were in a state of deep misery, and had fallen a prey to vanity for in chap. I. 2-1 1, the Writer holds up to the view of his nation the worthlessness of this entire. Earthly existence, intending thus to bring his fellow-country. Men to regard the wretched lot under which they were groaning in a more favourable light. If misery is the destined portion _of man, if man is born to evil, as it is said in Job v. 7, it surely cannot be of great consequence whether his lot be a shade brighter or a shade darker. For one whose sufferings are peculiarly severe, there 1s sweet consolation m the thought that to a certain extent, or rather, that in all the. Essential characteristics, of his condition, all men are his associates. If all is vanity, why need we vex ourselves so much about having a handful or so more of it?