Ecclesiastes (Charles Bridges)

‘The Scriptural method of exposition so well carried out by Bridges renders all his writings very suggestive to ministers. While explaining the passage in hand, he sets other portions of the word in new lights.’– C. H. Spurgeon

Charles Bridges’ commentary on Ecclesiastes shows that this neglected book of Scripture is as relevant for today as it has ever been.  Surely, America needs to be awakened to the futility of seeking happiness apart from knowing the Lord.

Ecclesiastes is a book that has seemed mysterious to many; but when its overall theme is kept in mind, it becomes much clearer.

In Light of the Gospel

Bridges himself said, “On no account could we have spared this book from the canon. It has its own sphere of instruction and that of no common value.”  Discovering its harmony with the New Testament is an exceptional pleasure, to see it in light of the gospel.  Yet its message is also sanctifying to the reader.  Indeed, the message of the book of Ecclesiastes is designed to bring men to complete consecration to God.

Bridges declares: ‘The men that we want are lively, warm, real men- men who have a daily contact with a personal living Saviour – men whose religion is the element in which they breathe, the principle by which they work- men who think of life as the seed time for eternity’.

About the Author

Charles Bridges served as an Evangelical party leader in the 19th century for the Church of England, serving as vicar of multiple churches. Ordained in 1817, he was educated at Queen’s College, Cambridge, and was chosen to preach at important occasions—including alongside J. C. Ryle in 1858. He became better known, though, for his writings.

Bridges’ most famous book was The Christian Ministry, which explored insufficiencies in ministries and proposes remedies to help ordained men serve God more faithfully. This title went through nine printings in just 20 years after its first publication. Other well known titles include Proverbs, the commentary Spurgeon called the best treatment of that Biblical book.  Ecclesiastes also received praise from Spurgeon.  Bridges’ exposition of Psalm 119 is a devotional exposition that Spurgeon called “worth its weight in gold.”