Ecc 3:1, Act 1:7, 1Th 5:1 | JFB | STEP | . Earthly pursuits are no doubt lawful in their proper time and order ( ), but unprofitable when out of time and place; as for instance, when pursued as the solid and chief good ( , ); whereas God makes everything beautiful in its season, which man obscurely comprehends ( ). God allows man to enjoy moderately and virtuously His earthly gifts ( , ). What consoles us amidst the instability of earthly blessings is, God's counsels are immutable ( ). 1. Man has his appointed cycle of seasons and vicissitudes, as the sun, wind, and water ( ). purpose-- as there is a fixed "season" in God's "purposes" (for example, He has fixed the "time" when man is "to be born," and "to die," ), so there is a lawful "time" for man to carry out his "purposes" and inclinations. God does not condemn, but approves of, the use of earthly blessings ( ); it is the abuse that He condemns, the making them the chief end ( ). The earth, without human desires, love, taste, joy, sorrow, would be a dreary waste, without water; but, on the other hand, the misplacing and excess of them, as of a flood, need control. Reason and revelation are given to control them.

‏ Ecclesiastes 3:1

CHAPTER 3

Earthly pursuits are no doubt lawful in their proper time and order (Ec 3:1-8), but unprofitable when out of time and place; as for instance, when pursued as the solid and chief good (Ec 3:9, 10); whereas God makes everything beautiful in its season, which man obscurely comprehends (Ec 3:11). God allows man to enjoy moderately and virtuously His earthly gifts (Ec 3:12, 13). What consoles us amidst the instability of earthly blessings is, God's counsels are immutable (Ec 3:14).

1. Man has his appointed cycle of seasons and vicissitudes, as the sun, wind, and water (Ec 1:5-7).

purpose--as there is a fixed "season" in God's "purposes" (for example, He has fixed the "time" when man is "to be born," and "to die," Ec 3:2), so there is a lawful "time" for man to carry out his "purposes" and inclinations. God does not condemn, but approves of, the use of earthly blessings (Ec 3:12); it is the abuse that He condemns, the making them the chief end (1Co 7:31). The earth, without human desires, love, taste, joy, sorrow, would be a dreary waste, without water; but, on the other hand, the misplacing and excess of them, as of a flood, need control. Reason and revelation are given to control them.

‏ Acts 1:7

6-8. wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?--Doubtless their carnal views of Messiah's kingdom had by this time been modified, though how far it is impossible to say. But, as they plainly looked for some restoration of the kingdom to Israel, so they are neither rebuked nor contradicted on this point.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 5:1

CHAPTER 5

1Th 5:1-28. The Suddenness of Christ's Coming a Motive for Watchfulness; Various Precepts: Prayer for Their Being Found Blameless, Body, Soul, and Spirit, at Christ's Coming: Conclusion.

1. times--the general and indefinite term for chronological periods.

seasons--the opportune times (Da 7:12; Ac 1:7). Time denotes quantity; season, quality. Seasons are parts of times.

ye have no need--those who watch do not need to be told when the hour will come, for they are always ready [Bengel].

cometh--present: expressing its speedy and awful certainty.