An exposition of Solomons book called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seen and allowedAn exposition of Salomons booke called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seene and allowed

All things have their time.

All thinges haue their tyme.

That is, their appointed hour and season, which if man pass and go beyond, and will bring all things about after his own ways and devises, he shall reap nought but vanity thereof. Many men labour to wax rich, but they prevail not. Other are enriched, yea without any labour. Because God hath appointed that hour, for the one, and not for the other.

THat is, their appointed houre and season, which if man passe and goe beyond, and will bring all thinges about after his owne wayes and deuises, hée shall reape nought but vanitie thereof. Many men labour to waxe riche, but they preuaile not. Other are enriched, yea without any labour. Because God hath appointed that houre, for the one, and not for the other.

And every purpose. &c.

And euery purpose. &c.

IN the Hebrew it is Hephetz, which commonly is translated pleasure, or desire. Me thinketh it may handsomely be translated delight, as in the 2. Psalm: his delight is in the law of the Lord. For Hephetz signifieth, that which a man doth apply himself unto, & delighteth in. That desire that a man hath to fulfil the law. But even herein also, all the things that men wish and desire, they labour and would fain have them, but they vex themselves only, because they can not attain to that hour & season, which they go about to prevent, and therefore they get nothing. Therefore things must simply and plainly be committed unto God, and we must use things present, and abstain from desire of things to come. And if we deal otherwise, we shall reap nothing but labour & travel.