A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 43. Of seasons limited by God.

THough the limits of this day be unknown to man, and thereupon it be stiled, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 certain day, yet God hath determined the times before appointed, Acts 17. 26. And in this respect, the certain day is said to be limited. God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to man the seasons. He appoints when they shall begin: and how long they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 continue.

That which is said of a season to every thing, and of a time to every purpose, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Divine Providence so ordering it. For it is said of God, He hath made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing beautifull in his time, Eccl. 3. 1, 11.

Here mention is made of a limited day, and in other places of an hour, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 likewise limited: and that for doing or permitting any thing to be done. Christ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 off the manifestation of his power in supplying wine at a marriage feast (I•…•…. 24) and his going to the feast at Ierusalem (John 7. 6.) because his hour was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come. The Jews were not permitted to lay hold on Christ, till his hour was 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Joh. 7. 30. & 8. 20. but when the hour was come, then were they permitted to do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they would, Ioh. 12. 23, 27. Luk. 22. 53.

• 1. The Lord is the most high, supream Soveraign over all: and in that respect he hath an absolute power to appoint times and seasons: and to order matters to be done, when he seeth meet, Acts 1. 7. This kinde of power hath every Goreenour within the circuit of his jurisdiction: much more the Lord of the whole world.
• 2. The understanding of this high Soveraign, is infinite, Psal. 147. 5. He best knoweth which are the fittest times and seasons.

Hereby we are taught to ascribe the glory of all seasons for attaining any good •…•…g to the Lord, to be thankfull unto him for the same: to use them to that 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for which he affords them: and to take heed that we let not slip that season, which he limiteth for any purpose. No man can prorogue a season beyond the Lords limits. See more hereof Chap. 3. v. 7. §. 76. & v. 13. §. 146.