\\INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 3\\

The general design of this chapter is to confirm what is before
observed, the vanity and inconstancy of all things; the frailty of man,
and changes respecting him; his fruitless toil and labour in all his
works; that it is best to be content with present things, and cheerful
in them, and thankful for them; that all comes from the hand of God;
that such good men, who have not at present that joy that others have,
may have it, since there is a time for it; and that sinners should not
please themselves with riches gathered by them, since they may be soon
taken from them, for there is a time for everything, \\#Ec 3:1\\; of which
there is an induction of particulars, \\#Ec 3:2-8\\; so that though every
thing is certain with God, nothing is certain with men, nor to be
depended on, nor can happiness be placed therein; there is no striving
against the providence of God, nor altering the course of things; the
labour of man is unprofitable, and his travail affliction and vexation,
\\#Ec 3:9,10\\; and though all God's works are beautiful in their season,
they are unsearchable to man, \\#Ec 3:11\\; wherefore it is best cheerfully
to enjoy the present good things of life, \\#Ec 3:12,13\\; and be content;
for the will and ways and works of God are unalterable, permanent, and
perfect, \\#Ec 3:14,15\\; and though wicked men may abuse the power
reposed in them, and pervert public justice, they will be called to an
account for it in the general judgment, for which there is a time set,
\\#Ec 3:16,17\\; and yet, such is the stupidity of the generality of men,
that they have no more sense of death and judgment than the brutes, and
live and die like them, \\#Ec 3:18-21\\; wherefore it is best of all to
make a right use of power and riches, or what God has given to men, for
their own good and that of others, since they know not what shall be
after them, \\#Ec 3:22\\.