To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (2) A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; (3) A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; (4) A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; (5) A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; (6) A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; (7) A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; (8) A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
I cannot but be led to suppose, that the Holy Ghost had some special design in what is here said respecting times and seasons; and, especially, as it is set forth under so great a variety of terms. If we consider what the Preacher here saith, spiritually, there is indeed to everything in grace a season, and a blessed season it forms, when the sinner is born of God, and to God; and dead to sin, and delivered both from the guilt and dominion of sin. Blessed Jesus! what a sweet thought is it, that my times are in thy hands. Psalms 31:15.