They shall appoint a time and place for the hearing, and give ten days’ notice thereof, in writing, to all the parties, and if either party being notified shall fail to appear, they shall proceed ex parte, and shall adjourn the hearing, from time to time, as may be necessary; and for good cause they may postpone the hearing to any time, not extending beyond the next term of the court in which the suit is pending, or when a longer time is given by the order of the court within which to report, not extending beyond such time.