A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

1. And First I shall show you the force of the first Argument, and that is the fitness of this present season of Grace for our working and employment. It is (saith the Apostle) 1. The Time, 2. The Day.

1. And First I shall shew you the force of the first Argument, and that is the fitness of this present season of Grace for our working and employment. It is (saith the Apostle) 1. The Time, 2. The Day.

Sect. 11 1. It is the Time. I showed you in the explaining, of the sense of the first Argument the meaning of the word Time. I told you it did clearly import tempestivity, opportunity, the flower, the cream, the lustre, the beauty of time. But how doth this consideration, that the present Season of Grace is the time of opportunity, urge and enforce the duty of a present improving of the season of Grace? In answer whereunto I offer these following considerations.

Sect. 11 1. It is the Time. I shewed you in the explaining, of the sense of the first Argument the meaning of the word Time. I told you it did clearly import tempestivity, opportunity, the flower, the cream, the lustre, the beauty of time. But how doth this consideration, that the present Season of Grace is the time of opportunity, urge and inforce the duty of a present improving of the season of Grace? In answer whereunto I offer these following considerations.

1. The First is this: The time of opportunity is that which we may easily let slip. It is tempus labile, a time that may easily slip between our fingers, especially in Spiritual concernments. It is needful therefore now, instantly, to lay hold upon it. Opportunity is hardly embraced. The learned Pharisees could not discern their opportunity by discerning the signs of Christ's coming, as you have it in