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

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 Mat. 16. and the beginning. Nor could the Jews know their opportunity; it was hidden from their eyes, Luk. 19.42. Who is as the wise man? (saith Solomon in Eccl. 8.) that is, how rarely is the wise man to be found? Where is he to be found? But why so? The wise man (saith he) discerneth time and judgment, that is, he is able to judge when things are to be done; and therefore 'tis rare to find such a wise man. Embracing of opportunity is a wisdom that God alone must teach us, by considering the shortness of our time, to be so wise as to improve it,