A26892:2171
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Part 1 › Chapter 5 › Directions for REDEEMING or well improving TIME.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§. 2. Time in its most common acception is taken generally for all that space of this present life1 which is our opportunity for all the works of life, and the measure of them. Time is often taken more strictly, for some special Opportunity which is fitted to a special work; which we call the season or the fittest time: In both these senses Time must be Redeemed.
- 1Whats meant by Time.
§. 3. As every work hath its season which must be taken, Eccles. 3. 1. So have the greatest works1 assigned us for God and our souls some special seasons besides our common time. 1. Some Times God hath fitted by Nature for his service. So the Time of Youth, and health, and strength is specially fit for holy work. 2. Some Time is made specially fit by Gods Institution; As the Lords Day above all other days. 3. Some Time is made fit by Governors appointment: as the hour of public Meeting for Gods Worship, and Lecture-days; and the hour for family-worship, which every Master of a family may appoint to his own household. 4. Some Time is made fit by the temper of mens Bodies; The Morning hours are best to most, and to some rather the Evening; and to all, the Time when the Body is freest from pain and disabling weaknesses. 5. Some Time is made fit by the course of our necessary natural or civil business; as the day is fitter than the sleeping time of the night, and as that hour is the fittest wherein our other employments will least disturb us. 6. Some Time is made fit by a special shower of Mercy public or private; as when we dwell in godly families, among the most exemplary helpful company, under the most lively excellent means, the faithfullest Pastors, the profitablest Teachers, the best Masters or Parents, and with faithful friends. 7. Some Time is made fit by particular acts of Providence: as a Funeral Sermon at the death of any near us; as the presence of some able Minister or private Christian, whose company we cannot ordinarily have: or a special leisure, as the Eunuch had to read the Scripture in his Chariot,