A Christian Directory

§. 38. Direct. 1. THE first point in the art of Redeeming Time, is, to dispatch first with greatest ¹care and diligence, the greatest works, of absolute necessity, which must be done, or else we are undone for ever. First, see that the great work of a sound conversion or sanctification be certainly wrought within you: Make sure of your saving interest in Christ: get proof of your adoption and peace with God, and right to everlasting life: Be able to prove to your Consciences from the word of God, and from your Regenerate Heavenly hearts and lives, that your souls are justified and safe; and may comfortably receive the news of death, when ever it shall be sent to call you hence: And then, when you have done but this much of your work, you will incur no such loss of Time, as will prove the loss of your souls or happiness. Though still there is much more work to do, for your selves and others, yet when this much is soundly done, you have secured the main. If you lose the Time in which you should be renewed by the spirit of Christ, and in which you should lay up your treasure in Heaven, you are lost for ever. Be sure therefore that you look first to this: And then if you lose but the Time in which you might have grown rich or got preferment; your loss is tolerable; you know the worst of it: You may see to the end of it. Yea, if you lose the Time in which you should increase in Holiness, and edify others, the loss is grievous; but yet it will not lose you Heaven: Therefore as Solomon directeth the Husbandman, Prov. 24. 27. Prepare thy work without and make it fit for thy self in the field; and afterwards build thine house: so I advise you, to see first that the necessary work be done: when that's done, and well done, you may go quietly and cheerfully about the rest: seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness; O what a deal is done when this is done?

§. 38. Direct. 1. THE first point in the art of Redeeming Time, is, to dispatch first with greatest ¹care and diligence, the greatest works, of absolute necessity, which must be done, or else we are undone for ever. First, see that the great work of a sound conversion or sanctification be certainly wrought within you: Make sure of your saving interest in Christ: get proof of your adoption and peace with God, and right to everlasting life: Be able to prove to your Consciences from the word of God, and from your Regenerate Heavenly hearts and lives, that your souls are justified and safe; and may comfortably receive the news of death, when ever it shall be sent to call you hence: And then, when you have done but this much of your work, you will incur no such loss of Time, as will prove the loss of your souls or happiness. Though still there is much more work to do, for your selves and others, yet when this much is soundly done, you have secured the main. If you lose the Time in which you should be renewed by the spirit of Christ, and in which you should lay up your treasure in Heaven, you are lost for ever. Be sure therefore that you look first to this: And then if you lose but the Time in which you might have grown rich or got preferment; your loss is tolerable; you know the worst of it: You may see to the end of it. Yea, if you lose the Time in which you should increase in Holiness, and edifie others, the loss is grievous; but yet it will not lose you Heaven: Therefore as Solomon directeth the Husbandman,