A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

5. We must give an account for Time, and therefore let not Pleasure engross and take up too much of it. Whenever God comes to reckon with his People, the great thing for which he calls them to an account is their Time; he keeps an exact reckoning of the Years of his Patience, Psal. 95.10. Forty Years long was I grieved with this Generation: I have given them thirty, forty, fifty Years Respite to think of their Sins, and apply their Hearts to be wise for Eternity. So of the Times and Seasons of Grace, and Methods and Dispensations of Mercy; Luke 13.7. Behold, these three Years came I, seeking Fruit of this Fig-tree, and find none: by which is meant the three Years of Christ's Ministry with the Jews; for he was then entering on his last half-year. When the Scripture speaks in a round number, there's no Mystery in it; but when the Numbers are uneven and odd, there is something to be noted; these three Years Christ had been labouring with them. And Jer. 25.3. From the thirteenth Year of Josiah the Son of Amon King of Judah, (that is the three and twentieth Year) the Word of the Lord hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early, and speaking, &c. Such Passages are but Pledges of the great Process of the Day of Judgment. God will call to account then for the time of his Patience, and the Means and Mercies you have had. O then reflect this Truth upon your Hearts, and say, I must die and give an account for Time, and alas, I cannot give an account of one day among a thousand! my Time hath been spent in foolish Mirth, in troublesome Cares, in idle Company, in vain Sports and Revellings; and how shall I be able to look God in the Face, and answer him? Do but pass the Account with your selves, and if you cannot answer Conscience, you will never be able to answer God. So much Time spent in Meals and Banquets, so much in Visits, so much in Sports, so much in Sleep, so much in Worldly Employments, and then think how little a Remainder there is for God! O if we did but now and then cast up our Accounts, it would extremely shame us. If you hire a Labourer for the Day, and he should come at Night, and demand Pay, and the Master should say, What hast thou done for me?

5. We must give an account for Time, and therefore let not Pleasure engross and take up too much of it. Whenever God comes to reckon with his People, the great thing for which he calls them to an account is their Time; he keeps an exact reckoning of the Years of his Patience,