The redemption of time, or, A sermon containing very good remedies for them that…

These words which I have read, lead us into that path: being part of an exhortation begun in the former ⟨p. 3⟩verse. There in general he had exhorted them to be most strictly careful of their ways, and to direct their course of life in such respective sort, as they might deserve the name of wise, not unwise men: commending herein unto them and us, that very strictness and preciseness, wherewith the world hath now long since picked a quarrel and fallen out. And because this was but a general rule, he seconds it with some particulars, by which we may be led on to the like instances in other matters. The first of these specials is placed in the well disposing o• Time, in this verse: Where having set down the duty of Christians in this behalf, he backs it with a reason; which in it self and to a spiritual understanding, is most sound and firm; but to the carnal judgement of a carnal man, is void of all soundness and reason. The duty is, to buy out the Time, to traffic with it, as men do with wares; ⟨p. 4⟩and when it is in other mens hands (as I may say) to give something (yea, any thing) that we may get it into our own hands for good uses. He means, that we should use our greatest care and diligence (even that which we would employ in matters most nearly concerning us) to win all the time we possibly can, for the duties of Religion and Godliness. His argument to confirm this exhortation, is taken from the contrary, (if we look on it with a carnal eye, it will seem inconsequent, halting, and not able to bear up the Conclusion) it is, because the days are evil: that is, the customs and manners of the greatest part of men that live, are wicked and lewd. Now because the number and rout of the world is so strongly bent to all manner of ungodliness, as that they have even tainted the time itself, and corrupted the very days; the Apostle would therefore have the Ephesians, and all ⟨p. 5⟩other Christians so much the more industrious, to take all seasons and occasions for the bettering of themselves. Because other men are naught, and stark naught, therefore ought faithful Christians to be good, and very good, and to turn all opportunities to this end and use, that they may be furtherances to make them good.