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

Doct. The point which the words offer to our consideration at the first sight, is this, That all Christians ought to be very good husbands for their time. Good hours and opportunities are merchandise of the highest rate & price: and whosoever will have his soul thrive, must not suffer any of these bargains of Time to pass him, but must buy up, and buy out all the minutes thereof. No man of trade ⟨p. 7⟩can be more careful to chaffer, and deal in the most gainful things that pertain to his occupation, than we should be to deal in this ware of Time, wherein every Christian is, or should be a well taught and practised dealer. As such kind of men (if they can either make money themselves, or borrow it of their friends, yea; or else (such is the greediness of men) (take it up of the Usurer) will not let slip any commodity wherein they have skill, and are persuaded that it will bring in large profit within a short time of return: so should every good man use all diligence (for diligence is in stead of money here, and care in stead of coin) to gain every day, every hour, and every minute, (so much as may be possible) from all unprofitable actions, and overworldly affairs, to bestow the same on the duties of Religion and godliness. This being such a parcel of ware, as if it be wisely bestowed, when it ⟨p. 8⟩is heedfully gotten, will come i• again with both hands full of profit for recompense of ones pains taken i• that behalf. This self-same exhortation, this same Apostle delivers in s• many words unto the Colossians, whe• he saith, Walk wisely towards them that are without, and redeem the time▪ Col. 2, 5. See how Paul, an old beaten and experienced dealer in these matters for the soul, doth neither forget nor neglect to teach his apprentices (as I may call them) the very secrets and mysteries of the trade of good living, whereof this is one, even the thrifty laying out and getting in of time: which being repeated to the Colossians, (as well as delivered to these Ephesians) comes with a double charge upon our minds, to make us heedful in these bargains. And that excellent petition of Moses (the man of God) doth mean nothing else but this, when in other words he saith, Teach me so to number my days, that I