A65610:83
The redemption of time, or, A sermon containing very good remedies for them that…
The redemption of time, or, A sermon containing very good remedies for them that have mis-spent their time showing how they should redeem it comfortably / by William Whately ... ; now published for general good by Richard Baxter.The redemption of time, or, A sermon containing very good remedies for them that have mis-spent their time shewing how they should redeem it comfortably / by William Whately ... ; now published for general good by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Francis Tyton, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
How often and how earnestly are men exhorted to all good works by the continual voice of God, speaking unto them by his servants? to read the word of God daily; to pray privately; to meditate upon the Word, to watch over their days; ⟨p. 59⟩and to call themselves to a reckoning every day for the faults committed in the day; yet who regards this voice? who marks these exhortations? where is one, that hath enjoined himself to some constancy in praying, reading, and the fore-named duties? This is to sleep in harvest, a most foolish practice and unwise; wherefore whilst there is yet a little time left, whilst we have the light, let us walk in it, that we be not overtaken with darkness. He that hath not yet begun, let him be sorry that he hath put it off so late, and now set foot into these ways of God, whilst God sets out his Word as a candle to direct him, and as his hand to lead him by. The promises of God are in like sort published amongst us. Happiness is held up as a reward of all true hearted Christians, and the crown of life is proposed to those, which are sound and faithful members of Jesus Christ. And ⟨p. 60⟩yet as •••ugh all w•r• sure to get it, or it w•re not worth •eeking•y any, the most men flatter themselves in their sins, and will n••ds promise these good things to themselves, when they have no assurance or proof out of Gods word, whereby to lay claim or title to them. This is a grievous and a dangerous neglecting of time. And if any have not yet made sure work this way, let him even now set about it, whilst the Word as a touch-stone is before him, by which he may try himself, and which will make him such a one as he should be, if he will strive to follow it, and pray for ability to be ruled by it. So then whilst God holds out his benefits, and stands with his arms open to accept us, let us take his benefits, and be persuaded to come unto him in good earnest; let it be too late to travel when midnight shall come, instead of noon day• ▪ This is the first and chiefest