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

Sometimes also a man or woman shall feel a secret pensiveness growing over his heart, so that it even melts, as the ground that thaws after a frost, and he could even weep abundantly, tears offer themselves in a full measure. Here is an excellent occasion of renewing ones repentance. Now whatever be ones company, whatever be the matter in hand, except it be of absolute necessity, let him leave it off, and betake him to his Chamber or some secret place, let him fall on his knees; now let him open his mouth, and acknowledge his sins against himself, giving vent to his grief, and turning all to godly sorrow, whatsoever the occasion was at first. Thus if any body do, his repentance shall receive a notable increase: but if he pass it over, his ⟨p. 77⟩heart will not answer his desire another time. Further more, sometimes a mans heart is earnestly moved with some hungry desire to enjoy some grace of God, and great longing after some Christian virtue: Now let him in the heat and flame of his desire address himself to prayer; then one shall send up such piercing cries, and give such a loud knock against the gates of Christs mercy, that he cannot choose but hear, and send one back wi•h an Alms, as it were; thus he redeems the time: But else his desires will be so cold and chill at another time, that he shall scarce thrust a Petition out of his lips, and then these drop down at his feet, and do him little good. And thus in every other (through the turning of our affections) we must follow Gods Spirit, yea, or nature when it leads us, wisely turning all to spiritual uses. And thus you may ⟨p. 78⟩perceive what it is to redeem the time, and how it may be attained. Now let us come to some brief Application of the Point.

Sometimes also a man or woman shall feel a secret pensiveness growing over his heart, so that it even melts, as the ground that thaws after a frost, and he could even weep abundantly, tears offer themselves in a full measure. Here is an excellent occasion of renewing ones repentance. Now whatever be ones company, whatever be the matter in hand, except it be of absolute necessity, let him leave it off, and betake him to his Chamber or some secret place, let him fall on his knees; now let him open his mouth, and acknowledge his sins against himself, giving vent to his grief, and turning all to godly sorrow, whatsoever the occasion was at first. Thus if any body do, his repentance shall receive a notable encrease: but if he pass it over, his