True gain, opened in a sermon preached at Pauls, Nov. 9. 1656

4. A wise Merchant doth husband time and opportunity for his best advantage, takes the right season for his voyage and commodity; that he may return with the more speed and profit. As tis observed of the Philosopher,¹ that foreseeing a plentiful year of Olives, he rented many Olive-yards, and by that demonstrated that a learned man, if he would aim at worldly gain, could easily be a rich man too. It is noted as an excellent part of wisdom to know and to manage time, Cujus unius avaritia honesta est, as Seneca speaks. Esther 1.13. 1 Chro. 12.32. Eph. 5.15, 17. The Rabbi said. Nemo est cui non sit horasua, every man hath his hour; he who overslips that season, ²may never meet with the like again, If thou haddest known in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace, Luke 19.42. The Scripture insists much upon a day of grace, and calls upon us to work, before the night come, 2 Cor. 6.2. Hebr. 3.15. Joh. 12.35. The Lord reckons the times which pass over us, and puts them upon our account. These three years I come, seeking fruit, and I find none, Luk. 13.7. ⟨p. 32⟩I gave her space to repent, and she repented not, Rev. 2.21, 22. from the 13. year, to the 25. year, I have spoken unto you, saith the Prophet, Jer. 25.3