N00297:82
Some important truths concerning conversion, and the improving seasons of grace; as also about…
Some important truths concerning conversion, and the improving seasons of grace; as also about prayer in families, and in secret: delivered in several sermons; / by Increase Mather.
Boston: printed by Samuel Green for John Griffin, 1684
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.
Hence also is that 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season. In season, is in time of prosperity; out of season is a time of Adversity, when a man cannot Preach, nor hear a Sermon, without incurring danger; yet such times must be improved to be doing and receiving good. If the times be bad, then the Lord threatens men, to deprive them of seasons of Grace, and in that respect there is the more need to improve them. And this is a special thing intended by the Apostle in the Text, Walk in wisdom redeeming the time: Show your wisdom (saith he) by making the best of a bad Market. As wise Merchants, if the times be bad, will be more wary; if Trading be dead and low, they will be loth to venture upon a bad bargain, or to let slip the advantage of a good Bargain. Thus should men deal as to their Souls; as for seasons of Grace, they should see that they husband them […], especially when the Lord is threatening to take them away.
Hence also is that 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season. In season, is in time of prosperity; out of season is a time of Adversity, when a man cannot Preach, nor hear a Sermon, without incurring danger; yet such times must be improved to be doing and receiving good. If the times be bad, then the Lord threatens men, to deprive them of seasons of Grace, and in that respect there is the more need to improve them. And this is a special thing intended by the Apostle in the Text, Walk in wisdom redeeming the time: Shew your wisdom (saith he) by making the best of a bad Market. As wise Merchants, if the times be bad, will be more wary; if Trading be dead and low, they will be loth to venture upon a bad bargain, or to let slip the advantage of a good Bargain. Thus should men deal as to their Souls; as for seasons of Grace, they should see that they husband them 〈…〉, especially when the Lord is threatning to take them away.
5. Times of being in company and converse with others, ought to be improved. Such