N01064:121
A discourse concerning earthquakes. Occasioned by the earthquakes which were in New-England, in the…
A discourse concerning earthquakes. Occasioned by the earthquakes which were in New-England, in the province of Massachusetts-Bay, June 16. and in Connecticut-Colony [sic], June 22. 1705. : Also, two sermons, showing, that sin is the greatest evil; and, that to redeem time is the greatest wisdom. / By Increase Mather.A discourse concerning earthquakes. Occasioned by the earthquakes which were in New-England, in the province of Massachusetts-Bay, June 16. and in Conecticot-Colony [sic], June 22. 1705. : Also, two sermons, shewing, that sin is the greatest evil; and, that to redeem time is the greatest wisdom. / By Increase Mather.
Boston: printed by Timothy Green for Benjamin Eliot, 1706
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.
II. How it does appear that it is Great Wisdom to do so?
Quest. I. Who are they that Redeem Time? Or, when may a man be said to do so?
Answ. I. They that are duly careful to improve Seasons of Grace in order to their own Spiritual and Eternal advantage, may truly be said to Redeem the Time. God is pleased to give unto men a Day of Grace: A Day wherein He offer Grace and Mercy, and Heaven to them; 2 Cor 6. 2. Behold now is the accepted Time, behold now is the day of Salvation. If before that Day is done, sinners will seek unto the Lord for that Grace without which they must Eternally perish, they may obtain it. The Prophet therefore said, Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is •ea; Isa. 55. 6. While the Day of Grace continues He may be found: He is within call; but when that day is […] is gone, & no more within call. And […] are many sinners whom He favours […] a Day, so with special means of Grace. The Word & Ordinances of God are so To improve them accordingly, is to Redeem the Time. When the Gospel is Preached to men, it is Day with them. This Day will not last always Joh. 12. 35. Yet a little while is the Light with you, walk while you have ⟨p. 91⟩the Light lest Darkness come upon you. Wherefore men are concerned to improve this day well in order to obtain Grace & Salvation; and if they do so, they Redeem the Time. Moreover, the Lord vouchsafes means of Grace, not only that so sinners may get Grace, but that Saints may grow in Grace. And if they do under the dispensation of the Gospel grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they then Redeem the Time. When an Edifying Sermon is Preached, that's a time for Christians to gain good to their own Souls. Now to lay hold on it, and improve it for that end is a R deeming of Time. It is recorded concerning Mary, that she sat at Jesus feet & heard His Word,