N01064:124
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.
when Christians improve them unto Soul advantage, they Redeem the Time. And so they likewise do when they are much in Prayer to God. The man that Redeems his Time, will have his constant times for Prayer. Such an one was Cornelius, of whom it is said, that he Prayed to God alway, Act. 10. 2. Because he kept up his constant daily seasons for Prayer, & would not omit them. The Time that is spent with God, is Time well spent.
when Christians improve them unto Souladvantage, they Redeem the Time. And so they likewise do when they are much in Prayer to God. The man that Redeems his Time, will have his constant times for Prayer. Such an one was Cornelius, of whom it is said, that he Prayed to God alway, Act. 10. 2. Because he kept up his constant daily seasons for Prayer, & would not omit them. The Time that is spent with God, is Time well spent.
II. They that are duly careful to improve opportunities to Glorify God, and do Good to Men, Redeem the Time. The Greek word KAIROS, which is here translated Time, signifies Opportunity, or seasonable Time. That article of time which is fit for doing such a thing. Sometimes the Providence of God puts into the hands of men a great Opportunity or Advantage to promote the Glory of His Name. So it is with those who are in a Public Capacity; They have greater opportunities than others to promote the Glory of God in the world. Magistrates have so by being a Terror to Evil-doers, & a Praise to, ⟨p. 93⟩them that do Well. And the Ministers of the Gospel in a singular manner, are advantaged with opportunities to Glorify God by promoting the Good and Salvation of the Souls of men, whereby God will be Glorified throughout Everlasting Ages. Yea, all Christians have Opportunities more or less to Glorify God, by endeavouring the good of men, especially of His People. To do good to men is to glorify God: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to the Household of Faith,