N01064:125
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. 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, Gal. 6. 10. To do thus is to Redeem the Time. Walk in wisdom towards them that are without, Redeeming the Time; h. e. Do all the good you can for those poor Unbelievers: Cain them to Christ if you can possibly, by a wise & holy Behaviour towards them. To do that is wisdom. He that winneth Souls is wise. The man that is duly careful to improve whatever Talents God has trusted him with for the good of others, is that wise man that Redeems Time. God distributes Talents to men according as it plea•eth Him. They that improve them as they should do, are wise Redeemers of their Time. To one the Lord commits a Talent of Riches: he is blessed with a ⟨p. 94⟩greater Estate than others. The Providence of God sets before him Objects in respect whereof he has an opportunity to do good, by using that Talent. It may be there is some poor body to be relieved, or some pious work to be promoted; now to take hold on this occasion, & not to let it slip is to Redeem the Time. Another has a Talent of Knowledge committed to him. The Divine Providence giveth him an opportunity to Instruct and Enlighten and Edify those that need Illumination. To improve his Talent accordingly, is a Redeeming of the Time.