Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…

2. Herein is implied, Wisdom to discern of Times and Seasons. As it is said of the Children of Issachar, that they had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do, 1 Chron. 12.32. There is no redeeming the time without wisdom; therefore the Apostle saith, Walk wisely, redeeming the time: And Solomon saith, A wise mans heart discerneth both time and judgment, Eccles. 8.5. As in Civil affairs, except a man know when the Market is, how should he take hold of the opportunity while the Market is up, to buy and furnish himself with what he stands in need of: So if a man hath not wisdom to discern of times and seasons, he will never improve them aright; hence Christ complaineth of the Jews, How is it that you do not discern this time, Luke 12.56. and again, chap. 19.43, 44. If thou hadst known in this thy day, the things that belong to thy peace. Thou knowest not the time of thy visitation: They did not improve their day of Grace; therefore are said, not to know their time.

3. Herein is implied, A willingness to part with those things that would hinder from receiving or doing good. The Greek word which is here used, signifieth to buy. Now in buying there is always a parting with something; as the Gospel speaketh of the wise Merchant, that he parted with all that ⟨p. 162⟩he had for the Pearl of great price; So it is in buying or redeeming time, there must be a parting with those things that would make a man lose his time. The Original word is a Metaphor taken from wise Merchants or Tradesmen, that prefer their profit above their ease and pleasure. So if a man would redeem time, he must forego those things which would hinder him from glorifying God, or that would keep him from promoting the eternal Salvation of his own Soul; yea, and he must be content to put himself to some trouble and disadvantage, that he may promote the Spiritual and Eternal Welfare of other mens Souls; and this is here intended by the Apostle, Walk in Wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time; as if he had said, take hold of opportunities to gain Infidels to Christ, though it should be to your own outward disadvantage; see that you do what you can to gain men to Christ, though you your selves should lose by it, as to temporal concerns.