795. EPH 5:16. ADMONITORY COUNSELS FOR THE CONCLUDING YEAR. [PART 2.]

Eph_5:16. Admonitory Counsels for the Concluding Year. [Part 2.]

"Redeeming the time because the days are evil."’97Eph_5:16.

In discoursing on the former verse, we considered both the course prohibited, and the course recommended for our adoption by the apostle. Our present subject is intimately connected with it. One of the highest evidences of wisdom is redeeming the time. One of the most palpable proofs of folly is trifling and whiling it away. We consider the subject as more especially appropriate at the conclusion of the year. Let the text then be considered as addressed to us, especially on the last Sabbath evening of the expiring year, "Redeeming the time," &c. Consider,

I. The subject to which we are directed.

That is to "time." It is measured duration. It is thus distinguished from eternity, as eternity is without limits and immeasurable. No signs by which eternity is distinguished. On the other hand, with time, we have it divided into several portions, as years, months, weeks, days, hours, and minutes. Now this measurement is of great importance to shortlived man. It assists us in the distribution and arrangement of our affairs. Now let us just dwell a little upon the subject of time.

1. Consider its true character.

It is the material of life. The measure of our earthly existence,’97the stream which bears all our race to the ocean of eternity. It often appears very different from the position which we occupy. If we are anxious to obtain some future good, or if we are suffering pain, it creeps with the pace of the snail. If we dread some evil, or fear the removal of some good, it flies, yea, darts forth with irresistible rapidity. But these are extreme views. Viewed under calm and collected feelings it is even in its course, and regular in its flight.

2. Consider its value.

And here we are at an utter loss. Consider there is no substitute for it. Consider its real scarcity. One moment is measured out at once. Consider how some would have purchased it. Many would have given a kingdom for a day; thousands for one hour. Consider there is no mart where it is to be had.

3. Consider the brief portion which is allotted or our service.

Now no even regular amount is guaranteed. But we will take a long life,’97threescore years and ten. What are they? A dream, a vapor, a thing of naught, a span, &c. But few enjoy so large a portion. Most do not reach half that period. Then strike off the necessary deductions; ten years of childhood and folly; one-third passes over in sleep, making twenty more; so that forty years is the utmost that can be calculated in the long life of threescore years and ten.

4. Consider the right application of time. Now there are the temporal claims of the body. Avocations of business, &c. These things must draw largely, &c., particularly upon the poor, &c. The improvement of the mind. Increase of mental capacity, &c. Then the welfare of the soul, and a preparation for the eternity before us. Life is the period of our stewardship, the time of our probation. All guilt must be removed,’97all holiness attained,’97all duties discharged,’97all graces matured, and all disposed for the heavenly state. Surely this is the chief end of man, the grand employment of time. Consider,

II. The course recommended.

"Redeeming the time," &c. This signifies to recover, to buy back. Now we cannot do this literally, but in a certain sense we may. The traveller who has loitered in the early part of the day, &c., may hasten swiftly onwards. The workman who has lost his morning opportunity, may by diligence and extensive exertions do much to make it up. Just so we may redeem the time, by keeping the great end of our existence in view. We may do so then,

1. By saving all the time we can.

Much time is lost in unnecessary sleep,’97much in frivolity,’97in trifling,’97in folly. Most may save one hour in the day from these. This will add half a day to each week. Much may be accomplished in that period.

2. By cherishing activity and diligence. Indolence is the bane of the body,’97of the mind,’97of society. Soul is capable of wonderful exertion. Formed with faculties, &c., for it. How necessary this diligence. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth," &c.

3. By regarding first the most momentous subjects.

Attend to these; secure these; then all will be well. The rich fool did the opposite. Soul first. Labor for eternity. On yes, the time is truly redeemed which is devoted to prayer and heavenly purposes.

III. The motives assigned.

"Because the days are evil."

1. They are uncertain in their number. You may have few left. Glass nearly run out. "Verily there is but a step," &c.

2. They are days of temptation and sin. Much will oppose you. Many snares and attractions. Many things to draw you aside, &c. Without vigilance you will make little out.

3. They are liable to be interrupted by infirmity and sickness.

Then your opportunities, and means, and powers of exertion will be unavailable. Then you will be called to suffer, not fight; to bear, not to do the will of God.

Application

1. Our subject is of universal and individual importance. It addresses each of us. The young and the aged, &c. The sinner and the saint.

2. With some much time has been wasted, yea murdered. Years upon years. Life nearly ended, yet its work not begun. Yea, you have been only making work for repentance. Oh, think of this. Do not longer barricade the door against yourselves. Do not render your salvation more difficult.

3. Our subject is connected with eternity. What a word! How truly solemn! Yes, the acting time and. the realities of eternity are inseparably connected.

4. Exhort all to repentance. Do not procrastinate or defer. Not merely resolve. Let your watchword be now. The present. Now is all I can call my own, &c. All I am sure of, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS