The argument was not peculiar to those early times. It is pertinent at all times.

The Christian, while he dwells on earth, may say, "The days are evil," because he finds in himself much disorder and corruption. In the world of glory watchfulness will be superseded by perfection. Here he must walk circumspectly, that he may not be drawn away by fleshly lusts and worldly affections-may keep under his body and bring it into subjection-may strengthen the principles of holiness in his soul, and confirm his heavenly hopes.

The days are evil, as he is exposed to various afflic tions. He must walk circumspectly, that he may comport with the aspects of providence, accommodate himself to all changes of condition, learn obedience and resignation to God by the things which he suffers, and by faith and patience obtain the promises.

The days are evil, for there are many adversaries. Evil spirits, worldly objects, wicked examples and fleshly inclinations oppose his progress. He must walk circumspectly, that he may foresee and avoid temptations, guard against a surprise, prevent the undue influence of sensible objects, and be blameless and harmless in the midst of a perverse nation.

The days are evil, as iniquity abounds. He must walk circumspectly, that he may keep himself unspotted from the world, may secure his good profession from contempt, may stop the progress of vice and error, and support the languishing cause of truth and righteousness.

Let us apply to ourselves these considerations; and as we profess to be Christians-to be children of light and of the day, let us not walk as those who are in darkness, and know not at what they stumble; but let us walk wisely and circumspectly, redeeming the time, because the days are evil,

SERMON XXXVIII.

Redemption of Time.

EPHESIANS v. 16.

-Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

THE redemption of time, together with the reason for it, "the days are evil," will be the subject of our present meditations.

1. We will consider what it is to redeem the time. To redeem is to reclaim by price, or recover by labor that which has been lost or alienated; or to preserve by prudence that which is in danger. It is a metaphor taken from the practice of merchants, who observe the favorable seasons of buying and selling, of making profits and repairing losses, who keep regular accounts of their expenses and gains, and often inspect their affairs, to know whether their interest is in progress or decline.

It is here supposed that time is precious. That we may redeem it, we must make a just estimate of its value.

It is precious, because we have much business on our hands-business which relates, not to our bodies only, but to our souls-not merely to this life, but to the whole duration of our existence.

It is precious, because it is short and uncertain; and our work must be done soon, or it never can be done at all.

It is precious, because part, and, with many, the greater part of it is gone already. What remains is increased in value, as it is contracted in length. We had none to waste at first; we have need to be frugal

now.

To redeem time is to regain what is lost, and to save what is left.

First: We must regain the time which is lost.

1

Time passed, indeed, cannot be recalled. Each moment, which flies off, is gone forever, and will return no more. Like the wind, it passeth away and cometh not again. But we do the best we can toward the recovery of lost time, when we reflect with sorrow on follies past, and resolve to be wise in future. Though we cannot revoke the past guilty scenes, yet we may repent that we have lived as we have done; and be careful now to live as we should have done. We shall not amend our lives, until we repent of past sins; nor improve our future time well, until we are humbled, that the past has been spent so ill.

Sit down then, and take a serious review of life. Inquire how it has been employed-what attention you have paid to the great end of your existence-what good you have done for others, or gained for yourselves-what proficiency you have made in knowledge and holiness-what hope you have acquired, and on what ground it rests.

Upon strict inquiry, many, I am afraid, will find, they have done little or nothing to the purpose, and their work is all to be done, when much of the day is spent. And all, no doubt, may confess, that their progress has not been answerable to the time they have enjoyed. Let the time past suffice to have been wasted in negligence and folly. Henceforth "walk circumspectly, redeeming the time."

Secondly: This phrase imports prudence to save, and diligence to improve the time that remains.

In vain you pretend to lament your past folly, unless you apply your hearts to wisdom. "Godly sorrow will work in you carefulness."

1. Enter on your work speedily. Do you ask, what is your work? It is time you knew. Consult God's word; that will tell you. The religion of a sinner must begin in repentance toward God, and faith toward Jesus Christ; and it must be perfected in the works of faith and the fruits of repentance. "Think then on your ways, turn your feet into God's testimonies; make haste and delay not to keep his commandments." No longer content yourselves with distant purposes. While you procrastinate, instead of redeeming the time you have lost, you are losing what is left. How can you say, You repent, that you haye trifled so long, if you continue to trifle still? How can you say, You wish to recal your time, that you may improve it better, if still you waste your time as be fore? If you think of regaining lost time, make imme. diate application to your work; for while you delay, time passes off; and the more you lose, the more is to be redeemed, and the smaller your stock on hand. 2. Attend to your work with diligence.

A sense of past slothfulness must excite you to severer industry. The traveller, who lingers in the morning, must proceed with quicker pace to reach the intended stage by night. The Redeemer, who was always diligent in God's work, was more active, as his time grew shorter. "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: The night cometh, when no man can work.”

"What your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work in the grave.' There are duties which relate both to this, and to the future world. These duties, considered in relation to their different objects, differ in importance; but both claim

attention. Diligence in your secular duties is important, as a security against temptations, as conducive to your comfort and usefulness, and as included in the obligations to justice and charity. It therefore, in its connexion and influence, is a substantial part of religion. Diligence in the work of your souls is the principal thing; for your future salvation is so much superior to all other interests, that it is called, The one thing needful. However diligent you are in your secular calling, if, in the mean time, you neglect your salvation, you only trifle; for "what will you be profited, if you gain the whole world, and lose your soul ?”

Be not only fervent, but steady in your work. A wavering zeal makes no progress. "The doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways: Let not that man think, that he shall obtain any thing of the Lord.”

Be fruitful in every good work. Aspire to eminence in holiness. Forgetting the things which are behind, reach forward to the things which are before, and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling."

3. Guard against the things, which rob you of your time.

An indolent habit is inconsistent with laudable actions. It creates imaginary, and magnifies real difficulties and dangers. It raises a lion or a hedge of thorns in its way. It enervates the powers of the body, and stupifies the energy of the mind.

A versatile humor is active, but wants patience. It forms great designs with confidence, enters upon them with ardor and leaves them unmatured. It flies from object to object with too much rapidity to appropriate or retain any. Novelty only has charms; familiarity begets indifference. Time is lost, because nothing is prosecuted to effect.

An excessive fondness for company and amusement, is the cause of much waste of time. Diversions may be innocent; but then, they must be well chosen,