[Dec. 31st, 1854.]
I. What it is. II. How it should be improved. III. Means to that end. IV. Motives to enforce the duty.
I. Time is duration as measured by succession. Without succession there could be no time. To a large extent our conception of time arises from the imperfection of our nature. To us the distinction between the past, present and future is palpable. But suppose that the past was as vivid as the present. It would then be present. And, with clear foresight of the future, it also would be present, and we should exist in an unmoving state.
Time has reference to our present mode of existence. We are said to stand on the borders of eternity. The departed are said to be in eternity. In German idiom, the familiar expression for the dead is, those rendered eternal.
Time then, so far as we are concerned, is that portion of our existence which we pass in this world. The flow of time is equable. It never moves either faster or slower. To our consciousness it is, however, variable. Sometimes it is swift, when we are so occupied that we pay no attention to its progress; sometimes slow, when we are constantly watching its motion, or when many distinct events, usually widely separated, are crowded into a short period.
The flow of time is ceaseless. It waits for no man. It is irrevocable. The past is gone for ever. As time is that in which events and acts are performed, its due improvement is our primary duty.
II. The due improvement of time requires,
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That it should not be allowed to run to waste, or spent in idleness.
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That it should not be employed in doing what is evil or useless.
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That it should be employed, (a.) In the service of God. (b.) In selfimprovement. (c.) In doing good to our fellow-men. These are three great legitimate ends to which our time should be consecrated. All else is subordinate or included under those heads.
III. The way to improve our time.
- All rules on this subject, to be of use, suppose the existence of a sense of its value, and of a purpose to turn it to the best account. Otherwise, we might as well prescribe rules for preserving life to the dead.
It must be taken for granted, then, that we possess the desire and purpose to improve our time, or rules will do us no good. The maxims of experience are,
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A time for everything, and everything in its proper time. That is, first, there should be system, and secondly, no procrastination or delay.
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Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves. Gather up the fragments.
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Whatever you do, do it with your might.
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Never be idle. Seek rest in sleep, and relaxation in change of employment.
IV. The motives to enforce this duty.
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We are responsible to God for the use of our time. It is the great talent committed to our care.
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It is short, uncertain and irrevocable.
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Much of it has already run to waste.
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The issues of time are in eternity. The present determines the eternal future.
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