Time is measured, and is alike at both ends; it began with a day, and will end with a day. Hence the evening and the morning were said to be the first day, as the universal judgment is called the last day.
Time is only little thought of—by those who think still less of eternity. But if I look into a future world, I will see of the great importance of every moment of my time, who with my allotted time—must prepare for this everlasting fixed state.
Time is short, and eternity is long! Yet, in this short time, I must prepare for long eternity! O! what a duration is before me! But what a foolish infatuation is within me—that I should mind the trifling things of time, and forget the great concerns of eternity! N
Then it is wisdom to be prepared for death. Always expect him—and you will not be terrified at his approach. Thus I should look on every day as my last, that when my last day comes, it may not come unlooked for, nor overtake me unprepared.
And yet, (woe is me!) am I not more anxious to grow in earthly things—than to grow for heaven? Will not the fear of temporal losses outweigh the joy I should have in believing? While God and glory have a passing meditation in my heart, have not the vanities of the world a permanent mansion? Does not worldly sorrow take deeper root in my soul, than spiritual joy? And, were my thoughts counted up—most would be spent on earthly vanities—while sacred things have scarcely a concern!
One thinks least on what he loves least. O mournful conclusion! that I love God least, since he is least in my thoughts! But let me rise in my contemplation, and see the celestial multitudes, dwelling in the full display of his glory. Should anything below concern him, who has his eternal portion above? Should the pleasures of the world, which are but painted clouds, and airy appearances, entice him; or the troubles of the world terrify him, who is in a little while, to take his eternal farewell of both? Let adversities keep close at his heels, heaven has an open door for him, into which, while they must stand outside; he shall enter inside, and remember his misery no more.
No incursions there on the adoring soul, from the world, or from vanity, from sin, Satan, or the flesh. No weariness there, where my adorations are not measured by minutes, cramped by corruption, or cut short by bodily indisposition.
Weeping endured for a little, through the short night of time—but joy has come in the morning of the resurrection; and we have a song in this solemn assembly, and gladness, being come into the house of the Lord. Our happiness shall utter hallelujahs, our glory sing your praise, and never be silent.
We have—a kingdom which cannot be moved—an undefiled inheritance, and that does not fade away—a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. We have garments of glory, a crown of righteousness, a crown of life; the tree of life to feed upon, the fountain of life to drink of, and the garden of God to walk in. Now the day has broken, the shadows fled away, and all is eternal noon!
How little should I regard the applause or censure of this fleeting world? According to my ability, I should do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. I should be frank in forgiving injuries, and repaying evil with good. Under the most injurious treatment, I may commit my matters to him that will bring forth my righteousness as the noon-day.
So I, who have the treasures of eternity before me—should be of a heavenly turn of mind, and scorn to be greatly concerned about earthly trifles! Since I am exalted to this heavenly honor—the glory of God, the good of his church, and the salvation of souls—will be my daily request, my heart's desire, my daily prayer; and, according to my ability, the struggle and endeavor of my whole life!
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time & Eternity
