THE SACRED DIARY; ок, SELECT MEDITATIONS FOR EVERY PART OF THE DAY, AND THE BY WILLIAM GEARING, RECTOR OF CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTHWARK, IN SURREY, LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY; Instituted 1799. SOLD AT THE DEPOSITORY, 56, PATERNOSTER ROW, AND BY THE BOOKSELLERS. 1838. [A few digressive passages are omitted in this Edition, and Printed by W. CLOWES and SONS, Duke-street, Stamford-street. TO THE READER. THE Scriptures call upon us to redeem time: now, to redeem time is, 1. To see that we cast none of it away in vain, but use every minute of it as a most precious thing, and spend it wholly in the way of duty. 2. That we be not only doing good, but doing the best good we are able. 3. That we do the best things in the best manner, and in the greatest measure, and do as much good as possibly we can. 4. That we watch for special opportunities. 5. That we presently take them when they occur, and improve them when we take them. 6. That we part with all that is to be parted with to save our time. 7. That we forecast the preventing of impediments, the removal of our clogs, and the obtaining of all helps to expedition in duty. This is the true redemption of time, according to the judgment of a reverend divine. And, indeed, the consideration of the shortness of our time in this world should hasten us in the work and service of God. "I must work the works of Him that sent me," saith our Saviour, "whilst it is day; the night cometh when no man can work," John ix. 4. I have but a short day, the time of this life, to do the work which my Father hath sent me to finish here upon the earth; and now I must hasten |