January 2

"A wise man's heart discerneth time.—Ecclesiastes 8:5.

How little are we impressed with the revolution of the seasons, and the rapid flight of time. Our years are so many stages in the journey of life. Each stage should be a time of solemn reflection. Observe in these words

THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED. "A wise man." Who is he? Not the man who grasps at a shadow instead of seizing the substance. Not the worldling, the covetous, the sensualist, but the Christian who is in the possession of true wisdom. Notice

Its discovery. It is seen in the choice he has made. He has chosen religion, and prefers its blessings to earth's highest pleasures. It is seen in the object he pursues. He treads in a peculiar path, and seeks that which dignifies and ennobles. It is seen in the destination to which he is bound. Does not he discover true wisdom

"Who scorns the trifles of a day For joys that cannot fade away?"

Its source. It is derived, not from the learning of the schools, but from Him who is the fountain of wisdom. James 1:5. It is obtained instrumentally from God's word, and efficiently from his Spirit.

Its excellence, namely, in its object and effect. Look at its tendency in life, in sorrow, in death, and in the final consummation of all things.

THE DISCRIMINATION, POSSESSED. The wise man's heart is enlightened by the Spirit, renewed by grace, and made a temple for Jehovah. It discerns

The swiftness of time. How rapid its motion! Our life is compared to a vapor, a swift ship, a watch in the night, a hand-breadth, and is as nothing before God.

The ravages of time. The face of nature changes. What changes in kingdoms, churches, families, and individuals! Many show the ravages of time in their silvery locks, and furrowed cheeks.

The uncertainty of time. How many are hurried into eternity. Some are reminded by the inroads of disease; but death does not always warn before he strikes.

The value of time. See its value from its connection with futurity, and the end for which it was given. On the thread of human life our destinies for immortality are suspended. Let me then redeem the time, and employ it to the best of purposes, in making provision for eternity.

"The clock of time, how loud it strikes, Its wheels, how swift they fly! Its fingers, as they onward move, Point to eternity."