December 6

"Redeeming the time."—Colossians 4:5.

THIS should be our continual employment, seeing that the time is short and so uncertain. We should seek to turn its measured portions to good account. How much of this invaluable commodity have we lost; how little have we redeemed!

IT IS A TALENT FOR WHICH WE MUST GIVE AN ACCOUNT. The language of our Master is, "Occupy till I come." This is the period of our probation; but the time of retribution will come. You now have this talent, but it is only for a season; how soon will the language be heard, "Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward." How little are our minds impressed with the fact of the vast responsibility that attaches itself to us as rational, intelligent, and immortal beings!

IT IS A TALENT INTRUSTED TO US FOR OUR IMPROVEMENT. We are to "occupy," or to trade with his talent, till the coming of our Lord. How may we best improve it to God? We are to do it by living to his glory. If we are actuated by right principles, his glory will be the chief object at which we shall aim. To ourselves. Time is given us to prepare for eternity. We have much to do in a little time; therefore it becomes us to set about it with all the fervor and earnestness of our souls. The manna was to be gathered in the morning, and the orient pearl is generated by the morning dew. How sad for an individual to begin to die before he has begun to live! To others. The love of Christ constrains its possessor to live not to himself. Christianity teaches us to cherish a benevolent and philanthropic spirit; to do good unto all men, but especially unto those who are of the household of faith. This life is peculiarly a state of hope. The anchor of hope is never seen amid the shining waves of the ocean of bliss; nor in the raging tempests of the sea of Jehovah's wrath in hell—it is only used on the river of time—let us fix it within the veil.

"To Jesus may we fly, Swift as the morning light, Lest life's young golden beams should die In sudden, endless night."