Redeeming the Time by A. S. HUTCHINS

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1860

Redeeming the Time.

By A. S. HUTCHINS

“WALK in wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.” Col. iv, 5.

It seems that this divine injunction should be felt with all its force, at all times and in all places, by the children of God, in this evil time. How careful, prayerful and circumspect would be our lives, how godly our conversation, especially while in the presence of “them that are without,” if we all regarded it as we should.

Does the brother bear this exhortation in mind as he steps into the store or tavern, or other places of resort, of those who love not God, to spend an hour, where his business does not necessarily call him? As he listens to the low, vain conversation of such resorts, and perhaps in some measure shares in it, does he remember the words of inspiration, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man”? Col. iv, 6.

“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.” Eph. v, 16. The golden moments of probation fly. Brother, can you redeem time at such places? Can you there “buy” the “gold tried in the fire”? Is there not better company and more profitable employment for you? “Think on these things.”

“Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men.” Ps. xxvi, 9.

A. S. HUTCHINS.