The Preciousness of Time (Part 3)

Here is part 3 of this series:

2. Time is very short, which is another thing that renders it very precious. The scarcity of any commodity occasions men to set a higher value upon it, especially if it be necessary and they cannot do without it. Thus when Samaria was besieged by the Syrians, and provisions were exceedingly scarce, "an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver." 2 Kings vi. 25.—So time is the more to be prized by men, because a whole eternity depends upon it; and yet we have but little of time. "When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return." Job xvi. 22. "My days are swifter than a post. They are passed away as the swift ships; as the eagle that hasteth to the prey." Job ix. 25, 26. "Our life; what is it? it is but a vapour which appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." Jam. iv. 14. It is but as a moment to eternity. Time is so short, and the work which we have to do in it is so great, that we have none of it to spare. The work which we have to do to prepare for eternity, must be done in time, or it never can be done; and it is found to be a work of great difficulty and labour, and therefore that for which time is the more requisite.