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presence of his Maker, uncalled for, (o render liis ac- 

 count : llie other, although more tardy In his approach, 

 as surely goes to the same retribution ! No time, in 

 hfe, is allotted to inaction. Nature has no blanks. When 

 years render a man incapable of acting ; he is, immedi- 

 uteJy, ''gathered to his fm^fathers ;" his days having been 

 " numbered and finished,''^ No time is given the hus- 

 bandman, for sloth or pastime. If the steward, who 

 neglected to improve his talent of silver, was worthy of 

 reproof ; of how much severer reproof is he worthv, who 

 neglects to improve his time ; a talent infinitely more 

 precious, than those of gold and silver. 

 2. He will make the best use of time. 



1. Because it is for his interest ; as well as his duty. 

 Industry is a sure pledge of wealth. It diffuses health, 

 over the body ; and vigor, through the mind. Nature 

 has established an unvarying connection between our 

 wants, which are constantly urging us to exertion ; and 

 our happiness. He, who rises early, and steadily pur- 

 sues the business of the day, greets the evening, with 

 no unpleasant thought in his mind ; or evil purpose in 

 his heart. He rejoices in the labor of his hands. 



2. He will make the best use of his time, because it 

 is short. Deducting childhood ; days appropriated to 

 rest ; and hours, to sleep : what may be claimed for 

 sickness and the calls of humanity and charity ; a small 

 portion only remains for active duty. 



3. He will make the best use of time ; because, much 

 is to be done. The whole earth is to be subdued, and made 

 habitable and productive ; and its whole population, civil- 

 ized. And this is to be accomplished, principally, by 

 husbandmen. It is tlieir appropriate business. Their 

 right hand, aided by the mighty energies of Nature, 



