20. Universal improvement
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"Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days." (Ephesians 5:16)
As there is not a moment of time but I must account for, so there is nothing that happens me but I should improve. Miseries I should improve—to remind me of my pedigree, that my first father has sinned. Mercies I should improve—in admiring the fountain whence, and the freeness with which they flow. Prosperity I should improve—in cheerful devotion.
Adversity I should improve—in consideration. Riches I should improve—in charity. Poverty I should improve—in contentment. Opportunity of revenge I should improve—in a frank forgiveness, and doing good for evil.
Evil company I should improve—in raising my estimate of the people of God. Death of loved ones I should improve—in loosening my affections from the creature, raising them to the immortal world, and remembering my latter end. Sickness I should improve—in preparing for my eternal change. Health I should improve—in a cheerful performance of Christian, relative, and social duties.
Knowledge I should improve—in testing everything, and holding fast that which is best. Crosses and losses I should improve—in learning the vanity of the world. Answers to prayer I should improve—in returns of praise.
Delays I should improve—in patience.
Disappointments I should improve—in resignation. Changes in my lot I should improve—in submission. The uproar of kingdoms I should improve—in remembering that God rules the nations, and stills the tumults of the people. Temptation to sin I should improve—in flying to the grace of God, distrusting self, and improving the promise.
The treacherous friend I should improve—in adoring the faithfulness of God. Strife and discord in church or state I should improve—in admiring the eternal happy state; when the adorers are one before the throne. Spiritual blessings I should improve—in humility. Spiritual desertions I should improve—in holy diligence.
God's corrections I should improve—in amendments. Gifts I should improve—for edification of others. Time I should improve—for eternity. Grace I should improve—for glory. And my soul in all her faculties I should improve—for God.
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