Solitude Sweetened
by James Meikle, 1730-1799
Universal Improvement
"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.