Nathan Bangs · 50 of 73

Book II. From the First Conference in 1773 to the First Regular General Conference in 1792. · Chapter 3 · Of employing our Time profitably when we are not traveling, or engaged in public exercises.

Question 1. What general method of employing our time would you advise us to?

Answer We advise you,

As often as possible to rise at four.

From four to five in the morning, and from five to six in the evening, to meditate, pray, and read the Scriptures, with Mr. Wesley’s Notes, and the closely practical parts of what he has published.

From six in the morning till twelve (allowing an hour for breakfast) read in order, with much prayer, the Christian library and other pious books.

Question 2. Why is it that the people under our care are not better?

Answer Other reasons may concur; but the chief is, because we are not more knowing and more holy.

Question 3. But why are we not more knowing?

Answer Because we are idle. We forget our first rule, “Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed; neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary.” I fear there is altogether a fault in this matter, and that few of us are clear. Which of you spends as many hours a day in God’s work as you did formerly in man’s work? We talk, talk — or read what comes next to hand. We must, absolutely must cure this evil, or betray the cause of God. But how?

Read the most useful books, and that regularly and constantly

Steadily spend all the morning in this employment at least five hours in four and twenty. “But I have no taste for reading.” Contract a taste for it by use, or return to your former employment. “But I have no books.” Be diligent to spread the books, and you will have the use them.