Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Time

TIME, in general, denotes either the succession of natural phenomena, occurring in the universe; or, according to Mr. Locke, it is a mode of duration which is marked by certain periods or measures, but principally by the motion and revolution of the sun: some philosophers, however, have lately defined time to be the duration of a thing, the existence of which is neither without beginning nor end.

Consistently with our plan, we cannot enter into any speculative disquisitions respecting the nature of time: we shall, therefore, only remark, that it has been divided into astronomical and civil; the former being regulated entirely by the motion of the celestial bodies; while the latter division comprehends the astronomical time adapted to the purposes of civil life; and is distinguished by years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds.

Few reflections are of greater importance than those on the transitory nature of time; which is perhaps the only thing in the world, that is absolutely irrecoverable: hence, we are often surprized at the conduct of those who, under the mistaken notion of killing time, contrive and pursue every species of dissipation, in order to suppress the occasional warning of their degraded understandings, to stifle the remaining sense of their duties, and in a manner to forget themselves as rational agents, who are appointed to fulfil certain purposes, by which they might distinguish themselves from the brute creation. Nevertheless, a moderate participation in the amusements of the day, or the enjoyment of select company, is highly commendable; but, when such indulgence exceeds the limits of prudence, it not only deserves severe censure, but is ultimately attended with bitter remorse.