It is a wise thing to begin the day by taking a survey in thought of the work we have to get through, and thus to divide it, giving to each hour its own share. The shortest way to do many things is to do one thing at a time. Albert Barnes was a distinguished American theologian who wrote a valuable commentary on the Bible amid the work of a large parish. He accomplished this by systematic arrangement of his time. He divided his day into parts. He devoted each part to some duty. He rigidly adhered to this arrangement, and in this way was able to overtake an amount of work that was truly wonderful. In the life of Anthony Trollope, the great novelist, we are told that he kept resolutely close to a rule he laid down for himself. He wrote so many pages a day of so many lines each. He overtook an immense amount of work in the year. He published many books, and he made a great deal of money. The great English lawyer Sir Edward Coke divided his time according to the well-known couplet—
Six hours in sleep, in law's grave study six,
Four spend in prayer, the rest on nature fix.
Sir William Jones, the famous Oriental scholar, altered this rule to suit himself.
Seven hours to law, to soothing slumber seven,
Ten to the world allot, and all to Heaven.
Benjamin Franklin's system of working is given in his "Life." Each day was carefully portioned off. His daily programme was the following:
Morning. ) Rise, wash, and address the
5 ) Almighty Father; contrive
[Question, What good 6 ) the day's business and take
shall I do this day?] 7 ) the resolution of the day;
) prosecute the present study,
) breakfast.
8 )
to ) Work
11 )
12 ) Read or look over accounts and
Noon. to ) dine.
1 )
2 )
Afternoon, to ) Work
5 )
6 ) Put things in their place;
Evening to ) supper; music or diversion or
[Question, What good 9 ) conversation; examination of
have I done to-day?] ) the day.