Pure Church

A couple days ago, I posted Baxter's advice for spending the day with God. In it, he drew our attention to the end of our lives. Here's Baxter's bedtime routine:

Before returning to sleep, it is wise to review the actions and mercies of the day past, so that you may be thankful for all the special mercies and humbled for all your sins. This is necessary in order that you might renew your repentance as well as your resolve for obedience, and in order that you may examine yourself to see whether your soul grew better or worse, and whether you are better prepared for suffering, death, and eternity.

Or consider young Edwards' 10th resolution:
10. Resolved, When I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom and of hell.

The saints of old seemed to spend far more time preparing for eternity than we do today. And it seems to me that we're the poorer for our neglect of final and great things.

Today, Piper offers an excellent meditation on suffering, rest and the final hour. May we live this day in light of that day.