16 THE PREPARATION

THE PREPARATION "You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected!" Matthew 24:44 Be ready! Let all your worldly affairs be so settled—that you may comfortably leave them at any moment; and let your spiritual concerns be in such a state—that you may have nothing to do but bid friends farewell—and depart to be with Christ, which is better by far!

Daily confess sin over the blood of Christ—that it may be pardoned.

Daily renounce your own righteousness—and appropriate afresh the righteousness of Jesus.

Daily seek the renewings of the Holy Spirit—that they may be shed on you abundantly.

Daily commit body, soul, and spirit into the hands of Christ—to be saved by his grace, and to be used for his glory. Surrender everything to Jesus daily, without the least reserve!

Endeavor to detach yourself as much as possible from everything here below.

Make the Bible your constant companion.

Make Jesus . . .
the constant object of your faith,
his perfect work the grand subject of your meditation,
and his presence and glory your chief desire.

View God as your Father.

Worship God as your Father.

Constantly think of God as your Father.

Dwell upon . . .
his love to you,
his pity for you,
his promises to you, and
his conferring the kingdom upon you!

Hold communion with the Holy Spirit.

Pray for His empowering.

Pray to Him.

Think of Him.

Expect from Him.

Look to Heaven as God’s holy home—and as your eternal home! So live and walk with God, that you may feel that though by death, you will change your place—that you will not change your company.

You are leaving the world—therefore withdraw your thoughts, desires, and affections from it—as much as you can!

You are going to Heaven—therefore direct your thoughts, desires, and affections to it as much as possible. By so doing—you will be ready to depart, whenever God calls you home.

"Therefore keep watch—because you do not know on what day your Lord will come!" Matthew 24:42