Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live. 2 Kings 20:1. So teach us, O Lord, to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Psalms 90:12.
Such as live not outwardly in open sins, though they do not deny themselves, and the world, but conform in many things to the ungodly customs in practices of this age, are very often reckoned to be good sober Christians, and perhaps much applauded for their wisdom and discretion, in steering a middle course, and keeping clear of the dangerous extremes of the loose or profane, and the superstitious or hypocritical enthusiasts, who in their ignorance and folly pretend to tax every innocent diversion with sin; but this, their wisdom, will certainly prove folly in the hour of death. What profit can they then reap from the time that has been spent in dancing, gaming, and other worldly amusements and pleasures!
My soul, come meditate the day,
And think how near it stands,
When thou must quit the house of clay,
And fly to unknown lands.
And you, mine eyes, look down and view,
The hollow gaping tomb.
This gloomy prison waits for you,
Whenever the summons come.
O! could we die with those that die,
And place us in their stead.
Then would our spirits learn to fly,
And converse with the dead.