Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was an English Puritan, a poet, and a hymn writer. I thought this list that he created might be helpful to us in several ways. If we pray about it and ask the Lord how we can apply this to our lives, perhaps it could be used to help us grow spiritually. We can also use it to compare our lives today with the lives of a puritan man in the 17th century. I suppose this list could be a turn off to some people because it may appear to be legalistic; even boring. Personally, I love lists and find them helpful and interesting. I love history, and I truly enjoy reading about Godly men and women who lived generations ago. I hope you will benefit from the words of this puritan man. ~Anne
A holy life is inclined to be made easier when we know the usual sequence and method of our duties – with everything falling into its proper place. Therefore, I shall give some brief directions for spending the day in a holy manner.
Sleep
Measure the time of your sleep appropriately so that you do not waste your precious morning hours sluggishly in your bed. Let the time of your sleep be matched to your health and labour, and not to slothful pleasure.
First Thoughts
Let God have your first awaking thoughts; lift up your hearts to Him reverently and thankfully for the rest enjoyed the night before and cast yourself upon Him for the day which follows.
