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“Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5.

It is only by scrutinizing the heart that we can know it. It is only by knowing the heart that we can reform the life. Any careless observer indeed, when his watch goes wrong, may see that it does so by casting an eye on the dial plate; but it is only the artist who takes it to pieces and examines every spring and every wheel separately, and who, by ascertaining the precise causes of the irregularity, can set the machine right, and restore the obstructed movements: Dr. Barrow has remarked, that “it is a peculiar excellency of comfort, and which distinguishes man from the inferior creatures more than bare reason itself, that he can reflect upon all that is done within him, can discern the tendencies of his soul, and is acquainted with his own purposes.” 

Nothing more plainly shows us what weak, vacillating creatures we are, than the difficulty we find in fixing ourselves down to the very self-scrutiny we had deliberately resolved on. Like the worthless Roman emperor, we retire to our closet under the appearance of serious occupation, but might now and then be surprised, if not in catching flies, yet in pursuits nearly as contemptible. Some trifle which we should be ashamed to dwell upon at any time, intrudes itself on the moments dedicated to serious thought; recollection is interrupted; the whole chain of reflection broken, so that the scattered links cannot again be united. And so inconsistent are we, that we are sometimes not sorry to have a plausible pretence for interrupting the very employment in which we had just before made it a duty to engage. For want of this home acquaintance, we remain in utter ignorance of our inability to meet even the ordinary trials of life with cheerfulness; indeed, by this neglect, we confirm that inability.

We have appetites to control, imaginations to restrain, tempers to regulate, passions to subdue; and how can this internal work be effected, how can our thoughts be kept within due bounds, how can a proper bias be given to the affections, how can the little state of man be preserved from continual insurrection, how can this restraining power be maintained, if this capacity of discerning, if this faculty of inspecting be not kept in regular exercise? Without constant discipline, imagination will become outlaw, conscience an attainted rebel.

This inward eye, this power of introversion, is given us for a continual watch upon the soul. On an unremitted vigilance over its interior motions, those fruitful seeds of action, those prolific principles of vice and virtue, will depend both the formation and the growth of our moral and religious character. A superficial glance is not enough for a thing so deep, an unsteady view will not suffice for a thing so wavering, nor a casual look for a thing so deceitful as the human heart. A partial inspection on any one side, will not be enough for an object which must be observed under a variety of aspects, because it is always shifting its positions, always changing its appearances.

We should examine not only our conduct but our opinions; not only our faults but our prejudices; not only our propensities but our judgments. Our actions themselves will be obvious enough; it is our intentions which require the scrutiny. These we should follow up to their remotest springs, scrutinize to their deepest recesses, trace through their most perplexing windings. And lest we should in our pursuit wander in uncertainty and blindness, let us make use of that guiding clue, as furnished by his word, and by his Spirit, for conducting us through the intricacies of this labyrinth. What I know not teach thou me, should he our constant petition in all our researches.

Nor must the examination be occasional, but regular. Let us not run into long arrears, but settle our accounts frequently. Little articles will run up to a large amount, if they are not cleared off. Even our innocent days, as we may choose to call them, will not have passed without furnishing their contingent—our deadness in devotion—our eagerness for human applause—our care to conceal our faults rather than to correct them—our negligent performance of some relative duty—our imprudence in conversation, especially at table—our inconsideration—our driving to the very edge of permitted indulgences;—let us keep these—let us keep all our numerous items in small sums. Let us examine them while the particulars are fresh in our memory; otherwise however we may flatter ourselves that lesser evils will be swallowed up by the greater, we may find when we come to settle the grand account, that they will not be the less remembered for not having been recorded.

In the discharge of this necessary and important duty, the Christian should remember that every day he lives he has:

A God to Glorify. 1 Cor. 6:20.

A Soul to Save. Phil. 2:12–13.

Repentance to seek and perform. Acts 5:31; Luke 13: 3.

A Saviour to believe and imitate. Acts 16:31; 1 Pet. 2:21.

A Body to mortify through the Spirit. Rom. 8:13.

Graces and Virtues to implore by earnest Prayer. Phil. 4:6; Mark 11:24.

Sins to weep over and forsake. Luke 7:38; Prov. 28:13.

Mercies and Deliverances to remember. Ps. 56:12–13; Ps. 103:1–4.

A Hell to avoid. Matt. 3:7; Ps. 9:17.

A Paradise to gain. Rev. 2:7–10.

An Eternity to meditate on. Col. 3:2.

Time to redeem. Eph. 5:16.

A Neighbour to edify. Rom. 15:2; Luke 22:32.

Works of Charity to perform. Matt. 25:40.

A World to fear and yet to conquer. 2 Cor. 6:17; 1 John 5:4.

Devils to combat. Eph. 6:12.

Passions to subdue. 2 Cor. 10:5; Eph. 4:31–32.

And, perhaps, Death to suffer. Luke 12:20.

And Judgment to undergo. 2 Cor. 5:10.

And all these must be met and performed in the Grace of Christ, and not in your own strength, which is perfect weakness. 2 Cor. 13:10; Phil. 4:13.

There is a spurious sort of self-examination, which does not serve to enlighten but to blind. A person who has left off some notorious vice, who has softened some shades of a glaring sin, or substituted some outward forms in the place of open religion, looks on his change of character with pleasure. He compares himself with what he was, and views the alteration with self-complacency. He deceives himself by taking his standard from his former conduct, or from the character of still worse men, instead of taking it from the unerring rule of Scripture. He looks rather at the discredit than the sinfulness of his former life, and being more ashamed at what is disreputable than grieved at what is vicious, he is, in this state of shallow reformation, more in danger in proportion as he is more in credit. He is not aware that it is not having a fault or two less that will carry him to heaven, while his heart is still glued to the world and estranged from God. 

Rules for Self-Examination.

How necessary then it is that the Christian should minutely examine his motives and actions—that he should constantly say, with the Royal Psalmist,— “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  In discharging this duty, the Christian will be greatly assisted, by attending to the following simple rules:—

I. Let a fixed time be set apart every morning and evening for this purpose.

It is impossible to give any rule as to the length of time that should be given. The obligations of persons vary with their situations and circumstances; but let us give as much time, as, consistently with our other duties, we can spare, and let the time in every case be so employed, not as a task, but as a blessing; not merely as a requirement, but as a privilege and advantage; for the more close, faithful, and diligent you are in self-examination, the more comfort and benefit you are likely to receive in the end.

II. Consider the Holy Scriptures as the great test by which you are to try yourself.

They are the only true standard of self-examination—the touchstone which discovers at once the character of the metal, and by comparing your state with the most practical and spiritual parts of God’s word and varying those parts from time to time, you try yourself by a perfect and infallible standard.

III. Conduct this examination in the spirit of Prayer.

Prayer is the guide to self-knowledge, by prompting us to look after our sins, in order to pray against them; it is a motive to vigilance by teaching us to guard against those sins, which, through self-examination, we have been enabled to detect.

IV. Beware of formality and self-righteousness.

Although it is our unbounden duty to guard against the commission of sin, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, yet it is not our watchfulness against sin, or our performance of any religious duty, however good in itself, which constitutes us genuine Christians. For after all we have done or can do, we are but unprofitable servants. We should hate sin, because it is hateful in the sight of God, we should seek to be delivered from its dominion by earnest prayer, and depend alone for salvation on the merits and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is emphatically styled the Lord our Righteousness; for all dependance upon our own good works will only prove a means of delusion and danger to our souls.

A Prayer before Self-Examination.

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, who searchest the heart and triest the innermost thoughts, I beseech thee now to assist me in looking into my own heart, and my own life. Feeling and acknowledging that my heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, I beseech thee to show me to myself. Enable me to try myself by the standard of thy holy word, and discover the true state of my soul; give me repentance for all my past sins, lively faith in Jesus Christ the only Saviour from sin, deep humility before thee, and such tempers and dispositions as are meet for those who assemble round the table of our gracious Redeemer. These things I ask for his name’s sake.

A Prayer at Self-Examination.

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try thou my reins and my heart. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me; and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Morning.

1. Have I this morning sought of the Lord his special grace and protection for the day?

2. Am I going forth in my own strength, or simply looking to God alone to help and deliver?

3. Am I so sensible of my own weakness as ever to watch and pray?

4. Am I living by faith in a daily and simple dependence on God?

5. Do I constantly remember that I am accountable to God for a right improvement of the talents entrusted to me?

6. Have I determined to lay myself out this day for the glory of God?

7. Are all the faculties of my soul engaged to render affectionate, intelligent, sincere, and resolute service?

8. Have I resolved, in the strength of God, to forsake all sins, however dear to me, particularly my besetting sin, whether it be pride, envy, malice, covetousness, impurity, fear of man, or any other sin?

9. Is it my constant desire to abstain from the very appearance of evil, and to keep myself unspotted from the world?

Evening.

1. Did I this morning make my resolutions to walk closely with God, in dependence on his gracious assistance?

2. Have I this day put up petitions against my besetting sins?

3. What have I committed, and what omitted, today?

4. What mercies have I received this day—Answers to prayer—Deliverance from evil—Common or remarkable blessings?

5. What have I done this day for the glory of God or the good of my fellow-creatures; or what opportunities have I neglected of promoting them?

6. Have I been enabled this day willingly to take up my cross?

7. Have I been watching to-day against the first risings of pride and worldly-mindedness? Have I guarded against the appearance of evil?

8. Have I kept up a lively and humble dependence upon the Divine influence, in the duty and emergencies of the day?

9. With what success have I encountered the sins to which my circumstances or constitution most incline me?

10. Have I been looking to Jesus as my righteousness, my strength, and my example?

11. How have I improved my time this day?—Have I made any progress in religion?—Have I thought of Death and Judgment?—Have I walked with God?

12. Have I this day tried to mortify sin?

13. Have I prayed, and how?—Have I read the Scriptures, and how?

General Questions.

1. Do I think much and frequently of God, and am I zealous for his glory?

2. Do I enjoy communion with God when I pray to him, or desire this?

3. Do I strive to become like him?

4. Am I actively desiring and seeking the good of all, around me, even as I desire my own?

5. Is my love to others like that of Christ to me?

6. Have the miseries of others called forth compassion and efforts to relieve them?

7. Am I seeking the salvation of my fellow-creatures?

8. Is sin hateful to me?—Do I loathe it as the worst of all evils?

9. Have I an habitual mourning for sin?

10. Have I deeply felt my corruption and guilt before God?

11. Do I believe that the Gospel is the appointed and only complete way of salvation?

12. Do I rest on the only hope of forgiveness—redemption through the blood of Christ?

13. Am I so believing in Jesus as to rely upon him as my Saviour?

14. Am I truly grateful to God for his great salvation?

15. Am I evidencing this by a care to please him in all things?

16. Am I humble and lowly in mind, affection, and conversation?

17. Do the sufferings of Christ for sin affect my heart with godly sorrow?

18. Am I patient under crosses, trials, and injuries, and willing to suffer reproach for Christ’s sake?

19. Do I quietly submit to God’s painful dispensations?

20. Do I hunger and thirst after righteousness?

21. Do I earnestly desire to obtain that righteousness which is through the faith of Christ?

22. Am I labouring to spread the Gospel of Peace?

23. Do I seek to know God more myself, and to diffuse his knowledge through the world?

24. Have I resigned myself to the will of God, to do and suffer his pleasure?

25. How do I spend my Sabbaths? —Do I not in too many instances employ these opportunities of mercy in unprofitable and sinful conversation; in doing many unnecessary works; by travelling, visiting, &c., instead of improving them, so as to promote the glory of God and my own spiritual advantage?

Confession of Sins after Self-Examination.

O Lord God Almighty, the Judge of all the earth, keeping covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments have mercy upon me a miserable sinner, coming back to thee in the name of Jesus Christ. My conscience accuses me of many transgressions and much disobedience. If in anything I have not greatly sinned, or have in a measure fulfilled thy will this was the work, and to thee alone be praise. But, O how unfaithful have I been to my engagements, and how often have I transgressed thy law, and been disobedient to thy holy will!

I desire especially to confess and to bewail those sins for which my own heart more particularly condemns me.

And how much of my sinfulness is unknown to myself! But thou art acquainted with all my ways: Oh, cleanse Thou me from my secret faults, and all my known transgressions. Wash me through that precious blood which cleanses from all sin. Give me grace to look to Him who was pierced for my sins, and to mourn for them with that godly sorrow which works repentance unto salvation. Oh, vouchsafe unto me a holy sorrow of heart, a lively faith in Christ, and a sure hope of thy mercy through him, that I may, with a pacified conscience, a believing and penitent, and a grateful and thankful spirit, go to partake of the memorials of his death. Hear me for his name’s sake. Amen.

Resolutions.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory and my own good, profit, and pleasure, on the whole, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence: to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general—whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavouring to find some new contrivance to promote the forementioned things.

3. Resolved, never to do, be, or suffer, anything in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God.

4. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.

5. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

6. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.

7. Resolved, to think much, on all occasions, of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

8. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

9. Resolved, never do anything out of revenge.

10. Resolved, never to suffer the least motion of anger to irrational beings.

11. Resolved, that I will so live as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

12. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think it best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of the gospel and another world.

13. Resolved, to maintain strict temperance in eating and drinking.

14. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him,

15. Resolved, whenever I do any evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

16. Resolved, to study the scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

17. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a highest exercise of grace than I was the week before.

18. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that Prov. 20:6. (A faithful man who can find?) may not be partly fulfilled in me.

19. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, and establishing peace, when it can be done without an overbalancing detriment in other respects.

20. Resolved, never to speak in narrations anything but the pure and simple truth.

21. Resolved, never to speak evil of any person except some particular good call for it.

22. Resolved, to inquire every night as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself; also at the end of every week, month, and year.

23. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day.

24. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the omission.

25. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism, which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church.

26. Resolved, never to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s,

27. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.

28. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

29. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities to examine whether I have done my duty and resolve to do it; and let it be just as Providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin.

30. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6–8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; knowing that whatever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.

31. Resolved, to exercise myself much in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness to declare my ways to God, and to lay open my soul to him; all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and everything.

32. Resolved, after afflictions to inquire what am I the better for them; what good I have got, and what I might have got by them.