eviewing our conduct, our
religious exercises, and the prevailing state of our hearts, and
comparing them with the Word of God. There are two very important
reasons why this work should be performed at the close of every day. 1.
If neglected for a longer period, we may forget both our actions and our
motives. It will be very difficult for us afterwards to recall them, so
as to subject them to a thorough examination. 2. There is a great
propriety in closing up the accounts of every day. "Sufficient unto the
day is the evil thereof." Every day will bring with it work enough for
repentance. Again, when we lie down, we may awake in eternity. What then
will become of those sins which we have laid by for the consideration of
another day? Let us, then, never give sleep to our eyes till we have
searched out every sin of the past day, and made fresh application to
the blood of Christ for pardon. I know this is a very difficult work;
but, by frequent practice, it will become less so. I have prepared
several sets of questions, from which you may derive some aid in the
performance of this duty. By sitting down in your closet, after
finishing the duties of the day, and seriously and prayerfully engaging
in this exercise, you may try your conduct and feelings by the rules
laid down in the Word of God. You may thus bring to remembrance the
exercises of your heart, as well as your actions; and be reminded of
neglected duty, and of those great practical truths, which ought ever to
be kept before your mind. You may bring up your sins, and set them in
order before you; and discover your easily besetting sins. You may be
led to exercise penitential sorrow of heart, and be driven anew to the
cross of Christ for pardon, and for strength to subdue indwelling
corruption. Whenever you discover that you have exercised any correct
feeling, or that your conduct has in any respect been conformed to the
word of God, acknowledge with gratitude his grace in it, and give him
the glory. Wherein you find you have been deficient, confess your sin
before God, and apply afresh to the blood of Christ, which "cleanseth
from all sin." But be cautious that you do not put your feelings of
regret, your tears and sorrows, in the place of the great sacrifice.
Remember that no degree of sorrow can atone for sin; and that only is
_godly sorrow_ which leads to the blood of Jesus. Any peace of
conscience, obtained from any other source, must be false peace. It is
_in be