65, entitled "True and
False Conversions Distinguished;" and likewise from a little work
entitled "Are you a Christian?" by Rev. Hubbard Winslow. You have also
probably noticed several chapters in Doddridge's Rise and Progress,
admirably adapted to this object. I mention these, because it is
advantageous frequently to vary the exercise. The subject of true and
false conversion is continually undergoing discussion; and those who
feel truly anxious to know the foundations upon which they rest will not
fail to avail themselves of every approved treatise on the subject. But,
above all, study the Bible diligently and prayerfully, for the purpose
of ascertaining the genuine marks of saving grace; take time to perform
the work of self-examination thoroughly, bringing to your aid all the
information you can obtain from these sources--varying the exercise, at
different times, that it may not become superficial and formal.

I have also prepared some questions for this purpose, which you will
find below. In these questions, I have not aimed at covering the whole
ground of Christian experience, so much as to bring before the mind, in
connection, some of the most prominent passages of Scripture relating to
the evidences of Christian character. Nor have I taken particular pains
to prevent the questions from involving each other; as we may detect our
deficiencies on the same points the more readily by having them held up
in a variety of views. The chief design of these questions will be lost,
if you do not examine the passages of Scripture referred to. Some of the
traits of character here presented may not be certain evidence of piety;
while, in other cases, a person may be a Christian while possessing the
graces mentioned in a much less _degree_ than they are here represented.
It is not necessary, where time is limited, to go through the whole of
these questions at once; and probably in most cases it will be found
more edifying to take up a portion of them at a time.

AM I A CHRISTIAN?

1. _Let me examine as to my views of Sin._ Have I beheld sin with an
abhorrence far greater than the delight it ever gave me? Has that
abhorrence arisen from an apprehension of the evil consequences to
which it has exposed me, or of its odious nature, and its exceeding
sinfulness as committed against God? Ps. 51:4. Isa. 1:2-4. Have I had a
full apprehension of my own exceeding sinfulness? Ps. 51:4. Isa. 1:5, 6.
Eph. 2:1-3. Have I felt my sins to b