for their conversion? Have I
abounded more in every good word and work? Have the fruits of the Spirit
increased in my heart and life? Have I been more faithful in all the
relations of life? Do I perceive any growing deadness to the world? Does
my relish for spiritual things increase, while my taste for earthly
delights diminishes? Do I see more and more my own weakness, and feel a
more steady dependence upon Christ? Do I feel increasing spirituality in
religious duties? Do I feel increasing tenderness of conscience, and
maintain more watchfulness against sin? Do I feel greater concern for
the prosperity of the church and the conversion of the world? Am I
becoming more meek and gentle in spirit, less censorious, and less
disposed to resent injuries? Am I more ready to receive reproof from
others, without anger or hardness of feeling?

If you have time to keep a journal, you may find some advantage from
reviewing it on such occasions. It will aid your memory, and help you to
give your past life a more thorough examination. You will thereby be the
better able to judge whether you are making progress. However, this is a
dangerous experiment, as it is difficult to divest ourselves of the idea
that we are writing for the perusal of others; and this furnishes many
temptations. But, however unfit this examination may find you, do not
let Satan tempt you to stay away from the Lord's table. It is your duty
to commemorate his dying love. It is your duty also to do it with a
suitable preparation of heart. Both these duties you will neglect by
staying away. In doing so, you cannot expect God's blessing. But set
immediately about the work of repentance. Come to the cross of Christ,
and renew your application to his pardoning blood. Give yourself away to
God anew, and renew your covenant with him. In doing this, he will bless
your soul; and the Lord's table will be a season of refreshing. But if
this repentance and preparation be heartfelt and sincere, its fruits
will be seen in your subsequent life.

CONCLUSION.

I have now completed my intended series of letters. I have endeavored to
present the Christian character, and the duties required of the
followers of Christ, in the light of God's word. I know, however, that I
have done it with much imperfection. But, do not rest with the mere
mechanical performance of the duties here recommended. Do not engage in
any of them with the hope of meriting God's favor. Use them only as the