And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:
— 1 Kings 18:3
I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
— Psalm 119:63
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
— Psalm 139:4
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
— Psalm 56:8
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
— Isaiah 26:3
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
— Psalm 71:18
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
— Psalm 71:20
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
— 2 Corinthians 13:5
But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
— Jonah 3:8-9
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
— Psalm 26:2
On Self-Examination, by Samuel Pike and Samuel Hayward. The following contains Case Number 26 from their work, “Religious Cases of Conscience Answered in an Evangelical Manner.” 1755.
Malachi iii. 16. — Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
P. Ixvi. 16. — Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
“Sir — I have attended your Wednesday evening lectures, and have heard you frequently exhorting the people to attend to the duty of self-examination. I acknowledge that it is a very important duty, and I don’t doubt that it is often very useful. But I find it very difficult to go through it with any advantage to my soul. My heart is so averse to everything that is serious, especially to a duty so close and interesting as this, that I don’t know how to go about it. I would be glad, therefore, to have it set in a proper light: how I must perform it; what are the best seasons for it; how I must view it; and what use I must make of it. In thus obliging me, you may be useful to others.”
Self-examination is a duty, as it appears evident from Scripture. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Don’t you know that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless you are reprobates.” 2Cor 13.5. You will easily see at first view, it is a duty of peculiar importance, as it tends to lay open the heart, and bring us to the knowledge of our state towards God. It is necessary, and esteemed to be an act of prudence for the merchant to look into his accounts, to see what condition his worldly concerns are in, so that he may not deceive himself or injure others. Certainly it is much more necessary for us all to examine into the state of our souls, as these are concerns of infinite moment, for we are all hastening to an eternal world. A mistake here, when death has discharged its solemn office, can never be rectified.
The subject I am called to consider is weighty indeed. It concerns you all. And therefore, let me entreat your serious attention while I endeavour to answer the following questions:
I. What must we examine?
II. In what manner must we do it?
III. What are the best seasons for it? And,
IV. In what light should we view it, and what use should we endeavour to make of it?
May the answer to these questions strike our minds, and engage us diligently and frequently to attend to this duty, so that it may be for the advantage of our souls.
I. What must we examine? It will be easy to determine what must be the matter of our inquiry, namely, the state of our souls, or things relating to our experience as Christians — in which the glory of God, and the peace and welfare of our souls are concerned. Particularly, when we set apart some time for this duty, we should chiefly be concerned to inquire into one or both of these things:
1. Whether we are real Christians or not? And,
2. Whether we are growing or declining Christians?
1. We should inquire whether we are real Christians or not. This is a point of the greatest importance. If we are Christians indeed, all things will go well with us, both in life and at death, in time and eternity. But if we have only the name, then however we may live in earthly pleasure, it will be awful dying. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; but he who does not believe the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him,” Joh 3.36. How many have been, and are still in the melancholy state of the foolish virgins? They have the form of godliness, but know nothing of the power of it. We read of the hope of the hypocrite which shall perish, Job 8.13. What will become of his hope and him, when God takes away his soul? Job 27.8. As this is the case then, surely we should all be concerned to make a strict and solemn inquiry as to what character we fall under, what state we are in. If you would know whether you have passed from death to life, then look back to the time when you think the change was made, and inquire into the circumstances attending it. What view did you have of yourself, of sin, and of Christ? Did you see your lost, miserable, and wretched condition, and were you made willing to renounce all that stood in competition with the Redeemer, and to receive him in all his Mediatorial characters?
Many cannot remember when the change was made. Therefore, inquire what evidences you can produce of the grace of God in you. Do you hate sin? Do you therefore desire, above all things, to be delivered from it? Is it your daily burden? And does heaven appear peculiarly amiable, because there, sin will be no more?
What is your faith? He who believes will be saved, Mar 16.16. Is Christ the object of your faith? Is it Christ as he is represented in the Gospel? Do you go to him for righteousness to justify you, for his Spirit to sanctify you, and his whole salvation to be bestowed upon you?
What is your humility? Do you appear vile in your own eyes? Are you filled with self-abhorrence? Do you see nothing in yourself, and nothing in your services? And are you willing to receive salvation as the free gift of God, and to admire His rich distinguishing grace in the bestowal of it? Do you seek submission to the dispensations of his providence — not dictating to infinite wisdom, or censuring his conduct, but thinking honourably of all his ways, and desiring to say always, “Father, not my will, but your be done?”
What is your hope? Does it lull you into security, and encourage you to take your ease, for all is well? Or does it put you upon your duty, enliven you in it, reconcile you to afflictions, animate you with zeal, and put you upon seeking after purity of heart and life? What is your love? Can you say, “Whom do I have in heaven but you, and there is none upon earth that I desire besides you?” When Christ is present, do you rejoice? When he withdraws, is your soul grieved? When he is dishonoured, do you mourn? Do you long after clearer views and fuller enjoyments of Christ?
These and similar questions should be put to your soul when inquiring into your state.
2. Another subject of inquiry is whether we are growing or declining Christians. Inquire, Do you see more of the odiousness of sin? Do you grow more confirmed in this great truth: that you are nothing? Are your views clearer of your weakness and poverty, of the glory and suitableness of Christ, and of the excellence of the Gospel? How are your corruptions? Are they as prevalent as usual? Are your affections more mortified to the world? Does pride possess your breast as much as ever? Does passion still boil in you, and lead you aside as often as before? Are you as much entangled with lust, as easily conquered? Have you gotten no victories over sin, no steps forward in your journey, added no cubits to your spiritual stature? Are you in some measure more like your Lord? Do you have more of his divine temper? Are you therefore meeker and more lowly in heart; more patient and submissive to your Father’s pleasure; more active and diligent in promoting his glory; and more concerned to live usefully and profitably? In what condition is your faith? Does it grow stronger? Do you feel more of its purifying influences? Do you love Jesus and his people more than you did? Are you more afraid of offending your Redeemer, more desirous to honour him, more humble under a sense of the little that you do for him, and longing more for a better world where you will love and praise him forever? Finally, have you become more spiritual, more heavenly in your temper, your duties, your conversation; more circumspect in your walk; and more concerned to fill up every relation and character in such a manner that you may adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour in all things?
Thus inquire into these two important points: whether you are Christians, and what progress you have made. Do you have reason to say, “Oh, that it was with me now as in months past,” and so to be humbled under a conviction of a decline? Or do you have reason to admire God’s distinguishing grace for any advances in holiness, and growth in experience?
II. In what manner must we examine ourselves, or how must we perform this duty? If we don’t attend to it in a proper manner, it will be of no real advantage. Therefore, to ensure the ends of it may be answered, let us,
1. Look up to the Spirit by prayer for his assistance. If you have set apart some time for this duty, begin with prayer. You will have but little satisfaction if the Spirit is not with you. You will be ready either to draw a shade over the work of God in your heart — and so you will come from the duty with discouragements — or else you may take for a real saving experience, that which is not; and so you will run into presumption. Therefore, be earnest with God to be with you; to impress you with a deep sense of the great importance of the duty you are entering upon, so you may not trifle with God and your own soul; to enable you to examine your heart thoroughly, as in His presence. And if He has given you an experience of renewing grace, pray that he would shine upon His work, so that your evidence of the Christian life may clearly appear. Or if you’ve been deceiving yourself with false hopes, pray that He would convince you of it. Wrestle with God for his presence, if you would succeed in the duty.
2. Do not make your own marks, but observe and test yourself by those marks which God has given you in his word. Some make marks of the Christian life as their fancy leads them. They either deceive themselves by them, or else they draw uncomfortable conclusions concerning their state. The hypocrite thinks it is enough to attend ordinances, and go through a round of duties, and so he is resting on a sandy foundation. The Christian is ready to make a comfortable frame, lively affections, a warm heart, etc., the marks of grace; and therefore he is often ready to look at himself as a hypocrite. Look into Scripture, and see what God has made marks of the Christian; don’t let fancy be your guide in a matter of such importance. Distinguish between marks of grace, and marks of growth in grace, and apply each to their proper subjects in your inquiries. For instance, if you would know whether you are a Christian, don’t inquire into the measures or degrees of faith, love, etc., but into the reality of them. A weak faith renders the Christian as safe as a strong faith; and a spark of real love, is evidence of a saving change, even if it isn’t ignited into a flame.
3. Be impartial in this duty of self-examination. The Christian and the hypocrite are both ready to be too partial — the last in his own favour, the other against himself. The hypocrite can see everything that is encouraging; he has no doubt that all is well. Whereas, the Christian can see nothing in himself that is good. As the woman of Canaan by faith turned every discouragement into an argument, so the Christian, on the other hand, too often turns every appearance of grace into an objection, through the power of unbelief. Give everything its due weight. Don’t stop (as you are ready to do) upon viewing your imperfections. Don’t say, “I need not go further, for here is evidence enough of my hypocrisy.” Rather, go further and see what you can observe of the Christian in you, and weigh both impartially.
4. If you can find but one mark, you may draw a favourable conclusion. A real mark of grace is the actings of grace. And therefore, whenever you can see but one mark, you may comfortably conclude that God has begun a good work in your heart. If you have reason to conclude that you love the brethren, and love them for the image of Christ in them, then you need not hesitate about your state. For this love is the exercise, or outworking of that grace which God has implanted. Sometimes one mark appears visible, and sometimes another. If you have but one, be thankful, and give God all the glory.
I might add some other directions, but I pass on to the third question.
III. What are the fittest seasons for self-examination? It is a duty that should be frequently attended to. Every day we should be looking within, and taking a view of our heart.
At the conclusion of the day, we should be concerned to ask our souls such questions as these — How have I spent this day? What sins have I fallen into? What frame have I been in? What advantage have I gained on my way to Zion? When we’ve been reading the word, it would be proper to examine ourselves by it, what we have seen in it, what we have experienced of it, and how we may improve it.
After prayer, we may inquire into our frame, our views, and our experience in prayer. In his providence, God is giving us these and many other opportunities to look into ourselves. But there are seasons more peculiarly set apart for self-examination, seasons when we should look back on many years, compare the frames and experiences of one year with those of another, to see how God has been dealing with us, so that we may come to some conclusion concerning our state. I will mention only three hints, as they will provide some direction as to the proper seasons.
1. When we have the most time to go through this duty. It shouldn’t be hurried over, but attended to with the greatest deliberation because it relates to the state of our soul. We should therefore endeavour to set apart as much time as we can, so that our mind may be composed; that we may not trifle with God or our own soul, but may attend with that solidity and seriousness which the subject requires; and that we may take a thorough view of things. Don’t let this lead you to a constant neglect of the duty, pleading as an excuse that you don’t have the proper time for it. Rather, let it put you to striving to so order your affairs, that you may have these opportunities frequently returning.
2. When our thoughts are most likely to be disengaged from this world, and the most free from interruption. As week days don’t afford us many opportunities for this duty, we should often fix upon the Lord’s day. Now we are free from business. We hear the word, and engage in spiritual duties, all of which tend to bring us into a serious and composed frame. Once you’ve been in God’s house, then retire into your closet in the afternoon, shut the door behind you. There, not only cull through the word you have heard, and look into your present frame, but set yourselves upon this solemn work. Look back and take an impartial view of things, and try to come at a knowledge of your state and experience. Any other day, when you likewise find yourself in a serious frame, set apart an hour for this important purpose.
3. When anything in providence more peculiarly calls us to this work. Here I would mention three seasons that seem to invite you to this duty.
First, when you go to wait upon Christ at his Supper. For this you have the direction of the Holy Ghost, 1Cor 2.28. This is a public surrender to God, and therefore you should inquire whether you are heartily willing to give yourself wholly to Christ. This ordinance is designed peculiarly for the people of God. It is necessary, therefore, that you inquire whether or not you are one, lest you take what God has designed for his own children.
Another season is affliction. This duty seems proper to attend to when God’s hand is upon us. Many are ready to think afflictions are inconsistent with God’s love. Therefore, inquire whether you are a Christian or not. It may be a means of supporting your soul while you see a rod in the Father’s hand. Inquire into your sins. Perhaps you may hereby see the cause of your afflictions, and see matter for humiliation, as well as be made sensible of the ends God had in view in afflicting you, and so be directed in the way of your duty.
Lastly, another season proper for this duty is when eternity is approaching. Then, like good old Jacob, you should view the conduct of Divine Providence towards you, and see what appears in your whole life as evidence of the Christian. How happy it would be if upon diligent examination, you were enabled through grace to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: hereafter there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness!” How pleasant it will be to die! How your soul will long to hear the chariot wheels of your Redeemer coming! On the other hand, if you are not a Christian, to die in this state would be inconceivably awful. And so how happy to be made sensible of it, and to find your soul willing to fly to Jesus, even if it is at the last hour! Thus all of these appear to be fit seasons for this important duty.
Let us now consider the last question.
IV. In what light must we view this duty, and what use “should we endeavour to make of it?” Some look upon and represent self- examination as legalistic, and the comfort that arises from marks and evidences as not truly evangelical. But objections of this kind fall to the ground when we consider the following particulars:
1. Self-examination is not designed to make us proud, but to fill us with admiration. We are to make this use of it. If in this duty any marks and evidences of the Christian appear, we must not be lifted up, as if we were something; but be humble, giving God all the glory. This is the improvement which the Christian desires to make of this duty; this is the frame it leads him into. Does he have any reason to conclude that he is a child of God? Then see how his soul is melted with a view of the grace of God. “Oh, why should God look upon a creature so unworthy! Am I indeed a Christian? Should I not dispute it? Is there a change made in my heart? Oh, what grace, then, what grace is that which God has manifested to me! What grace to pluck me like a brand out of the fire! View it, my soul, and ever adore and admire it. “
2. Self-examination is not to lull us into security, but to quicken us. Do any marks of the Christian appear? Then we must not say, “Soul, take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. You are a child of God, and nothing can ever cast you out of his favour.” Those who draw such conclusions have never yet received the grace of God. A view of God’s love for us should, and it will quicken and enliven us in our duty. “Oh, what will I render to the Lord for such distinguishing grace? Love the Lord, my soul, and never loiter in the service of Him who has laid you under such peculiar obligations to love and honour him forever.” If no marks appear, then we have no reason to conclude we are Christians. This should rouse and alarm us, and stir us up to seek acquaintance with the divine life.
3. We must not depend on this duty for our justification, but use it as a means to promote our comfort and sanctification. If we can see any traces of the image of God in us, then we have reason to rejoice. It is for this purpose that the Spirit comes, and lets the soul see his interest in the Redeemer. It is that we may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. And who cannot, who does not rejoice at such a discovery? As this view fills the soul with joy, so it gives him a hatred of sin, melts him into godly sorrow, subdues the power of sin more and more in him, and so promotes his sanctification. If we don’t have these ends in view in this duty; if we think we now have enough to justify us before God, and thus depend on our own righteousness for eternal life, then we give no evidence that we have experienced a saving work in our soul.
4. Therefore, after all, we should keep close to Christ, looking to him for all righteousness for justification, and all strength and grace for sanctification. If all is dark within, and we can see nothing to encourage us to conclude that we are the children of God, don’t be dejected, but look to Christ. Our salvation doesn’t depend on our seeing ourselves as Christians, but on being united to Christ. So don’t be discouraged. These marks aren’t the ground of your hope, but only the means of your comfort. If we find what we seek — namely, the marks of the Christian — while we are rejoicing that we are heirs of God, let us depend on Christ for righteousness to justify us, and for all grace and strength to enable us to persevere in faith and holiness, till we come to the full and everlasting enjoyment of him in heaven.
Thus we are to improve this duty. Now, let me ask you concerning this duty, aren’t there some of you who have never yet examined how the case stands with you? Doesn’t your conscience upbraid you with negligence? Don’t you blush at your folly? Do you please yourselves with the thought that man doesn’t see you in your closet, and your friends don’t know if you are engaged in that duty? But alas! alas! what poor comfort this is when God knows, and sees your neglect. You yourselves are conscious of it. Your soul is starving; eternity is drawing near; and yet you don’t know how it is with you. You are careful as to outward things, such as pursuing pleasure and wealth. But you have never yet sat down and asked, Am I fit to die? How is it with my soul? Oh, my friends, if you have any regard for your peace, your happiness in life and at death, then make the inquiry, how it is with you? It is a reasonable request that I make. It is with a desire for your salvation. Tomorrow you may be in eternity. There is much to be done before you are fit to die. And yet see, you haven’t seriously asked a single question about it! It is time to awake! Do you think to sleep on in this way till death approaches? Were it not for your soul, sleep on.
But to see an immortal creature in danger of falling into everlasting fire, is enough to raise my compassion, and it calls loudly upon me to endeavour to rouse you. Awake, awake, soul! Get up and examine yourself. Some of you may be afraid to look within, afraid to see what is there. You are suspicious that things are bad; you would avoid the sight; you would fly from it; but oh, you cannot. If you were able to stifle your conscience and lull it asleep for the present, yet the time is coming when you can no longer withstand the force of conviction; when conscience will awake, and fill you with everlasting sorrows if your are found a stranger to Christ. Oh, inquire, then, what is the state of your soul?
As God has now brought us to the close of this lecture, so it may not be improper for each of us to examine our views, our frames in it, and improvements of it. Let us, my dear brethren, inquire what ends we have had in view in engaging in it. How have we attended to it? Is it with seriousness and affectionate concern for souls, with earnest prayer for assistance and success? Those of you who attended this lecture, did you examine what frame you attended it in? What were your views? Were they only to gratify a vain curiosity, or to meet with Jesus, to have your doubts resolved, and your soul brought nearer to God? What benefit have you received? Have you seen more of your own heart, more of the suitableness and glory of Christ, and been more and more established and grounded in the faith? Thus let us all of you examine the state and frame of your soul. Let this be our frequent employment. And let us rejoice more in the prospect of that world where all our cases of conscience will be fully answered; where every dark cloud will be forever scattered; where every fear will vanish, and our souls be possessed of complete and uninterrupted happiness in the everlasting enjoyment of God. Amen.
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