From the foregoing remarks, we see the great importance of self-examination.  We must have an intimate acquaintance with the operations of our own minds, to enable us to distinguish between the exercise of gracious affections and the selfish workings of our own hearts.  And, unless we are in the constant habit of diligent inquiry into the character of our emotions, and the motives of our actions, this will be an exceedingly difficult matter.  The Scriptures specify several objects for which this inquiry should be instituted: 

I. To discover our sins, that we may come to Christ for pardon, and for grace to subdue them. David prays, “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.”  The prophet Jeremiah says, “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again unto the Lord.”  This examination should be a constant work.  We should search into the motives of every action, and thoroughly examine every religious feeling, to know, if possible, whether it comes from the Spirit of God, or whether it is a fire of our own kindling.  We must be cautious, however, lest, by diverting our attention from the truth, to examine the nature of the emotions produced by it, we should lose them altogether.  This can better be determined afterward, by recalling to recollection these emotions, and the causes which produced them.  If they were called forth by correct views of truth, and if they correspond in their nature with the descriptions of gracious affections contained in the Bible, we may safely conclude them to be genuine.

But, as we are often under the necessity of acting without much deliberation; as we are so liable to neglect duty; and as every duty is marred by so much imperfection, it is not only proper, but highly necessary, that we should have stated seasons for retiring into our closets, and calmly and deliberately reviewing 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