V. Qtì'EST1OÑS. 5+95 V. Questions by which young Persons muy be taught to examine themselves, both as to their Christian Knowledge, and their spiritual State. WHAT has been my education from myyounger years? What have been my advantages, or disadvantages, as to the things of religion ? What good use have I made of the advantages I have en- joyed, and what have I learned by them ? How have I been enabled to overcome the disadvantages that I have laboured under? What sense have I had of the sin of my nature, or the evil that dwells in me, as well as of actual sins ? What is the danger and the misery of a sinful state ? Can I remember how I came to this awakeningsenseof sin ; Whether by any special providences, sickness, dangers or trou- bles, by reading, bypreaching, or by conversation, or instruction -pf friends? What sense have I of my own insufficiency or inability to save myself ? Here will come in, the knowledge of the insufficiency of our own works, to justify us before God; and our insufficiency pf ourselves, to change our own sinful natures to holiness, and to subdue our indwelling sins? What waydo I hope to be saved ? Who is the appointed Saviour? Here the name of Christ will necessarily come in. Can I remember howI first came by the knowledge ofJesus Christ. Who is Jesus Christ the Lord ? What has he clone in order to our salvation, and of what use are his sufferings ? What are the several benefits or blessings which I stand in need of, and which I hope to receive through Jesus Christ ? Here will come in pardon of sin, the justification of our persons, our adoption, our sanctification, &c. How am I to be made partaker of these benefits of Christ? or what must I do that I may be saved? Here the answer will be perhaps, prayer to God, hear - ing or reading his word, faith in Jesus Christ, repentance of all our past sins, with a religious care to practise all the duties of holiness ? Do Ì constantly pray to God in secret ? How long since have I begun and continued the practice ? and how has it been interrupted and neglected ? Do I humbly wait for answers of prayer ? or only pronounce a prayer, before God as a daily task ? Do I make the throne of grace my constant refuge in every
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=