Did I yesterday make all needful preparations for the holy Sabbath? What
was my frame of mind, on retiring to rest, at the close of the week?
When I awoke, on this holy morning, towards what were my first thoughts
directed? How did I begin the day? What public or private duties have I
neglected? What has been my general frame of mind this day? With what
preparation did I go to the sanctuary? How were my thoughts occupied on
the way? What were my feelings, on entering the house of God? What was
my general frame of mind, while there? What my manner? Have I felt any
sensible delight in the exercises of public worship? With what feelings
did I join the devotional exercises of singing and prayer? In what
character did I view the preacher? As whose message did I receive the
word? For whom did I hear--for myself, or for others? Was the word mixed
with faith? How much prayer did I mingle with hearing? What evidence
have I that it was attended by the Holy Spirit to my heart I Did I
indulge wandering thoughts, in any part of the public services? How
much progress have I made, in overcoming these heart-wanderings? How
were my thoughts occupied on my return from public worship? [With what
preparation did I go to the Sabbath-school? When I went before my class,
what were my feelings in regard to their souls, and my own
responsibility? How was my own heart affected with the truths contained
in the lesson? What direct efforts have I made for their conversion?
What general efforts to impress their minds with the truth? What prayers
have I offered in their behalf? What have been my motives for desiring
their conversion?] How much time have I spent this day in my closet?
What have been my feelings in prayer? What in reading God's word? What
in meditation? Have I felt and acknowledged my dependence upon the Holy
Spirit for every right exercise of heart? What discoveries have I had of
my own guilt and helplessness, and my need of a Saviour? How has Jesus
appeared to me? What communion have I enjoyed with God? How have I felt,
in view of my sins, and of God's goodness to me? What have been my
feelings, on coming anew to the cross of Christ? Have I, at any time
this day, indulged vain or worldly thoughts? Have I sought my own ease
or pleasure? Have I engaged in worldly or unprofitable conversation? Do
I now feel my soul refreshed, and my strength renewed, for the Christian
warfare?
QUESTIONS TO BE USED IN SELF-EXAMINATION AT THE CLOSE OF EVERY DAY IN
THE WEEK.