_Dr. Doddridge's Questions._
"Did I awake as with God this morning, and rise with a grateful sense of
his goodness? How were the secret devotions of the morning performed?
Did I offer my solemn praises, and renew the dedication of myself to
God, with becoming attention and suitable affections? Did I lay my
scheme for the business of the day wisely and well? How did I read the
Scriptures, or any other devotional or practical piece which I
afterwards found it convenient to review? Did it do my heart good, or
was it a mere amusement? How have the other stated devotions of the day
been attended, whether in the family or in public? Have I pursued the
common business of the day with diligence and spirituality, doing
everything in season, and with all convenient despatch, and as 'unto the
Lord?' Col. 3:23. What time have I lost this day, in the morning, or the
forenoon--in the afternoon, or the evening? (for these divisions will
assist your recollection;) and what has occasioned the loss of it? With
what temper, and under what regulations, have the recreations of this
day been pursued? Have I seen the hand of God in my mercies, health,
cheerfulness, food, clothing, books, preservation in journeys, success
of business, conversation, and kindness of friends, &c.? Have I seen it
in afflictions, and particularly in little things, which had a tendency
to vex and disquiet me? Have I received my comforts thankfully, and my
afflictions submissively? How have I guarded against the temptations of
the day, particularly against this or that temptation, which I foresaw
in the morning? Have I maintained a dependence on divine influence? Have
I 'lived by faith on the Son of God,' (Gal. 2:20,) and regarded Christ
this day as my teacher and governor, my atonement and intercessor, my
example and guardian, my strength and forerunner? Have I been looking
forward to death and eternity this day, and considered myself as a
probationer for heaven, and, through grace, an expectant of it? Have I
governed my thoughts well, especially in such or such an interval of
solitude? How was my subject of thought this day chosen, and how was it
regarded? Have I governed my discourses well, in such and such company?
Did I say nothing passionate, mischievous, slanderous, imprudent,
impertinent? Has my heart this day been full of love to God, and to all
mankind? and have I sought, and found, and improved, opportunities of
doing and getting good? With what attention and improvement have I read
the Scriptures this evening? How was self-examination performed the last
night? and how have I profited this day by any remarks I then made on
former negligences and mistakes? With what temper did I then lie down
and compose myself to sleep?"