Meditation XC.

A PROPER INSPECTION.

Lying off the French Coast, June 8, 1758.

At all times, men ought to examine their state, and fitness for going into the changeless eternal world; more especially when old age has overtaken us, or the pestilence is in our borders; or when called into the field of battle, or into the dangers of the roaring ocean. Now, as we may be surprised at any time by some event—we should be prepared at all times for every event. And, as one of these situations is at present mine, it is my duty to propose some interesting questions, to examine myself thereby.

1. Am I content with salvation from Christ on his terms—that he be my complete Savior, and that I be nothing at all?

2. If I believe, is my faith dead? Or is it a living faith, working by love, and bringing forth the fruits of righteousness?

3. Do I love God? "He who loves not, knows not God, for God is love." Love to God and man is the fulfilling of the whole law.

4. Do I love the saints, and esteem the poor but pious ones, more than all the pompous sons of vice? "Everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too."

5. Is it my desire, that in all things God may be glorified—though it were to my dishonor and loss?

6. Do I choose rather to be the proverb and reproach of all the ungodly among whom I dwell—than to speek one word against true religion?

7. Do I hate sin in its profits and pleasures in myself and others, because God hates it, and it ruins souls?

8. Do I rejoice more in hope of the glory of God, than in view of possessing all that the world can afford?

9. Is the exercise of pious duties the secret delight of my soul?

10. Do I faithfully strive against all sin, and count the victory over one lust a greater conquest than the taking a city?

11. Am I entirely resigned to the will of God in all things, being not only contented—but comforted with his disposal, though sometimes not what I would wish?

12. Is death often in my mind, judgment and eternity in my Meditation? Am I always studying to be mortified to sin, and crucified to the world, that I may live to Christ?

13. Is the word of God the light, life, comfort, food, and inheritance of my soul—into which I daily seek and search?

14. Is sin growing more and more my burden? Are my struggles after perfection more vigorous than before, and more constant?

15. Am I, through grace, ever searching my ways, examining my actions, looking into my heart, and watching over myself?

16. Is the desire of my life mostly to serve God, and not to enjoy the pleasures of sense—but to be useful even in the matters of true religion?

17. Is communion with God the delight of my soul? Have I more joy in the fore-thoughts of that fruition which the saints expect, than in all the world's present vanities?

18. Have I daily recourse to the fountain of purification to be washed from my filth, and to be accepted in the Beloved?

19. Do I remember Zion in her affliction, Jerusalem in her calamity, being filled with a zeal for the glory of God?

20. Dare I venture my eternal welfare on his gracious word of promise, that whoever believes in him shall be saved; and that no sin shall condemn the soul which casts itself on Christ?

21. Do I believe that the love of God is unchangeable, that his gifts and callings are irrevocable, and that at all times he is at hand, and that he will not desert his own people in their last moments?

If I could return an affirmative to each of these queries it would show me to be in a happy state, at peace with God, and in some measure prepared for the other world. So that I might go with undaunted courage to the day of battle, and fearless tread the field of blood—leaning on Christ alone!

Back to Meditations 61 to 90