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Self-examination is to man a work of much difficulty, and one to which he feels a strong repugnance. To think upon his ways, to "bring his doings in review before him, is too serious and self-denying an employment for him, and he is never disposed to turn to it. The reason is obvious: he dreads the issue of it.

I. IF GOD THINKS UPON OUR WAYS, IT SURELY BEHOVES US TO THINK UPON THEM. If we are accountable to Him for our doings, it would be but reasonable now to sit in judgment on ourselves.

II. WHATEVER EVILS WE NOW DISCOVER BY THE EXERCISE OF SELF-EXAMINATION MAY BE REMEDIED. The sins which are detected may be repented of and forgiven. But if these things are suffered to lie hid till the day of the Lord reveal them, the discovery will come too late.

1. Think upon your past ways. They are past, but not forgotten. The record of them has been kept.

2. But if it tax your memory too much to recall forgotten hours, and the labour seems too great to ponder over what is so obscured by distance, then look at what is immediately before you. Think of your present ways: your life and conversion at this time.

III. If we thus engage in the work of self-examination, the same important result will, through the blessing of God, follow from it, namely AMENDMENT OF LIFE. Self-examination, when honestly pursued, will discover to us our need of amendment, and the conviction of this is the first step in the way to it. For when once the conscience has been disturbed by the discovery of evil, it will not be pacified till it is in process of being cured. The result will be an improvement which has its seat in the heart, and makes itself visible in the life and conversation.

(G. Bellett.)

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KJV: I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

WEB: I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.