"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5

    Self-examination is a necessary—but difficult work.

    Self-examination is the setting up a court in conscience and keeping a register there, that by strict scrutiny a man may know how things stand between God and his own soul. By a serious scrutiny of our hearts, we come to know to what prince we belong—whether to the Prince of Peace, or the prince of darkness.

    Self-searching is a heart-anatomy. As a surgeon, when he makes a dissection in the body, discovers the inward parts, the heart, liver, and arteries—just so, a Christian anatomizes himself.

    Sentimentality and public opinion are false rules to go by. We must judge the state of souls by the light of Scripture.

    Many have foolish, presumptuous hopes. They fancy their state to be good; and while they weigh themselves in the balance of presumption, they pass the test.

    Many take their salvation on trust. The foolish virgins thought they had oil in their lamps, the same as the wise. How confident are some of salvation—yet never examine their title to Heaven.

    Many rest in the good opinions of others. How vain is this! Alas, one may be gold and pearl in the eye of others—yet God may judge him to be reprobate silver! Others may think him a saint—and God may write him down in His black-book! Judas was looked upon by the rest of the Apostles as a true believer —yet he was a traitor! "Then Jesus replied—Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" (John 6:70)

    Others can but see the outward behavior—but they cannot tell what evil is in the heart. Fair streams may run on the top of a river—but vermin may lay at the bottom!