For our parts, we cannot search into, we cannot judge, the hearts of others, any other way but by the application of the word unto their consciences ; but I must Jieeds say, that if men's outward actions be an indication of the inward frame of their minds, there is reason enough for the most of us to be jealous over ourselves herein.
3. With respect unto your callings, circumstances, and inclinations, and the sins that are peculiar mito them. There are sins which are very apt to insinuate themselves into the callings and circumstances of men, both of high and low degree, that do easily beset them; as, hardness, oppression, severity, and unmercifulness, in those that are great and hive large possessions; and deceit, equivocations, over- reachings, in those of more ordinary employments. I speak not of these at present ; they are of the number of those which " go before- hand unto judgment." But these tlungs — namely, men's callings, circumstances, and inclinations — are apt to influence their mind with vicious habits, and to render their ways crooked. Pride of life, self- conceit, negligence in holy duties, distempered passions and lusts, devouring cares, carnal fears, with other huiiful evils, do spring from these things, if not watched against. In reference unto them, there- fore, are we called to search ourselves in a day wherein God is pleading with us. With respect unto them ought we to be exceeding jealous over ourselves ; for verily they have rendered the ways and walkings of the generality of professors a great provocation unto Christ Jesus.
4. In an especial manner with a respect unto love of the world, and conformity thereunto. This is that which the Lord Jesus Christ v.'ill not always bear withal in his churches; for it lies in opposition unto the whole work of faith and all the precepts of the gospel. It is not against this or that command only, but it is against the whole design of the gospel, and the grace administered therein.
Now, at present, concerning our outward conformity unto the world, there needs no great search to be made. It is open and evident
Go 2 THE DESIGN OF IMPENDENT JUDGMENTS.
unto all ; so that, as unto attire, fashions, manner of ordinary converse, misspense of time, feastings of rich ones, and jollities, there is httle difference left between professors and the world ; — which God will not long bear with them in; especially not in those who have increased their wealth in, and grown into conformity with, the world, whilst others, under the same profession, have been harassed, imprisoned, impoverished, and ruined by the world. And as for inordinate love imto the world, I have spoken so often to it, treated so much of it, that I shall not here again insist upon it. I shall only say, that when men grow proud, high-minded, and value themselves according to the increase of their earthly enjoyments, and think themselves wronged if others do not also so value them, it is in vain for them to pretend that their liearts do not inordinately cleave unto the woidd and the things of it.
This self-searching is the first duty we are at this season called unto ; and if we are negligent or overly herein, we shall not answer the mind and will of God in any one duty or instance of any other kind. We are, therefore, herein to call in God and men unto our aid and assist- ance, as also to stir up ourselves unto it with diligence and persever- ance. So the psalmist, lest he should not be able to make a diligent, effectual examination of himself and his ways, cries unto God to search and try him, that he might be known unto himself, especially with respect unto any evil way of sin or wickedness, Ps. cxxxix. 2'3, 24. >So we ought to cry for fresh communications of the Holy Spirit of God in his convincing efficacy, to acquaint us thoroughly with our- selves, and to deliver us from all self-deceivings in this matter. For when we go about this search, a thousand pretences and arguings Avill arise, to the concealment or countenance of self and sin against a discovery and pursuit. Nothing can remove and scatter them but the power of the Holy Spirit acting in his convincing efficacy. The whole deceit of the heart in such a season will be put forth, to hide, palliate, excuse, and countenance such frames and actings as ought to be seized on and brought to judgment. There is need of the " candle of the Lord, to search the inward parts of the belly," Prov. XX. 27; — of spiritual light, to look into the secret recesses of the mind and affections, to discover what is amiss in them. And there is need of spiritual strength, to cast down all the strongholds and fortifications of sin ; which will be all set up at such a time, and will not be demolished or scattered without powerful actings of gi-ace. This, therefore, in the first place, we are to apply ourselves unto, if we intend any success in this work of self-examination.
So also are we to pray that the word, in the preaching and dispen- sation of it, may be effectual unto the same end, — that we may find it (juick and powerful, Hel). iv. 12, — that it may so judge the secrets