August 11

Search me, O God, and know my heart—Psalms 139:23.

IS it my earnest desire to know myself, and to see my heart as God sees it? Do I pray that he will make known to me every wrong thought, and motive, and feeling, which might otherwise escape my notice, so that every day I may turn from sin, and gain fresh strength for pressing on in the divine life? While confessing my sinfulness in general, am I willing to know my particular and individual sins; and do I desire and seek to know them, that I may turn from them? Do I long for holiness of heart and life?

We must judge of our religion by examining its foundation, in Christ without, and in the heart within. If that be wrong and baseless, the superstructure is perishable and worthless.—FLAVELL.

It is not so much the great sins that take the freshness from our conscience, as the numberless petty faults which we are all the while committing.

When sin lets us alone, we may let sin alone; but till then, we are to carry on the warfare against it, both without and within, till God shall at last give us the victory in heaven.

Search me, O Lord, and try the thoughts That dwell within my heart;

Whate'er of sin may there be found, Oh, bid it all depart

Let thy good Spirit dwell with me,

And form my soul a house for thee.