September 6

Let no man deceive himself.—1 Corinthians 3:18.

DO I realize how difficult it is, truly to know one's own heart? Am I sensible of my ignorance in this respect; and do I earnestly ask God to enable me to know myself, and to make me wise unto salvation? Do I distrust my own understanding; and realize that self-flattery is next step to self-deceit; and that the way of true wisdom, is, to be willing to be enlightened and taught of God? Do I watch and pray against self-deception, as one of the most fearful sources of danger to the soul?

Remember that the time for self-examination and self-knowledge, is, after all, very short. Soon you will know the great secret. You may masquerade it for a while in the dress of a saint, but death will soon strip off the covering, and at the judgment you will stand revealed just as you are.—SPURGEON.

Oh, what a change it would make in the world, if men were brought to a knowledge of themselves! How many would seek to faithful ministers for advice, who now deride them! How many would cry day and night for mercy, and beg for the life of their immortal souls, who now content themselves with formal prayer, or perhaps never pray at all.—BAXTER.

Search me, O God! and know my heart;

Try me, my secret soul survey;

And warn thy servant to depart,

From every false and evil way.

So shall thy truth my guidance be,

Through life to immortality!—MONTGOMERY.