Quest. 1.—Do I make the approbation of God, or the applause of men, the very end and main design of my religious performances?
according to I. Thess. ii. 4; Col. iii. 23. Will the acceptance of my duties with men satisfy me, whether God accept my duties and person or not?
Quest. 2.—Is it the reproach and shame that attends sin at present, and the danger and misery that will follow it hereafter, that restrains me from the commission of it?
or is it the fear of God in my soul, and the hatred I bear to it as it is sin? according to Ps. xix. 12, and Ps. cxix. 113.
Quest. 3.—Can I truly and heartily rejoice to see God’s work carried on in the world, and His glory promoted, by other hands, though I have no share in the credit and honour of it, as Paul did?
Phil. i. 18.
Quest. 4.—Is there no duty in religion so full of difficulty and self-denial, but I desire to comply with it?
And is all the holy and good will of God acceptable to my soul, though I cannot rise up with like readiness to the performance of all duties? according to that pattern in Ps. cxix. 6.
Quest. 5.—Am I sincerely resolved to follow Christ and holiness at all seasons, however the aspects of the times may be towards religion, having a secret reserve in my heart to launch out no further than I may return with safety, contrary to the practice and resolution of upright souls?
Ps. cxvi. 3, 4; Ps. xlv. 18, 19; Rev. xxii. 14.
Quest. 6.—Do I make no conscience of committing secret sins, or neglecting secret duties?
or am I conscientious both in the one and in the other? according to the rules and patterns of integrity in Matt. vi. 5, 6; Ps. xix. 12—14.
FLAVEL’S “TOUCHSTONE OF SINCERITY.”