forsaking sin. But all these necessarily depend upon the knowledge of sin.

Therefore to gain true "Peace with God," you need to begin with Self-examination. Then, having found out your sins, let the knowledge of them make you truly sorry for them; and lead you to confess them, and to turn away from them and forsake them.

But yet there is one thing which must go before self-examination. For nothing that we can do will earn forgiveness. Repentance cannot by itself gain pardon. Only the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour can do away our sins.

Therefore before repentance can avail, there must be some degree of faith in Him, Who is "the propitiation for our sins," "Jesus Christ the righteous." Without faith the knowledge of our sins could lead us only to despair. But let Faith lead you along the road of repentance; and then, as the page of God's Book of remembrance is opened before you in self examination, and you see how you have neglected your duty and done wrong, and in deep sorrow you confess the sins you now forsake, the long list will be blotted out with the precious Blood of Christ.

Prayer before Self-Examination.

MERCIFUL Father who wouldest not the death

of a sinner, shed the light of Thy Holy Spirit upon my soul, that I may discover my sins and mourn over all that has defiled me. Teach me to judge myself that I may not be judged and condemned at the last great Day; and grant me so thoroughly to confess my sins to Thee in this life, that through the precious Blood of Christ I may obtain forgiveness now, and at the end be admitted unto the Life Everlasting; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SECTION II.

Self-Examination.

Do you know your sins? Have you sought for pardon, not in a merely general sort of way, but for distinct and known acts?

All can see the sins of others. But we are often blind to our own sins; for "the heart is deceitful above all things." Hence the need of careful Self-examination. It is a daily duty; but at a time like this it is more than ever important.

It is well to begin with a clear idea of the object of Self-examination. It is not to be used in order that you may find out how good you

are-that you have not done this or that—or that you are not worse than others. But the object of Self-examination is to help you to find out how you have sinned against God; in order that you may see yourself as God sees you, and, by judging yourself now, escape the dreadful judgment at the last day.

Many forms of Self-examination have been recommended. Probably there is no better plan than to examine your life by the Ten Commandments, as they are explained in the Church. Catechism.

Begin with the thought-My duty towards God, and my duty towards my neighbour-How have I discharged them? Then go carefully through the meaning of each commandment, and examine yourself as with God's eye upon See APPENDIX I, page 141.

you.

SECTION III. Sorrow for Sin.

The parable of the Pharisee and the publican is the best illustration of the view which we ought to take of ourselves. The man who is justified before God is not the man who is well satisfied with himself and has no burden; but

the man who feels the burden of his sins, and seeks to lay it down beneath the Cross of Christ.

We need to bear in mind that, in the sight of God, sin consists as much of duties neglected as of offences committed. Therefore the Christian can never be self-satisfied. Because if he has avoided evil in every shape, he has still a boundless field before him of well-doing; and it is quite as necessary that he should believe in God and fear God and love God, as it is that he should abstain from wrong.

Prayer for true Sorrow for Sin.

ALMIGHTY God, who art of purer eyes than to

behold iniquity, teach me to know my sinfulness and Thy hatred of sin; and of Thy great mercy grant that I may be filled with a godly sorrow, and so bewail mine offences against Thee, that I may be reconciled to Thee by true repentance; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Collect for Ash Wednesday.)

SECTION IV. Confession of Sin.

In honest self-examination some will find that a grievous sin has troubled or defiled their past life. They are ashamed of it. Yet they cannot gain peace respecting it. It is a burden on their conscience.

What is to be done?

The Prayer Book mentions the remedy. The Service for the Visitation of the Sick directs, "Here shall the sick person be moved to make a special confession of his sins, if he feel his conscience troubled with any weighty matter." Tell your trouble to God's minister. Ask his advice. Seek his help. He comes to you as GOD'S minister, commissioned by the Lord Himself. If you are truly sorry for your sin in the past, he is commissioned to bring you the message of forgiveness; either in formal words of absolution provided for the purpose, or, more usually, through administering to you the Holy Communion. And you will find the very act of taking counsel with another a great help to you to avoid or conquer the sin for the future; and at the same time advice will be gained in seeking for the grace you need.

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