SOME DIRECTIONS FOR HEART SEARCHING

     Having attempted to show the method or manner in which the presence of the carnal mind is manifested, we will pass to consider a few directions as to how to detect it in its secret, deceitful workings:

     1. The first thing demanded is genuine honesty. No man can hope to gain any ground until he throws off all subterfuges and approaches God, naked of every excuse, explanation, or hiding place, and puts himself in an attitude in which he is willing to know the worst of his case, even though it may be unwelcome knowledge. No man can defend himself against the pouring in of the light of God and receive the help from the Spirit that he needs. No man can come before God telling his good qualities and receive light on the uncleanness of his heart. His very method of approach precludes the possibility of gaining divine assistance. He is not honest; and desperate honesty is demanded, for judgment light will surely shine.

     Hence, in approaching God, a person must be willing to know the worst; he must be willing to be convinced that his heart is still a cage for unclean birds; that vile things still lodge within; that the heavenly Jerusalem of his heart is still polluted with chambers of imagery; that, "in the dark," the old man of his soul still possesses the nature, which, if allowed to have its way, would fall down before the world and "worship and serve the creature more than the Creator." Until he comes thus stripped and honest he does not come aright.

     2. The second thing necessary is heart searching. This searching must be thorough and honest. Many persons skim over the surface, discover and confess a few of the minor details of heart pollution, but leave the body of sin still festering within. Such persons, after a casual glance within, turn away their eyes, consecrate all to God, jump up, clap their hands and profess holiness, when, in reality, their blessing has not cleansed their hearts from a single unclean trait or added one iota of grace. Others are honest to the extent of their present light, but they fail to tarry before God in humble heart searching until they see all of the evils that God designs they shall. Search your heart by noting your motives for any given act, by observing the bias of your affections, by acknowledging the evil nature of the feelings which strive within. Search your heart when praised, when blamed, when you succeed or when you fail, at home and abroad, by night and by day; search deeply, determine that you will discover the whole truth, and you will be rewarded by a genuine experience.

     3. Such honesty, such heart searching, may bring some hitherto unknown phases of evil to light, and righteousness demands when they are thus revealed, that the light shall be obeyed. It may cause tears of contrition, it may cause a deep humbling of soul which will be painful in the extreme; it may make you smaller and meaner in your own eyes -- and it may be in the eyes of others; your abilities may not seem as great as they formerly did; but, notwithstanding all this, this humbling is much needed; the soul must sink prostrate in the dust before the Lord if it would arise in the effulgence of His glory.

     4. Another necessity, and upon the fulfillment of this demand depends the success of all other means, is prayerfulness. No man can expect to gain much ground unless he is diligent in prayer. From God comes all our help and to Him we must go if we wish to obtain that help. Pray without ceasing. Let us venture the statement that if a soul is honest before God, and earnestly striving to reach the land of perfect love, his heart will be continually on the stretch, prayer will be his occupation; and his supplication will be definite, fearless, importunate.

     5. The light of the Holy Spirit is a necessity, and hence His aid must be solicited. "Have faith in God," expect Him to fulfil His Word by giving you a greater measure of His divine unction which will teach you all things, and especially this thing which just now you so much need.