e can detect its defects and
then by earnest prayer these defects can be removed and we grow up into
the image of God. If you hold but little or no examination of your conduct
there may be many imperfections in your ways of life displeasing to God,
and yet unknown to you. You will find it beneficial to frequently seclude
yourself from the busy whirl of life, and enter into profound meditation
and careful examination.

We will suggest a few general questions, which may help you in your
retrospection. Have my meditations been pure and acceptable to God through
this day? Have I not spoken one idle word? Am I as thankful to God for
blessings as I should be? Has there been any feeling of pride in my heart?
Has there been any feeling of impatience within me? Have I felt and
manifested any selfishness? Have I had a due regard for the welfare and
happiness of others? Have my devotions been spiritual and full of
reverence? Do I love God? Am I dead to sin? Do I love secret prayer and
the reading of the Bible? Do I feel as deeply as I should the sins of this
lost world? Have I spent my money for self and withheld from God? All
told, what have I done for Jesus? These and many other questions the
Christian may ask himself to see if he is in the faith.

Backslidings.

In the chapter of "Spiritual Culture" we have included the subject of
Backsliding, not that backsliding is in any sense advantageous to
spiritual development, but it is our certain destiny if we do not
assiduously employ the means necessary to our growth in grace. By
_backsliding_ is meant the gradual turning back or away from God; to
apostatize. The Savior gives us warning to "watch and pray," that we
"enter not into temptation." The tempter will lay in your pathway all
things possible to induce you to turn away from God. He will suggest that
it is not necessary to pray so much, and we do not have to keep such a
strict vigil over our lives and govern and rule the whole by the Word of
God. He may tell you that now since you are saved you are safe. God is
able to keep you, and you have nothing now to do but to silently fold your
arms and sail to heaven on "flowery beds of ease." There never was a soul
created of God or recreated by his Spirit, not excepting the Savior
himself, since the day Adam was made of the dust, to this present time,
but what Satan has endeavored, by lies and machinations to turn him away
from God. Thousands of millions have gone down the ra