Doct. Self-examination is a necessary duty, belonging to every one in the church, and requires much diligence in the performing of it.
Hence some observe, that when it is expressed that God created man in his own image, (Gen 1:27) In the image of God created he him - the word is Elohim, which is a name of God belonging to his judicial acts, which imply trial and examination; in the image of Elohim created he him, ie with a power of self-trial and self-judging. This self-examination is an exact and thorough search into a man’s self, an exquisite consideration in what posture he stands to God.
The word is the rule, a glass wherein we see God’s will;
and conscience is the examiner, that is, the glass wherein we see our lives and the motions of our hearts, and which, by the help of the word, doth dissect and open the soul to itself.
On Self-examination