The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Saviour's humiliation for us is remembered, thought 651 links with thought; a chain of memories is called up, memories of God's great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil thinking and evilspeaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity.

Himmelens hellige vægter er til stede i denne stund for at gøre den sjæleransagende, for at overbevise om synd og for at give den velsignede forvisning om syndernes forladelse. Kristus er der selv med hele sin nåde for at ændre tankernes flugt, der før har søgt egenkærlighedens veje. Helligånden giver nyt liv og følsomhed til dem, der følger Herrens eksempel. Når vi husker på Frelserens ydmygelse for vor skyld, griber den ene erindring ind i den anden. En hel kæde af minder drages frem, erindringer om Guds store godhed og om vore jordiske venners venlighed og ømhed. Glemte velsignelser, misbrugte velgerninger og venlighed, der er blevet mødt med ligegyldighed, dukker op i vore tanker. Roden til bitre følelser, der har fortrængt kærlighedens dyrebare blomst, viser sig for os. Karakterfejl, forsømte pligter, utaknemmelighed mod Gud og kulde over for vore brødre dukker op i erindringen. Man ser synden i det samme lys, som Gud ser den. Vore tanker er ikke selvtilfredshedens tanker, men strengt selvfordømmende og ydmygende. Sindet får kraft til at nedbryde enhver skranke, der har været årsag til fjendskab. Onde tanker og ond tale er bandlyst. Synder bliver bekendt og tilgivet. Kristi altbetvingende nåde kommer ind i sjælen, og Kristi kærlighed forener hjerterne til en velsignet enhed.