Have I counted the cost of following Christ, or of being truly religious? Am I ready to be cut off from van amusements, from the indulgence of my lusts, and from a sinful conformity to the world? Can I face ridicule, contempt, and serious opposition? In the view of these things, am I willing to take up the cross, and to follow Christ withersoever he shall lead me? Is it my solemn purpose, in reliance on his gracious aid, to cleave to him and to his cause and people, to the end of life?

Do I love holiness? Do I earnestly desire to be more and more conformed to God and to his holy law, to bear more and more the likeness of my Redeemer? Am I resolved, in God’s strength, to endeavour conscientiously to perform my whole duty, to God, to my neighbour, and to myself?

James W. Alexander, Plain Words to a Young Communicant, 32.