"Sometimes, viewing his own face in a looking-glass, by the most powerful light which he could throw upon it. He thus typified the constant introspection wherewith he torture, but could not purify, himself"
The mirror can symbolize someone's physical and spiritual reflection. His introspection is his contemplation of his thoughts, feelings, and sensations. He's going through self-examination in the light to see if there's anything left that's pure. The torture is that even the most 'powerful' light can't purify him. It's saying that the only way to make himself better is to be honest, and it starts with himself.
Private vs Public Guilt
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