Examination of Conscience

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 11

The examination of conscience is to be always made before going to bed.  Everyone knows how it is to be done.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 11)

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapters 1- 16

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapters 1 - 16)

Examination of Conscience: On one’s progress in the devout life

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 3

The second point of this exercise is rather long. I would suggest that, in order to carry it out, it is not necessary to go through it all at once, but on different occasions.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 3)

Examination of one’s state with regard to God

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 4

What is your attitude towards mortal sin? Have you a firm determination never to commit it no matter what may happen?  Has this determination lasted from the time of your Firm Resolution until now?  The foundation of this spiritual life is in this determination.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 4)

Examination of one’s state with regard to oneself

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 5

How do you love yourself?  Do you love yourself much for the sake of this world?  If so, you will desire to remain here always, and will be very concerned to make yourself secure on this earth.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 5)

Examination of one’s state with regard to one’s neighbour

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 6

The love for one’s husband or wife should be tender and peaceful, firm and continuous.  It must hold the first place since this is God’s plan and will.  I say the same of the love of one’s children, close relatives and friends, each in its place.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 6)

Examination of one’s inclinations

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 7

I have treated at great length of these points.  In their examination depends the knowledge of the spiritual progress you have made.  A mere examination of sins belongs to the confessions of those who do not think about making progress.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 7)

Good movements of the will in concluding the examination

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 8

After reflecting peacefully on each point of the examination and discovering in what state you are, you will give vent to the good movements of the will as follows: ...

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 8)

Reason for renewing our deliberate decisions

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 9

Having completed the examination, take the advice of a spiritual director about your defects and their remedies.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part V, Chapter 9)

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