Examination Of Conscience
by The Revd Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
9
Advice on examining one's conscience, typically in preparation for Holy Communion, by Richard Baxter.
Concentrate On The Task
LET not thy heart trifle away the time, when it should be diligently at the work. Put the question to it seriously, Is it thus and thus with me, or no? Force it here to an answer. Suffer it not to be silent, nor to jangle and think of other matters. If the question be hard, through the darkness of thy heart, yet do not give it over so, but search the closer, and study the case the more exactly, and if it be possible, let not thy heart give over till it hath resolved the question, and told thee, off or on, in what case thou art.
Ask it strictly, as Joseph examined his brethren, Gen. xliii. 7, how it stands affected. Do as David, Psal. Ixxvii. 6, "My spirit made diligent search." If thy heart strive to break away before thou art resolved, wrestle with it till thou hiist prevailed, and say, I will not let thee go till thou hast answered. He that can prevail with his own heart, shall also be a prevailer with God.
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From "The Saints' Everlasting Rest", by Richard Baxter. Includes some minor editorial changes, chiefly paragraphing.
You can find the full text of this book at Google Books.
