54th Subject: How a Particular Examen should be made

He will consume these nations in thy sight by little and little, and by degrees. Thou wilt not be able to destroy them all together.—DEUT. vii.

22.

In the general examen, by frequent returns upon ourselves, we learn to know ourselves; but to correct ourselves, it is essential to make use of a particular examen, which consists in undertaking only a single defect at a time. In order to render this exercise profitable, we should seriously examine what is our ruling passion; that is to say, the defect, the inclination, which brings most evil to our souls, which is the cause of our most frequent falls, which arrests us most effectually in the path of virtue, and take it for the subject of this particular examen. It is advisable also to consult our confessor and director, in the choice of the subject.

This subject once decided, determined, we should from time to time enter into ourselves, and see what has been our course in regard to this defect; but above all, we should assign some moments during the day to read the subject of our examen, then review in our minds the occupations of the last twenty-four hours, note the number of our failings relative to this fault, compare them with those of the day before, and take some very earnest means to correct ourselves.

We should thus pursue one defect until we have eradicated it; should pursue it at least from one confession to another.

The resolution to amend and live better, since it forms an essential part of this exercise, should be well established and determined; we should set apart fitting moments to renew it, and to fulfil it with the greatest exactitude.

To determine ourselves to this, let us reflect on what the author of the imitation says: "If we should correct one defect every year we should soon be perfect." Alas! do we not do quite the contrary? And are we not forced to acknowledge that as we advance in age, the more imperfect we become?

In order to avoid such a misfortune, let us make one particular examen carefully; let us make it with exactitude, let us make it with profit. Let us attack vigorously our defects one by one; let us destroy them or they will destroy us. Let us apply to ourselves what the king of Syria said to the generals of his armies: You shall not fight against any, small or great, but against the King of Israel only; that is to say, against the ruling defect; and to incite ourselves to fight with more ardor and fidelity, let us fear lest we incur the penalty inflicted on Saul, who deserved to be repulsed by God because he spared Agag, and the best in the flocks of the Amalekites.—I. Kings xv. 9, 23.

Pause.

ACT OF CONTRITION.—O my Saviour, Thou didst sweat blood and water during long years to assure my salvation, and I, cowardly and indolent, dare not undertake the destruction of a single fault which may cause my ruin! Pardon me, Lord, this indifference, and give me, by Thy infinite merits, and by the intercession of Thy tender Mother, the courage and resolution to amend in earnest.

I make the resolution to ......