Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of
The work emphasizes the importance of self-examination and sincere repentance for spiritual growth. It begins with a call for humility and reverence, particularly for those in the priesthood, as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament. The text urges individuals to reflect deeply on their conscience, acknowledging their sins and shortcomings with genuine sorrow. It highlights the struggle against worldly desires and the distractions that lead one away from spiritual focus. The author lists various human weaknesses, such as indulgence, negligence in prayer, and a lack of zeal for spiritual matters, encouraging readers to confront these issues honestly. After recognizing their failings, individuals are urged to make a firm resolution for continual improvement and to offer themselves wholly to God. This self-offering is presented as a vital act of devotion, aligning oneself with the sacrifice of Christ. The text reassures that true repentance and a sincere effort to amend one's life can lead to forgiveness and grace, emphasizing God's desire for the sinner's conversion and life. Ultimately, the work serves as a guide for personal reflection, urging a commitment to spiritual discipline and the pursuit of a life aligned with divine will, culminating in the reception of the Sacrament as a means of spiritual nourishment and renewal.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1492 · Genre: Religious Literature, Spiritual Guidance, Devotional Writing · 644 words
First lines
The Voice of the Beloved.
Above all things the priest of God must draw nigh, with all humility of heart and supplicating reverence, with full faith and pious desire for the honour of God, to celebrate, minister, and receive this Sacrament. Diligently examine thy conscience and with all thy might with true contrition and humble confession cleanse and purify it, so that thou mayest feel no burden, nor know anything which bringeth thee remorse and impedeth thy free approach. Have displeasure against all thy sins in general, and specially sorrow and mourn because of thy daily transgressions. And if thou have time, confess unto God in the secret of thine heart, all miseries of thine own passion.
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Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1492 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1492 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Literature, Spiritual Guidance, Devotional Writing, Philosophical Literature, Meditative Text
- Length: 644 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Literature — The work focuses on themes of confession, repentance, and spiritual growth, central to religious practice.
- Spiritual Guidance — It provides instructions for self-examination and moral improvement, guiding readers in their spiritual journey.
- Devotional Writing — The text serves as a devotional piece aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God through reflection and amendment.
- Philosophical Literature — It explores the nature of human shortcomings and the pursuit of virtue, engaging with philosophical themes of morality.
Tags
Spirituality · Meditation · Self-Improvement · Conscience · Amendment · Christianity · Philosophy · Ethics · Morality · Personal Growth · Reflection · Introspection
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis