Self-Examination Before Confirmation, by the Author of 'Amy Herbert' (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1859 edition. Excerpt: ...acknowledgment of a duty which we do not choose to exert ourselves to perform. Whenever, therefore, the idea of a new duty occurs, it is desirable to go carefully in thought through the day as it is, and see how and when this fresh claim may be attended to. If you really have not time for it, put it aside, and do not vex yourself about it. For our happiness in communion with Got, it is most important to have "a conscience void of offence," and all these floating duties are clouds which come between us and Him, Whose love is our reward. Persons who are apt to be scrupulous, should be very careful to fear great things greatly, as well as little things. It sometimes happens that serious duties are neglected, whilst the conscience is distressed at the movement of a straw. If you are aware that this is the case, it is better to throw aside the scruple at once, and lend all your energies to the performance of your plain duties. When you feel yourself to be heartily in earnest, you will find yourself more in a condition to form a right estimate of the value of the scruple. It may be remembered, also, that since scruples often do injury to our health, and make religion a burden, it cannot be a sin to stop this evil, and directly to throw away the scruple, and proceed to some good action. Scrupulous persons should never make vows or resolutions for any length of time; whatever good things they intend, should be done when they can, when it is convenient. They should strive not to be singular, to do what other prudent and good people, their friends and neighbours, do. A scruple often so possesses the mind as almost to destroy the reasoning powers; in this case it is a. help to resolve to put the matter entirely aside for some stated time, ...