A Body of Practical Divinity

4. We must examine our selves before the Sacrament, in respect of the Difficulty of Self-examining Work. Difficulty raiseth a Noble Spirit. Self-examining is difficult: (1.) Because it is an Inward Work, it lies most with the Heart. External Acts of Devotion are easy: To lift up the Eye, to bow the Knee, to read over a few Prayers, this is as easy as for the Papists to tell over a few Beads. But to examine a Man's self, to take the Heart as a Watch, all in pieces, to make a Scripture-Trial of our Fitness for the Lord's Supper, this is not easy. Reflexive Acts are hardest: The Eye cannot see its self but by a Glass. We must have the Glass of the Word and Conscience to see our own Hearts. 'Tis easy to spy the Faults of others, but it is hard to find out our own. (2.) Self-examination is difficult in regard of Self-Love. As Ignorance blinds, so Self-love flatters. What Solomon saith of Love, Prov. 10.12. Love covereth all Sins, is most true of Self-love. A Man looking upon himself in the Glass of Self-love, (that flattering Glass) his Virtues appear greater than they are, and his Sins lesser. Self-love makes a Man rather excuse himself, than examine himself. Self-love makes one think the best of himself; and he who hath a good Opinion of himself, doth not suspect himself; and not suspecting himself, he is not forward to Examine himself. The Work therefore of self-Examination being so difficult, it requires the more Impartiality and Industry. Difficulty should be a Spur to Diligence.

4. We must examine our selves before the Sacrament, in respect of the Difficulty of Self-examining Work. Difficulty raiseth a Noble Spirit. Self-examining is difficult: (1.) Because it is an Inward Work, it lies most with the Heart. External Acts of Devotion are easie: To lift up the Eye, to bow the Knee, to read over a few Prayers, this is as easie as for the Papists to tell over a few Beads. But to examine a Man's self, to take the Heart as a Watch, all in pieces, to make a Scripture-Trial of our Fitness for the Lord's Supper, this is not easie. Reflexive Acts are hardest: The Eye cannot see its self but by a Glass. We must have the Glass of the Word and Conscience to see our own Hearts. 'Tis easie to spy the Faults of others, but it is hard to find out our own. (2.) Self-examination is difficult in regard of Self-Love. As Ignorance blinds, so Self-love flatters. What Solomon saith of Love, Prov. 10.12