In the chapter "On examining One's Conscience" (Chapter 9 in his book, All My Liberty: Theology of the Spiritual Exercises), the late Fr. John J. Hardon, S.J., discusses two kinds of examen: general and particular. Regarding the wisdom of the particular examen, Fr. Hardon uses St. Francis de Sales and Matt Talbot as examples.
To read these examples, look under the heading, "Two Kinds of Examen" within Chapter 9 at http://www.therealpresence.org/archives/Christian_Spirituality/Christian_Spirituality_027.htm
The entire book can be read online by scrolling down to the individual chapters of All My Liberty at
A biographical sketch of the late Fr. Hardon can be found at