second_o of_o these_o assertion_n be_v make_v good_a than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o defect_n at_o all_o in_o those_o church_n that_o use_v not_o such_o a_o rite_n but_o a_o novelty_n and_o imposition_n on_o their_o part_n who_o so_o strict_o require_v it_o but_o if_o the_o three_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v the_o corruption_n and_o great_a fault_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o injunction_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o the_o excellency_n and_o commendation_n of_o those_o church_n which_o exclude_v it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o auricular_a confession_n of_o such_o a_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v and_o practice_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o negative_a which_o i_o here_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a which_o be_v account_v a_o difficult_a province_n but_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v relieve_v we_o in_o that_o particular_a by_o sound_v the_o institution_n express_o upon_o that_o one_o passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n joh._n 20._o 22._o so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o examine_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n to_o discover_v what_o footstep_n of_o divine_a institution_n may_v be_v find_v here_o or_o there_o for_o the_o council_n whole_o insist_o and_o rely_v upon_o that_o text_n of_o st._n john_n and_o therefore_o if_o that_o fail_v they_o the_o whole_a hypothesis_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o let_v we_o lay_v the_o word_n before_o we_o and_o they_o be_v these_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v now_o here_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n that_o have_v eye_n in_o his_o head_n or_o ear_n to_o hear_v whether_o in_o this_o text_n there_o be_v any_o one_o word_n of_o auricular_a confession_n or_o much_o less_o of_o such_o a_o circumstantiated_a one_o as_o they_o require_v and_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a that_o their_o own_o ancient_a canonist_n and_o several_a of_o their_o learned_a divine_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a institution_n found_v upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v content_a to_o defend_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o particular_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o general_a usage_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o examine_v by_o and_o by_o in_o its_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v choose_v but_o admire_v the_o mighty_a faith_n of_o a_o romanist_n who_o can_v believe_v in_o spite_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o unsuperable_a difficulty_n heretofore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n bread_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o flesh_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o sense_n yea_o although_o for_o that_o there_o be_v the_o countenance_n of_o five_o figurative_a but_o mistake_v word_n to_o support_v the_o credulity_n but_o this_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n clear_o outdo_v it_o for_o here_o a_o man_n must_v believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n or_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n how_o many_o sacrament_n may_v not_o such_o man_n have_v if_o they_o please_v what_o voluminous_a creed_n may_v not_o they_o swallow_v and_o digest_v what_o mountain_n may_v not_o such_o a_o wonderful_a faith_n remove_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v for_o themselves_o perhaps_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o will_v plead_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o have_v peremptory_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o purpose_n aforesaid_a indeed_o that_o council_n in_o the_o three_o canon_n of_o their_o fourteen_o session_n do_v damn_v all_o those_o who_o deny_v that_o a_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n and_o auricular_a confession_n be_v prescribe_v in_o that_o text_n of_o st._n john_n or_o who_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o other_o purpose_n but_o in_o so_o do_v they_o both_o usurp_v a_o prerogative_n which_o be_v never_o pretend_v to_o or_o practise_v by_o any_o council_n before_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o betray_v a_o consciousness_n that_o the_o text_n itself_o yield_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o design_v to_o countenance_n by_o it_o for_o what_o council_n ever_o till_o now_o bring_v a_o text_n and_o then_o impose_v a_o interpretation_n upon_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o then_o back_v that_o interpretation_n with_o a_o anathema_n if_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a or_o can_v be_v make_v so_o why_o be_v not_o that_o do_v and_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o other_o mean_n the_o curse_n will_v not_o do_v it_o at_o least_o to_o any_o but_o very_o obedient_a roman_a conscience_n beside_o if_o this_o course_n be_v allow_v i_o see_v not_o but_o a_o council_n may_v bring_v in_o what_o religion_n they_o please_v have_v first_o make_v a_o nose_n of_o wax_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o writhe_v it_o into_o what_o shape_n they_o best_a fancy_n for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o favour_v i_o i_o can_v govern_v the_o sense_n and_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v silent_a or_o intractable_a i_o can_v help_v that_o with_o a_o interpretation_n and_o if_o i_o have_v authority_n or_o confidence_n enough_o to_o impose_v that_o under_o the_o peril_n of_o anathema_n i_o be_o no_o long_o a_o interpreter_n or_o a_o judge_n but_o a_o lawgiver_n and_o need_v not_o trouble_v myself_o with_o scriptum_n est_fw-la but_o may_v if_o i_o will_v speak_v plain_a say_v decretum_fw-la est_fw-la and_o the_o business_n be_v do_v but_o if_o neither_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n nor_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n will_v do_v in_o this_o case_n then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n they_o think_v they_o have_v at_o least_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n to_o relieve_v they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v find_v auricular_a confession_n in_o the_o text_n yet_o they_o will_v by_o consequence_n infer_v it_o thence_o for_o they_o say_v although_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o here_o express_o mention_v yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n before_o we_o institute_v a_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n and_o therefore_o auricular_a confession_n must_v necessary_o be_v imply_v because_o absolution_n can_v be_v without_o confession_n here_o the_o reader_n will_v observe_v that_o the_o point_n in_o question_n between_o we_o be_v very_o much_o alter_v for_o we_o be_v now_o fall_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o auricular_a confession_n in_o particular_a to_o that_o of_o a_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n in_o general_n i._n e._n from_o a_o direct_a proof_n to_o a_o subintelligitur_fw-la but_o we_o will_v follow_v they_o hither_o also_o and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o will_v brief_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o whether_o that_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o depend_v on_o a_o inference_n and_o be_v prove_v only_o by_o a_o innuendo_fw-la 2._o whether_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_a to_o assert_v that_o our_o saviour_n there_o institute_n a_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n where_o not_o only_o auricular_a confession_n but_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o such_o a_o sacrament_n be_v lest_o undefined_a 3._o whether_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v that_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v not_o that_o be_v have_v here_o institute_v and_o appoint_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v require_v as_o the_o material_a part_n of_o penance_n yet_o this_o can_v have_v be_v esteem_v a_o sacrament_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v the_o force_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o word_n institution_n now_o that_o in_o the_o common_a use_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o speak_v distinct_o and_o understand_o imply_v a_o set_n up_o de_fw-la novo_fw-la or_o the_o appoint_v that_o to_o become_v a_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o knowable_a or_o at_o least_o not_o know_v to_o be_v so_o before_o it_o become_v so_o appoint_v for_o this_o word_n institution_n be_v that_o which_o we_o use_v to_o express_v a_o positive_a command_n by_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v moral_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n and_o of_o natural_a obligation_n now_o
priest_n kneels_z to_o all_o holy_a people_n and_o entreat_v all_o the_o brethren_n to_o be_v his_o intercessor_n with_o god_n almighty_a for_o his_o pardon_n this_o be_v penitential_a confession_n 39_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o apology_n more_o plain_o coimus_fw-la in_o caetum_fw-la etc._n etc._n ibidem_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la nam_fw-la &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la it_z a_o deliquer_fw-fr it_o ut_fw-mi à _fw-fr communione_fw-la etc._n etc._n religetur_fw-la we_o have_v say_v he_o in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n a_o spiritual_a judicature_n and_o with_o great_a gravity_n censure_v offender_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o beatus_fw-la rhenanus_fw-la one_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o great_a insight_n into_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n who_o give_v we_o this_o account_n of_o tertullian_n poeitent_a and_o his_o time_n nihil_fw-la illum_fw-la de_fw-la clancularia_fw-la illa_fw-la poenitentiâ_fw-la loqui_fw-la quae_fw-la id_fw-la temporis_fw-la penitus_fw-la ignorabatur_fw-la there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o secret_a or_o clancular_a confession_n in_o use_n in_o tertullian_n time_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o day_n 5._o to_o go_v a_o little_a low_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o proceed_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o he_o himself_o describe_v it_o the_o sinner_n by_o outward_a gesture_n and_o token_n show_v 15._o himself_o to_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o penitent_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o then_o make_v humble_a confession_n thereof_o before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o desire_v all_o the_o brethren_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o which_o do_v the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o so_o reconcile_v he_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o origen_n time_n and_o once_o for_o all_o to_o deliver_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n touch_v this_o 37._o particular_a i_o will_v add_v the_o word_n of_o the_o historian_n rei_fw-la 16._o ad_fw-la terram_fw-la se_fw-la pronos_fw-la abjiciunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o to_o have_v offend_v fall_v down_o flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n with_o weep_v and_o lamentation_n in_o the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o bishop_n run_v to_o they_o with_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n also_o in_o token_n of_o sorrow_n and_o compassion_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n sympathize_v with_o both_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o tear_n etc._n etc._n 6._o if_o we_o go_v low_a yet_o to_o the_o time_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n austin_n we_o find_v those_o holy_a man_n speak_v very_o etc._n slight_o of_o confession_n to_o man_n so_o little_o do_v they_o think_v of_o auricular_a confession_n be_v a_o sacrament_n st._n augustine_n judgement_n in_o the_o case_n we_o have_v hear_v before_o in_o the_o ten_o book_n of_o his_o confession_n and_o three_o chapter_n and_o for_o the_o other_o the_o testimony_n out_o of_o he_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o can_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o transcribe_v they_o and_o as_o for_o st._n jerom_n who_o live_v about_o the_o same_o time_n i_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o repeat_v the_o account_n of_o erasmus_n who_o be_v very_o conversant_a in_o his_o write_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o the_o other_o father_n and_o who_o have_v no_o other_o fault_n i_o know_v but_o that_o he_o do_v use_v mordaci_fw-la radere_fw-la vero_fw-la to_o be_v too_o great_a a_o telltruth_n which_o sure_o will_v not_o invalidate_v his_o testimony_n his_o word_n be_v these_o apparet_fw-la tempore_fw-la hieronimi_fw-la nondum_fw-la institutam_fw-la fuisse_fw-la secretam_fw-la admissorum_fw-la confessionem_fw-la verùm_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la labuntur_fw-la theologi_fw-la quidam_fw-la parum_fw-la attenti_fw-la quòd_fw-la quae_fw-la veteres_fw-la scribunt_fw-la de_fw-la publica_fw-la &_o generali_fw-la confession_n ea_fw-la trahunt_fw-la ad_fw-la occultam_fw-la &_o long_o diversi_fw-la generis_fw-la i._n e._n it_o be_v evident_a say_v he_o that_o in_o st._n jerom_n time_n which_o be_v about_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o secret_a confession_n in_o use_n but_o the_o mistake_n be_v that_o some_o few_o late_a and_o inconsiderate_a divine_n have_v take_v the_o instance_n of_o general_a and_o public_a confession_n then_o practise_v for_o argument_n of_o that_o auricular_a confession_n which_o be_v now_o use_v though_o quite_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o it_o thus_o we_o have_v trace_v the_o current_n of_o antiquity_n for_o four_o or_o five_o hundred_o year_n to_o search_v for_o the_o head_n of_o this_o nilus_n the_o source_n and_o rise_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o confession_n which_o be_v so_o high_o magnify_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o hitherto_o we_o have_v find_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o this_o methinks_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stagger_v a_o impartial_a inquirer_n at_o least_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o so_o short_a a_o treatise_n as_o this_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o unprejudicate_a that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a of_o antiquity_n to_o favour_v this_o rite_n as_o there_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v plead_v for_o it_o but_o yet_o i_o know_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v to_o bring_v abundance_n of_o testimony_n for_o it_o and_o bellarmine_n particular_o go_v from_o century_n to_o century_n with_o his_o citation_n to_o prescribe_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a use_n of_o it_o but_o i_o do_v sincere_o think_v that_o these_o four_o follow_v short_a observation_n will_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o answer_v they_o all_o 1._o i_o observe_v that_o whereas_o this_o word_n exomologesis_fw-la be_v common_o use_v by_o diverse_a of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o phrase_n whereby_o they_o intend_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o repentance_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o passage_n i_o cite_v out_o of_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr poenit._n even_o now_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o bellarmine_n himself_o nevertheless_o mere_o because_o that_o word_n signify_v confession_n proper_o and_o nothing_o else_o these_o romish_a sophister_n where_o they_o find_v this_o word_n exomologesis_fw-la force_v it_o into_o a_o argument_n for_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o contend_v for_o and_o so_o several_a discourse_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v repentance_n in_o general_n be_v make_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o exhortation_n to_o or_o encomium_n of_o confession_n in_o particular_a and_o that_o must_v be_v nothing_o else_o neither_o but_o auricular_a confession_n the_o thing_n in_o question_n a_o cast_n of_o his_o skill_n in_o this_o way_n bellarmine_n give_v we_o in_o irenaeus_n the_o very_a first_o author_n he_o cite_v for_o auricular_a confession_n in_o the_o last_o quote_v book_n and_o chapter_n of_o his_o write_n de_fw-fr sacramentis_fw-la 2._o whereas_o the_o novatian_o exclude_v all_o hope_n of_o repentance_n or_o pardon_n for_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n but_o the_o true_a church_n contrariwise_o admit_v to_o hope_n of_o pardon_n upon_o their_o repentance_n upon_o this_o occasion_n when_o some_o of_o the_o father_n just_o magnify_v the_o advantage_n and_o comfortableness_n of_o the_o true_a church_n above_o the_o schismatical_a as_o that_o it_o set_v open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o those_o who_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o her_o ministry_n hence_o these_o witty_a man_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o every_o true_a church_n have_v a_o confessor_n chair_n and_o such_o a_o formal_a way_n of_o pardon_v as_o they_o now_o practice_v at_o rome_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o auricular_a confession_n and_o as_o if_o all_o that_o exclude_v the_o latter_a reject_v the_o former_a too_o and_o be_v no_o better_o than_o novatian_a heretic_n whenas_o in_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v exercise_v in_o all_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o she_o pardon_n and_o retain_v sin_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o a_o particular_a confessor_n as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o this_o piece_n of_o juggle_v the_o same_o bellarmine_n be_v 8._o also_o guilty_a of_o in_o his_o citation_n of_o lactantius_n 3._o whereas_o the_o ancient_a writer_n be_v much_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o confession_n of_o sin_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o church_n but_o general_o intend_v that_o which_o be_v public_a it_o be_v common_a with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o all_o such_o say_n as_o be_v intend_v to_o
persuade_v to_o and_o encourage_v public_a confession_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o auricular_a or_o clancular_a confession_n thus_o particular_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v by_o tertullian_n in_o his_o citation_n of_o he_o 6._o 4._o and_o last_o whereas_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o several_a of_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a do_v in_o some_o case_n very_o much_o recommend_v confession_n of_o secret_a sin_n and_o persuade_v some_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o namely_o those_o that_o be_v in_o great_a perplexity_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o need_v ghostly_a counsel_n and_o advice_n or_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o church_n prayer_n and_o make_v they_o the_o more_o ardent_a and_o effectual_a on_o their_o behalf_n whereas_o i_o say_v they_o recommend_v this_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o zeal_n or_o a_o prudent_a expedient_a or_o at_o most_o as_o necessary_a only_o in_o some_o case_n pro_fw-la hîc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la these_o great_a patron_n of_o auricular_a confession_n do_v with_o their_o usual_a artifice_n apply_v all_o these_o passage_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o universal_o necessary_a duty_n a_o law_n to_o all_o christian_n this_o be_v a_o very_a common_a fault_n among_o they_o and_o particular_o st._n cyprian_n be_v thus_o misapply_v by_o the_o same_o forementioned_a writer_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 7._o hitherto_o inquire_v into_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n of_o those_o time_n we_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v any_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o auricular_a confession_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o much_o less_o for_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o it_o but_o now_o after_o all_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o passage_n in_o ecclesiastical_a 16._o history_n which_o seem_v to_o promise_v we_o satisfaction_n herein_o and_o therefore_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v slight_o pass_v over_o without_o due_a consideration_n it_o be_v the_o famous_a story_n of_o nectarius_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o predecessor_n to_o st._n chrysostom_n which_o happen_v something_o less_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n the_o story_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o socrates_n and_o sozomen_n run_v thus_o in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o nectarius_n there_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o custom_n in_o that_o church_n as_o also_o in_o most_o other_o that_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o great_a piety_n wisdom_n and_o gravity_n shall_v be_v choose_v penitentiary_n that_o be_v be_v appoint_v to_o the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o receive_v confession_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v the_o penitent_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o repentance_n now_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o certain_a woman_n of_o quality_n strike_v with_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n come_v to_o the_o penitentiary_n that_o then_o be_v and_o according_a to_o custom_n make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o all_o such_o sin_n as_o she_o be_v conscious_a to_o herself_o to_o have_v commit_v since_o her_o baptism_n for_o which_o he_o according_a to_o his_o office_n appoint_v she_o the_o penance_n of_o fast_v and_o continual_a prayer_n to_o expiate_v her_o gild_n and_o give_v proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o repentance_n but_o she_o proceed_v on_o very_o particular_o in_o her_o confession_n at_o last_o among_o other_o thing_n come_v to_o declare_v that_o a_o certain_a deacon_n of_o that_o church_n have_v lie_v with_o she_o upon_o notice_n of_o which_o horrid_a fact_n the_o deacon_n be_v forthwith_o cashier_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o miscarriage_n take_v air_n and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n they_o present_o fall_v into_o a_o mighty_a commotion_n and_o rage_n about_o it_o partly_o in_o detestation_n of_o so_o foul_a a_o action_n of_o the_o deacon_n but_o principal_o in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o dishonour_n and_o scandal_n thereby_o reflect_v on_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o bishop_n find_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o his_o clergy_n extreme_o concern_v in_o this_o accident_n and_o be_v very_o anxious_a what_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n at_o last_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o one_o eudaemon_n a_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n he_o resolve_v thenceforth_o to_o abolish_v the_o office_n of_o penitentiary_n both_o to_o extinguish_v the_o present_a flame_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o future_a and_o now_o by_o this_o mean_v every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o permit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a mystery_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n faithful_o render_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o historian_n but_o this_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o gross_a and_o look_v no_o further_o than_o so_o will_v not_o do_v much_o towards_o the_o decide_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n we_o will_v therefore_o examine_v thing_n a_o little_a more_o narrow_o by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o hint_n as_o those_o writer_n afford_v we_o perhaps_o we_o may_v make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o at_o last_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o i_o observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o though_o at_o the_o first_o blush_v here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o early_a and_o great_a example_n of_o that_o auricular_a confession_n which_o we_o oppose_v forasmuch_o as_o here_o be_v not_o only_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n for_o confession_n to_o a_o priest_n but_o that_o to_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n and_o this_o to_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o secret_a notwithstanding_o upon_o a_o more_o through_o view_v it_o will_v appear_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o plead_v for_o and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o the_o respect_n follow_v first_o in_o the_o auricular_a confession_n in_o the_o story_n there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n who_o confession_n use_v to_o be_v open_a and_o public_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o that_o here_o a_o public_a officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v they_o such_o a_o one_o as_o who_o prudence_n and_o learning_n and_o piety_n she_o can_v confide_v in_o for_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a nicety_n and_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v neither_o leave_v to_o the_o penitent_a to_o choose_v his_o confident_a for_o his_o confessor_n nor_o at_o large_a for_o every_o priest_n to_o represent_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o so_o ticklish_a a_o affair_n as_o that_o of_o discipline_n but_o to_o a_o public_a officer_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n for_o this_o purpose_n so_o that_o confession_n to_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v private_a see_v it_o be_v do_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o he_o to_o confirm_v which_o second_o this_o penitentiary_n it_o seem_v be_v bind_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o discover_v the_o matter_n open_v to_o he_o in_o secret_n to_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o crime_n of_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o story_n there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o a_o seal_n of_o confession_n in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o a_o man_n may_v confess_v and_o go_v on_o to_o sin_n again_o secret_o without_o danger_n of_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n whatsoever_o the_o atrocity_n of_o his_o crime_n be_v and_o indeed_o without_o any_o effectual_a course_n in_o order_n to_o his_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n again_o three_o this_o confession_n in_o the_o story_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o if_o a_o man_n sin_n may_v not_o be_v pardon_v without_o it_o but_o only_o a_o prudent_a provision_n of_o the_o church_n to_o help_v man_n forward_o in_o their_o repentance_n to_o direct_v the_o act_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o to_o relieve_v perplex_v and_o weak_a conscience_n and_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o appear_v among_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o account_n which_o the_o historian_n give_v we_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o abolish_n it_o viz._n that_o now_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n about_o his_o partake_n of_o the_o holy_a mystery_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v or_o intimate_v that_o he_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o want_v of_o confession_n to_o which_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o this_o office_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o repute_v a_o sacrament_n but_o rather_o as_o i_o note_v before_o a_o expedient_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o for_o doubtless_o neither_o that_o
trust_v with_o those_o sacred_a record_n so_o as_o to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v then_o but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o priest_n shall_v judge_v for_o they_o and_o that_o they_o await_v their_o doom_n from_o his_o mouth_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o in_o a_o protestant_a church_n where_o the_o whole_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o mother_n tongue_n the_o old_a and_o especial_o the_o new_a testament_n constant_o and_o conscientious_o expound_v and_o the_o people_n allow_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o i_o see_v not_o i_o say_v why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o priest_n may_v not_o in_o great_a measure_n be_v excuse_v the_o trouble_n of_o attend_v secret_a confession_n without_o danger_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a use_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n too_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o every_o day_n service_n which_o though_o they_o be_v both_o in_o general_a term_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o public_a worship_n yet_o every_o penitent_n can_v both_o from_o his_o own_o conscience_n supply_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o confession_n by_o a_o remorseful_a reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o particular_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o do_v it_o at_o the_o knee_n of_o a_o priest_n and_o also_o by_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v apply_v the_o general_a sentence_n of_o absolution_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n with_o as_o good_a and_o comfortable_a effect_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v special_o pronounce_v by_o his_o confessor_n but_o this_o public_a confession_n do_v not_o please_v the_o romanist_n neither_o and_o they_o know_v a_o reason_n for_o their_o dislike_n namely_o because_o this_o do_v not_o conciliate_v so_o great_a a_o veneration_n to_o the_o priesthood_n as_o when_o all_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o kneel_v to_o they_o for_o salvation_n neither_o do_v this_o way_n make_v they_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o man_n as_o auricular_a confession_n do_v wherein_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o only_o make_v a_o judge_n of_o man_n estate_n but_o a_o spy_n upon_o their_o behaviour_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o become_v a_o intelligencer_n to_o his_o superior_n of_o all_o the_o design_n interest_n and_o even_a constitution_n of_o the_o people_n moreover_o the_o church_n of_o england_n allow_v of_o private_a confession_n also_o as_o particular_o in_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a which_o office_n extend_v also_o to_o they_o that_o be_v trouble_v in_o mind_n or_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o afflict_a in_o body_n where_o the_o minister_n be_v direct_v to_o examine_v particular_o the_o state_n of_o the_o decumbent_n soul_n to_o search_v and_o rummage_v his_o conscience_n to_o try_v his_o faith_n his_o repentance_n his_o charity_n nay_o to_o move_v he_o to_o make_v a_o special_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o afterward_o to_o absolve_v he_o upon_o just_a ground_n nay_o further_o yet_o if_o beside_o the_o case_n of_o sickness_n any_o man_n shall_v either_o out_o of_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n scrupulosity_n or_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o any_o other_o devout_a consideration_n think_v it_o needful_a to_o apply_v himself_o to_o a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o advice_n ease_n or_o relief_n he_o have_v encouragement_n and_o direction_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o first_o exhortation_n to_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v those_o who_o will_v tender_o and_o faithful_o as_o well_o as_o secret_o administer_v to_o his_o necessity_n so_o that_o i_o see_v not_o what_o defect_n or_o omission_n can_v be_v object_v to_o this_o church_n in_o all_o this_o affair_n or_o what_o temptation_n any_o man_n can_v have_v upon_o this_o account_n to_o go_v from_o we_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o be_v neither_o content_v with_o public_a confession_n nor_o with_o private_a no_o nor_o with_o secret_a neither_o if_o it_o be_v only_o occasional_a or_o voluntary_a it_o be_v the_o universality_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o they_o insist_v upon_o for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o they_o a_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n to_o prevent_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o society_n to_o conserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o rest_v rain_n man_n from_o sin_v or_o much_o less_o a_o office_n of_o expediency_n and_o prudence_n to_o be_v resort_v to_o upon_o exigency_n or_o such_o as_o may_v accidental_o become_v necessary_a upon_o emergency_n as_o suppose_v upon_o the_o atrocity_n of_o some_o fact_n commit_v the_o scandalousness_n of_o some_o person_n former_a life_n which_o may_v make_v he_o more_o doubtful_a of_o his_o pardon_n the_o weakness_n of_o his_o judgement_n the_o melancholy_a of_o his_o temper_n or_o the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o any_o such_o like_a occasion_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o stand_a indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o man_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o word_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o of_o universal_a obligation_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n determin_n sess_z 4._o canon_n 1._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la dixerit_fw-la in_o ecolesiâ_fw-la catholica_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la nom_fw-fr esse_fw-la verè_fw-la &_o propriè_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la pro_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la quoties_fw-la post_fw-la baptismum_fw-la in_o peccata_fw-la labentur_fw-la ipsi_fw-la deo_fw-la reconciliandiâ—_n a_o domino_fw-la nostro_fw-la institutum_fw-la anathema_n sit_v i._n e._n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v who_o shall_v affirm_v that_o penance_n be_v not_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o sacrament_n institute_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o for_o the_o reconcile_n those_o christian_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o have_v fall_v into_o sin_n after_o their_o baptism_n and_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o that_o decree_n they_o teach_v and_o assert_v more_o particular_o first_o that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n express_o joh._n 20._o 22._o 2._o that_o this_o sacrament_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n viz._n the_o matter_n and_o the_o form_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o or_o quasi_fw-la materia_fw-la as_o they_o cautious_o speak_v be_v the_o act_n or_o act_n of_o the_o penitent_a namely_o contrition_n confession_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o form_n of_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o these_o word_n absolvote_v 3._o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v fall_v after_o baptism_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o confess_v his_o sin_n 3._o at_o least_o once_o a_o year_n to_o a_o priest_n 4._o that_o this_o confession_n be_v to_o be_v secret_a for_o public_a confession_n 5._o they_o say_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o expedient_a 5._o that_o this_o confession_n of_o mortal_a sin_n be_v very_o exact_a and_o ibid._n particular_a together_o with_o all_o circumstance_n especial_o such_o as_o speciem_fw-la facti_fw-la mutantâ—_n alter_v the_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o it_o extend_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a sin_n even_o of_o thought_n or_o against_o the_o 9th_o and_o 10_o commandment_n ibid._n 6._o that_o the_o penitent_a thus_o do_v the_o absolution_n of_o 6._o the_o priest_n hereupon_o pronounce_v be_v not_o conditional_a or_o declarative_a only_a but_o absolute_a and_o judicial_a now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o decree_n of_o they_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n pursuant_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o that_o particular_a i_o will_v here_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v neither_o in_o his_o gospel_n institute_v such_o a_o auricular_a confession_n as_o aforesaid_a nor_o much_o less_o such_o a_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v in_o the_o recite_v decree_n 2._o that_o auricular_a confession_n have_v not_o be_v of_o constant_a and_o universal_a use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v much_o less_o look_v upon_o as_o of_o sacramental_a and_o necessary_a obligation_n 3._o that_o auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a but_o in_o many_o respect_n very_o mischievous_a to_o piety_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n if_o the_o first_o of_o these_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a then_o at_o the_o worst_a the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o auricular_a confession_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n can_v be_v but_o a_o irregularity_n and_o no_o essential_a defect_n if_o the_o
priest_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o that_o under_o the_o inviolable_a seal_n of_o confession_n what_o great_a shame_n can_v this_o put_v i_o to_o what_o remorse_n be_v it_o likely_a to_o work_v in_o i_o what_o shall_v discourage_v i_o from_o go_v on_o to_o sin_n again_o if_o no_o worse_a thing_n happen_v to_o i_o 2._o and_o then_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o confession_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o also_o take_v off_o the_o shame_n and_o weaken_v the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o it_o do_v no_o harm_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o do_v any_o good_a for_o who_o be_v concern_v much_o in_o the_o do_v that_o which_o he_o see_v all_o the_o world_n do_v as_o well_o as_o himself_o if_o only_o notorious_a sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o it_o may_v probable_o and_o reasonable_o provoke_v a_o blush_n and_o cause_v a_o remorse_n in_o he_o to_o who_o such_o a_o remedy_n be_v prescribe_v but_o when_o he_o see_v the_o whole_a parish_n and_o the_o priest_n too_o bring_v to_o it_o and_o man_n as_o general_o comply_v with_o it_o as_o they_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n what_o great_a wonder_n can_v this_o work_v what_o shame_n can_v it_o inflict_v upon_o any_o man_n what_o effect_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o it_o but_o that_o it_o ordinary_o make_v man_n secure_a and_o careless_a and_o grow_v as_o familiar_a with_o sin_n as_o with_o the_o remedy_n or_o at_o least_o think_v as_o well_o of_o themselves_o as_o of_o other_o man_n since_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n as_o himself_o 3._o to_o which_o the_o frequency_n and_o often_o repetition_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o confession_n add_v very_o much_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o modesty_n may_v work_v much_o upon_o a_o man_n the_o first_o or_o second_o time_n he_o go_v to_o confession_n and_o it_o may_v something_o discompose_v his_o countenance_n when_o he_o lay_v open_v all_o his_o secret_a miscarriage_n to_o a_o person_n especial_o for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o we_o see_v every_o thing_n even_o sin_n itself_o be_v modest_a in_o its_o beginning_n and_o no_o doubt_v it_o be_v some_o restraint_n of_o sin_n whilst_o a_o man_n be_v sensible_a that_o he_o must_v undergo_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o shame_n in_o vomit_v up_o again_o his_o sweet_a morsel_n which_o he_o eat_v in_o secret_a but_o by_o that_o time_n he_o have_v be_v use_v to_o this_o a_o while_n it_o grow_v easy_a and_o habitual_a to_o he_o and_o custom_n have_v make_v the_o very_a punishment_n pleasant_a as_o well_o as_o the_o sin_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v 4._o the_o formal_a cursory_a hypocritical_a and_o illusive_a way_n of_o confession_n in_o frequent_a use_n among_o they_o as_o that_o a_o man_n may_v choose_v his_o own_o priest_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o great_a sinner_n will_v have_v a_o confessor_n right_n for_o his_o turn_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v too_o severe_a and_o scrupulous_a with_o he_o that_o a_o man_n may_v confess_v in_o transitu_fw-la in_o a_o hurry_n or_o huddle_n and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o remark_n make_v upon_o his_o person_n nor_o his_o sin_n that_o a_o man_n may_v make_v one_o part_n of_o his_o confession_n to_o one_o priest_n and_o reserve_v the_o other_o part_n for_o another_o so_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v have_v one_o confessor_n for_o his_o mortal_a sin_n and_o another_o for_o his_o venial_a so_o that_o one_o shall_v save_v he_o if_o the_o other_o damn_v he_o nay_o for_o fail_v the_o forgetful_a sinner_n may_v have_v another_o man_n to_o confess_v for_o he_o or_o at_o least_o he_o may_v confess_v that_o he_o have_v not_o confess_v these_o and_o abundance_n more_o such_o illusive_a method_n be_v in_o daily_a use_n among_o they_o and_o not_o only_o take_v up_o by_o the_o licentious_a and_o unconscionable_a people_n but_o allow_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o their_o great_a casuist_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o likely_a way_n to_o restrain_v sin_n or_o to_o encourage_v it_o whether_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o remedy_n if_o this_o be_v one_o must_v not_o of_o necessity_n make_v the_o disease_n seem_v not_o very_o formidable_a in_o a_o word_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o ridicul_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o a_o teach_a man_n to_o be_v so_o fool_n hardy_a as_o to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n 5._o this_o sad_a reckon_n will_v be_v inflame_v yet_o high_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o slight_a penance_n usual_o impose_v by_o these_o spiritual_a judge_n upon_o the_o great_a crime_n the_o council_n determine_v that_o the_o confessor_n must_v be_v exact_o make_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o adjust_a a_o penance_n to_o it_o now_o when_o some_o great_a sin_n be_v confess_v and_o that_o in_o very_o foul_a circumstance_n if_o the_o penance_n proportion_v to_o it_o by_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o say_v two_o or_o three_o pater_n noster_n or_o ave-maria_n extraordinary_a to_o give_v a_o little_a money_n in_o alm_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o some_o pious_a use_n to_o kneel_v on_o his_o bare_a knee_n before_o such_o a_o shrine_n to_o kiss_v such_o a_o image_n to_o go_v on_o pilgrimage_n a_o few_o mile_n to_o such_o a_o saint_n or_o at_o most_o to_o wear_v a_o hair_n shirt_n or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o fast_o with_o pish_o and_o wine_n and_o sweetmeat_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o this_o make_v that_o sin_n which_o be_v thus_o mawl_v and_o stigmatise_v look_v very_o dreadful_o can_v any_o man_n find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o sin_n again_o when_o it_o have_v cost_v he_o so_o dear_a already_o oh_o but_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o these_o penance_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o correspond_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n but_o only_o to_o satisfy_v the_o debt_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o we_o have_v think_v that_o the_o end_n of_o penance_n have_v be_v to_o work_v in_o the_o penitent_a a_o disposition_n for_o pardon_n by_o give_v he_o both_o opportunity_n and_o direction_n to_o express_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o use_n of_o penance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n together_o with_o the_o take_n off_o the_o scandal_n from_o the_o society_n and_o for_o that_o other_o end_n how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v so_o certain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o debt_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n remain_v due_a after_o the_o sin_n be_v pardon_v before_o god_n it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v pardon_v so_o far_o only_o as_o he_o please_v he_o may_v resolve_v to_o punish_v temporal_o those_o who_o he_o have_v forgive_v eternal_o as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o his_o constant_a method_n appear_v by_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n release_v the_o temporal_a punishment_n to_o many_o in_o the_o gospel_n who_o disease_n he_o cure_v say_v to_o they_o your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v you_o when_o as_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o all_o score_n be_v quit_v with_o god_n so_o but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v perish_v eternal_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prevent_v it_o by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 6._o but_o last_o to_o come_v to_o a_o end_n of_o this_o sad_a story_n the_o easiness_n and_o prostitution_n of_o their_o absolution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n contribute_v as_o much_o to_o the_o encourage_n of_o vice_n and_o carelessness_n in_o religion_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o that_o rule_v case_n among_o their_o casuist_n as_o i_o show_v before_o that_o the_o priest_n be_v bind_v to_o absolve_v he_o that_o confess_v and_o say_v he_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n though_o he_o do_v in_o his_o heart_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o contrite_a but_o that_o either_o the_o priest_n pardon_v be_v a_o very_a cheat_n or_o else_o that_o pardon_n be_v due_a of_o course_n to_o the_o most_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o confess_v and_o be_v save_v or_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o their_o common_a practice_n to_o absolve_v man_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n whether_o they_o be_v contrite_a or_o attrite_a or_o neither_o at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v give_v no_o evidence_n of_o either_o if_o they_o intend_v this_o only_a for_o absolution_n from_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v call_v charity_n and_o look_v something_o like_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o release_v those_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n who_o it_o
less_o a_o clear_a or_o direct_v one_o oh_o but_o here_o be_v confession_n it_o may_v happen_v so_o if_o the_o party_n please_v but_o it_o be_v not_o enjoin_v but_o voluntary_a and_o that_o not_o auricular_a neither_o but_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o least_o for_o aught_o appear_v and_o it_o be_v confession_n of_o a_o secret_a sin_n too_o true_a it_o be_v so_o till_o it_o be_v either_o confess_v or_o betray_v and_o here_o be_v penance_n impose_v for_o a_o secret_a sin_n true_n when_o it_o be_v become_v public_a and_o here_o be_v a_o different_a degree_n of_o penance_n impose_v upon_o he_o that_o ingenuous_o confess_v from_o he_o that_o stay_v till_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o have_v his_o sin_n prove_v upon_o he_o and_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o one_o give_v token_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o other_o none_o but_o then_o here_o be_v what_o no_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n no_o declare_v absolute_a necessity_n of_o confession_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o pardon_v with_o god_n but_o only_o a_o necessity_n that_o when_o the_o fact_n be_v become_v notorious_a whether_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o otherwise_o that_o the_o church_n use_v her_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v the_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o free_v herself_o from_o scandal_n by_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a the_o more_o hopeful_a and_o the_o less_o if_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o proper_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n god_n help_v poor_a protestant_n that_o can_v discern_v it_o but_o oh_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o the_o power_n of_o learning_n and_o logic_n what_o may_v not_o such_o man_n prove_v if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o the_o other_o passage_n i_o instance_n in_o be_v in_o his_o ten_o chapter_n pag._n 156._o viz._n the_o critical_a and_o famous_a business_n of_o the_o nectarian_n reformation_n at_o constantinople_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o large_o in_o the_o forego_n paper_n now_o for_o this_o this_o learned_a gentleman_n after_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v very_o frank_o that_o public_a confession_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o st._n irenaeus_n tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o origen_n that_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o about_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o that_o ancient_a usage_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n a_o public_a penitentiary_n be_v appoint_v at_o constantinople_n and_o most_o other_o orthodox_n church_n and_o in_o short_a after_o he_o have_v with_o more_o ingenuity_n than_o some_o other_o of_o his_o party_n own_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o socrates_n and_o sozomen_n touch_v this_o affair_n and_o make_v some_o observation_n thereupon_o not_o much_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o cause_n he_o at_o length_n deliver_v that_o which_o will_v be_v very_o much_o to_o his_o purpose_n if_o it_o can_v be_v credible_a namely_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n nectarius_n in_o abolish_n the_o penitentiary_n neither_o abolish_v public_a nor_o private_a confession_n but_o instead_o of_o oblige_v man_n to_o go_v to_o the_o penitentiary_n leave_v every_o man_n bind_v to_o resort_v to_o his_o respective_a diocesan_n and_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o he_o and_o so_o auricular_a confession_n be_v after_o this_o change_n every_o whit_n as_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v beâ—â—…e_a very_o true_a say_v i_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a now_o as_o it_o be_v before_o for_o it_o be_v only_o voluntary_a before_o and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v after_o but_o if_o the_o intention_n of_o nectarius_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o alteration_n be_v only_o the_o change_n of_o the_o person_n and_o every_o man_n still_o oblige_v to_o confess_v to_o some_o body_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o story_n that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v that_o word_n signify_v the_o bishop_n then_o we_o have_v find_v out_o a_o right_n fanatic_a diocesan_n for_o they_o will_v all_o ready_o confess_v to_o this_o bishop_n and_o believe_v his_o absolution_n as_o sufficient_a as_o any_o romanist_n of_o they_o all_o do_v and_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v undeniable_o plain_a that_o socrates_n after_o this_o reformaâ—…_n think_v of_o no_o other_o confessor_n but_o this_o nor_o imagiâ—â—_n man_n now_o bind_v to_o make_v any_o other_o confession_n this_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o auricular_a be_v very_a seâ—â—…_n for_o otherwise_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o expoâ—â—â—lates_v the_o matter_n with_o eudaemon_n who_o advise_v change_v and_o bewail_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o liberty_n whâ—â—â—_n be_v hereby_o give_v man_n if_o they_o be_v as_o strict_o boâ—â—â—…_n still_o to_o confess_v to_o their_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v before_o the_o penitentiary_n therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o busiâ—â—â—…_n seem_v evident_o to_o be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v now_o at_o â—â—berty_n to_o make_v their_o confession_n of_o secret_a sin_n voluntary_o as_o they_o be_v no_o doubt_n before_o the_o institution_n penitentiary_n and_o now_o what_o have_v this_o learned_a gâ—â—tleman_n get_v by_o muster_v up_o this_o story_n well_o hâ—â—…_n ever_o the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v hold_v let_v the_o premâ—â—â—…_n look_v to_o themselves_o i_o can_v find_v in_o my_o heart_n now_o my_o hand_n be_v in_o proceed_v further_o and_o to_o observe_v what_o pitiful_a sâ—â—â—…_n he_o be_v put_v to_o in_o his_o thirteen_o chapter_n to_o evade_v testimony_n bring_v by_o mounseur_fw-fr daillè_fw-la out_o ofâ—â—â—_n chrysostom_n against_o his_o hypothesis_n and_o the_o raâ—â—…_n because_o out_o of_o mere_a tediousness_n of_o writing_n i_o in_o forego_v paper_n omit_v to_o specify_v the_o most_o remarkable_a discourse_n which_o that_o excellent_a author_n have_v upâ—â—_n this_o subject_a but_o the_o authority_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o answerable_a and_o the_o evasion_n of_o this_o gentleman_n force_v and_o palpable_a that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o about_o to_o vindicate_v the_o one_o or_o confute_v the_o other_o in_o spite_n of_o art_n this_o same_o thirteen_o chapter_n speak_v of_o will_v afford_v no_o less_o than_o thirteen_o argumeâ—â—_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n finis_fw-la council_n trid._n sess_v 14._o c._n 2._o vid._n becan_n tract_n de_fw-fr sacramentis_fw-la in_o specie_fw-la sess_z 14._o cap._n 2._o cap._n 3._o cap._n 5._o ibid._n ibid._n cap._n 6._o sess_z 14._o c._n 2._o sess_z 14._o c_o 3_o 3_o hugo_n de_fw-fr s._n vict._n lib._n de_fw-fr sacram._n sacram._n magist_n sent._n lib._n 4._o do_v 1._o 1._o becanus_n tract_n 2._o de_fw-la sacramentis_fw-la sacramentis_fw-la aug._n c._n faust_n lib._n 19_o c._n 16._o 16._o christus_fw-la constituit_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la svi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la vicarios_fw-la sess_z 14._o prasides_fw-la &_o judices_fw-la ib._n c._n 4._o sacerdos_n solvit_fw-la peccata_fw-la potestate_fw-la quadam_fw-la praetoria_fw-la bellar_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-la sacram_fw-la c._n 10._o christus_fw-la ratam_fw-la habet_fw-la sententiam_fw-la à _fw-la sacerdote_fw-la latam_fw-la id_fw-la lib._n 3._o c._n 2._o sess_z 14._o c._n 1._o aquinas_n sum_n part_n 3._o q._n 68_o tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o beatus_fw-la rhenan_n in_o praef_n ad_fw-la tertull._n the_o poeitent_a st._n syprian_n lib._n 3._o eph._n 15._o origen_n in_o ps_n 37._o sozomen_fw-fr l._n 7._o cap._n 16._o st._n chrysost_o ad_fw-la hebr._n homil._n 31._o id._n in_o serm._n de_fw-fr confess_v &_o poenit_fw-la etc._n etc._n bellarm._n de_fw-fr poenit._n lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o id._n lib._n 3._o c._n 6._o socrat._v hist_o lib._n 5._o cap._n 19_o sozomen_n lib._n 7._o c._n 16._o nicephor_n lib._n 12._o cap._n 28._o sess_z 14._o can._n 1._o ibid._n cap._n 5._o ibid._n cap._n 2._o theod._n cantuar_n apud_fw-la beat._n rhen._n in_o praef_n ad_fw-la tertul._n depoenit_fw-la conc._n trident._n sess_z 14._o cap_n 4._o
a_o discourse_n concern_v auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o a_o postscript_n on_o occasion_n of_o a_o book_n late_o print_v in_o france_n call_v historia_n confessionis_fw-la auricularis_fw-la london_n print_v by_o h._n hill_n jun._n for_o benj._n take_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o fincham_n gardener_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1648._o of_o auricular_a confession_n the_o zealot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v wont_a to_o glory_n of_o the_o singular_a advantage_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n especial_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o help_v of_o spiritual_a comfort_n which_o they_o pretend_v be_v to_o be_v have_v there_o above_z and_o beyond_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o one_o thing_n if_o it_o can_v be_v as_o substantial_o make_v out_o as_o it_o be_v confident_o assert_v can_v not_o fail_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o will_v undoubted_o prevail_v with_o all_o devout_a person_n who_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_a to_o go_v over_o to_o they_o but_o if_o contrariwise_o it_o appear_v upon_o search_n that_o their_o pretension_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v false_a and_o groundless_a and_o that_o the_o method_n of_o administer_a consolation_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o church_n be_v as_o well_o unsafe_a and_o deceitful_a as_o singular_a and_o unnecessary_a then_o the_o same_o prudence_n and_o sincerity_n will_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o suspect_v that_o communion_n instead_o of_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o it_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o aforesaid_a boasting_n as_o the_o effect_n either_o of_o design_a imposture_n or_o at_o the_o least_o of_o ignorance_n and_o delusion_n among_o other_o thing_n that_o church_n high_o value_v itself_o upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o as_o deep_o blame_v and_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o reform_a church_n for_o their_o defect_n in_o and_o neglect_v of_o so_o important_a and_o comfortable_a a_o office_n and_o under_o that_o specious_a pretext_n her_o emissary_n who_o be_v wont_n according_a to_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_n silly_a woman_n etc._n etc._n insinuate_v themselves_o into_o such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o have_v more_o zeal_n than_o knowledge_n and_o now_o and_o then_o wheadle_n some_o of_o they_o over_o into_o their_o society_n to_o that_o purpose_n they_o will_v not_o only_a harangue_n they_o with_o fine_a story_n of_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o ancient_n and_o useful_a rite_n but_o will_v also_o preach_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o important_a in_o its_o kind_n as_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o confession_n to_o a_o priest_n and_o his_o absolution_n thereupon_o obtain_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o pardon_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n as_o for_o original_a sin_n or_o whatsoever_o actual_a transgression_n may_v have_v be_v commit_v before_o baptism_n 2._o all_o those_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v wash_v away_o in_o that_o sacred_a laver._n and_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n or_o venial_a sin_n these_o may_v be_v do_v away_o by_o several_a easy_a method_n by_o contrition_n alone_o say_v some_o nay_o by_o attrition_n alone_o specie_fw-la say_v other_o by_o habitual_a grace_n say_v a_o three_o etc._n etc._n but_o for_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o a_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n for_o these_o there_o be_v no_o other_o door_n of_o mercy_n but_o the_o priest_n lip_n nor_o have_v god_n appoint_v or_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n than_o this_o of_o confession_n to_o a_o priest_n and_o his_o absolution_n this_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n therefore_o be_v call_v by_o they_o secunda_fw-la tabula_fw-la post_fw-la naufragium_fw-la the_o peculiar_a refuge_n of_o a_o lapse_v christian_a the_o only_a sanctuary_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n the_o sole_a mean_n of_o restore_v such_o a_o person_n to_o peace_n of_o conscience_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o withal_o this_o method_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v so_o sovereign_a and_o effectual_a a_o remedy_n that_o it_o cure_v toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la and_o whatever_o a_o man_n in_o fearriage_n have_v be_v and_o how_o often_o soever_o repeat_v if_o he_o do_v but_o as_o often_o resort_v to_o it_o he_o shall_v return_v as_o pure_a and_o clean_a as_o when_o he_o first_o come_v from_o the_o font._n this_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n say_v they_o have_v god_n allow_v man_n of_o quit_v all_o score_n with_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o they_o may_v have_v perfect_a peace_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o may_v think_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n without_o horror_n have_v their_o case_n decide_v beforehand_o by_o god_n deputy_n the_o priest_n and_o their_o pardon_n ready_a to_o produce_v and_o plead_v at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o mighty_a defect_n be_v it_o therefore_o in_o the_o protestant_a church_n who_o want_v this_o sacrament_n want_v the_o principal_a ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o who_o will_v not_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o society_n of_o that_o church_n where_o this_o great_a case_n be_v so_o abundant_o provide_v for_o for_o if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a he_o must_v be_v extreme_o foolhardy_a and_o deserve_v to_o perish_v who_o will_v not_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n from_o whence_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v so_o very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a no_o wonder_n therefore_o i_o say_v if_o not_o only_o the_o loose_a and_o vicious_a be_v fond_a of_o this_o communion_n where_o they_o may_v sin_v and_o confess_v and_o confess_v and_o sin_v again_o without_o any_o great_a danger_n but_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o the_o more_o virtuous_a and_o prudent_a also_o do_v not_o out_o of_o more_o caution_n think_v it_o become_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o expedient_a for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o understand_v himself_o but_o must_v be_v conscious_a of_o have_v commit_v sin_n since_o his_o baptism_n and_o then_o for_o fear_v some_o of_o they_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o mortal_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v his_o safe_a course_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o this_o refuge_n and_o consequent_o he_o will_v easy_o be_v draw_v to_o that_o church_n where_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o his_o disease_n be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o oner_n say_v then_o prove_v and_o more_o easy_o fancy_v by_o silly_a people_n then_o believe_v by_o those_o of_o discretion_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v no_o culpable_a defect_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o they_o trust_v not_o to_o this_o remedy_n in_o so_o great_a a_o case_n and_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a though_o she_o have_v no_o fondness_n for_o mountebank_n medicine_n as_o observe_v they_o to_o be_v seldom_o successful_a yet_o she_o be_v not_o want_v in_o her_o care_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o under_o her_o guidance_n but_o express_v as_o much_o tenderness_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v pretend_v to_o indeed_o she_o have_v not_o set_v up_o a_o confessor_n chair_n in_o every_o parish_n nor_o much_o less_o place_v the_o priest_n in_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n almighty_n as_o think_v it_o safe_o at_o least_o in_o ordinary_a case_n to_o remit_v man_n to_o the_o text_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o public_a ministry_n thereof_o for_o resolution_n of_o conscience_n then_o to_o the_o secret_a oracle_n of_o a_o priest_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o advise_v they_o rather_o to_o observe_v what_o god_n himself_o declare_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o aggravation_n or_o abatement_n of_o it_o and_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o pardon_n than_o what_o a_o priest_n pronounce_v but_o however_o this_o course_n do_v not_o please_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o which_o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o main_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o let_v man_n be_v their_o own_o carver_n but_o lead_v they_o like_o child_n by_o the_o hand_n my_o meaning_n be_v they_o keep_v people_n as_o much_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o can_v lock_v that_o up_o from_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n now_o if_o they_o may_v not_o be_v
say_v under_o the_o former_a head_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o this_o and_o that_o discourse_n will_v be_v confirm_v or_o impair_v respective_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v evident_o make_v out_o in_o this_o second_o point_n forasmuch_o as_o if_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v make_v apparent_a that_o such_o a_o rite_n have_v be_v of_o constant_a use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o will_v afford_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o it_o take_v its_o rise_n at_o first_o from_o divine_a institution_n notwithstanding_o all_o we_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o contrary_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o the_o evidence_n here_o answer_v not_o the_o pretention_n and_o no_o sufficient_a footstep_n of_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n appear_v then_o will_v all_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v great_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v because_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n probable_a that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o case_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v general_o neglect_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o though_o i_o be_o here_o only_o upon_o the_o defensive_a and_o so_o bind_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o examine_v the_o proof_n which_o the_o romanist_n bring_v for_o their_o pretension_n yet_o i_o will_v deal_v ingenuous_o as_o seek_v not_o to_o find_v flaw_n but_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o give_v these_o instance_n as_o so_o many_o reason_n for_o the_o negative_a in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o crave_v leave_n to_o premise_v this_o if_o auricular_a confession_n be_v so_o great_a a_o gospel_n mystery_n so_o wonderful_o efficacious_a a_o method_n of_o save_a soul_n as_o to_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o law_n as_o the_o romanist_n teach_v as_o well_o as_o institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o practise_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n one_o may_v seem_v just_o to_o wonder_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o mention_n nor_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o ministry_n he_o use_v to_o be_v a_o example_n as_o well_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n to_o the_o church_n he_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n before_o he_o enjoin_v they_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o he_o exemplify_v the_o other_o sacrament_n before_o he_o prescribe_v his_o apostle_n to_o administer_v they_o &_o one_o will_v have_v think_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o example_n have_v be_v more_o necessary_a in_o this_o business_n of_o penance_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o if_o it_o have_v be_v but_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o so_o obscure_a a_o institution_n since_o especial_o one_o will_v have_v think_v to_o find_v some_o trace_n of_o this_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o saviour_n because_o he_o daily_o converse_v with_o sinner_n he_o reprove_v they_o instruct_v they_o heal_v they_o pardon_v they_o but_o never_o bring_v any_o of_o they_o to_o such_o a_o confession_n as_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o viz._n to_o a_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o the_o circumstance_n nor_o upon_o so_o do_v formal_o absolve_v they_o his_o very_a disciple_n some_o of_o which_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n be_v admit_v without_o it_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v tell_v by_o he_o all_o that_o ever_o she_o do_v but_o she_o be_v not_o bring_v on_o her_o knee_n to_o make_v she_o own_o confession_n but_o most_o strange_a of_o all_o it_o be_v that_o the_o woman_n take_v in_o adultery_n when_o he_o have_v make_v her_o accuser_n slink_v away_o be_v not_o private_o bring_v to_o it_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o confession_n to_o he_o who_o know_v all_o before_o but_o yet_o it_o may_v have_v be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v these_o sinner_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o themselves_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o work_v repentance_n and_o fit_v they_o for_o pardon_n at_o least_o if_o this_o method_n have_v be_v of_o such_o mighty_a use_n and_o wonderful_a necessity_n as_o be_v pretend_v 2._o but_o to_o let_v pass_v that_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o nothing_o of_o this_o practice_n appear_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o gospel_n call_v man_n to_o repentance_n erect_v and_o govern_v church_n but_o never_o set_v themselves_o down_o in_o a_o confessor_n chair_n for_o penitent_n secret_o to_o tell_v they_o in_o their_o ear_n the_o story_n of_o their_o vicious_a life_n indeed_o we_o read_v act_v 19_o 18._o that_o some_o come_v in_o and_o show_v their_o deed_n but_o first_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o holy_a zeal_n for_o we_o can_v find_v that_o they_o be_v require_v to_o do_v it_o as_o of_o sacramental_a obligation_n &_o beside_o the_o confession_n be_v public_a before_o the_o church_n not_o clancular_a and_o whisper_v in_o secret_a it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o st._n james_n chap._n 5._o 16._o advice_n the_o christian_n to_o confess_v their_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o which_o be_v make_v a_o mighty_a evidence_n in_o this_o case_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o be_v speak_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o appear_v v_o 14._o in_o bodily_a sickness_n and_o distress_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v advise_v to_o lay_v open_a their_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o relief_n and_o succour_n by_o the_o more_o ardent_a and_o affectionate_a prayer_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v make_v privy_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o universal_a rule_n for_o all_o man_n to_o comply_v with_o whether_o they_o be_v sick_a or_o well_o in_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n perplex_v or_o quiet_a in_o their_o conscience_n much_o less_o of_o sacramental_a and_o necessary_a obligation_n as_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n 3._o let_v we_o go_v on_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n for_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n we_o find_v not_o one_o word_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o confession_n which_o we_o inquire_v for_o indeed_o the_o write_n of_o that_o time_n which_o be_v extant_a be_v not_o many_o but_o if_o this_o business_n have_v be_v of_o such_o consequence_n as_o be_v pretend_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o those_o holy_a man_n ignatius_n clemens_n and_o justin_n martyr_n shall_v not_o have_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o indeed_o bellarmine_n bring_v we_o one_o instance_n within_o this_o period_n and_o that_o be_v from_o irenaeus_n who_o speak_v of_o certain_a woman_n who_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o martion_n the_o heretic_n say_v they_o afterward_o come_v and_o confess_v all_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n to_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n we_o dispute_v not_o against_o public_a confession_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_o primitive_a and_o we_o wish_v it_o have_v be_v constant_o maintain_v in_o after_o age_n it_o be_v only_o the_o necessity_n of_o clancular_a confession_n that_o we_o be_v unsatisfy_v in_o and_o this_o passage_n speak_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o that_o case_n 4._o in_o tertullia_n time_n which_o be_v also_o much_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n we_o find_v great_a thing_n say_v of_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v of_o that_o which_o be_v public_a and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o a_o priest_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v great_o encourage_v and_o require_v by_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o those_o time_n as_o that_o which_o in_o the_o case_n of_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n free_v the_o church_n both_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o from_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o case_n of_o secret_a sin_n be_v a_o mean_n by_o open_a shame_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o pardon_v and_o the_o confession_n be_v principal_o direct_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o person_n offend_v by_o the_o sin_n yet_o it_o be_v make_v before_o man_n to_o raise_v a_o fervency_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o be_v note_v before_o and_o to_o obtain_v their_o effectual_a intercession_n with_o god_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o penitent_a this_o that_o ancient_a writer_n make_v manifest_a to_o be_v his_o sense_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr poenitentia_fw-la in_o these_o word_n plerumque_fw-la vero_fw-la jejuniis_fw-la preces_fw-la alere_fw-la ingemiscere_fw-la lachrymari_fw-la &_o mugire_fw-la dies_fw-la noctésque_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la deum_fw-la tuum_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la advolvi_fw-la &_o aris_fw-la or_o rather_o charis_fw-la dei_fw-la adgeniculari_fw-la omnibus_fw-la fratribus_fw-la legationes_fw-la saae_fw-la deprecationis_fw-la injungere_fw-la haec_fw-la omne_fw-la ex_fw-la homologesis_n ut_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la commendet_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o penitent_a often_o join_v fast_v to_o his_o prayer_n weep_v wail_n and_o moan_n night_n and_o day_n before_o god_n cast_v himself_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o
bishop_n nor_o that_o church_n will_v have_v ever_o consent_v to_o the_o abolition_n of_o a_o sacrament_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o a_o scandal_n as_o happen_v in_o the_o mismanagement_n of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v have_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o see_v they_o do_v 2._o i_o observe_v concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o penitentiary_n office_n the_o time_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o usage_n namely_o that_o the_o historian_n do_v not_o pretend_v it_o to_o have_v be_v apostolical_a much_o less_o of_o strict_o divine_a institution_n but_o they_o lie_v the_o heat_n of_o its_o first_o rise_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n which_o be_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n i_o confess_v nicephorus_n will_v 28._o persuade_v we_o of_o its_o great_a antiquity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o revive_v then_o institute_v at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o bring_v it_o into_o use_n at_o the_o decian_a persecution_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o church_n pursuant_n of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a canon_n constitute_v a_o penitentiary_n etc._n etc._n and_o petavius_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o the_o roman_a hypothesis_n as_o very_o unreasonable_o to_o favour_v this_o conceit_n but_o the_o truth_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o valesius_fw-la very_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v only_o this_o that_o here_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o historian_n who_o say_v only_o that_o when_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v their_o penitentiary_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o add_v he_o to_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v to_o the_o number_n of_o those_o in_o the_o matricula_fw-la or_o roll_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n or_o as_o we_o will_v say_v they_o make_v he_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o he_o be_v constitute_v in_o such_o a_o office_n pursuant_n of_o a_o ancient_a law_n or_o canon_n as_o nicephorus_n careless_o or_o wilful_o mistake_v beside_o afterward_o when_o the_o historian_n observe_v that_o the_o novatian_o universal_o withstand_v this_o order_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d q._n d._n this_o new_a institution_n or_o addition_n or_o supplement_n of_o the_o ancient_a rite_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v date_n this_o institution_n high_o than_o the_o historian_n do_v namely_o after_o the_o decian_a persecution_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o erect_v this_o new_a office_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n then_o if_o it_o be_v not_o before_o of_o this_o i_o give_v two_o account_n first_o the_o church_n be_v now_o very_o numerous_a and_o the_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n very_o great_a and_o what_o by_o the_o compassionate_a reception_n which_o the_o church_n give_v to_o penitent_n and_o her_o ardent_a prayer_n for_o they_o what_o by_o the_o earnest_a harangue_n of_o holy_a man_n to_o move_v people_n to_o repentance_n abundance_n be_v incline_v to_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o this_o confession_n be_v till_o that_o time_n accustom_v to_o be_v open_a and_o public_a in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n it_o must_v needs_o happen_v all_o those_o circumstance_n consider_v together_o that_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n will_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n the_o publication_n of_o which_o will_v be_v attend_v with_o great_a inconvenience_n for_o some_o sin_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o scarce_o can_v take_v air_n without_o spread_v a_o contagion_n some_o confession_n will_v make_v sport_n for_o light_n and_o vain_a person_n and_o beside_o abundance_n of_o other_o inconvenience_n easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v by_o any_o one_o the_o publication_n of_o some_o sin_n may_v expose_v the_o penitent_n to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o pagan_a criminal_a judge_n upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n the_o church_n think_v fit_a therefore_o i_o as_o have_v intimate_v before_o to_o appoint_v one_o wise_a and_o very_a grave_a person_n in_o her_o stead_n to_o receive_v the_o confession_n who_o by_o his_o discretion_n may_v so_o discriminate_a matter_n that_o what_o thing_n be_v fit_a for_o silence_n may_v have_v private_a method_n apply_v to_o they_o but_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n may_v be_v make_v public_a example_n of_o or_o receive_v a_o public_a remedy_n second_o but_o the_o historian_n lead_v we_o to_o a_o more_o special_a reason_n of_o this_o institution_n at_o that_o time_n namely_o that_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n cruel_o shake_v the_o church_n and_o abundance_n of_o her_o weak_a member_n fall_v off_o in_o the_o storm_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v distract_v about_o the_o restitution_n or_o final_a rejection_n of_o those_o that_o have_v so_o miscarry_v for_o though_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o considerate_a of_o humane_a infirmity_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v those_o in_o again_o upon_o repentance_n over_o who_o the_o temptation_n of_o fear_n have_v too_o much_o prevail_v yet_o the_o novatian_o a_o great_a and_o zealous_a part_n of_o christianity_n look_v upon_o such_o as_o desperate_a who_o have_v once_o break_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o will_v rather_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n themselves_o than_o suffer_v such_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o here_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o great_a strait_n either_o she_o must_v be_v very_o severe_a to_o some_o or_o she_o shall_v seem_v very_o unkind_a to_o other_o she_o must_v either_o let_v the_o weak_a perish_v or_o she_o must_v offend_v they_o that_o count_v themselves_o strong_a now_o in_o this_o case_n she_o be_v both_o tender_o compassionate_a towards_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v and_o withal_o willing_a to_o satisfy_v those_o novatian_a dissenter_n or_o at_o least_o to_o deliver_v herself_o from_o scandal_n take_v this_o course_n she_o require_v that_o those_o who_o have_v fall_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o her_o society_n shall_v acknowledge_v their_o fault_n and_o make_v all_o the_o penitent_a satisfaction_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o perform_v that_o so_o neither_o they_o may_v be_v too_o easy_o tempt_v to_o do_v so_o again_o by_o the_o gentleness_n of_o the_o remedy_n nor_o the_o novatian_o reproach_n her_o lenity_n or_o take_v pet_n as_o if_o no_o difference_n be_v make_v between_o the_o sound_n and_o the_o lapse_v for_o these_o cause_n though_o the_o most_o public_a penance_n be_v think_v little_a enough_o to_o be_v undergo_v by_o the_o lapse_v but_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n consider_v wise_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o public_a penance_n in_o some_o case_n as_o i_o specify_v before_o she_o therefore_o take_v this_o middle_a course_n namely_o she_o appoint_v a_o public_a confessor_n who_o have_v first_o hear_v private_o the_o several_a case_n of_o the_o penitent_n shall_v bring_v into_o public_a only_o such_o of_o they_o as_o without_o incur_v any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a danger_n may_v be_v make_v exemplary_a and_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o institution_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o affair_n by_o this_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o historian_n that_o whereas_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o orthodox_n close_v present_o with_o this_o wife_n temperament_n the_o novatian_o only_o those_o self_n conceit_v nonconformist_n reject_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o expedient_a as_o a_o new_a invention_n they_o be_v too_o humoursome_a to_o comply_v with_o such_o a_o temperament_n but_o here_o another_o question_n arise_v viz._n how_o far_o this_o new_a expedient_a be_v embrace_v by_o the_o orthodox_n church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v only_o receive_v by_o that_o of_o constantinople_n the_o authority_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o other_o church_n may_v allow_v every_o private_a priest_n to_o confess_v and_o so_o admit_v of_o no_o public_a penitentiary_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o by_o the_o history_n it_o seem_v plain_a enough_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n only_o but_o the_o usual_a method_n in_o that_o time_n of_o most_o other_o church_n also_o but_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n comply_v with_o they_o herein_o though_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o her_o honour_n to_o be_v singular_a where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o prudence_n and_o piety_n to_o have_v incline_v she_o to_o uniformity_n however_o this_o be_v gain_v which_o be_v my_o point_n that_o the_o church_n
church_n of_o rome_n be_v mischievous_a to_o piety_n this_o remain_v yet_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o we_o will_v do_v it_o the_o rather_o in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o abundant_a confirmation_n of_o all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v discourse_v under_o the_o two_o former_a head_n and_o may_v indeed_o have_v save_v the_o labour_n of_o they_o but_o that_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o leave_v any_o pretence_n of_o they_o undiscuss_v for_o if_o this_o practice_n of_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v mischievous_a to_o pretty_a it_o will_v never_o by_o any_o sober_a man_n be_v think_v either_o to_o have_v be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n or_o to_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v on_o its_o behalf_n now_o therefore_o this_o last_o and_o important_a part_n of_o my_o charge_n i_o make_v good_a by_o these_o three_o article_n follow_v first_o this_o method_n of_o they_o be_v dangerous_a to_o piety_n as_o it_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o cheat_v people_n into_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n then_o true_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o towards_o god_n as_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o discharge_v by_o he_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n the_o churchman_n of_o rome_n complain_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o reform_a divine_n touch_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n that_o it_o fill_v man_n with_o too_o great_a confidence_n and_o render_v they_o careless_a and_o presumptuous_a but_o whatsoever_o there_o be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o to_o dispute_v it_o however_o methinks_v it_o will_v not_o very_o well_o become_v a_o romanist_n to_o aggravate_v it_o till_o he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o in_o the_o point_n before_o we_o for_o by_o this_o assurance_n office_n of_o they_o they_o comply_v too_o much_o with_o the_o self_n flattery_n of_o man_n own_o heart_n they_o render_v man_n secure_a before_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o confidence_n like_o that_o of_o the_o whore_n solomon_n speak_v of_o who_o wipe_v her_o mouth_n and_o say_v i_o have_v do_v no_o evil_n for_o man_n return_v from_o the_o confessor_n chair_n as_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v as_o pure_a as_o from_o the_o font_n and_o as_o innocent_a as_o from_o their_o mother_n womb_n as_o if_o god_n be_v conclude_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o humble_a posture_n a_o deject_a look_n and_o a_o lamentable_a murmur_n god_n almighty_n will_v be_v put_v off_o so_o too_o ah_o nimium_fw-la faciles_fw-la qui_fw-la tristia_fw-la crimina_fw-la etc._n etc._n ah_o cheat_a priest_n who_o make_v fond_a man_n believe_v that_o god_n almighty_a pardon_n all_o you_o shrieve_v perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v this_o be_v the_o fault_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n not_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n but_o why_o do_v they_o not_o teach_v they_o better_o then_o nay_o why_o do_v they_o countenance_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o so_o dangerous_a mistake_n for_o whither_o else_o tend_v those_o word_n in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n ipsi_fw-la deo_fw-la reconciliandis_fw-la q._n d._n that_o by_o this_o way_n of_o confession_n etc._n etc._n 1._o man_n be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n himself_o or_o those_o other_o forecited_a where_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o stead_n a_o judge_n or_o precedent_n or_o 5._o especial_o what_o other_o meaning_n can_v those_o word_n have_v where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o rite_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o baptism_n for_o as_o in_o that_o all_o sin_n be_v remit_v which_o be_v commit_v 2._o in_o former_a time_n so_o in_o this_o all_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n be_v likewise_o remit_v now_o i_o say_v what_o be_v the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o all_o this_o but_o to_o make_v people_n believe_v that_o their_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o he_o be_v a_o little_a god_n almighty_a and_o his_o discharge_n will_v certain_o pass_v current_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v sophistry_n and_o juggle_v in_o all_o this_o as_o i_o thus_o make_v appear_v for_o 1._o the_o priest_n can_v pardon_v who_o he_o will_v let_v he_o be_v call_v judex_n and_o praeses_fw-la never_o so_o for_o if_o his_o sentence_n be_v not_o according_a to_o law_n it_o will_v be_v declare_v null_a at_o the_o great_a day_n only_o it_o may_v be_v good_a and_o valid_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la and_o here_o lie_v the_o cheat_n 2._o nor_o be_v all_o sin_n retain_v or_o unforgve_v with_o god_n that_o be_v not_o pardon_v by_o the_o priest_n it_o be_v true_a in_o public_a scandal_n till_o the_o sinner_n submit_v to_o the_o church_n god_n will_v not_o forgive_v he_o for_o what_o that_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n bind_v in_o heaven_n but_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v to_o retain_v or_o to_o bind_v the_o sinner_n in_o the_o case_n of_o secret_a sin_n where_o it_o can_v charge_v no_o guilt_n on_o he_o 3._o nor_o be_v it_o proper_o the_o act_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o pardon_n but_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o penitent_a agreeable_a thereunto_o qualify_a he_o for_o pardon_n to_o which_o the_o pardon_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o herald_n which_o pardon_n but_o the_o prince_n who_o by_o his_o proclamation_n bestow_v that_o grace_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v 4._o nor_o last_o can_v the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o pardon_v so_o proper_o by_o those_o majestic_a word_n absolvo_fw-la te_fw-la as_o by_o his_o whole_a ministry_n in_o instruct_v people_n in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o make_v application_n of_o that_o to_o they_o by_o the_o sacrament_n this_o he_o have_v commission_n to_o do_v but_o those_o big_a word_n i_o can_v find_v that_o he_o have_v any_o where_o authority_n to_o pronounce_v and_o therefore_o as_o i_o think_v i_o observe_v before_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v no_o form_n of_o absolution_n but_o only_o receive_n penitent_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o the_o greek_a church_n have_v so_o much_o modesty_n as_o to_o absolve_v in_o the_o three_o person_n not_o in_o the_o first_o to_o show_v that_o their_o pardon_n be_v ministerial_a and_o declarative_a only_o all_o these_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o people_n be_v let_v to_o go_v away_o with_o such_o a_o opinion_n as_o aforesaid_a because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o grandeur_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o priesthood_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v cheat_v but_o these_o misapprehension_n will_v vanish_v if_o their_o teacher_n will_v be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n absolution_n and_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o of_o which_o extend_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a sin_n the_o latter_a to_o open_a scandal_n only_o the_o one_o deliver_v from_o all_o real_a guilt_n the_o other_o from_o external_a censure_n only_o of_o the_o latter_a the_o priest_n may_v by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o full_a dispensation_n so_o that_o he_o be_v real_o pardon_v with_o she_o that_o have_v satisfy_v the_o priest_n but_o of_o the_o former_a he_o dispense_v but_o conditional_o to_o confirm_v all_o which_o i_o will_v here_o add_v only_o two_o testimony_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o first_o be_v of_o firmilianus_n bishop_n of_o caesarea_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o st._n cyprian_n reckon_v the_o seventy_o five_o of_o st._n cyprian_n where_o speak_v of_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a council_n every_o year_n he_o give_v these_o reason_n for_o it_o ut_fw-la si_fw-la qua_fw-la graviora_fw-la sunt_fw-la communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la dirigantur_fw-la lapsis_fw-la quoque_fw-la fratribus_fw-la &_o post_fw-la lavacrum_fw-la salutare_fw-la à _fw-la diabolo_fw-it vulneratis_fw-la per_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la medela_fw-la quaeratur_fw-la non_fw-la quasi_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la remissionem_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la consequantur_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la nos_fw-la ad_fw-la intelligentiam_fw-la delictorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la convertantur_fw-la &_o domino_fw-la plenius_fw-la satisfacere_fw-la cogantur_fw-la partly_o say_v he_o that_o by_o joint_a advice_n and_o common_a consent_n we_o may_v agree_v upon_o a_o uniform_a order_n in_o such_o weighty_a affair_n as_o concern_v our_o respective_a church_n partly_o that_o we_o may_v give_v relief_n and_o apply_v a_o remedy_n to_o those_o who_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v fall_v into_o sin_n after_o baptism_n not_o that_o we_o can_v give_v they_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o that_o by_o our_o ministry_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o direct_v into_o a_o right_a course_n
to_o obtain_v pardon_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o other_o be_v of_o theodorus_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o word_n be_v these_o confessio_fw-la quae_fw-la soli_fw-la deo_fw-la fit_a purgat_fw-la pecoata_fw-la ea_fw-la depoenit_fw-la vero_fw-la quae_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la fit_a docet_fw-la qualiter_fw-la purgentur_fw-la confession_n to_o god_n proper_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o confession_n to_o man_n we_o be_v only_o put_v into_o the_o right_a way_n to_o obtain_v pardon_n thus_o they_o but_o now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o there_o the_o priest_n sustain_v the_o person_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o delegate_n as_o his_o plenipotentiary_n and_o his_o pardon_n be_v as_o full_a and_o good_a as_o if_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v pronounce_v it_o pro_fw-la tribunali_fw-la so_o that_o if_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o habitual_a sinner_n have_v but_o the_o good_a fortune_n to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o ghostly_a father_n that_o be_v to_o say_v either_o death_n come_v so_o soon_o after_o his_o last_o absolution_n or_o the_o priest_n come_v so_o opportune_o after_o his_o last_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v not_o begin_v a_o new_a score_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v heaven_n without_o more_o ado_n this_o i_o represent_v as_o the_o first_o mischief_n attend_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o auricular_a confession_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o second_o it_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_n the_o very_a doctrine_n and_o nature_n of_o repentance_n which_o the_o whole_a gospel_n lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o make_v attrition_n which_o be_v but_o a_o slight_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n or_o a_o dislike_n of_o it_o in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n impendent_a over_o it_o pass_v for_o contrition_n which_o imply_v a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o for_o its_o own_o moral_a evil_n and_o deformity_n with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n this_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o teach_v and_o their_o practice_n of_o absolution_n suppose_v and_o require_v it_o the_o jesuit_n in_o particular_a who_o have_v almost_o engross_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a monopoly_n of_o confession_n avow_v this_o as_o their_o principle_n father_n bauny_a escobar_n and_o suarez_n declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o priest_n ought_v to_o absolve_v a_o man_n upon_o his_o say_n that_o he_o detest_v his_o sin_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o confessor_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v so_o and_o caussin_n say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n of_o confession_n among_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n these_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a be_v dislike_v by_o some_o other_o of_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o curee_n of_o france_n be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o cry_v shame_n of_o it_o before_o all_o the_o world_n for_o say_v they_o attrition_n be_v but_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o that_o alone_o will_v serve_v for_o pardon_n than_o a_o man_n may_v be_v pardon_v without_o grace_n but_o therefore_o say_v the_o other_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n do_v it_o alone_o and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o sacrament_n great_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o say_v i_o that_o it_o be_v of_o great_a power_n than_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n which_o can_v help_v a_o wicked_a man_n to_o heaven_n while_o he_o continue_v so_o but_o this_o sacrament_n it_o seem_v can_n nor_o can_v they_o excuse_v this_o matter_n by_o say_v these_o odious_a assertion_n be_v but_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o some_o divine_n for_o they_o be_v plain_o favour_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o confess_v that_o council_n deliver_v itself_o wary_o and_o cunning_o 4._o in_o this_o point_n as_o it_o use_v to_o do_v in_o such_o case_n yet_o these_o be_v their_o word_n illa_fw-la vero_fw-la contritio_fw-la imperfecta_fw-la quae_fw-la attritio_fw-la dicitur_fw-la quamvis_fw-la sine_fw-la sacramento_n poenitentiae_fw-la pierce_v ad_fw-la justificationem_fw-la perducere_fw-la peccatorem_fw-la nequeat_fw-la tamen_fw-la eum_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la gratiam_fw-la in_o sacramento_n poenitentiae_fw-la impetrandam_fw-la disponit_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v though_o attrition_n or_o a_o superficial_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n bare_o alone_o and_o without_o confession_n to_o a_o priest_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o man_n before_o god_n yet_o attrition_n and_o confession_n together_o will_v do_v it_o for_o than_o they_o be_v as_o good_a as_o true_a repentance_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n melchior_n canus_n long_o since_o think_v he_o understand_v the_o council_n well_o enough_o three_o this_o business_n of_o auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v and_o restrain_v sin_n as_o it_o high_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v either_o lose_v labour_n and_o a_o mere_a ceremony_n or_o it_o great_o incourage_v and_o embolden_v and_o harden_v man_n in_o it_o both_o by_o the_o secrecy_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o frequency_n of_o these_o confession_n by_o the_o cursory_a hypocritical_a and_o evasive_a way_n of_o confess_v by_o the_o slight_a penance_n impose_v and_o the_o cheapness_n easiness_n and_o even_o prostitution_n of_o absolution_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v copious_a in_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o kind_n but_o it_o be_v a_o uncomfortable_a subject_n and_o i_o hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n therefore_o i_o will_v only_o touch_v upon_o they_o brief_o 1._o for_o the_o privacy_n of_o these_o confession_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o the_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n before_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o grave_a and_o holy_a man_n he_o lay_v prostrate_a on_o the_o ground_n which_o he_o water_v with_o his_o tear_n he_o creep_v on_o his_o knee_n and_o implore_v the_o pity_n and_o prayer_n of_o all_o present_a in_o who_o countenance_n if_o for_o shame_n he_o can_v look_v up_o he_o see_v abhorrence_n of_o his_o fact_n indignation_n at_o god_n dishonour_n conjoin_v with_o compassion_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o joy_n for_o his_o repentance_n his_o confession_n be_v full_a of_o remorse_n and_o confusion_n the_o remedy_n be_v as_o sharp_a and_o disgustful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o the_o disease_n have_v be_v pleasant_a and_o the_o pain_n of_o this_o expiation_n be_v able_a to_o embitter_v the_o sweet_a of_o sin_n to_o he_o ever_o after_o or_o if_o the_o confession_n be_v not_o make_v before_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o to_o the_o penitentiary_n only_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o grave_a and_o holy_a person_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n and_o represent_v it_o a_o person_n resident_a in_o that_o church_n and_o so_o able_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o mind_n the_o future_a conversation_n of_o those_o that_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o a_o person_n of_o that_o sanctity_n and_o reverence_n that_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o detest_v and_o abhor_v all_o base_a and_o vile_a action_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o knowledge_n now_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o terrible_a cut_n to_o a_o sinner_n to_o have_v all_o his_o lewdness_n lay_v open_a before_o such_o a_o one_o and_o then_o to_o be_v just_o and_o sharp_o rebuke_v by_o he_o to_o have_v his_o sin_n aggravate_v and_o to_o be_v make_v to_o see_v his_o own_o ugly_a shape_n in_o a_o true_a glass_n hold_v by_o he_o beside_o to_o be_v enjoin_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o strict_a penance_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o after_o all_o if_o this_o do_v not_o do_v to_o have_v the_o church_n make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o deacon_n aforesaid_a this_o course_n be_v likely_a to_o work_v something_o of_o remorse_n in_o the_o sinner_n for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o to_o make_v he_o watchful_a and_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n like_v to_o this_o where_o a_o man_n may_v confess_v to_o any_o priest_n to_o he_o that_o know_v he_o not_o and_o so_o can_v observe_v his_o future_a life_n and_o carriage_n nay_o perhaps_o that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o value_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n or_o to_o judge_v which_o be_v venial_a and_o which_o mortal_a sin_n or_o especial_o what_o circumstance_n do_v alter_v the_o species_n of_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v too_o he_o may_v be_v such_o a_o one_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n himself_o of_o the_o sin_n i_o confess_v to_o he_o now_o when_o all_o be_v transact_v between_o i_o and_o such_o a_o
will_v not_o discharge_v all_o their_o life_n before_o though_o not_o then_o neither_o without_o sign_n of_o attrition_n and_o contrition_n too_o but_o these_o pretend_v to_o quit_v another_o thing_n namely_o to_o release_v man_n in_o foro_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o passport_n to_o heaven_n without_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o or_o to_o instance_n one_o thing_n more_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o their_o practice_n of_o give_v absolution_n before_o the_o penance_n be_v perform_v as_o be_v usual_a with_o they_o unless_o this_o be_v it_o that_o whether_o the_o man_n make_v any_o conscience_n at_o all_o how_o he_o live_v hereafter_o yet_o he_o be_v pardon_v as_o much_o as_o the_o priest_n can_v do_v it_o for_o he_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o likely_a way_n of_o reformation_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o now_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v only_o a_o artifice_n of_o greaten_v the_o priest_n and_o please_v the_o people_n a_o trick_n of_o gratify_v the_o undevout_a and_o impious_a as_o well_o as_o the_o devout_a and_o religious_a the_o latter_a it_o impose_v upon_o by_o its_o outward_a appearance_n of_o humility_n and_o piety_n to_o the_o former_a it_o serve_v for_o a_o palliative_a cure_n of_o the_o gripe_v of_o conscience_n which_o they_o be_v now_o and_o then_o trouble_v with_o in_o reality_n it_o tend_v to_o make_v sin_n easy_a and_o tolerable_a by_o the_o cheapness_n of_o its_o pardon_n and_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o old_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o liturgy_n pious_o wish_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v no_o defect_n in_o she_o that_o she_o trouble_v not_o herself_o with_o this_o rubbish_n finis_fw-la a_o postscript_n after_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o forego_n paper_n and_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v also_o past_a the_o press_n i_o happen_v to_o have_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v a_o book_n just_a then_o come_v over_o from_o france_n write_v by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o sorbone_n which_o with_o great_a appearance_n of_o learn_v maintain_v the_o just_a contrary_n to_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v especial_o in_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o this_o question_n and_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o ancient_a monument_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n father_n pope_n and_o council_n that_o auricular_a confession_n have_v be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n and_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o near_o 1300_o year_n from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o lateran_n council_n so_o soon_o as_o i_o hear_v this_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o either_o the_o say_a book_n have_v come_v out_o a_o little_a soon_o or_o at_o least_o that_o my_o paper_n have_v be_v yet_o in_o my_o hand_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o have_v correct_v what_o may_v be_v amiss_o or_o supply_v what_o be_v defective_a in_o that_o short_a discourse_n or_o indeed_o if_o occasion_n be_v to_o have_v whole_o suppress_v it_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o say_a book_n and_o find_v from_o no_o less_o a_o man_n than_o the_o author_n himself_o that_o he_o have_v diligent_o read_v over_o all_o that_o have_v be_v write_v on_o both_o side_n of_o this_o controversy_n and_o that_o this_o work_n of_o his_o be_v the_o product_n of_o eighteen_o year_n study_n and_o that_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o his_o year_n and_o most_o flourish_a time_n of_o his_o part_n that_o it_o be_v publish_v upon_o the_o maturest_n deliberation_n on_o his_o part_n and_o with_o the_o great_a applause_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o faculty_n i_o think_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v whether_o a_o small_a tract_n write_v in_o haste_n by_o a_o man_n of_o no_o name_n and_o full_a enough_o of_o other_o business_n can_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v see_v on_o the_o same_o day_n with_o so_o elaborate_a a_o work_n but_o by_o that_o time_n i_o have_v read_v a_o little_a further_o i_o take_v heart_n and_o permit_v the_o press_n to_o go_v on_o and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v go_v over_o the_o whole_a i_o do_v here_o profess_v sincere_o that_o in_o all_o that_o learned_a discourse_n i_o scarce_o find_v any_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v not_o foresee_v and_o as_o i_o think_v in_o some_o measure_n prevent_v but_o certain_a i_o be_o nothing_o occur_v that_o stagger_v my_o judgement_n or_o which_o do_v not_o rather_o confirm_v i_o in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v for_o though_o i_o meet_v with_o abundance_n of_o citation_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wit_n and_o dexterity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o yet_o i_o find_v none_o of_o they_o come_v home_o to_o the_o point_n for_o whereas_o they_o sometime_o recommend_v and_o press_v confession_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a sometime_o to_o the_o church_n sometime_o to_o the_o priest_n or_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n almighty_a again_o sometime_o they_o speak_v great_a thing_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o order_n have_v in_o be_v wonderful_o useful_a to_o the_o relief_n of_o guilty_a or_o afflict_a conscience_n other_o while_o they_o treat_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o danger_n of_o her_o censure_n the_o comfort_n of_o her_o absolution_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o her_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o without_o laborious_a proof_n as_o well_o as_o by_o our_o adversary_n that_o which_o we_o demand_v and_o expect_v therefore_o be_v where_o shall_v we_o find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n auricular_a confession_n say_v to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n or_o any_o part_n of_o one_o or_o where_o be_v the_o universal_a necessity_n of_o it_o assert_v or_o that_o secret_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n be_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n or_o upon_o no_o other_o term_n pardon_v with_o god_n then_o upon_o their_o be_v confess_v to_o man_n in_o these_o thing_n lie_v the_o hinge_n of_o our_o dispute_n and_o of_o these_o particular_n one_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o plain_a proof_n imaginable_a if_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o such_o consequence_n of_o such_o universal_a practice_n and_o notoriety_n as_o they_o pretend_v but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o appear_v in_o this_o writer_n more_o than_o in_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o in_o contemplation_n of_o which_o i_o now_o adventure_v this_o little_a tract_n into_o the_o world_n with_o somewhat_o more_o of_o confidence_n than_o i_o shall_v have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o occasion_n but_o lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v too_o partial_a in_o the_o case_n or_o to_o give_v too_o slight_a a_o account_n of_o this_o learned_a man_n performance_n the_o reader_n who_o please_v shall_v be_v judge_n by_o a_o specimen_fw-la or_o two_o which_o i_o will_v here_o brief_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o former_a of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a first_o argument_n or_o testimony_n he_o produce_v for_o his_o assertion_n which_o i_o the_o rather_o make_v my_o choice_n to_o give_v instance_n in_o because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v ingenuous_o to_o seek_v for_o fault_n to_o pick_v and_o choose_v for_o matter_n of_o exception_n that_o take_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o hand_n the_o business_n be_v this_o chap._n 2._o page_n 11._o of_o his_o book_n he_o cite_v the_o council_n of_o illiberis_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o circumstance_n as_o the_o first_o witness_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o the_o testimony_n be_v take_v from_o the_o seventy_o six_o canon_n the_o word_n be_v these_o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la diaconum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n if_o any_o man_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v ordain_v deacon_n and_o shall_v afterward_o be_v convict_v to_o have_v former_o commit_v some_o mortal_n or_o capital_a crime_n if_o the_o say_a crime_n come_v to_o light_n by_o his_o own_o voluntary_a confession_n he_o shall_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n be_v debar_v the_o holy_a communion_n but_o in_o case_n his_o sin_n be_v discover_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o church_n by_o some_o other_o hand_n than_o he_o shall_v suffer_v five_o year_n suspension_n and_o after_o that_o be_v admit_v only_o to_o lay_v communion_n now_o who_o will_v have_v ever_o think_v this_o passage_n fit_a to_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o as_o the_o first_o proof_n of_o auricular_a confession_n or_o who_o can_v imagine_v it_o shall_v be_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o much_o