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
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
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
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
of_o rome_n be_v not_o countenance_v in_o her_o practice_n of_o private_a and_o clancular_a confession_n by_o the_o general_a usage_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o pretend_v 3._o i_o observe_v concern_v this_o office_n of_o penitentiary_n that_o as_o it_o be_v erect_v upon_o prudential_a consideration_n so_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n abolish_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o first_o institute_v it_o and_o that_o after_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n continuance_n in_o the_o time_n of_o nectarius_n as_o we_o have_v see_v &_o therein_o he_o be_v follow_v say_v sozomen_n by_o almost_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n this_o therefore_o be_v far_o from_o be_v think_v either_o a_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a constitution_n petavius_n will_v here_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v only_o public_a confession_n and_o not_o private_a which_o be_v upon_o this_o occasion_n so_o general_o lay_v aside_o as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o this_o be_v do_v by_o he_o more_o out_o of_o tenderness_n of_o auricular_a confession_n than_o upon_o good_a reason_n and_o valesius_fw-la go_v beyond_o he_o and_o will_v needs_o persuade_v we_o that_o neither_o public_a nor_o private_a confession_n be_v put_v down_o in_o this_o juncture_n but_o only_o that_o the_o late_o erect_a officer_n of_o penitentiary_n be_v cashier_v but_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o either_o of_o these_o conjecture_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a plain_a evidence_n against_o they_o for_o socrates_n who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a relater_n of_o this_o whole_a story_n say_v he_o be_v personal_o acquaint_v with_o this_o presbyter_n eudemon_n who_o give_v the_o advice_n to_o nectarius_n to_o make_v this_o change_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o aforesaid_a relation_n of_o it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o it_o give_v his_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o suggest_v his_o suspicion_n that_o the_o state_n of_o piety_n will_v be_v much_o endamage_v by_o this_o change_n and_o in_o plain_a word_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v now_o bereave_v man_n of_o assistance_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o hinder_v the_o great_a benefit_n man_n have_v or_o may_v have_v one_o of_o another_o by_o private_a advice_n and_o correption_n now_o this_o fear_n of_o his_o have_v be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n if_o upon_o this_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o he_o only_o one_o certain_a man_n in_o the_o office_n of_o public_a confessioner_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o both_o the_o use_n of_o public_a and_o private_a confession_n have_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o retain_v but_o after_o all_o for_o aught_o appear_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n keep_v her_o old_a mumpsimus_n she_o tenacious_a of_o her_o own_o custom_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o may_v advance_v her_o interest_n and_o authority_n comply_v not_o with_o this_o innovation_n or_o reformation_n be_v it_o for_o better_a or_o worse_o but_o her_o priest_n go_v on_o with_o their_o confession_n and_o turn_v all_o religion_n almost_o into_o clancular_a transaction_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n it_o may_v be_v she_o meet_v with_o opposition_n sometime_o but_o she_o be_v force_v to_o disemble_v it_o till_o the_o heroic_a age_n of_o the_o schoolman_n and_o then_o those_o lusty_a champion_n with_o their_o fustian-stuff_n of_o videtur_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la &_o probatur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la make_v good_a all_o her_o pretension_n after_o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1215_o come_v the_o four_o lateran_n council_n and_o that_o decree_v auricular_a confession_n to_o be_v make_v by_o every_o body_n once_o a_o year_n at_o the_o least_o and_o last_o of_o all_o come_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a custom_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o romish_a auricular_a confession_n sect._n 4._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o stage_n of_o my_o undertake_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o secret_a or_o auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v now_o prescribe_v and_o practise_v in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o very_o mischievous_a to_o piety_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o charge_n if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a enough_o already_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v out_o from_o the_o premise_n for_o they_o can_v deny_v that_o they_o make_v this_o kind_n of_o confession_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n at_o least_o as_o necessary_a as_o baptism_n itself_o be_v suppose_v a_o man_n have_v sin_v after_o baptism_n now_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a institution_n nor_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o constant_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n what_o a_o horrible_a imposition_n be_v here_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n when_o in_o the_o high_a and_o worst_a sense_n that_o can_v be_v they_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o make_v salvation_n hard_o than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o and_o suspend_v man_n hope_n upon_o other_o term_n than_o he_o have_v do_v if_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o present_a church_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n only_o or_o of_o convenience_n and_o expediency_n we_o shall_v never_o boggle_v at_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n or_o dispute_v the_o point_n with_o they_o or_o if_o it_o be_v only_o declare_v necessary_a pro_fw-la hîc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la upon_o extraordinary_a emergency_n by_o the_o peculiar_a condition_n of_o the_o penitent_a his_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n the_o perplexity_n of_o his_o conscience_n his_o horrible_a guilt_n or_o extreme_a agony_n we_o will_v not_o differ_v with_o they_o upon_o that_o neither_o but_o when_o it_o be_v make_v necessary_a universal_o and_o declare_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v sin_v after_o baptism_n when_o god_n have_v require_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o declare_v himself_o satisfy_v with_o true_a contrition_n and_o hearty_a remorse_n for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o sincere_a reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o intolerable_a tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n and_o that_o be_v not_o all_o neither_o for_o beside_o its_o burdensomness_n in_o the_o general_n it_o particular_o aggravate_v and_o increase_v a_o man_n other_o burden_n for_o instead_o of_o relieve_v perplex_v conscience_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o principal_a use_n of_o confession_n to_o man_n this_o priestly_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o council_n entangle_v and_o afflict_v they_o more_o for_o that_o enjoin_v that_o the_o penitent_a lie_v open_a all_o his_o sin_n even_o the_o most_o secret_a although_o but_o in_o thought_n or_o desire_v only_o such_o as_o against_o the_o nine_o or_o ten_o commandment_n according_a to_o their_o division_n of_o the_o decalogue_n now_o this_o be_v many_o time_n difficult_a enough_o but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o he_o must_v also_o recount_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o these_o sin_n which_o may_v increase_v or_o diminish_v the_o guilt_n especial_o such_o as_o alter_v the_o species_n and_o kind_a of_o sin_n now_o what_o sad_a work_n be_v here_o for_o a_o melancholy_a man_n all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v innumerable_a and_o how_o can_v he_o tell_v which_o be_v they_o that_o change_v the_o species_n of_o the_o act_n unless_o he_o be_v as_o great_a a_o school-man_n as_o his_o confessor_n beside_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v not_o very_o skilful_a in_o the_o distinction_n between_o venial_a and_o mortal_a sin_n and_o if_o he_o omit_v one_o mortal_a sin_n he_o be_v undo_v therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o by_o consequence_n to_o confess_v all_o venial_a sin_n too_o and_o then_o where_o shall_v the_o poor_a man_n begin_v or_o when_o shall_v he_o make_v a_o end_n such_o a_o carnifieina_n such_o a_o rack_n and_o torture_n in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o holy_a inquisition_n be_v this_o business_n of_o auricular_a confession_n become_v and_o that_o eminent_a divine_a of_o strasburgh_n of_o who_o beatus_fw-la rhenanus_fw-la speak_v seem_v very_o well_o to_o have_v understand_v both_o himself_o and_o this_o matter_n who_o pronounce_v that_o scotus_n and_o thomas_n have_v with_o their_o trick_n and_o subtlety_n so_o perplex_v this_o plain_a business_n of_o confession_n that_o now_o it_o be_v become_v plain_o impossible_a and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o but_o as_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o impeachment_n viz._n that_o the_o auricular_a confession_n now_o use_v in_o the_o