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
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
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
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