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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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