for the sins of penitents. And then will more be induced to apply to this remedy, when the secrets of the confessing sinner shall not be divulged in the hearing of the people.” Ep. cxxxvi. al. lxxx. ad Episc. Campaniæ. p. 719.—“ It is extremely useful and necessary, that the guilt of sins be remitted by the supplication of the Priest" before the last hour comes.
But neither satisfaction nor reconciliation must be refused to those, who, in cases of great urgency, implore their aid; because it is not for us to set bounds to the mercy of God, before whom a true conversion suffers no delay of pardon. Therefore, in dispensing the gifts of God, we must not be difficult, nor disregard the tears of those who accuse themselves, as we believe, that the sentiment of repentance is inspired by God.—Let every Christian judge his own conscience, and not defer his conversion from day to day, and put it off to the uncertainty of a few hours; and thus, while by a fuller satisfaction he might obtain forgiveness, chose rather that anxious moment, when there may not be time for the Confession of the penitent, nor the reconciliation of the Priest." Ep. lxxxiii. al. xci. p. 605, 606.
St. PROSPER, L. C. “The confession of sin is profitable, if amendment follow. For, where is the use of shewing the wound,'") if medicine be not applied ?” In Sent. ex Aug. p. 557.-“ The Confession of the penitent is very efficacious before the mercy of God; thus rendering him propitious by confessing, whom he does not blind by denying, his sin. 9) Ibid. p. 577.
ST. NILUS, G. C. “So, (like God) do thou, O Priest, not
