the power of binding and loosing, and that in the confessional souls that are perishing are brought to penance, and the penitent are led onward to perfection; that the innocent are guarded in their union with God, and that God is glorified both in them that are saved and in them that perish, it would seem to be the first instinct of a priest to give to the confessional as many days and as many hours as he can. Instead of finding it a weariness, it would be his consolation. Instead of shortening the hours or lessening the number of his days for confession in the church, he would extend them if possible, and encourage his brethren in the cure of souls to do likewise.
But it is not only in church that the patience and charity of a confessor are tested. All that has been said applies especially to the care of the sick, and to the willingness we ought to have to give time to instruct, to console, and to encourage them, above all when death is near. The sick and the dying can hardly think for themselves. The burden of a suffering or dying body dulls and deadens the mind. It is in that time of sorrow and fear that the voice of a true pastor cheers and supports the helpless. His words and whispers of faith and hope, and contrition and confidence, with the promises of God, and the holy names of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, fill the mind
