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We believe that JESƲS CHRIST has been pleased, those, who have submitted themselves to the Authority of the Church by Baptism, and who have since violated the laws of the Gospel, should come and submit themselves to the Judgment of the same Church in the Tribunal of Penance, where she exercises the power which is given her of remitting and retaining sins.
The terms of that commission which is given to the Ministers of the Church to absolve from sin, are so general, they cannot with∣out temerity be restrained to publick sins; and seeing when they pro∣nounce that absolution in the name of JESƲS CHRIST, they only follow the express terms of this Commission, the sentence is looked upon as rendred by JESƲS CHRIST himself, by whom they are established Judges. It is this invisible High Priest who interiourly absolves the Penitent, whilst the Priest exteriourly exercises the function.
This Penitential Court of Judicature being so necessary a curb to liberty; a source so fruitful of wise admonitions; so sensible a con∣solation for souls afflicted for their Sins, when their absolution is not only declared in general terms, as it is practised by the Mini∣sters, but when they are in reality absolved by the authority of JESƲS CHRIST, after a particular examination, and knowledg of the Case: we cannot believe that our adversaries can look upon so many benefits without regretting their loss, and without being somewhat ashamed of a Reformation which has cast off so saving and so holy a practise.
Math. 18.18. John 20.23.