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Object. VVHat difference is there betwixt absolving, and re∣mitting of sins?
Ans. Absolution implyeth a forgivenesse of sins by Authority,* 1.1 remission only by way of Declaration, wherefore the latter may be permitted to men, but the former only to God; for if man could forgive, we need not aske pardon from God: but how should a Man forgive anothers sins, who cannot forgive his own? true, they may absolve by preaching sins in generall, but not ap∣ply their absolution to particular men, because they know not whether their repentance be sound, or hollow; for God only knoweth the heart of man, and therefore is only able to forgive the sins of men, Mark 2. 7.