COUNCIL OF TRENT.
“Contrition, which holds the first place among the acts of the penitent, is a sorrow of mind and detestation of sin, joined to a resolution of sinning no more. To obtain the pardon of sin, this sorrow was at all times necessary; and now, to him that has forfeited his baptismal innocence, it prepares the way to forgiveness, if it be joined to a reliance on the divine mercy, and a desire of complying with the other conditions of this Sacrament. Wherefore the holy Synod declares, that this Contrition contains not a dereliction of sin only, and the beginning of a new life, but likewise a detestation of that which is passed, according to what was said: Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby you have transgressed, and make to yourselves a new heart, and a new spirit. (Ezech. xviii. 31.) And if we consider the following sentiments: To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee: (Ps. 1.) I will water my couch each night with my tears: (Ps. . vi.) I will recall all my days in the bitterness of my soul. (Isai. xxxviii. 15.) Considering these and such like passages we shall readily understand, that they flowed from a strong detestation of past conduct, and a hatred of sin.” Sess. xiv. c. iv. p. 111.
CONFESSION.
By Confession is understood the declaration which the penitent sinner makes of his sins to a Priest; the obligation of which evidently follows from the words of Christ; when instituting, as we believe, the sacrament of Penance, he breathed on his Disciples, and said: Receive ye the holy Ghost; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. (John xx.
