ing them the law, and pointing to the way of penance, whereby they may be saved. This law or way is that of conversion, repentance, and confession.” Com. in Psal. xxiv. T. 1. p. 93. Montfaucon, Nova Collectio. Paris. 1706.“The mention of formersins declared in confession is good.” Ibid. Com. in c. xliii. Isaia, T. 11. p. 526.
St. HILARY OF POITIERS, L.C.-“No one, when he has confessed a sin, must afterwards give it place; because such confession imports a purpose of ceasing from it. - Confession, as the prophet teaches, must be made with all the heart, and nothing remain behind of the acknowledged sins. What if a sinner, accusing himself of theft, continue to increase his store by unlawful and base gains ? He may not, indeed, be a thief; but he will be covetous, and an extortioner.” Comm. in Psal. cxxxvii. p. 498.
St. Basil, G.C.-“ In the Confession of sins, the same method must be observed, as in laying open the infirmities of the body. For as these are not rashly communicated to every one, but to those only who understand by what method they may be cured : so the Confession of sins must be made to such persons as have the power to apply a remedy.” In Regul. Brev. quæst. ccxxix. T. ii. p. 492.—He afterwards states who those persons are: “ Necessarily, our sins must be confessed to those, to whom has been committed the dispensation of the mysteries of God.”(0) Ibid. quæst. cclxxxviii. p. 516.
Among his Canons, which may be considered as the laws
