tion many, who have been driven into desperate ways, merely because such punishment was exacted from them as the nature of their crimes demanded. This punishment should not be inconsiderately exacted; but the conscience of the sinner be carefully examined, lest, while a cure is intended, the wound be made worse." De Sacerd. L. ii. T. 1. p. 374.—“If, on the cross, Christ so honoured the thief, much more, by his natural benevolence, will he honour us, if we be willing to make the confession of our sins. Then, that we may partake of that benevolence, let us not be ashamed to confess our sins; for great is the strength and power of Confession. The thief became his own accuser, and declared the secrets of his heart." Homil. de Cruce et Latrone, T. 11. p. 417.-“ Let us imitate the Samaritan woman, and not be ashamed to declare our sins. For he that is ashamed to reveal them to a man, and is not ashamed to commit them in the sight of God, nor willing to confess them, and to do penance; he, at the last day, shall be publicly exposed, not before one or two, but before the whole world.” Orat. de Samarit. T. viii. p. 60. (Inter spuria.)—“ Have you been guilty of some crime; or has the thought of doing it occupied your mind? You may conceal it from man, but not from God. Yet this you disregard, and the eyes of men alarm you.-I exhort you, though there be no witness, that you severally enter into your consciences; appoint reason your judge; and declare your sins, unless you prefer that at the last day they be publicly proclaimed. Let the medicine of penance be applied, and the wounds be healed.” Homil. xxxiv. in Joan. T. viii. p. 199.
