CENT. V.
INNOCENT I. L. C.-" In estimating the grievousness of sins, it is the duty of the Priest to judge, attending to the Confession of the Penitent, and the signs of his repentance, and then to order him to be loosed when he shall see due satisfaction made.” Ep. ad Decent. Conc. Gen. T. ii. p. 1247.
ST. AUGUSTIN, L. C.-“ Let no one fancy, that such grievous crimes, as exclude from the kingdom of heaven, may be every day committed, and as often be redeemed by alms. For the life must be reformed, and God be propitiated by alms for what we have done amiss; he is not to be purchased, that we may sin again with impunity. To no one has he granted the liberty of sinning, although in mercy he may forgive past sins, if due satisfaction be not neglected. But for those daily failings, without which human life does not pass, daily prayer may satisfy. The believing man may repeat, Our Father who art in heaven: this will suffice.” Enchirid. c. lxx. T. iii. p. 77.-“ Let therefore a man voluntarily judge himself whilst he can, and reform his manners, lest, when he shall not be able, he be judged by the Lord. And when he shall have passed a severe, but medicinal, judgment on himself, let him come to the Priests,” &c. as at p. 333.—“ It is not enough that the sinner change his ways, and depart from his evil works, unless by penitential sorrow, by humble tears, by the sacrifice of a contrite heart, and by alms-deeds, he make satisfaction to God for what he has committed.” Homil. I. T. x. p. 208.—“ Wash me from my sin, said David, (Psal. 1.)Implore mercy, but lose not sight of justice. In his mercy God pardons sin: he punishes it in his justice. But what? dost thou seek for mercy, and shall sin remain unpunished? Let David, let other sinners answer; let them answer with
