Page:Delineation of Roman Catholicism.djvu/441

 "Observe, when it is said that remission of sins is conferred by each unction; for instance, those committed by the sight, when the eyes are anointed; this ought to be understood of venial sins, not of mortal sins: for, according to this opinion, all mortal sins are remitted in the first unction, as incompatible with sanctifying grace."* From the foregoing the intelligent reader will perceive that the effects of extreme unction are placed in the same light in which the results of charms or incantations are placed. Besides, such effects are represented as followiug without any warrant from Scripture. In- deed, they are mere artificial figments, as is manifest from the jarring sentiments of their theologians respecting them. 2. Sacraments/grae. This is said to be conferred ex opere operate, by the power of the sacrament, on those who are properly disposed. 3. It deaes om the remains of sin, and allevia# the mimt, b citing it to confidem i the divine mere. They explain the remain8 of sin to mean torpor of mind to heavenly things, horror of death, fear on account of the uncertainty of salvation, proneness to evil, pnsiilani- miry, &c.t (}race is id to be given to counteract these. The Cato- chism says: "Extreme unction removes the languor and infirmity tailed by sin, with all its other inconveniences .... It quiets our lears, illumines the gloom in which the oul is enveloped, fills it with pious and holy joy, and enables u to wait with cheerfulness the coming of the Lord." 4. The remission of sins. This is an article of faith. It is allowed to remit venial sins directly and per #e. It is disputed whether it re- mits mortal sins per #e and directly, or whether only per x./d6. It is however allowed, that this sacrament remits mortal sins, .as the Council of Trent teaches so, sess. 14, c. 2, can. 2. It is also attempted to be proved from the expressions in St. James, /f he be J /n, and the #]udl be forgiven. There are four opinions among them, however, respecting the meaning of the word sins by the apostle. Some undez stancl thereby, uen/al sins; others, metra/sins; oers still, the rema/e ?rsin; and others, euery hind of sins. Accordingly, the Council of ent, as if with the intention of accommodating all classes of sinners, and of countenancing all opinions, employs the words qu/dqu/d deli- quisti,  sins t/Mu A, ut tted ; so that casuists and sinners may interpret this to suit their various sentiments or wishes. 5. Health  Aody, or restoration from sickness, is another effect of extreme unction. The Catechism (p. 281) says: "The recovery of health, if tulvantageous to the sick person, is another effect of this cramcut." The Council of Trent (sess. 24, c. 2) says: "The sick person sometimes obtains health of body, when this contribute to 881- vation." The Catechism continues: "However, should this effect not follow, it arises not from any defect in the sacrament, but from weakness of faith on the part of him by whom it is received, or of him by whom it is administered; for the evangelist informs us, thsx our Lord wrought not many miracles among his countrymen, because of their incredulity. It may, lume, be proper t oseree, #mr v vii, p. s4. . Detis, No. 10. $ Pp. 80, SSL 1

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