Page:Faithcatholics.pdf/398

 can be expected.” Comment. in c. X. Ecclesiast. T. ii. p. 774. “ We read in the book of Leviticus concerning the lepers, where they are commanded to shew themselves to the Priests; and if they be still infected, then they be pronounced to be unclean: not that the Priests make them so, but that they have cognizance of the disorder, and form their judgment. In like manner with us, the Bishop or Priest binds or looses; not them, who are merely innocent or guilty; but having heard, as his duty requires, the various qualities of sins, he understands, who should be bound, and who loosed.” Comment. in c. xvi. Matt. T. iv. Pars. 11. p. 75.

ST. AUGUSTIN, L. C.-" When the sinner shall have passed a severe, but medicinal, judgment on himself, let him come to the Priests, by whom the keys are ministered. Beginning now to be an obedient son, by observing the commands of his mother, he may receive from the Ministers of the sacraments the due measure of satisfaction; so that offering up, with devotion and supplication, the sacrifice of a contrite heart, he will not only promote his own salvation, but benefit others by his example. Should his crime be of that nature, as to cause scandal to others, as well as to be grievous to himself, and the Minister judge it to be expedient for the good of the Church, that he should do penance in the presence of many, or of the whole assembly, let him not refuse; let him not resist, and thus, through shame, aggravate a distemper already mortal.” Serm. cccli. T. v. p. 1359.—“ Ye that have been guilty of this sin (adultery)-do