Page:TheYoungMansGuide.djvu/225

 tion of  venial  sins  alone,  do  not  make  things out to  be  worse  than  they  are  in  reality. But bear in  mind  that  the  value  of  any  confession depends not  so  much  on  the  completeness with which  all  little  sins  and  slight  imperfections are  enumerated,  but  on  the  thoroughness of  the  contrition  which  is  felt,  and the strength  of  the  determination  to  avoid in future  both  every  mortal  sin  and  also  every besetting sin  or  fault  to  which  you  are  addicted.

5. Especially  observe  the  following  rules: (a) Never  make  your  confession  in  too  vague a manner,  without  a  definite  statement. Do not confuse  temptations  and  sinful  inclinations with  definite  sins,  (b)  Do  not  accustom yourself  to  enter  into  details  respecting the smallest  imperfections,  and  at  the  same time perhaps  to  pass  over  certain  bad  habits and besetting  sins. It is  far  more  necessary to lay  greater  stress  upon  those  faults  to  abstain from  which  the  voice  of  God  more  especially  warns  you. (c) After  your  confession is  finished,  do  not  immediately  return to your  ordinary  occupations,  nor  engage in distracting  conversation. Rather let  your mind dwell  on  your  good  resolutions,  and be intent  on  thanking  God  from  the  bottom of your  heart  for  the  benefits  He  has  conferred upon  you.

Follow these  rules  and  you  will  make  a good  confession,  and  confession  will  seem  less difficult to  you. Finally, go  to  confession ''regularly and  frequently. ''