Wesley Corpus

But if so, penance is not a sacrament. For surely contrition is not something perceivable by the outward senses 1 Again: They say, “Confession is a particular discovery of all mortal sins to a Priest, with all their circumstances, as far as they can be called to mind; without which there can be no forgiveness or salvation.” We answer: Although it is often of use to confess our sins to a spiritual guide, yet to make confessing to a Priest necessary to forgiveness and salvation, is “teaching for doc trines the commandment of men.” And to make it necessary in all cases is to lay a dangerous snare both for the Confessor and the confessed. They go on : “The sentence pronounced by the Priest in absolution, is pronounced by the Judge himself. All the sins of the sinner are thereby pardoned, and an entrance opened into heaven.” We cannot allow it. We believe the absolution pronounced by the Priest is only declarative and conditional. For judi cially to pardon sin and absolve the sinner, is a power God has reserved to himself. Once more: You say, “Satisfaction is a compensation made to God by alms, &c., for all offences committed against him.” We answer, (1.) It cannot be that we should satisfy God, by any of our works. For, (2.) Nothing can make satisfaction to Him, but the obedience and death of his Son. 8. We proceed to what they call “the sacrament of extreme unction.” “The matter,” they say, “ of extreme unction is, oil consecrated by the Bishop, and applied to the eyes, ears, mouth, hands, feet, and reins of a person supposed to be near death.” The form is: “By this holy anointing, God pardon thee for whatever thou hast offended by the eyes, ears, mouth, or touch.” We reply: When the Apostles were sent forth, “they anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them;” (Mark vi. 13;) using this as a sign of the miraculous cures to be wrought. And St. James accordingly directs: “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the Elders of the Church; let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.” (v. 14, 15.) But what has this to do with the extreme unction of the Church of Rome?