The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE. 413Surely this was not the sentiment of the late Dr,Ives, once Protestant Bishop of North Carolina, andof many other illustrious converts, who, from theday of their conversion to the hour of their death,never failed to receive consolation and strength fromthe sacred tribunal.Nor is this the sentiment of Rev. Father Lyman,a Catholic Priest of Baltimore, and brother of theassistant Protestant Bishop of North Carolina. Noris it the sentiment of the present Archbishops ofBaltimore and Philadelphia, and of the Bishops ofWilmington, Cleveland, Columbus, and Ogdensburg,and a host of others, both of the Protestant clergyand laity, who, within the last fifty years, haveentered the Catholic Church.If we compare the Protestant and Catholic systemsfor the forgiveness of sins, the Catholic system willnot suffer by the comparison. According to theProtestant system, repentance is necessary and sufficient for justification. The Catholic system alsorequires repentance on the part of the sinner as anindispensable prerequisite for the forgiveness of sin.But it requires much more than this. Before thepenitent receives absolution, he must carefully examine his conscience, and confess his sins, accordingto their number and kind. He is obliged to havea firm purpose of amendment; to promise restitution, if he has defrauded his neighbor; reparationfor any injury done to his neighbor s character ;reconciliation with his enemies, and to avoid theoccasions of sin. Do not these obligationsafford a35*