gy or from the pulpit,
but in prayer-books and various other religious publications. It is so
deeply impressed in the minds of Romanists as to have become a part of
their religion. Such is the law which the priest himself has to obey, and
which puts his penitents at his own discretion.

But there are husbands with a jealous disposition, who would little fancy
the idea of bachelors confessing their wives, if they knew exactly what
questions they have to answer in confession. There are fathers and mothers
who don't like much to see their daughters alone with a man, behind a
curtain, and who would certainly tremble for their honor and virtue if they
knew all the abominable mysteries of confession. It is necessary,
therefore, to keep the people, as much as possible, in ignorance, and
prevent light from reaching that empire of darkness, the confessional. In
that view, confessors are advised to be cautious "on those matters;" to
"broach these questions in a sort of covert way, and with the greatest
reserve." For it is very desirable "not to shock modesty, neither frighten
the penitent nor grieve her." "Sins, however, _must_ be confessed."

Such is the prudent advice given to the confessor on certain occasions. In
the hands or under the command of Liguori, Father Gury, Scavani, or other
casuists, the priest is a sort of general, sent, with his army, during the
night, to storm a citadel or a strong position, having for order to operate
cautiously and before daylight. His mission is one of darkness and cunning,
violence and cruelty; for when the pope commands, the priest, as his loyal
soldier, must be ready to obey. But many a time, after the place has been
captured by dint of strategy and secrecy, the poor soldier is left, badly
wounded and completely disabled, on the battle-field. He has paid dearly
for his victory; and the conquered citadel has received an injury from
which it may never recover. But the crafty priest has gained his point: he
has succeeded in persuading his lady penitent that there was no
impropriety, that it was even necessary for them to have a parley on things
that made her blush a few moments before. She is so well convinced that she
would swear that there is nothing wrong in confession. Truly this is a
fulfilment of the words:

"Abyssus abyssum invocat."

Have the Romish theologians Gury, Scavani, Liguori, etc., ever been honest
enough, in their works on confession, to say that the Most Holy God could