In whatever light, therefore, we view the present question—whether we consider the circumstances of time, place, manner of its introduction—the same inevitable conclusion stares us in the face: that Sacramental confession is not the invention of man, but the institution of Jesus Christ.
But the doctrine of priestly absolution and the private confession of sins is not confined to the Roman Catholic and Oriental schismatic churches. The same doctrine is also taught by a large and [pg 354] influential portion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of England.
The Rev. C. S. Grueber, a clergyman of the Church of England, has recently published a catechism in which the absolving power of the minister of God, and the necessity and advantage of confession, are plainly set forth. I will quote from the Rev. gentleman's book his identical words:
Question. What do you mean by absolution?
Answer. The pardon or forgiveness of sin.
Q. By what special ordinance of Christ are sins committed after Baptism to be pardoned?
A. By the sacrament of absolution.
Q. Who is the minister of absolution?
A. A Priest.
Q. Do you mean that a Priest can really absolve?