"Don't you think, then," said Charles, "that we should grieve for the sins into which we are daily betrayed, and for the more serious offences which from time to time we may have committed?"
"Certainly; we do so in Morning and Evening Prayer, and in the Communion Service."
"Well, but supposing a youth, as is so often the case, has neglected religion altogether, and has a whole load of sins, and very heinous ones, all upon him,—do you think that, when he turns over a new leaf, and comes to Communion, he is, on saying the Confession (saying it with that contrition with which such persons ought to say it), pardoned at once, and has nothing more to fear about his past sins?"
"I should say, 'Yes,'" answered Carlton.
"Really," said Charles thoughtfully.
"Of course," said Carlton, "I suppose him truly sorry or penitent: whether he is so or not his future life will show."
"Well, somehow, I cannot master this idea," said Charles; "I think most serious persons, even for a little sin, would go on fidgeting themselves, and would not suppose they gained pardon directly they asked for it."
"Certainly," answered Carlton; "but God pardons those who do not pardon themselves."
"That is," said Charles, "who don't at once feel peace, assurance, and comfort; who don't feel the perfect joy of the Gospel."
"Such persons grieve, but rejoice too," said Carlton.