The Practice of Piety

And verily there is not any means more excellent to humble a proud heart, nor to raise up an humble spirit, then this spiritual conference betwixt the Pastors and the People committed to their charge. If any sin therefore troubleth thy conscience, confess it to Gods Minister: ask his counsel, and if thou dost truly repent, receive his Absolution. And then doubt not in foro Conscientiae, but thy sins be as verily forgiven on earth▪ as if thou didst hear Christ himself in foro judicij, pronouncing them to be forgiven in Heaven. Qui vos audit, ¹me audit, he that heareth you, heareth me. Try this, and tell me whether thou shalt ⟨p. 970⟩not find more ease in thy Conscience, then can be expressed in words. Did profane men consider the dignity of this divine calling: they would the more honour the Calling, and reverence Persons.

And verily there is not any meanes more excellent to humble a proud heart, nor to raise vp an humble spirit, then this spirituall conference betwixt the Pastors and the People committed to their charge. If any sinne therefore troubleth thy conscience, confesse it to Gods Minister: aske his counsell, and if thou dost truely repent, receiue his Absolution. And then doubt not in foro Conscientiae, but thy sinnes be as verily forgiuen on earth▪ as if thou didst heare Christ himselfe in foro iudicij, pronouncing them to be forgiuen in Heauen. Qui vos audit, ¹me audit, hee that heareth you, heareth mee. Try this, and tell mee whether thou shalt ⟨p. 970⟩not finde more ease in thy Conscience, then can be expressed in words. Did prophane men consider the dignitie of this diuine calling: they would the more honour the Calling, and reuerence Persons.

1. 1Luke 10.1•.