Chapter XXIX. Of Sacramental Confession

CONFESSION, to be made as it ought to be, has need of many things. The first of these is an exact examination of conscience on the commandments of God, and the duties of our state. And having found out your sins, though they be but little sins, mourn over them bitterly; view them in relation to the Majesty of God, and as acts of human ingratitude against Divine Goodness and Love. Therefore blame and condemn yourself in these words—"Is this the return you make to the Lord, O foolish and unwise? Is He not thy Father, to Whom you belong, Who made you and created you?"

And renewing again and again the ardent desire that you had never offended God, say,—"Oh, that I had never offended Thee, my Creator, my Heavenly Father, my Redeemer, and had rather suffered all other evils!"

Then turn to God, with deep confusion, and faith that He will forgive you, say with your whole heart,—"Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son: make me as one of Thy hired servants."

And renewing again your sorrow for having offended God, with the resolve rather to suffer any pain than wilfully to offend Him again, confess your sins to your confessor with shame and grief, precisely as you committed them, without excusing yourself, or accusing any one else.

After confession, give thanks to God, that, although you had so many, many times offended Him, He is ever more ready to forgive than the sinner to receive forgiveness. And in this, finding a fresh ground for sorrow for having offended so kind a Father, resolve, with more purpose than ever, that you will never offend Him any more, with His help, in company with the Blessed Virgin, your Guardian Angel, and any Saint in particular, or patron.