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The Sacrament of Penance: SYNOPSIS.-Introduction.-(a) To keep in a state of grace is the most important matter in the everyday life of a Christian. In other words, at all costs we must avoid mortal sin. No more proof needed of this than two facts. (i) That those who die out of grace go to hell; (ii) death may come at any moment. Therefore only one safe way; i. e., keep in state of grace. (b) But human nature is weak; and temptation is strong; hence mortal sin is committed. Is there any way of restoration? Yes; the Sacrament of Penance. I. What is the Sacrament of Penance? A tribunal-a court of justice; or rather of mercy. Its object is to pass sentence of forgiveness. Three parties to a criminal case are, (i) the accused, (ii) the witnesses, (iii) the judge. In this tribunal the accused is the penitent; the witness for and against is also the penitent; the judge is a man of like passions with ourselves. We should pray for our priests who have so heavy a burden laid upon them. II. Duty of the accused. First duty to make a good confession. Two questions (a) What sins must be confessed?.) How must they be confessed? (a) What sins? All mortal sins; the confession of these alone is of obligation. Venial sins usefully confessed because (i) this Sacrament increases grace, (ii) forgiveness is better insured, and temporal punishment satisfied for; (iii) "confessions of devotion" enable our confessor to help and warn us. (b) What kind of confession? Sorrowful and sincere. The sorrow necessary will be treated of another time. As to sincerity, it is secured by a childlike attitude toward God in this Sacrament. Sincerity involves truth, completeness, simplicity in making our confession. Conclusion.-Go back to the thought with which we began; importance of the state of grace. Exhortation to those who are content to go on in state of sin. The invitation and the warning in Isaias (i, 16- 20).