...the Anglican Church ; and in a form which clearly elucidates her views upon the point, viz. that God "hath given power and commandment to his ministers...penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins." Private absolution to the sick she denies not, if the patient earnestly desires it ; thereby retaining...

...of devotion being performed, the Minister may say to the Communicants : Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, •who desireth not the death...rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live, having given commandment to his ministers to declare to all who are truely penitent the absolution...

...character of which is directly opposed to the spirit of that religion " which desirelli not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live." P. 6. The Committee do not deny that by the depraved, an instantaneous, though violent death would...

...mercy f .' ' For' He is ' a merciful God, full of compassion, long-suffering, and of great pity 8 ;' ' who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedr Collect, St. Mark's Day. * Collect, Conversion of St. Paul. • Prayer, Gunpowder Treason....

...by God to his ministers. But this is not represented as a power to absolve or remit sins; but only, to " declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins." The extent here attributed to this power, may best be inferred from the use actually made of it in...

...righteousness of life." —Prayer for all Conditions of Men. " Almighty God," " who desirest not the death of a sinner ; but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live" " He pardoneth and absolveth 86 all them that truly repent, and unfeignedly believe His holy Gospel."—Absolution....

...appointment of God, the Priest is to perform, is purely ministerial, and our Church thus describes. it r " HE hath given power " and commandment to his Ministers to declare and " pronounce to his.people, being penitent, the Abso" lution and Remission of their sins." Now, no declaration can...

...LMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord •£*- Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, hut rather that he may turn from his wickedness, and live;...people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission of tbeir sins : He pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent, and unfeignedly believe hi» holy...

...Yes, Thomas, that is certain. T. Well, then, do you think that, according to the Scriptures, God " hath given power and commandment to his Ministers...penitent, the Absolution and Remission of their sins ?" And do you think that we may depend upon the truth of this, that " He pardoneth and absolveth all...

...three forms, one only, the one in constant use, defines the power of absolving which is claimed — " to declare and pronounce to his people being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins." Now, if the minister claims a higher power in the sick chamber than he does in the reading desk, it...