" But it is hardly practicable under the conditions of
modern Church life, and it has disadvantages as well as advantages.
Its working in the early days of the Church was not found to be wholly
for good.
Burdened consciences nevertheless require relief: and sin is not
merely a private affair between the soul and GOD; it is also an
offence against the Brotherhood. A system grew up under which the need
was met by the substitution, in the majority of cases, of private for
public penance. Confession was made, no longer before the whole
assembly, but privately before the Bishop, whose office it was, both
as pastor of the flock and as representative of the Church, to declare
forgiveness or "absolution," and to restore penitents to communion. At
a later date presbyters or priests were also authorized, as delegates
of the Bishop for this and other purposes, to receive confessions and
to absolve penitents.
In this way arose in the Church what came to be known as the sacrament
of Penance, or the practice of sacramental confession.
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