[Footnote: See the closing paragraph of
the first of the three lengthy exhortations to Holy Communion, printed
immediately after the "Prayer for the Church Militant" in the Prayer-
book.]The words of S. John xx. 23 are quoted in the Anglican formula
of ordination to the priesthood; and a form of words to be used by the
priest in the private absolution of penitents is prescribed in the
Office for the Visitation of the Sick.
As regards the theory of the confessional it is important to bear
certain things in mind. The confession is made primarily to GOD,
secondarily to His Church. The priest is the Church's accredited
delegate and representative. He acts not in virtue of any magical
powers inherent in himself, either as an individual or as a member of
any so-called sacerdotal caste. If he declares the penitent absolved
it is as pastor of the flock, and as one officially authorized by the
Church to be her mouthpiece for these purposes. The ultimate absolving
authority, under GOD, is the Christian Society as a whole. It is a
confessor's duty to assure himself of the reality of the penitent's
contrition, and to enjoin that restitution or amends shall be made for
any wrong which has been done, in all cases in which amends or
restitution is possible.
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