Untitled - Saints' Books

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This
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274 Material for Instructions. IPART n.
ticular cases just principles of solution. This the
moralists have done. They have labored to explain the
principles by which many particular cases may be re
solved. Besides, at present there is a great number of
positive
laws contained in the bulls and decrees of
Pontiffs, as well as in the ancient canons, and which a
confessor is
obliged to know. Of these laws he who
neglects to read Moral Theology shall scarcely be able
to acquire a competent knowledge. The learned author
of The Instruction for Young Confessors justly says that
many divines are as deficient in Moral Theology as they
are profound in the speculative sciences. But, on the
other hand, Monsignor Sperelli asserts that it is a great
error in some confessors to devote all their time to
scholastic theology, considering the study of Moral
Theology as lost time, Such confessors, as he says, are
afterwards unable to distinguish one sin from another.
He then adds:
is an error that will cause eternal
ruin both to the confessor and to the penitents."
We must, then, be persuaded that to hear confessions
great science and also great prudence are required; for
with knowledge without prudence a confessor shall do
but little good, and to some his ministry will be more
injurious than beneficial.
3.
CHARITY AND FIRMNESS THAT THE CONFESSOR SHOULD HAVE.
Sanctity is still more necessary, on account of the
great fortitude which a confessor requires in the exercise
of his ministry. Only he that is a great saint," says St.
Laurence Justinian,
"can without injury to himself
occupy himself with the care of souls." 5
I. A confessor requires a great fund of charity in re-
1 "
Qui error confessarios simui et poenitentes
in aeternum interitum
trahet."
2 "
Nemo, nisi valde sanctus, absque sui detrimento, proximorum
curis occupatur."
De Casio Conn. c. 12.