Section — Konings, Theologia Moralis
D. Errors of Martin Luther, condemned by Leo X, by the bull Exurge Domine, etc., May 16, 1520
¶1.
- The imperfect charity of one dying necessarily carries with it great fear, which by itself is enough to make the punishment of purgatory, and impedes entrance into the kingdom.
¶2.
- That there are three parts of Penance, contrition, confession, and satisfaction, is not founded in sacred Scripture, nor in the ancient holy Christian doctors.
¶3.
- Contrition, which is prepared by discussion, comparison, and detestation of sins, by which one thinks over his years in the bitterness of his soul, pondering the gravity of sins, their multitude, the loss of eternal beatitude, and the acquisition of eternal damnation, this contrition makes a hypocrite, indeed more a sinner.
¶4.
- The proverb is most true, and more excellent than every doctrine concerning contritions given up to this point: henceforth not to do it is the highest penance; the best penance is a new life.
¶5.
- In no way presume to confess venial sins, nor even all mortal sins, because it is impossible that you should know all mortal sins. Hence the primitive Church confessed only manifest mortal sins.
¶6.
- When we wish to confess all things purely, we do nothing else than that we wish to leave nothing to be forgiven by the mercy of God.
¶7.
- Sins are not remitted to anyone unless, when the priest remits, he believes that they are remitted to him; indeed the sin would remain unless he believed it remitted; for the remission of sin and the gift of grace do not suffice, but it is also necessary to believe that it has been remitted.
¶8.
- In no way trust that you are absolved on account of your contrition, but on account of the word of Christ: Whatever you shall loose, etc. (Matt. XVI.) Hence, I say, trust, if you have obtained the absolution of the priest, and firmly believe yourself absolved, and you will truly be absolved, whatever may be the case concerning contrition.
¶9.
- If, by an impossibility, the one confessed were not contrite, or the priest absolved not seriously, but in jest, nevertheless, if he believes himself absolved, he is most truly absolved.
¶10.
- In the sacrament of Penance and the remission of guilt, the Pope or a Bishop does no more than the lowest priest; indeed, where there is no priest, any Christian whatever does just as much, even if it were a woman or a boy.
¶11.
- No one ought to answer the priest that he is contrite, nor ought the priest to require it.
¶12.
- Excommunications are only external punishments, and do not deprive a man of the common spiritual prayers of the Church.