Part I, Chapter XIX

How to Make a General Confession

Behold here then, my dear Philothea, the ten meditations necessary for our purpose. When you shall have made them all, proceed courageously in the spirit of humility to make your general confession; but, I beseech you, suffer not yourself to be disturbed with any kind of apprehension. The sting of the scorpion is poisonous; but the scorpion being reduced to oil, becomes a sovereign remedy against the venom of its own sting. Sin is shameful only when we commit it; but, being converted into confession and penance, it becomes honorable and wholesome, — contrition and confession being so beautiful and odoriferous as to efface its deformity and purify its stench. Simon the leper said that Magdalen was a sinner, but our Lord said no, alluding to the sweet perfumes she poured forth, and the greatness of her love. If we be very humble, Philothea, our sins will infinitely displease us, because God is offended by them; but the accusation of them will become sweet and agreeable, because God is honored thereby; for it is a kind of comfort to acquaint the physician rightly with the nature of the evil that torments us.

2. When you kneel before your spiritual father, imagine that you are on Mount Calvary, under the feet of Jesus Christ crucified, whose precious blood distils on all sides to wash and cleanse you from your iniquities. For, though it be not the very blood of our Saviour, yet it is the merit of his blood shed for us that waters abundantly the soul of the penitent at the confession seat. Open then your heart perfectly, that you may cast out your sins by confession; for, as fast as they depart from your heart, the precious merits of the passion of your Divine Saviour will enter in, to fill it with his graces and blessings.

3. But be sure to declare all with candor and sincerity. Having fully satisfied your conscience that you have done so, listen to the admonitions and ordinances of your confessor, and say in your heart, “Speak Lord! for thy servant heareth.” (1 Kings 3:10) Yea, Philothea, it is God whom you hear; since he has said to his vicegerents, “He that heareth you heareth me.” (Luke 10:16)

4. Afterwards make the following protestation, which may serve for a conclusion of your contrition, and on which you ought first to have meditated and reflected. Read it attentively, and with as much devotion as you possibly can.

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