absolution. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Ghost he declares to all who truly repent and believe, the entire
forgiveness of all their sins. On the other hand, to all who are
impenitent and unbelieving he declares, that their sins are retained so
long as they do not come to true repentance and faith.

Our Church does not require private confession of sins to the pastor;
but if any one is troubled in conscience, and desires to make confession
to the minister and to obtain the comfort of an absolution pronounced
specially upon him, there is provision for private confession and
absolution. Such private confessions are regarded by every true pastor
as sacredly confidential. (See the "Questions on Confession," which form
one of the additions to the Five Principal Parts of the Catechism.)

QUESTIONS.--1. What are the benefits derived from the Lord's Supper? 2.
Where are they pointed out? 3. How have these benefits been secured for
us? 4. What assurance does each communicant receive? 5. Why has the
Lord's Supper power to confer such benefits? 6. Does every communicant
receive the benefits offered? 7. How is the Lord's Supper to be
received? 8. What is to be said about fasting as a preparation? 9. What
is the true preparation? 10. What is meant by receiving the Lord's
Supper worthily? 11. Describe the confessional service? 12. What is to
be said about private confession and absolution?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.--I Cor. 11:29. For he that eateth and drinketh
unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the
Lord's body.

I Cor. 11:28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that
bread, and drink of that cup.