XXVI.
of Augsburg Confession, being Topic V.of the Abuses Corrected, the confession says: "Confession is _not commanded in Scripture_, but has been instituted _by the church_." [Note 10] 3.

The rite of _private absolution_, on which the Reformers lay much stress, is in like manner destitute of scriptural authority, and most injurious to the interests of spiritual religion.

The _omniscient_ Saviour could well say to the sick of the palsy, "Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee," Matt.ix.

2; for he knew the heart of man.
For the same reason he could say to Mary Magdalene, "Thy sins are forgiven." Luke vii.

48.
But, even the inspired apostles never in a single instance, either undertook to forgive sins themselves, or to announce the pardon of sin to any _individual personally_.