It is therefore a solemn thing for ministers, unguided by inspiration, to assume greater power.

To proclaim publicly and privately the willingness of God to pardon the impenitent, is an important and delighful [sic] part of the minister's duty; but for uninspired men to institute a special rite in the church, for the express purpose of announcing _pardon to individuals_, even when done conditionally, as the reformers maintained it always should be, is inevitably calculated to lead, especially the less intelligent, to believe their sins forgiven, at least in part, because the ministers announce the fact, and because they have professed penitence to him.
But this is wholly unauthorised in God's Word.

On the contrary:-- (_a_) The Scriptures throughout represent _God_, and _the Lamb of God_, as the only beings that can "forgive" and "take away" sin.Exod.

xxxiv.
6, 7.

The Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, "The Lord God, merciful--_forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin_." The blessed Saviour, in his memorable prayer, teaches us to address our supplication, not to the minister, but to our _heavenly Father_, "forgive us our sins," &c., Luke xi.4.He says nothing, nor does any writer of the Old or New Testament _say a word_ about advising a resort to the priest or minister to obtain forgiveness of sins.