We neither claim a power of jurisdiction over the prince, nor pretend to be exempt from his. Antenuptial Fornication . Those who enter into marriage only to conceal their shame, ought to give public satisfaction, as well as expiate their sin, by open penance. In the primitive Church, every thing was done with advice, because their great aim was to have reason and the will of GOD prevail. He that is humble and charitable will take the mildest and surest way, and will not be troubled, provided the end be obtained.
Sin is the disease of the soul.
As discipline slackened, men's manners grew more and more corrupt, even in the primitive times. A flattering physician is for giving palliating medicines, to ease the pain, without taking away the cause, which will occasion relapses, until at last they destroy the patient. But a good man will prescribe what he believes necessary to remove the cause, though uneasy to his patient, and will have nothing to do with such as will not submit to the necessary methods of cure. Penances, in the primitive Church, were never granted but unto such as desired them, and such as desired to be converted. None were forced, but such as would not submit were excommunicated.