Dist. 21, Part 2, Divisio Textus
by St. Bonaventure
Source text: Public Domain Mark 1.0. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://bonaventure.wrootpress.com/browse/4/d/21/q/bon-sent-IV-d21-p2-divisio
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## Commentary on Distinction XXI — Part II.

*On sacramental confession with respect to its usefulness from the side of its end.*

*After these things it must be considered whether confession is profitable etc.*

FOR THE TEXT OF THE MASTER SEE ABOVE, PAGE 545.

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above, the Master treated of the necessity of confession from the side of the one confessing, and of the power from the side of the one absolving, and of the opportunity from the side of time; here he treats of its usefulness from the side of its end; and this part has two [sections]. In the first he shows what confession is useful, namely a true and humble confession. In the second he shows how much contempt of confession is harmful, below: *And since it has been asserted above by many authorities.*

The first is divided into two. In the first he shows what things are to be attended to in confession from the side of the one confessing. In the second, from the side of the one hearing, there: *But let the priest beware* etc. The first part contains two. In the first he shows that confession ought not to be diminished. In the second, that it ought not to be superfluous, there: *But just as the penitent ought not to conceal* etc. Likewise the second [part], in which he determines from the side of the priest what is to be observed, contains two. The first is that he keep the secret purely. The second indeed, that he not absolve another's parishioner, and this is touched on there: *But what has been said.* And so principally two things are touched on, according to which confession ought to be *whole* and *secret.*

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

For the understanding of this part, according to the two things which are touched on in the text, two [questions] are principally asked.

First it is asked concerning confession with respect to its manner.

Second indeed it is asked concerning confession with respect to the seal.

Concerning the first, three [questions] are asked.

First it is asked, whether it is permitted to omit some sin in confession.

Second, whether it is permitted to add [to it].

Third, whether it is permitted to report another's sins.