Note 11 — Chapter XV · THE SIBERIAN CHURCH.

Both Churches require contrition, and also confession. Confession in both Churches begins at the age of seven years, and is a secret, periodical, compulsory acknowledgment of mortal sins to a priest; but it is made less complete in Russia than in Rome—has less of an inquisitorial character; and hence Dean Stanley says, “The scandals, the influence, the terrors of the confessional are alike unknown in the East.” The other important difference between the two Churches is, that subsequent exercises of piety, commonly called “penance,” when enjoined upon the penitent in the Russian Church, are not performed as satisfaction offered to God. This, it will be seen, closes the gate against a great deal of Roman teaching concerning the meritorious value of good works.