Still, it would be useful for me to obtain, from the abbot, a letter giving full absolution for all offences committed, up to the present time." "That would be a great thing," Roger said eagerly.

"'Tis a matter that I have often turned over in my mind, when on a long day's ride, and I have thought of what might happen were a new man to become abbot of Alnwick; but such an absolution would assuredly go for much.

No one can doubt, more especially an abbot, that absolution by an abbot is most effectual; and that the offences committed before it are wholly wiped out, and cannot be revived." "It would be best to obtain total absolution from your vows.

Can the abbot grant that, Roger ?" "'Tis a moot question," Roger replied.

"Many affirm that he can do so, and assuredly many abbots have exercised that power; others again hold that, although abbots cannot lawfully do so, bishops can; while a few maintain that even these are incapable, and that nothing short of the absolution by the Holy Father himself is of avail.