The confession to which Cyril attaches so high a value, whether made in the privacy of solitude, or openly before the Ministers of the Church and the Congregation, is a confession to God, and not to man.  “Having therefore, brethren, many examples of those who have sinned and repented and been saved, do ye also heartily make confession unto the Lord Cat. ii. § 20..”  Elsewhere he expressly disclaims the necessity of private confession to man:  “Not that thou shouldest shew thy conscience to me, for thou art not to be judged of man’s judgment; but that thou shew the sincerity of thy faith to God, who trieth the reins and hearts, and knoweth the thoughts of men Ib. v. § 2..”  He also limits the season of confession and repentance to this present life:  “Therefore the just shall then offer praise; but they who have died in sins have no further season for confession Ib. xviii. 14..”