1-150-397 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Only Seal of Confession', 1865. A wife admitting some small sin to her protective, kindly, and forgiving husband. Punch is making the point that the only confession that should be permitted in Britain should be that of a wife to her husband. This reflects the fear of a Catholic revival in Britain, which was always a subject that occupied Punch, as was the encroachment of Catholic ritual within the High Church. Punch was particularly opposed to the practice of Confession. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 8, 1865.