This is a classic work of pastoral theology, written by the first ruling Bishop of the Russian Church Abroad.  Whilst primarily a manual for priests hearing confessions it is also of great value to all who struggle with the passions.  It covers the significance of confession for Christians, the spiritual director's disposition, healing, doubt, sin, fear, despondency, pride, money, envy, chastity, etc.  The appendices include extracts form the Order of Confession, a "template" for a brief confession and questions for an examination of conscience.

Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky) (1863–1936) was the founding First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.  He studied at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, where he was tonsured a monk and later become its rector.  He then was rector of Moscow Theological Academy.  In 1907 he was consecrated as Bishop of Cheboksary, and later became Metropolitan of Kiev in 1918.  Along with other émigré hierarchs, he helped form the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, becoming its First Hierarch.  As a theologian, Metropolitan Anthony is best known for his works The Moral Idea of the Dogma of the Holy Trinity and The Doctrine of Redemption.  He also wrote many other works on many other spiritual disciplines such as moral and pastoral theology, apologetics, and canon law.  He reposed in 1936 in Sremsky Karlovtsi, Serbia.