rolls them on the earth, it the rather raises them: when it defiles, it cleanses them: accusing, it excuses them: condemning, it absolves them. In as far as thou sparest not thyself, in so far will God, be assured, spare thee[1]."
It is not of course the outward instances and expressions of grief, of which Tertullian speaks, which one would contrast with our modern practice; although most sincere penitents will probably have found it a great hindrance to effectual repentance, that they were obliged to bear about the load of their grief in their own bosoms; that they might not outwardly mourn; that they must go through the daily routine of life without unburthening their souls by a public confession; that they could not, without the evils of private confession, obtain the prayers of God's servants[2]; that their outward, must needs be at variance with, thwarting, contradicting their inward, life:—but this is a distinct subject, although it may well make us pray, that God would fit our Church again to receive the godly discipline, whose absence she annually laments[3], and yet cannot restore. And how are we not open to the indignant burst of Tertullian[4], after speaking of the luxury of his day, "Seek the
- ↑ This is a sentiment frequent among the Fathers, founded on 1 Cor. xi. 31. see e.g. St. Augustine Serm. 351, De Pœnitentia c. 4. St. Ambrose de Lapsu Virginis § 36. It has nothing to do with the Romish doctrine of satisfaction: thus even Calvin, (Institt. 3, 3, 15) "The last character of repentance is 'revenge' (2 Cor. vii. 11) for the severer we are upon ourselves, the more rigidly we bring our sins to account, so much the more may we hope to have God propitious and merciful. Yea, it cannot be, but that the mind struck down with horror at the Divine judgment, should anticipate the office of revenge by enacting punishment on itself. Fear cannot be too great which ends in humility, and does not abandon hope of pardon."
- ↑ The Church has provided a place, where the distressed in mind, as well as the sick in body, might, if they desired it, obtain the prayers of the Congregation directly for themselves. There would be no occasion for naming them, as is sometimes done in the case of bodily sickness. Christian sympathy might be much promoted, and great relief obtained for sufferers, if the clergy were, in sermons or in private, to recall persons' minds to this forgotten provision.
- ↑ Commination Service.
- ↑ L. c. §. 11.
