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| Concerning the Outward Manifestations by Which This Second Repentance is to Be Accompanied. PREVIOUS SECTION - NEXT SECTION - HELP
Chapter IX.—Concerning the Outward Manifestations by Which
This Second Repentance is to Be Accompanied.
The narrower, then, the sphere of action of this second
and only (remaining) repentance, the more laborious is its probation;
in order that it may not be exhibited in the conscience alone, but may
likewise be carried out in some (external) act. This act, which is more
usually expressed and commonly spoken of under a Greek name, is
ἐξομολόγησις
,8506 whereby we confess our sins to the Lord, not
indeed as if He were ignorant of them, but inasmuch as by confession
satisfaction is settled,8507
8507 For the meaning
of “satisfaction,” see Hooker Eccl. Pol. vi. 5,
where several references to the present treatise occur. [Elucidation
II.] | of confession
repentance is born; by repentance God is appeased. And thus
exomologesis is a discipline for man’s prostration
and humiliation, enjoining a demeanor calculated to move mercy. With
regard also to the very dress and food, it commands (the penitent) to
lie in sackcloth and ashes, to cover his body in mourning,8508 to lay his spirit low in sorrows, to
exchange for severe treatment the sins which he has committed;
moreover, to know no food and drink but such as is plain,—not for
the stomach’s sake, to wit, but the soul’s; for the most
part, however, to feed prayers on fastings, to groan, to weep and make
outcries8509
8509 Cf. Ps. xxii. 1 (in LXX. xxii. 3), xxxviii. 8 (in the
LXX. xxxvii. 9). Cf. Heb. v. 7. | unto the Lord
your8510
8510 Tertullian changes
here to the second person, unless Oehler’s “tuum” be
a misprint for “suum.” | God; to bow before the feet of the
presbyters, and kneel to God’s dear ones; to enjoin on all the
brethren to be ambassadors to bear his8511
8511
“Suæ,” which looks as if the “tuum” above
should be “suum.” [St. James v. 16.] |
deprecatory supplication (before God). All this
exomologesis (does), that it may enhance repentance; may
honour God by its fear of the (incurred) danger; may, by itself
pronouncing against the sinner, stand in the stead of God’s
indignation, and by temporal mortification (I will not say frustrate,
but) expunge eternal punishments. Therefore, while it abases the man,
it raises him; while it covers him with squalor, it renders him more
clean; while it accuses, it excuses; while it condemns,
it absolves. The less quarter you give yourself, the more (believe me)
will God give you.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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