Gildas Salvianus: The Reformed Pastor

But we find that the Guides of the Church in Scripture did confess their own sins as well as the sins of the people, and did begin to them in tears for their own and the peoples sins. Ezra confesseth the ⟨p. 139⟩sins of the Priests as well as of the people, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, Ezr. 9. 6, 7, 10. and 10. 1. So did the Levites, Neh. 9. 32, 33, 34. Daniel confessed his own sin as well as the peoples, Dan. 9. 20. And God calleth such to it as well as others, Joel 2. 15, 16, 17. When the fast is summoned, the people gathered, the Congregation sanctified, the Elders assembled, the Priests the Ministers of the Lord are called to begin to them in weeping, and calling upon God for mercy. I think if we consider well of the Duties already opened, and withal how we have done them; of the Rule and of our unanswerableness thereto, we need not demur upon the question, nor put it to a question, Whether we have cause of humiliation? I must needs say, though I judge my self in saying it, that he that readeth but this one Exhortation of Paul in Acts 20. and compareth his life with it, is too stupid and hard-hearted, if he do not melt in the sense of his neglects, and be not laid in the dust before God, and forced to bewail his great omissions, and to fly for refuge to the blood of Christ, and to his pardoning grace. I am confident, Brethren, that none of you do in judgement approve of the Libertine Doctrine, that crieth down the necessity of Confession, Contrition and true humiliation, yea and in order to the pardon of sin! Is it not pity then that our Hearts are not more Orthodox as well as our heads? But I see our lesson is but half learnt when we know it, and can say it: When the understanding hath learned it, there is more ado to teach it our Wills and Affections, our eyes, our tongues and hands. It is a sad thing that so many of us do use to preach ⟨p. 140⟩