The Doctrine of Repentance

1. It reproves those that hide their¹ sins: as Rachel hid her Fathers Images under her, Gen. 31. 34. Many had rather have their sins covered, than cured: They do with their sins, as with their pictures, draw a curtain over them; or as some do with their Bastards, smother them. But though men will have no tongue to confess; God hath an eye to see, he will unmask their treason^*, Psal. 50. 21. I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thee. Those iniquities which men hide in their heart, shall be written one day on their forehead as with the point of a Diamond. They who would not confess sin as David, that they might be pardoned, shall confess sin as Achan, that they may be stoned. 'Tis dangerous to keep the Devils counsel, Prov. 28. 13. He that covers his sin shall not prosper.

1. 11 Branch.
2. *[Greek or Hebrew]. Ignatius.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ignatius.

2. It reproves them, who do indeed confess¹ sin, but it is by halves; they do not confess all; they confess the pence, but not the pounds; they confess vain thoughts, or badness of memory, but not the sins ⟨p. 34⟩they are most guilty of; as rash anger, extortion, uncleanness. Like him in Plutarch, who complained his stomach was not very good, when his lungs were bad, and his liver rotten. But if we do not confess all, how do we think God will pardon all? 'Tis true, we cannot know the exact catalogue of our sins, but the sins which come within our view and cognizance, and which our hearts accuse us of, must be confessed as ever we hope for mercy.