Confession and Absolution by Thomas John Capel
page 11 of 46 (23%)
page 11 of 46 (23%)
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either case, it is _internal_, seated in the mind and heart; it is
_supernatural_ in its motive, and springs from grace; it is _universal_, extending to every deadly sin committed; it is _sovereign_, displeasing the will more than any ill which could happen. "The sorrow which is according to God worketh penance unto salvation which is lasting: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing that you were made sorrowful according to God, how great carefulness doth it work: in you; yea defence, yea indignation, yea fear, yea desire, yea zeal, yea revenge."[22] This, then, is contrition: the first and necessary condition for the pardon of sin. It is begun and perfected in the soul by the impulse and by the assistance of the Holy Ghost. The grace of God, obtained through the precious blood of Jesus Christ, commences and completes the work of repentance. God, who is rich in mercy, through His exceeding charity with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened as together in Christ, by whose grace you are saved.[23] "The blood of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin."[24] "We have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins, according to the riches of His grace."[25] FOOTNOTES: [10] Acts v, 31. [11] Acts ii, 38. [12] Acts iii, 19. [13] Peter iii, 9. |
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