Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 2.djvu/271

Rh 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, be assured, spare thee ."

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 servants ; 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  would fit our Church again to receive the godly discipline, whose absence she annually laments, and yet cannot restore. And how are we not open to the indignant burst of Tertullian, after speaking of the luxury of his day, "Seek the