Concerning Repentance, Book II

Book II

• Concerning Repentance II.1 — St. Ambrose gives additional rules concerning repentance, and shows that it must not be delayed. St. Ambrose gives additional rules concerning repentance, and shows that it must not be delayed. 1. Although in the…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.2 — A passage quoted by the heretics against repentance is explained in two ways, the first being that Heb. vi. 4 refers to the impossibility of being baptized again; the second, that what is impossible with man is…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.3 — Explanation of the parable of the Prodigal Son, in which St. Ambrose applies it to refute the teaching of the Novatians, proving that reconciliation ought not to be refused to the greatest offender upon suitable…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.4 — St. Ambrose turns against the Novatians themselves another objection concerning blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, showing that it consists in an erroneous belief, proving this by St. Peter’s words against Simon…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.5 — As to the words of St. Peter to Simon Magus, from which the Novatians infer that there was no forgiveness for the latter, it is pointed out that St. Peter, knowing his evil heart, might well use words of doubt, and…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.6 — St. Ambrose teaches out of the prophet Isaiah what they must do who have fallen. Then referring to our Lord’s proverbial expression respecting piping and dancing, he condemns dances. Next by the example of Jeremiah…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.7 — An exhortation to mourning and confession of sins for Christ is moved by these and the tears of the Church. Illustration from the story of Lazarus. After showing that the Novatians are the successors of those who…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.8 — In urging repentance St. Ambrose turns to his own case, expressing the wish that he could wash our Lord’s feet like the woman in the Gospel, which is a great pattern of penitence, though such as cannot attain to it…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.9 — In what way faith is necessary for repentance. Means for paying our debts, in which work, prayer, tears, and fasting are of more value than money. Some instances are adduced, and St. Ambrose declares that generosity…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.10 — In order to do away with the feeling of shame which holds back the guilty from public penance, St. Ambrose points out the advantage of prayers offered by the whole Church, and sets forth the example of saints who…vatican.va
• Concerning Repentance II.11 — The possibility of repentance is a reason why baptism should not be deferred to old age, a practice which is against the will of God in holy Scripture. But it is of no use to practise penance whilst still serving…vatican.va