40. But if they be
not converted, do you at least repent, who by many a slip have fallen
from the lofty pinnacle of innocence and faith. We have a good
Lord, Whose will it is to forgive all, Who called you by the prophet
and said: “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy
transgressions, and I will not remember, but do thou remember that we
may plead together.” “I,” He says, “will
not remember, but do thou remember,” that is to say, “I do
not recall those transgressions which I have forgiven thee, which are
covered, as it were, with oblivion, but do thou remember them. I
will not remember them because of My grace, do thou remember them in
order to correction; remember, thou mayest know that the sin is
forgiven, boast not as though innocent, that thou aggravate not the
sin, but thou wilt be justified, confess thy sin.” For a
shamefaced confession of sins looses the bands of
transgression.