7. Consider then, Brethren; every man begins from Baptism; he goes out free, the “ten
thousand talents” are forgiven him; and when he goes out, he will soon find some fellow-
servant his debtor. Let him note then, what sin itself is;2783 for the number eleven is the
transgression of the law. For the law is ten, sin eleven. For the law is denoted by ten, sin by
eleven. Why is sin denoted by eleven? Because to get to eleven, there is the transgression of
the ten.2784 But the due limit is fixed in the law; and the transgression of it is sin. Now when
365
you have passed beyond the ten, you come to eleven. This high mystery was figured out
when the tabernacle was commanded to be built. There are many things mentioned there
in number, which are a great mystery.2785 Among the rest, curtains of haircloth were ordered
to be made not ten, but eleven;2786 because by haircloth is signified the confession of sins.
Now what do you require more? Would you know how that all sins are contained in this
number “seventy-seven”? Seven then is usually put for a whole; because in seven days the
revolution of time is completed, and when the seventh is ended, it returns to the first again,
that the same revolution may be continued. In such revolutions whole ages pass away: yet
there is no departure from the number seven. For He spoke of all sins, when He said “seventy
times seven;” for multiply that eleven seven times, and it makes seventy-seven. Therefore
would He have all sins forgiven, for He marked them out by the number” seventy-seven.”
Let no one then retain against himself by refusing to forgive, lest it be retained against him,
when he prayeth. For God saith, “Forgive, and thou shalt be forgiven.” For I have forgiven
thee first; do thou at least forgive after that. For if thou wilt not forgive, I will call thee back,
and put upon thee again all that I had remitted to thee. For the Truth doth not speak falsely;
Christ neither deceiveth, nor is deceived, and He hath said at the close of the parable, “So
likewise shall your Father which is in heaven do unto you.”2787 Thou findest a Father, imitate
thy Father. For if thou wilt not imitate Him, thou art devising2788 to be disinherited. “So
likewise” then “shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive
not every one his brother their trespasses.” Say not with the tongue, “I forgive,” and put off
to forgive in the heart; for by His threat of vengeance God showeth thee thy punishment.
God knoweth where thou speakest. Man can hear thy voice; God looketh into thy conscience.
If thou sayest, I forgive; forgive. Better is it that thou shouldest be violent in words, and
forgive in the heart, than in words be soft, and in the heart relentless.
2783 Observet ergo ipsum peccatum.
2784 Vid. Serm. i. (li. Ben.) 34 (xxiii.).
2785 In magno sacramento.
2786 Exod. xxvi. 7. Cilicina; τριχίνας, Sept.
2787 Matt. xviii. 35.
2788 Disponis.
766
On the words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, ‘How oft shall my brother sin…