First, then, that we may come to this heavenly feast holy, and
adorned with the wedding garment, Matt. xxii. 11, we must search our
hearts, and examine our consciences, not only till we see our sins,
but until we hate them.
But what if a man, seeing his sin, earnestly desire to hate it? Shall
he not at the altar offer up at once his desire, and the yet lingering
sin, and seek for strength? Is not this sacrament medicine as well as
food? Is it an end only, and not likewise the means? Is it merely the
triumphal feast; or is it not even more truly a blessed refreshment
for and during the conflict?
This confession of sins must not be in general terms only, that we
are sinners with the rest of mankind, but it must be a special
declaration to God of all our most heinous sins in thought, word, and
deed.
Luther was of a different judgment. He would have us feel and groan
under our sinfulness and utter incapability of redeeming ourselves
from the bondage, rather than hazard the pollution of our imaginations
by a recapitulation and renewing of sins and their images in detail.
Do not, he says, stand picking the flaws out one by one, but plunge
into the river, and drown them!--I venture to be of Luther's doctrine.