Fourth, [that] the fathers do not mention faith.
Fourth, [that] the fathers do not mention faith.
(IV) [Bellarmine again:] “The ancient fathers nowhere mention faith in their description of repentance.”
We respond. The contrary was demonstrated in its own place [§ 42]. In fact, they sometimes mention only confession, such as Chrysostom (De poenit., homily 9): “Say, ‘I have sinned,’ and you have absolved the sin.” Ambrose (on Psalm 118, sermon 3): “Whoever confesses his sins is justified.” Ambrose (on Luke, ch. 7, ch. 66): “He is reconciled easily when he prays earnestly.” Yet no one has said that only confession and prayer constitute repentance.
But here it must also be observed that when the devout ancients want to kindle their listeners to become repentant, they especially urge the first part of repentance—namely, contrition and a hatred for sin—because our corrupt nature is generally enticed into sins and puts on an empty persuasion of faith which is separate from contrition and correction. But whenever the matter involves hearts that are truly contrite and afflicted, the fathers draw them to the promises of the Gospel, which must be grasped by faith.