18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.



Ver. 18. Confessed and showed their deeds] With detestation, being moved thereto by the fear of God’s judgments. This they did publicly, not in the priest’s ear, as Papists, nor out of a brain sick humour, as the Anabaptists at Sangall ( Coeperunt plurimi enormia sun delicta profiteri, alius furta, alius adulteria, alius alia, non sine admiratione audientium, non sine stomacho coniugum maritis talibns nihil non imprecantium, saith Scultetus); but with discretion and detestation. Oftentimes the very opening of men’s grievances easeth the conscience, as the very opening of a vein cools the blood. Howbeit it is neither wisdom nor mercy to put men upon the rack of confession, further than they can have no ease any other way. (Dr Sibbes.)