Early Christian text · c. AD 203
On Repentance
Tertullian wrote On Repentance during his orthodox period to instruct new converts and lapsed Christians on the two occasions of repentance available to a Christian: the once-for-all cleansing of Baptism, and the "second plank" of exomologesis (public confession and penance) available afterward for serious sin. Chapter 9 describes the outward, communal acts of that public penance, including the penitent's posture before the Church's presbyters.
Edition & source details
Edition: Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (eds.), Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 3 (1885)
Translation: S. Thelwall
Public-domain nineteenth-century English translation (Ante-Nicene Fathers). Excerpt quoted for citation; transcription consulted via New Advent.
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Selected passage
To bow before the feet of the presbyters, and kneel to God's dear ones; to enjoin on all the brethren to be ambassadors to bear his deprecatory supplication (before God).
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