"And a woe to the thief, without any relief—
He is sentenc'd in body and soul,
To confess with his tongue, and restore ev'ry wrong,
What he ever has robbed or stole.
"Tho' the sinner may plead, that it was not decreed
For a man to take up a full cross,
Yet in hell he must burn, or repent and return,
And be say'd from the nature of loss."
In the following "Dialogue" "confession of sins" is urged and enforced:
Q. Why did you choose this way you're in, which all mankind despise?
A. It was to save my soul from sin, and gain a heav'nly prize.
Q. But could you find no other way, that would have done as well?
A. Nay, any other way but this would lead me down to hell.
Q. Well, tell me how did you begin to purge away your dross?
A. By honestly confessing sin, and taking up my cross.
Q. Was it before the Son of man you brought your deeds to light?