“By the confession of all past sins, they may express the meaning even of the baptism of John. For the Scripture says: ‘They were baptized, confessing their own sins.’  To us, it is a matter for thankfulness if we now do publicly confess our iniquities or our depravities.  For, by mortification of our flesh and spirit, we make satisfaction for our former sins.  At the same time, we lay in advance the foundation of defenses against the temptations that will closely follow.”