The first remission of sins is that by which we are baptized in water, according to that which is written: Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John III). The second remission is the affection of charity, as is that: Many sins are remitted to her, because she has loved much (Luke VII). The third remission is the fruit of almsgiving, according to this: As water extinguishes fire, so almsgiving extinguishes sin (Ecclus. III). The fourth remission is the pouring forth of tears, the Lord saying: Because he wept in my sight, and walked before me sorrowful, I will not bring evil in his days (III Kings XI). The fifth remission is the confession of crimes, the Psalmist attesting:
I said, I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord, and you have remitted the impiety of my sin (Ps. XXX). The sixth remission is the affliction of heart and body, the Apostle consoling: I have delivered such a man to Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. V). The seventh remission is the amendment of manners, that is, the renunciation of vices, the evangelist testifying: Now you have been made whole, sin no more, lest something worse befall you (John V). The eighth remission is the intercession of the saints, as is that: If any is sick, let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray for him. And the constant prayer of a just man avails much with the Lord (James V).
The ninth remission is mercy, the merit of faith, according to this: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Matt. V). The tenth remission is the salvation of others, the apostle James affirming: He who has caused a sinner to be converted from the error of his way, will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James V). The eleventh remission is indulgence and our own forgiveness, the Truth permitting (perhaps: promising): Forgive, and it shall be forgiven you (Luke VI). The twelfth remission is the suffering of martyrdom, the Lord answering the bloodstained thief in the hope of a unique salvation and pardon: Amen I say to you, this day you shall be with me in paradise (Luke XXIII).