If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. If thou hast done foolishly - And who has not, at one time or other of his life?
Lay thine hand upon thy mouth - Like the leper; and cry to God, Unclean! unclean! and keep silence to all besides. God will blot out thy offense, and neither the world nor the Church ever know it, for he is merciful; and man is rarely able to pass by a sin committed by his fellows, especially if it be one to which himself is by nature not liable or inclined.