The Scarlet Letter
How does Dimmesdale's rationale for not confessing a hidden sin support the doctrine of salvation by works rather than salvation by faith?
in Ch. 10
in Ch. 10
Dimmesdale declares that some people, in order to carry out God's work, must hide their sin. If the town knew of his sins, he could not continue the lord's work which would be a greater sin than his own transgressions. In God's eyes, his works becomes his salvation.