XXVII.
All offences confessed, and reparation made for them, shall be struck out of the Consistory Books, except those which being join'd with Rebellion, have been censur'd with Suspen∣sion from the Lord's Supper, or Excommunication.
As there were only publick Faults, and scandalous Sins, which were to be satisfied for in the presence of the Peo∣ple; there is great likelihood, that in the first Ages, the Ecclesiastical Senate kept not a Register of others of a less quality, and which deserv'd not to suffer the pain of publick Penance; or at least if they were wont to be written, they were carefully expung'd, after the Sin∣ners had done what was requir'd of them in presence of the Conductors, and that the necessary Censures had been applied to them; otherwise what the Church has ever carefully distinguished, had been confounded and embroil'd.