degree of penitential works. But of these, in the fervour of compunction, many voluntarily joined the band of public penitents. At Rome, and in the Churches of the West, there was, at this time, no penitentiary; but the Bishop reserved the rite to himself, and superintended the public penances. Cardinal Bona, Rerum Liturgic. L. 1. c. 17.
CENT. III.
FERMILIAN, G. C.-“What a crime, &c." See page 212.
St. CYPRIAN, L. C.-“ God sees into the hearts and breasts of all men, and he will judge not their actions only, but their words and thoughts, viewing the most hidden conceptions of the mind. Hence, though some of these persons be remarked for their faith and the fear of God, and have not been guilty of the crime of sacrificing (to idols), nor of surrendering the holy Scriptures; yet if the thought of doing it have ever entered their mind, this they confess, with grief and without disguise, before the Priests of God, unburdening the conscience, "and seeking a salutary remedy, however small and pardonable their failing may have been. God, they know, will not be mocked.” De Lapsis, p. 190.Having mentioned other such sins, not greatly criminal, he adds: “The fault is less, but the conscience is not clear. Pardon may more easily be obtained; still there is guilt: and let not the sioner cease from doing penance, lest, what before was small, be aggravated by neglect. I entreat you, my brethren, let all confess their faults, while he that has offended enjoys life; while his Confession can be received, and while the satisfaction and pardon imparted by the Priests are acceptable before God.” Ibid.
