Public Confession of Sin

The following question was sent in: "We had a discussion in our family about sinning against the seventh commandment. The question was asked, where did it originate that you must confess your sins before the congregation. Is it not sufficient to do this before the consistory, assuming that the person or persons are sincere? Could you cast some light on the subject?" The following question was sent in: "We had a discussion in our family about sinning against the seventh commandment. The...