And yet, by that forsaking, St.
Peter won but little, for he did but delay his trouble for a little
while, as you know well. For beside that, he repented forthwith
very sorely that he had so done, and wept for it forthwith full
bitterly. He came forth at the Whitsuntide ensuing, and confessed
his Master again, and soon after that, he was imprisoned for it.
And not ceasing so, he was thereupon sore scourged for the
confession of his faith, and yet after that imprisoned again
afresh. And, being from thence delivered, he stinted not to preach
on still until, after manifold labours, travails, and troubles, he
was in Rome crucified and with cruel torment slain.
And in like wise I think I might (in a manner) well warrant that no
man who denieth our Saviour once and afterward attaineth remission
shall escape through that denial one penny the cheaper, but that he
shall, ere he come to heaven, full surely pay for it.
VINCENT: He shall peradventure, uncle, afterward work it out in
the fruitful works of penance, prayer, and almsdeed, done in true
faith and due charity, and in such wise attain forgiveness well
enough.
ANTHONY: All his forgiveness goeth, cousin, as you see well, but
by "perhaps." But as it may be "perhaps yea," so may it be "perhaps
nay," and where is he then? And yet, you know, he shall never, by
any manner of hap, hap finally to escape from death, for fear of
which he forsook his faith.
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