19. What then R.C. “If then
there is present among you any from among the Heathen who has ever
spoken evil against Christians, or in times of persecution plotted
against the Holy Churches, let him take Nabuchodonsor as an example of
salvation: let him confess in like manner, that he may also find
the like forgiveness. If any has been defiled by lust and
passions, let him take up the repentance of the blessed David: if
any has denied like Peter, let him die like him for the sake of the
Lord Jesus. For He who to his tears begrudged not the
Apostleship, will not refuse thee the gospel mysteries. And for
women let Rahab be a pattern unto salvation, and for men the manifold
examples mentioned of the men of old times.? When Nabuchodonosor, after having done
such deeds, had made confession, did God give him pardon and the
kingdom, and when thou repentest shall He not give thee the remission
of sins, and the kingdom of heaven, if thou live a worthy life?
The Lord is loving unto man, and swift to
pardon, but slow to punish. Let no man therefore despair of his
own salvation. Peter, the chiefest and foremost of the Apostles,
denied the Lord thrice before a little maid: but he repented
himself, and wept bitterly. Now weeping shews the repentance of
the heart: and therefore he not only received forgiveness for his
denial, but also held his Apostolic dignity unforfeited.