This is a fairly complete theological and historical treatise. The sins of individuals have similar consequences. Moses is forgiven his doubt, but because of it he is not permitted to enter the Promised Land. David is forgiven his adultery, but the desired child of the sinful union does not survive.
Temporal punishment persists even in death.
The penance imposed in earlier days was often severe. Today the penance is usually the recitation of certain prayers assigned by the priest to the penitent. The kind and extend of the satisfaction should be suited to the personal condition of each penitent so that each one may restore the order which he disturbed and through the corresponding remedy be cured of the sickness from which he suffered. Therefore, it is necessary that the act of penance really be a remedy for sin and a help to renewal of life. Our sins are more serious than we realize, and our deeds of penance are often slight.