Penitence and innocence are near relations. [ Proverb ]

Most women caress sin before embracing penitence. [ Fontanelle ]

When we read that the lost sheep is preferred to the rest of the flock, we are tempted to think that penitence is preferable to innocence.

God never pardons: the laws of His universe are irrevocable. God always pardons: sense of condemnation is but another word for penitence, and penitence is already new life. [ William Smith ]

Other parts of the body assist the speaker, but these speak themselves. By them we ask, we promise, we invoke, we dismiss, we threaten, we entreat, we deprecate; we express fear, joy, grief, our doubts, our assent, our penitence; we show moderation, profusion; we mark number and time. [ Quintilian ]