Sin
‹ 7 · Outline · 9 ›
8.Repentance, confession and penance
8a.Confession of sins to God and to men
See also: Religion 7c
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 90–91He asks to know his iniquities and the sins of his youth.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 177–179Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven; the psalmist confesses his sin and is forgiven after the anguish of silence.read · scan
- p. 186–188Opening of a penitential psalm: asks not to be rebuked in wrath; God's hand presses sore.read · scan
- p. 189Iniquities are a heavy burden; the psalmist confesses and is sorry for his sin, suffering as a result.read · scan
- p. 205–206David's penitential prayer confesses transgression, sinful from conception, and begs cleansing, mercy and a clean heart.read · scan
- p. 225–226Confesses foolishness and sins not hidden from God.read · scan
- p. 278Confession of the people's sins with their fathers: rebellion, forgetting God's works, lust, idolatry.read · scan
Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8
- p. 294–296Creon acknowledges he is the great offender and learns too late from grievous fault.read · scan
- p. 297–298Creon confesses the fault and guilt are his alone: 'I, even I, did slay thee.'read · scan
The Bhagavad-Gita; or, Song CelestialVol. 45
- p. 841–843Arjuna confesses he wronged God in heedless familiarity and asks grace for the witless sin.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 365–366Peter, astonished by the catch, confesses himself a sinful man before Jesus.read · scan
- p. 400–401Publican beats his breast asking mercy as a sinner.read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 464–465Believers come confessing and declaring their deeds, burning costly books of magic.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 7–8Confesses secret faults and transgressions, asks cleansing and forgiveness, and throws himself on God's mercy rather than contending in judgment.read · scan
- p. 22Augustine recalls his carnal corruptions and wicked ways, turned from God and lost among multiplicity of things.read · scan
- p. 30Recoils from his tangled sin, wandering from God in youth.read · scan
- p. 41–42Augustine sees himself as lying in the death of error.read · scan
- p. 43Augustine wallows nine years in the darkness of the Manichean heresy.read · scan
- p. 45Augustine confesses nine years of seducing and being seduced, in vanity, lusts and superstition.read · scan
- p. 60He wasted his gifts, wandering from God like the prodigal, and erred with sacrilegious shamefulness.read · scan
- p. 61–62Confessing to God as pity or vengeance; the summary tells of leaving the Manichees for the Church.read · scan
- p. 139–140He asks whether sitting an hour longer in the chair of lies was sin, pardoned in baptism.read · scan
- p. 160–161Confession as displeasure with oneself when evil; God justifies the ungodly; confessing forgiven sins rouses hearts from despair.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 923–924The woman is told to ask pardon for her fault as one of the sinners.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 171–172He cries Mea Culpa and raises his glove in penance for all his sins.read · scan
- p. 172Roland confesses and repents all his sins from birth, beating his breast and begging God to shield his soul.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 179–181The penitent's three steps signify confession, contrition and resolve; humble supplication at the angel's feet before entering Purgatory.read · scan
- p. 271Beatrice demands Dante's avowal of his fault; he confesses, weeping, that present deceitful pleasures turned him aside.read · scan
- p. 272Beatrice says confession does not hide sin, but self-accusing tears turn the wheel of justice; Dante admits being led astray.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 319Trouble scrubs off the rust of sin; the speaker confesses a life full of sin known fully to God.read · scan
- p. 339–340The disciple confesses vileness as the refuse of sinners, unworthy of the grace offered.read · scan
- p. 341Admits often sliding backwards and sinning, needing cleansing through penitence and sacrament.read · scan
- p. 345–346Examine conscience with contrition and confession, mourning daily transgressions before communicating.read · scan
- p. 349–350Confession of all sins since youth, grief and repentance, and plea for forgiveness and cleansed conscience.read · scan
- p. 355Priests lament sins, shut out the throng of sins, and think on transgressions with bitterness of soul.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 55–57Edward confesses killing his father and faces exile as penance, in guilt.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 114The hermit warns that he who is not clean of sins shall not see the mysteries of Christ.read · scan
- p. 159–160Launcelot's long deadly sin and repentance; unconfessed knights fail the Grail quest and will slay one another for sin.read · scan
- p. 163Only pure confession and cleanness allow attaining the Grail; Bors's single fleshly lapse is noted.read · scan
- p. 199–200Launcelot begs mercy for sins done aforetime and is barred and struck down when he tries to enter the Grail chamber.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 232Confession of offences and reconciliation of consciences before sacrifice, for fear of vengeance.read · scan
Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36
- p. 306Secret sins may be confessed to any brother or sister and absolved; belief in absolution suffices.read · scan
William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36
- p. 114–125He calls himself a wicked caitiff who spent his days licentiously.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 88–89Cellini confesses taking gold grains after the sack and seeks absolution so he can confess and communicate again.read · scan
- p. 240–241He begs to know by divine inspiration what sin he is expiating and the cause of his punishment.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, Preface to the History of the WorldVol. 39
- p. 97Christian should take adversities as tributes of offending, confessing God just in all that befalls us.read · scan
William Drummond, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 327–328Magdalene's repentance: confesses faults, begs forgiveness from Jesus.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15
- p. 331–332Donne confesses past irregularities, made peace with God by penitential resolutions and grace, but fears censure dishonoring the calling.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 399–400Confession of being miserable sinners must precede mercy, pardon and absolution, before one is worthy to praise God.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 304Eve accepts blame, saying she sinned against God and Adam.read · scan
John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4
- p. 415He blames his own default, revealing the secret of his strength to a woman.read · scan
- p. 415Samson accepts blame for divulging God's secret gift to Dalila, vanquished by a peal of words.read · scan
- p. 415Samson confesses he profaned God's mystery by betraying his secret to a woman, sole author of his own ruin.read · scan
- p. 415Samson confesses the guilt of betraying sacred trust and bringing scandal on Israel.read · scan
Sir Henry Vane, A Healing QuestionVol. 43
- p. 135Each dissenting party should confess fault; men in power are prone to temptation and sudden unadvised actions, the weak fleshly part.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 43Confession of sins reveals the innermost heart to one confessor.read · scan
- p. 247Daniel confesses his own and his people's sin; the weeks will end transgression and abolish iniquity.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Minor WorksVol. 48
- p. 366Confesses profane use of health and corruption of nature; punishment is just.read · scan
- p. 369Prays for repentance and continual penitence; confesses negligence, misuse of sacraments and wasted time.read · scan
- p. 393Augustine thanked God for forgiving sins of delighting in vanity.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 46–47Christian bewails his sinful sleep, asks God's forgiveness for his foolish act of indulging the flesh.read · scan
- p. 50Christian confesses his sleeping and losing his evidence as wretched failing that delayed him.read · scan
- p. 62–63Christian confesses his infirmities, says he was sorry and obtained pardon from his merciful Prince.read · scan
- p. 143–144Prayer confesses being a sinner and seeks pardon and forgiveness through Christ.read · scan
- p. 181Christiana laments having sinned away her husband and hindered her children, and cries for mercy as a sinner after seeing her ways recorded.read · scan
- p. 183–184Christiana confesses that her nature is miserable and that hardening her heart against her husband burdens her conscience.read · scan
- p. 199–200Christiana confesses folly and greater blame; confession will be presented to the Lord.read · scan
John Dryden, Preface to Fables, Ancient and ModernVol. 39
- p. 173Dryden pleads guilty to obscene and profane expressions and offers repentance and retraction.read · scan
Jean Racine, PhaedraVol. 26
- p. 194–196Phaedra confesses her lawless passion, Oenone's slander, and repents, exonerating Hippolytus.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 46–47She says it is impossible to avoid vain thoughts, requiring daily confession.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 172Relapse into vanity, temptation, remorse and confession of sins to God in lonely places.read · scan
- p. 243–244He repents of speaking with insufficient charity and confesses his fault publicly.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 23–25Self-condemned villain confesses abusing God-given talents yet pities the wretched; owes escape from ruin to friends and Heaven.read · scan
- p. 104–106Confesses himself not what he should or could be.read · scan
- p. 228–230Burns confesses fornication to the Kirk Session, jests that only gelding would cure him, and compares himself to King David.read · scan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient MarinerVol. 41
- p. 698–700The Mariner begs the Hermit to shrieve him; agony forces him to tell his tale, which returns repeatedly.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 63–64Cristoforo kneels, confesses himself the murderer, and begs pardon, with deep compunction that human forgiveness cannot repair.read · scan
- p. 362He comes like a penitent to confess guilt and seek relief for his inward torment.read · scan
- p. 367–368The Unnamed confesses his crime against Lucia; Federigo calls his repentance an earnest of God's forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 398–399Lucia confesses their wrong and says God has punished them; the Cardinal says those who accuse themselves have reason for hope.read · scan
- p. 401The Unnamed confesses his path led to hell, that he was the worst, and announces repentance and change of life.read · scan
- p. 588Friar confesses his murder of a hated man and urges forgiveness of enemies, showing repentance and hatred's ruin.read · scan
- p. 594He confesses frailty, impatience and slothfulness and begs forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 622–623The Signora's atrocious conduct, rage, then repentance and confession of her faults.read · scan
George Gordon, Lord Byron, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 799–801He admits his many faults and madness, yet questions the cureless wound.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 332–333Karen confesses her sin and wants to repent, asking that her feet be struck off rather than her head.read · scan
Robert Browning, A Blot in the 'ScutcheonVol. 18
- p. 373Mertoun reflects on the guilt of their secret love, refusing to lie to God and his own soul.read · scan
8b.Contrition, conversion and amendment of life
See also: Miracles 4c · Religion 8a
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 22With more years of study of the Yi he might be purged of gross sin.read · scan
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 105–106Eliphaz accuses Job of great iniquity toward the poor and urges him to return and put away unrighteousness.read · scan
- p. 140–141Job abhors himself and repents in dust and ashes after seeing God.read · scan
Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8
- p. 287Having erred, a man is not unblest if he seeks healing; self-will bears the guilt of stubbornness.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 355Diomedes repents his mad presumption in wounding the Queen of Love with mortal arms.read · scan
Paul, The Second Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45
- p. 523Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow works death.read · scan
- p. 531–532Warns that he will not spare those who have sinned; prays that they do no evil.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 360–361John preaches baptism of repentance for remission of sins.read · scan
- p. 361–362John demands fruits worthy of repentance; descent from Abraham is no shield from coming wrath.read · scan
- p. 385Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching; this generation does not.read · scan
- p. 389–390Disasters do not prove victims greater sinners; all must repent or perish.read · scan
- p. 390–391Parable of the barren fig tree: repentance and fruitfulness given one more year.read · scan
- p. 412–413Peter's denial as betrayal and repentance.read · scan
- p. 417–418Repentance and remission of sins to be preached in his name.read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 427Hearers pricked in heart ask what to do; Peter bids them repent and be baptized for remission of sins.read · scan
- p. 428Peter says the people acted in ignorance and urges repentance so their sins may be blotted out.read · scan
- p. 439–440Simon offers money for the Spirit; Peter denounces his wickedness and calls him to repent and seek forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 441–442Saul's persecution of the disciples is rebuked by Jesus's voice, leading to his conversion.read · scan
- p. 446God grants the Gentiles repentance unto life.read · scan
- p. 479–481Remission of sins and repentance with works worthy of it.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 62–63The godless flee from God yet cannot escape Him; they stumble on their own ruggedness, while penitent tears are wiped away and joy comes in weeping.read · scan
- p. 135He pleads 'how long?' and feels held by former iniquities, in bitter contrition.read · scan
- p. 138He asks what evil he has not done, and how God emptied the abyss of corruption.read · scan
- p. 143He recognizes he loved vanity and sought after leasing, a repentant remembrance of his past error.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 911–912Successors forsook prayer and followed lusts, but those who repent and believe enter Paradise.read · scan
- p. 968–969Adulterers who turn again and amend are left alone since God is compassionate.read · scan
- p. 992–993Wives' hearts have swerved and are called to repentance.read · scan
- p. 993Believers are called to sincere repentance so God will cover their offences and admit them to gardens.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 58Lethe lies where spirits whose blame is removed by penitence wash themselves.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 161–162Souls who repented at the hour of violent death, warned by heaven, died at peace with God.read · scan
- p. 162Buonconte repented with Mary's name at death; an angel took him, and the devil's claim was denied.read · scan
- p. 260Lethe's waters take away remembrance of sin, cleansing the penitent.read · scan
- p. 268Beatrice says Dante must weep repentant tears equal to his transgression before passing Lethe, having followed false images of good.read · scan
- p. 272Dante's remorse overwhelms him; he is drawn through Lethe and cleansed, with Tu asperges me.read · scan
- p. 280Drinking Eunoe leaves him regenerate, pure and ready to mount to the stars.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 370True repentance delays death.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 261–262Man is a sinner tending to nothing, weak and passionate; should think on his sins with sorrow and hold himself vile.read · scan
- p. 262–263One should search his own iniquities and neglected good rather than debate God's works.read · scan
- p. 321Speaker confesses grievous sinfulness, unworthy of consolation; contrition and humility bring hope of pardon and reconciliation.read · scan
- p. 347Long catalogue of faults to lament, then resolve amendment; God pardons the truly repentant sinner.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 130–131Launcelot recognizes his old sin hinders him in holy adventures, though he prospered in worldly ones, and he repents to a hermit.read · scan
- p. 132–134The hermit likens Launcelot to a fruitless fig tree, defiled with lechery; Launcelot admits guilt, repents and receives penance and absolution.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 142Repentance and forgiveness are the way back for those who would plot evil.read · scan
Martin Luther, The Ninety-Five ThesesVol. 36
- p. 251–252Argues the whole life of believers should be penitence; guilt is remitted by God, and the Pope's power to remit it is limited.read · scan
Martin Luther, Concerning Christian LibertyVol. 36
- p. 364Preaching penitence and satisfaction without teaching faith is deceitful.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 398The renegade weeps with repentance, calling himself a sinner severed from the Catholic Church like a corrupt member, and longs for reconciliation.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 162Hamlet urges his mother to confess to Heaven, repent the past and avoid future sin, not spread compost on the weeds.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46
- p. 327–330Cawdor's confession and deep repentance before death.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The TempestVol. 46
- p. 441Ariel charges the three men of sin with supplanting Prospero and exposing him and his child; only heart's sorrow and a clear life avert perdition.read · scan
- p. 461Caliban repents having worshipped a drunkard as a god and resolves to be wise and seek grace.read · scan
Ben Jonson, The AlchemistVol. 47
- p. 631–633Subtle rebukes Mammon's lust as guilt; Mammon confesses his error and accepts he is justly punished.read · scan
John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47
- p. 843–845Bosola prays for penitence, which throws men down only to raise them up.read · scan
William Drummond, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 326–327Repentance urged, turning from old errors.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15
- p. 341Donne considers his own demerits and the temptations of a dangerous life, comparing his conversion to Augustine's.read · scan
- p. 366He regarded his earlier life, marked by giddiness, as lost.read · scan
George Herbert, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 343–345Sins and the flower's growth toward heaven; repentance implied.read · scan
Pierre Corneille, PolyeucteVol. 26
- p. 127–128Felix, raised from the grave of sin, repents and seeks atonement by his death.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 304Contrite repentance and confession of faults, hoping God will relent.read · scan
- p. 331A preacher urges conversion and repentance to an unrepentant, riotous people; the flood destroys them.read · scan
- p. 342Adam wonders whether to repent his sin or rejoice at the greater good and grace it occasions.read · scan
John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4
- p. 415Samson repents his garrulity as impious publishing of God's holy secret; Manoa urges penitence.read · scan
Molière, Tartuffe, or The HypocriteVol. 26
- p. 296Cleante hopes Tartuffe will repent, return to virtue and win pardon.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 159The member deplores its past wanderings after self-centred error.read · scan
- p. 165The just man repents in affliction when the Spirit's presence in him is suspended.read · scan
- p. 219Penitence is the first mystery declared, in each man as in the world.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Minor WorksVol. 48
- p. 370He suffers for his offences and asks for sorrow in his soul for them.read · scan
- p. 385–386Soul repents preferring vanities to God, feels compunction, and is weakened by habit of sin, seeking mercy.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 27–28Christian laments his folly and asks whether his sin may be forgiven.read · scan
- p. 115–116Straying from the way brings danger; Christian repents of leading Hopeful astray and asks forgiveness; going back is harder than going out.read · scan
- p. 137–138Pilgrims are told to repent after being ensnared by neglecting good counsel.read · scan
- p. 139–140Hopeful recounts his former worldly vices and how wrath of God awaits the disobedient; conviction begins his conversion.read · scan
- p. 191–192The Keeper marvels that she who abhorred the pilgrim life is now a pilgrim, implying repentance.read · scan
- p. 201–202Christiana confesses hard-heartedness; the parable of the son who refused then repented applies.read · scan
- p. 233–234Cure requires tears of repentance for the gripes of conscience.read · scan
- p. 235–236Cock's crowing recalls Peter's sin and repentance.read · scan
- p. 247–248His task is persuading sinners to repentance.read · scan
John Dryden, All for Love; or, The World Well LostVol. 18
- p. 81–84Dolabella admits guilt if loving was sin, and claims repentance.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 361–362We deserve and shall feel his displeasure if we remain unprofitable servants; we should mend our manners.read · scan
David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human UnderstandingVol. 37
- p. 365–366Repentance wipes off crime when accompanied by reformation, since principles have changed.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 170Remorse over cruelty and over undutiful reply to his mother; he prays for forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 171Youthful backsliding into wanton company, then contrition and repentance, with weeping over past disobedience.read · scan
- p. 253Sickness recalls his conformity to wrong customs; he submits to purifying and correction.read · scan
Christopher Smart, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 497–498Penitential tear and sincere sigh acceptable to God.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 236–238Heedless sinners shall be damned unless they mend their ways.read · scan
- p. 478–480Speaker repents his drunken frenzy and asks pity and forgiveness.read · scan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient MarinerVol. 41
- p. 690–692Blessing the living creatures breaks the curse; he can pray and the Albatross falls from his neck.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 189–190He repents of anger and vengeful thoughts against Rodrigo after remembering his prayer.read · scan
- p. 365–366The penitent weeps and feels unworthy of Federigo's innocent hand, aware of what his own has committed.read · scan
- p. 366–367The Unnamed sees his sins, shudders, yet feels joy; Federigo urges a new life of undoing and repairing.read · scan
- p. 371The lost sinner is welcomed back ('perierat, et inventus est'); contrition seen on the Unnamed's face.read · scan
- p. 375He complains that the Unnamed turns the world upside down with conversion as with wickedness; repentance could be done quietly at home.read · scan
- p. 377The Unnamed vacillates between hope of mercy and pardon and the weight of his past iniquity, seeking to repair deeds.read · scan
- p. 384–385The dreaded Unnamed's conversion, from monster to saint, is hailed as God's mercy relieving the countryside.read · scan
- p. 481–482Inward compunction of the convert; reconciliation with the church carries forgetfulness of his crimes.read · scan
- p. 490–491The converted Unnamed shows shame and repentance at the mention of Lucia, whom he wronged.read · scan
- p. 495–496The Unnamed acknowledges wrong done to Lucia, and hopes her prayers bring blessings on her.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 333–334Karen, terrified by the dancing red shoes, repents her sin heartily and seeks a humble life of penitence and mercy.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1311–1313Hatred and violence profane the house of God; the people respond with contrition and prayer for forgiveness.read · scan
8c.Penance, expiation and reparation
See also: Punishment 10h
Euripides, The BacchaeVol. 8
- p. 370–371Worship on the mountain lifts sins from the believer like a pall.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 210–232Long-contracted filth and spots of sin remain in the soul and must be cleansed.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 1002–1003Transgressors and evildoers are cursed; deliberate oaths must be atoned for.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 145–146Purgatory is where spirits are purged from sin, unlike the damned.read · scan
- p. 149–151Spirits gather to be cleansed from sin and made fair.read · scan
- p. 160Ascending purges weight of sins, making the path easier.read · scan
- p. 162–165Spirits beg prayers, and Dante doubts how prayers of the living aid the dead.read · scan
- p. 182Seven P's, marks of inward stain, are inscribed on Dante's forehead to be washed away by purgation.read · scan
- p. 230–232Souls are purged of sin through torment, and their inclination toward punishment matches their old inclination to sin.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 322Contrite heart of sinners is an acceptable sacrifice that washes away contracted evil.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 200–202Launcelot takes his twenty-four days' trance as penance for twenty-four years as a sinner, and wears the hair shirt.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 195The stranger says he is performing an enjoined penance for the many sins he has committed, living in torn rags in the wilds.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, Preface to the History of the WorldVol. 39
- p. 80–82Debonnaire confesses his error and undertakes voluntary penance, but repentance cannot restore unjustly spilt blood.read · scan
William Shakespeare, Songs and SonnetsVol. 40
- p. 280–281Penance and correction, drinking bitter potions against infection.read · scan
Ben Jonson, The AlchemistVol. 47
- p. 633–634Mammon asks forgiveness for his sin; Face advises repentance and penance, a donation to Bethlem.read · scan
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Philaster, or Love Lies A-BleedingVol. 47
- p. 719The King admits he has sinned, and wishes to choose his own punishment.read · scan
John Winthrop, Arbitrary Government Described and the Government of the Massachusetts Vindicated from That AspersionVol. 43
- p. 93–94Confession and offering reduce restitution; repentance moves pardon.read · scan
John Dryden, Preface to Fables, Ancient and ModernVol. 39
- p. 164–165Dryden publicly acknowledges scandal from his loose writings and makes reparation.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 345Amendment is repentance, if not reparation.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 281–282Guilt over the sale of the negro lad brings sorrow and contrition; he resolves restitution by offering his substance to redeem the remaining years.read · scan
Friedrich Schiller, William TellVol. 26
- p. 486Tell sends the murderer to the Pope to confess his guilt and expiate his crime with penitential tears at every cross.read · scan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient MarinerVol. 41
- p. 696–698The curse is expiated and the Mariner hopes the Hermit will shrieve his soul and wash away the Albatross's blood.read · scan
- p. 700–701Mariner begs the Hermit to shrieve him; penance of life compels him to wander and tell his tale.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 60He feels guilt for having been the cause of Cristoforo's death and seeks atonement.read · scan
- p. 61Ludovico takes the name Cristoforo to remember his fault, entering a life of expiation to ease remorse.read · scan
- p. 62–63The novice asks to make satisfaction by confessing sorrow and begging forgiveness, calling public reparation for a public murder.read · scan
- p. 65–66Cristoforo consecrates his life to atonement and expiation of his fault, keeping bread as a perpetual reminder.read · scan
- p. 278–279He feels shame for his intemperance and accepts his sufferings as penance for sins.read · scan
- p. 404Bitter contrition for the gulf between innocence and present guilt, and desire for expiation and a clearer conscience.read · scan
- p. 481The Unnamed atones for past wrongs, mourning his violence and seeking peace and relief for the poor.read · scan
Thomas De Quincey, Levana and Our Ladies of SorrowVol. 27
- p. 322The baffled penitent looks on a grave, unable to obtain pardon or make reparation for past bloody sacrifice.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 292–293The Prince laments he has sinned like Adam so Paradise sank; Death says he must expiate his sins.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 502–503National guilt for slavery, expiated by England's great sacrifice of emancipation.read · scan
Robert Browning, A Blot in the 'ScutcheonVol. 18
- p. 382Mildred confesses guilt, longs for expiation and purging of her stains, yet refuses to name her lover.read · scan
Henry David Thoreau, WalkingVol. 28
- p. 397–398He feels as if he had committed a sin needing atonement when he misses his walk.read · scan
8d.Delayed repentance and its dangers
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 14Baptism deferred lest later sins bring greater guilt after cleansing; questions whether the rein was loosed to sin.read · scan
- p. 145Faith leaves him uneasy about past sins not yet forgiven by baptism.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 956–957Repentance and right action bring forgiveness, but increasing in misbelief forfeits accepted repentance.read · scan
- p. 969–970God turns to those who repent after ignorant evil, not deathbed repenters or those dying in misbelief.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 324–325Devils cry repentance when the bottles are opened.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 81–84Asdente repents too late of abandoning cobbling for divining.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 156–157Though he repented, he who defies the Church must wander long; repentance and intercession bring relief.read · scan
- p. 157Belacqua is delayed for repenting late.read · scan
- p. 161Belacqua delayed repentance until the end, so must wait outside as long as he lived unless helped by prayer.read · scan
- p. 189–190Provenzano's presumption in grasping at rule over Siena keeps him in Purgatory; delayed repentance is penalized.read · scan
- p. 195–198Sapia's late repentance, saved only by Piero's charitable prayer; her pride and envy are recalled.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 230Better to watch against sin than to flee death; long life often increases guilt.read · scan
- p. 232Better to purify the soul from sin now than be purged hereafter; the flesh deceives us.read · scan
- p. 351–352Forgive offences and beg pardon; delay of repentance breeds torpor and unfitness.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 205–206A kinsman burned three hundred fifty winters to be purged of his sin against Joseph; Galahad frees his soul.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, Preface to the History of the WorldVol. 39
- p. 94Men who serve appetites all their lives and seek mercy at the last breath without amends mock God.read · scan
- p. 94Louis XI killed enemies, then begged pardon for one more evil act.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 114–117The king was cut off in the blossoms of his sin, unshriven, with all imperfections on his head.read · scan
John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47
- p. 849–850Antonio wishes he could take his killer at prayer, where pardon might be hoped for.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 319Michael announces expulsion from Paradise, with grace allowing Adam time to repent and cover one bad act with good deeds.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 261–262Sinning while pleading toleration is worse than sinning against one's opinion; putting off repentance until death is folly.read · scan
Friedrich Schiller, William TellVol. 26
- p. 460–461Rudenz grieves his repentance came too late and owes an undischarged debt.read · scan
Edward FitzGerald, Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám of NaishápúrVol. 41
- p. 957–958Repentance sworn but torn apart by spring; vows made when not sober.read · scan
Ernest Renan, The Poetry of the Celtic RacesVol. 32
- p. 177Penitents descend for expiation of sins and are tormented by demons, gaining immunity from Purgatory.read · scan
8e.Indulgences, absolution and the abuse of penance
See also: Religion 7c · Wealth 13e
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 130–131Franks cry mea culpa and are assoiled and set free from their sins; penance is to smite well.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 112Guido tells how the pope seduced him into sin after his repentance.read · scan
- p. 112Guido gives fraudulent counsel in advance of absolution and is damned; no impenitent can be absolved.read · scan
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's TaleVol. 40
- p. 12–17Absolution is made easy and purchasable, with repentance measured by silver instead of tears.read · scan
Martin Luther, The Ninety-Five ThesesVol. 36
- p. 247People believe purchased indulgences pardon any sin and free them from guilt and punishment.read · scan
- p. 247–248Indulgences are claimed to reconcile man to God without contrition, which Luther condemns.read · scan
- p. 253–254True contrition, not purchased pardon, brings remission of guilt; pardons breed false security of salvation.read · scan
- p. 256–257Papal pardons cannot take away even the least venial sin as regards guilt.read · scan
Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36
- p. 292–293Reserved cases are invented sins to extract money; secret sins may be absolved by any priest.read · scan
- p. 305Reserved secret sins and confession burden consciences; prelates should punish only public sins.read · scan
- p. 315–316The legates sell the devil's teaching, leading men into sin and hell.read · scan
- p. 316–317The Pope's power teaches and strengthens sin, leading souls to damnation.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 73–75Cellini kneels to beg the Pope's pardon for homicides; the Pope blesses him and absolves all murders committed in the Church's service.read · scan
- p. 89–90The Pope gives full pardon for the small sum and has the Archbishop absolve Cellini amply.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 303–304Pardon of offence shared between God and Church.read · scan
- p. 311Attacks absolution without signs of regret; penitence must be in heart and works.read · scan
- p. 317Contrition, not absolution alone, remits sins in the sacrament of penance.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Minor WorksVol. 48
- p. 377Continual lapses and relapses of the baptized abuse the Church's favor and risk damnation.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 109–110Judas and Simon the Witch sold or sought to buy holy things for money.read · scan
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