4. What can show more pride than this, since the Scripture says: “No one is free from sin, not even an infant of a day old;” Job xiv. 4 [LXX loosely]. and David cries out: “Cleanse me from my sin.” Ps. li. [l.] 2. Are they more holy than David, of whose family Christ vouchsafed to be born in the mystery of the Incarnation, whose descendant is that heavenly Hall which received the world’s Redeemer in her virgin womb? For what is more harsh than to inflict a penance which they do not relax, and by refusing pardon to take away the incentive to penance and repentance? It is necessary to vary the translation of the word pœnitentia in this place, as it bears the meaning both of “penance,” the temporal punishment inflicted on the sinner, and also of “repentance.” Now no one can repent to good purpose unless he hopes for mercy.