Tertullian, on Hos 6:6

“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice: and the knowledge of God more than holocausts.”

“But he would not threaten the impenitent if he failed to pardon the penitent. This would be doubtful only if he had not revealed elsewhere the profusion of his mercy. Has he not said, "He who is fallen shall rise, and he who was turned away shall return"? He it is, most assuredly, who "will have mercy rather than sacrifice." The heavens and the angels who are there rejoice at human repentance. Look at you now, sinner, be of good heart! You see where it is that you are a cause of joy.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.