The* ministers of the grace of God have, by the Holy Spirit, spoken of repentance ; and the Lord of all things has himself declared with an oath regarding it, " As I live, saith the Lord, I desire not the death of the sinner, but rather his repentance ; " "* adding, moreover, this gracious declaration, " Repent, O house of Israel, of your iniquity. 5 Say to the children of My people, Though your sins reach from earth to heaven, and though they be redder^ than scarlet, and blacker than sackcloth, yet if ye turn to Me with your whole heart, and say. Father! I will listen to you, as to a holy ^ people." And in another place He speaks thus : " Wash you, and become clean ; put away the wickedness of your souls from before mine eyes ; cease from your evil ways, and learn to do well ; seek out judgment, deliver the oppressed, judge the fatherless, and see that justice is done to the widow ; and come, and let us reason together. He declares. Though your sins be like crimson, I will make them white as snow ; though they be like scar- let, I will whiten them like wool. And if ye be willing and obey Me, ye shall eat the good of the land ; but if j'e refuse, and will not hearken unto Me, the sword shall devour you, for the