“If we confess our sins, _He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins_, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. 4. What different results attend the covering and the confessing of sins? “He that covereth his sins _shall not prosper:_ but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them _shall have mercy_.” Prov. 28:13. 5. How definite should we be in confessing our sins? “And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned _in that thing_.” Lev. 5:5. NOTE.—“True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.”—“_Steps to Christ_,” page 43. 6. How fully did Israel once acknowledge their wrong-doing? “And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for _we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king_.” 1 Sam. 12:19. 7. When David confessed his sin, what did he say God did? “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and _Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin_.” Ps. 32:5. 8. Upon what did he rest his hope for forgiveness? “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness: _according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies_ blot out my transgressions.” Ps. 51:1. 9. What is God ready to do for all who seek for forgiveness? “For Thou, Lord, art good, and _ready to forgive_; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.” Ps. 86:5. 10. What is the measure of the greatness of God’s mercy? “For _as the heaven is high above the earth_, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.” Ps. 103:11. 11. How fully does the Lord pardon when one repents? “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for _He will abundantly pardon_.” Isa. 55:7. 12. What reason is given for God’s readiness to forgive sin? “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, _because He delighteth in mercy_.” Micah 7:18. See Ps. 78:38. 13. Why does God manifest such mercy and long-suffering toward men? “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us ward, _not willing that any should perish_, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9. 14. What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel?