Each of the important doctrines, which we are now considering, is declared by the prophet in the most explicit and unequivocal terms. “If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all My statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done, he shall live.” {197} None of his former transgressions shall exclude him from the privileges and blessings of God’s people; he shall be freely and fully received, without reproach, into a gracious covenant with his God. This condition of acceptance manifestly implies a vital belief in the sovereignty and mercy of God; for without this, none would be encouraged to turn unto Him with the hope of forgiveness and favour: “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” {198a} “The just shall live by his faith;” {198b} and the duties which the prophet prescribed to his people, as the means of saving their souls alive, were evidently regarded by him as the fruit of that faith. Thus, therefore, they were left without excuse; no longer able to say, “that the way of the Lord was not equal;” for so far from having decreed to involve them all in the same indiscriminate punishment, He was willing, nay desirous, of admitting into His favour even the most disobedient and abandoned amongst them. Although in a state of miserable bondage, He would either “break their bonds asunder,” and provide them with a place of refuge; or He would make their bodily afflictions minister to the well-being of their souls. If the light of His countenance shone upon them, happy was their lot in the darkest hour of suffering and privation: and if they did not live to enjoy a restoration to the privileges of their own land, still might they rejoice, in the prospect of being restored to their forfeited inheritance in the mansions of eternal peace. Would they but forsake the idols, after which they were gone astray, and turn to “love the Lord their God with all their heart and soul and strength,” “ceasing to do evil, and learning to do well,” though “their sins were as scarlet, they should be as white as snow; though they were red like crimson, they should be as wool.” {199} Surely none but the obstinate and rebellious, none but the hardest and most ungrateful heart, could complain of the dealings of God. Wonderful indeed was the patience which had borne with them so long; adorable the mercy which was still held out for the encouragement and return of a backsliding people.