not abuse the goodness of God, who
calleth us mercifully to amendment, and of his endless pity
promiseth us forgiveness of that which is past, if with a perfect
and true heart we return unto him. For though our sins be as red
as scarlet, they shall be made white as snow; and though they be
like purple, yet they shall be made white as wool. Turn ye (saith
the Lord) from all your wickedness, and your sin shall not be your
destruction: Cast away from you all your ungodliness that ye have
done: Make you new hearts, and a new spirit: Wherefore will ye
die, O ye house of Israel? seeing that I have no pleasure in the
death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God. Turn ye then, and ye
shall live. Although we have sinned, yet have we an Advocate with
the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation
for our sins. For he was wounded for our offences, and smitten for
our wickedness. Let us therefore return unto him, who is the
merciful receiver of all true penitent sinners; assuring ourselves
that he is ready to receive us, and most willing to pardon us, if
we come unto him with faithful repentance; if we submit ourselves
unto him, and from henceforth walk in his ways; if we will take
his easy yoke and light burden upon us, to follow him in lowliness,
patience, and charity, and be ordered by the governance of his
Holy Spirit; seeking always his glory, and serving him duly in our
vocation with thanksgiving. This if we do, Christ will deliver us
from the curse of the law, and from the extreme malediction which
shall light upon them that shall be set on the left hand; and he
will set us on his right hand, and give us the gracious benediction
of his Father, commanding us to take possession of his glorious
kingdom: Unto which he vouchsafe to bring us all, for his infinite
mercy. Amen.

_Then shall they all kneel upon their knees, and the Priest and
Clerks kneeling_ (_in the place where they are accustomed to say
the Litany_) _shall say this Psalm_.

_Miserere mei, Deus_. Psalm li.

Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness: according
to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences.

Wash me throughly from my wickedness: and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever before me.

Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, and clear when thou
art judged.

Behold, I was shapen in wickedness: and in si