Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

What is meant by forgiving our trefpaffes. 3 6x: ence to us , fo that we , howfoever finfull in our felves , appear righteous before him in Chrift. When as therefore we do pray for the forgiveneffe of our runes, we do not fo delire him to be merci- full as that we would have him forget his jufrice; but we come unto him in the name and mediation of Chrift, in whom he is well pleafed, befeeching him to accept of his obedience & fufferings as a full fatisfa %ion for our finnes: For remiffion of finnes, as it is a free work of mercy in refped of us, who neither can deferve pardon nor fatisfie his juftice; fo in refpet of Chrift, who hath fatisfied for us, it is a work of juftice. Now whereas our Saviour Chrift doth teach By this peti- every one of us every day to ask forgiveneffe with ti °n wemi,.re nd affurance to be heard, we are put in mind both of opf ut ouin r mile - our mifery and Gods mercy. Our mifery, who day nd Gods by day commit fanne, and therefore have need mercy' every day to crave remiffion of our finnes. Gods mercy and long fuffering,who though he be offend - ed every day, yet he is ready to forgive their finnes who come unto him by hearty and earneft prayer, confeilìng their finnes and craving pardon of them. But this mercy and long- fuffering of God muff not encourage us to prefume, but invite us unto repen- tance,Rom.2.4. and 6. r. Ecclus 5.4,5,6. Pfal. r 3o. 4. There is mercy with thee, that thou mayeft be feared, Joel. 2. 13. and encourage us to call upon him.' This long- fuffering of God is to be imitated of us: For if he be content to forgive us that fume againft him every day, then ought we freely to forgive them that offend us, &c. though it be to feventy times (even times. Again,