Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

What is meant by forgiving of our trefpaffes. iterated. I anfwer therefore, That we feeling the burden of our finnes, pray that the forgiveneffe of finnes, which was reprefented and fealed unto us in baptifme, may indeed be granted unto us, and that we may feel in our (elves the fruit and effect of our baptifme. For we muff not think that the Sacra- ments abfolutely conferre grace to every receiver, but onely upon thofe conditions which are contein- ed in the promifes of the Gofpel,whereof baptifme is a feal. Now the Gofpel promifeth remiflion of finnes and falvation onely to them that believe; and therefore the Sacrament fealeth and affureth remiffi- on onely to them that believe. For we ask forgive- neffe onely for the righteoufneffe of Chrifl: but the righteoufneffe of Chrift is there imputed to righte- oufneffe where it is apprehended by faith : In which fenfe we are Paid to be juffified by faith alone, and by faith to have remiflion of finnes. And therefore in this petition we d efire that the Lord would work in us true faith, that being united unto Chrift and made partakers of his merits, we may have not one - ly forgiveneffe of finnes, but alfo affurance thereof by the anointment of the holy Ghofl, the Spirit of Adoption crying in our hearts, A6ba, Father, &c. And beeaufe none attein to that meafure of affurance but that it is mingled with fome doubting, therefore all had need to pray that the Lord would increafe their faith, and more and more affure them of the pardon of their finnes. Vs. This teacheth us to pray not onely for the remifli- on of our own fins,but alfo of our brethren;it being a du- 365