Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

376 The reafon of the fifth petition expounded. Chrifl would have this proteflation added, that it may be a touchflone to trie whether we have re million offinne and affurance thereof. For, as our $aviour faith that he to whom much is forgiven lo- veth much,Luke 7.47. and he that loveth God truly . cannot but love his brother for Gods caufe : For as John faith, 1. Epifl. 4. 20. Ifany fay that he loveth G od and hateth his brother he is a liar ,&c. and chap 5. I. Every one that loveth him that hath begotten Both df love him that is begotten of him. And, Love covereth the multitude ofoJénfes,Prov. z 0.12. There- fore if we will not forgive our brethren that offend againfl us, it is an evident argument that we do not love them: If we love not our neighbour, certain it is that we love not God: If we love not God, it is a certain fìgne that we do not believe in him nor are perfwaded of his love towards us in the: forgiving ofour Panes: Ifwe believe not this, Chrifls righte- oufneffe and merits are not imputed unto us to our juflification and remiffion ofour finnes: And there- fore if we be not willing and ready to remitoffenfes com- mitred againfl us it js a.certain f gne that our . finnes are not forgiven of God. ,`As-.contrariwife, our brotherly love in remitting offen'fcs is a fure to- ken of the forgiveneffe ofour fins. For as our Savi- our faith, Matth. 6. 14, I 5:, zf yo. forgive men .their offenfes then will yoite heavenly' Father alfo forgive' you. Our forgi- Some expound thefe words as if in them we did «c no lledge a caufe why God fhould forgive us, or as Gods for= though our forgiving of our brethren did merit giving us. forgiveneffe of finnes at the hands of God: As the Papifls