Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

The reafon of the fifihyetition expounde4 them thou mayeft exact of thofe which are able to pay ; fo that it be done without ufing rigour or feeking extremities. What is meant by, we forgive. We forgive ] God alone forgiveth finges, how objea. then can we be faid to forgive our debtersef b How ca d o as We muff diftinguifh both of the debt which is forgive. forgiven, and allo of forgiving. In every offenfe 11 iJw. z, committed againft the neighbour two parties are offended; God mediately, and the neighbour im- mediately. And fo it may be confidered either as a tranfgreffion of the law of God, and fo it is pro- perly called finne, ¿: or as it hurteth or hindreth the neighbour, and is called an injury or wrong. As therefore it is a tranfgreffion ofthe law of God, no man can remit it: but as it is an injury or wrong done to a man, he may remit it. Again, God is flnfiv. 2 laid to forgive a finne, when he is content not one - ly to forget the fault but alto to forgive the puniÍh- ment for the righteoufneffe of Chrift imputed to the finer. Man is laid to forgive an offenfe, not when he remitteth the punifbment due unto it by the law of God ( for that is not in his power to do ) but when he loth abandon all purpofe and delire of revenge, all hatred and ill will towards his bro- ther in refpea of the offenfe. Ifthis be true, then belike no man may corn- objec7. 2 plain to the Magiftrate , or feek his remedy by law when he bath fufleined injury or wrong. fj a6. Although we are to forgive from our heart eve Thf it ls. ry one that offendeth us, yet we may in forme cafes 111{.'11 t0. complain unto the Magiftrate and feek remedy to reek help. by 37*