Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

1 388 Yfës of the former doílrine: goodneffe of the Lord, who although he hath been diverfly offended , yet firft feeketh reconciliation with us. 2. in commending them to God in our prayers, Matth. 5. ufe of 44 An H. The fecond ufe is confolation to them who confolation. are ready to forgive the offenfes oftheir brethren: For if we do forgive, we may be affured that we are forgiven, Matth. 6. 14, If ye forgivemen their tref- paff s , your heavenly Father will forgive you. For which caufe our Saviour Chrift pronounceth the mercifull to be Wed, becaufe they (hall obtein mercy, Matth. 5.7. And undoubtedly the true love of our brother for Gods caufe, which is efpecially to be Peen in forgiving offenfes, is an evident argument of the love of God. The love of God is a fruit of faith; for we love him becaufe we are perfwaded that he loved us firft : and where faith is there is juftification and remiffionof Pinnes by imputation of Chrifts righteoufneffe apprehended by faith. III, The lait ufe is a reproof of thofe which ufing this prayer notwithftanding retein hatred againft their brother or purpofe of revenge. And they are to be reproved both for their hypocrifie and folly : their hypocrifie; becaufe they not for- giving their neighbours but reteining malice againft them, are not afhamed to lie unto the Lord, Paying, For even wealfo forgive, &c. Their folly; becaufe ufing this prayer, Forgive us as we forgive, not for- giving but purpofing and defiring revenge, in ftead of craving pardon they delire God to be revenged on them for their finnes,as they defir-e to be reven- ged on their neighbour. Of both which hypocrifie and An ufe of reproof.