An exposition of the Lords prayer in the way of catechism By William PerkinsAn exposition of the Lords praier in the way of catechisme By William Perkins

2 The meaning.

Question. Whether is a man bound to forgive all debts. Answer. The word debt, in this place, is not understood of debt that is civill, and comes by lawful bargaining, but of hurts and damages; which are done unto us in our bodies, goods, or good name; as for the former civil debts a man may exact them, so he do it with showing of mercy.

QVestion. Whether is a man bounde to forgiue all debts. Answer. The word debt, in this place, is not vnderstoode of debt that is ciuill, and comes by lawfull bargaining, but of hurtes and dammages; which ar done vnto vs in our bodies, goods, or good name; as for the former ciuil debts a man may exact them, so he doe it with shewing of mercie.

2 Question. How may any man forgive trespasses, seeing God only forgives sin? Answer. In every trespass which any do to their neighbours, there be two offences▪ one to God, another to man. In the ⟨image 56⟩first respect it is called a sin, which God only forgives: In the other respect, it is called an injury or damage: & so man may forgive it. When a man is robbed, the law is broken by stealing, and the injury that is done, is against a man that hath his goods stolen. This injury, as it is an injury, a man may forgive: but as it is a sin, he can not, but God only.

2 Question. How may anie man forgiue trespasses, seeing God onlie forgiues sin? Answer. In euerie trespasse which anie do to their neighbours, ther be two offences▪ one to God, another to man. In the ⟨image 56⟩