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

THE use of this clause is very profitable, for it shows us a lively sign, whereby our consciences may be assured of the pardon of our sins. Indeed, many use these words long and often, yet find no assurance of pardon, and the cause is, because they have no desire of Gods mercy, nor willingness to forgive men, which if they had, then the forgiveness of their sins should hereby be sealed unto them. Wherefore, if any would be persuaded of Gods mercy in this point, let them descend ⟨image 58⟩into their own souls, and search them narrowly, if they can find their hearts as ready to forgive, as they are ready to desire forgiveness at Gods hand, then they may assure themselves of Gods mercy in Christ, as we are taught by our Saviour Christ, Mat. 5. 7. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Consider these comparisons. A man walking under a wall in a cold sunny day, is heated of the wall, which first received heat from the Sun. So he that showeth mercy to others, hath first received mercy from God. Also; take a piece of wax, and put to a seal, it leaveth an impression or mark like it self in the wax: which, when a man looks on, he doth certainly know that there hath bin a seal, the print whereof is left behind. Even so it is in every one, that hath readiness to forgive others: by it a Christian may easily know, that ⟨image 58⟩God hath sealed to him the forgiveness of his sins, even in his heart: Therefore, let men look into their hearts, whether they have any affection to forgive others, for that is; as it were, the print in their harts, of Gods mercy toward them.