The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption…

Besides, That special branch of Love, the forgiving of Injuries, is the peculiar Precept of our Saviour. For the whole World consents to the returning evil for evil. The vicious Love of our selves makes us very sensible, and according to our perverse judgments to revenge an injury, seems as just as to requite a benefit. From hence revenge is the most Rebellious and Obstinate Passion. An Offence remains as a thorn in the mind, that inflames and torments it, till 'tis appeased by a vindication. 'Tis more difficult to overcome the Spirit then to gain a Battle. We are apt to revolve in our thoughts injuries that have been done to us, and after a long distance of time the memory represents them as fresh as at the first. Now the Gospel commands a hearty and entire forgiveness of injuries, though repeated never so often to seventy seven times. We must not only quench the Fire of Anger, but kindle the Fire of Love towards our greatest Enemies. I say unto you, Love your Enemies, ¹Bless them that Curse you, do good to them that hate you, Pray for them which despitefully use you, and Persecute you. This is urged from the consideration of God's forgiving us, ²who being infinitely provoked, yet pardons innumerable faults to us, moved only by his Mercy. And how reasonable is it that we should at his command remit a few faults to our Brethren? To extinguish the strong inclination that is in corrupt Nature to revenge, our Saviour hath suspended the Promise of Pardon to us upon our pardoning others. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive ⟨p. 329⟩you. But if ye forgive not their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. He that is cruel to another cannot expect Mercy, but in every Prayer to God indites himself, and virtually pronounces his own Condemnation.

Besides, That special branch of Love, the forgiving of Injuries, is the peculiar Precept of our Saviour. For the whole World consents to the returning evil for evil. The vicious Love of our selves makes us very sensible, and according to our preverse judgments to revenge an injury, seems as just as to requite a benefit. From hence revenge is the most Rebellious and Obstinate Passion. An Offence remains as a thorn in the mind, that inflames and torments it, till 'tis appeased by a vindication. 'Tis more difficult to overcome the Spirit then to gain a Battel. We are apt to revolve in our thoughts injuries that have been done to us, and after a long distance of time the memory represents them as fresh as at the first. Now the Gospel commands a hearty and intire forgiveness of injuries, though repeated never so often to seventy seven times. We must not only quench the Fire of Anger, but kindle the Fire of Love towards our greatest Enemies. I say unto you, Love your Enemies,