Sermons upon Psalm CXXX, ver. 4 but there is forgiveness with thee, that thou…

The pardoning Injuries is contrary to corrupt Nature, and the Duty is difficult, but the Reward is infinite. Tho it seems to vilify us, as if defective in our Minds, not to understand Injuries, or in Courage not to repay them, which makes Men hard to forgive; yet upon calm Consideration we shall esteem it a ⟨p. 106⟩Duty easy and honourable: for it prevents the inflaming our Passions, and the troubling of our selves and others: 'tis an Act of Royalty, and makes us superior to them: 'tis the noblest Victory, and often conquers and changes an Enemy into a Friend. And above all Motives this should recommend it to us, it seals our Pardon from God, and conveys the most clear and comfortable Sense of it to us: For, as the Psalmist excellently argues, He that planted the Ear, shall he not hear: He that formed the Eye, shall he not see? If we are by Divine Grace inclined and enabled to pardon frequent Offences against us, shall not the God of all Grace be ready to pardon our many Offences against him? Our Saviour reasons from the Love of natural Parents; If you that are evil know how to give good things to your Children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those that ask it? The Illation is as strong in forgiving Love. If we who are of an unforgiving Nature sincerely forgive those who injure us, and restore them to our Favour, how much more shall God who is Love, forgive our Sins, and be reconciled to us?

The pardoning Injuries is contrary to corrupt Nature, and the Duty is difficult, but the Reward is infinite. Tho it seems to vilify us, as if defective in our Minds, not to understand Injuries, or in Courage not to repay them, which makes Men hard to forgive; yet upon calm Consideration we shall esteem it a ⟨p. 106⟩Duty easy and honourable: for it prevents the inflaming our Passions, and the troubling of our selves and others: 'tis an Act of Royalty, and makes us superiour to them: 'tis the noblest Victory, and often conquers and changes an Enemy into a Friend. And above all Motives this should recommend it to us, it seals our Pardon from God, and conveys the most clear and comfortable Sense of it to us: For, as the Psalmist excellently argues, He that planted the Ear, shall he not hear: He that formed the Eye, shall he not see? If we are by Divine Grace inclin'd and enabled to pardon frequent Offences against us, shall not the God of all Grace be ready to pardon our many Offences against him? Our Saviour reasons from the Love of natural Parents; If you that are evil know how to give good things to your Children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those that ask it? The Illation is as strong in forgiving Love. If we who are of an unforgiving Nature sincerely forgive those who injure us, and restore them to our Favour, how much more shall God who is Love, forgive our Sins, and be reconciled to us?