The Fountain of Life Opened

These words are seven in number; three directed to his Father, and four more to those about him. Of the former sort this is one, Father forgive them, &c. In which we have, first, the mercy desired by Christ, and that is forgiveness. Secondly, the persons for whom it is desired [Them] that is, those cruel and wicked persons that were now in brewing their hands in his blood. And Thirdly, the motive or argument urged to procure that mercy from his Father, for they know not what they do.

First, The mercy prayed for, that is, forgiveness; Father forgive. §1Forgiveness is not only a Mercy, a spiritual mercy, but one of the greatest mercies a soul can obtain from God. It is such a mercy that without it what ever else we have from God, is no mercy to us.¹ So great a mercy is forgiveness, that David calls him blessed,² or rather admires the blessednesses of him whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. This mercy, this best of mercies, he requests for them, Father forgive them.

First, The mercy prayed for, that is, forgiveness; Father forgive. §1Forgiveness is not only a Mercy, a spiritual mercy, but one of the greatest mercys a soul can obtain from God. It is such a mercy that without it what ever else we have from God, is no mercy to us.¹ So great a mercy is forgiveness, that David calls him blessed,² or rather admires the blessednesses of him whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. This mercy, this best of mercys, he requests for them, Father forgive them.

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