A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

yet when David forbore Revenge, when it was in his Power, it overcame him, and he falls a weeping. So the Captains of the Syrians, when the Prophet had blinded them, and led them from Dothan to Samaria, what saith ⟨p. 379⟩the King of Israel? he is ready to kill them presently: No, 2 Kings 6. 22. Set Bread and Water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their Master. He was kind to them; and what followeth? They did no more annoy Israel. This wrought upon the Hearts of the Syrians, so that they would not come and trouble them any more.

2. In Forgiving, it is not only required of Christians to forbear the avenging of themselves, but also actually to forgive and pardon those that have done them Wrongs. They must not only forbear Acts of Revenge, but all Desires of Revenge must be rooted out of their Hearts. Men may tolerate or forbear others, for want of a handsome Opportunity of executing their Purposes: But the Scripture saith, Forbearing one another, forgiving one another. This Forgiving implieth the laying down of all Anger, and Hatred, and all Desire of Revenge. Now this should be done, not only in word, but sincerely and universally.

2. In Forgiving, it is not only required of Christians to forbear the avenging of themselves, but also actually to forgive and pardon those that have done them Wrongs. They must not only forbear Acts of Revenge, but all Desires of Revenge must be rooted out of their Hearts. Men may tolerate or forbear others, for want of a handsom Opportunity of executing their Purposes: But the Scripture saith, Forbearing one another, forgiving one another. This Forgiving implieth the laying down of all Anger, and Hatred, and all Desire of Revenge. Now this should be done, not only in word, but sincerely and universally.