Sermons preached

But wherein must we express this Forgiveness towards others? as to the wrong to be forgiven; we must consider it either as an offence against God, or sometimes against public Laws; or as it is an offence against us. So far as it is an offence against God, or the public Laws, here we have not power to Forgive, and Punishment is due to the common Good, Poena debitur. The Lord himself that forgives us, and forgives for Christ's sake, hath secured the Honour of his governing Justice by Satisfaction: and if the Law requires it, we cannot intermeddle there; only we must pray to God earnestly for them, that's our Duty, Jam. 4. 15. and in some Cases we may intercede with the Magistrate to take off the Penalty, and are so bound.

But wherein must we express this Forgiveness towards others? as to the wrong to be forgiven; we must consider it either as an offence against God, or sometimes against publick Laws; or as it is an offence against us. So far as it is an offence against God, or the publick Laws, here we have not power to Forgive, and Punishment is due to the common Good, Poena debitur. The Lord himself that forgives us, and forgives for Christ's sake, hath secured the Honour of his governing Justice by Satisfaction: and if the Law requires it, we cannot intermedle there; only we must pray to God earnestly for them, that's our Duty, Iam. 4. 15. and in some Cases we may interceed with the Magistrate to take off the Penalty, and are so bound.

This Forgiveness implieth two things; a removal of an inward Grudge; and a readiness to do all Duties of Love and Kindness to them.

This Forgiveness implieth two things; a removal of an inward Grudg; and a readiness to do all Duties of Love and Kindness to them.