A catechism, or, Familiar instructions on the principal points of the Christian religion written for the use of his own family by Mr. Drelincourt.

Of the Fifth Petition.

Q. SAY the Fifth Petition?

A. Forgive us our trespasses, as we for∣give them that trespass against us.

Q. Are all the faithful obliged to beg that?

A. Yes: during their abode in this vale of tears, for there is not a just man upon Earth, that doth good and sinneth not; and if we say that we have no sin, we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us. Eccles. 7. 1 John 1.

Q. Is there none but God that can forgive sins?

A. Who can forgive sins but God only? Mark 2. I, even I am he that blotteth out thy trans∣gressions for my own sake, and will not re∣member thy sins Isa. 45.

Q. How is it then that the Pastors of the Chruch forgive sins?

A. They forgive them not as Judges, and by form of Jurisdiction; but as Ministers and Am∣bassadours, who declare the grace and mer∣cy of God through Jesus Christ; we are Am∣bassadours for Christ, as though God did be∣seech you by us; we pray you in Christ's

stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5.

Q. How is it that God forgiveth us our sins?

A. He forgives us all our offences of his free grace. Col. 2.

Q. But can he show mercy, without wronging his Justice?

A. Yes: For Jesus Christ bore our sins in his own body on the Tree, 1 Pet. 2. we have re∣demption through his blood, for the forgive∣ness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Ephes. 1.

Q. Do you mean that those to whom God hath forgiven their sins for Jesus Christ's sake, have no more need to satisfie his Justice?

A Yes: For there is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, Rom. 8. he that believeth on him, shall not come unto con∣demnation; but is passed from death to life. John 5.

Q. From whence comes then that the most re∣generated, and the best of people, are subject to so many afflictions?

A As Christ ought to have suffered, and so to enter into his glory; Luke 24. likewise we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God, Acts 14. but all those afflicti∣ons are ended with our life. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, yea saith the spirit, ••or from this time forward they rest from their ••abours, and their works do follow them. Rev. 14

Q. When you add forgive us our trespasses, as ••e forgive them that trespass a ainst us, do you ••ean that in forgiving men their offences, you de∣••erve that God forgive you yours?

A. By no means; it is as of similitude, and not of equality; for when we forgive our Neighbours we do nothing but what we ought to do; and there is no proportion between the trespasses we forgive, and those that God for∣gives us. O Lord, righteousness belongs unto thee, but unto us confusion of face. Dan. 9.

Q. What do you think of those who say this Pray∣er every day, and notwithstanding are possessed with a spirit of revenge?

A. To speak properly, they don't pray to God; but they make an imprecation against themselves. For if we forgive not them their trespasses, our heavenly Father shall not for∣give us ours; and there shall be judgment with∣out mercy, on him that hath shewed us mercy. Mat. 6. Jam. 2.

Notes

• Of his free will is in the French ver∣sion, tho not in the English.