2. The Meaning

The use of this clause is very profitable, for it shows us a lively sign, whereby our consciences may be assured of the pardon of our sins, namely a readiness and willing desire to forgive men. Many use these words long and often, yet find no assurance of pardon: and the cause is, because they have no desire of God's mercy, nor willingness to forgive others, which if indeed they had, then no doubt the forgiveness of their sins should by this means be sealed to them. Wherefore if any would be persuaded of God's mercy in this point, let them descend into their own souls, and search narrowly, if they can find their hearts as ready to forgive, as they are ready to desire forgiveness at God's hand, then they may assure themselves of God's mercy in Christ, as we are taught by our Savior Christ (Matthew 5:7), Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Consider these comparisons. A man walking under a wall in a cold sunny day, is heated of the wall which first received heat from the Sun: so he that shows mercy to others, has first received mercy from God. Also take a piece of wax, and put to a seal; it leaves an impression or mark like itself in the wax: which when a man looks on, he does certainly know that there has been a seal, the print whereof is left behind. Even so it is in every one that has a readiness to forgive others: by which a Christian may easily know that God has sealed to him the forgiveness of his sins in his very heart: therefore let men look into their hearts, whether they have any affection to forgive others, for that is as it were the print in their hearts of God's mercy towards them in forgiving them.

Many there are which pray for pardon at God's hand, but they cannot brook it, that they should forgive their neighbors. Hereupon come these sayings: I may forgive him, but I will not forget him: he may come in my Pater noster, but he shall not come in my creed. Behold the devil's logic, which makes malice to be charity. Blind people play with the Lord's prayer, as the fly does with the candle till she be burnt: for the more they pray these words, the more they call for vengeance against themselves. (James 2:13) Neither will it help to omit this clause, as some have done in Chrysostom's days: for this is even to mock God: and if we do not forgive, we shall not be forgiven.