Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 6:12

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debters.

Our Saviour here doth not teach us the Order, in which we should pray for good things for our selves, only in three Petitions comprehendeth whatsoever we should ask of God. For doubtless, we are obliged acccording to Mat. 6.32. first to seek the Kingdom of God, and the Righteousness thereof: That by our Debts are here meant our Sins, is plain from Luk. 11.4. as also from v. 14. of this Chapter, where they are called Trespasses The Sense is then, discharge us from that Obligat[illegible: 1 letter]on to De[illegible: 1 letter]th, which our Sins have laid us under: Give us a Pardon for our sins pa[illegible: 1 letter]t, and present (for who liveth, and sinneth not again[illegible: 1 letter]t thee?) as we forgive our Debters, not as Perfectly, but in like manner, as we according to the imperfect State of our Natures, forgive those who have done us injury, not seeking any Revenge upon them, nor bearing them any Malice, so as indeed those who retaining their Malice in their Hearts▪ put up this Prayer unto God, do in Effect pray down Divine Vengeance upon their Souls; well therefore doth the Apostle command 1 Tim. 2.8. that we should lift up pure Hands unto God without Wrath, or doubting. So that not only Faith, but Charity also is necessary to our praying acceptably.