Forgive and Forget

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · May 27, 1886

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 20

Forgive and Forget.

THE great Sir Matthew Hale had so completely gained the government of his passions that, though naturally of a quick temper, he was never seen in a passion, nor did he ever resent injuries. Of the noble generosity of his mind, the following is a striking instance: A person who had done him a great injury, afterwards came to him for advice in the settlement of his estate, which he frankly gave him, but would accept no fee for it; and when he was asked how he could use a man so kindly who had wronged him so much, his answer was, “I thank God, I have learned to forget injuries.”

Those who say, “I can forgive but I cannot forget,” know nothing of real forgiveness. The Saviour taught us to pray: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;” and the Lord says: “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”