Pardon

Your justice in deeds is that you punish only for a sin and pardon only where there is a turning back, that displeasure not move you to cast aside merits, and that favour not carry you to pardon faults.

So make the reason plain if it is hidden, that you may be excused for breaking your threat and thanked for your pardon of it.

When war lays down its burdens upon ascendancy and mastery, then pardon and conciliate.

For the pardon of the guilty on many occasions has been considered as the most beauteous feature in the divine and human character.

The point, necessarily to be considered next, is the opinion, whether it is lawful some times to grant pardon.

Some, in support of an opposite opinion, allege the supreme mercy of God, as it is displayed in the new covenant, and which is given as an example for men, and for magistrates, in particular, to follow, who, in the exercise of authority, execute the laws of the Deity.