A66106:42
Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or, A brief discourse
Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or, A brief discourse wherein Christs parable of the lost son found is opened and applied as it was delivered in sundry sermons / by Samuel Willard ...
printed by Samuel Green for Samuel Philips, 1684
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
DOCT. That Gods Grace oftentimes chooseth the vilest and worst of men to make it self known upon.
DOCT. That Gods Grace oftentimes chuseth the vilest and worst of men to make it self known upon.
Such as men would least regard, God hath many times the largest favour for: Hence that of our Saviour, Mat. 21. 31. The Publicans and Harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you: and here the Fathers special love is expressed to the younger Son: all Jesse's elder Sons are refused by God, and David, the youngest is appointed and anointed King: and many that are last are first.
Reas. For the exaltation of free Grace, and manifestation of the Sovereignty of Gods good pleasure. Should God make application of his saving mercy, only to men of a sober profession, and civil conversation, and such as are more outwardly advantaged, men might begin to think, that there was some worth in their persons, some merit in their civil carriage, some obligation on God by their visible relation, to give them the Kingdom of Glory: but how when he chooseth such an one, here appears to be nothing of the creature to obscure his Grace: this Peter acknowledged when he saw the Holy Ghost was given to the Gentile Believers, Act. 10. 34, 35