Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or, A brief discourse

1. In the world, in which he formerly trusted, and in the enjoyment whereof he was wont to say to his soul, eat, drink, and be merry, for thou hast goods laid up for many years. This world cannot satisfy him now; it will not still the cry of Conscience, it will not comfort him against the anger of God, and fears of hell, Riches cannot profit him in the day of wrath. He cannot feed and refresh himself upon its fair promises, and glossing insinuations-It will not ease his troubled mind; but like Belshazzar, he cries out in the midst of his cups and companions; his hiding place of deceit is washed away, and he sees that the world is empty, and void, and wast, Nah. 1. 10.

1. In the world, in which he formerly trusted, and in the enjoyment whereof he was wont to say to his soul, eat, drink, and be merry, for thou hast goods laid up for many years. This world cannot satisfie him now; it will not still the cry of Conscience, it will not comfort him against the anger of God, and fears of hell, Riches cannot profit him in the day of wrath. He cannot feed and refresh himself upon its fair promises, and glossing insinuations-It will not ease his troubled mind; but like Belshazzar, he cryes out in the midst of his cups and companions; his hiding place of deceit is washt away, and he sees that the world is empty, and void, and wast, Nah. 1. 10.

2. In himself, and his own duties and righteousness: He was wont to please himself in them, and feed himself with vain hopes, thinking to appear with them, and hold up his head before God; but now he finds that these will not suffice, they cannot atone God, appease his anger, turn away his fury, or procure him happiness: They are unprofitable, he hath ⟨p. 173⟩now no more self-sufficiency, he cannot do what the Law requires, nor pay the debts he owes it, nor pick up any resolution out of his best services, Conscience now tells him all this is nothing,