A66106:62
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.
2. His asking is under the notion or consideration of an interest in it, he calls it therefore the Portion falling to him: the word [Greek or Hebrew] signifies, quod eonting it, that which befell him of it self, q. d. that which providence hath made mine, as if he were not beholden to his fathers courtesy; yea, as if it would have been an injury in his father to have denied him.
2. His asking is under the notion or consideration of an interest in it, he calls it therefore the Portion falling to him: the word 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 signifies, quod eonting it, that which befel him of it self, q. d. that which providence hath made mine, as if he were not beholen to his fathers courtesy; yea, as if it would have been an injury in his father to have denyed him.
3. His discontent in being at his fathers disposal and providing, and desire to be at his own pleasure: he seeks to shake off the yoke of his fathers Government, will be ordered by him no longer, and proudly thinks himself wiser than he; he can order things better for his own benefit than his father hath done: The substance is, he would be from under command, and have all in his own hands.
4. Instead of relieving his father in his old age, he would not only leave him, but leave him as poor and bare as he can, would rake and scrape all from him that he can come at, but do him no service at all. What our Saviour alludes to by this portion is the main enquiry. Some there be who refer it to all that furniture ⟨p. 18⟩of Grace which God bestowed upon man when he created him: but this interpretation cannot suit to the state of Publicans and sinners which is here alluded to, though we had all in Adam, and bear the woeful punishment of his loss. I rather judge it to aim at all that which God bestows upon natural men, to some of whom he gives more, and to some less: It may include all God's common favours, all but saving Grace; whatsoever it is that doth providentially fall to their share, in God's sovereign distribution, as Wit, understanding, good natural dispositions, and all the comforts of this life, a health, strength, wealth, honour, &c. For such things as these is God pleased to make the portion of unregenerate men in this life,