A66106:731
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. Not to put away the grace of God from you till you have made your selves fit for it. Many say, what have I to do to ask Grace, who am so vile and cannot come to God? I answer, none hath more need of it than such an one: and therefore do not say, I will wait till I have fitted my self; but wait on God for his preventing grace, to fit and prepare, and turn you unto him: say not, if I could get up yonder to him, it would be well, but wait for him to come to your pit.
3. Not to rest in means and endeavours, as if they were able to do for you what you need; but look up to Grace to help you to attend upon the means, and bless that attendance for your Spiritual good. Promise not to your selves any thing from Ordinances themselves, but only so far as he shall breath in them: ⟨p. 294⟩Wait therefore for the north and south wind to blow.
4. Be willing to wait the leisure of free grace. If that lead, it must not be limited, but suffered to take its own time; only it is our duty to be waiting in the use of all means, not growing weary, fainting or repining.
4. Be willing to wait the leisure of freegrace. If that lead, it must not be limited, but suffered to take its own time; only it is our duty to be waiting in the use of all means, not growing weary, fainting or repining.