A92856:201
The parable of the prodigal. Containing, The riotous prodigal, or The sinners aversion from…
The parable of the prodigal. Containing, The riotous prodigal, or The sinners aversion from God. Returning prodigal, or The penitents conversion to God. Prodigals acceptation, or Favourable entertainment with God. Delivered in divers sermons on Luke 15. from vers. 11. to vers. 24. By that faithful servant of Jesus Christ Obadiah Sedgwick, B.D. Perfected by himself, and perused by those whom he entrusted with the publishing of his works.The parable of the prodigal. Containing, The riotous prodigal, or The sinners aversion from God. Returning prodigal, or The penitents conversion to God. Prodigals acceptation, or Favourable entertainment with God. Delivered in divers sermons on Luke 15. from vers. 11. to vers. 24. By that faithfull servant of Jesus Christ Obadiah Sedgwick, B.D. Perfected by himself, and perused by those whom he intrusted with the publishing of his works.
London: printed by D. Maxwel for Sa. Gellibrand, 1660
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. Then it is in vain to strive against God, to hold out, for nothing shall avail: Are we stronger then he, said the Apostle? Can 1our counsels lie hid from his wisdom? or can we set upon the ways where his eye cannot find us? Can we grasp the comfort at all, which his hand cannot instantly pull from us? Can we command our own safeties, whilst he is displeased with us? or prosper at all while he says, Cursed is every fruit of thy labour? Can any way of thine enable thee against him who can crack a whole world at once? thou canst repose thy self on none but creatures, and hadst thou them all, what were they, could they secure thee against their Lord? Is there any creature a Castle strong enough to retain a sinful traitor against God.
2. Then it is in vain to strive against God, to hold out, for nothing shall avail: Are we stronger then he, said the Apostle? Can 1our counsels lie hid from his wisdome? or can we set upon the waies where his eie cannot find us? Can we grasp the comfort at all, which his hand cannot instantly pull from us? Can we command ourown safeties, whilst he is displeased with us? or prosper at all while he saies, Cursed is every fruit of thy labour? Can any way of thine enable thee against him who can crack a whole world at once? thou canst repose thy self on none but creatures, and hadst thou them all, what were they, could they secure thee against their Lord? Is there any creature a Castle strong enough to retein a sinful traitor against God.
- 1It is in vain to strive against God.
3. Lastly, then let us speedily return, and at once take forth the lesson of all Gods dealing with us; that which he aims at is our 1repentance; Let former times and denials and subtleties suffice us; doth God strike off all thy friends, and lay them aside? doth he pull thee out of every harbour? do all the means on which thou trustedst forsake and fail thee? O then return unto the Lord; all this befalls thee, purposely to bring thee home to thy father; It is because the Lord would have thy heart, thy love, thy joy, thy fear, thy hope, thy confidence, thy obedience, &c.