A92856:271
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.
All the use which I shall make of this assertion shall be reduced 1unto two heads. 1. Of Exhortation. 2. Direction.
- 1UseƲse
1. The Ex•ortation is, that as we do desire a real reformation of our sinful ways, so we strive to bring our hearts to a solid resolution 1against them. Two things I will propound as motives to edge this exhortation. 1. The folly and inconvenience of an irresolute and tottering and hovering spirit viz. 1. Till you attain to a firm resolution, you will never be free from strong temptations: Faint denials are interpretative Encouragements; as it is with the ill humours of the body, they flock and resort to a crazy part; So it is with Satan's temptations, they will ever be frequent where the heart is ready to embrace, or not resolved to resist: why shouldest thou expect that Satan should fall off, when thou art yet irresolved to resist him? that he should not be backward to tempt, when thou art not resolved not to yield? 2. Till you attain to a firm resolution, you will never come to a firm peace; Conscience cannot be clear in its testimony, when we are indifferent in our 2purpose against sin. Paul could say, the evil that I would not do; ⟨p. 95⟩thou canst not say so: The decision of that estate will be under a cloud, and you will be struck with more suspicions of hypocrisy and wrath, while you come to be plain-hearted and resolute, I will serve no sin any longer. 3. Till you attain to a firm resolution, you will be subject to the frequent intanglings of sin; weak