A92856:274
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. The benefits and comforts o• a firm Resolution, which are many. 1. It will be a great Testimony unto you, that your hearts are upright. He who will not resolve against a sinful course, either his heart hath a flaw of hypocrisy, or a sink of impiety; he loves sin, or would not yet le•ve it: the greatest part of our integrity lies in the hearts frame and purpose: that man who is resolved ⟨p. 96⟩to part with all sin, hath an heart who loves all good; it is only sound grace which breeds sound resolution. 2. It will be a 1great apology, in case of falling, that yet it is not presumptuous, but of Infirmity. (The evil that I would not do, that do I, &c. Rom. 7.) and rather an affect of a strong temptation, then of any secret affection of the heart to sin; for where the purpose and resolution of the heart is set against a sin, and makes its resistance; though the sinning may be great, yet it is not presumptuous. Four effects this firm Resolution worketh about sin; either it doth, 1. Cease the motions of it; or 2. Abates and lessens them; or 3. Disappoints and frustrates them; as Joseph about his mistress: or else, 4. It mitigates and corrects them in the degree of guilt; either it keeps me sound, or else causeth that the wound is less. 3. Such a man may confidently go to God for help and 2assistance. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayer (said David) but verily, God hath heard me, he hath attended to the voice of my Prayer, Psal. 69. 18, 19. Thou shalt not struggle with sin in vain, nor cry unto God in vain; if once thou couldst be firmly resolved against sin, thou shouldst more confidently repair to Christ, and shouldst assuredly find more Victory over it, as Paul, Rom. 7. 24, 25. What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him; I am like a green Fir-Tree, from me is thy fruit found.