A92856:314
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.
3. But some others there are, who do both know and acknowledge their sin; but how? only in a formal, cold, indifferent manner. True, we are all sinners, God help us, and there is no man but he sins, yea, the best of them all; Never considering, That great Justice of God which is provoked by their sins; nor that vile and abominable nature in their sins; nor that infinite wrath unto which their guilt doth oblige them; nor the excellency and necessity of pardoning mercy, which we should earnestly sue out when we confess our sins.
3. But some others there are, who do both know and acknowledge their sin; but how? onely in a formal, cold, indifferent manner. True, we are all sinners, God help us, and there is no man but he sins, yea, the best of them all; Never considering, That great Justice of God which is provoked by their sins; nor that vile and abominable nature in their sins; nor that infinite wrath unto which their guilt doth oblige them; nor the excellency and necessity of pardoning mercy, which we should earnestly sue out when we confess our sins.
4. There is another sort, who do more distinctly, and perhaps somewhat feelingly and freely, confess their sins; but then they keep Benjamin back: And as Rachel hid the images under her, so they reserve some one special lust; they do not bring all the Prisoners forth unto the Bar: There is a sin which they hide close because it is sweet, as Zophar speaks, Job 20. 12. Now this argues, 1. Hypocrisy and guile of heart, a secret love to sin; it is made, in Job 20. 12. the guise of an Hypocrite, to hide his sin. 2. Extreme folly and vanity of spirit; for, canst thou conceal any sin from that God, who is acquainted with all thy paths, and knows thy thoughts afar off, and to whose eyes all things are naked? will not the Lord discover the sin (which thou doest cover) before Men and Angels, to thy eternal infamy and condemnation? assuredly, though thou wilt not set thy sins in order before him, yet he