A92856:379
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.
Sol. I conjecture thus:
1. If you are sensible of your own Unworthiness, when you pray unto the Lord, Then Jesus Christ will be your greatest plea; 1you will begin to move in his Name, and you will urge and prosecute it in his Name, and you will shut it up with an expectation in his Name: Thou wilt not say, I am now in an excellent soft temper, and for its sake shall I prevail; and I have carried the day through now with more affections, and less distractions, therefore for this shall I prevail; As Leah said, I have born my husband this son, therefore my husband will love me. But in all thy sacrifices and services, thou wilt fly unto a Mediator, and still plead his Title, his Worth, his Merit; Lord, help me to pray for Christ's sake; Lord, give me mercy and grace for Christ's sake; Lord, hear, accept, answer, do me good, for thy Christ's sake.
- 1If Jesus Christ be our greatest Plea.
2. Then the Covenant of Grace will put heart into you, and draw 1you on alone to your performances; as the wind alone will stir the Mill, or the tide alone will drive the Boat: I assure you, that if you be rightly sensible of your Unworthiness, you will look after a Mercy-Seat, and after a Throne of Grace; you will be inquisitive, upon what terms Grants of Mercy and of Grace are issued out of the Court of Heaven. Nor will it seem a small thing in thine eyes, that the Lord will do good to an unworthy sinner for his own sake, yea, that he hath affirmed as much, and obliged himself thereto in a firm Covenant. This will breed in thee, Thankfulness; it will be, not only a support to thy soul, but a joy to thy heart, thy case is yet hopeful; for, though thou be not worthy, yet God will do thee good readily and freely: And Usefulness; thou wilt be readily content to accept of mercy upon the terms of mercy: A beggar ready to starve, will be glad to take an Alms, he will put out his hand to receive it, and thank you too. As the Servants of Benhadad catched the word, Thy servant, &c. so will you the word of promise; Respect, Lord, for thy Covenant sake. At this door of free Grace, there you shall have the sinner sensible of his unworthiness, standing night and day expecting when the Sceptre shall be held out: Gods own arguments and motives of doing good (which are to be found only in the Covenant of Grace) they are such as you will accept of with all your hearts, to plead with God.