A92856:396
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.
4. That there is again a double penitential Execution of penitential 1Resolution: One consists in endeavour and application; when the person, without delays, addresseth or applieth himself to the ways by which sins may be subdued and forsaken: Another consists in victory and assecution, wherein the Penitent doth in some more eminent degree lead captivity captive. That penitential Execution whereof I speak, properly and naturally consists in the former. though it must aim and strive after the latter also; (i.) when a person doth indeed resolve to leave his sins, and to serve the Lord in newness of life; this Resolution doth actively excite him to be much in Prayer unto the Lord, and diligently to hearken to, and observe his Word, and to decline the occasions which may give strength to his corruptions: It causeth him to resist evil motions, and to bewail them; it sets him upon all sorts of Duties and Ordinances, so that the person is now really working against sin, and throughly working for God; he is in the ways of God, and according to the measure of grace received, working the works of God.
- 1And in execution; in endeavour, or in victory.
But why should penitential Intentions be accompanied with present Executions or performances?
Sol. Reasons for it are many. 1. That God who commands 1us to repent, commands us presently to repent. The Time is under Precept, as well as the Work. Some Precepts bind us semper, but not ad semper; other Precepts bind us semper & ad semper too: When the Lord commands any man to repent, this is a Duty which concerns the whole course of his life; it takes hold of him as soon as ever he lives, and is become a sinner; and concerns him, not only in his latter days, but all his days.