A92856:408
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.
1. A present Execution is the truest part of Repentance: At the 1best, you are but in a preparation, in a mere disposition towards Repentance, until you act it; it is not so much what you would be, as what you are; what you intend, as what you practise, that will give the most real testimony of your Repentance. 2. A present execution, it is the safest part of repentance: Of the two, he is in the more sure condition, who resolves to leave a wicked 2life, and doth indeed forsake it; and resolves to lead a holy life, and doth indeed enterprise it; than he who resolves on both, but practiseth neither. The doer of good is a thousand times more sure then the resolver: something in some cases may be said to stay a person from his resolutions; yet if nothing comes of the resolutions, I assure you the scales will hang trembling: but action doth more fully determine the estate, and the Scripture is more clear for the spiritual estate, as it lies in practise, then as it lies in purpose. 3. A present execution, it is the comfortablest part; While repentance lies only in resolution, it is but as a Tree in 3the Winter, perhaps well rooted, but it lives dry; but when repentance breaks out into action, it is as a Tree in the Spring, well rooted, well flowered, and well smelling too. There is more comfort to do, then to intend to do; indeed to cease a sinful course, and indeed to walk an holy life, this opens all the comforts of of the promises, draws down the favour of God, assures us more of interest in Christ, excuseth more in the conscience, reviveth more in all occurrences. 4. A present execution, it is the wisest part; we cannot say what we shall do to morrow, when we cannot assure 4our selves, what, and where we shall be to morrow: He is wisest for Divine Glory, and for his own happiness, who acts an immediate duty of salvation, upon present terms. There are four things which declare wisdom; One to sow in season; Another, to sail in season; A third, to accept and receive the Word of Grace in season; A fourth to act repentance in season, even now while it is called to day.
1. A present Execution is the truest part of Repentance: At the