A92856:431
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.
There are many excellent Propositions observable out of these words. v. g.
That the very Initials of true Repentance are seen by God: 1The penitent Prodigal was in the way, but yet it was a great way off; and his Father saw him, and had compassion, I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin, Psal. 32. 5. Vox n•ndum in ora erat & Auris Dei in corda erat, So. S. Austin in Locum. Isai. 66. 2. To this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word. Repentance may be considered in three degrees, 1. In the Impression of it: And this is when so much grace ⟨p. 158⟩is implanted, as to turn the heart. 2. In the expression of it: and this is, when so much Grace appears, as to enter into a new path, and do new works. 3. In the progression of it: And this is, when a greater Victory is obtained over our sins, and appears in our course of new obedience. Now the Initials of true Repentance, I conjecture, to consists partly in the Conversion of the heart; when the mind, and will, and affections are healed, and turned: and partly, in the reformation of the life; when the person out of an hatred of sin, and love of God, sets upon another course of obedience, and service. It is just like a Ship, that is going out, or like a Shop that is newly set up; things are very raw, there is much dross with the little Silver; a little health, and much lameness; a great journey, and but a few steps; the work is rather in desire, and much in complaints; and though perhaps little be done, yet all is heartily endeavoured to be done; this I call the Initials of Repentance.
That the very Initials of true Repentance are seen by God: