A92856:434
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.
And there are four things, which do show that Repentance is 1but begun, it is only initial. 1. One is Impotency, or weakness of operation: When the penitential parts do move and stir, yet like a child, who begins to go very feebly. There is as much ⟨p. 159⟩appears in the course, as declares another spring or principle, and rule, by which the Soul strives to walk, but the performance is very tender and feeble; like a young Tree that hath but tender branches, and small fruit: The person doth mourn, and confess, and pray, and live, and obey, but with weakness. 2. A second is efficacy of Temptation: When Temptations do easily 2beset and discourage the Soul; as when the Tree is but a young plant, the Winds to toss it, and make it reel; so when Temptations do, as it were, drive the Soul, and are apt to raise quick fears, and discouragements: Oh! I shall be overcome again, I shall hardly hold on, I cannot well see how I shall be able to perform, and preserve in these ways which I have chosen. A third is the Validity of present Corruption; which though it be truly hated, and bewailed, yet it is very apt upon occasions to assault and 3prevail; when every little stone is apt to make one stumble, it argues that the strength is weak. 4. Necessary presence of many helps: When a Man cannot go, but with two Crutches; and a Child must lean upon many props, and a penitent upon many sensible encouragements.
And there are four things, which do shew that Repentance is 1but begun, it is only initial. 1. One is Impotency, or weakness of operation: When the penitential parts do move and stir, yet like a child, who begins to go very feebly. There is as much ⟨p. 159⟩appears in the course, as declares another spring or principle, and rule, by which the Soul strives to walk, but the performance is very tender and feeble; like a young Tree that hath but tender branches, and small fruit: The person doth mourn, and confess, and pray, and live, and obey, but with weakness. 2. A second is efficacy of Temptation: When Temptations do easily