The parable of the prodigal. Containing, The riotous prodigal, or The sinners aversion from…

Why then do we so slight and neglect them, and put them from us, who have as good a God as our selves, (and if we be good,) the same, the same Christ, and also the same truth and reality of Repentance? And is not Minimum Christi amabile? But they are indiscreet? Surely, they are no true penitents that are very fools: No man so wise as he who is wise for his soul. But they have many failings? And not one of them approved, all bewailed. But they come short in Duties, alas they are very short? In expressions, which the vilest hypocrite may excel in; not in affections, which the true penitent only abounds in. Therefore repent of your pride and state: Seest thou a penitent higher than thy self, honour him, and imitate; seest thou a penitent lower than thy self, honour and cherish him: God will meet him with much mercy, do thou meet him with much love and pity. ¹And take these Ten Evidences, that a mans Repentance is true, ⟨p. 163⟩though weak; and real, though but initial. 1. He is much ²in Grief, though little in Strength: He will grieve for sinning, though he should never be damned for sin; and sin is his daily grief, as it is his daily temptation. 2. He hates sin, though he cannot be rid of it: His soul loathes not only the actions, but nature also of sin. 3. He conflicts with sin, though he cannot conquer it; is an Enemy to it, though not a Conqueror over it, though much assaulted by it; fears Sin more than Hell. 4. He will not be a Servant, though sometimes he is forced to be a Captive: His Will and Love are unconquerable. 5. He cries out for help, though he be not yet delivered; O Lord, help: Laments his condition, because so pestered with sinful motions. 6. He must have God reconciled, though he much questions it: He must have Christ, and Mercy, &c. 7. He would obey God in all things, though he falls very short of it. 8. He prizes more Grace, and strives after it, though he enjoys very little of it. 9. He holds up his purpose to walk with God, though he be not able, in every thing, and at all times, to make it good. 10. What he wants in the heights of Repentance, is made up in the depths of Humbleness and Mournfulness.

Why then do we so slight and neglect them, and put them from us, who have as good a God as our selves, (and if we be good,) the same, the same Christ, and also the same truth and reality of Repentance? And is not Minimum Christi amabile? But they are indiscreet? Surely, they are no true penitents that are very fools: No man so wise as he who is wise for his soul. But they have many failings? And not one of them approved, all bewailed. But they come short in Duties, alas they are very short? In expressions, which the vilest hypocrite may excel in; not in affections, which the true penitent onely abounds in. Therefore repent of your pride and state: Seest thou a penitent higher than thy self, honour him, and imitate; seest thou a penitent lower than thy self, honour and cherish him: God will meet him with much mercy, do thou meet him with much love and pity.