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

1. Let them not be discouraged at all: Though it be but a little ¹grace, Repentance newly planted and begun; yet if it be true Grace, 1. It is worth a who•e world: One mans Soul is worth ²the World, much more is Grace; Grace (even in the least degree of it) is of an invaluable allay: The Lord hath shown thee mercy indeed, if he has bestowed any grace on thee; it is more worth than if he had given thee all the Kingdoms of the World; more, in respect of Excellency, and in respect of Consequence. 2. As little as it is, it is as much as ever any Penitent ³had at the first. 'Tis true, our improvements of Grace are very different in the course of our lives, but the habitual implantations of grace are alike and equal: Thou hast as much now as ever any had at first, who are now gone to heaven. 3. As ⟨p. 164⟩little as it is, it shall pull down, and work out the strongest sin that ever did cleave unto thee; though not at once, yet by degrees; a ⁴beam of Light which appears in the morning seems no great matter to deal with all the darkness in the air, yet depending upon such a strong principle and fountain as the Sun, it doth by degrees chase away, &c. 4. As little and as weak as it is, it ⁵shall never cease, till it hath brought thee to heaven: The Ark and many tossings, and thy weak Grace shall have many assaults; but thy weak Grace is in the sure hands of a strong God, who by it will make thee more than Conqueror, through him that loved thee. 5. As weak as it is now, it shall be stronger and ⁶stronger: God hath but begun his work in thee, the which he will finish; the Foundation is laid, but the Covering is to come: The seed is but sown, which will arise and spread; the fire kindled, which will be blown and flaming: God doth not leave any gracious work, until he hath made it glorious; and having given truth, will also enlarge it to a just measure, sufficient for thy soul, and place, and salvation.