A92856:443
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.
2. Nay, let them be encouraged and rejoice: Even a little 1Grace may be just cause of great joy. The Mother rejoiceth much if the Child be born: Though your Repentance wants much, in respect of gradual perfection; yet being real and true, 1. All the sins that you have committed, are pardoned: The promise of pardon or remission of sins, presently and assuredly opens 2to every true Penitent; as soon as the wicked forsakes his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and turns to the Lord, he will have mercy, and abundantly pardon. He who doth more perfect and polish his repentance, it is confessed, that he hath the more assurance and comfort of his pardon; but the right unto, and grant of pardon, immediately appertains to a person upon the very entrance of his repentance. Now pardon of sins is a testimony of Gods highest Love, and therefore a cause of most exceeding joy. 2. If you should now die, you should 3be saved. The first fruits you know were a pledge of the full harvest; though you have but as it were the first fruits of Repentance, yet these are sure pawns of fullest glory. Godly sorrow worketh repentance of salvation. Christ saith, Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, Matth. 5. 3. Though you have but some lower, weaker stock of Graces, so that ⟨p. 165⟩you are in your own opinion poor, scarce worth any thing, or enjoying of any thing, yet the weakest Christian shall have an Heavenly Kingdom. 3. Your persons are dear unto God. Jer. 31. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself; Is 4Ephraim my dear son? is he my pleasant child? &c. So Isa. 66. To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit. 4. Your weak services are accepted: God hears your