A92856:449
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. To be ready to show mercy, is opposite to dullness and slowness, and imports a speedy aptness, and quickness, and cheerfulness. There is a four-fold readiness in this kind. 1. One is of apprehension, which consists in a quick observation of the 1misery and need that a sinner lies under: Such a readiness to mercy there is in God to a penitent sinner. I have heard Ephraim bemoaning himself, Jer. 31. 18. Ephraim did grieve for sin, was much troubled, and ashamed, and confounded, (Alas, I have sinned, I have offended the Lord:) Well, saith God, I have heard Ephraim bemoaning himself; q. d. I take special notice of him. Or as he expresseth it in Hos. 14. 8. I have heard him, and observed him. 2. Another is of Commiseration, (that is) 2God takes the condition of the Penitent to heart. He doth look on him with tender affections, (my bowels are troubled for him, Jer. 31. 20.) As when a Parent beholds a Child falling down and begging for acceptance with floods of tears, this goes to the very heart of him, it stirs his affections, &c. 3. A third is 3of Resolution: I will surely have mercy upon him. The nature of God doth presently incline him to pass by offences, and to accept of the Penitent, to think thoughts of peace and mercy towards him. 4. A fourth is, of Expression: (i.) the Lord is very ready, not only to intend mercy, but to manifest it unto 4the penitent person; and therefore as soon as ever any soul doth repent, God doth send unto him by the Ministry of the Gospel, and assures him by all his loving promises, that there is mercy for him. Isa. 40. 1. Comfort ye my people. Act. 2. 39. The promise is to you, and to your children. 'Tis thus spoken presently upon their Repentance. The Promises of Pardon are Letters Patents of Graciousness, and are sealed by the very Truth of God, and left open for any penitent person to behold Gods abundant mercy to forgive him, and to accept of him.