A92856:466
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.
Obj. I, this is it! I had mercy offered in the Kings Proclamation, 1if I would lay down my Weapons; but I did not yield when mercy was tendered: If I had repented, when God formerly offered me mercy, there had been hope; but I continued in sin, where grace abounded, and since mercy was offered; therefore now too late, in vain. Sol. To this also, let me give answer. 1. Indeed it 2was thy duty to have repented, upon the very first proposal of grace and mercy; and it was thy sin (at all) to stand out, yea, and thy sinnings contract a deep guilt by commission after the tender of divine mercy, (sin is more sinful, where the offer of mercy is more plentiful.) But secondly, Though the precedent refusals of mercy make the course of sin more guilty, yet they do not make the condition of the sinner to be hopeless, and utterly uncapable of mercy: For 1. Mercy is able to pardon, even sins against mercy; as it is the antidote for sins against the Law, so likewise the salve for sins against the Gospel: There is so much mercy in God, as can rejoice against judgment, yea, and that can rejoice over sins against mercy too; my meaning is, that Gods goodness is so natural to him, and great, that it can pass by the evils, against his goodness, and kindness. 2. And that, God is willing and ready so to do, it may appear by this, that he continues his invitations, and offers of mercy, though formerly neglected; How often would I have gathered thee? saith Christ of Jerusalem: and let it yet alone one year, of the Tree. And then know that this is certain; as long as God continues a suit of mercy unto thee, neither is the date of thy mercy expired, ⟨p. 177⟩nor doth thy former refusal justly prejudice thy present right to or acceptance of mercy. If the King renews his Proclama ion of favour to those who have formerly despised it, it is now lawful and safe for them to come in and accept of it: But since thy former refusal, God hath, as it were, renewed the Embassage; He hath sent other servants unto thee, to proclaim unto thee Mercy, if thou wilt return; yea, and hath assured thee, that he will pardon all former rebellions in all kinds; if now thou wilt hear his voice, thou shalt live, and not die: Therefore now turn unto the Lord; this day doth Mercy beseech thee to leave thy sins, and saith, If thou wilt forsake them, I am thine.