A92856:670
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.
Quest. But how may it appear, that a very great sinner may 1be converted? Sol. There are four Reasons of it, or Demonstrations for it. 1. Because some great sinners belong to the Election of Gods Grace: Paul was (as you have seen) a very 2great sinner; yet saith God of him, Act. 9. 15. He is a chosen vessel unto me. There are two things (amongst many other) which belong to the Divine Election. 1. It is a free Act, and if I may use the word without offence, an Independent Act, raised only from the good pleasure of the Divine Will, and not from the condition of the Object. Rom. 9. 15. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Vers. 16. It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. If God will choose foolish things, and base things, &c. 1 Cor. 1. 27, 28. 2. It is an infallible Decree: I mean, such a Decree which God will certainly fulfil. In Election, God doth decree or ordain a person unto salvation; and this person God will certainly bring unto salvation, by those means which he hath appointed for that purpose: And therefore, if a great sinner be within the compass of Gods Election, him in time will God convert; Act. 13. 48. As many as were ordained to eternal life, believed.
Quest. But how may it appear, that a very great sinner may 1be converted? Sol. There are four Reasons of it, or Demonstrations for it. 1. Because some great sinners belong to the Election of Gods Grace: Paul was (as you have seen) a very 2great sinner; yet saith God of him, Act. 9. 15. He is a chosen vessel unto me. There are two things (amongst many other) which belong to the Divine Election. 1. It is a free Act, and if I may use the word without offence, an Independent Act, raised only from the good pleasure of the Divine Will, and not from the condition of the Object.