A92856:721
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.
1. There are some men in whom there appears no change at all, neither inward nor outward; the Leopards spots remain, and the Blackmores skin is unchanged; they were ignorant, and so are still; they were drunkards, swearers, railers, scoffers, mockers of godliness, and godly men, Sabbath-breakers, unclean, proud, and so are still. The Prophet speaks of some, whose scum departed not from them, Ezek. 24. 12. And the Apostle, of some who cannot cease to do evil, 2 Pet. 2. 14. And David, of some who hate to be reformed, Psal. 50. 16. And Steven, of some who always resist the holy Ghost, Acts 7. 51. And Paul, of some who wax worse and worse, 2 Tim. 3. 13. Although changes go over their age, they were young, and now are old, yet no change goes over their hearts and lives; although changes go over their bodies, (their strength is changed into weakness, and their health is changed into sickness;) although changes go over their estates, (their ⟨p. 313⟩wealth is changed into poverty, and their abundance is changed into want;) although changes go over the times, (peace is changed into war, and safety is changed into danger:) nay although sometimes changes go over their consciences, (Stupidity is changed into horror, and pleasure into terror:) yet their hearts are not changed: (they approve, love and delight in their sins as much as ever:) and their Conversations are not changed; they drive the same trade, run on to the same excess of Riotousness, wallow in the same mire of Ungodliness; despise converting Ordinances, converted Persons, converting Graces. Now what shall I say to these Persons? They are unchanged sinners, and so is God an unchangeable God; who hath threatened them, and swore his Wrath against them. Thou wilt not repent of thy sins, nor will God repe•t of his Wrath; thou wilt not turn to him, and therefore will he turn away his mercy from thee, and will overturn, overturn, overturn thee, as the Prophet phraseth it.