A92856:739
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.
3. Converting grace it is the first, visible and sure characteristical 1distinction twixt Hell and Heaven, twixt Death and Life, twixt a Goat and a Sheep, twixt a wicked condition, and a Godly condition. There is a twofold distinction of persons touching their everlasting estates: One is in decreto, which lies in the breast and counsel of God; the other is in decreto, which is to be found in the heart of man. Now quoad nos & quantum ad objectum; Converting grace makes the difference, it shows who is loved, and who is hated; it shows who is for Heaven, and who is for Hell. It is not honour, nor wealth, nor strength, nor parts, nor civility, nor meanness, nor poverty, nor education, nor knowledge, nor trouble of conscience, nor restraint, nor profession, nor external action, which is the partition wall which divides and decides the state for the present and future. If Ministers or Angels should assure thee of an interest in Christ, and of remission of thy sins, and of future happiness while yet thy heart is unconverted, they do certainly delude and deceive thee; for if any man be in Christ, he is a new Creature: But if God hath converted and changed thy heart, thou art assuredly past from death to life, thou art among the first born of God: No sorts of wicked men are in this changed and converted condition, no profane person, no hypocritical person; as soon as any is converted, it may be said of him, as Christ of Zacheus, This day is salvation come to him, for as much as he also is a child of Abraham.
3. Converting grace it is the first, visible and sure characteristical 1distinction twixt Hell and Heaven, twixt Death and Life, twixt a Goat and a Sheep, twixt a wicked condition, and a Godly condition. There is a twofold distinction of persons touching their everlasting estates: One is in decreto, which lies in the brest and counsel of God; the other is in decreto, which is to be found in the heart of man. Now quoad nos & quantum ad objectum; Converting grace makes the difference, it shews who is loved, and who is hated; it shews who is for Heaven, and who is for Hell. It is not honour, nor wealth, nor strength, nor parts, nor civility, nor meanness, nor poverty, nor education, nor knowledg, nor trouble of conscience, nor restraint, nor profession, nor external action, which is the partition wall which divides and decides the state for the present and future. If Ministers or Angels should assure thee of an interest in Christ, and of remission of thy sins, and of future happiness while yet thy heart is unconverted, they do certainly delude and deceive thee; for if any man be in Christ, he is a new Creature: But if God hath converted and changed thy heart, thou art assuredly past from death to life, thou art among the first born of God: No sorts of wicked men are in this changed and converted condition, no prophane person, no hypocritical person; as soon as any is converted, it may be said of him, as Christ of Zacheus, This day is salvation come to him, for as much as he also is a child of Abraham.