Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or A brief discourse, wherein Christs parable of…

3. Be willing to follow hard after God, though through many difficulties: We are forward, while our way is fair, but if grace ⟨p. 266⟩comes to a trial, now we shrink, and are discouraged: But this is a time that calls for us to be humble: we must now follow God; as good soldiers we must endure hardship: God is worthy to be followed; it is his mercy thou hast any grace which may be exercised, and the end shall be happy, 1 Pet. 1. 7.

3. Be willing to follow hard after God, though through many difficulties: We are forward, while our way is fair, but if grace ⟨p. 266⟩comes to a tryal, now we shrink, and are discouraged: But this is a time that calls for us to be humble: we must now follow God; as good souldiers we must endure hardship: God is worthy to be followed; it is his mercy thou hast any grace which may be exercised, and the end shall be happy, 1 Pet. 1. 7.

4. Humbly depend upon, and go to God for all supplies of grace in every work you have to do: Proud man would have his stock in his own hand, to make use of when and as he pleaseth; but God will have us to come and ask for every Grace, & wait on him for it, and the humble soul will do so: If you consider that you deserve nothing, you will be glad that you may have it for asking: Remember you are but Children, and have not wisdom enough to manage your own stock, but would soon prove bankrupts: this should animate you, that whatever you want, God is ready to give, if you ask, Mat. 7. 7.