N00302:782
Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or A brief discourse, wherein Christs parable of…
Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or A brief discourse, wherein Christs parable of the lost son found, is opened and applied, as it was delivered in sundry sermons, / by Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England. ; [Two lines from Luke]
printed by Samuel Green for Samuel Philips, 1684
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. He kissed him; this is the last thing in the act; and here is great favour indeed; that when he might have killed him he kisseth him; this word hath diverse expressions of love contained under it.
1. God now opens and reveals that secret ⟨p. 313⟩and everlasting love of his to his soul, kissing was an outward act to intimate an inward affection: Men often did it dissemblingly, but God always doth it really: Now God begins to give the soul to perceive what was his purpose of good will to him from eternity, what were his ancient thoughts about him; this is a visible confirmation of that secret love.
1. God now opens and reveals that secret ⟨p. 313⟩and everlasting love of his to his soul, kissing was an outward act to intimate an inward affection: Men often did it dissemblingly, but God alwayes doth it really: Now God begins to give the soul to perceive what was his purpose of good will to him from eternity, what were his ancient thoughts about him; this is a visible confirmation of that secret love.
2. God now reveals that he is fully reconciled to, and at peace with him; that all former distances and alienations of heart are wholly taken away; he is no more angry, nor will any more condemn him. David kissed Absalom to let him understand he was now reconciled. God never kisseth and killeth, as Joab dealt with Amasa: his heart always goes out with his promise. It is a justifying kiss, intimating that this soul shall never more have any more cause to fear the suffering the punishment of his sins, or being exposed to condemnation.