N00302:811
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.
1. In an extraordinary delight in spiritual duties: The soul now can scarce find opportunity to do any thing else, but read, hear pray, meditate, confer with Christians, &c. Why is it their Wedding day, it is a feast day with them, and they cannot but be ravished with it: It is a new world with a Prodigal, when come from a famine to such plenty and delicacy.
2. In a contempt of the world and things of it in comparison of these things; slighting and scarce regarding of any thing here below; only taken with heavenly things, and desirous ⟨p. 340⟩to depart and be with Christ; willing to have […] •ore to do here if might be: How can it almost be otherwise? Who can but think it good seeing, tasting, enjoying the love of God? and relishing the sweetness of the streams, to long to be at the Well head of all this? but when these treats are something over, and he go from his feast to his work, and there mee•• with difficulties, and many temptations; now he is sometimes at a ••and, his affections cooled with carnal things, and his heart distracted with worldly cares: Hence it is that we sometimes hear God calling his people back to their first love, Rev. 2. 5.
2. In a cotempt of the world and things of it in comparison of these things; slighting and scarce regarding of any thing here below; only taken with heavenly things, and desirous ⟨p. 340⟩to depart and be with Christ; willing to have 〈…〉 •ore to do here if might be: How can it almost be otherwise? Who can but think it good seeing, tasting, enjoying the love of God? and relishing the sweetness of the streams, to long to be at the Well head of all this? but when these treats are something over, and he goe from his feast to his work, and there mee•• with difficulties, and many temptations; now he is sometimes at a ••and, his affections cooled with carnal things, and his heart distracted with worldly cares: Hence it is that we sometimes hear God calling his people back to their first love, Rev. 2. 5.
3. Here also see a Reason why Believers have usually more ravishments and ecstasies, and abounding comforts at first Conversion, than afterwards: It is because the robe is now brought out to them and put on, &c. It is the most glorious entertainment they were ever at, and they themselves the occasion of it; as long as this feast lasts it must needs be so: therefore,
3. Here also see a Reason why Believers have usually more ravishments and extasies, and abounding comforts at first Conversion, than afterwards: It is because the robe is now brought out to them and put on, &c. It is the most glorious entertainment they were ever at, and they themselves the occasion of it; as long as this feast lasts it must needs be so: therefore,
1. Be sure if it be thus at this time, lay in against a time of want: that may come before you think of it. Store your selves now with the experiences of the love expressions which God reveals himself to you in: It is not impossible but it may be such a time with you, as you shall never have the like opportunity while you live again
2. And if at any time afterwards in your Christian race, you meet with doubts and darkness, and are put to a stand in regard of your spiritual state, be sure to have recourse to the day of espousals: Call to mind the Garment, the Ring, the fatted Calf, &c. Psal. 77. 10. I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
USE, 2. For Exhortation and encouragement unto awakened Sinners in special, to repent, and return to God; to fall down at his feet and beg his grace and favour, to confess your unworthiness: Oh, long for the day of Conversion, it will be a joyful day. God himself will rejoice in thee; it is well pleasing to God, it is his delight, he takes pleasure in the Sinners return; thou canst not give him greater content by any thing. Thou wilt afford matter of joy to the blessed Angels, who are exceedingly satisfied in the glory of God, and Salvation of Sinners. Thou wilt glad the souls of glorified Saints, if not now because they know it not, yet when thou shalt go to them, and thy presence in that General Assembly of the first born shall be a witness to it, then will they magnify God for it, and take pleasure in thee. Thou shalt wondrously refresh the souls of militant saints; thy Godly Parents, faithful Ministers, pious neighbours, these shall have smiles instead of tears; and shall take delight in ⟨p. 342⟩reaping the fruit of their many prayers, and counsels. Thou wilt grieve none but Devils and devilish men. Nay, it is thy own concern; thou art now mourning, thou shalt then rejoice and be filled with unspeakable gladness of heart: Nay, God himself will make a feast for thee, a Wedding day shall be kept with greatest solemnity, and thou thy self shall be the subject of all those triumphs and songs of joy: Oh then all• forsake satan's camp, come over unto the Lord Jesus Christ; then shall those that have been grieved for your sin and obstinacy, have their hearts refreshed by you, and all rejoice together with you in your Conversion.
USE, 2. For Exhortation and encouragement unto awakened Sinners in special, to repent, and return to God; to fall down at his feet and beg his grace and favour, to confess your unworthiness: Oh, long for the day of Conversion, it will be a joyful day. God himself will rejoyce in thee; it is well pleasing to God, it is his delight, he takes pleasure in the Sinners return; thou canst not give him greater content by any thing. Thou wilt afford matter of joy to the blessed Angels, who are exceedingly satisfied in the glory of God, and Salvation of Sinners. Thou wilt glad the souls of glorified Saints, if not now because they know it not, yet when thou shalt go to them, and thy presence in that General Assembly of the first born shall be a witness to it, then will they magnifie God for it, and take pleasure in thee. Thou shalt wondrously refresh the souls of militant saints; thy Godly Parents, faithful Ministers, pious neighbours, these shall have smiles instead of tears; and shall take delight in
There are some other more particular useful observations may be here made, viz.
THere are some other more particular useful observations may be here made, viz.
He doth not usually dispense these things immediately, but in and with the means. We may here consider. 1. Who are these Servants. 2. The confirmation of the Doctrine.
He doth not usually dispense these things immediatly, but in and with the means. We may here consider. 1. Who are these Servants. 2. The confirmation of the Doctrine.
1. Who are these Servants?
Answ. Touching the Ministry of the Holy Angels, though the thing be a truth, Heb. 1. 14. Yet the way is more secret: and I verily believe they do more for the Saints than they are aware of, and may be as active in suggestion of that which is good, as satan that which is evil: But I shall not adventure here to particularize, therefore,
2. By these servants we may understand the ⟨p. 344⟩Ministers of the Gospel, who are appointed to this end, to be labourers under Christ for the help of the Elect, and bringing of them to Glory, Eph. 4. 10, 11, 12. these are therefore called Ambassadors for Christ, 2 Cor. 5. 20. Now Ambassadors are the representatives of their Princes, and manage foreign affairs in their name; and these do dispense for Christ the Gospel of Reconciliation, vers. 19. Hence they are called Ministers, and Stewards, I Cor. 4. 1. Whose work is to distribute their Masters Estate according to order. They are also called Deacons, I Cor. 3. 5. Because as they do by office distribute the outward, so do these the spiritual treasures.
2. By these servants we may understand the ⟨p. 344⟩Ministers of the Gospel, who are appointed to this end, to be labourers under Christ for the help of the Elect, and bringing of them to Glory, Eph. 4. 10, 11, 12. these are therefore called Ambassadours for Christ, 2 Cor. 5. 20. Now Ambassadours are the representatives of their Princes, and manage forreign affairs in their name; and these do dispence for Christ the Gospel of Reconciliation, vers. 19. Hence they are called Ministers, and Stewards, I Cor. 4. 1. Whose work is to distribute their Masters Estate according to order. They are also called Deacons, I Cor. 3. 5. Because as they do by office distribute the outward, so do these the spiritual treasures.
2. For Confirmation of the Doctrine: The Scripture gives us clear light for this truth; besides that Allegorical direction, Cant. 1. 7, 8. See, Mal. 2. 7: The Priests lips should keep knowledge, and they should ask the Law at his mouth. Which is spoken of Gospel times: besides illustrious examples add confirmation to it; that of Paul, Act. 9: 14: of Cornelius, Act: 10: of the Eunuch, Act: 8: show what care God takes to ratify this way. Though Paul be enlightened and awakened extraordinarily, he must be confirmed and comforted by a Minister: Though an Angel appear to comfort Cornelius and counsel him, yet his instruction and receiving the spirit, must be under Peter's ministry; ⟨p. 345⟩Though God works a miracle upon▪ Philip to bring him to him, yet the Eunuch must receive the Gospel by ordinary means: and the ground is,
2. For Confirmation of the Doctrine: The Scripture gives us clear light for this truth; besides that Allegorical direction, Cant. 1. 7, 8. See, Mal. 2. 7: The Priests lips should keep knowledge, and they should ask the Law at his mouth. Which is spoken of Gospel times: besides illustrious examples add confirmation to it; that of Paul, Act. 9: 14: of Cornelius, Act: 10: of the Eunuch, Act: 8: shew what care God takes to ratifie this way. Though Paul be enlightened and awakened extraordinarily, he must be confirmed and comforted by a Minister: Though an Angel appear to comfort Cornelius and counsel him, yet his instruction and receiving the spirit, must be under Peter's ministry; ⟨p. 345⟩Though God works a miracle upon▪ Philip to bring him to him, yet the Eunuch must receive the Gospel by ordinary means: and the ground is,
1: Negatively; not for want of power in God; he needs not the assistance of Angels or men; he sometimes doth without them; though to keep up and credit his appointed order, it is but seldom.
2. Positively; God doth it:
