Three godly and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Master John DodThree godlie and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Maister Iohn Dod

Another place fit for the proof of this point, we have in the parable of the Virgins; where¹ we may observe. 1. That they were all [Virgins] that is, such as did profess to separate themselves from worldly lusts, and did not go a whoring after the common corruptions of the times, but kept themselves within the bounds of outward sobriety; as Judas and Saul for a time did, who could not be charged with gross covetousness or cozenage, or the like. 2. Further they had all [lamps] that is, an outward show of good things. And (3.) [Oil in their lamps] so much as could make a blaze to get them the credit of professors: they could speak well, and do divers works that were glorious in the view of the world. 4. They all went to meet the Bride-groom] that is, all of them frequented the means of salvation, as if they expected favour and fellowship with Christ Jesus. 5. Lastly (it is said) they all [slumbered and slept] that is, those that were true Christians, having sound fruits of piety and sincerity in their hearts, and in their lives, knew their estate was good, and therefore waited for their Saviour with quiet and peaceable hearts. Hypocrites also, seeing that they went beyond Atheists and profane persons, ⟨p. 62⟩thought their case was good, and thereupon they grew secure, and never troubled themselves about the assurance of their election: Thus far the wise and foolish virgins accord. But here is the difference, that the foolish Virgins have no more oil than they carry in their lamps: the world may easily see all that is in them: but the wise Virgins have a lamp to carry oil, and an heart to carry oil: they have two vessels, one for practise, and another for store; that though the oil in the lamp should be spent, yet there might be a new supply made.

Another place fit for the proofe of this poynt, wee haue in the parable of the Virgins; where¹ we may obserue. 1. That they were all [Virgins] that is, such as did professe to separate themselues from worldly lusts, and did not go a whoring after the common corruptions of the times, but kept themselues within the bounds of outward sobriety; as Iudas and Saul for a time did, who could not be charged with grosse couetousnesse or cosenage, or the like. 2. Further they had all [lampes] that is, an outward shew of good things. And (3.) [Oyle in their lampes] so much as could make a blaze to get them the credit of professors: they could speake well, and do diuers works that were glorious in the view of the world. 4. They all went to meete the Bride-groome] that is, all of them frequented the meanes of saluation, as if they expected fauour and fellowship with Christ Iesus. 5. Lastly (it is said) they all [slumbred and slept] that is, those that were true Christians, hauing sound fruits of pietie and sinceritie in their hearts, and in their liues, knew their estate was good, and therefore waited for their Sauiour with quiet and peaceable hearts. Hypocrites also, seeing that they went beyond Atheists and prophane persons,