The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

4. Those that do neglect the Lord in means by an effectual pursuit of them, because of some sips and taste of some good in them; and so me thinks 'tis in this case as 'tis in some Countries where if a man comes to their house in the afternoon, and both have a mind to part, yet loth to part without showing some kindness, and the other without tasting of it, they lay their voiding napkin, and finding that refreshing there, they are content to lose their, supper. So 'tis here, a man comes weary to the Lords House, to his Ordinances, the Lord will not let him go without some expression of kindness, nor they depart willingly from the Lord without it, and hence the Lord gives them light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, peace out of trouble, a taste of his sweetness, after tastes of sins bitterness, and then they take their leave; as they Hebr. 6. 2, 3, 4, 5. And here the Lord leaves many a poor creature, Deut. 29. 2, 3, 4. they did see something, and taste something, and there they rested; Oh but the Lord gave them not eyes to see, &c. For no Hypocrite living is fully emptied of his lusts, but hath somewhat to fill him; but some emptiness he may have, hence may have some desires after the Lord, and hence it is not the fullness of God only that satisfie• him, but some tastes of Gods kindness, and small thing• do and must fill him; his lusts fill him in part, and something of God is wanting, and that some little matter doth make up. Hence when this is done, means is neglected fearfully, a mans heart is hardened and ignorant, a little light and sorrow stays him, as the stony ground though there be a stone at bottom; a man is full of doubts, and a little hope which frees him from fears quiets him, hence he never conquers unbelief: A man hath lived a loose course, a little resolution of heart stays him, though the heart will depart again, as those Deut.5. 27, 29. the Lord hath but little of their hearts, and the Lord shows them but little of his: And hence this is usual to see a false heart most diligent in seeking the Lord when he hath been worst, and most careless when 'tis best. Hence many at first conversion sought the Lord earnestly, afterward affections and endeavours die, that now they are as good as the Word can make the: