The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

Hence the Lord when in mercy he deals with men, keeps them long fasting till the time of extremity comes, and then he pours waters on the thirsty. Hence better for those never to have known, 2 Pet.2. 21. and an hypocrites last end is to satisfy himself, hence he hath enough; a Saints is to satisfy Christ, hence he never hath enough.

Hence the Lord when in mercy he deals with men, keeps them long fasting till the time of extremity comes, and then he pours waters on the thirsty. Hence better for those never to have known, 2 Pet.2. 21. and an hypocrites last end is to satisfie himself, hence he hath enough; a Saints is to satisfie Christ, hence he never hath enough.

5. Those that do neglect the Lord under this colour of receiving Christ, they can do nothing themselves, and Christ must do all; and hence neglect the Lord secretly, and sometimes quarrel with the Ministry privately, when pressed to a duty or to believe. Alas what can a man do, when all the Ministers in the ⟨p. 161⟩world have preached their hearts out, at last they must bring us to Christ; what else should the Apostle mean, Rom.4. 5. Not to him that worketh, but believeth is faith accounted for righteousness. I must not live, I must let Christ live, &c. And hence say they the cause of perishing is not mens wills, but Gods, he elects not, he gives no heart; such hypocrites the Lord prophesies of, Mat. 7. 21. Many that say to me Lord, Lord, i. that advance the Lord Jesus, and live in neglect of all duties, and bring the Lord of glory not from his Throne in Heaven to Hell, but which is worse, debase him from his glory to sin; to be the cover of sin, and protector of it. Beloved, I know no surer sign of a vessel that God intends to break in pieces then this, to live in this neglect,