The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

I. To those that never sought the Lord effectually to this day,¹ not to neglect him now; those that are like children born before their time, that have had some sorrow after the Lord, but comforted before it was deep enough; have some desires, but eased with other things before they were satisfied with Christ himself; that have run for a spurt, but are grown weary before they come half way home, and so sit down in the way; like Clocks set slow in the first hour of the day, run slow all the day after: So these set back and think they are set right too, run slow all their life after. That as he said of a covetous man, he had a strong desire for heaven if any would bear his charges thither: So these. And to you I speak, not that never sought, but that have been seeking; yet effectually to use all means, this you never did.

1. 1Motives.Motiv•s.

1. Consider how far men have gone? What means they have used? yet have never found to this day, Luke 13. 24. Strive, saith Christ. This I speak because men think they may neglect their seasons of earnest pursuit after grace, men may sit still, and put all care from themselves to God, and live in their sloth. Oh no, Consider so many snares, so many by paths, so many deceits within, so many sins and lusts to subdue, all time and means is little enough: Take heed of spending prodigally, and think Christs grace will bear you out. Oh! look upon the cries at death-bed, to see some men that have been like famishing men that have wanted bread, and then have cried bread, bread, but could not eat it. Oh saith Paul, I beat down my body, lest in preaching to others my self become a cast away.

1. Consider how far men have gone? What means they have used? yet have never found to this day,