The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

But, Difficilia quae Pulchra: It is one of the Oracles uttered by our Lord with his own mouth, Strait is the Gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. It is not so easy a thing to get to Heaven, nor so broad a way thither, as the slight and loose Opinions of some, and Practises of more would make it, nor as the carnal hearts of all would have it. Though that (if it be examined) is the common Scope of all Erroneous Conceits (and how restlessly ⟨image 3⟩have the corrupt minds of men laboured therein in all ages, and do in these our days) to widen the way to Life, to break down the Boundaries of this narrow Path, and make it broader than ever God made it. Mans carnal heart finds it self pinioned and straitened in the way (the good old way of effectual Faith and obedience) that God hath laid out; hence it breaks out on this hand and on that, and will rather pluck up the ancient Land-marks of Gods Truth, than not make it broader. The Gospel will not afford men a way broad enough, unless the Law be quite removed (not only as a Covenant, but as a commanding Rule of Life too) and laid flat like an old Hedge, that they may go over it at pleasure, and not attend it any further than their spirit listeth. Justification by Faith is too narrow a path, unless they may be justified before and without Faith, it is not free enough; they complain of it as if it laid them under a Covenant of works. Conditional Promises are of too straight a size, they must be all absolute, and give us peace without any qualification in us, or else they are not large enough. To be solicitous about Sanctification and inherent Grace, is too troublesome; to seek God diligently in the use of all means, in a daily and hearty performance of holy Duties, in a strict Sanctifying of Sabbaths, in constant watchfulness, &c. this must be laid by, as a Legal Business. And if the Spirit immediately will act us and carry us in a Bed of ease to Heaven, without troubling us to act and strive, well and good; otherwise men will shake hands with the power of Godliness, and run a drift before their own Corruptions. But when all Stones are turned, the way to Heaven is and will be found to be a straight way: Truth hath said, it is so, God hath laid it out so; and it is not all the Notions of men that will make it otherwise.

But, Difficilia quae Pulchra: It is one of the Oracles uttered by our Lord with his own mouth, Strait is the Gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. It is not so easie a thing to get to Heaven, nor so broad a way thither, as the slight and loose Opinions of some, and Practises of more would make it, nor as the carnal hearts of all would have it. Though tht (if it be examined) is the common Scope of all Erroneous Conceits (and how restlesly