The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

4. Those whose Principle is nothing else but their own gain of outward blessings. Many there be that make not their honour, so much as their bellies their gods, and thy rule them, Phil. 3. 19. hence the Shop-keeper will give good words ⟨p. 184⟩when he sells his commodity, he should lose much of his custom else; and hence the Minister preacheth contionably that his gain may come in, 1. Thes. 2. 4,•. Hence people would be as good as the best, they cannot get a lot in all the Country else. Hence a man is sometime content to forsake all for Christ, that he may make a booty of Christ, as Judas did. Hence when Christ feeds them with Loaves, then the people will make him a King, John 6. though afterward they cry Crucify him. So men deal with Christ as the Soldiers did, that caught him, that they might strip him of his garments. And hence many men if they see sorrows and wants attending them, if they attend on Christ, forsake him. Look upon our own Land, many so long as they could enjoy Christ with fair weather, cry out of Ceremonies, and profaning of Sabbath: yet this not being to be had, creep to them, and read the Book for profaning thereof. Many shadows have been seen since our Sun hath risen here, and this way they looked: but viewing other mens wants, and fearing their own losses, and conceiving they may meet with Massah in this Wilderness, refuse to follow. And least this should seem to be the cause, cry out we are Separatists, or strongly possess themselves against all relations, there is no living at all here.

4. Those whose Principle is nothing else but their own gain of outward blessings. Many there be that make not their honour, so much as their bellies their gods, and thy rule them, Phil. 3. 19. hence the Shop-keeper will give good words ⟨p. 184⟩when he sells his commodity, he should lose much of his custome else; and hence the Minister preacheth contionably that his gaine may come in,