The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

1. Those that esteem Christ as men do Merchandise; they would fain have it, but are loath to fetch it. Men may esteem Christ, as they think, the only good; but herein their falseness appears, that they neglect means to it, because they have some good else to quiet them. And here is condemned all lazy Profession.

2. Those that would have Christ, and esteem him highly, and use means for him diligently, but they must have Christ, and world, and lust, and ease too: Christ to quiet their Consciences, and the world their hearts; Christ to rest on, when their duties fail them, and world to rest in, when the Consolations of Christ are denied unto them. The L••d is good, go up and possess it.

2. Those that would have Christ, and esteem him highly, and use means for him diligently, but they must have Christ, and world, and lust, and ease too: Christ to quiet their Consciences, and the world their hearts; Christ to rest on, when their duties fail them, and world to rest in, when the Consolations of Christ are denied unto them. The L••d is good, go up and possesse it.

1. But do the Saints come to this pitch?¹

1. 1Object.