The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

In this Skill and Work, as the Author of the following Sermons, was known to be among the first Three; so these Lectures of his, up on the Parable of the Virgins, have been esteemed to excel in this kind; having left such a relish upon the Hearers, as that they have not forgotten the Ta•t of them to this day. It hath therefore been the instant desire of many that heard them, and of some that have but heard of them, that they might be imparted to the Public. And surely both the Subject and the manner of handling it is such, being wholly upon those things wherein the heart and life of Religion lies, that we cannot disapprove of their Opinions, who have so earnestly desired it. All the Sermons and Books that speak to the heart of Religion are little enough to feed that, and keep life there, especially in this languishing and dying Age; wherein though there wants not common light and outward Profession, yet loss of Love and inward deadness are as common. The work being somewhat lengthy; and fitting Scribes not easily attainable in this Wilderness, it hath occasioned this delay hitherto. But we hope it will now be neither unacceptable nor unseasonable.

In this Skill and Work, as the Author of the following Sermous, was known to be among the first Three; so these Lectures of his, up on the Parable of the Virgins, have been esteemed to excel in this kind; having left such a relish upon the Hearers, as that they have not forgotten the Ta•t of them to this day. It hath therefore been the instant desire of many that heard them, and of some that have but heard of them, that they might be imparted to the Publick. And surely both the Subject and the manner of handling it is such, being wholly upon those things wherein the heart and life of Religion lies, that we cannot disapprove of their Opinions, who have so earnestly desired it. All the Sermons and Books that speak to the heart of Religion are little enough to feed that, and keep life there, especially in this languishing and dying Age; wherein though there wants not common light and outward Profession, yet losse of Love and inward deadnesse are as common. The work being somwhat lengthy; and fitting Scribes not easily attainable in this Wildernesse, it hath occasioned this delay hitherto. But we hope it will now be neither unacceptable nor unseasonable.