The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

That all Reprobates being estranged from God, and God from them, are also strangers to this resty this life of God,¹ this life of Glory, Eph. 4. 18. and therefore seek for it and seek it out of the Paps of the creature, and that which is not God. And thus their hearts are full of the world, Psal. 17. 14. Dust they eat, and upon their bell•es they go, shift for it where they will, they shall never find it in him: And if they do find it any where else in this world, let them fill themselves to the full, for they have their portion, they have their reward. And hence they do (•• unregenerate men living) find their rest in something out of God▪ rest to their Consciences in duties, and something of God, rest of their hearts in some Creatures, either ••lawful or •••ful, Mat. 24. 38. And there is never a carnal bea••, but give him his imaginary content here, and he would desire to live here as a• exile from God, and to be without him, if there were no Hell, no plagues, etc. For here is their treasure, not above; here are thy good things: and this is the very reason why a man lives without God, nay when he stands convinced […], nay when troubled with thoughts of this, and no duties can ease him, because something out of God is his bottom to stand upon, and his rest and peace; It may be meat, drink, health, sleep, occasional delights and a quiet life. That as 'tis with Seamen, they can endure winds and weather, and rent Sails, and torn Masts, because they live upon that Trade; another will not: So 'tis here. Though many troubles of mind, yet they ply that Oa•, 'tis their living.

That all Reprobates being estranged from God, and God from them, are also strangers to this resty this life of God,