A59665:1510
The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied
The parable of the ten virgins opened & applied being the substance of divers sermons on Matth. 25, I-13 wherein the difference between the sincere Christian and the ... hypocrite ... are clearly discovered ... / by Thomas Shepherd ; now published from the authors own notes ... by Jonathan Mitchell ... Tho. Shepherd, son to the reverend author ...The parable of the ten virgins opened & applied being the substance of divers sermons on Matth. 25, I-13 wherein the difference between the sincere Christian and the ... hypocrite ... are clearly discovered ... / by Thomas Shephard ; now published from the authours own notes ... by Jonathan Mitchell ... Tho. Shephard, son to the reverend author ...
London: printed by J. Hayes for John Rothwell, 1660
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. Some only look to the out-side, like those that built the tombe• and painted the Sepulchres of the Prophets: And hence if they be inwardly zealous for external Order, Ceremony, Ordinances, carriage in garments, speeches, &c. they think the bitterness of death is past, when Agag-like they are clad with such soft raiment, and hence if there be transgression here 'tis sad: But what if they walk wi•h unbroken hearts? oh they respect not this! And so their care being taken up in trimming and making the Vessel bright, they neglect to get oil within.
2. Some only look to the out-side, like those that built the tombe• and painted the Sepulchres of the Prophets: And hence if they be inwardly zealous for external Order, Ceremony, Ordinances, carriage in garments, speeches, &c. they think the bitterness of death is past, when Agag-like they are clad with such soft raiment, and hence if there be transgression here 'tis sad: But what if they walk wi•h unbroken hearts? oh they respect not this! And so their care being taken up in trimming and making the Vessel bright, they neglect to get oyle within.
3. Some fall short here by thinking this thought, that that grace which is inward is also sincere and unfeigned: And hence do not judge themselves profane nor civil, because of their profession, nor yet Hypocrites because they do not make only an outward show, when as the dee•est hypocrisy lies under much inward affection many times: And hence they take every such work upon trust without weighing it, if double guilt, and there is no show of Coppe•, put it up, never enquiring where the bounds of truth and hypocrisy part; And hence if they have inward comfort though by a dream, they take it; If upon their sick beds after trouble they have had peace, they take it on trust; if they have any promise of rest and peace, or feel some desires, love to Ordinances, and Gods people; they take hold on promises, and trust themselves without trying, without weighing: Sudden work is superficial.