The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

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.

3. Some fall short here by thinking this thought, that that grace which is inward is also sincere and unfained: And hence do not judge themselves prophane nor civil, because of their profession, nor yet Hypocrites because they do not make only an outward shew, when as the dee•est hypocrisie 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 shew of Coppe•, put it up, never enquiring where the bounds of truth and hypocrisie 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.

4. Some feel a want of these things, and content themselves with desires, and so never come to be indeed […] they desire to be; Its true, Saints feel wants and desire supply: But 1. They are never satisfied till 'tis so indeed: My flesh is meat indeed. 2. They are humble and vile in their own eyes till the Lord help; but these like Solomons sluggard, desire and have not; whereas in things of lesser worth they will not do so, They will not only desire, but indeed till the ground; If one neglects to till, though they answer, I desire, and God accepts that, every one will say he is deceived; their hunger is their food; they build the sluggards nest of desire, and there sit: Oh therefore take heed you fall not short here! Take heed your prayers and desires prove not lazy and unfaithful Messengers which you send to your Friends to come and help you, and they go half way and no further,