The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

4. Nor yet in the power of any means; as many think, if under a powerful Ministry, then they are out of danger. 'Tis not in Paul, nor Apollos, but in the Lord. ⟨p. 229⟩Men may rejoice in Johns Ministry, and be affected with it, but 'tis only for a season. But,

4. Nor yet in the power of any means; as many think, if under a powerful Ministry, then they are out of danger. 'Tis not in Paul, nor Apollos, but in the Lord. ⟨p. 229⟩Men may rejoyce in Iohns Ministry, and be affected with it, but 'tis only for a season. But,

I. In regard of the eternal Election and Purpose of God. Their constancy in the State of Grace depends upon that immutability of his counsel, Matth. 24. 24. They shall deceive if possible the Elect; but its not possible, they being Elect. Wise men may have their Brains crazed, and Nebuchadnezzar like, the use of reason gone, but the Principle of reason continues, and the use of it in time returns again; and so 'tis in regard of damning delusions, 2 Tim. 2. 19. Hymeneus and Philetus fell; Hence do not the Elect f•ll? No, for that Foundation remains sure. 1. The certainty of their continuance in Grace is built upon a Foundation. 2. Not every weak one, but a firm Foundation. 3. Not a Foundation of mans laying, but Gods. 4. Not a wavering and tottering, but standing Foundation, and that sealed with the Knowledge of God, the Lord knows who are his, i. e. though some men fall, that one cannot tell by outward expressions and profession who are the Lords, yet The Lord knows who are his, and they are sealed by his love and knowledge. And it seems this is the prime cause of the continuance of Angels,