The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

I cannot tell you the season of every man,¹ but I will show you the usual seasons of many men.

I cannot tell you the season of every man,¹ but I will shew you the usual seasons of many men.

1. 1Answ.

1. When Jesus Christ the Sun of righteousness draws exceeding near unto the soul, and that to the reviving of others, Isai. 55. 6. but thy heart never a whit the better, not yet much troubled it is so bad. When Peter falls, a look recovers him; when Ephesus falls from her first love, to remember from whence she is fallen, is enough to restore her to her love again. When the Disciples fell after Christs death, yet when he arose and opened the Scripture, their hearts burned within them. But thou hast had Jesus Christ opening the riches of his grace from heaven, and thou hast heard a voice, but not seen the sight, the glory of the Lord in this thy day; and this thou hast done though the Sun hath come to his full height sometime: This is thy season; Gospel, and Christ, and promises, are grown common to you, &c. As it was with the possessed man, Mat. 17. 15. The Devil takes him oft, and casts him into the water and fire, but if when he come to Christ he have no help, the Lord be merciful to him then: So you have been possessed and fallen, but when the Lord Jesus comes he casts them out; but if the Lord speaks, enlightens, and cometh saying, Remember me whom thou hast abused, my wet locks, my watery eyes, and my sorrowful heart which thou hast broken, here is all my love, and this prevails not, but thou neither risest nor desirest the Lord to raise thee: This is sad. In the day of Jubilee, be a servant then for ever, if your old master still pleaseth you; especially when all means are used; when the last of a course of Physic is taken, and is ineffectual.