The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

SECT. I.

That Christs absence, or tarrying long from the Churches, is an occasion (though mans corruption) of all security in the Churches.¹

THat Christs absence, or tarrying long from the Churches, is an occasion (though mans corruption) of all security in the Churches.¹

1. 1Observation 4.

While Christ delays the Bride sleepeth; look as it was with the Israelites, when Moses went first from them up to the mount, they had no speech of making a Calf; but when he stayed long from them, now they make it, and make merry with it; so it is here, Exod. 32. 1. The holy Apostle notes this to be in the last days, 2 Pet. 3. 3, 4. Men shall say Where is the promise of his coming? all things remain as they were; and hence scoffers (it may be with the tongue) at least in the heart, and so walking after their own lusts; hence Matth. 24. 49. you see an evil servant smite his fellow servants (what is the reasons of divisions between men?) one smites with the tongue, the other with the hand, and the other suffers; (and to eat and drink with the drunken) it is a sign of a secure man when (though he falls not into a profane course, but) he can bear with it in others, to sit by and see others sin without check; what is the cause of this? he saith (not with his tongue, but in his heart, My Lord delays his coming: The very scope of the parable i to show the sin of men herein, and to prevent it by watchfulness.