A59665:1844
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.
Answ. 1. Because they do so for a time.
2. When they cease, then they are ringing in Gods ears; so that let the prayers of the elect for any mercy be once offered and presented as incense before the Lord, the Lord will not be worse than an unjust Judge, never to come to his people.
Secondly, Christ is said to come to fulfil his promises; for sometimes the Lord keeps his people exceeding short, and gives his people answers to their Prayer in particular promises (you find it so) Psal. 85. 8, 9. I will hear what the Lord will say, for he will speak peace to his people, that so they may live by faith, and glory more in the Lord then in themselves; yet he will come, though it be very long, Heb. 10, 36, 36. Ye have need of patience, that ye may receive the promise; for yet a little while, &c. We think it long, yet it will be so.
Thirdly, Christ is said to come to his people when he speaks peace, and breaks the clouds of fears and troubles, and shines upon his people; for while the Lord is angry, and hides his face, that a man is beyond sight of the face and love of God, now God and Christ is said to be gone; so then, when he returns to speak peace, now he is said to come, as that Martyr said, He is come,