The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

SECT. III.

Answ. 1. In regard of the baseness of other things wherein men do use to glory; the wise man in his wisdom, the strong man in his strength, the rich man in his wealth: There are Three things which make these base.

First, These things make a man not the more to be accepted of God; the Lord respects not, values not the worth of any man by these things; and to make all the world know this, he staineth the pride of all glory, and chooseth the poor and foolish things of the world to confound the wise; a wise man will never respect the horse the more because it carries store of rich treasures, he will not fall down and reverence it for this; hang Swine about with pearls, who honours them the more? and will a wise God respect a man the more for these things? 1 Pet. 3. 5. What is that that is of great price with God? Holiness is of great price with God: And what though all the world honour a man, and a man honoureth himself, while this is wanting?