The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

Hence if any man hath lost his glory and esteem in the consciences of the¹ people of God, see how to recover it; the Country is full of complaints and murmurings; among the rest this is one of the sorest that many complain of' They are not respected, they are no body; they had this and that esteem in their own Country of such Ministers, Christians, and were of this esteem; now the market is fallen here, and hence offended at every one, and cannot pass for members in many Churches; and hereupon bear a private grudge against the Church, and all Ordinances in it, and fly Towns, or sit still, and comfort themselves their conscience is clear, &c. It is with many as it is with Bristol -stones, they are like pearls, and so they go till they come to the Jewellers; and then when tried not worth two pence; so many men never came to the trial, as here Gods providences try some men more than ever losses, sorrows; Gods Ordinances try men, and thus they are found too light; would you now recover it? Oh get a Spirit of holiness! and think, Oh I have had a high esteem of my self; but I fall short of that brokenness for my vileness, and want that esteem of, and acquaintance with the Lord Jesus, that the glory of the Lord is not to this day risen upon me; Oh then make after, and merchandise for this, Prov. 3. 14, 15, 16. Sometimes a godly man loseth this; is there not inwardly a decay of holiness and hence God hath forsaken, and suffered to fall into some sin, so as man hath seen it; do you think the Lord will honour you in the hearts of his people, while you dishonour him? when you live in a vain dead-hearted condition, and disguise your selves, or in impenitency for open offences either of opinion or practice; Be it far from me, saith the Lord,