A59665:2036
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.
Thirdly, That grace is so dark and obscure a thing always as no evidence can be had by it, though it be peculiar grace: this is a high degree of disgrace to the Spirit of Grace; if one should say here is a man, but believes not his testimony, 'tis doubtful and very questionable what ever he saith, it is a dishonour to him, take heed of this: When the Spirit of Holiness comes to us in form, it comes thus, with little peace; but when in power, with much assurance, 1 Thess. 1. 5. It is a sad thing, if that which was the complaint of the Prophet, shall be the complaint of the Spirit, Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed!
Thirdly, That grace is so dark and obs•ure a thing always as no evidence can be had by it, though it be peculiar grace: this is a high degree of disgrace to the Spirit of Grace; if one should say here is a man, but believes not his testimony, 'tis doubtful and very questionable what ever he saith, it is a dishonor to him, take heed of this: When the Spirit of Holiness comes to us in form, it comes thus, with little peace; but when in power, with much assurance, 1 Thess. 1. 5. It is a sad thing, if that which was the complaint of the Prophet, shall be the complaint of the Spirit, Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed!
2. Take heed of decaying in a spirit of bounty and love, and in largeness of heart to all the people of God, nay, to all men, so far as you have time and strength; let a man be never so great a Prince, if he once lose his bounty, he loseth his glory; so here Isa. 58. 8. Give bread to the hungry, then shall thy light break out of obscurity: Many complain that New-England hath so little love, Non-members not visited, not regarded (though many times unjustly) Oh they thought to see so much love, and care, and pity; but here they may live and never be spoken to, never visited; Oh take heed of this; Nothing beautifies a Christian in the eyes of others more than much love, (hypocrisy is naught) Oh excel here; visit poor families, sit one half hour and speak to discouraged hearts, show kindness to strangers; such you were; Isle warrant God will bless you, this was the glory of Christ, full of grace and truth.