A59665:2071
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.
Secondly, Others they sought for much in Ordinances, but finding not what they looked for, Ordinances are but as pictures fair a far off; but when men come near them, Word, and Fellowship, and people of God, then they despise them, because they find not a living God there.
Thirdly, While God keeps men under sad temptations, wants and afflictions; Oh then they are humble, and pray; but when blest with ease, and peace, and plenty, and honour, then how lofty and secure? this is better than the Lord: Never such a decay of the spirit of prayer; never was there such a confusion in the world, such burning of Cities, slaying of men, rents of Churches, God minding to stain the pride of all glory; and yet never such hearts.
Thirdly, While God keeps men under sad temptations, wants and afflictions; Oh then they are humble, and pray; but when blest with ease, and peace, and plenty, and honor, then how lofty and secure? this is better than the Lord: Never such a decay of the spirit of prayer; never was there such a conconfusion in the world, such burning of Cities, slaying of men, rents of Churches, God minding to stain the pride of all glory; and yet never such hearts.
Object. But to stand so long, and yet to fall, seems strange?