A59665:2073
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.
Object. But to stand so long, and yet to fall, seems strange?
Answ. If soon it is a wonder, but if long it is no wonder; if once past growing, you do not wonder if an oak be now decaying.
Obj. But they keep their profession still, only in one thing vile, the error is only in their minds; a spirit of dissension from the people of God.
Obj. But they keep their profession still, only in one thing vile, the error is only in their minds; a spirit of discention from the people of God.
Ans. Scarce shall you see one man in a hundred that is vile in every thing, that falls totally; the foolish Virgins did not so, yet their oil was spent, and their lamps going out; there was a man that was slain suddenly, and his blood in his face was fresh, his beauty glorious, and many weeks continued without putrefaction, yet life within was gone; so 'tis the condition of many a man by one wound or sin: And hence a Physician at Wittenberg writes of the cause of it; be not therefore offended at them, but wonder at the Lord that he keeps thee; I know there are decaying Saints, but they recover again here.