The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

Secondly, Because this is no more than what the Law may bring a man unto; For by the Law Rom. 3. 20. is the knowledge of sin; i. e. not only of gross sins but also of secret sins; for Conscience which is in every mans heart will discover the first, men that live under the Law see more; and hence Paul speaks of himself, so far forth as under the Law, Rom. 7. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Now that which may be wrought in a man merely by the Law, may be wrought in a man under the Law; a man under the Law, is under the reign of the Law, which is to convince of pollution universal, and so to curse; The Law is not the ministration of life to any man, 2 Cor. 3. 7. Gal. 3. 24. and if the Law may convince of sin thus, this sight of sin and vileness is no part of eternal life; and therefore foolish Virgins may well come thus far; and this will especially be found among them where there is a searching Ministry, that there is scarce any close conveyance but the Word discovers them: Gehazi cannot carry it so closely, not Ananias so cunningly, but Elisha and Peter will find it out; Heb. 4. 12. The Word is quick and powerful, and searcheth, which is but a common work; and hence when Peter had told Simon Magus, Thou art in the gall of bitterness, he denieth it not, but saith, Oh pray for me; indeed if the Word discovers the strong-holds, and high forts, and secret lusts and imaginations, and beats them down, and so brings the Soul in subjection to Christ, and into captivity, that is it which is the power of the Gospel, and love of Christ peculiar to his peoples works; but to let a man see he hath nothing but filth, and to be a little affected with it, this is no more than what is wrought in a deceitful hearer. Jam. 1. 23, 24. The Law or Word lets a graceless heart (a forgetful hearer) see himself; and what can it truly discover to him but his vileness? this glass will discover their smallest spots; this Sun will let you see •otes; you know and see, and that's all.