A59665:2106
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.
Yet many will profess this true Poverty of spirit, and this is true Sanctification indeed.
First, It is true, where there was never any of the Grace of Christ, but men have run upon Reformation without Christ, and affection, &c. there men are bound to see their black feet, and happy is the heart that can pull off every feather from such crests; but where it is, and the Lord hath given evidence thereby according to his Word; now to deny it is devilish, for it was he that said Job did not serve God for nought, and is a lye, of which he was the Father; and is great unthankfulness to the Spirit for what he hath done.
First, It is true, where there was never any of the Grace of Christ, but men have run upon Reformation without Christ, and affection, &c. there men are bound to see their black feet, and happy is the heart that can pull off every feather from such crests; but where it is, and the Lord hath given evidence thereby according to his Word; now to deny it is devilish, for it was he that said Iob did not serve God for nought, and is a lye, of which he was the Father; and is great unthankfulness to the Spirit for what he hath done.
Secondly, If there be no Grace in a Christian nor Spirit, but all in Christ, then say it upon the house tops, and be not ashamed of it; men must see nothing, because they have nothing; otherwise let this delusion rot, and never find acceptance in holy hearts; and yet how many still describe an Hypocrite by all the Graces of the Spirit, Faith, receiving Christ as King, Priest, and Prophet, &c. and so are clean creatures and upright men, by seeing nothing in themselves, contrary to Christ, Jo•. 13. You are clean, but not all.
Secondly, If there be no Grace in a Christian nor Spirit, but all in Christ, then say it upon the house tops, and be not ashamed of it; men must see nothing, because they have nothing; otherwise let this delusion rot, and never find acceptance in holy hearts; and yet how many still describe an Hypocrite by all the Graces of the Spirit, Faith, receiving Christ as King, Priest, and Prophet, &c. and so are clean creatures and upright men, by seeing nothing in themselves, contrary to Christ, Io. 13. You are clean, but not all.