A59665:2117
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.
SECT. V.
Hence see which is the surest and safest way of evidencing our good estate, 1for here men now are perplexed, either 'tis by seeing no grace, and so expecting the witness of the Spirit, or by seeing some saving work of grace, and so looking to the witness of the Word, and waiting for the confirmation of the Spirit; for seals do but confirm the Promise and Covenant; if it be by seeing no grace, then either by seeing no grace, without having the being of it, and now wait for a revelation, and then 'tis a delusion, for he is under the condemnation of the Word, and therefore far from consolation of the Spirit; or by seeing no grace without seeing the being of it: If so, then a man must seek for a witness of the Spirit, without understanding the meaning of the Spirit, or of the witness of it; and so a man must shut his eyes against part of the truth, that he may see another part; a man must see that he is beloved, but not thou believer, or thou called, art loved or justified. Oh then take heed of this way of evidence; or else by now seeing grace, and waiting for a witness; now this is safest; for when ever the witness comes it is certainly right now, not a delusion: Hereby we shall see the full meaning of the witness and compass of the Lords love. And therefore take heed of denying all grace, and seeing nothing, and then wait for a Revelation, and if it comes now 'tis right; no such matter; you may see nothing, and to hell, and no consolation to them that see nothing; think not that this is poverty; it may be a seal to a blank, to such a one as the Lord never intended mercy unto; that which God promiseth pray for, Zach. 13. ult. first, to say It is my people, and then the Lord is my God; find that the Lord makes you his people, and then say so. Let all know this is never questioned, whether the Spirit be the cause of witness, and clearing our estate; but whether by seeing nothing, or showing something; here's the mystery of it: Oh that God would make you hear, that are called away from the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ: These foolish Virgins were wiser than many now a days in this particular, they cried for oil in their lamps, or they knew they could not be accepted of the Bridegroom.