The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

SECT. II.

Hence let this be an item to all the people of God, to preserve with all care, and not to lose,¹ but to make much of the Spirit of Grace inherent in them; for look as the Lord Jesus, when he would make his Disciples wonder at their blessedness, and make much of him, and his love, saith he, Many Kings and Prophets have desired to see these days, and have not seen them; so many professors of great parts and gifts shall desire to have that Spirit of Grace and Peace which you have, and shall never see it, never shall have it: when Davids heart began to be drawn away by the evils of the world, and then beheld the vanity of that, his desires are now turned another way, Oh it is good for me to draw nigh to God, that's good: As if he had said, though it be good to have the things themselves; yet it is not good for me to draw too nigh in my desires and esteem of them, but good for me to draw nigh to him. It may be sometimes your hearts are taken off from esteeming your condition, and what the Lord hath done for you; and hence no desire after the Lord or his Grace, but the lawful comforts of the world, not inordinately, but if I had so much, or as good as others, then well. Psal. 141. 4. David entreats the Lord not to incline his heart after any evil thing, no not after the wickeds good things, Let me not eat of their dainties; for grant that thou losest all these things, which others have; the time will come when the greatest Prince, and those that have their desires filled here, shall say, Oh that I was in that mans estate! Let the Lord therefore exercise you with many wants and sorrows; remember this, your end will be peace, which the worst would give a world for another day.

HEnce let this be an item to all the people of God, to preserve with all care, and not to lose,