The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

First, Sometime it is because they know not what that measure is which doth accompany salvation; but they set up an imagination of their own heads, which is a false image of Saving-grace, and when they have that, now they think all is well, and they go no further. Judg. 2. 11, 12. People that know not the Lord, nor the po•er of his grace, will set up other gods, and serve them, and there rest; until it is with them, as it was with those, when the anger of the Lord waxeth hot, and spoilers come, now they cry unto the Lord; What is the reason why many a man falls short of the righteousness which is of God, viz. of Faith? Because he sets up in his head a righteousness of his own; and if I get that, then I hope the Lord will accept me, and forgive me; and hence Rom. 9. 31, 32. why did they miss of it? Because they sought it by a righteousness which is of their own; so why do many miss of Faith? because they think it is an assurance; or when a man rests upon Christ, not considering the need of an Almighty power; and hence the Apostle prays for this, Ephes. 1. 19. So for Repentance, why do men fall short of it? they think it is when Gods anger is expressed, the soul then comes to seek the Lord, and finds some comfort Psal. 78. Matth. 3. and so runs away with it: So for Holiness, they think it is to be like others; and then well, they think these are the men that shall live, and are happy; and look as it is like it was at Babel, when head and tongues were confounded, one calls for a Brick, the other brings him a Trowel, Hammer or Tile, because he did but imagine what he spake, and so understood not his language; So 'tis here; men read and hear God speak, and Ministers call for Faith, and knowledge of God; but earthly minds cannot understand heavenly language; and hence they imagine that is Faith and Repentance which indeed is not, and so miss of that which indeed else would continue; and this is the misery of many thousands that in seeing see not. The experience of the work of grace, makes men savingly to know what Grace is, John 5. 37, 38