The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

Secondly, From the nature of Common-grace; the nature of which is as the Apostle speaks of lifeless knowledge, 1 Cor. 8. 1 to puff up; it never leaves the soul more sensible of his vileness, as Saving-grace doth, Ezek 16 ult. and so makes a man never rest in seeking after the Lord; but makes the soul feel himself full, and hence the stomach is gone from seeking after more, as Rev. 3. 17. She thought she was rich, &c. The Spirit of Grace which is but common, that heals a vile, proud heart, it easeth him, it quiets him, in healing some sin, which lies sore on the conscience; it heals and quiets the man, so he is well, needs no repentance; but the Spirit of life indeed destroyeth the man, and ••ays corruption, and hence he resists; and now saith the soul, I never felt my heart so vile as now; and hence, saith Paul, Sin revived, and led me captive, Oh wretched man! as it is with a Prince, if any great ones come and serve him, he likes them, this gives him rest, settles him in his Throne; but if any one come to reign over him, now he gathers all his strength to oppose: So Common grace it ever comes as a servant to corrupt; and hence take a man of best wit and parts, he turns them against the Lord, and makes them serve himself.

Secondly, From the nature of Common-grace; the nature of which is as the Apostle speaks of lifeless knowledge, 1 Cor. 8. 1 to puff up; it never leaves the soul more sensible of his vileness, as Saving-grace doth, Ezek 16 ult. and so makes a man never rest in seeking after the Lord; but makes the soul feel himself full, and hence the stomack is gone from seeking after more, as Rev. 3. 17. She thought she was rich, &c. The Spirit of Grace which is but common, that heals a vile, proud heart, it easeth him, it quiets him, in healing some sin, which lies sore on the conscience; it heals and quiets the man, so he is well, needs no repentance; but the Spirit of life indeed destroyeth the man, and ••ays corruption, and hence he resists; and now saith the soul, I never felt my heart so vile as now; and hence, saith Paul, Sin revived, and led me captive, Oh wrtched man! as it is with a Prince, if any great ones come and serve him, he likes them, this gives him rest, settles him in his Throne; but if any one come to reign over him, now he gathers all his strength to oppose: So Common grace it ever comes as a servant to corrupt; and hence take a man of best wit and parts, he turns them against the Lord, and makes them serve himself.