A59665:2238
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. II.
Quest. What then are the wise unwilling to communicate of the Graces they have? what Christian but is willing?
Quest. WHat then are the wise unwilling to communicate of the Graces they have? what Christian but is willing?
Answ. First, We are not to adhere to words in opening Parables, but the scope; now their scope was hereby, First to sink and humble the hearts of the foolish, and to let them know that all that which they had in time of extremity, was little enough for themselves at this season.
Secondly, This answer is made answerable to the ground of their request; you know how Hypocrites in Churches rest in outward privileges, and how they are carried unto Ordinances, but not above Ordinances indeed to Christ; and though they have some knowledge of, and lookings above them unto Christ, yet missing him, like men sinking catch hold upon that which is next, and so look for help thence; so these being in the fellowship of the wise, and admirers of them, and having got good by them, and imitated them, hence they rely too much upon them for it; and hence they answer, We have but our measure, and therefore it is not in our hands to dispense grace in times of extremity; that must come from him that hath received the Spirit without measure; so that this answer doth not imply unwillingness to communicate, but to let the others see that they were not the first that could communicate.