The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

Hence we may see the glory and excellency of the Lord Jesus above all men;¹ nay, above all the best men and best Churches living; ask David whom he loves and honours most, he will tell you, Psal. 15. 4. He despiseth a vile person, and honours them that fear the Lord; and that Christian that is most excellent had all his heart; ask any Christian, to what men his heart is most knit, and whom he doth most of all honour, if he sees one man in forty most holy most humble, most like to God, most acquainted with God, and the mind of God; a Paul for wisdom, a David for brokenness of spirit, an Abraham for Faith, a Steven for courage and zeal, &c. their very feet are beautiful, their very names are an alabaster-box broken up. And why doth he thus? Because he sees they are holy, and like to God; Oh but consider they cannot make thee holy, it is not in their liberty; though they should like thee, they cannot teach thee one truth savingly; thou hast a rugged heart, they cannot polish thee; and wild, they cannot tame it; they cannot convey one dram, or taste, or savour of the life of Grace to thee: Oh if these be lovely who only have oil in their vessels, though they can give none for thee: What is the Lord Jesus then? who is not only holy, fairer than the children of men, having all without measure; but can also make thee holy, which none of the Saints can; who not only▪ is good and holy, but doth good, and makes holy. Thou lookest sometimes upon Saints, and seest their grace and life, and mournest for want of it, keepest company with them, and wishest thou hadst their oil, but they cannot help thee to it: Oh look up to the Lord: If thou lovest and prizest them, oh prize and love the Lord much more who hath it in his hands to give it unto thee: who like a Spring sends not forth its streams to refresh it self, but the weary, but the faint,