A59665:2306
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.
1. They cannot think a thought; Christ furnisheth them with thoughts; the Minister knows not what to say, yet his thoughts are from him.
2. They cannot speak; hence Ephes. 6. 19. the Lord opens their mouth; Ezekiel must be dumb for a time.
3. Have they therefore any knowledge of the mysteries of Christ? it is to teach the Church, 2 Cor. 4. 5, 6. all their gifts and spiritual abilities, though never so great, and peculiarly sanctified, but it is for them, 2 Cor. 2. ult. have they any temptations, tribulations, and gain by them, viz. spiritual consolations? it is for them that are sad, that want it, 2 Cor. 1. 4, 5. (and though it is true, there is in other Christians Christian abilities to help and comfort others, yet not ministerial in every Christian (the whole body is not an eye) nor which hath a special presence of the Spirit of God in it and with it) which they should never have received but for the necessities of some in the Church; there is good to be had by watering-pots, when grass and herbs are dying; but yet sometimes the rain falls, and that hath a peculiar virtue in it, as being fitted for that end; and hence Ministers are compared to clouds; and hence men will pray especially when many clouds are, the Lord grant these bottles may drop; so hither you are to look; dish-milk and flit-milk may convey some nourishment, but breast-milk hath spirit going with it; good books may be blest, but there is not that spirit in them as in lively dispensations of the Gospel by Ministers themselves.