The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

How have the Messengers and Ministers in this Country been trampled upon by some, who though they have not yet been able to reach them by their power, yet by vile reproaches so pursuing most of them, that one would stand and wonder at the blindness and boldness, not of moral men, but Church-members and Professors, and at the wrath of God upon them, that ever they should be left to be scorners of them, of whom the consciences of the vilest cannot but sometime say, verily God is with you! Yea, Grace it self hath been pretended to be the weapon, by which the Ministers of the Gospel of Christ have been fought against; and indeed the vilest opinions usually have been sheltered under Grace; that hath been the Kings colours, which the enemies of the Kingdom of Christ have lifted up to deceive▪ for in places of profession, not merit and works, old shoes, &c. but Grace and Christ, Matth. 24. 24. are most fit to deceive.

How have the Messengers and Ministers in this Country been trampled upon by some, who though they have not yet been able to reach them by their power, yet by vile reproaches so pursuing most of them, that one would stand and wonder at the blindness and boldness, not of moral men, but Church-members and Professors, and at the wrath of God upon them, that ever they should be left to be scorners of them, of whom the consciences of the vilest cannot but sometime say, verily God is with you! Yea, Grace it s•lf hath been pretended to be the weapon, by which the Ministers of the Gospel of Christ have been fought against; and indeed the vilest opinions usually have been sheltered under Grace; that hath been the Kings colours, which the enemies of the Kingdom of Christ have lifted up to deceive▪ for in places of profession, not merit and works, old shooes, &c. but Grace and Christ, Matth. 24. 24. are most fit to deceive.

And hence if Ministers have persuaded men to believe, and receive the Gospel, what can we do (say many?) God must do all; if evidences and signs of a good estate be called for out of the Word; it is a way of works, almost flat Popery in their books: If Ministers have had the Spirit burning within them, seeing people led from the truth, and so speak against them that deceive them, 'tis passion and bitterness; if they have sought to keep the hearts of Gods people close one to another, the strong man then keeps the palace: What should I name all?