A59665:2420
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.
Hence see what a great sin it is not to receive evidence of mercy and comfort from any promise of Christ wherein he reveals his love to his Spouse;1 if Christ shall come as a Bridegroom to you, by what promise soever (therefore) he shall manifest his love to you, receive it; some would not have Christians to receive evidence of Christ's love by any conditional promise; but remember this, that if Christ doth not speak them, if they be not the Bridegrooms voice, or if not true, then do not receive them, or any evidence from them; nay if he doth not by his own Spirit clear them, and apply them; but if they be the voice of the Bridegroom, if you be friends, or show your selves friends, rejoice at it, Joh. 3. 29. As for that immediate revelation of his love, expect it at his meeting when you shall see him face to face; in the mean while if he by his letter reveals his love, Oh make much of it because it is your Bridegrooms; if the day of Judgement be come, and Resurrection past, and ⟨p. 114⟩Christ seen immediately, then look not for your evidence from such Scriptures; but if otherwise, then own his love here if he speaks. It is true, it would be a sweet thing if that day would come; yet as Christ said to Tho• as so say I to you, Blessed are they which have not seen and yet believed; and therefore when ever the Lord doth this, first or last; hear his voice, and believe his word. Do not say you see nothing in your selves; suppose a woman should make a match by love and consent, though hardly; she did •ath him, but he was so mighty as to prevail for her goodwill, and now she is comforted; and another should come and say to her, How do you know this? Why thus he sought me, thus I concluded with him, and so sixth: 'Tis no match; Why? You must see no consent, no love no embracings, &c. would not such a one be counted a deceiver? 2 Tim. 4. 8.
Hence see what a great sin it is not to receive evidence of mercy and comfort from any promise of Christ wherein he reveals his love to his Spouse;1