A59665:250
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. Either the soul cannot love Christ when it sees such Laws it cannot submit to. And hence a Christian once said to me, If the least thing was left for me to do of my self, I could not love Christ; but now that when brought low and can do nothing, he brings all the help we need. This makes the Spouse go to the bosom of her Husband, Psal. 116. 6, 7. Or else,
1. Either the soul cannot love Christ when it sees such Lawes it cannot submit to. And hence a Christian once said to me, If the least thing was left for me to do of my self, I could not love Christ; but now that when brought low and can do nothing, he brings all the help we need. This makes the Spouse go to the bosom of her Husband, Psal. 116. 6, 7. Or else,
2. It cannot do it, for corruption in a Saint is too hard for his Grace, I am but a child, and thy people many, 1 Kings 3. 7. Hence he must be strong in the Lord.
Or 3. If it do, it never hath any peace in what it doth, the duties never so well done. Whereas otherwise the poorest duty done from Christ, witness Heb. 11. 4, 5. as a child bego• of the Father, he will own, but other children not. If any poor tired heart that hea•s me this day, thou hast been making thy Brick, and promises and vows will not help, now away to the Lord, if ever help now 'tis when most helpless.