A59665:301
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.
CHAP. VII.
Concerning a Christians Duty of being constantly and continually ready to meet Christ, and to enjoy Communion with him.
2. Took their Lamps. SECT. I.
Much dust is raised, and much Dispute is made, especially by Popish interpreters, What the Lamps, what the Oil, what the Vessels should be? The general conceit of most of them is: that by Oil is meant good works, and by Lamps Faith; answerable to their own conceit, that not Faith but good works chiefly save: Whereas if we consider the thing rather e contra, that by lighted Lamps are meant good works, or external shining profession, according to that of Christ, Mat. 5. Let your light so shine before men, &c. and that by Oil should be meant Faith, because 'tis inward, and is the nourishment of works and outward profession. And in this sense some of our Divines do take this Scripture; and the Rhemists likewise, who understand by Lamps lighted, good works; by Oil a good intention: To which 'tis answered by Cartwright, (that burning and shining light of our Times) that rather by Lamps lighted is to be understood, watchful minds alway lifted up in attending for the coming of Christ, according as 'tis ver. 13. And I doubt not but this is one thing aimed at, that they took their Lamps, i. e. were watchful for Christs coming. But when I weigh other circumstances, methinks there is somewhat else more plainly and principally intended, of which I scarce read any Divine, but he gives a hint of, viz. that by lighted Lamps, and taking of them, is meant nothing else but the readiness of the Churches to meet and to have fellowship with the Lord Jesus. And my Reasons are these: