A59665:307
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.
SECT. II.
Doct. That all those that are Espoused unto Christ, ought to be in a constant or continual readiness to meet Christ, and to have immediate communion with Christ.
Doct. THat all those that are Espoused unto Christ, ought to be in a constant or continual readinesse to meet Christ, and to have immediate communion with Christ.
A Woman may be Espoused to another, and yet she may be sometimes not ready to meet him, her foul apparel is on. So here, therefore 'tis not enough to be espoused unto Christ, but being espoused, now you ought to be in a continual readiness to clasp the Lord in your arms, and to lay your heads in his bosom in Heaven: this is commanded by Christ, Mat. 24. 44. This was the mighty power of Gods Grace in Paul, when others were weeping to think of his Bonds, Why do you break my heart, I am ready not only to be bound, but to dye for Christ, and so doubtless to be with Christ; much more ready to meet Christ when ever he shall come, ready to welcome Death, much more ready to welcome Christ, Acts 21. 13. This also is the end of Johns Ministry, Luke 1. 17. To make ready a people prepared for the Lord, to meet with Christ on earth; now he is gone, our work is to prepare a people to meet the Lord in Heaven. Hence this is put in as the difference between Vessels of wrath, and Vessels of Glory: the one are fitted for destruction, the others are fitted, prepared, or made ready for Glory, and the glory of a christian is chiefly to enjoy fellowship immediately with Jesus Christ. There is many a soul dear unto Christ, and espoused to him, and hath his heart affected to think of the good time that is coming, when we shall ever be with the Lord: but ask, are you ready yet for to go to him, though it be through fires, waters, thorns, sorrows, death it self? who can say yes? but (say mens hearts) shut the Lord out a little longer, let not the door stand open yet; yet this must be: And therefore for explications sake let me, 1. show you when the Soul is in a readiness for the Lord Jesus. 2. The reasons why there must be a continual readiness.