The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

e. to return to thy people in thy Ordinances, for they love the stones; so then it's time for Christ to come, and then the set and fit time is come for a people to meet with Christ out of Ordinances, when the set time is come when they love Ordinances, and love Christ much more. When a man is gone beyond Se•, and all his Friends and estate are at home, they long for him, and he is left among enemies: why comes he not to them? why send not they for him? why they know he is sickly, and cannot live on the dyer of the country; hence he is unfit to come, but when that is once come to pass that he can live only on it, then he is ready when-ever they send: so when men can live with, and be content alone with Christ and his love, now they are fit. With what face can a man appear before Christ, when he requires nothing but love, and he hath not that.

e. to return to thy people in thy Ordinances, for they love the stones; so then it's time for Chri•t to come, and then the set and fit time is come for a •eople to meet with Christ out of Ordinances, when the set time is come when they love Ordinances, and love Christ much more. When a man is gone beyond Se•, and all his Friends and estate are at home, they long for him, and he is left among enemies: why comes he not to them? why send not they for him? why they know he is sickly, and cannot live on the dyer of the country; hence he is unfit to come, but when that is once come to passe that he can live only on it, then he is ready when-ever they send: so when men can live with, and be content alone with Christ and his love, now they are fi. With what face can a man appear before Christ, when he requires nothing but love, and he hath not that.

3. Then a man is unready for Christ, whiles he neglects the work of Christ, for suppose a man hath some inward love to Christ, yet neglects & hath no heart to do the work of Christ: he is as yet no more fit to meet Christ, than a Steward who hath had much betrusted him, to improve for his Lords use, and he hath let all seasons go wherein he might have traded for him, and gained somewhat to him. How can he appear before him when no fair accounts to be seen; so the Lord hath betrusted thee with many Talents, time, strength, means, &c. & you are not Lords, but Stewards of all these. Now do you not let many fair season and winds blow by, you have (if espoused to Christ) every man some work. Now how can you stand before Christ if that be neglected. Oh thus 'tis with many christians; hence those sad alarms of conscience, and shakings of Gods Spirit, after many loose dyes dipped in some good duties. What dost thou that others do not that never shall see Gods face in Heaven?