The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

TO quicken up all those doubting,¹ drooping, yet sincere hearts, that much question the love of Christ to them, Now to use all diligence to make their Calling, and Election, and the love of Christ sure to them, not but that it's sure on Christs part, but make it sure on your part too; else how can you be in a readiness to meet the Lord Jesus; while the strong man keeps the Palace, the Goods be in peace; but when Christ hath once driven Satan out of his Throne, ••en nothing sometimes but war, but doubts and fears; Satan told God to his face, Job served him for nought, much more will he accuse the Soul it se•f: and some Divines think the very first ingredient of Satan's poison, and the first assault on Christ himself, Mat. 4. was by seeking to make him doubt of his Sonship, If thou be the Son of God, &c. And his wiles are here very great, that hence very few living christians have any settled comfortable evidence of Gods eternal love to them in his Son: and hence many sad events follow. How can any bless the Lord for that love which he knows not of? many times 'tis with a mans doubts drooping from his mind, as 'tis with his continual dropping on his Lungs, there is a daily consuming of what once was; that many a christian doubts away his life, his heart, his strength, and when all is wasted, glad now to return to that where ⟨p. 46⟩he should at first have begun. And hence in one word, he is made every day unready for Christ. Oh therefore quiet not your selves in that estate as I fear too many do (at least for a time) it's one of the most dangerous estates that can be, to be troubled with weak fears, and yet rest in uncertain hopes; but bring it to a conclusion, Is the Lord Jesus mine or no? and if he be yours, and his love yours, see it, that you may trample on the neck of death, and triumph over hell, and the grave, and long to be with the Lord, and love the appearing of the Lord, and go away with joy unspeakable and full of glory out of this world, as to your Wedding, and if there be any hope of getting it, who would be without it? Some of you it may be have a long time been careless in seeking for it, hence want it, some of you have been traders with the Lord long, and yet doubt; some of you have not clear evidence, but content your selves without being thankful to the Lord for what he hath done for you, hence still doubt.