The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

How shall I know that?

1. If the Lord loves thee for his Name-sake, it will draw thee to that fellowship with it self,¹ that what-ever thou wantest, thou wilt seek for it hence, by presenting that Name of God, that for his own sake he would supply:² I know the Lord loves for Christs sake, but why should Christ help? for his Name-sake: For thus many hypocrites think when they see Gods anger against them for their sin, they seek to remove that […], and when that is done, think God is at peace, and now all is well. They see the Lord is delighted with the obedience of his people, hence fall to that work, and now thin• the Lord is pleased with them. But if ever the Lord loves any man, he will first stop his mouth, whether Jew or Gentile, Rom. 3. 19. and make him on his Knees know there is no reason for it, nay all reason against it. Now hath no• the Lord brought thee to this? and hence having nothing to quench Gods anger, but Christ, hast held up him before God, and having nothing to move Christ, hast held up his Name before him, and here hast rested thy wearied heart looking to him, if any Grace be begun in thee, that he would perfect it, i• none, that he would begin it; if unfit and unworthy, to prepare thee for it, only for his own good pleasure: this is one evidence of it. As 'tis in some Seals, you can hardly perceive in the Seal what is engraven there, but set it on W•x, you may see it evidently: so here, hardly can you see the Lords love, look on thy heart if it loves him; his choice, see if thou choosest him, his love for his own sake; if thou cleavest with dearest affection to this love for its own sake, there thou art safe,