A59665:507
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.
4. Immutability and certainty of standing in a happy estate, for this is that which sads the heart, I shall fall at last. How is it possible but I should be so? no Beloved, look upon the Lord Jesus, in him thou art, if he can fall, if he can dye, if he can be cast from the Fathers face, then thou mayest; believe that I live, you shall live also, John 14. 19. Adam indeed was chosen to be head of Mankind, and as when he stood perfect we stood, so (though mutably) he falling we fall: so we are chosen in Christ, and as he stands unchangeably, so we stand, and as he was tempted every way, yet did not, could not fall, no more canst thou: so that Oh that the Lord would give you hearts to learn this lesson, when there is nothing but want in thee; Do not shift so much for a little from the Lord, but see Gods end and reach it. Oh rejoice, glory in, and bless the Lord. This was Paul's life, and the life of the Churches first planted. Oh bless the Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ; this will be joy in sorrow, life in death, this is golden Faith, this will answer all fears; when Satan saith thou hast not this or that, nor canst not do this nor that, and to Hell therefore thou must go: Reply again, 'tis true, I have little, I am dead, but Christ lives for ever; I am under miseries, Christ is triumphing in Heaven for ever: I may fall in my self, I never can fall in him; that which he hath is mine.
4. Immutability and certainty of standing in a happy estate, for this is that which sads the heart, I shall fall at last. How is it possible but I should be so? no Beloved, look •pon the Lord Jesus, in him thou art, if he can fall, if he can dye, if he can be cast from the Fathers face, then thou maist; believe that I live, you shall live also, Iohn 14. 19. Adam indeed was chosen to be head of Mankind, and as when he stood perfect we stood, so (though mutably) he falling we fall: so we are chosen in Christ, and as he stands unchangeably, so we stand, and as he was tempted every way, yet did not, could not fall, no more canst thou: so that Oh that the Lord would give you hearts to learn this lesson, when there is noth•ng but want in thee; Do not shift so much for a little from the Lord, but see Gods end and rach it. Oh rejoyce, glory in, and bless the Lord. This was Paul's life, and the life of the Churches first planted. Oh bless the Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ; this will be joy in sorrow, life in death, this is golden Faith, this will answer all fears; when Satan saith thou hast not this or that, nor canst not do this nor that, and to Hell therefore thou must go: Reply again, 'tis true, I have little, I am dead, but Christ lives for ever; I am under miseries, Christ is triumphing in Heaven for ever: I may fall in my self, I never can fall in him; that which he hath is mine.