The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

3. In seeing the Lord in the Glory of his Grace, or fitness for him, and this is the main: for look as 'tis in Marriage, there is a respect to Beauty and feature, and that draws. Now a Woman sometimes appears to one so, that though Portion be great, &c. yet he cannot like, another can because God hath a hand in it, and what fits the fancy, that's beauty: there is a suitableness every way. So Christ is presented with a rich portion to many, and yet they cannot like, cannot see a Beauty, because they cannot see a fitness and suitableness to them, and for them: another man can, because he sees a fitness and suitableness in the Lord Jesus for him, in respect of his misery and sin, and his gracious disposition, John 1. 14. But we saw his glory full of Grace and truth. Psalm 45. 2. Thou art fairer than the ⟨p. 78⟩children of men, full of Grace are thy lips: which is so beautiful in the Lords eyes, that the Father hence exalts the Son, for all the Grace he shows to his Elect. Now what makes Christ appear fit? Answ. The knowledge of a mans self, and sense of vileness; hence Luke 7. 29, 30. The Pharisees despised the counsel of God against themselves, when Publicans justified God, &c. And 'tis a Rule, that the saving-knowledge of Christ is dependant upon the sensible knowledge of a mans self. Let a Christian in Christ lye in his sins, and comfort himself in Remission of them without repentance, he may talk of Christ, but no beauty will appear in Christ: So 'tis at first, first the Soul feels sin, and that God is holy, and will hate him: then the Lord shows Christ; come to call such. Yea but I have no good, and cannot help my self; Christ appears fit to seek out such. Oh but I cannot see, nor believe, nor be affected; Christ appears one fit to do all, full of wisdom to perform the Second Covenant. Oh but I want all things; Christ appears all-sufficient. Oh but I shall fall; Christ appears constant in his love. Oh but he is far to seek; Christ appears present. Oh but I shall sin; Christ appears merciful to bear with, and heal infirmities. Oh but I shall believe too soon; he is fit to prepare and dispose. Oh but all the world will be against me; Christ therefore appears fit to rule all for me. Oh but Death and Grave may hurt me; Christ appears fit who hath conquered all: and this is ever in the Saints. Now least you should think you have this when you have not;