The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

SECT. III.

Hence let all flesh take notice that there is such a time,¹ and day, and coming of the Lord Jesus. This was the Apostles Argument to prove a resurrection, Christ is risen, and to prove this, and so the resurrection from the dead at Christs coming, else is your Faith vain, i. e. Expectation of him vain, 1 Cor. 15. 14, & 17. Men think it easy to believe a resurrection, and a second coming of Christ for that end; but an hoverly sleight work is quickly done, and an hoverly Faith is quickly wrought. But when a man comes to look considerately, Is there such a day indeed? Is there one now in the third Heavens that will fire this whole world, and gather his Saints to his Glory? Now its very hard. Its usual with Satan to pierce with extremities, that when they do begin indeed to close with Christ, and receive comfort from him, to smite them with thoughts: Is there a Christ, and is there such a time of coming? Now of all the Arguments to convince and persuade, me-thinks none like this, viz. That there be a Generation of men in the world, that verily look for this day and see it, and have the first-fruits and beginnings of it already in their souls. A number of people that once never minded it, heard of it, but looked not for it, now to see it; flesh and blood could not, Satan would not reveal it, hence God that cannot lie, hath shown it unto them, so as they are in a manner eye-witnesses of it. Men will believe eye-witnesses of any thing, especially if many. Such are the espoused of the Lord in all ages. The things which we have heard and seen we speak.²

HEnce let all flesh take notice that there is such a time,¹ and day, and coming of the Lord Jesus. This was the Apostles Argument to prove a resurrection, Christ is risen, and to prove this, and so the resurrection from the dead at Christs coming, else is your Faith vain, i. e. Expectation of him vain,