The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

That all those that are espoused to Christ,¹ and beloved of Christ, they ought not only to look, but to long for the coming of, and their everlasting communion with the Lord Christ Jesus. For the consummation of their marriage with him, that though he be gone, our hearts may be with him, before our souls be, or before our souls and bodies be; that though we may die, and lie down in the dust, our desires may live and lie in Heaven, and cry come Lord. Now do not think this point true, and so far good if we could reach it, but this is a high pitch, for you must long for it. God forbid a Christian espoused to Christ, should plead that work too much, which Hypocrites, the five foolish Virgins in their kind attained to. See Presidents for this in all ages: Abraham, and those in his time, who was Father of the Faithful, Heb. 11. 15, 16. A better Country, where they might have fellowship with the Lord, and hence God is not ashamed, &c. As if the Lord were ashamed of all them to be his people, that profess themselves so, but desire not this. In Christ's time, Simeon, Luke 2. 29. with 25. Where he waited for the consolation of Israel, &c. to enjoy more of him. In the Apostles time, 'tis also that which they all felt, 2 Cor. 5. 2. In this we groan earnestly, &c. But you will say, It may be this was because of miseries, and want of Ordinances, &c. Therefore see in the last age of the Church, when the new Jerusalem was built, and when peace, and when Christ's face was seen in his House, yet then the Spirit and the Bride say come,