The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

1. When men had enough by them to live comfortably upon, then God and his Ordinances were desired by them, but here mens removing begetting want, want of the creature joined with fear and distrust of Gods Providence to provide for them and theirs, either sink their hearts, that Ordinances are not sweet, no more than Moses message to a people in anguish, or meat to a wounded man; or else makes them hungry after the creature, and hence lavishing out their desires, that they have none after the Lord himself.

1. When men had enough by them to live comfortably upon, then God and his Ordinances were desired by them, but here mens removing begetting want, want of the creature joyned with fear and distrust of Gods Providence to provide for them and theirs, either sink their hearts, that Ordinances are not sweet, no more than Moses message to a people in anguish, or meat to a wounded man; or else makes them hungry after the creature, and hence lavishing out their desires, that they have none after the Lord himself.

2. When men are persecuted by enemies, driven into corners, or to Townes six miles off to find a Sacrament, or hear a Sermon, then the Gospel of peace, and them that brought the glad tidings of peace, their feet were beautiful, and then men thought if one Sabbath here so sweet where Ordinances are much corrupted, if some of them be so comfortable in the midst of enemies, Oh how sweet to enjoy them all among Saints, among Friends? And so I know they be to some, and I hope to more than I know; but New-Englands peace and plenty of means breeds strange security; and hence prayer is neglected here: There are no enemies to hunt you to Heaven, nor no chains to make you cry; hence the Gospel and Christ in it is slighted. Why? Here are no sour herbs to make the Lamb sweet. And if I get no good this Sabbath, this Sermon, this Sacrament, this Prayer, I hope I shall some other time, when my heart is better, and my business is over: Not considering that the days of trouble may be near, or Gods final farewell may be quickly taken.

2. When men are persecuted by enemies, driven into corners, or to Townes six miles off to find a Sacrament, or hear a Sermon, then the Gospel of peace, and them that brought the glad tidings of peace, their feet were beautiful, and then men thought if one Sabbath here so sweet where Ordinances are much corrupted, if some of them be so comfortable in the midst of enemies, Oh how sweet to enjoy them all among Saints, among Friends? And so I know they be to some, and I hope to more than I know; but New-Englands peace and plenty of means breeds strange security; and hence prayer is neglected here: There are no enemies to hunt you to Heaven, nor no chains to make you cry; hence the Gospel and Christ in it is sleighted. Why? Here are no soure herbs to make the Lamb sweet. And if I get no good this Sabbath, this Sermon, this Sacrament, this Prayer, I hope I shall some other time, when my heart is better, and my businesse is over: Not considering that the daies of trouble may be near, or Gods final farewel may be quickly taken.