A59665:915
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.
2. In regard of the Death and Blood of the Lord Jesus,1 which was shed not only that he might be a God unto them, but that they might be a peculiar people unto him, Tit. 2. 14. He gave himself for his people, not only to justify his people, but also to cleanse his Church, Ephes. 5. 26, 27. for this hath been Gods great plot: first to perfect his people in their Head; and then lest there should be a golden head, and feet and hands of iron and clay, and because the Church is not found lovely, therefore the Lord makes it lovely by little & little here, until it appear without spot or wrinkle at the last day. Do you think Brethren that Christs Blood was shed to work no more in his people than in Hypocrites? was it only shed to take away guilt of sin from Gods sight, and then to let a man wallow in the sins of his own heart? 'Tis true there is a work of Sanctification which Hypocrites have, which Christs Blood purchaseth, for I believe all common mercy and patience ⟨p. 133⟩comes by Christs Blood, and so all common Gifts and Graces; but yet Beloved there is a vast difference, their wills were never changed though their minds were much enlightened; hence they sinned wilfully. The Lord never was dear to them, hence secret despite grew up, that at last they committed the impardonable sin, Hos. 10. 26, 29.
2. In regard of the Death and Blood of the Lord Jesus,1 which was shed not only that he might be a God unto them, but that they might be a peculiar people unto him, Tit. 2. 14. He gave himself for his people, not only to justifie his people, but also to cleanse his Church, Ephes. 5. 26, 27. for this hath been Gods great plot: first to perfect his people in their Head; and then lest there should be a golden head, and feet and hands of iron and clay, and because the Church is not found lovely, therefore the Lord makes it lovely by little & little here, until it appear without spot or wrinkle at the last day. Do you think Brethren that Christs Blood was shed to work no more in his people than in Hypocrites? was it only shed to take away guilt of sin from Gods sight, and then to let a man wallow in the sins of his own heart? 'Tis true there is a work of Sanctification which Hypocrites have, which Christs Blood purchaseth, for I beleeve all common mercy and patience