The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

1. A man may know his blessed estate in respect of time past, by a work, i. e. with a word or promise made to it, and the Spirit revealing of it, viz. the everlasting thoughts and election of God toward him, Rom. 8. 28. Them that love God, who are called according to his purpose, notwithstanding all their miseries and sins; yet love him, and so called according to his purpose, for so the Apostle raiseth up his thoughts. I know the world is full of want of love, and think it easy so to do, and like the Devil, are very kind to the Lord, as they think, while the Lord pleaseth them; who yet when the time of patience is out, shall be eternal blasphemers of him. But there is such love whereby Saints may raise up their hearts thus to see Gods love, 1 Thes. 1. 4, 5. Knowing your Election of God. How so? Immediately? Some Divines think Angels see it not so, and that its peculiar to God so to do: But mediately, for our word came in power and in much assurance to make you enlarged for God, to turn you from Idols unto God, and to wait for Christ in Heaven, seeing him here, but as in a Glass. And by the same Spirit Paul saw it, by the same Spirit they might much more see it, and so the Elect may see it. And •f experience may be added to the Truth; How many of Gods people daily, knowing their work of vocation and glory, ascend from these lower stairs of the Lords Ladder, to the highest of Election, and there are swallowed up with eternal wonderment, filling their hearts with that joy and peace, that the weak. Tabernacle of flesh and blood cannot be at the weight of that Glory long; That by works see the promise, and by the promise of love behold eternal thoughts of love: And hence promises are said to be given to Saint•, before the world began: Because promises to them that thirst, mourn, believe, &c. are not bare words, but eternal counsels, in which you see Gods purpose.

1. A man may know his blessed estate in respect of time past, by a work, i. e. with a word or promise made to it, and the Spirit revealing of it, viz. the everlasting thoughts and election of God toward him, Rom. 8. 28. Them that love God, who are called according to his purpose, notwithstanding all their miseries and sins; yet love him, and so called according to his purpose, for so the Apostle raiseth up his thoughts. I know the world is full of want of love, and think it easie so to do, and like the Devil, are very kind to the Lord, as they think, while the Lord pleseth them; who yet when the time of patience is out, shall be eternal blasphemers of him. But there is such love whereby Saints may raise up their hearts thus to see Gods love,