The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Title page – To the reader 2
THE PARABLE OF THE Ten Virgins OPENED & APPLIED: Being the Substance of divers SERMONS on Matth. 25. 1,—13. Wherein, the Difference between the Sincere Christian and the most Refined Hypocrite, the Nature and Characters of Saving and of Common Grace, the Dangers and Diseases incident to most flourishing Churches or Christians, and other Spiritual TRUTHS of greatest importance, are clearly discovered, and practically Improved,
BY THOMAS SHEPARD late Worthy and Faithfull Pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridge in NEW-ENGLAND.
Now Published from the Authours own Notes, at the desires of many, for the common Benefit of the Lords people, BY
Ionathan Mitchell Minister at Cambridge, in NEW ENGLAND.
The Shepard, Son to the Reverend Author, now Minister at Charles-Town in NEW ENGLAND.
LUKE 21. 36.
Watch ye therefore and pray alwaies, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to passe, and to stand before the Son of man.
LONDON, Printed by I. Hayes for Iohn Rothwell, at the Sign of the Fountain in Gold| smiths-Row in Cheap-side. 1660.
TO THE READER, And Especially to the Inhabitants of CAMBRIDGE IN NEW-ENGLAND.
THat to make sure of Life Eternal, is the one necessary Businesse, that we Sons of death have to do in this world, and without which, all our time here is worse than lost, every enlightned mind will easily acknowledge. This present life being by the Rule of it, appointed but to this end, to be preparation-time, spent in a continual care to make ready, that we might have a good meeting with him who shall be seen in this Aire one day. And whether we look up to Heaven, or down to Hell; whether we reflect upon our own immortal souls, or turn our eyes toward the Greatnesse and Goodnesse of that God in Christ with whom we have to do; whether we pace over the time between this and Judgment-day, or send our thoughts to view the Eternity that is to follow after. All things put a Necessity, a Solemnity, a Glory upon this work.
But, Difficilia quae Pulchra: It is one of the Oracles uttered by our Lord with his own mouth, Strait is the Gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. It is not so easie a thing to get to Heaven, nor so broad a way thither, as the slight and loose Opinions of some, and Practises of more would make it, nor as the carnal hearts of all would have it. Though th…t (if it be examined) is the common Scope of all Erroneous Conceits (and how restlesly have the corrupt minds of men laboured therein in all ages, and do in these our daies) to widen the way to Life, to break down the Boundaries of this narrow Path, and make it broader than ever God made it. Mans carnal heart finds it self pinioned and straitned in the way (the good old way of effectual Faith and obedience) that God hath laid out; hence it breaks out on this hand and on that, and will rather pluck up the ancient Land-marks of Gods Truth, than not make it broader. The Gospel will not afford men a way broad enough, unlesse the Law be quite removed (not only as a Covenant, but as a commanding Rule of Life too) and laid flat like an old Hedge, that they may go over it at pleasure, and not attend it any further than their spirit listeth. Justification by Faith is too narrow a path, unlesse they may be justified before and without Faith, it is not free enough; they complain of it as if it laid them under a Covenant of works. Conditional Promises are of too straight a size, they must be all absolute, and give us peace without any qualification in us, or else they are not large enough. To be solicitous about Sanctification and inherent Grace, is too troublesom; to seek God diligently in the use of all means, in a daily and hearty performance of holy Duties, in a strict Sanctifying of Sabbaths, in constant watchfulnesse, &c. this must be laid by, as a Legal Businesse. And if the Spirit immediatly will act us and carry us in a Bed of ease to Heaven, without troubling us to act and strive, well and good; otherwise men will shake hands with the power of Godlinesse, and run a drift before their own Corruptions. But when all Stones are turned, the way to Heaven is and will be found to be a straight way: Truth hath said, it is so, God hath laid it out so; and it is not all the Notions of men that will make it otherwise. And hence those solemn Counsels of the Scripture, Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Give all diligence to make all sure, Str…ve to enter in at the Straight Gate, So run that you may obtain, &c. though they be little attended by the loosenesse of these times, yet they are of endlesse Moment and use, and had need be awfully regarded by all that love their everlasting peace.
He therefore that is in earnest about this great businesse, will be glad of any good help to guide him in this way, this straight way to Life. And though there be many choice helps herein already extant, in the precious Labours of sundry of the Lords Faithful Servants, for which this Age hath cause on bended Knees to blesse the Lord, and which will be such a testimony against the wantonnesse thereof, as it will never be able to answer: Yet of those that do clearly, particularly, livelily and searchingly discover and mark out this straight way, with the several practical turns thereof, and shew where they that miss of the end at last, do turn out of it, although they go far therein; of those that Pilot us, when we come into the narrow Channel, unto the very point of entrance into life, and shew us the Rocks and Shoals on either hand distinctly; of these (I say) there is not too great a number. For to speak any good and useful Truths, is good and commendable; but yet it is another and a further matter to hold the Candle to the poor people of God (even to the meanest) to light them to Heaven, or to take the soul by the hand, and lead if from step to step through all the difficulties, deceits and turnings at which the closest Hypocrites do misse their way and lose themselves; and to do this so convincingly, throughly and distinctly, as that the secrets of hearts may be made manifest, the secure self-deceiver discovered and awakened, and yet the humble upright Christian confirmed and encouraged.
In this Skill and Work, as the Author of the following Sermous, was known to be among the first Three; so these Lectures of his, up on the Parable of the Virgins, have been esteemed to excel in this kind; having left such a relish upon the Hearers, as that they have not forgotten the Ta…t of them to this day. It hath therefore been the instant desire of many that heard them, and of some that have but heard of them, that they might be imparted to the Publick. And surely both the Subject and the manner of handling it is such, being wholly upon those things wherein the heart and life of Religion lies, that we cannot disapprove of their Opinions, who have so earnestly desired it. All the Sermons and Books that speak to the heart of Religion are little enough to feed that, and keep life there, especially in this languishing and dying Age; wherein though there wants not common light and outward Profession, yet losse of Love and inward deadnesse are as common. The work being somwhat lengthy; and fitting Scribes not easily attainable in this Wildernesse, it hath occasioned this delay hitherto. But we hope it will now be neither unacceptable nor unseasonable.
These Sermons are now transcribed by industrious and intelligent persons, and have been carefully reviewed and corrected. They are written out of the Authors own Notes, which he prepared for preaching (only about a Sheet himself wrote out in his life-time, having thoughts it seems of yielding to their desires who were earnest for their publishing) by means whereof, though the Reader will often meet with Curtnesse of expression, and though some lively passages that were uttered in preaching may be wanting, yet you will have this benefit to have much in a little room. It may also easily be observed that nor curiosity of words, but weight of things was here studied by, and flowed from the heart and pen of the Author, which yet produceth the best and truest, i. e. a real Rhetorick. In summe, although many imperfections incident to such post-humous Editions cannot be wanting, yet we doubt not but the work will speak for it self, to the intelligent and serious Reader.
We are not ignorant that there be some who somwhat differ from this our Author in the accommodation of this Parable, and Analysis of some part of the Context, referring it to the times about the expected calling of the Iews (and if so, the substance of the work may be accounted to be in a more than ordinary manner proper and seasonable for these times) But therein every man is left free to his own further disquisitions. Neither is it for the sake of the bare exposition (much lesse Chronical Accomodation) of the Text so much, that we publish these things (in that kind the Labours of others do abound) but for the spiritual, practical, lively, soul-searching truths and applications thereof that are therein contained, the substance of which Truths the impartial Reader will easily acknowledge to be clear both from this and from other Scriptures.
These Sermons preached by the Author, in a weekly Lecture, were begun in Iune 1636. and ended in May 1640. In which time there was a Leaven of Antinomian and Familistical opinions stirring in the Country, as the world hath already in Print been informed: By occasion whereof of the Reader will meet with sundry passages tending to reprove and refute some of those conceits and to establish the contrary truth; which we have not expunged, but let them passe mostly as we found them; seeing it is no more then the world already knows that there were such things then among us; and though that storm be (as to it's open influence) comfortably blown over with us, yet the like errours are (if not latent among some here) spread elsewhere by the New Lights of these times, whence these helps against them are still needful. And we doubt not but the substance of the Truth here defended by our Author will stand and abide the Trial. Yea I suppose I may freely take liberty to say, that among the many excellencies wherewith the Lord endowed this precious instrument of his, this was none of the least, that God taught him, and helped him to teach others the ture middle way of the Gospel between the Legalist on the one hand, and the Antinomian (or loose Gospeller) on the other, with much and sweet clearnesse, as was evident in the whole course and way of his preaching, and may in some measure appear both in his Books formerly printed, and in the following Sermons. Other passages also of special application to this Country and to those first times of it, we willingly permit to passe the Presse, because they may be profitable to others in like cases elsewhere, and of special benefit to the New-English Reader, For why should we not desire and hope that the sutable solemn counsels and warnings here given to these Churches by this Seer in Israel, in reference to the main matters of life and godlinesse, may now be of living, awakening and soul-instructing use to them (Oh that it may be!) unto many Generations!
Reader, if thou comest …ither to carp and cavil, or to criticise upon each circumstantial imperfection, this work is not for thy turn; but if thou bringest with thee a serious and humble heart, desirous to have thy soul searched to the quick, the sores thereof lanced, thy spiritual work and way directed, and the interest of thy eternal peace furthered; if thou desirest to walk with God in good earnest, and escaping all the snares of a slight and slumbring Generation, to stand before the Son of man with comfort in the day of his Glory, then maist thou here find that that will sute thee, and which thou wilt blesse the Lord for, even words that are as Goads and Nails fastned by this Master of Assemblies, given from that one and chief Shepherd. The Lord fix and fasten them in all our hearts, that abiding and being engrafted there, they may be instrumental to further our Salvation, that neither deficiency in the main, nor sloathful security, may hinder us from our desired end; but when that chief Shepherd and that Heavenly Bridegroom, who now sends to us by so many Servants and Messages of his, both in Word and Writing, shall appear himself in the Glory of his Father, and of all his holy Angels, we also may receive a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away, and (for the last consummation of this happy Marriage) may go home with him to his Fathers House, there to abide in his Rest, in the Fulnesse of his joy, and drink down his Pleasures for evermore.
And you that somtimes were the Flock of this Shepherd, and have heard these things from the lively voice of this Soul… melting Preacher, whom you never can forget; let it be a welcom Providence to have these Truths thus revived to you, and put into your hands, that he who is dead, may yet speak to you and yours. Get them into your Houses to read, nay, into your Hearts to feed upon, as a choice and precious Treasure. And let them still be a living and continual warning to you to watch and keep alive the power of Godlinesse, the daily practise of working out your Salvation with fear and trembling, the love of the Truth, the hatred of every false way, the esteem and improvement of Gods Ordinances, and the true, humble, heavenly Life of Faith in Christ Jesus.
Ionathan Mitchel.
To the READER.
IF thou art one who knowest what 'tis to be serious in the great business of providing for Eternity, 'tis very probable thou maist be no stranger to the Name of this Reverend Author, now with God, whose Name in both the Englands is as an oyntment poured forth; and then thou wilt be eagerly desirous to peruse these following Sermons, in tendency to the further increasing thy stock of spiritual oyl, and when thou hast read them, and suckt forth the sweetness and nourishment contained in them, and by the assistance of the holy Spirit turned them into good and healthfull nutriment to thy soul, we question not but it will inhance the Authors worth in thy thoughts and estimation. But perhaps thou hast never lighted on any of those Flowers which this Holy man hath planted in Gods garden, and then we are confident thou wilt meet with such savoury sweetness in this Discourse, as will make thee wish Christs Church had longer enjoyed so choice and skilfull a Workman. If thou beest one who hath hitherto little considered of God and thy soul, and the concernments of Eternity, or only now and then had some morning dew thoughts of that which deserves and requires the choicest and most vigorous workings of thy soul, we wish thou wouldst so far comply with Gods goodness in bringing this Book to thy hand, and gratific thy self, (we mean thy Soul, thy better self,) as to read over this Treatise, in which thou wilt meet with those serious and soul-piercing Truths, which by Gods blessing may be as poyson to thy lusts, and awaken thee to a serious and hearty engaging in that work which none ever yet repented of. For the occasion of publishing this Piece, we refer thee to the larger Epistle of our Reverend Brother, and only adde, that though a vein of serious, solid and hearty piety run through all this Authors Works, yet he hath reserved the best wine till the last. The Lord help thee and us so to reade and improve these and such like labours of Gods Harvest men, that we way with the Wise Virgins have the Lamps of our souls trimed and furnished with oyl, that when the Bridegroom shall come we may be ready to enter with him into his Kingdom. Which is and shall be the prayer of us, who are hearty well-wishers to thy Soul,
Decemb. 24. 1659.
William Greenhill,
Edmund Calamy,
John Jackson,
Simeon Ash,
William Taylor.
THE PARABLE of the TEN VIRGINS UNFOLDED; Out of MATTH. 25. from the Ist Vers. to the 14th.
1. Then shall the Kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten Virgins, which took their Lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom.
2. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3. They that were foolish took their Lamps, and took no oyl with them.
4. But the wise …ook oyl in their vessels with their Lamps.
5. While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbred and slept.
6. And at mid-night there was a cry made, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.
7. Then all those Virgins arose and trimmed their Lamps.
8. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oyl, for our Lamps are gone out.
9. But the wise answered saying, not so, lest there be not enough for us and you, but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for your selves.
10. And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came, and they that were ready … in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.
11. Afterward came also the other Virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day, nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.