The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Part 2 · Chapter 19 · Section 16 · Subsection 2
VERSE 11, 12.
Afterward came also the o…her Virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us. But he answered, and said, V…rily I say unto you, I know you not.
IN these two Verses, is set down the entertainment Christ gives unto the foolish Virgins, and his behaviour toward them; and that is, he did not own them as his, but saith, I know you not. Their miserable rejection is aggravated from these particulars, shewing their misery.
1. The note of certainty of this, Verily, &c.
2. Though they came afterward to the Lord, (it is not said, with their Oyle in their Vessels, &c.)
3. Though they prayed to the Lord to open when they came.
4. Though they prayed earnestly, Lord, Lord,
5. Though they sought thus with Arguments, Lord, Lord, as if they should say, Thou art our Lord and Saviour, we look for life from none but thee.
That after the coming of Christ to death or judgement, then shall those Oserv. 1.who are most secretly wicked, know certainly that the gate is shut, and their exclus…on, and final separation from the face of Christ.
These foolish Virgins had some hopes and assurances of mercy, whiles the Bridegroom was absent in their life; so men have in this world such hopes; but when Christ came, and shut the door upon them, then they knew their miserable condition.
This life is compared unto a sleep, and dreame, Psalme 90. 5. wherein men understand and conceive of things with false shapes; so here; but when they awaken, then they appeare otherwise; after death men are awakened, and then they see things as they are; the Parable of the rich man, Luke 16. proves this.
Because then God lets in a new light, most full and cleare,Reason 1. to see and know things as they are, and so to know themselves and their estates; it is an Atheists speech, Eccl…s. 9. 5, 7, 10. That the dead know not any thing; and hence, be as merry as you can, eat thy bread with joy, &c. No, now they do know, &c. as the Saints know their eternal acceptation, by a most glorious light; God walks darkly here, but then this full light shall come in; As it is with a man that is to be condemned, before he be cast, the Judge brings in full evidence; so Heb. 9. ult. After death cometh judgement; there is full evidence; when A…am stood before God, the Lord fu…ly convinced him; when death comes, then there is an end of mens Stewardships, Luke 16. 2. and when an end comes to that, what comes then? Come give up thy account; now those whose reckonings are naught, must either deceive and blinde the all-searching eyes of God, and so not be found out, or they shall see wherein they have been faithless and false. What is spoken of the general Judgement, is true also of this particular; it is the day of Revelation; God himself will now cleare up matters as Christ here doth, Verily, I know you not.
Because then the soul will desire to know,Re…s. 2. and have leisure to see and know it self; as these foolish Virgins, their souls were looking (in a sort) in their life-time for Christ, but now they look and see indeed; some know not themselves, though having light; nor their present misery, because they desire not to know; and hence reflect not upon themselves according to light now; or if they desire so to-do, yet they have not leisure; the noise and multitude of cares, keeps them from a cleare knowing of their estates: but now men shall be brought to the Land of solitariness, and shall have leisure to see, having Gods light let in to see by; there shall then be no business, but only to consider, Who am I? and what have I done? men shall have no Cities to build, nor business to do, as Faelix then, and hence put out the light.
Because then conscience is throughly awakened,Reas. 3. because it is a time of judgement now; and if so, then the witnesses must appeare; though they have been silent long before, they shall be forced to speak. Now it is wonderful to see what conscience will speak when God awakens it; men many times will not see the evil which they have done; but conscience will make them see it, nay, confess it, when 'tis awakened. Three things conscience will do, when it is awakened.
1. It will shew a man his chief sins, which he defended, which he extenuated, which he never suspected; These things hast thou done.
2. It can bring fresh to memory sins forgotten, sleighted, dead and buried, a great number, all of them as if new done. Iohn 4. 29. all things that ever I did.
3. It can, and will aggravate all these things and sins, and present them in the greatness of them, that mens mouths shall pass their own Sentence upon them, as Cain did; that let all the world perswade them their case is good, they cannot believe it; now this we see in this life in some; but when life is ended, then these things shall be acted much more lively, Psal. 50. 21. I will reprove thee; even of what they thought God did approve; and I will set them in order, in their number and greatness before thy eyes; i. e. of conscience; all falshoods, deceits, loathsome tricks, &c. I did this and that, but I had these ends in them, and I harboured these sins by them, will conscience make men say.
Because now Satan, to whose custody the soul is committed,Reas. 4. appears to the soul, and it sees it self in his hands. The best Hypocrite is never delivered out of the hands of Satan and his power; he will eithe…r keep constant possession; or if not, yet he will returne againe; now he will not appear in this time of peace to the soul, because there is yet hope; but after death, then hope is past, and therefore then he appeares; for as the souls of the Elect are carryed to Heaven by Angels, and blessed among them; so è …ontrà, the souls of the wicked are in the hands of Devils; 1 Pet. 3. 19. He preacht to the spirits now in Prison; Theeves, so long as they are not known, or if known, not apprehended, they fear not death; but when taken, and laid up in prison, there they know their death, and there they see their Jaylour; so here; and as Satan did condemne, and sad the heart of the humbled out-cast, 2 Cor. 2. 11. so much more these, when cast out from the presence of God. A Ca…tive when taken by him that hath overcome him, the Conquerour appeares, and sets his foot upon him, especially if one eminent whom Satan hath conquered.
Because of the intolerable and heavy wrath of God,Reason 5. which then doth seize upon the soul. Luke 16. I am t…rment…d: In this life, though God be lost, yet mens hearts are comforted with creatures, and patience, and common bounty; as it is with skall'd legs, eased in the water; but now when men are dead, then there is no creature to enjoy, to ease the heart; the body is dead, and what are these things to the soul; now hence the soule feels God is gone, and for ever gone; and now when he hath most need, in great torment gone, the soul feels this, I say; and feeling this woe, it knows it indeed; the beasts know their misery, when they feel the Knife in their hearts. Let men deceive themselves never so deeply with false imaginations, yet when they feel it otherwise, it shall confute them, as the Generations of men in the dayes of Noah; men will have some hope while patience lasts, but when that's gone, then their hopes and hearts sink also; whiles men be in the Vessel, they hope to live, but if that sink, and they can see no plank, nor shore, but see waves, and men crying, &c. now their hearts must needs fail them.
Of terrour to them who upon cleare conviction from the Word,Use 1. will not believe their doom, their misery now. Sometime the Word comes so near men, and the very sin they live and lie in, is pointed at, found out, and words, and thoughts opened, as if some body had told the Minister of the man; and they think He speaks against me, but they will not believe that sin is so black, or God so angry, but hope well; but if they do sleight, and regard not these convictions, yet oh remember the time is drawing on, and it is not farre of, but therein you shall know, the word of the Lord is more precious to him than to you; you let it fall, but the Lord will not; 1 Sam. 3. 19. The Old World would not believe Noah, the Lord therefore made their experience convince them of it. I know men may be deceived; but as he said in another case, The word is not bound; so the word which like God, searcheth the secrets of thy heart, and thy Hypocrisie, that is not deceitful; thy Scepter, O Lord, is a right Scepter, and it cannot be crook't and bent. And if man doth condemn thee, know it, God is greater then man, and it is his glory to confirm the words of his Servants, that are not Diviners, South-sayers, and uncertaine Prognosticators of mens des…inies, Isa. 44. 26. but having their warrant from the Word, it shall be confirmed by God himself; nay, that very Word shall arise, though it sleeps now; the Word is only left as a Witnesse, Matth. 24. 14. and do you think it shall not be so? if Christ lives, he will confirm it. Is it not better to know your condition now, and be humbled for it, seeing else you must know it, when it is too late to know it? If two have a Quarrel against each other, and the one who hath the better side entreats to agree with him, to acknowledge his fault, be humbled, he will forgive him, before he comes to higher Courts where it will be tried, and himself cast, and such a Fine, and damages be set upon his head, as will utterly undo him; is it not a misery for such an one so brought under, to feed himself with hopes, and not to listen, till he hath spent all, and is utterly undone, and beggar'd; truly thus 'tis here; And so I end, with reminding you of the speech of God to Elies Sons, 1 Sam. 2. 25. They heard not their father, because God would slay them; so here you will not hear Ministers condemne you, because God will do it.
See the great folly of tho…e, who having got some false comforts,Use 2. and are lo…h to know the worst of their …states now; Isa. 30. 10. that say to the Prophets, Prophesie deceits; or if not, they will not come to the light; Iohn 3. 20. or if light come to them, they hate it, and put it out, choak it, if they do not also hate the man. Shall you know your estates hereafter, and will you not see them now? what comfort will this be to you? There is a Beast, when it is hunted, and weary, runnes its head into the ground or bushes, and thinks it self then safe, though its body be all seen; and that the Hunter doth not see it, nor the Hounds, because it sees not them; So it is here; What wi…l it profit you to hide your eyes from the Almighties search, who cannot hide your selves? It's true, if there was no hope n…w, then men might comfort themselves, and not dye with thoughts and fears of it, till they come to dye; but there is hope;—Oh folly not to see it now! and truly this is mens frame.
1. Because some think it a shame to begin now, after they have been so well thought of, now to strip themselves.
2. Because of trouble, men naturally will avoid it, and hence skin their …ores over superficially.
3. Because they think it impossible, or very difficult to be saved now, if all should be naught that they have done already; and hence, rather hazard all, and put it to the venture.
4. Because they must maintaine their innocency and confidence. What? must I not believe, no… hope well?
5. Because when they have done their best, they can do no more than what they do now, viz. trust to Gods mercy.
But more particularly this appeares.
First, When men will not see, nor desire the Lord to reveal their sinne and deceits, Psalme 36. 3. That's one part of …eart-flattery, not to see to do good; a gracious heart is broken off from flattery; he knows it, and hence will to the Lord; when he know… not himself, and his estate, Lord teach me; the damning sin, is some dear sin; a sin which the soul allowes habitation, and house-roome, and heart-roome unto; and hence it will not see it, because it would not part with it; and hence it faith, It cannot see it, because it will not; it's in love with the flattery of it; and hence 'tis it, because it will not, it's in love with the flattery of it; and hence 'tis strange to see some that live in oppression by unlawful prizes, and exacting immoderate wages, cannot see their sin, though privately, and publickly spoken of, because they will not; cannot see it, because they will not; 'tis strange to see how time-servers will defend their Fashions; and they cannot see it, because the heart is secretly in love with such vanities; and 'tis just, seeing they love not the truth, they should be deceived by errors; Two wayes men have to hide their sins from God himself.
1. By covering them with reason; A man that is ashamed of his nakedness or sore, he will get a covering for it; hereby one may know what a mans chief sin is; viz. by his reason…ngs for it; as one may know where the eggs be, by the Hens sitting upon them; and truly, a little reason will blinde the eyes many times; nay, though God and Scripture be brought in; Balaam would …ain finde out some light from God to curse, and from Altar to Altar he went, &c. but found nothing; Thus here, &c.
2. By covering them with duties and sorrows, and yet keeping them; for when men do see their sin, and 'tis great, what do they therefore? they wash it with teares; they confess it as those, Isa. 58. 5, 6. they fast for strife or debate; they would be vexed with enraged consciences but for these duties; and this makes them hope well; and here come in those distinctions, I have sins as others, but I mourn under them! oh but Remember, those sorrows destroy sin by little and little, and do not feed sin; but these ease thee in thy sin; Hosea 10. 4. Hemlock growes up in the F…rrow…s; you speak words, saith the Lord, &c. So here, &c.
Secondly, When men are willing the Lord should let them see their sin, but unwilling to attend him in the use of all meanes for that end; especially these two.
1. Diligent watch over the heart daily, by frequent reflecting upon its own acts; it's strange to see what discoveries might be made by observing ends, aimes, motives of workings; Hence Christ beats much upon this.
2. Daily Meditation in some solemn manner. 2 Tim. 2. 7. Consider what I say; and …he Lord shall give thee understanding; 'Tis a thousand to one if men do not lose themselves, and souls in neglect of this. Hag. 1. 5, 7. David said, I considered my wayes, and turned. Now to say, Let the Lord search me, but not to use means, is to shut your eyes against the book, and say, Now Lord teach me.
Of Exhortation;VsUs… 3. Oh therefore know the worst of your own hearts n…w. Phil. 2. 12. Work out your salvation with feare: Saints with a feare of careful search, but you much more. Gen. 27. 11, 12. When Reb…ccah would have Iacob go to Isaac, saith Iacob, What if my Father f…el me! I may get a curse then. So the Lord Jesus (believe it) will feel thee; he will see who thou art, before he let thee into Heaven; if thou art a stranger to thy sin, and Christ, and his grace, thou shalt see the gate shut upon thee hereafter; therefore know it now how 'tis with thee; nothing will be such a cut to thy heart as this, viz. when 'tis too late to see the sin which ruined; oh this will torment! as it doth Politicians, when they see, There I forsook a Rule of Policy, there I was mistaken; if I had carried the business otherwise there, then I had got this; oh it troubles them; so it will do you, when you shall see your Projects and Hopes dasht.
Quest. How shall I know this?
Answ. 1. Mark what others, godly, and discerning, speak, or fear concerning thee; for though God reveals not a Hypocrite to all, yet 'tis seldom but it is to some or other. 1 Tim. 5. 25. not speak against, yet not give a full Testimony.
2. Mark what conscience speaks, or feares thee with in cool blood, without getting those feares quencht by fresh Application of Christs blood; it's said, The feares of the wicked shall come upon him; there are some hot pangs which men have, and then think well of themselves, but gene…ally live out from God and Christ. Mark which way the scale tur…es, when you are still; the worme that is not killed, will gnaw for ever, if it bites now.
3. Mark what troubled thee when afflictions were upon thee; then God many times convinceth men of folly; when Benjamins sack had the Cup, The Lord hath found out our iniquity, said they, Gen. 44. 16. So some evils may be falsely imputed, but then you shall see some other sin (it may be) for which the Lord may have had long, a Controversie with you.
4. Mark what thou art when crossed; many a one is good, while men and God please him; but when reproof comes, or he is crost, then he is mad, hair-brain'd, hateful, scorneful, wilful, Eccles. 10. 11. for men may be crost of their will, but their own ends they will not be crost in; Mark how you deny your own ends in what you do, then you may appeale to God indeed.
5. Mark your temptations, and corruptions, with opposition; if all be quiet, either there is a truce for a time, or else there is peace between you and sinne, and Satan, and so Warre between God and you.
6. Mark thy Opinions; Sometimes, saith Solomon, a fool is not known till then, Prov. 17. 28. for they arise (unless some in simplicity) from some corruption.
Question 2. How may the Saints come to be setled, that they may know this?
Answer 1. Beware of contenting your self with any measure; but with Paul, reach after things before, &c. for hence the foolish Virgins were deceived; but after all fillings be ever empty, hungry, and feeling need, and praying for more, setting thy self against all sin; say with David, Cleanse me from secret sins.
2. Strike at the root of all sin, (viz.) your evil natures, mourn daily under it, and the activity of it; and though some sins be unknown, yet when the root dyes, they shall dye. Isa. 57. 18. When you mourn for this, God will speak peace.
3. Be sure your end be right, that having received Christ, and doing duties, you do them before him, and for his sake; for here Hypocrites …; and this makes Paul to appeale to Christ, 2 Cor. 5. Depart you …rkers of iniquity, will Christ say hereafter; You have sought your selves in all this: Though the duty is hard, and thy heart loth to come to it, yet say, For thy sake, Lord, I love it.
The earnest cryes and prayers of unregenerate men at death or judgement, Observ. 2.are then too late to pr…cure m…r…y from the hands of Christ. If there be any means in time of distress …o have help, it is by prayer; it… helps the Saints out of deep pits, dark dungeo…s, Lam. 3. and Iron Furnaces, bitter agonies, intolerable pressures; but this meanes, though they shall use it then, because their torment is great, and their self-love remaines, as these Virgins did, yet it comes too late then; I know their prayers differ; but of that I shall speak hereafter.
If in this life sometimes they come too late, much more after this;Reason 1. but so it is sometimes; Prov. 1. 28. Psal. 18. 41. Prov. 15. 1. even unto the Lord. The Lord sees it meet to give a taste of his severity after life, and in this life, that men may fear, and the terrour may fall upon many.
Because then Christ sits upon the Throne of judgement,Reason 2. and so no Mediatour to help them, as hath been proved; and if it be so, how shall they stand? Psalme 130. 3. In this life mercy waits, and patience bears, till it can bear no longer, and then doth ease it self, Ez…kiel 5. 13. and cries to justice, &c. And therefore the prayers and howlings of the wicked are to no more purpose than of a Malefactor before the Judge condemned for Treason.
Because their cryes are but only Howlings,Reas. 1. Hosea 7. 14. only rising from their own torment, because the Spirit of God is quite gone; and if the Lord should heare, they would be as bad againe as ever before; if mercy should save these Thieves from this Gallows, they would cut the Throat, and S…ab the heart of mercy afterward; as all such persons do, who are carried from that principle in their prayers; and therefore let them never look to be heard now.
Hence see the exceeding greatnesse of the wrath of Christ, Vse 1.to them that die without him, Psalm 18. 41. Many times the Lord hides his face from his people for a time; but then they pray, and seek his face again, and the Lord heares them, and shines upon them again; when his Spirit in them speaks to him, his Son in his Covenant speaks unto them; and the Lord hears the cry of their weeping, as well as their praying, Psalme 6. 8. But if when they pray earnestly, and the Lord hears not then, but is angry with their prayers, oh this is bitter to them, Psal. 80. 4, 5. Lam. 3. 44. 'tis that which Christ typically complaines of, Psal. 22. 1, 2, 4, 5. There is no wrath like this; for a God so pitiful, as many times to help without cryes, more than a Mother with tender bowels, and not to regared cryes, as if he had cast off his nature; this makes wrath and sin bitter to the people of God; and indeed this is the reason why the Lord gives his people mercy; but 'tis by means of prayer usually, that they might see in what favour they are in his sight above others, that when he seems to be averse from hearing, yet prayer will turn the wheele, and Iacob prevailes over God; and hence Psalm… …. Christ shall have all Nations for his possessi…ns; but yet Ask of me; as Her…d said, when he said, Ask of me, to half of the Kingdome, &c. And hence exceeding wrath is shewn, in denying for a time, to he…r prayer many times; Now look upon the condition of poore …inners dying without Christ; they shall then cry, and cry earnestly, and yet not prevail, if the wrath of God did break out at this time, and lie he…vy, and the Lord say. Now cry, and I'le deliver; it was no such sorrow, …hough b…ter enough to lie under wrath one moment; but to cry, and cry vehemently, Lord, Lord, and never to be heard, oh who can beare this! their torments are intolerable; hath the Lord no pity? their cries are many, and heart… are faint; hath Christ no bowels? hath this Lamb no more meekness, gentleness? yes, that there is; but such is his terrour now, they are shut up from you; and so shall ever be, though you shall cry, and weep as many teares, and more too than the Sea hath drops; and when you cannot come before his face, the Gate being shut, you shall cry, That the Rocks and Mountaines may fall upon you to h…de you from this wrath of the Lamb; and you shall then cry, Behold, and see, if ever sorrow were like mine… but all shall be in vain.
Oh therefore see the greatness of this wrath, so as to see the bitterness of any one sin, which stands yet between thee and Christ; which though it be sweet under thy tongue now, yet when the day of thy anguish shall come, it shall shut up Christs heart from hearing all cryes.
Of Exhortation, To perswade all men to take their season of praying now. Use 2.Isa. … 55. 1. with 6. when the Lord cryed, Come to the waters, &c. and because they might plead, Hereafter; oh saith he, Call upon him whiles he is near…; there will be a great Gulf between you and Christ, when you are dead; now therefore when the Lord comes in his Word especially, cry unto him for help and pity.
You will say, There is no great need, thanks be to God, of pressing ment to prayer here; Who is so prophane but doth? he is not worthy to live, or to enjoy the benefit of the Sun, nor fit to live among the society of men, who dares not do thus, but to live among Bears and Wolves, and Beasts in the Wilderness. I would to God there was no need to press this point; but truly, the Countrey being a place filled with discontents, which ever keeps from prayer, because the Devil is in them; and also of great peace and rest; hence, here men are more apt to sleep, and grow secure, than in any other place of the world; and the Spirit of prayer is ready to dye, even in Gods own; and hard 'tis for this Incense to be sweet, without some fire, some affliction thereunto.
1. Some there be, that do not so much as feel their misery at all, neither sin nor wrath; and hence they cannot pray at all; they are not in so good a case to pray, as the damned who feel their misery, and cry out under it; these cast out of Gods sight, yet h…ving hope, and so should pray the more, and so cry out under it, yet cannot; though the earth groanes under their sins, yet their hearts are hard, and they cannot feel them, and so cannot pray; and they quiet themselves with some formes, and their Coleworts twice sodd, and some cold prayers morning and evening, and hope that these will serve the turn, and here is all the comfort they have; nay, not only so, but if others that know their hearts better, and so pray longer, reprove them for it, they sinfully reply, What? you are like the Pharisees, that think to be heard for their long prayers. Oh the Lord gives many up to this spirit of slumber; their hearts are heavy, and can no more lift them up than a stone.
2. Some there be who feel their misery, and go unto the Lord with many cries and prayers, but yet herein behave themselves like Saul, when God answered him not, then they forsake him; and like them, Mal. 3. 14. What profits us that we have walked mournfully? and thinking they shall not finde, they build their Cities as Caine did, and ease themselves that way.
3. Some there be that do not give over, because they think they shall not find, but ease themselves by their very prayers, pray out their prayers, and confess out their confessions, and mourn out their sorrows; and are compared to the Dog, who easeth himself by his vomit; they are troubled, and then prayer easeth them; and when a little ease, then prayer is done, as Psal. 78. 35, 38.
4. Some that have no ease, yet have no leisure, not time … as many servants, and men greedy of the world rise betimes, and work hard, sleepy at night, that they cannot have leisure; and when conscience asks, Why do you not take time? this is their excuse. Oh but cannot you take it out of your sleep, and lose your life, rather than lose your seasons of prayer? they hope hereafter so to do.
5. Some that have leisure, yet their hearts are dead; they can pray, and stand convinced of misery; but I say their hearts are dead. Isa. 64. 7. None stirreth up himself; nay, sometimes as a man asleep, when the fire burns round about him, yet he feels it not. Isa. 42. ult. They can vex, and be discontent when crosses and afflictions come, but no heart to pray, or lay their condition to heart: Oh this is sad and fearful.
1. Beseech you therefore take your time now; you must and shall pray.
1. Do you think ever to have mercy without seeking it, and praying hard for it? No, if ever God intend good to thee, if an Elect Vessel, thou must pray; yea, and glad you may have such an unvaluable priviledge▪ and that you are alive to do it. I know the Lord is found of them that seek him not; but he will make you seek, that so he may be found; seek therefore in time now, before it is too late.
2. Do not say the Gate is shut; no, 'tis yet open, and that by the blood of a Mediatour, Heb. 10. 19, 20. So that when you object God hears not sinners, yet Zach. 13. 1. there is yet a f…untain opened, for to wash in for sin and uncleannesse; all thy sins cannot shut it, because 'tis opened wash away sin.
3. Do not say, If I had a part in Christ, I could then be encouraged to ask. I pray what think you of that Woman of Samaria, when Christ spake, If thou didst know and ask, he would give thee living waters; What did the poor Woman of Canaan do, when Christ himself told her, She was a Dog, and had nothing to do with Childrens bread; when you have no Promise to assure you the Lord will give; yet the glorious bounty, and riches of grace, may encourage you sufficiently to seek.
4. Do not say, But it may be I shall be denied, let me pray never so long; I know you are worthy to be de…ied, and as you have cried the Lord should not heare, and as you have abused grace, it should cry against you, why should you Quarrel? the Lord owes thee not strawes; but yet Remember the Parable of the unjust Judge, who heard a woman, a stranger when importunate; and this is found a sure truth; 'tis with all men praying, as 'tis with women in travailing, either their pangs will deliver them of their burden, and so they live, or else they will be their death; if they cease, and give over, then they die. Prayer will deliver you of your sinnes, unbelief, or whatever stands between Christ and you; or if not, they shall die, and perish. Sow your seed of Prayer, it will multiply if it be the right seed, until your Harvest bé great, and your gain unknown; security will fall on a Hypocrite, before he gets the blessing, and the cares of the world will choak his prayers.
5. O… therefore follow the Lord; Hosea 6. 3, 4. You shall know him, if you follow on …o know him; especially if you be truly wounded, though he hath been as a Lion to you; Is Christ so glorious, his presence so sweet, his Kingdome so great, his mercy so rich, his Inheritance so full, and wilt not thou pray, awake one houre? hath Christ bought mercy with his blood, and wilt not thou spill thy blood? nay, not spare and spend thy poor prayers to beg it, (it may be praying time is declining apace) and so get it; and by that meanes hear Christ Jesus say, Come, oh come thou blest, that hast been praying, weeping, following me, and take thy Crown, and sit down on my Throne; oh it will be a cut to think, Had I sought it, I had had it! Psal. 24.
Of Thankfulness to the Saints,Use 3. that the Lord hath given them hearts to seek the Lord in a finding time, Psal. 32. 5, 6. Time was thou couldst not pray; but the Lord hath found thee out, and stirred up unutterable groanes here, and all thy groanings have not been bid from the Lord.
Object. But many pray and finde not; how shall I know I have found?
Answ. When the spirit of prayer, not the gift of prayer hath carried thee, R…m. 8. 27.
Quest. How shall I know that?
Answer, 1. It is not fervency. 2. Nor looking to Christ and his Mercy. 3. Nor Arguments that are evidences of this Spirit; for these the foolish Virgins had. But I shall shew it in three Degrees.
First, Observe what is the ut…ostend in prayer, and so hath been in all thy prayers; it is certain all the prayers of unregenerate men, though enlivened with some common gift of the Spirit, are ever for themselves; if any outward calamity befalls them, they then pray, Psal. 78. But it is as Pharaoh, for themselves, because the plague is upon them; if the Word meets with them, and troubles them, their prayers (if fervent) are only for ease; when their bones are broke, 'tis for peace and comfort; and if they desire grace, 't…s for peace-sake; if they have peace for the present, and feel blindness, hardness of heart, they think these will damn them; and hence salvation and deliverance from misery, is the utmost end they aim at and so in all their prayers; let men study their hearts, and they shall see themselves the mark they shoot at, and the God they serve, and Idol they worship in all their prayers; and do you think these shall be heard? No, no; but Saints they look not at these things chiefly, but their utmost end is another thing; at first conversion it is much self, but it turnes in time to higher ends, &c. and that is, what though I have peace, salvation, these loa…es, but yet miss of Christ himself, and the life of Christ, to live by him, and live to him, which is our last end! 2 Cor. 5. 15. And here all his prayers end, though crooked many wayes; else these are the prayers of that Spirit of life, which is ever heard; and hence Iames 5. 3. Ye ask and have not, because ye ask to spend it on your lusts. Isa. 58. 5. though they fasted and prayed, yet it was for s…rife and debate; the Saints do it to destroy their lusts; and hence, though all fervent prayers are not of the Spirit, yet all prayers of the Spirit are ever fervent, though exprest with chatterings, mournings as Doves, because the last end hath a mighty force with it; and hence waiting on God in all meanes for Answers, follows; and hence, prayers of the Saints are endless, Appetitus finis est infinitus; hence Rom. 8. 23. life in heaven is his Scope, and he is longing for it, glad of that time (for all prayers of Hypocrites are but issues of self-Iove) … all occasions do but quicken up that principle; so all the prayers of the Saints rise from the spirit of love to God, and faith in him, Rom. 8. 27▪ 28. The Sonlike Spirit, or Spirit of Adoption, not servile, is in them.
Secondly, If the soul receive any thing from the Lord thus praying, 'tis exceed…ng thankful; the Spirit of Christ, wherever it is, glorifies Christ, Iohn 16. and Psal. 116. 1. and that in time of peace; hence Psalme 50. 14, 15. Offer to God thanks giving, and par thy vowes, and then call though in time of trouble, and I will he…re. For the Lord to begin to do the soul any good,… and shew it its misery, the worth of the Lord Jesus, to give him any heart to seek, to give him any hope, to give him the least hint by any word of mercy; oh its heart melts (it should be thus) and wonders but to think, nay, to see the Lord hath answered him! oh this swallows him up, makes him give all to the Lord, as Hannah did, when she had her Childe, 1 Sam. 2. 1, 2. Esau lost the blessing, though he begged it with tears; he had a prophane heart that did not esteem it indeed,… and so would …ever have been thankful for it; poor Iacob gets it, though he had but a sta…f to hold him up.
Thirdly, If it receive not answer, it mournes, and loaths it self▪ justifies God, gives all to him; prayers from self-loathing, are not prayers which come from self-love, Psal. 22. 2, 3, …4. Zach. 12. 10 Psal. 72. 12. There the Spirit dwells in the poor and contrite, and their cries are heard; when men pray, and want, and are quiet without wishing they could lament 'tis not from the Spirit; oh therefore try here if 'tis thus; as he said to H…zekiah, The Lord hath heard thy cries, and seen thy teares; and oh wonder at the Lord, that he should give thee a heart to cry now.
Reproof to Saints, Use 4.Who though received and heard, yet think the Lord regards them not; and as David, think his mercy is shut up.
1. Remember former times, Psal. 77. 7. Your experiences of the Lords pitying thee in thy blood, and he will not cast thee off now.
2. Consider the Riches of grace; when you cannot find any thing past, but what might cause him to loath thee, yet the Lord may then love, when thou art lamenting thy vileness, Isa. 63. 15, 16.
3. Consider the Lord doth purposely seem to dis-regard thee sometimes; not to shut out prayers, but to make you pray better; not that you should not pray at all, Iudg. 16. 10. but to make you seek, and follow him, though in the dark. Lam. 3. 45. with 55. in a land of pits; eye hath not seen what God hath laid up for you.
4. Consider there is as much in the Lord to move him in thy worst estate to help thee, as in the best, (viz.) his mercy, Psal. 6. 4. You say, If my heart was not so vile, if I had not committed such sins, the Lord might! this is as if you said, The Lord shews not pity only for his mercy, &c.