The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Part 1 · Chapter 7
CHAP. VII.
Concerning a Christians Duty of being constantly and continually ready to meet Christ, and to enjoy Communion with him.
2. Took their Lamps. SECT. I.
MUch dust is raised, and much Dispute is made, especially by Popish interpreters, What the Lamps, what the Oyl, what the Vessels should be? The gener…l conceit of most of them is: that by Oyl is meant good works, and by Lamps Faith; answerable to their own conceit, that not Faith but good works chiefly save: Whereas if we consider the thing rather e contra, that by lighted Lamps are meant good works, or external shining profession, according to that of Christ, Mat. 5. Let your light so shine before men, &c. and that by Oyl should be me…nt Faith, because 'tis inward, and is the nourishment of works and outward profession. And in this sense some of our Divines do take this Scripture; and the Rhemists likewise, who understand by Lamps lighted, good works; by Oyl a good intention: To which 'tis answered by Cartwright, (that burning and shining light of our Times) that rather by Lamps lighted is to be understood, watchful minds alway lifted up in attending for the coming of Christ, according as 'tis ver. 13. And I doubt not but this is one thing aimed at, that they took their Lamps, i. e. were watchful for Christs coming. But when I weigh other circumstances, methinks there is somewhat else more plainly and principally intended, of which I scarce read any Divine, but he gives a hint of, viz. that by lighted Lamps, and taking of them, is meant nothing else but the readinesse of the Churches to meet and to have fellowship with the Lord Jesus. And my Reasons are these:
1. Because the Lord Jesus to teach his people watchfulnesse, and to put them to a narrow search of themselves, borrows a similitude from the custom of those Times, wherein their Marriages were celebrated in the Night, and hence the Virgins (the only children of the Bride-chamber, and some think their number never exceeded Ten) being to walk out in the Night, took their Lamps: and when they had kindled their Lamps, (usually the last thing that is done) now they are ready to go out, and this is that which Christ aims at.
2. From Luke 12. 35. Let your loyns be girt, and lamps burning; it's evident that thereby is meant nothing else but readinesse to meet the Lord when-ever he comes; for when loyns are girt, then one is fit for travail, but seeing 'tis in the Night, hence lamps must be burning too.
3. Because 'tis said plainly, ver. 10. when their lamps were kindled again, they that were ready went in; I know the Word is called a lamp for our feet, Psal. 119. and so by lamps may be meant minds enlightened and kindled by the word. The eminent profession and excellencies of the Church is like a lamp, Isai. 63. 1. and more particularly may be here included and aimed at: but in this verse lamps are spoken of in general, including light, Oyl, Vessels; and hence I give this general Interpretation here, intending Particulars if need be afterward: So that now I shall only raise this Point.
SECT. II.
Doct. THat all those that are Espoused unto Christ, ought to be in a constant or continual readinesse to meet Christ, and to have immediate communion with Christ.
A Woman may be Espoused to another, and yet she may be sometimes not ready to meet him, her foul apparel is on. So here, therefore 'tis not enough to be espoused unto Christ, but being espoused, now you ought to be in a continual readinesse to claspe the Lord in your arms, and to lay your heads in his bosome in Heaven: this is commanded by Christ, Mat. 24. 44. This was the mighty power of Gods Grace in Paul, when others were weeping to think of his Bonds, Why do you break my heart, I am ready not only to be bound, but to dye for Christ, and so doubtlesse to be with Christ; much more ready to meet Christ when ever he shall come, ready to welcome Death, much more ready to welcome Christ, Acts 21. 13. This also is the end of Iohns Ministry, Luke 1. 17. To make ready a people prepared for the Lord, to meet with Christ on earth; now he is gone, our work is to prepare a people to meet the Lord in Heaven. Hence this is put in as the difference between Vessels of wrath, and Vessels of Glory: the one are fitted for destruction, the others are fitted, prepared, or made ready for Glory, and the glory of a christian is chiefly to enjoy fellowship immediatly with Jesus Christ. There is many a soul dear unto Christ, and espoused to him, and hath his heart affected to think of the good time that is coming, when we shall ever be with the Lord: but ask, are you ready …yet for to go to him, though it be through fires, waters, thorns, sorrows, death it self? who can say yes? but (say mens hearts) shut the Lord out a little longer, let not the door stand open yet; yet this must be: And therefore for explications sake let me, 1. shew you when the Soul is in a readinesse for the Lord Jesus. 2. The reasons why there must be a continual readinesse.
SECT. III.
VVHen is the Soul in a readinesse to enjoy Christ?
As there are four things which make a christian unready,Quest. so this readinesse consists in Four things contrary.
Answ,1. That which makes a christian unready for him, are those strong fears, and jealousies, and damping doubts of the love of Christ to him. The soul happly hath made choice of him, is content with him, melts into wonderment and love to think that he should love him: what me? and Christ hath writ him on his heart, and on the palms of his hands; but Israel saith, my God hath forsaken me, my God hath forgotten me, Isai. 49. 14. Is it possible? is it credible? one that hath been so ville, one that still hath such a heart, for him to set his heart on me? surely no: hence the Soul is afraid to dye, and desires too much to live still: and the more he thinks of that time, and blessednesse of following the Lamb where-ever he goes; the more he sees and fears this may possibly never be my portion: there may be some falseness in my heart towards him that I never yet saw, some secret knot that was never yet unlosed: and hence not yet ready. Hence many a christian saith, if I had a little more assurance, let him come when he will: Thus some think it was with Hezekiah, who though he had walked before God with a perfect heart, yet bitterly complained that he was cut off, Isai. 38. per totum. So therefore then the soul is prepared & ready for him, when he hath some comfortable assurance of the love of Christ towards him, that it can say, if I live he loves me, though he kils me by Death, yet I know that he loves me: nay, then he loves me mo…t, when he puts an end to my sins, and to my sorrows too? And therefore now saith as one ready to ceive a Prince, now let him come to me, or send for me when he will: why so? Who can separate me from the love of Christ? Rom. 8. 35. That look as 'tis with a Souldier that is to go to war, where many bullets and arrows are like to fall about him, and hit him while he hath no armour on; call him to the Captain, and he will say he is not ready yet, but when he hath his armour on of proof, and such armour that he knows let him receive never so many wounds, yet he shall escape with his life, and triumph with his Captain afterward: Now give him but his watch-word he is ready, though never so weak, yet I am sure I shall escape with my life, nay not so much as hurt. So a christian wanting his assurance, wants his armour; he is weak, and powers of darknesse will assault him, and he is slain by them, now he is unready: but if assured, though weak and feeble, he is now at Christs watch-word, I know I shall live, I may fall, but I shall rise again, this puts courage and spirit into a christian, Dan. 3. 17, 18. Heb. 11. 35. Others were tormented, (and so ready) not accepting deliverance; why so? to obtain a better Resurrection, which they are s…id to see by the eye of Faith, and this was by poor weak Women; therefore labour for this, else not prepared. The Lord would have his people look death and dangers in the face, and triumph in sorrows, and not faint-hearted, (which cannot be done without this) that the world may see that there is more than men in them, 2 Cor. 4. 16, 17, 18. and 5. 1. who would be without this? yet may we not complain, as Christ of his Disciples, Oh foolish and slow of heart to believe all that is written, so many promises yet not assured, so many experiences yet not established, and therefore not yet prepared and ready for the coming of the Lord. A man that hath a fair estate and house befallen him, so long as he is in Suit for it, dares not dwell in it, but makes a shift where he is: but then he is ready when quiet possession is given him. So get the Lord to passe sentence for assurance of your everlasting habitation, then are you re…dy to dwell therein.
2. Then a man is unprepared for the Lord Jesus his coming, while he wants affe…tions suitable to the Majesty, and according to the worth and love of the Lord Jesus: Suppose a Woman knows her Husbands love, yet if she have lost her love to him, or if she love him, 'tis only as she loves another man, not according to the wo…th of her Husbands person, or the greatnesse of his love: Is she fit now to ap…ear before him, when no heart to receive him? so although you question not Christs love to you, & thank God you doubt little of it, yet where is your heart? your love to him? have you not lost your love, your first love, or second love? if you have love, is it not divided to other things, as Wife, Child, Friends, hopes of provision for them, and too much care hereupon for that? or if you do love him, 'tis with a carnal love, he hath no more than a lust hath had, and it may be not so much, 'tis with a cold love; now you are unfit for him: hence the Lord, Luke 21. 34. Take heed your hearts be not overcharged, 1 Pet. 4. 7. Now therefore then the soul is prepared to meet Christ, when if the soul hath lost its affections, it recovers them out of the hands of all creatures that stole them away from Christ; and hence David prayes, Oh spare that I may recover my strength: and when it breaks out with such love unto Christ as is fitting for him, 2 Tim. 4. 8. There is the righteo…s Judge ready to give the Crown, when Christs appe…ring is loved, i. e. they are so taken with him, as that they love the looks of him, it would rejoyce my heart to see, which shall make others tremble to behold him; Oh it must be a dear love, a spring of running love without measure, for this is the difference between affection… of Saints and Hypocrites to Christ, the one arise…h like a morning dew which is soon lickt up by the Sun, Hos. 6. 4. the heat of affection… after other things licks it up; but the love of Saints to Christ is like a spring which riseth to everlasting life: a spring is but little, but yet the f…rther it goes, the wider 'tis, till at last swallowed up in the Sun, and there is no measure of water: so Saints have but a little love, but the longer they live, the more enlarged for Christ, and there is no measure, but all is too little, they never can, never do love enough, so that look as 'tis said in another case, Psalm 102. 13, 14. 'Tis time for thee to build up Ierusalem, i. e. to return to thy people in thy Ordinances, for they love the stones; so then it's time for Chri…t to come, and then the set and fit time is come for a …eople to meet with Christ out of Ordinances, when the set time is come when they love Ordinances, and love Christ much more. When a man is gone beyond Se…, and all his Friends and estate are at home, they long for him, and he is left among enemies: why comes he not to them? why send not they for him? why they know he is sickly, and cannot live on the dyer of the country; hence he is unfit to come, but when that is once come to passe that he can live only on it, then he is ready when-ever they send: so when men can live with, and be content alone with Christ and his love, now they are fi. With what face can a man appear before Christ, when he requires nothing but love, and he hath not that.
3. Then a man is unready for Christ, whiles he neglects the work of Christ, for suppose a man hath some inward love to Christ, yet neglects & hath no heart to do the work of Christ: he is as yet no more fit to meet Christ, than a Steward who hath had much betrusted him, to improve for his Lords use, and he hath let all seasons go wherein he might have traded for him, and gained somewhat to him. How can he appear before him when no fair accounts to be seen; so the Lord hath betrusted thee with many Talents, time…, strength, means, &c. & you are not Lords, but Stewards of all these. Now do you not let many fair season… and winds blow by, you have (if espoused to Christ) every man some work. Now how can you stand before Christ if that be neglected. Oh thus 'tis with many christians; hence those sad ala…ms of conscience, and shakings of Gods Spirit, after many loose d…yes dipt in some good duties. What dost thou that others do not that never shall see Gods face in Heaven?
Now therefore then the soul is ready for the Lord, when 'tis daily at it, finishing Gods work: hence Iohn 17. 5. I have finished my work, now glorifie me: Christ hath given us our lives, work, dayes-work, every hours work, for Christ hath ever e…ployment; now though a soul may livelong, and cannot finish its lives work, yet if it finish its dayes work, or hours work, it may have comfort then if the Lord should come. That look as 'tis with a Marriner when he hath his Fraight, now let the wind come to drive him out of the Haven, he is ready to depart: so here, 2 Pet. 1. 8, 9, 10, 11. If ye do these things, and abound, an open entrance shall be ministred unto you, i. e. when a christian is ever acting for Christ, and adding one Grace to another in his course, then he is so ready that an open entrance is made for him: Therefore look after this. 'Tis with most Professors commonly, as 'tis with a Woman that loves her Husband, and begins to dresse her self, but so much businesse to do, that she doth it but by starts; hence call her never so la…e, she will say she is not yet ready, she hath so much to do she cannot; so 'tis here: Or as 'tis in a house where all things are in a lumber, and many things wrapt up and put into holes, so long as all things be in a lumber, there is no readinesse. So many a soul hath a heart fit to receive Christ, but all things are in a lumber, in a confusion, out of place and order, and hence not yet ready to entertain Christ, but when this work is done, then ready. Oh betimes do this work, set things to rights in your souls.
4. Then a man is unready, when having done his work he grows puft up with it: for let all the three former be wrought in the soul, if now the soul be puft up, thinks highly of it self, attributes any thing to it self: as he said in another case, they are too many for the Lord; so he is too big for the Lord. And truly this we shall find it's pretty easie to be mean in our own eyes, after we have been indeed carelesse and vile before the Lord; but when the Lord hath mightily assisted, enlarged, assured, enabled, comforted, quickened, now to be as nothing, this is difficult. Hence Knox on his death-bed had this Temptation of Meriting. When Hezekiah was sick, he was cast down, but when well, and God gave him great Treasures, his heart was lifted up; now he was unfit. Now therefore when a christian is ready to give all to free Grace, and to adore that, now he is ready for the Lord, Psalm 108. 1. My heart is prepared, I will sing … give praise. Gods last end is to bring the soul to the praise of the riches of his Grace, not only to enjoy God as Adam. Now the great reason why Christ comes not to his people presently after they are espoused to him, 'tis to make them ready to attain that end. Hence he leaves sins, temptations, sorrows, desertions, on purpose that they may at conclusion look back, and see if ever saved, pardoned, it's Grace. Now therefore when the soul is brought to do this, when he hath this rent in his hand, now the Lord is ready to receive him, and it too, and he is prepared for the Lord: he that hath not his Rent ready, himself is not as yet at all ready to meet with, and see his Landlord. So that you think you boast not, Oh the Lord sees you do, or have not hearts so enlarged towards Grace as you should, it's certain you are yet unready then, but when empty, and poor, and cast down, and makest an infinite matter of a small sin, and settest a high price on a little love much more on infinite, now you are prepared: Hence David falls a praising when near to death, and the Lord near to come to him.
SECT. IV.
1. THe law of Respect and Love requires this of us: when Peter would expresse his love unto Christ,Reasons. Luke 22. 33. he professeth he was not only ready to go to prison, but to dye with him. Christ hath poor respect and love if men will not so much as be alway ready to receive him: it certainly argues a carelesse heart that sleights Chr…st, that is not ever prepared to receive Christ.
2. Because the time of Christs coming is then when we least look for him, vers. 13. Hence a christian ought to be ever ready to receive him. Many of eminent parts, when the Church had most need of them, then are cut down: Many at their first conversion, before they or others almost could tell what to make of them, the Lord hath cropt them in the bud. Men find their hearts unfit and unready, they think hereupon that hereafter they shall get their hearts into better order and tune, when these businesses are over, but yet will live at liberty a little while: why then it's most likely is the Lords time of coming, even now when they think least of it, Luke 12. 40.
3. Because the Lord hath set apart every one that is espoused to the Lord Jesus, only for the fruition of Christ, and use of Christ, 1 Cor. 3. ult. You are Christs, and Christ is Gods. A Woman that is not chosen, nor set apart for the fellowship of a Prince, she may go how she will, and do what she will, any base drudgery work; but she that is chosen to be next unto him, and only to behold and love him, she is not to plead she hath so much businesse to do, and so many Friends to speak with, that she cannot make her self ready: she is set apart for a better person, and for more noble employment. So here men of the world not loved of God, nor chosen and set apart for him, may do what they will; but when the Lord hath chosen and set you apart of purpose for this end, Ephes. 1. 4. Chosen to be holy before him in love, i. e. to stand ever in his presence before him, with a spirit of dearest love unto him. Hence the Lord hath taken the care of all things else, 1 Pet. 5. 7. that we might mind and do this thing; It in danger, he will deliver, if in want, he will provi…e, if weak, he will strengthen, only no… be ready for the Lord, Psalm 45. 10. Forget thy Country, and thy Fathers house, so shall the Lord desire thy beauty. You are not now free to love and follow whom you please, the Lord hath bound you to himself by love, and you have bound your self by promise to the Lord again: Therefore now a christian after once espoused to Christ, is better than all the world, being the Bride of the Lamb; and he hath a better and greater good for to enjoy: therefore he should scorn and abhor to march himself to, or to do any thing for any other creature; and therefore methinks should sit as one upon a watch-tower, looking out, and telling the clock now day is near, waiting only for Christ, Oh let it be so: If in Heaven, you shall have only Christ▪ Oh prepare for him much more now. As a Woman that is Ma…cht to a rich man, all the servants attend on her, and follow her, she is wholly and only for her Husband: so it should be here.
4. Because he hath prepared and made all things else ready for the soul, it's hard if he hath prepared a place in Heaven, and Grace in Heaven, not to prepare an heart, and make it ready for him, Iohn 14. 1, 2, 3. his Kingdom was ready long ago, and his Father ready to accept and entertain thee, and his heart loves and desires, all are ready after thee: hence be ready to meet with him. I am my Beloveds.
SECT. V.
HEnce see the great unkindnesse of many a soul immediatly after his espousing to Jesus Christ,Use 1. who having once given himself to Christ, and received comfort thereby, presently grows more carelesse than before he was matcht unto the Lord Jesus, who should now stand in a holy watchfulnesse and readinesse to receive Christ, as 'tis Psalm 85. 8. Let them not turn again to folly, because they are very apt so to do. Many say when in some distresse, and after long waiting, if the Lord would pitty once, then happy I; I would give away any thing, all I h…ve unto him… …well, the Lord pitties; the soul when in its low estate, and then it blesseth God, but like the Israelites, soon forgets his works, his love, and after great peace from God, comes greatest carelesnesse: can this stand with Grace, and Christ? very hardly; but yet it may, for there are Two things that make for it.
1. Because at first conversion there is much see…ing of Christ, for healing the horrour and smart of sin, as well as for the curing of the wound and scar of sin: hence when espoused, and horrour being past, that wheel being broken, a man draws more heavily now, and neglects seeking; now the Knife is out of his heart he cries not so earnestly.
2. Because when espoused, and much affected, commonly a man trusts to his affections, when he hath a fulnesse of them: hence the Lord lets Satan prevail, Luke 22. 31, 33. Satan hath desired to winnow thee as wheat, and I (saith Pe…er) am ready to dye with thee; but you see he fe…l, and then when the Lord looked upon him, he went out and wept bitterly: How shamefully hast thou fallen, should any love him more than you if ever he pitty? well, for his Name-sake he hath done it. But how oft hast thou broken Covenant? how forgetful of the Lords kindnesse? The Lord looks upon thee this day, why hast thou so soon forgot me, and forsaken me? have I not took thee from the Dung-hill, nay from Hell? and whereas I had so many thousands to set my love on, I chose thee; and whereas thou couldest not love me when I offered my self, thou couldest not return me love again, I gave it therefore to thee, yea and have given my self to thee for ever: Hast thou thus forgotten me, when as I take little wrongs from thee more heavily than great ones from others? Oh that this might make you go out and mourn bitterly: so if ever you have tasted that love as Peter did, Christs looks will humble you.
Hence see the reason why some Godly People dye so uncomfortably,Use 2. and with such distresse of spirit; why they have not lived in an expectation of Christ, and hence they cry out of themselves, not knowing whither they go, insomuch as some have not been comforted by all former experiences, and by all present consolations of Ministers: Oh no, 'tis now too late to speak, they thank them for their love, but God hath otherwise thought of them; yet if any hope be given them 'tis ever pickt out from some word, and they cry, Oh I thirst for a little mercy, and then dye; and what is the reason of it? what need I speak? Themselves will tell you, and have done it, Oh I have lived thus and thus before you, but my heart in secret hath gone after the world, &c. I have neglected the Lord secretly, I have seldom thought of, or prepared for Death, and I had thought to have been better, but the Lord hath met with me: I know violence of Disease may do it sometime, but I s…eak how '…is many times; whereas otherwise an open entrance should be made, 2 Pet. 1. 8. 9, 10, 11. And as it hath been with some, so take warning lest it be so with you; you may be saved alive, yet to suffer wrack on the shoar is uncomfortable, and know it if your conscience be awake, it cannot but be so. Therefore do not conclu…e they were damned without Christ, but they were not made ready for Christ; and it may be your time draws …igh, and what have you to say? now a world for half an hour will a dying distressed man say.
Is of a Four-fold exhortation,Use 3. to all those especially that the Lord hath espoused to himself.