The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Part 2 · Chapter 19 · Section 16 · Subsection 1
VERSE 10.
The Door was shut.
IN these words is set down the consequent of that which immediately followed the Wise Virgins gracious entertainment with Christ; the door was shut, by which is signified the exclusion of the foolish from the fellowship of Christ; as also the greatness of Christs love to the wise, opening the door of glory unto them; and when they are gathered, shutting the door against every one else.
Hence Observe,
That the endeared love of Christ to his Elect, doth much appear in this, Observ. 1.In opening the door of glory unto them, and shutting it against others of great esteem and name in the Church of God; for this is one Scope of the words, Gen. 7. 16.
To open the Kingdome of Heaven to all the world, and save all, would be great love in the eyes of the Sai…ts; but to save them, and condemne others; to receive them, and ex…lude others, and that of great name and esteem, Virgins, this sets out the Lords love exceedingly; Christs distinguishing, separating love, is his great love, Mat. 11. 25.
If we consider the multitude of the one,Reason 1. and fewness of the other; not only in regard of the world, but in regard of others in Churches, Luke 13. 24. Many shall seek, and many that are first, shall be last, Matthew 19. 30.
If we consider that there is as much reason appearing outwardly,Reason 2. that the Lord should choose thee one as well as the other; what difference is appearing outwardly between these Virgins? I'le warrant you the wise did think the foolish as good, and it may be far better than themselves. Iudges 6. 15. Saith Gideon, How wilt thou save Isra…l by me? I am the least in my Fathers house; yet saith the Lord, I will be with thee; so the Saints may say, and do say, Why Lord, wilt thou save me, I am the least and poorest of all others.
If we consider the reason why the Lord doth this,Reas. 3. and that is because of nothing but the Will of God, his good pleasure; Matth. 11. 25. For why should their Vessels be filled; they received, and not others only the Will of God; I know not you, &c. Of which hereafter.
If we consider the intolerable torment of those who go farre,Reas. 4. and yet are excluded. Mat. 8. 11, 12. Children of the Kingdome cast out, there shall be weeping; the higher a man is risen, the greater is his fall, and his bruises at the bottome; so when one hath been raised up to great hopes, profession, affection, yet now to fall, to lose all, to see he hath been spinning Cobwebs all his life! when Israel were near to Canaan, now to be shut out! Now they wept.
Vse 1.Vse 1. We may see hence, what little cause any have to boast only in outward priviledges, or common gifts, graces, excellencies. I confess it is great mercy for the Lord to call a man out of his prophaneness, and separate him from the world, bringing him to the fellowship of Saints, and give him that which makes h…m reputed well of by others; but boast not only of this, as if the Lord did therefore highly favour you; for the Lord Jesus may shew (for all this) his love to his own, and his terrour to thee, and may shut the door of glory at last upon thee. 1 Cor. 1. 27, 28, 29. The Lord chooses things that are not, to bring to nought and to staine other glory. Rom. 11. 17. The Gentiles boasted themselves, that they were graffed in; oh saith the Apostle (seeing this spirit apt to rise) boast not, be not high-minded, do not grow secure, but feare; common graces ever make men proud, as others make men humble; they despise not others, they magnifie God, if the Lord hath made a difference; see the goodness of God, verse 22. but boast not therein; therefore do not content thy self with a name to live, and having some cankered hopes, some shining excellencies; for the Lord may do this to shew others his love, and yet staine thy glory; as one that hath great hopes of preferment, many Friends to commend and speak for him, if one tells him, You shall certainly lose all your labour, he will mourn more than another that had no hopes, nor helps at all of rising; he will not glory in any thing he hath, but will take some sure and safer way; So I say to you, If there be the least Grace and Favour, blesse God for that, but do not boast of any thing else.
Vse 2.Use 2. Hence the Saints may learne how to affect their hea…ts with the Lords love to the… (for there is such a poysonful disposition in them, that though they have it, yet they cannot be affected sometimes with it; Vp Deborah, Aw…ke L…te and Harpe) and 'tis this; Do not only Remember, and think on the Lords love saving thee, calling, humbling, &c. but so as to call thee, and leave others; to quicken thee, and leave others dead; to open the door of glory to thee, and exclude others; to call thee out of the Kingdome of the world, to look upon thee in a sinful Town, to awaken thee, and leave others (so many) secure, to call thee out of thy sinful company, some of which like brands, are now smoaking in this world, others burning in another; to call thee out of a sinful, ignorant family, thou the least, the worst of them, and to leave the rest, this is much!
But when thou art brought into the Kingdome of Heaven, Fellowship of Saints, for the Lord to love thee, set his heart upon thee, when he forsakes others of thy own company, of great parts and abilities, whom thou thinkest better of than thy self, at least as well; to pull down these Princes to the dunghill, and to exalt thy horn; to cut down these Cedars, and to preserve a Shrub; to tread upon the greatest glory of man, and to pity a worm, for so thou art in thine own eyes; Oh let this fire warme thy heart, though thou hast been affected with it before, especially considering no reason for it, but only the good pleasure of God; this affected Christ himself, Mat. 11, 25. 'Tis true, you do not see this done, but you shall one day behold it with your eyes; only let this love kindle love, thankfulness, humility in thine heart againe.
And hence, if the Lord hath put a difference between thee and others, do not deny, do not doubt of, do not despise his grace; that if thou hast lost thy first love, this may recover it; if all his love makes thee more humble, and thankful, you stand, Rom. 11. 20. Isa. 65. 16. Do not feare thy estate, because the Lord cuts off the natural branches, that therefore thou mayst be one; but be featful of the least sin, and wrong to Christ, that hath loved thee, especially of pride, and unthankfulness the root of that; and Remember, that the poor things are chosen to confound the Mighty.
That the door of grace and glory shall be shut against all wicked men living, Observ. 2.at the coming of the Lord to death or judgement; there is a time that the door is open unto men, in regard of Ministerial dispensations (for secrets of election we are not to minde) Isa. 55. 6, 7. This time is in this life; but when death comes, then it is shut; when Angels sinned, the Lord immediately shut the door against them; but through Christ the door is open for term of life to men.
Because after death there is no meanes of grace or glory left, which is the Reason 1.Ministry of the Word and Prayer; for that is the chief key of opening the door, even when the doores of heart and heaven are shut, Mat. 16. 19. and hence, 2 Cor. 6. 2. Now is the time of prayers and preaching, and so to be helped; but after death there are no Ministers, they are at rest from their labours; and the Ministry of men is for men, not for naked soules. Lazarus must not give a drop of cold water then to cool the tongue, much less Ministers to comfort or convert their hearts; 'tis true, the Lord can work extraordinarily; but do you think he will do it for one that hath despised grace all his life?
Because it's impossible they should repent after death,Reason 2. by any other means (if meanes were afforded) as by seeing their sinne, and feeling their punishment. Iohn 9. 4. The night cometh wherein no man can work; because after death, comes judgment of wrath to the wicked, Heb. 9. ult. all patience, and pity have forsaken them, and so wrath lies upon them, that they can do nothing but bear it; as one under a great load, or burning in the fire, all his thoughts, and affections, and spirits, are taken up with that, and that is all he can do, Heb. 10. 27. So here.
Vse 1. Of Confutation of a viperous, satanical,Use 1. secret opinion, which like a ghost … the mindes of some people, (viz.) that think and conclude even in time of health, in midst of saving healing meanes, that their time of grace is past, and door is shut to them, before Christ comes against them at death or judgement; which though God many times turnes for good, to humble a bold heart which will burne Gods day-light out, and linger in its sinnes, yet it doth sometimes dead the heart from all effectual endeavours, and discourage the heart from all duties, makes all the Gospel the Ministry of blood and death, and a hand-writing against it; and when it concludes God hath shut the door against it, it shuts God, and Christ, and all his Promises out of its heart.
1. Some think they having sinned against light, have had some blasphemous thoughts, that they have committed the unpardonable sin, &c.
2. Some others think not so, but yet they heare that some mens time is out before death; they think theirs is also, having sought so long, they are even sealed up by God to hardness of heart; and thus some seemingly coming to Christ, are indeed kept off from him.
3. Others of the Saints meeting with many sore troubles and tryals, and that for some sins; and one deep calling to another, they think with David, God hath forgot, hath shut up his mercies, will remember no more to be gracious; and though he hath been so, yet because he hath been so abused by them, that therefore now he will not be merciful again; and thus their hearts sink.
Oh Remember, the Gate of Gods Grace is not shut up before death, then is the time for it to be shut. I confess indeed there is a time in this life, the Lord doth cease to strive, and doth forsake the soul; and we may say of them, as Christ, Oh that thou hadst known! but now they are hid from thine eyes;—But yet this is a secret, which as a secure despiser of grace should tremble at; so those that are awakened, and set in their way to Christ, should not trouble themselves about it.
Object. But oh that I did know whether it be past or no!
Answ. I shall rather give to these people some good counsel, for 'tis not for you to know these times and seasons; though this I would say, if the impardonable sin be not committed.
1. This time of the doores being shut, is not in time of health and peace, but in time of extream trouble, wherein trouble doth affect them more than the sin; as Prov. 1. and as many when a sick bed is come, and in Noahs Flood, 1 Pet. 3, 20.
2. Or if it be in time of health, this is ever the companion of it, (viz.) hatred, and opposing Saints secretly or opening, because Christ having quite forsaken him, his heart swells against the Saints; hence Saul envied David, Esau hated Iacob Murmurers against God; were in the Wilderness, and against Moses; But I come to counsel; for God lets loose Satan full of malice, upon a poor creature, sometimes to vex and trouble.
First, Consider the root of this distemper, (viz.) either great pride, or despising of the riches of Gods grace.
1. Pride, for (this we shall finde) such spirits, because they have not peace sealed, strength against sin granted unto them, and that which they would have, (if discouraged, and not quickened by this) they regard not life, meanes, offers of grace; What is all this, if God hath forsaken me? What is it? Yes, that 'tis; as might at large be shewed.
2. Despising of grace; if I had not committed such sins, I could then think for mercy; but such evils, such miseries, cannot be remedied. Truly, as it is a despising of a Physician, to think, If I was not so sick, he would be tender, and helpful; but not now, being so exceedingly diseased; So it is here, &c.
Secondly, Consider, Suppose the time be past, yet remember thou art worthy to be forsaken of God even from thy birth, not worthy of thy daily bread, much less to taste of Gods Supper; the Lord was loth to shut the door; Hence he we…t on Ierusalem; and Psalme 81. 12. cryed out, Oh that my people had walked in my wayes … thy sinnes provoked the Lord unto it, if he hath in justice cast thee off; therefore though it be past, be not discouraged, but lie down humbled, as Iudges 10. 14, 15. and as David, Psal. 42. 3. My teares are my meat, whiles they say so, Where is you… God? So tell the Lord, Satan saith, and feeling saith, and feares say, Where is my God? Lord pity! And if thy heart be sick, tell the Lord of it, Verse 6. I am perswaded many should quickly feele an Answer to this Question, by taking this course; but they miss at least of the comfort of Grace and Mercy, because they will be Disposers of the Lords Grace and Time.
Thirdly, Consider, it may be that time is not past, it is a secret only known to God; the door of grace may only seem to be shut; why doth Christ bid knock else? When the Ninevites heard that they should dye within fourty dayes, Ionah 3. 9. say they, Who can tell but the Lord may repent? you say the Decree is past, and spoken; and as Spira said, I have that Witnessed. I say againe, Who can tell, but (if God had said so, but) that …he may repent? therefore be not discouraged, or faint because of this. Nay, 'tis most probable time is not past.
1. Because the things of thy peace, the discovery of the vileness of thine own heart, the glory of Christ, is not hid from thine eyes.
2. God calls thee now to returne; When Iudah had banisht David, and they might think He will not receive us; yet when David sent by his Messengers, Why do you not bring the King back! I am flesh of your flesh; then they all were encouraged to hope for favour, 2 Sam. 19. 12, 14. So,
4. Consider, if thou dost return, the time of love is so farre from being past, as that it is then come indeed unto thy soul.
Object. But my sin is great▪
Answ. Suppose it be …lasphemy of Christ, nay, murder of the Sonne of God; yet Acts 2. 38. when Peter preached Repentance to life, they th…t gladly received that word, who might be instrumental to crucifie Christ, were received. Oh but my heart is hard! Hosea 10. 12. break up your fallow ground, &c. 'Tis time, saith he, &c.
Object. But I have refused to returne, and have not been ashamed!
Answ. Yet, Ier. 3. 3, 4, 5. Wilt thou not from this time cry to me? &c.
Object. But I may returne to the Lord, and he refuse to returne to me
Answ. No, Ier. 8. 7. Shall he fall, and not arise? shall the Lord turn away, and not return? why then is he fallen perpetually; the reason is given, No man said, What have I done, how have I despised Gods grace? the Stork knows her season; but, &c. the Lord keep you from dashing your selves in pieces here, and make this a Word of Christs Encouragement to thee.
Vse 2. Of Exhortation unto all men,Use 2. not to delay your making peace with God; for when you are dead, the gate is shut; and if Angels should cry to have it opened, they shall not be heard.
You that are young, take warning this day, do not think there is time enough hereafter: You that are old, do not think it too late, or that it would be a shame for you to begin now, who have propt up your hearts with base comforts; you that have been stirred, but are now faln asleep, beware of dying in your ditches, and pits, wherein you are faln; you must stand before God shortly. Though you never repented yet, &c. never was in bitterness, never had any great mourning, &c. never knew the life of Christ, peace of conscience, never felt the Kingdome, and mighty power of Christ, yet despaire not, for yet there is hope; but if once death comes, then thou art gone; it is day yet, and Christ holds open his wings yet; but if death comes, his time is out.
Object. But I have a faire time yet before me.
Answ. 1. It may be not, for thou art condemned already.
2. If you have, yet wilt abuse patience, and forbearance of God? wilt despise what leads thee to repentance! as a man …inking, spits in the face of him that holds up his Head; wilt thou be worse than a devil?
Objection. But a little repentance will …erve the turne, 'tis quickly lon…?
Answer. Oh no! as Paul said, I have fought a good fight; thou hast …ins as dear as thy life to forsake; thou hast Devils, World to wrestle with; n…y, God himself to wrestle with; you cannot runne your Race in a day.
Object. What if I be shut out?
Answ. I say no more but only what Solomon said, Prov. 5. 11, 12, 13. O how have I hated reproof! that shall be thy woful dirge another day, when shut out; oh never to have one look, one word from Christ, but to see him afar off, this shall be thy fearful portion hereafter. Truly we may take up that complaint of Christ, You can discerne the times of the Weather, not Christs coming.