The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Part 2 · Chapter 19 · Section 16 · Subsection 4
VERSE 13. Watch.
THat all the Churches of God are bound to be very watchful,Observation. by considering the Parable of these foolish Virgins.
Quest. 1. Against what shall they watch?
Answ. 1. Against security, and dead-heartedness.
2. Against sleightness and shallowness of the work of grace in them.
Quest. 2. For what should they watch?
Answ. For the blessed appearing, and glorious coming of Christ Jesus. at his first coming, 1 Pet. 1. 10, 11, 12. they searched after, and waited for his coming, and rejoyced to see that day; so should we now for his second.
Of exhortation to these Churches in N. E. Oh be watchful, First,Vse. Against security. Motives.
1. Because 'tis the last sin as you have heard, which surprizeth Saints; a Christian at first conversion, strives and gets mastery over many sins, but some are very hard, that he cannot overcome them; and because he cannot, hence like the Israelites, he is ready to think the worst is past, and I cannot be better; and hence lies secure, and makes truce with sin.
2. 'Tis a very dangerous sin; What temptation may not a man fall into, and be overcome with, when he is sleepy and secure? A strong man that is asleep, may not a childe, any weak enemy cut his Throat, or pick his Pockers? it may be when awakened he may recover his losses, but it is sad for the present with him; so here.
3. It is a most bewitching sin; because nothing is so sweet as sleep, and the sweeter, the stronger, and the worse.
4. 'Tis the temptation of this place. 1. Because when Churches grow secure, then all begin to slumber; else one might awaken all. 2. Because here's peace; we have our ease, and our pillows, and feather-beds, and are out of the noise of persecution; and hence sleep, and watch not; are secure and dead-hearted, and pray not; our hearts dye, and prayers dye by this means.
3. Because of many sad wearisome Trials, and heavy loads; 'tis hard to live for some, and their bodies are weak, and cates, and distractions many, and griefs from servants rudeness, &c. exceeding; and debts come upon men; sorrow made the Disciples eyes heavy, Luke 22. 45. The poor loaden horse when sp…r-gall'd, and the Load heavy, and Legs weary, he will lie down in the high way, till rest and provender be given him.
5. Oh therefore blessed are ye if you endure temptation, and watch one hour in this place and time. I tell you the Lord will fet thee down, and serve thee, and give thee what thou callest for.
Secondly, Against sleightness, and an hoverly work; Motives.
1. Many looking after Christ, deceive themselves here; here is their wound; they have some taste of sins bitterness, and some taste of Christ, and some affections; but the life of Christ they want; not that all must have the same measure; but consider of what hath been opened to you; Oh these colours, formes, and figures, and images, and pageants, and pictures, and names, and paints, and gildings, are the undoing of many.
2. Consider the example of David, who though a Prophet, yet desires, O that I might see the Lord in his house! Paul reached after more and more; as for his prize, he made work of it.
3. Christ is full, and hath enough Spirit; oh therefore seek for more! if you know this gift, and ask, he will give Rivers of waters; Young Christians, look to your selves as you wax old; what is become of your gold? why doth Copper appear now, in comparison of what it hath been (it may be) formerly?
Thirdly, For Christs coming; Motives.
1. This is the beginning of glory; Adam looked only for his happiness in an earthly Paradise, but you are heirs of an heavenly, Tit. 2. 13.
2. You have nothing else to look for; if only of the things of this world you might look for your portion here, it were another matter; but now when called, justified, sanctified, sin warring against thee, and nothing but thy body and breath between thee and Christ; oh look after it.
3. Sorrows in the Country cry for it; we think within few years the Land will be out of heart, and want of cloaths, or not money to buy, or pay debts, and this and tother evil will ensue; so for particular persons, What shall I do hereafter? &c. True, but glory will pay for all at Christs coming.
4. All Saints ever looked for this long ago; the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 1. 7. and the Thessal…ians, 1 Thes. 1. ult. and the Philippians, Phil. 3. 20, 21. grace teacheth men so to do, Tit. 2. 13. and promise of mercy is made to such only, Heb. 9. ult. and hence Rev. 22. the Church cryes o…t, Come Lord, come quickly; Oh wait for this time when he shall Redeem, comfort, glorifie, free from all snares and sins; if no hope in this life, of all men most miserable; some young ones think 'tis too soon; old men that are near do it; many have businesses, and cannot; cannot you carry it to the fields, and rejoyce in expectations of this, but must be alwayes cast down? &c. O teach it your Children; speak of it one Brother to another; some of you are poor and morning, oh be comforted, 'tis for your sake Christ will come, and refresh, and wipe away your tears.
Thus I have finished this Parable; there are divers and many Interpretations hereof given by some, but I speak what I believe; I differ in nothing but ever gave reason.
And verily if you regard not, the Lord shall bring all these things as Witnesses against you another day; I believe it shall not be without some fruit; give him the glory that gives it.
FINIS.