The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened, Parable · Verse 6

The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened · Parable · Verse 6

p. 94MATTHEW XXV. 6.

And at Mid-night there was a Cry made, Behold the Bridegroom Cometh; Go ye out to meet him.

IN this Verſe we have a Notification of the Bridegroom's Coming; wherein we may Obſerve, 1. The Thing Notified, He Cometh. 2. The Note of Attention added, [Behold] he Cometh. 3. The Means or Manner of this Notification, by a Cry. 4. The Time when this Cry is made, viz. At Mid-night. 5. The Duty thereupon Exhorted unto, Go out to meet him. From all which the Obſervation is this.

Obſerv. After the Bridegroom's Tarrying for a certain time, a Cry is made at Mid-night to the Virgins, Behold he Cometh, Go ye out to meet him.

Queſt. 1. How will the Bridegroom come, … as to the Kind and Manner of his Coming?

Anſw. As to the Kind thereof (and meerly with Reſpect unto his …mporal Kingdom) there is a Diverſe Coming mentioned in the Scripture.

1. There was a Typical Coming in David's Time, Pſal. 40. 7. in whom Chriſt came to Do and Suffer his Father's Will, Heb. 10. 7, 8, 9. and doth now Reign accordingly, though more inviſibly at the preſent, Heb. 2. 8. and with Reſpect unto his Father David's Throne. To which may be referred what of that Typical Nature was Before, when Chriſt did firſt ſet up his Temporal (as well as Spiritual) Kingdom in the World, Deut. 33. 2. and when that Kingdom was Reſtored afterwards, Zech. 2. 10.

2. There was a Coming (afterwards) by way of Shew or Emblem, p. 95when Chriſt was Transfigured upon the Mount, Mat. 17. 1, 2 which ſeemeth to be that Coming in his Kingdom, which ſome there ſtanding ſhould not taſte of Death untill they ſaw, Mat. 16. 27, 28.

3. There alſo was a Coming in the days of Conſtantine, when Chriſt did firſt Erect his Temporal Kingdom, Rev. 12. 5. to Recompenſe his Faithful Servants, Rev. 7. 17. and Execute his vengeance upon others, Rev. 6. 16, 17.

4. There will be alſo his Coming as a Thief, Rev. 16. 15. when Iſrael (or the Eaſtern Kings) ſhall be Converted, v. 12. to whom ſhall come the firſt (or chief Dominion that ever yet was, Mic. 4. 8. who ſhall be All Righteous, Iſa. 60. 21. but yet not Perfect; therefore that alſo will be but for a Time.

5. There will be his Second Appearing at the laſt, without ſin, Heb. 9. 28. which therefore muſt needs be Perſonal, or in his Humane Nature, wherein he ſometimes bare the ſins of his Elect, 1 Pet. 2. 24.

6. But then there alſo is a Precurſory Coming, which laſt is Principally intended in this Parable, as hath before been hinted.

Thus will Chriſt's Temporal Throne have ſix ſteps up into it, as Solomon's had of Old, 1 Kings 10. 19.

The Manner of which Precurſory Coming will much Reſemble that of his Perſonal Coming, and the reſt, as in theſe following Particulars will appear.

1. His Coming will be very ſudden. When his Enemies will be ſecure, 1 T…ſ. 5. 2, 3. Mat. 24. 49. 50. Luke 17. 28, 29, 30. When the Fooliſh Virgins think there's time enough to Buy Oyl in, Mat. 25. 10. When former Signs will not be ſeen, by Reaſon of their Diſ-continuance, Pſal. 74. 9. 2 Pet. 3. 4. When his Elect abound with unbelieving Cries, Luke 18. 7, 8. When there will be great Mountains in his way, Zech. 4. 7. the Mount of Olives to be divided, Zech. 14. 4. and none ſhut up or left in Iſrael, Deut. 32. 36. This rotten Old Houſe will fal… in a Calm, deſpiſed fore-warnings will thus be puniſhed, his former tarrying will thus be recompenſed; he then hath nothing elſe to do, but juſt to come; thus will he amaze the World, and thus hath he conſulted for the need of Daily Watching, Mark. 13. 36.

2. His Coming will be with a dreadful Earthquake, Zech. 14. 5. Valleys will be Exalted, and Mountains Level'd, Iſa. 40. 4, 5. The Old Heavens will paſs away, and the Earth be burnt up, 2 Pet. 3. 10. and New Created, Iſa. 65. 17. The ſtate of things will be diſſolved, and yet not Ruined, Pſal. 75. 2, 3. He then will tread the Wine-preſs of the Almighty's wrath and fierceneſs, Rev. 19. 15. till blood come unto the Horſe Bridles, Rev. 14. 20. Michael and the Dragon will p. 96then try their utmoſt; the Trouble then muſt needs be great, Dan. 12. 1. And if the Beaſt's Full (before) was ſhaking, much more will Satan's be ſo, Rev. 12. 8, 9. Chriſt will then come to Judgment, Rev. 11. 18. the Name whereof made Felix tremble. And this will be a Time of Reſtitution, Acts 3. 21. and therefore of much Commotion. Yea, all muſt be done in a little time, which cannot be without a mighty noiſe. See therefore to your ſtanding, Luke 21. 36. and flee away from Babylon, Jer. 51. 45. as far as Azal, or ſeparation, Zech. 14. 4, 5.

3. His Coming will be with Clouds and Darkneſs, Pſal. 97. 2. as to the Juſtifiableneſs of ſeveral things, according to a common Rule of Judging. Iſrael will then be as the Dew which tarrieth not for Man, Mich. 5. 7. but readily will Publiſh that word which God himſelf gives forth, Pſal. 68. 11. The Temple and City Walls will not depend upon a freſh Humane Command, Ezra 5. 3. but will be pleaded by an Ancient Order, v. 11. 13. which was Divine, Ezra 1. 1. That Day of the Lord will be upon every one that is Lofty, Iſa. 2. 12. the ſpoilers will then be ſpoyled, Ezra 39. 10. the Judge will pull down and ſet up at pleaſure, Pſal. 75. 7. the Solitary ſhall be ſet in Families, Pſal. 68. 6. and out of Judah ſhall come every (ſo called) Oppreſſor, Zech. 10. 4. This King's High-way will not be Common, but where there none was wont to be, for his Redeemed, Iſa. 35. 8, 9. as it was of old, Pſal. 77. 19, 20.

4. Yet Righteouſneſs will be his Habitation, Pſal. …. 2. which will ſuſtain him, Iſa. 59. 16. As to his making war with ſome, Rev. 19. 11. and his Redeeming others, Iſa. 1. 27. Iſrael's Nobles ſhall be of Themſelves, Jer. 30. 21. which is but Righteous, according to the Chaldeans Principles, Hab. 1. 7. They ſhall be Righteouſly Redeemed for Nought, becauſe they were ſo Sold, Iſa. 52. 3. No Weapon ſhall proſper any more againſt the Juſt, the Servants of the Lord, which will be both their Heritage and Righteouſneſs, Iſa. 54. 17. Chriſt ſhall then Reign, Rev. 11. 15. and he in that reſpect will then be called a Righteous Branch, Jer. 23. 5. for unto him it appertaineth, Jer. 10. 7. whoſe Right it is, Ezra 21. 27. God's Law (viz. the Light of Nature and the Scriptures) will be the Rule; for he will then Magnifie his Law, and for his Righteouſneſs ſake, Iſa. 42. 21. Saints then will walk in the Name of the Lord their God, which is but Juſt, ſince others Judge it to be their Right, Mic. 4. 5. Babylon ſhall be Rewarded, as the hath Rewarded others, Rev. 18. 6. and Saints ſhall have double for their ſhame, Iſa. 61. 7. both which are Righteous, 2 Theſ. 1. 6, 7.

5. His Coming will be variouſly Repreſented by Men of Differ in p. 97Spirits. Some will ſuppoſe him to be John the Baptiſt, Mat. 16. 14. But others will more confidently ſay, Loe, this is He, Iſa. 25. 9. And Bleſſed is the People that know the (Seventh Trumpets) joyful ſound, Pſal. 89. 15. Some will be Angry, Rev. 11. 18. and oppoſe him Pſal. 2. 1, 2. as the Philiſtines did David, 2 Sam. 5. 17. but others will deſire him, Hag. 2. 7. Some will then ſtumble, and thereby be enſnared, Iſa. 8. 14. but others will call his ſaddeſt Executions Righteous, Rev. 16. 5. and bleſſed is he that is not Offended in him, Rev. 15. 3. Some will then Sing, whilſt others ſhall Cry for ſorrow of Heart, Iſa. 65. 14. Some will give Glory unto God, Rev. 11. 13. Indeed who ſhall not fear him, and Worſhip before him, Rev. 15. 4? Yet others will not Repent to give him Glory, Rev. 16. 9.

6. His Coming will be with Glory, Riding in the Heavens, by his Name Jah, Pſal. 68. 4. and being thereby Declared to be the Son of God, Pſal. 2. 7. His Harbinger hath been aſtoniſhing, as Luke 3. 15. much more himſelf will be ſo, as of Old, John 10. 41. Kings will then ſhut their Mouths at him, Iſa. 52. 15. and Heathens will bow unto his Scepter, Iſa. 19. 18. A New Earth and Heavens (or Glorious Diſpenſation) will be Created, Iſa. 65. 17. wherein all ſorts of Perſons ſhall then ſhare, v. 20. The Lu…tre whereof will be ſet out by that ſad ſtate of things immediately before, Pſal. 32. 5. The Spirit alſo will then be poured ſorth, Iſa. 32. 15. whoſe Fruits will be unto his Praiſe and Glory, Phil. 1. 11. He will then come with all his Saints, Zech. 14. 5. moſt Gloriouſly attired, Zech. 3. 4, 5.

7. The Glory of this Coming will be Low at firſt. Babylon will then be taken at one end, Jer. 51. 31. Iſrael's laſt. Enemies will firſt be Ruined in ſome Iſles, Ezek. 39. 6. Glory to the Righteous will firſt be heard from the utmoſt parts of the [then] known Earth, Iſa. 24. 15, 16. The firſt Ruler in Iſrael will be from Bethlehem Ephratah, or Fruitful Houſe of Bread, Mic. 5. 2. when the Aſſyrian is in that Land, v. 5. The Tents of Judah (in competition with the Glory of David's Houſe) will firſt be ſaved, Zech. 12. 7. The Sanctuary waters will firſt be to the Ankles, Ezek. 47. 3. The Tenth of the City will onelyonly fall at firſt, Rev. 11. 13. and more will follow after, Rev. 16. 19. But the Stone will become a Mountain, Dan. 2. 35. The Grain of Muſtardſeed will grow Exceedingly, Mat. 13. 31, 32. His Temporal Kingdom will increaſe, as did, and doth his Spiritual.

8. His Coming will (in ſome ſence) be Once for All, though with ſome kind of Circumſtantial variation, as to the Meaſure, Place, and Manner of his Appearing. The Seventh Trumpet will continue untill the Laſt Trump ſhall ſound, Rev. 16. 17. The Gentiles Glory will p. 98increaſe untill their Fulneſs be come in; upon whoſe Degeneration (then) Chriſt's will Tranſlate that Kingdom to the Jews, Rom. 11. 24. untill his Coming to Reign in Perſon, when Jews and Gentiles ſhall have fulfilled their Courſe. But Antichriſtianiſm will have its deadly blow at firſt, for all the laſt Plagues are killing. And Groſſer Perſecutions or Deſtructions will come to a Perpetual End, wherever Chriſt hath once ſet up this kind of Throne, Pſal. 9. 6, 7. And thus the Saints Dominion (once begun) will be for Ever, Dan. 7. 27. paſſing from them to Chriſt himſelf, and thence at laſt unto the Father, 1 Cor. 15. 28.

Queſt. 2. What's meant by this Word, Behold, with reference to his Coming?

Anſw. 1. Behold ſometimes imports Preſentiality, as John 1. 29. And thus he Cometh when the Cry is made, viz. ſoon after; therefore 'tis ſaid, he Cometh; not that he Will Come. The Time of this Cry doth clearlieſt hint his near Approach, which therefore is to be Studied and Obſerved. Time was, when it was Dangerous to reckon his Day at Hand, 2 Theſ. 2. 2. And when the Seventh Angel begins to ſound there will be Time no longer, Rev. 10. 6, 7. But a little before that Time it will be ſaid, Behold he Cometh. There will be Time After that for all the Virgins to Trim their Lamps, for ſome Diſcourſe between them concerning Oyl, and for the Fooliſh Virgins going out to Buy it; bu… not for their Return before his Coming, Mat. 25. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. And if (as ſome conceive) this Cry hath been already made, 'tis near indeed.

2. It ſometimes hinteth Obviouſneſs, or Eaſineſs to be Diſcerned, John 11. 36. Of ſuch a Nature is his ſpeedy Coming then unto an Open and Obſerving Eye. Chriſt here affirms it, whoſe Name is True, Rev. 3. 7. and therefore he hath bid it ſhould be Written, Rev. 21. 5. His Harbinger is come already at their firſt going forth; therefore himſelf cannot be now long after. The Signs hereof had been befo…, Luke 21. 25, 26. whoſe very beginning called for our looking up, v. 28. His previous work is then Diſpatch'd; and he is not ſlack as Men count ſlackneſs, 2 Pet. 3. 9. This Cry concludes the Second Woe; and then the Third comes quickly, Rev. 11. 14. Some will not yet ſee, but they ſhall ſee unto their ſhame, Iſa. 26. 11. being willingly Ignorant, 2 Pet. 3. 5.

3. It alſo hinteth In-advertency, as Mat. 7. 4. And therefore theſe Virgins are bid, Behold. Some have no mind to ſee that Object, it ſo Affrights them to hear of Judgment, Acts 24. 35. Others do not believe for Joy, Luke 24. 41. nor can they hearken for preſent Anguiſh and cruel p. 99Bondage, Exod. 6. 9. eſpecially when this increaſeth, Exod. 5. 21. after the raiſing of their Expectations, Exod. 4. 31. Others are ſo engaged in the World, as that they would not have this Earth and Heavens to be yet Deſtroyed, which makes them in obſervant of ſuch Intimations. Some are unwilling to believe untill they See and Feel, John 20. 25, eſpecially ſince ſome have been miſtaken, who raſhly have determined the very time. And all are ſleepy, who therefore need being bid, Behold.

4. It noteth Marvelouſneſs, or Matter of Wonder, as Iſa. 7. 14. And ſuch a Diſpenſation is Amazing, upon a manifold ſcore. Its like hath not been ſeen theſe many hundred Years, or not ſince Conſtantine's Time, Rev. 12. 5. and with reſpect to R…rities, Men uſe to ſay, Behold. The Lord will then do a New thing in the Earth, by making a way in the Wilderneſs, and Rivers in the Deſert; which therefore may well be bid to be Beheld, Iſa. 43. 19. Truth is now fallen in the ſtreet, and Equity cannot enter, Iſa. 59. 14. Therefore it may be then well ſaid (by way of Admiration) Behold, a King ſhall Reign in Righteouſneſs, Iſa. 32. 1. The Gentiles ſhall carry the Saints upon their ſhoulders, which is a Wonder worthy to be Beheld, Iſa. 49. 22. There is none that ſheweth, yea, there is none that Heareth this; therefore the firſt Informer may well ſay, Behold, behold them, Iſa. 41. 26, 27.

5. It ſometimes noteth of what Uſe and Conſequence it is, to take eſpecial Notice of what is ſo Accompanied, as Rev. 3. 20. In which laſt ſence 'tis chiefly here intended. He cometh now to Judgment, Rev. 11. 18. and all the Churches ſhall then know 'tis he that ſearcheth the Reins and Hearts, Rev. 2. 23. He now will give no longer day unto the Virgins to buy that Oyl, which formerly hath been neglected, but onelyonly to Trim their Lamps, and ſo go forth, or be ſhut out for ever. The Manner of his Appearing (from firſt to laſt) will countervail the glad Beholder's want of ſleep, unto Their after-grief who do not mind it. He then will make ſo great a Change, as that Old Objects will not be worth the looking after, ſo as to take the Eye off from him. Yea, this very Notice of his Coming will ſtartle all the Virgins; which ſhews how fitly this word, Behold, is ſet before it.

6. It ſometimes doth denote Intreaty or Beſeeching; and therefore that word, Loe, or Behold, 1 Chron. 17. 1. is elſe-where rendred, ſee, I pray, 2 Sam. 7. 2. as the Hebrew word there uſed for [Now] is oftimes rendred, Numb. 12. 13. &c. Nor is it ſtrange, for God (by others) to beſeech poor Man; or for his Cryers and Embaſſadors to Pray Men in Chriſt's ſtead, 2 Cor. 5. 10. eſpecially in ſuch Momentous p. 100Caſes. Chriſt knows of what concernment it is, to be aware of him, and of his Day, Luke 21. 34. who therefore Prayeth them, for their own good. He knows the Judgment wants not Light; who therefore thus applies himſelf to their Affections by ſuch a Pathetical Exhortation. He knows the Virgins love to ſlumber, who therefore earneſtly beſeecheth their awakening. He might Enjoyn what is Convenient, but for Love's ſake he rather doth Beſeech, Philem. 8. 9. His Fatherly Compaſſions are ſtirred in him for the Wiſer Virgins, who therefore ſpeaks thus Affectionately unto them all. Thus doth Chriſt ſometimes condeſcend to gain our Duty, and to ſet us a Copy.

Queſt. 3. How may we know the Cry which is then made?

Anſw. This Cry muſt either be conceived to be Ordinary, or Extraordinary.

If Extraordinary, it then muſt be Prophetical, which ſome may be in the Expectation of, but not upon ſubſtantial Grounds. We may not be Wiſe above that which is Written, 1 Cor. 4. 6. Now, the Scripture doth no where plainly hint ſuch Extraordinary Gifts, with reference to theſe our days; ſince, if that Prophecy, Joel 2. 28. be ſtrictly now to be fulfilled again, we may as well expect Chriſt's Perſonal Coming Now, which that Place firſtly did refer unto, Acts 2. 16. Nor is it needful, ſince the Perfecting of thoſe Scriptures, by which the Man of God is throughly furniſhed unto all good works, 2 Tim. 3. 17. Yea, with Reſpect unto theſe Latter days; thoſe have no Light in them, who go not to that Law and Teſtimony, Iſa. 8. 20. which are a ſurer word of Prophecy than is a Voice from Heaven, 2 Pet. 1. 18, 19. or one ſe…t from the Dead, Luke 16. 30, 31. He alſo is ſadly Threatned, who ſhall add ought (as Extraordinary pretended Prophets needs muſt do) unto that finiſhing Book of Revelations, Rev. 22. 18. And though God is at Liberty to give forth ſuch a Gift, yet are we not required to Believe on that Account before hand, though Men pretending thereunto may ſometimes have hit right. Nay, 'tis expreſly ſaid (with reference to ſuch a time) there is no more any Prophet among us that knoweth how long, Pſal. 74. 9.

I therefore judge this Cry to be more Ordinary, or ſomething which doth occurre (according to the Scripture) after the Bridegroom's having Tarried, and as the next, or more immediate Antecedents of his Coming. As for Example.

1. When the Inhabitants of Mount Seir ſhall be deſtroyed by Moab and Ammon, who were Confederates againſt the Men of Judah, 2 Chron. 20. 10. which was the Beginning of that Salvation, v. 22, 23. in the Valley of Berachah, v. 26. for poor unworthy good Jehoſhaphat, 2 Chron. p. 10119. 2, 3. As that fore-told Chriſt's Coming (in Jehoſhaphat's Valley) to Judge his People's Enemies, after the Return of their Captivity, Joel 3. 1, 2. Which ſaid Inhabitants of Mount Seir were Eſau's Offſpring, Gen. 36. 8. who was (a very little) Jacob's Elder Brother, Gen. 25. 25. but Sold his Birth-right or Priority, (and thereby lo…t his much deſired Bleſſing of Supremacy) for a Trifle, Gen. 25. 33. and 27. 35. whereupon he hated his Brother Jacob, v. 41. though Iſrael did not diſ-poſſeſs him of his Inheritance, 2 Chron. 20. 10, 11. Theſe Men will joyn (againſt Judah) with Moab and Ammon, and yet be Deſtroyed by their own Confederates: Soon after which Chriſt Cometh.

2. When Iſrael's Adverſaries ſhall Unite, to cut them off from being a Nation, Pſal. 83. 4, 5. Deſigning to take God's Houſes into their Poſſeſſion, v. 12. and burning up his Synagogues in the Land, Pſal. 74. 8. Then will Chriſt evidence his being King of Old, Pſal. 74. 12. by doing to theſe bold Enemies as to the Midianites, Pſal. 83. 9. and in a very little while his Anger ſhall ceaſe in their Deſtruction, Iſa. 10. 25, 26. as it was with Abaſuerus, upon Haman's being Executed, Eſth. 7. 10. who ſought to Deſtroy all Mordeca… 's People, Eſth. 3. 6. Thus when the Heathen help forward their Affliction who are but lately come out of Babylon, God will return with Mercy to Jeruſalem, Zech. 1. 12. 15. 16. and make the Chaldean's Daughter ſilent, who had no Mercy for her Captives, Iſa. 47. 5, 6.

3. When Iſrael's ſad Caſe will be (unto the Eye of Reaſon) Deſperate. One Sign of Sion's Reſtauration, is, the ſeeming Incurableneſs of her Sorrow, and her being called an Out-caſt, Jer. 30. 15. 17. after the Return of her Captivity, v. 3. When God ſhall have Accompliſhed to ſcatter the Holy People's Power, then will theſe things be finiſhed, Dan. 12. 7. after the Time, and Times, and Part of Time, or after the Little Horn's deceaſe, who did ſo long continue, Dan. 7. 25. and conſequently after their being poſſeſſed of the fourth Beaſt's Kingdom, v. 21, 22. Their expectations muſt miſcarry, who look for deliverance from themſelves, Iſa. 26. 18. But when the Eyes of Man, as of all the Tribes of Iſrael, are towards the Lord, then will his Burden reſt upon the Land of Hadrach and Damaſcus, Zech. 9. 1. And thus, No Faith on Earth will Uſher in the Bridegroom's Coming, Luke 18. 8. And when there is no Humane interceſſor viſible, then Chriſt's own Arm will bring Salvation, Iſa. 59. 16. repaying Recompenſe unto his Enemies in the Iſlands, v. 18.

4. When God hath performed his whole work upon Mount Sion, he then will puniſh that Aſſyrian, Iſa. 10. 12. the ſtretching out of whoſe Wings hath fill'd the breadth of Immanuel's Land, Iſa. 8. 8. An Hypocritical p. 102Nation muſt firſt be ſoundly whipt, then will that Rod be caſt into the Fire, Iſa. 10. 5, 6. 16, 17. Achan muſt firſt be fully ſtoned, and all his ill-gotten Goods conſumed, then will the fierceneſs of God's Anger be turned away, Joh. 7. 25, 26. It muſt appear who count God's Service vain, (becauſe the wicked are Delivered) and who yet think upon his Name, Mal. 3. 14, 15, 16. Then ſhall a Providential difference be put between the Righteous and the Wicked, v. 18. Two Thirds of Iſrael muſt be cut off and die; and the Remaining Third Part muſt be Refined; then ſhall they call upon the Lord and he will hear them, Zech. 13. 8, 9.

5. When long endurance (both on God's part and Man's) ſhall fix the Generality in their Reſpective Wandrings. A willing Ignorance is one Gray Hair upon the Old World's Head, 2 Pet. 3. 5. or Sign of its Laſt days, v. 3. as dying at the Root doth evidence th… Harveſt to be fully Ripe. When Controverſies cannot be determined by Ordinary means, then comes the Judge into his Valley of Deciſion, Joel 3. 14. When Daniel underſtood not the Time of the End, from what Chriſt told the Angel, Dan. 12. 6, 7, 8. Chriſt giveth him a plainer Sign, viz. the fixedneſs of Men in wicked ways, v. 10. Some will debaſe themſelves, even unto Hell, Iſa. 57. 9. without being grieved for it, v. 10. but go on forwardly in their own way, v. 17. then comes the Time of Reſtauration, v. 18. and Prince of Peace, v. 19. And when theſe Virgins part from inability to Give or to Receive any further Oyl and Light, the Bridegroom cometh before it can be Bought, Mat. 25. 8, 9, 10.

6. When Aſhur and Eber are both of them Afflicted by Ships from the Coaſt of Chittim, which Balaam makes to be the immediate forerunner of Aſhur's Periſhing, Numb. 24. 24. and of Chriſt's having the Dominion, v. 19. or of his Coming out of Jacob, as a Star; to deſtroy the Generality, or all the Children of Sheth, v. 17. who was the onelyonly Hopeful Remaining Son of Adam, Gen. 4. 25. put for the Generality of Profeſſors. Now, Aſhur came of Shem, Gen. 10. 22. who was the firſt Devourer of God's Iſrael, Jer. 50. 17. and their laſt Troubler afterwards, Ezra 4. 2. who therefore fitly anſwers unto Satan or the Dragon, who was before the Babyloniſh Beaſt, Rev. 12. 3. and doth reſiſt Joſhua afterwards, Zech. 3. 1, 2. Eber came of Shem alſo, Gen. 10. 21. from whom the Hebrews (or Profeſſors) had their Name, which was firſt given to Abraham, Gen. 14. 13. This Aſhur (in the latter days) ſhall be United with thoſe Hebrews; both which ſhall joyntly be Afflicted (though not Deſtroyed) by Ships from Chittim, which was a place eminent for Trade and Shipping, Ezek. 27. 6. Dan. p. 10311. 30. Soon after which, this Aſhur ſhall periſh for ever, and Chriſt ſhall come as King, or as a Bridegroom.

7. When the Harveſt is Reaped, as being fully Ripe, Rev. 14. 15, 16. then comes the Vintage, v. 18. or wrath of God upon his Enemies, v. 19. (Joel 3. 12, 13.) by the ſpace of two hundred Miles, v. 20. Soon after which, ſeven Angels, Rev. 15. 1. come out of the Temple Opened, v. 6. Upon the Seventh Trumpets ſounding, wherewith Chriſt comes to Reign, Rev. 11. 15. 17, 18, 19. Which Harveſt may thus be known. It is an Harveſt, Rev. 14. 15. which eminently doth conſiſt of Wheat, Mat. 13. 29, 30. or Men of a choiſer Spirit, who then muſt be cut down, as to ſome kind of former ſtanding, Natural, or Myſtical. 'Tis Reaped by one like the Son of Man, Rev. 14. 14, 15. or by the Son of Man himſelf, Rev. 1. 13. or by a more immediate hand of God, which is a ſad Diſpenſation to the Godly, and therefore it is Accompanied with a Cordial Prologue unto ſuch, Rev. 14. 13. 'Tis Reaped upon the Prayer of one out of the Temple, Rev. 14 15. viz. an High Prieſt, or a Prieſt, at leaſt, who Typified Saints of greater Spiritual Strength, becauſe no other can bear to joyn in ſuch a kind of Prayer, but rather pray againſt it. 'Tis after the Return of Babylon's Captivity, or when the Lamb and his Party are on Mount Sion, Rev. 14. 1. 'Tis alſo after that loud Denunciation againſt Complyers with the Man of Sin, at ſuch a Time, Rev. 14. 9, 10, 11, 12.

8. When God ſhall have made, of a City an Heap, of a Defenced City a Ruine: A Palace of Strangers to be No City, Iſa. 25. 2. Then will he be a ſtrength to the Poor, v. 4. and the Branch of the Terrible ones ſhall be brought low, v. 5. in Order unto his Marriage-Feaſt, v. 6. at his Expected Coming, v. 9. Which Diſpenſation may thus be known: It muſt be a Metropolis, becauſe there is a Palace in it, which therefore is applyed by ſome to Babylon. It is a Defenced City, and therefore its Ruines muſt chiefly be within its Walls. It is a Palace of Strangers; as Strangers and Iſraelites are contra-diſtinct, Jer. 5. 19. Such as the Aſſyrian is in Iſrael's Land, Mic. 5. 5. Its Ruines muſt be very Great, becauſe it Never ſhall be re-built, or not of a long time, at leaſt, as Exod. 21. 6. where the ſame Hebrew words are ſo intended. And this ſad Judgment will much Affect; ſince Therefore ſhall the ſtrong People Glorifie God, and the City of the Terrible Nations ſhall fear him, Iſa. 25. 3.

9. When God ſhall make his Enemies like a Wheel, Pſal. 83. 13. in Order to Their being troubled for ever, v. 17. who have conſulted againſt his hidden ones, v. 3. that Men may know Jehovah is moſt p. 104High, over all the Earth, v. 18. Which Wheel donoteth Reſtleſsneſs, or ſelf-deſtroying Variations; and thus the Lord …ings to Nought the Heathens Counſel, Pſal. 33. 10. whereas his Coun…ands for ever, v. 11. becauſe he ſpeaketh and it is done, he doth Command, and it ſtands faſt, v. 9. Thus Pharaoh (that Egyptian Dragon) did firſt increaſe his Cruel Perſecutions, Exod. 5. 7, 8. and then abated of his Rigour, Exod. 8. 8. untill he roſe again, Exod. 14. 5. unto his utter overthrow, v. 28. Thus did the Aſſyrian Adverſaries firſt make the Jews to ceaſe by Force and Power, Ezra 4. 23. who afterwards did onelyonly take the Builders Names, Ezra 5. 4. untill they made a freſh Complaint, v. 17. unto the Reverſing of that Prohibition, Ezra 6. 6. 11. Thus alſo did the Martyrs Cry, Rev. 6. 10. becauſe of Galienus his increaſing Perſecution, which then abated till the Nineteenth Year of Diocleſian, v. 11. who afterwards Revived it, v. 11, 12, 13, 14. unto the extirpation of that Roman Dragon, v. 15. and thus it was with Typical Sennacherib… 2 Kings 18. 13. 17. Iſa. 37. 8, 9. 36.

10. When the Worſhip of God is openly Blaſphemed by his Enemies at ſuch a time. The Adverſary's Blaſpheming the Name of God is pleaded as an Argument with him, to pluck his Hand out of his Boſom, Pſal. 74. 10, 11. and was effectual in that Typical Valley of Achor, Joſh. 7. 9. though long endured, when firſt the Man of ſin aroſe, Rev. 13. 5. If Pharaoh did profeſs himſelf to be an Atheiſt, Exod. 5. 2. calling thoſe Idle, who onelyonly would have Liberty to Sacrifice, v. 17. God will ſoon make him know there is none like himſelf, by ſending all his Plagues upon the others Heart, Exod. 9. 14. And if the Aſſyrian doth Blaſpheme the Holy One of Iſrael, Iſa. 37. 23. calling High places and Idolatrous Altars God's required Worſhip, Iſa. 36. 7. and like ning the true God to Idols, v. 20. the Lord will ſoon turn him back, Iſa. 37. 29. and ſignally deſtroy him, v. 36. It alſo much diſpleaſeth God, Iſa. 59. 15. ſo as to make him Furious, v. 18. when he that departs from evil is counted Mad, as the Margin hath it, v. 15. and as the Hebrew word is by ſome Jewiſh Writers rendred. Yea, Chriſt will ſoon caſt off thoſe Old Profeſſing Jews, who do Blaſpheme the truth of ſuch a Time, which was firſt Preached to them, Acts 18. 5, 6.

11. When Tyre and Sidon ſhall have Sold the Children of Judah unto the Grecians, Joel 3. 4. 6. after the Return of Babylon's Captivity, v. 1. then will God plead the cauſe of Iſrael, v. 2. and raiſe them out of that place again, v. 7. caſting their Sellers into that Condition, v. 8. in a way of juſt Recompence, v. 7. Which Tyrians and Sidonians of Old, were very like the preſent Hollanders, in point of Strength at Sea, Zech. 9. 3, 4. all manner of Trading, Ezek. 27. 3. Oppreſſion, Ezek. p. 10528. 16. 18. Pride, Ezek. 28. 2. 6. Policy, Ezek. 28. 3, 4, 5. Zech. 9, 2. and falling in with Iſrael in their Proſperity, 1 Kings 5. 1. for a ſelf end, 2 Chron. 2. 15. but elſe a pricking Briar, Ezek. 28. 22. 24. Confederating with Aſhur againſt them, Pſal. 83. 7. and Selling them unto the Grecians, Joel 3. 4, 5, 6. Which Grecians here do ſeem to be the laſt of Iſrael's groſſer Adverſaries, Zech. 9. 13. chiefly ſo called becauſe of their Reſembling the Ancient Grecian Monarch, in point of Speedy Conqueſt, Dan. 8. 5. or filling the breadth of Immanuel's Land, Iſa. 8. 8.

12. When the Angel out of the Temple, Rev. 14. 17. (or Saints of an Higher Rank, ſuch as the Prieſts were of Old, who onelyonly might enter into the Temple) when ſuch are loudly cryed unto by another Angel from the Altar, who had Power over Fire, v. 18. or Saints of a Lower Rank, ſuch as the Ancient Levites were, who Miniſtred at the Altar, although not in the Temple: Then will the Vintage of the Earth be Reaped, v. 19. by the ſpace of two hundred Miles, v. 20. And then the Viols are poured out, Rev. 15. 1. And when the Watch-men upon Mount Ephraim (or Perſons of a Lower Spirit) ſhall Cry, Ariſe ye, and let us go up to Sion, Jer. 31. 6. The Lord will then bring them from the North, v. 8. and they ſhall Tremble from the Weſt, Hoſ. 11. 9, 10. Uniting with Judah againſt the Philiſtines, Iſa. 11. 13, 14. and againſt the Sons of Greece, Zech. 9. 13. ſeeking the Lord, and David their Kings, Hoſ. 3. 5. and being encouraged thereunto by Abner, or ſome chief Leader, who ſometimes was for Iſhboſheth, 2 Sam. 3. 17, 18. Thus when the Elect ſhall cry (or they whoſe Actual Saint-ſhip is not ſo clear) Chriſt will avenge them ſpeedily, Luke 18. 7, 8.

13. When the Prieſts (or choiſeſt Saints) do weep between the Porch and Altar, as not being in the Temple (which yet they had a Right to enter into) but now are come out from thence, Joel 2. 17. then will the Lord be Jealous for his Land, v. 18. and remove far off from them his Northern Army, v. 20. when the Old Heavens (or Preſent ſtate of viſible Churches) ſhall ſeem departed, as a ſcrowl when it is Rolled together, Rev. 6. 14. or when their Beauty is defaced, in Order unto a Change, then will the Great Day of Chriſt's wrath come, v. 17. And when the four Beaſts (or former Church-Officers) are not mentioned as before, but onelyonly Twenty four Elders, or Saints- at large, Rev. 11. 16. The Temple of God is Heaven will ſoon be Opened, v. 19. Nor will that ſmoak Offend mine Eyes, wherewith the Temple will be ſo filled, as that no Man will be able to enter into it; that being one Sign immediately fore-going the ſeven laſt Plagues, Rev. 15. 8. or Seventh Trumpet's Sounding. When ſuch as fear the p. 106Lord (in a way of Diſtinction from Ordinary Church-members at ſuch a time) ſpeak oft each to other, Mal. 3. 16. God's Day is near, Mal. 4. 1, 2.

14. When Iſrael's Adverſaries ſhall Divide, each one being ſet againſt his fellow, then is Salvation near at hand. Thus David's Kingdom over all Iſrael was Uſhered in by Abner's falling out with Iſhboſheth. Thus Ammon and Moab (having joyntly ſlain the Edomites) did help to Deſtroy each other in that Valley of Jehoſhaphat, 2 Chron. 20. 3. who were diſtinguiſhed by their reſpective Idols, viz. Chemoſh and Milcom or Molech, 1 Kings 11. 7. which latter ſignifies a King, and the former is ſuppoſed to be Bacchus. Thus ſhall Lot's Children (whom Aſhur helpeth) be done unto, as were the Midianites, Pſal. 83. 8, 9. when every Man's Sword was ſet againſt his fellow, Judg. 7. 22. Thus ſhall it be with Gog and Magog, Ezek. 38. 21. or with the People that fight againſt Jeruſalem, Zech. 14. 12, 13. which is the cleaving of Mount Olivet in the midſt, v. 4. and then the Lord ſhall come, and all the Saints with him, v. 5. This will conclude that Earthquake, Rev. 11. 13. which Uſhereth in the Third Woe (or laſt Trumpet of ſeven) quickly, v. 14.

15. When Tidings out of the Eaſt and No…h ſhall Trouble the laſt Northern King, Dan. 11. 44. then will be the time of the End, v. 40. both of that Northern King, v. 45. and Iſrael's Trouble, Dan. 12. 1. by reaſon of their Prince's interpoſing on their behalf. Which King is there Deſcribed, Partly, by his being from the North (as the Aſſyrian was, Iſa. 14. 31.) or at a further Diſtance from the Sun, viz. a groſſer Intereſt than his Confederates were: Partly, by his entring into the Glorious Land, Dan. 11. 41. which fairly hints his being the ſame with that Aſſyrian, Iſa. 7, 8. Partly, by his Uniting with the King of the South, againſt the former King there, Dan. 11. 40. which King of the South may be a more Refined Intereſt, (or ſomewhat nearer to the Sun,) and poſſibly may be Ezekiel's Gog (whoſe Name in Hebrew ſignifieth Covered or Diſguiſed,) and with whom Magog is United, whoſe Name doth ſignifie Ʋncovered, Ezek. 38. 2. both which are Threatned, v. 21. as is the Aſſyrian and his Confederates, Iſa. 10. 26. Partly, by Edom's eſcaping out of his hand, together with Moab, and the chief of the Children of Ammon, Dan. 11. 41. or not being dealt ſo Rigorouſly with by him, as others may: And Partly, by his having Power over the Treaſures of Gold and Silver, Dan. 11. 43. juſt as the Aſſyrian boaſteth, Iſa. 10. 14. But tidings out of the Eaſt and North will Trouble him, and make him Furious, Dan. 11. 44. and ſoon after that comes Iſrael's full Redemption, Dan. 12. 1. All which (I grant) doth ultimately relate unto the Literal Jews, in their own Land, as p. 107Zech. 12. 9. but do believe, we Gentiles (firſt) ſhall meet with Their Temptations and Deliverances. Theſe are the more immediate (Providential) Antecedents of Chriſt's Coming in the Latter days. To which I will but add one more, as followeth.

16. When there ſhall be a General warning given, not to Comply with the Beaſt at ſuch a time, for fear of being thereby brought into a preſent ſtate of viſible Reprobation, Rev. 14. 9, 10, 11. then comes that dreadful Judgment, which firſt beginneth at God's Houſe, or with the Harveſt, v. 14, 15, 16. and Ends with others, viz. the Vintage, v. 19. This ſeemeth chiefly to be the Cry here made. VVhichWhich warning is thus Deſcribed there. 'Tis after the Return of Babylon's Captivity, Rev: 14. 1. and ſinging thereupon, v, 2, 3. as the beginning of Babylon's Judgment, v. 7, 8. 'Tis alſo after the Revival of that Beſtial intereſt once more; elſe would there be no need of ſuch a preſent warning. 'Tis a little before the Harveſt, or Chriſt's Viſitation of his own Houſe, Rev. 14. 15. It doth not thus ſadly threaten ſuch, who onelyonly have the Number of that Beaſts Name upon them, or his Name; viz. ſome more Remote (though Natural) Relation thereunto, ſuch as the Owning of their Acts of Office is, which conſequently doth own their Church; yet may not this viſibly unſaint a Man, as being not overcome till after the Vintage, Rev. 15. 2. But thoſe are now ſadly threatned, who worſhip the Beaſt and his Image, or who receive his Mark in their Hand or Fore-head, Rev. 14. 9. who do more plainly own him by. VVords or Practices, viz. either with their Fore-head, the Emblem of a Bold Profeſſion; or with their Hand, the Inſtrument of Action, which Hand is alſo capable of being Covered. And ſuch a kind of warning may be this Cry, which Cry is further Deſcribed in my Text, by ſeveral Arguments or Qualifications. And ſo,

It is exceeding Loud, as that word [Cry] importeth; and therefore it needs muſt be ſome General or Publick Notification.

It alſo is a Voice as well as Cry, as that which ſaith, Behold, &c. therefore it is not barely of a Providential Nature.

It alſo is relating to a former Practice, or onelyonly putteth upon going out again to meet the Bridegroom, which hath been done before.

Yet it is not Impetuous or Confuſed, as the Greek word ſometimes ſignifieth; but is onelyonly made up of Demonſtration and Beſeeching.

It alſo ſtartleth, or is ſome way Effectual; ſince thereupon the Virgins are Awakened, and do Ariſe.

And it is made at Midnight, after the Bridegroom's tarrying; VVhichWhich Circumſtance of Time doth lead me to the next Enquiry.

p. 108Queſt. 4. VVhat are we to underſtand by Midnight, as being that by which this Cry is partly to be known?

Anſw. 1. Midnight is a time of thickeſt Darkneſs, in which no Man can clearly ſee or know, but onelyonly De…m or Feel, as did thoſe Mariners at ſuch a time, Acts 27. 27, 28. Therefore did not the Egyptians ſtir ſo long as ſuch Darkneſs was upon them, Exod. 10, 22, 23. And ſuch a Darkneſs have we felt. He that could ſometimes ſay, Loe, this is He, John 1. 29, 30. could not ſo clearly ſee him afterward, when he was in Priſon, Mat. 11. 2, 3. Peter knew Chriſt at Liberty more than the Common People did, Mat. 16. 14, 15, 16. till Chriſt was Apprehended, and then he knew him not, Mat. 26. 74. it being then about that time of the Night wi…h him, both in the Letter and Myſtery. How have Profeſſors been Feeling after God (like thoſe poor Heathens, Acts 17. 27.) with reference unto ſome Truths and Duties which yet have not been far from every of them. And at that time this Cry is made.

2. Midnight is therefore alſo a time of greateſt Terror, or being Troubled, Job 34. 20. which Aggravated Pharaoh's laſt Plague, becauſe it was at Midn…ght, Exod, 12. 29. Yea, Boaz was then afraid of Ruth, Ruth 3. 8. who afterwards became his Wife. And ſuch a Midnight have we ſeen. How have ſome been afraid, ſo as to Lie, Iſa. 57. 11. as if the Enemy were ready to Deſtroy, and where is the Fury of the Oppreſſor, Iſa. 51. 13? when Aſhur did but onelyonly Threaten, how did poor Hezekiah re…d his Cloaths, Iſa. 37. 1. who might have Laughed him to ſcorn, v. 22. Yea, Chriſt himſelf at ſuch a time was thought to be an Ev…l Spirit, Mat. 14. 25, 26. and ſuch a call to Duty as now is Owned, was then Affrighting. There was no Lion in the way of Duty, but onelyonly Satan, who would have fl…d, James 4. 7. if ſtedfaſtly Reſiſted, 1 Pet. 5. 8, 9. But if the Earth ſhall quake at Midnight, Acts 16. 25, 26. ſome unbelieving ones are almoſt frighted out of their wits, as was that Jaylor then, v. 27. I wiſh they may reſemble him, v. 34.

3. Midnight is a time of Deep and General ſleep; therefore that Harlot aroſe at Midnight to lay her Dead Child in the others Boſom, 1 Kings 3. 20. which was not perceived till the Morning, v. 21. which Depth of ſleep hath Generally been upon our Virgins, and in like manner it hath appeared. How have the VViſe been cheated (by their Companions) of Living Truths and former Quickning influences? How have the Living embraced the Dead, Iſa. 8. 19. becauſe there was no Light (no Morning) in them, v. 20. Nor will the Matter be Decided eaſily, there being no witneſs, 1 Kings 3. 18. or common p. 109Reaſon by which to Judge. But if the Living Child (upon a freſh Temptation) ſhall be in danger of being ſlain, 1 Kings 3. 25. then will its Natural Mother be diſcerned by the Yern…ng of her Bowels, v. 26. and ſcarcely otherways; nor but by ſuch as Solomon.

4. Midnight is a time of Lothneſs to ariſe, Luke 11. 7. unto a Friend, v. 5. though one be then awake, till more than Friendſhip ſhall conſtrain it, v. 8. And ſuch a Time our Eyes have ſeen. How meltingly have ſome of Chriſt's profeſſed Spouſes been moved by him to Open to him, Cant. 5. 2. whom they call Friend, v. 16. But they have put him off, with telling him, that they were all undreſt, in Bed, and ſhould defile their lately waſhen Feet, (or Dirty themſelves by outward Sufferings) by Opening to him at ſuch a Time, Cant. 5. 3. They were ſo far awakened, as to Hear and Parley with him: They were not abſolutely Benummed or Diſabled by Bonds or Sickneſs, but that they could have Riſen then: Nor did they deny the thing, onelyonly the Time was not Yet come, Hag. 1. 2. Is this your Kindneſs to your Friend, 2 Sam. 16. 17? But they impute it to his unſeaſonableneſs. Nor will ought but a Cry make them Ariſe; who then, perhaps, may Open to him when he is gone, and may not find him, till greater Sufferings have made them ſick of Love, Cant. 8. 6, 7, 8.

5. Midnight is a Time for Sampſon (before his Hair was cut) to Riſe and do Exploits, Judg. 16. 3. For David (or Men after God's own Heart) to Riſe, and to give thanks, Pſal. 119. 62. For Paul (a Priſoner of Jeſus Chriſt) to Pray and Sing, Acts 16. 25. who (when he was at Liberty) continued his Diſcourſe till Midnight, Acts 20. 7. whilſt one of his ſleepy Hearers had like to have never wakened more, v. 9. This alſo hath been to be Obſerved by us, in our late Midnight. Some have been ſtrengthened (as Sampſon was) to quit themſelves of thoſe Temptations which others thought inſuperable. Some have been able (in a time of ſaddeſt Darkneſs) to give thanks (with David) at the remembrance of God's Holineſs, as is their Duty, Pſal. 30. 4. Some have Lift up their Voice and Sung, when there was no other Light, ſave that of God's Majeſty in the Fires, Iſa. 24. 14, 15. Some alſo have thought it meet to continue their Speech (with Paul) till ſuch a time, ſo long as Liberty hath been afforded: Oh that ſuch alſo could Revive that Eutychus, who being ſleepy at ſuch a Time, hath fallen into a ſeeming ſtate of Death out of a Window (or means of Light) three Stories High.

6. Midnight is no time to look for any Notice of a Friend's or Bridegroom's Coming, but rather for ſuch a Cry as then was made in Egypt, Exod. 12. 29, 30. And ſuch a ſurceaſe of Expectations; or ſuch a p. 110Midnight, hath manifeſtly been upon us. The Bridegroom's near approach hath not been Credited by thoſe who formerly went out to meet him. That Witneſs hath been wholly waved, as being thought unedifying. It hath Offended ſome, when but encouraged unto a Sober hope, till Providence ſhould caſt the Scale. We have been caſt behind in ſome Men's Apprehenſions, as Iſrael in Reality was through others unbelief. Yea, Sober intimations of the Bridegroom's Coming have been (like Thieves) cryed out againſt, as being Dangerous, or tending to Rob Men of Eſtate and Liberty. Thus hath a Midnight been Apparent in our Times; and ſuch a Diſpenſation is that by which the Cry is partly to be known, as having been already made.

Queſt. 5. Why is a Cry Now made, more than at their firſt going forth?

Anſw. 1. Becauſe the Virgins Now are faſt aſleep, who formerly had been awake. They do not ſtir, as heretofore, therefore Chriſt Calls them; they cannot ſtir untill awakened, therefore Chriſt Cryeth to them. 'Tis not an Ordinary Voice that can be heard by one aſleep; And thus Chriſt ſuits his Notice unto their Neceſſity. He might indeed have bid them now ſleep on, as Mat. 26. 45. but their Condition Cryeth unto him, to which his Crying Notice Ecchoeth. He knoweth that the Wiſer Virgins Spirit is willing, therefore he gives them one awakening more, Mat. 26. 41. He knew this Cry would have ſome rouzing Efficacy; and whilſt there is any hope, he is for the uſe of means, Luke 13. 8, 9. Some would have thought it hard, if he had taken them at this Advantage; therefore he takes this courſe to ſtop their mouths, Rom. 3. 19. His Tarrying was a great Temptation to them, which is removed by his Cry. How ſadly is the ſtraining of his Voice requited by others ſnorting!

2. Becauſe they now are put upon the Repetition of a former Practice; which in a Caſe of this Nature needs a Cry. One may do ſomething once, in way of Frolick, which is not Seconded, becauſe it was not thought to be a Duty: And thus ſome ſerve the Lord, in way of real Humour, or apprehended Supererogation, who therefore count its expected Repetition to be unreaſonable. One may do that at firſt, which is recalled upon Second thoughts, till quickned up by freſh inſtructing Opportunity. However being wearied by their former walk, and having found that Reſt is good, they might be ſomewhat ſtiff, and loth to Riſe, unleſs ſome Louder Cry doth force them to it. Yea, having once gone out before, they might ſuppoſe it needleſs to go forth again; ſo ſparing we are of Multiplyed pains, ſave in a way of our own chooſing, eſpecially ſince Chriſt here takes no Notice of their former p. 111Action, and ſince it hath been diſ-continued: Both which are ſtrong inducements to ſit ſtill at preſent, Iſa. 58. 3. Cant. 5. 3. unleſs a Call be of a Crying Nature.

3. The Seaſon wherein this Cry is made doth make it Neceſſary.

1. As the Midnight is a time of greateſt Deadneſs or Inactivity, both in reſpect of Inward Livelineſs, and Outward Motives thereunto. At Man's awakening (in the Morning) he is moſt like to God, Pſal. 17. 15. as to his being Active; but Night (eſpecially Midnight) is Man's time of Reſt, Pſal. 104. 23. Though Beaſts of Prey are then at work, v. 20, 21. whom in the Morning the Righteous ſhall have Dominion over, Pſal. 49. 14. Time alſo was, when all the Virgins (at their firſt going forth) were much Encouraged from without. Their Governours began to ſay, Jeruſalem's Inhabitants ſhall be our ſtrength, Zech. 12. 5. they walked then from ſtrength to ſtrength, (increaſing in their Number) as they went to Sion, Pſal. 84. 7. God did then own them by his Providence, as Heathens did Confeſs, Pſal. 126. 2. enough to make the Old Man Lively. But it hath ſince been otherwiſe; therefore a Cry is Needful.

2. As Midnight is a time of greateſt Darkneſs, eſpecially in Tempeſtuous Seaſons, ſuch as that is, wherein this Cry is made. Theſe Virgins (at the firſt) did ſeem to have no want of Light, but then were fully Satisfied, as to their Preſent Work and Duty: Their Loins were girt, and their Lamps burning, which made their way exceeding plain, to what it hath been, ſince the failing of thoſe Affections by which the Judgment of moſt Men is guided. How eaſily then were all Objections Anſwered; which would not ſince have been thought ſtrong again, but that the former Light (of General Harmony) is now Eclipſed, which then was clear? Nor can it be denyed, but that the Work (at firſt) was in it ſelf more Obvious, as will appear upon the Opening of this Latter going out; In which regard, a Cry is needful, to clear that Eye, which hath of late been ſo dim-ſighted.

3. As Midnight is a time of greateſt Hardſhip and viſible Danger. The Air is then Raw and Cold, which tender Virgins cannot bear without the hazard of their Health; and therefore ſuch have pleaded, they needs muſt Die if ſent to Priſon, not knowing that ſuch a moiſt Ce…ar is Chriſt's Houſe of Wine, Cant. 2. 4. Yea, Lions then are wont to Roar, Pſal. 104. 2. 21. which nothing but a Louder Cry will make poor feeble Virgins not to fear. Thieves alſo are then abroad, therefore Men judge it not their Duty (but their ſin) to walk at Midnight, without a more than Ordinary Call, viz. a Cry: Though all are ſet (by Chriſt) upon their Watch at ſuch a time, Mark 13. 35. 37. which p. 112one would think is Call ſufficient. But we are apt to fit our Duty for the Meridian of our Intereſt, and not to venture out if ſelf-concernments lye at Stake, unleſs a greater Cry be made within, as ſometimes was in Egypt, which made them all to riſe at Midnight, Exod. 10. 29, 30. though Robbed by it, v. 36.

Queſt. 6. What's meant by thoſe words, Go ye out to meet him?

Anſw. 1. Theſe Virgins were Now Aſleep; and Going is an Act of one awakened: which therefore intimateth the Rouzing up of drouzy Habits into awakened Exerciſes. That Riſing Sun will have the Sapo… Radical Diſpoſitions drawn up into the Branches of Reſpective Actions. There is no viſible Difference between the Wiſe and Fooliſh (the Dea… and Living) while aſleep; whom Chriſt will now Diſtinguiſh, by putting them upon Motion. He is content to eat his Spouſes Honey-comb together with her Honey, Cant. 5. 1. but Roots alone will not conten… him, when alſo Fruits are not laid up for him, as is expected from … Spouſe, Cant. 7. 13. He therefore hath called them out of Darkneſ… into Light, that they might ſhew forth his Vertues, 1 Pet. 2. 9. an… not onelyonly have them Dormant in their Habits. This is their Duty alway; therefore he takes no Notice of their preſent ſlumbring, but pu… them on immediate Action, or Going out to meet him, as they woul… have him Own them.

2. Theſe Virgins had gone out Before, who yet are bid to go o… Now; which therefore intimates The Repetition of their forme… Practice with freſh Amendments. He doth not check them for wha… they had done, nor is he yet fully ſatisfied with it, who elſe would no… have Vain (or Needleſs) Repetitions, Mat. 6. 7. Their Firſt going out was Warrantable, but not faultleſs; elſe ſhould no place have bee… ſought for the Second, as in Relation to that firſt Covenant, Heb. 8. 7. Tha… firſt was from John Baptiſt's Cry; the Influence whereof muſt firſt Decreaſe, before the Bridegroom's Voice is heard. Yea, that at firſt was (moſtly) upon the firſt Adam's Motion, whoſe weakneſs muſt firſt appear; then comes the Son himſelf, as in Relation to the Law and Goſpel, Rom. 8. 3. Indeed that firſt going out was very Mercenary; therefore he putteth upon this Second, to try the Nobleneſs of their Principle. However, Chriſt is for a Second Edition, which uſually is Corrected; and his beſt Wine is kept by him untill the laſt, John 2. 10.

3. The Virgins (at their firſt going out) did verily Expect the Bridegroom's Coming then, as their Deſign to Meet him ſignified, who Now are bid go out again, together with an Additional Notification of his Coming: which therefore intimateth, The Re-aſſuming of their former p. 113Expectation, upon a freſh and ſurer Ground. They took John Baptiſt to be the Bridegroom; wherein he checks their over ha…tineſs, by telling them, that his Own Coming was not till now to be Expected. Their former Hope was meerly grounded upon Providence; he therefore now more plainly expounds the Scriptures, unto the Revival of their Dying Expectations, as Luke 24. 27. He taketh pleaſure in his Peoples Hope, Pſal. 147. 11. whoſe very Expectation ſhall not Periſh, Pſal. 9. 18. therefore he catcheth at ſinking Peter, though his firſt Confidence was not a grounded Faith, Mat. 14. 28, 29, 30, 31. They were now Toſſing to and fro (or Nodding) by Reaſon of the Bridegroom's Tarrying; therefore he giveth them at laſt this ſtedfaſt Anchor.

4. One's going out to Meet another, is both a Token of Reſpect, Gen. 9. 1. and a ſign of Longing to behold him with the firſt, Numb. 23. 15. which therefore intimateth his preſent Expectations of that Nature from them, with reference unto himſelf. He then expecteth to be Worſhipped by all the gods, both Men and Angels, Pſal. 97. 7. and Saints will Honour him at ſuch a time, Rev. 19 7. which Time is therefore hinted by this Cry. But chiefly is this deſired by him, as going out to Meet him is a ſignal of their Longing to behold him with the firſt; and therefore he that Heareth, is bid ſay, Come, Rev. 22. 17. and to evince …t by this Going. Which cannot but be readily performed by the Saints, with reference unto their Lord and Friend, their Brother, Husband, and Bleſſed Saviour. Nor may it irk them to go forth a little, ſince he is pleaſed to come the greater part of the way, by far, onelyonly requiring their meeting him in the Air, who comes to them from Heaven, out of Reſpect and Love.

5. Theſe words import their going out of ſomething, in Order to their Meeting of the Bridegroom. Which things then to be gone out of, are as followeth.

1. They are to go Out of all their ſinful Deſilements of a Common Nature, which hath been their Duty alway, 2 Cor. 7. 1. but Now is ſo by way of Eminency. And if the Name of Chriſt obligeth hereunto, 2 Tim. 2. 17. much more the Notice of his Coming as a Bridegroom, and as a Judge. His Day will be upon the Loſty, Iſa. 2. 12. therefore Go Out of Pride. The Meek will then mo…t probably be hidden, Zeph. 2. 3. therefore Go Out of Paſſion. The Time will Now be very ſhort, Rev. 10. 16. therefore Go Out of Earthly-mindedneſs, 1 Cor. 7. 29. 30, 31. The Face of the Covering will be Deſtroyed, Iſa. 29. 7. therefore Go Out of Formality. The Lord alone will be Exalted, Iſa. 2. 17. therefore Go Out of Slaviſh Fear and Fleſhly Confidence, p. 114v. 22. A ſin of meer Omiſſion will ſend ſome then to Hell, Mat. 25. 41, 42. therefore Go Out of Negative Chriſtianity. Preachers and others will then be termed Workers of Iniquity, Mat. 7. 22, 23. therefore Go Out of bare Material Duty, into its Life, and Power, and Spirituality.

2. They are to Go Out of Babylon, as far as may be from the Beaſt, eſpecially from the Whore, or Antichriſt in his more Spiritual appearances. This Latter was a Duty alway, the neglect whereof was never ſo ſeverely puniſhed as Now it will be. Now, Temporal Judgments will be entailed upon Spiritual Sins, and it is then High Time to Go Out thence, Rev. 18. 4. Yea, every one that is then found in Babylon ſhall be thruſt through, Iſa. 13. 15. therefore let none ſtand ſtill, but let Jeruſalem come into their Remembrance, Jer. 51. 50. And though the Beaſt's Name (as that of Prieſts) may falſly be continued unto ſome; yea, though ſome ſtill retain the Number of his Name, yet may both theſe eſcape that Brand of viſible Reprobates, which then will be the Portion of his Worſhippers, and ſuch as do receive his Mark; or more down-right and Manifeſt Compliers with that Intereſt, Rev. 14. 9, 10, 11. Were theſe things rightly underſtood as to their Sence and Time, enquiries of that Nature would not be though unuſeful.

3. They are to Go Out of Privacy into an Open Teſtimony, as they had done before, at their firſt going forth. This alſo was an Ancient Duty, the Neglecters whereof (in times of utmoſt Danger) are threatned by Chriſt himſelf to be Denyed by him, as being the Deniers of him, Mat. 10. 27, 28. 33. Upon the firſt Riſe of the Man of Sin, the Woman then fled into the Wilderneſs, Rev. 12. 14. as that denoted her want of former Outward Glory, but not from fear of Bloody Cruelty, (as Brightman well Obſerves upon the place) onelyonly to ſhew, that ſuch Apoſtates did falſly call themſelves Chriſt's viſible Churches. Which alſo followeth upon the Privacy of Church-worſhip, which is a Worſhipping of the Beaſt, unto the Clouding of Profeſſors Saint-ſhip, and the deſtroying of a proper Accident, viz. Viſibility, which is inſeparable from a Churches Eſſence: And though Repentance may recover Saint-ſhip, yet ſuch a failing layeth Churches waſt, till New Erected, and which may prove to their Advantage.

4. They are to Go Out of thoſe Old Heavens, which then muſt Paſs away (at leaſt, be changed) together with the Earth of Civil Conſtitutions. This Going out of Churches is Warrantable in the fore-named caſe, yea, and a Duty; but at this time there will be no viſible Churches to continue in, although Church-ſtate may ſtill remain. Thus was it p. 115with the Jewiſh Church, at Chriſt's firſt Coming: Thus will it be with Temple-ſtate, at his next Perſonal Coming, Rev. 21. 22. Yea, thus it was with preſent Conſtitutions, a little before his Coming in Conſtatine's Time, Rev. 6. 13, 14. and as the ſixth Seal concluded, ſo will the ſixth Trumpet. We Now are in the Expectation of thoſe New Heavens, Iſa. 65. 17. and then the former ſhall not be Remembred. Upon the Reviving of Temple-work, the Temple is ſaid to be then Founded, Hag. 2. 18. therefore we then muſt have New modelling. Therefore we Read of no Beaſts (or Paſtors) juſt when the Seventh Trumpet ſoundeth, Rev. 11. 15, 16. as having lately Diſappeared ſince, Rev. 14. 3. untill Rev. 15. 7. Now, Officers and Churches are wont to go together. Which is more plainly hinted by Chriſt's Reſolving to ſpew thoſe Laodiceans out, Rev. 3. 16. who were the Laſt of thoſe Typical Aſian Churches under the Dragon's or Satan's Diſpenſation, Rev. 2. 10. 13. who muſt be laid aſide a little before the ſetting up of Chriſt's own Throne, Rev. 3. 21.

5. They are to Go Out of Lower Good attainments into an Higher ſtate of Evangelical Perfection. Their Childiſh things muſt now be put away, as 1 Cor. 13. 11. their Wheat muſt out-grow its Blade and empty Ear, …k 4. 28. they ſhould endeavour to be more than Babes in Chriſt, elſe will they want that Wedding Garment of an Healthful Appetite for Chriſt's ſtrong Meat, Heb. 5. 14. when he ſhall make his Marriage-Supper, Mat. 22. 4. 12. They muſt be Accurate as to the Matter of Duty; all which muſt diligently be added unto Faith, 2 Pet. 1. 5. Yea, both Obedience and Believing muſt be compleated, by having Reſpect unto the Scripture as their Rule, God's Glory as their Higheſt Aim, and the Second Adam's Spirit as their Root and Principle. And thus as Natural Beauty conſiſts of Integrality, Symmetry, and Complexion; ſo is a Goſpel-Saint made up of Body, Soul, and Spirit; or Nature, Animality, and Spirituality: as Salem, Sion; and Millo were all United into one Jeruſalem in David's Time, 2 Sam. 5. 6, 7. 9. which therefore was called a City Compact, Pſal. 122. 3. and the Perfection of Beauty, Pſal. 50. 2. as Sion was a Type of Goſpel-Saints, eſpecially in David's Time, and when he Ruleth over all Iſrael, which fully Anſwereth unto the Seventh Trumpet's founding, Rev. 11. 15.

6. In Order unto all which before mentioned, They are to Go Out of Themſelves at ſuch a time, and every of their ſelf-concernments into a ſelf-denying frame of Spirit, elſe will they neither follow Chriſt, Mat. 16. 24. nor yet Prepare to Meet him. Amos 4. 12. They muſt go out of ſinful ſelf, elſe will they not ſay to their Defilements, Get you hence, Iſa. 30. 22. They muſt go out of Worldly ſelf, elſe will they p. 116not leave their Babyloniſh Accommodations, or ſelf-ſecuring Privacy in times of Danger. Yea, they muſt go out of Spiritual ſelf in ſome Reſpects, elſe will it irk them to leave their Old Heavens, and to count all things loſs for that which is more Excellent, Phil. 3. 8. Such muſt not then talk of Ceiled Houſes, Hag. 1. 4. nor yet receive Honour o…e of another, John 5. 44. nor value Man's Judgment, 1 Cor. 4. 3. nor Judge of Things or Perſons, according to Appearance, John 7. 24. nor yet call ought a Priviledge, ſave as it is of Chriſt's Appointment, and no way interfering with our Duty.

Queſt. 7. Why will Chriſt have the Virgins thus to Meet him, by Going Out?

Anſw. 1. That ſo they might be Throughly thus Awakened, which is one Branch of Going Out, and by their Going is Effected: Since, if the Sleeper's Riſing and ſtanding up doth tend to his Awakening, Eph. 5. 14. Iſa. 51. 17. much more his Going alſo, in this Moral ſence, as in the Letter, Mat. 26. 45, 46. By which awakening here, is meant the Actuating of that Light and Grace which formerly had been aſleep; and which their Walking doth Accompliſh. The Powerful Repetition of former Duties muſt needs awaken more and more, eſpecially when there are freſh Additions of a Rouzing Nature, ſuch as this Second Going Out affordeth. He that Walks out at Midnight, w… …ub his Eyes, eſpecially when going in untrodden paths, and lying open unto utmoſt Danger. He alſo muſt needs be Throughly wakened, whoſe way is up-hill, and full of ſtumbling ſtones; ſuch as that eminently is (if rightly Walked in,) which leadeth out of theſe Old Heavens, and Lower Good attainments.

2. That ſo his Coming Now might herein (as in other things) Reſemble his Perſonal Coming at the laſt; when thoſe Alive ſhall be caught up into the Air to Meet him, 1 Theſ. 4. 17. and in the Clouds, together with thoſe Newly Raiſed from the ſleep of Death, v. 16. being ſtrangely Changed, 1 Cor. 15. 52. There muſt be a Meeting Now, as will be Then: which Meeting is Now at Midnight, as it will Then be in Clouds and Darkneſs: Sleepers will Then awake, ſo will they Now, ſome unto ſhame, and ſome to Everlaſting Life, Dan. 12. 2. Chriſt will Then Come in Perſon, and with the Laſt Trump of All, 1 Cor. 15. 52. as Now in his Returning Witneſſes, and with the Laſt Trump of Seven, Rev. 11. 15. There muſt be Now a Going Out of Lower things, as will be Then a being caught up into the Air, out of what is Deſigned to the Flames, and into an Higher, Clearer, Purer State, and more immediate Communion with the Lord, till theſe Old Heavens and Earth be done away.

p. 1173. That ſo his Coming might be with greater State, which ever was, and will be Glorious, from firſt, John 1. 14. to laſt, Titus 2. 13. and which is partly thus evinced. Eglon put Honour upon Ehud's Meſſage from the Lord, when he aroſ…, in Order to his Receiving of it, Judg. 3. 20. And on the ſame Account, thoſe Stately Phariſees demanded the Blind Man's Repetition of what he had ſaid before, John 9. 26. Chriſt alſo had Honour put upon him, when Peter (at his word) did Re-aſſume that Work which had been laid aſide through former Diſappointments, Luke 5. 5. Yea, bare Going out to Meet another, doth Evidence Reſpect and Longing to behold him; both which are Signs of Honour. Eſpecially when ſuch Go out, not onelyonly from Satan and the Man of Sin, but alſo from deareſt ſelf-concernments, both Natural and Spiritual; or when that is Accounted Loſs for Chriſt, which formerly hath been Accounted Gain, Phil. 3. 7. ſuch as our Outward Intereſt is, much more ſome Higher Priviledges.

4. That ſo his Harbinger might not out-ſhine himſelf, in that Regard. The People went Out of Old Jeruſalem into the Wilderneſs to Meet John Baptiſt, Mat. 3. 3. 5. So did theſe Virgins at their firſt going out, ſuppoſing John to have been Chriſt himſelf, John 1. 25. Yea, Iſrael went out of ſome Accommodations, when they went out of Egypt, Numb. 11. 5. who yet fell ſhort of Canaan, Numb. 14. 29, 30. Now, ſhall the Servant be above his Lord? Or ſhall the Morning-ſtar ſeem brighter than the Sun? Shall we Go Out to ſee a ſhaken Reed, Mat. 11. 7. and not much more to Meet this Rock of Ages, who never failed, Iſa. 42. 4? Shall we go out of Egypt to Moun, Sinai, and not from thence to Sion, the City of the Living God, ther Heavenly Jeruſalem, Heb. 12. 22? Thus we are apt to prefer Inferious Governours before this King, Mal. 1. 8. 14. but he now ſtandeth upon his terms, and will count thoſe unworthy of him, who Love ought More than him, Mat. 10. 37. who leave not All when he Calls for their going out to Meet him.

5. To ſave them from that Harm which thoſe lie open unto who keep within at ſuch a time, in Competition with this Going out. Sleep in a Moral ſence is alway Dangerous, and much more Now, Mark 13. 36. therefore he would awaken them by Going Out. And their firſt going out, would onelyonly Aggravate their Preſent ſitting ſtill, Gal. 5. 7. therefore he puts them upon this Neceſſary Repetition. The Death of Hope betrayeth into ſlumbring; therefore he would Revive their former Expectation of Meeting with him, upon their going out this Second time. They who Deſpiſe him, will lightly be eſteemed, 1 Sam. 2. 30. therefore he Calls for their Reſpect, by Going out to Meet p. 118him. He that is Wicked at that time may juſtly then be given up, Dan. 12. 10. and as it was ever Dangerous to keep in Babylon's ſins, ſo (at ſome ſuch a time) in Old Jeruſalem's ſtate, Jer. 21. 9. Yea, Babes may then not be Admitted into the Temple Opened, much leſs ſelf-loving Privateers. Therefore Chriſt Calls for Going out to mee… him in every of thoſe regards.

6. That ſo he might conſult for their being Crowned at his Coming (and in a way of ſeeming Righteouſneſs) becauſe of their being the… found Working, who formerly had been aſleep. Satan Rocks me… aſleep; Chriſt bids them Watch: and he that ſets on Work will Pay the Workman's Wages, as ſuch are Actually employed, juſt at the time of Payment. The Bridegroom's Favours will be very Rich; bu… none ſhall Wear them, becauſe of former Service, ſave as they No… go out afreſh, and thereby evidence their Love of his Appearing, who… then the Righteous Judge will Crown therewith, 2 Tim. 14. 8. Therefore this Iſaac Calls for Going out, Gen. 27. 3. and not ſo much from Love of what is brought, as that his Soul might Bleſs the Bringer, v. 4▪ And Jacob's timely Kid, v. 9. will be more Acceptable and Effectu… v. 27. than Eſau's Veniſon Afterwards, v. 30. 33. though ſauced with Tears, v. 34. This will clear up the Righteouſneſs of his Rewarding Wiſer Virgins, and Waving others, who do not then go out … heretofore.

7. To Intereſt Obedient Virgins in the Benefit of their very Goi… out to Meet him, whoſe Labour and want of ſleep will be ſufficient… Requited by their very Walking. How chearful is an Active Spir… when rouzed up, whom ſleep or ſitting ſtill makes dull and ſad! A… if one ſingle Act of Duty doth Refreſh, much more will Repetitions … that Nature Chear a Gracious Heart. It alſo eaſeth a Spouſes Heart… if her being ſick of Love may any way be evidenced, or made know… to her Beloved, Cant. 5. 8. which Going out to Meet him doth evince… Yea, One's very going out to Meet him as he Cometh, is to be caugh… up from Earth into the Air, or part of One's way to Heaven. There can be no Peace in ſin; nor Singing, till out of Babylon, nor grounde… Satisfaction in ſinful Privacy; nor in Chriſt's Temple, if he be Abſent; nor in a Childiſh Spiritual ſtate, Compared with the fulneſs of that Joy▪ which doth Accompany one's being Called out from thence into a nearer Union and Communion with the Bridegroom, by going out to meet him.

8. To Work them for that Thing, 2 Cor. 5. 5. or make them Meet to be Partakers of that Inheritance, Col. 1. 12. which he hath then to give. Then every Eye ſhall ſee him, Rev. 1. 7. therefore they muſt p. 119be wakened. Their Priviledges will be then Reſtored; therefore their Duty alſo muſt be Repeated, and Hope Revived. That Heavenly Kingdom will not be Inherited by Fleſh and Blood, 1 Cor. 15. 50. therefore they muſt be Changed, v. 52. by Going out. They will be then Cloathed with Change of Raiment, but therefore their filthy Garments will firſt be taken away, Zech. 3. 4. Then Babylon will be no more, Rev. 18. 21. to their Rejoycing, v. 20. who are come Out from thence, v. 4. They will be then Confeſſed by him, Mat. 10. 32. therefore they muſt not be Deniers of him by ſinful Privacy. They muſt be emptied of other things to make room for what is more Excellent. And if they were not got above what is combuſtible, they would not ſo Glorifie God in the Fires as they ſhall then do, and Sing becauſe of his dreadful Majeſty, Iſa. 24. 15.

9. Becauſe he Longs to ſee them (and their Graces) with the firſt: therefore he comes to meet with them, and puts them upon Going out to meet with him. He doth long bear in mind the Kindneſs of on's Youth, Jer. 2. 2. becauſe ſuch are the firſt Ripe in the Fig-tree, at her firſt time, Hoſ. 9. 10. eſpecially when little Children (in their Bravery) go out at Midnight to Meet their Father, who hath been long Abſent from them. He fain would hear his Spouſes Voice, and ſee her Comely Countenance, Cant. 2. 14. therefore he bids her Riſe and come away, v. 10. affectionately proteſting unto Joſhua, Zech. 3. 6. when lately come out of Babylon, v. 2. and Gloriouſly Attired, v. 4. what he will then do for him, if Perſevering in thoſe ways, v. 7. Now, their Going out to Meet the Bridegroom, doth give him both to ſee them ſooner, and in the Glory of that Beautifying ſelf-denyal, which otherwiſe had not been ſeen if they had kept Within.

10. That ſo he might thus Try the Meaſure of their Strength, and Nature of their Oyl, in Order unto a plain Diſtinguiſhing between the Wiſe and Fooliſh Virgins, who hitherto were in Appearance all alike. They all went out at firſt, with Lamps and Veſſels, wherein the Special Oyl was yet an hidden thing. And while the Bridegroom tarried they did all of them ſleep and ſlumber; ſo that no viſible Difference yet ap-appeared. Yea, when the Cry is made, they All Aroſe and Trimmed their Lamps; nor do they ſeem to Differ, untill their Going out this Second time, and then they Part. This Second Tranſplantation will throughly Try the Nature of that Root, whoſe Leaves (yea, and ſome kind of Fruit) were formerly as fair as any other. This Caſting of the Corn will fully ſever it from Lighter Seed as well as Chaff; and therefore Chriſt takes this Courſe to make that Precious, wherewith he then will ſow the Earth afreſh.

p. 120Ʋſe 1. Although the Bridegroom tarrieth beyond the Virgins Expectation, yet at the laſt it will be truly ſaid by ſome, Behold, be Cometh. The Truth of a Promiſe may not be therefore called in Queſtion ſimply becauſe it is Prolonged, and Mis-timed by the Generality of Profeſſors. Chriſt hath thus wiſely Ordered it, to ſtumble ſome, to Humble the moſt Knowing Men; and to Try all, whether their Faith be grounded on his Word, or on their own and others Apprehenſions. But yet the Viſion will not Lie, which doth Oblige ou… waiting for it, becauſe it will come ſurely and not tarry, Hab. 2. 3. Nor may a former Expectation have been a meer Deluſion, ſave as John Baptiſt hath been thought (by his Diſciples) to be the Bridegroom, who onelyonly was the Bridegroom's Friend or Harbinger, John 3. 26. 28, 29. However, let God be True, though every Man ſhould prove a Lyar, at leaſt in part miſtaken, as being the Fruit of Darkneſs and Over-haſtineſs.

2. That Diſpenſation of the Bridegroom's Coming is very Notable, or much to be Obſerved, as doth appear from Chriſt's prefixing that Word [Behold] unto his Signification of its Near approach. And if that Night was much to be Obſerved, in which God brought his People out of Egypt, Exod. 12. 42. much more this Day, in which the Lord our Righteouſneſs will lead the Seed of Iſrael out of the North to their own Land, Jer. 23. 6, 7, 8. That was their firſt Redemption; this will be the ſame a Second Time, Iſa. 11. 11. Now, as Relapſes are moſt Dangerous, ſo Reſtaurations are moſt Remarkable. That was attended with following Checks and fore Temptations in the Wilderneſs, but this will put the Gentile-Saints in full poſſeſſion of their own Land, untill the Jews Converſion. That onelyonly was Afflicting to Egyptian Dragons, and not to any of the Iſraelites; but this will ſadly fall upon the Goats, or ſlothful Servants, and Fooliſh Virgins; which therefore is much more to be Obſerved by all ſorts of Perſons.

3. When all the Virgins have done looking for the Bridegroom, then is the ſureſt ground for our concluding his Near Approach, for then doth Chriſt himſelf affirm it, which formerly had onelyonly been preſumed. Therefore he tarrieth untill ſome kind of falſe Alarm hath made the Generality to be Secure; and then, Behold, he comes indeed. What cauſe have all to ſtand continually upon their Watch, unleſs they mean to be ſurprized by him, whoſe very Coming is not known, ſave that it will be at the moſt unlikely time. How weak are they who therefore think the Time is not ſo nigh at hand, becauſe the preſent Expectation of it is not ſo General as heretofore it may have been. This doth beſpeak our Hearkning to that Cry, which giveth Notice of the Bridegroom's p. 121Coming when all the Virgins are faſt aſleep, at leaſt-wiſe not to count it therefore of no weight, ſince at ſome ſuch a time the trueſt ſignification that yet ever was, will then be made.

4. Chriſt here doth give ſome further Notice of his preſent Coming beſides that of his Harbinger, which ſeemeth to be more than was at his firſt Coming in the Fleſh, and which is worth our taking Notice of. He came not then to Judge the World, John 12. 47. as now he doth, Rev. 11. 18. And ſhall a Judge ſhew more of Gentleneſs (as this Redundant warning hinteth) than did a Saviour? But though he now will Execute the Judges Office, yet doth he enter on it with a Saviours Heart: And therefore he doubly warneth Now, becauſe his preſent Work will be more Dreadful. How loth is Chriſt that any at this day ſhould Periſh, 2 Pet. 3. 9.! How are we more engaged to him than were the Phariſees, who onelyonly had John Baptiſt's Cry: And if the Deſpiſers of that ſingle Invitation were then ſhut out for ever, Luke 14. 24. how can thoſe Fooliſh Virgins hope to enter, who have out-ſtood a Second Notice. Therefore this Cry had need be heeded, which elſe will doubly call for Wrath and Vengeance upon its Diſobeyers.

5. This Cry is made at Midnight, or when the Virgins are aſleep: which further ſhews the Riches of his Grace, who waiteth for the fitteſt Time wherein to make its freeneſs Evident, eſpecially ſince they had been Aakened once before, or when they firſt went out of Babylon, as is evinced from their Dreaming then, Pſal. 126. 1. Indeed Chriſt bad Relapſing Slumberers to ſleep on now, and take their Reſt, to ſhew what they Deſerved: But yet (to evidence the Riches of his Love) he alſo bad them to Ariſe, Mat. 26. 43. 45, 46. as here he dealeth with theſe Virgins Leſt Men ſhould boaſt of Congruous worth, with reference unto the Grace of God in Chriſt, it therefore is beſtowed on them, when in the height of Incongruity or unworthineſs to receive it. Thus did Chriſt Perſonate a Macedonian, entreating Paul to come and help them, Acts 16. 9, 10. Yea, thus unlovelineſs is his Time of Love, Ezek. 16. 6. 8. who then is moved to Heal, when nothing but Diſcouragements are to be ſeen, Iſa. 57. 17, 17. The Voice of that Cry had need be hearkned unto, which otherwiſe doth ſo abound with ſin-accenting and ſorrow-heightning Grace.

6. How ſadly are they Miſtaken who think a going Once out will ſerve the turn, which is that great Soul-ruining Mis-apprehenſion among the Virgins or Profeſſors. The World lyes ſtill in Wickedneſs, 1 John 5. 19. and doth not ſtir at all: But Virgins are ſuch as have gone out at firſt, and then they Reſt, who Generally periſh in that ſtate. When Iſrael firſt went out of Egypt they went out All together, Exod. p. 12212. 41. whoſe Carkaſſes yet Generally fell in the Wilderneſs, Numb. 14. 29. becauſe they were not alſo free to go out Thence into Land of Canaan, when called thereunto by thoſe of another Spirit, v. 24. 30. Thus alſo All the Jews went out of Nature into Moſes, 1 Cor. 10. 2. but not from Thence into the Righteouſneſs of God in Chriſt, Rom. 10. 3, 4. (which is Revealed from Faith in Moſes to Faith in Chriſt, Rom. 1. 17.) and therefore they were not ſaved, Rom. 10. 1. And thus one may have (virtually) forgotten that he was purged from his Old ſins, 2 Pet. 1. 9. who having eſcaped groſſer Luſts, is not a Partaker alſo of that Divine Nature, v. 4. whoſe firſt appearance is Goſpel-Faith, v. 5. All are partakers of the Earthy Adam's Image, but they muſt bear the Image of the Heavenly alſo, 1 Cor. 15. 49. or not Inherit his Heavenly Kingdom, v. 50. nor yet be ſaved, Eph. 2. 8. ſave as they are God's Workman-ſhip Created in Chriſt Jeſus, v. 10. Let us therefore (at the firſt) Go out of Ignorance into Knowledge; and then (a Second time) Out of the Form of Knowledge into Practice, Rom. 2. 20, 21. Let us (at firſt) Go out of Diſobedience into Duty; and then (a Second time) out of Material Legal Duty, or the Letter, into the Newneſs of its Spirituality, Rom. 7. 6. Let us (a… firſt) Go out of Superſtition into Godlineſs or Right Worſhip; and then (a Second time) out of the Accidental Form of this Right Worſhip, or Notional Profeſſion of it into its Life and Power, 2 Tim. 3. 5. Thus in the General.

And as to ſuch a Particular Duty and Time, peculiarly referred unto in this Parable; thoſe are much miſtaken, who think a former going out will ſerve Chriſt's turn at Preſent. He ſpeaketh Now, with reference unto the Virgins Preſent ſtate, which intimates his Expectation of their Progreſs beyond or out of thoſe attainments, which in their Time and Place were not to be Deſpiſed. He is for Adding unto his Peoples Priviledges, John 10. 10. who therefore may expect the like from them in point of Duty, 2 Pet. 1. 5. Nor do ſuch properly walk in any of his ways (as all the Saints are ſaid to do, Pſal. 119. 3.) who onelyonly take one ſtep therein, and ſo deſiſt. However, ſuch as do onelyonly Go from the Phariſees unto John the Baptiſt, and not from John to Chriſt, will be Inferiour unto the leaſt in the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 11. 11. if not in danger of Reverting unto the Phariſees again. Therefore if we have formerly gone out of Babylon or Old Jeruſalem which Then was, we Now muſt Write that Copy over a Second time, with reference unto what is Now in Being, above what formerly hath been departed from.

And that we may thus fully follow God, in Anſwer to this Cry, theſe following Motives will be of Uſe.

p. 123Mot. 1. The Call is clear to each of theſe fore-named ſteps at ſuch a Time. The moſt of which were Duties from the firſt; but Now, by way of Eminency. Sin was Defiling alway, but Now Jeruſalem will be ſearch'd with Candles, Zeph. 1. 12. Woe therefore to the Filthy and Polluted then, Zeph. 3. 1. It ever was unlawful to Comply with Spiritual Babylon, Dan. 1. 8. and 3. 12. but now ſome further ſelf-delivery is enjoyned, Zech. 2. 7. which formerly was not … Duty, Jer. 29. 4, 5, 6, 7. Chriſt never warranted the Privacy of Solemn Worſhip; but now the Re-aſſuming of ſurceaſed Temple-work is urged from the Lord himſelf, and by his Meſſenger in his Meſſage to the People, to ſhew the clearneſs of their Call unto it, Hag. 1. 12, 13. At ſuch a time the Ancient Prieſts muſt be New Conſecrated, and the Old Altar purged before God will Accept their Offerings upon that Altar, Ezek. 43. 26, 27. And Spiritual Growth is Eminently Now expected, the want whereof will ſadly ſignifie, ſince as the Houſe of David will Then be as an Angel, ſo will the Feeble be as David in that day, Zech. 12. 8.

2. The Way is ſafe, and more eſpecially at ſuch a Time. He Walketh Surely who walketh Uprightly, Prov. 10. 9. Since Angels are charged with him in all ſuch ways, Pſal. 91. 11. and a clear Call to Duty, turns Night, (yea, Midnight) into Day, or ſeeming Danger into Security, Iſa. 11. 8, 9, 10. However, the greateſt Suffering is that of Sin, Hoſ. 4. 14. All outward Tribulations are nothing to inward Peace, John 16. 33. God's Loving Kindneſs is better than Life it ſelf, Pſal. 63. 3. The Soul is of more worth than all the World, Ma. 16. 26. and preſent light Afflictions (in the way of Duty) are moſt at Work, as to the Crown of Glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17. Yea, at This Time the Holieſt ones are likelieſt to be hid from outward Dangers, Zeph. 2. 3. God will be for a Sanctuary unto ſelf-hazarding Non-conſederates, Iſa. 8. 12. 14. The Timely returners to Temple-work ſhall have no cauſe to fear, Hag. 2. 5. And he that goeth out of Old Jeruſalem (both City and Temple) at ſuch a time, may thereby ſave his Life, Jer. 21. 9.

3. The Walk is Recreating. Sin makes the Soul to Cry, Who ſhall Deliver me, Rom. 7. 24. and to thank God, through Jeſus Chriſt, ſo far as it is Obtained, v. 25 And who would not be glad to loſe his filthy Rags for Change of Raiment? What merry ſinging is there in the ways of God, Pſal. 138. 5. as his Redeemed come to Sion, Iſa. 51. 11. from out of Melancholick Babylon, Pſal. 137. 1, 2, 4. The Open Field is far more ſweet and chearing than to be ſelf-ſhut up in ſinful Privacy; yea, ſuffering in ſuch a way doth yield the Matter of Rejoycing, Acts 5. 41, 42. Chriſt Spouſes alſo are ſometimes more Delighted in the p. 124Fields and Villages than in Jeruſalem, or any of its Gardens; eſpecially when likely (there) to have more ſweet Communion with their Beloved, Cant. 7. 11, 12. And what a Recreating toil it is to mount with Singing to the Height of Sion's Hill, Jer. 31. 12. from whence a Breathed Traveller may ſee the more of Heaven, and all theſe Earthly Lower things beneath him.

4. Thus ſhall we ſooner ſee the Bridegroom by Going out to Meet him, than if we ſtay behind. Follow Holineſs, without which no Man ſhall ſee God, Hob. 12. 14. as ſhall the Pure in Heart, Mat. 5. 8. for unto ſuch Chriſt Promiſeth the Manifeſtation of himſelf, John 14. 21. Nor is he to be ſeen in Babylon, ſave by ſome Extraordinary way of Revelation, Dan. 10. 1. but they ſhall ſee Eye to Eye, whom God ſhall bring again from thence to Sion, Iſa. 52. 8. Then alſo was the Spirit poured out, Acts 2. 4. when thoſe were all with one accord met in One place, v. 1. where all might come, v. 6. and therefore the Doors were not then ſhut for Fear, as formerly they were at Evening, John 20. 19. or when at Supper, Mark 16. 14. And at this time a Spouſe may ſeek Chriſt long enough, in Bed, or in his Ancient Temple, and yet not find him, Cant. 3. 1. nor in the City or Old Jeruſalem, v. 2. nor till ſhe hath paſſed from the Watch-men, v. 3, 4. And ſince Chriſt comes from Heaven, 1 Theſ. 4. 16. the Higher that we go, the ſooner we ſhall ſee him, v. 17.

5. Such onelyonly will go with Chriſt unto the Marriage, who thus Go out to meet him, becauſe none elſe will then be ready, before the Door is ſhut, Mat. 25. 10. He who then hath not his Clean or Wedding-Garment on, will onelyonly have that ſilencing check, How cameſt thou hither, Mat. 22. 12? therefore go out of ſinful Defilements. This Marriage-feaſt and Babylon's Funerals will contemporize, Rev. 19. 2. 9. 17, 18. therefore Go out of Babylon, for fear of being not then alive. Chriſt then will be aſhamed of Them, Mat. 10. 33. who formerly have been aſhamed of him, or have denyed him, by letting fall their Open Teſtimony, v. 27, 38. therefore go out of ſinful Privacy. This ſame New Earth and Heavens will be laid upon the Old ones Ruines, Iſa. 65. 17. therefore go out from hence, for fear of periſhing in that Rubbiſh. And if we look for thoſe, what manner of Perſons ſhould we be, 2 Pet. 3. 14. in point of growth, v. 18. therefore go out of Lower good Attainments. In Order whereunto, theſe following Helps may be of Uſe ſo far as there is yet room for ſuch a Practice.

Help 1. Let not your Oyl be then to Buy, which is the undoing of Fooliſh Virgins at ſuch a time: Endeavour to be ſatisfied (with all preventing ſpeed) as unto what the Cry requireth; and pleaſe not your p. 125ſelves with pleading Now, that you want Light, and therefore cannot Go. Truſt not to Trimmed Lamps, (or ſome Revived good Affections;) but get Oyl into your Veſſels alſo, or in a Spiritually enlightned Judgment; elſe woe be to the Virgins alſo as well as others. The firſt Adam's Legs are good at Hand, but not at length; or will not bear Men fully out this Second time. The Phariſees could go as far as John, Mat. 3. 7. but not to Chriſt himſelf, from want of Light, John 9. 29. Some may Cry up the Light and Strength of Nature as they pleaſe, but nothing ſhort of Goſpel-Grace will make Men Run and not be Weary, or not to ſaint with Walking, Iſa. 40. 31. when Youths will fail, v. 30.

2. Let us be Searching what manner of Time the Spirit of Chriſt here ſignifieth; as did the Ancient Prophets, with reference to his firſt Coming, 1 Pet. 1. 11. unleſs we think the Time is come, we ſhall have no more mind to Walk (at ſuch a Midnight) than had thoſe Jews to Build, Hag. 1. 2. Some may ſuppoſe the Virgins firſt going out was in the Days of Conſtantine, and that the Bridegroom's Coming here will not be till the Jews Converſion, at Chriſt's Perſonal Coming, or John's New Jeruſalem. But they who firſt went out, and after fell aſleep, are they who are bid Now go out again: therefore the Firſt and Second going out cannot be ſo many hundred Years aſunder, as from the Time of Conſtantine untill Chriſt's Second Coming. The Jews muſt alſo be Converted before Chriſt's Perſonal Coming, or elſe that ſudden Change then, 1 Cor. 15. 51, 52. would leave no room for Mourning, Zech. 12. 10. or Building Houſes, Iſa. 65. 21. which Jews will alſo not be Converted, untill the ſixth Viol be poured out, Rev. 16. 12. before which time the Temporal Kingdom will be Reſtored, Rev. 11. 15. therefore the Bridegroom will firſt come unto the Gentiles, who will prepare the others way by drying up Euphrates, Rev. 16. 12. or caſting out the four Monarchs, Zech. 1. 21.

3. Labour to be Awakened Throughly, which is the firſt ſtep in going out, and maketh way for all the reſt. Chriſt doth deſign their being thus Awakened, by Calling for their Going out; and he would have them to Awake, in Order to their going on, as being both the firſt Beginner, and Means of Perfecting that Work begun. One May ſit ſtill who is Awake, but Muſt ſit ſtill, if faſt aſleep: who, till awakened Throughly, will go but ſomewhat Odly and Unſteadily. And as Men would awake, ſo they muſt unfold their Hands, Prov. 16. 10. and Open their Eyes, Prov. 20. 13. and draw the Curtain, or give way unto the Light, Eph. 5. 14. Such alſo may not be Offended with a Friendly Touch, Mat. 17. 7. nor with ſome Louder Noiſe, or gentle p. 126Nip, if need requireth, Mat. 26. 40. Such alſo muſt Ariſe, as do theſe Virgins, and not lye ſtill in ſuch a Tempting Poſture. Yea, they muſt Rub their Eyes, and ſhake themſelves, Judg. 16. 20. or Offer ſome Holy Violence unto their ſluggiſh Frame: Nay, they muſt alſo be at Work, or fall upon the Trimming of their Lamps, and entring … their going out, elſe will they ſleep again, Mat. 26. 46.

4. Gird up your Loins (or Go with a good Courage, Jer. 1. 17.) and let your Lamps be Burning, Luke 12. 35. or your Affections flaming; ſo will you Open to Chriſt's Knock, v. 36. or Anſwer to hi… Cry. He that abhors not Evil, will be deviſing Miſchief on his Bed, and never ſet himſelf in a way, ſave that which is not good, Pſal. 36. 4. Go out of the midſt of Babylon, Delivering every Man his Soul from God's fierce Anger, in this day of her Deſtruction, Jer. 51. 45. And though a Lion may be abroad, yet (to prevent our ſinful Privacy) let us Remember, the far worſe Biting Serpent is within at ſuch a Day, Amos 5. 18, 19. Plead with your Mother, Plead; who Now is no… the Wife of Chriſt, as formerly ſhe may have been, Hoſ. 2. 2. An… ſtand not Mincing of the Matter, as you would not deprive your ſelves of Mercy, v. 4. And he that doth not Grow or Multiply his preſent Talent, will have it taken from him at Chriſt's Coming, Mat. 25. 28.

5. Expect to loſe your Company, at leaſt, one Half, or All the Fooliſh Virgins at this Second Going out. Noah was very ſingular i… point of Righteouſneſs, Gen. 7. 1. or Going out of ſinful Defilements▪ wherein the Generality Periſhed. At Babylon ſhall fall the ſlain of all the Earth, Jer. 51. 49. excepting ſome few, who then will Go away, v. 50. Haggai and Zechariah were the onelyonly Two remaining Witneſſes fo… Temple-work in their Day, Ezra 5. 1. And Jeremiah was much alone in ſtirring up others to Go out of Old Jeruſalem into Babylon or Confuſion. And when the Harveſt (or time of Cutting down) is come, the Corn is Generally Dead at the Root, or hath done Growing, ſave here and there a ſingle Ear. Few Trees can bear a Tranſplantation, few ſeek the things of Jeſus Chriſt, few will endure to Walk in this Narrow way, few perſevere unto the End; and who ſhall Live when God doth this? Therefore he now that ſtays for Company, will be ſhut out with his Companions.