The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened, Parable · Verse 9

The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened · Parable · Verse 9

p. 167MATTHEW XXV. 9.

But the Wiſe Anſwered, ſaying, Not ſo, leſt there be not enough for us and you; but Go ye rather to them that Sell, and Buy for your ſelves.

IN theſe words we have the Wiſe Virgins Anſwer unto the Others fore-going Motion. Wherein we may Obſerve, Firſt, a Gentle Denying of them, rather Implyed in that word [but] than plainly ſignified; thoſe word [Not ſo] not being in the Greek. Secondly, a Satisfactory Reaſon rendred; Leſt there be not enough for us and you. Thirdly, a Giving them (yet) what Help they can, by way of p. 168Exhortation and Direction, to Go and Buy of ſuch as Sell.

From all which, the General Obſervation is as followeth.

Obſerv. In Anſwer to the Fooliſh Virgins Motion, for Oyl or Light, the Wiſer (in theſe latter days) will rather wiſh the Others going unto ſuch as Sell, in Order to their Buying of it for themſelves.

Queſt. 1. How came the Wiſe Virgins to be ſo Calm, conſidering the Others great M…ſcarriage, whoſe Lamps were now Gone out, through want of Care to take Oyl with them at the firſt?

Anſw. 1. Theſe Fooliſh Virgins here do not Provoke the Wiſe unto their Faces by any unhandſome word or carriage: and in that Caſe, few will Begin to Quarrel upon Chriſt's Account, till Paſſion is ſtirred up by Perſonal Provocations. There is a great Fault among Profeſſors in that regard, who count Plain dealing Paſſion, and ſo Deſiſt therefrom, untill themſelves are throughly vexed, or Paſſionate indeed; and then ſuch will ſpeak out. We ought to follow Peace with all Men, Heb. 12. 14. but not to Purchaſe it by Theft and Murder, ſuch as Mans ſinful ſilence is, to Chriſt and to his Brother, Jer. 23. 30. Ezek. 33. 8. Thus doth ſelf-love diſpenſe with Duty, under a Pretence of ſtudying Peace, till Intereſt hath made ſuch Furious, inſtead of being truly Faithful, which ſeldom is of any uſe, James 1. 20. ſave onelyonly to Diſcover thoſe Paſſionate Reprovers Diſſimulation.

2. The Wiſer Virgins might Perceive the others inability to bear plain down-right dealing at the preſent; and this might cauſe their being ſilent. Rebukes are Pearls too good for Swine, Mat. 7. 6. Not may a Scorner be Reproved, Prov. 9. 7, 8. And when that Prophet was …id forbear, he Warrantably did ſo, as a Token of the others Ruine, 2 Chron. 25. 16. As Men would not be caſt out, ſo let them take heed of Mocking, Gen. 21. 9, 10. and as they would not be let alone, ſo let them take heed of being Joyned to their evil ways, Hoſ. 4. 17. Yea, let them Encourage others as they would Healingly be Reproved by them, Pſal. 141. 5. Saints have not ſo many ſmiles from Chriſt (as yet) becauſe they cannot bear them; nor others (upon that Account) ſome fructifying ſhowers from his Clouded brows. And though (at ſuch a time) Gentiles may be compelled to come in, Luke 14. 23. yet Old Profeſſing Jews will ſoon Diſcourage their Inviters, v. 24.

3. Theſe very Wiſe Virgins were lately wakened out of their ſleeping with the other, which might Occaſion their want of Zeal. Diſtempered ſleep (ſuch as this was) doth Naturally tend to make the Spirits dull; and much more in a Moral ſence. Conſcience in David was faſt aſleep when he could be ſo fierce againſt that in Another, whereof himſelf was then ſo Guilty, 2 Sam. 12. 5, 6, 7. 'Tis meet for Slumberers p. 169to Rub their Eyes, before they can Diſcern (at leaſt Reprove) another's ſluggiſhneſs. Chriſt's Teaching was Authoritative, in Competition with that of Hypocrites, Mat. 7. 29. whoſe guilty Conſcience (when Appealed unto) made them Deſiſt from proſecuting their Impeachment of another, John 8. 7. 9. And as thoſe Typical Snuffers were made of pureſt Gold, Exod. 37. 23. ſo Perſons Newly Raiſed from a Fall, have ſeldom ſo much Confidence, as to Rebuke their fellows, till throughly purified from Enfeebling guilt.

4. They might be Tender in Judging upon the preſent caſe; how far a failing of this Nature was their ſin; or how far ſuch a ſin might be conſiſtent with the Main; or whether their Lamps were not Recoverable: And therefore onelyonly might Exhort inſtead of ſharp Rebuking. Chriſt did more deeply Cenſure the Fooliſh Virgins of his Time, than his Diſciples could well bear, Mat. 15. 12. and ſome Wiſe Virgins (at this Day) like not ſuch kind of Tartneſs. Few are Convinced, that Ignorance doth not Excuſe from ſin, or that Time-Duties are of ſuch Importance, as to have Saint-ſhip gathered up thereinto: who therefore dare not Judge Men upon that Account. And ſince the Scripture ſo much calls for Gentleneſs, it is a thing ſo grateful of it ſelf, as that few Men can bear it's Contrary in any caſe, though every whit as plainly Warranted, eſpecially among Back-ſliders. But thoſe Tormenting Witneſſes were onelyonly Two, Rev. 11. 10. the Generality are Moderate.

5. Wiſe Virgins alway are Inferiour to the Fooliſh, in point of Intereſt; which is a ſore Temptation, not to Irritate, and which but few can overcome. Soundeſt Profeſſors generally are Poor, compared with others, 1 Cor. 4. 8. and Poor Men uſe Intreaties, leaving rough Anſwers to the Rich, Prov. 18. 23. who ſeldom themſelves are ſo dealt with, ſave by a more than Ordinary Prophet, as of Old. Soundeſt Profeſſors alſo are but few: And where is that Micajah, who dareth to Rebuke four hundred Lying Flatterers? Yea, Fooliſh Virgins are of the firſt Magnitude, unto the dwellers upon Earth, as is the Moon, becauſe of its being nearer unto ſenſe: And as Proud Phariſees deride Plain dealing, Luke 16. 14. preſuming upon their high Eſteem, v. 15 ſo none but Chriſt and John durſt roughly handle them, until the Spirit was poured down, Acts 2. 17. 23. and when that Diſpenſation comes again, Iſa. 32. 15. then ſtammerers will ſpeak plainly, ver. 4.

6. The Lord himſelf might have a Righteous Over-ruling Hand, in their being ſilent unto ſuch, at ſuch a Time. He hath the Key of Utterance, Col. 4. 3. and when he Shutteth, no Man can Open, Rev. p. 1703. 7. A Moral (or Preceptive) Bar is alway laid upon his People's Reprehenſions, in ſome Caſes, or when clear Duties are Diſputed; Hoſ. 4. …. and ſometimes an Effectual (or Phyſical) Bar doth force them to be dumb. Thus Naaman's halving it with God, (after ſo full a Conviction and Obliging Mercy,) was juſtly Puniſhed with Eliſha's ſilence and ſeeming Approbation, 2 Kings 5. 17, 18, 19. The Time is Now haſtning, for God himſelf to Anſwer ſuch Hypocritical Enquirers of him, Ezek. 14. 4. who therefore will not let his Servants ſpeak, v. 3. And thus ſome are not Plainly ſpoken unto, Mat. 13. 13. leaſt they ſhould See and Hear, and Underſtand, and be Converted, unto their being Healed, v. 15.

Queſt. 2. What is the Meaning of that Denial which is here made (by theſe Wiſe Virgins) unto the Fooliſh Virgins Motion for Oyl or Light?

Anſw. To which I Anſwer.

Firſt, Negatively.

1. It is not to be underſtood, as if the Wiſe Virgins were (in the leaſt) unwilling to have lent what Help they could, in caſe the Other had been truly ſerious. This would not have conſiſted with their Wiſdom, but would have ſignified their being alſo Fooliſh; ſince the Lips of the Wiſe Diſperſe Knowledge, but the Heart of the Fooliſh doth not ſo, Prov. 15. 7. A Gracious Heart Longeth to Impart that Spiritual Gift, whereof he doth partake, Rom. 1. 11. doing therein to Others, as he would be dealt with by them, v. 12. Oyl is Diffuſive, eſpecially where Gifts and Graces are in Conjunction: therefore it ſadly ſignifieth, when utmoſt Spiritual Help is not Afforded, from Envy, Sluggiſhneſs, or Spiritual Pride: Satan may Hinder, once and again, 1 Theſ. 2. 18. ſo may Diverſions otherways, Rom. 15. 22. Yea, ſometimes Paul was Hindred by the Holy Ghoſt, Acts 16. 6, 7. who elſe did count himſelf a Debtor unto All, Rom. 1. 14.

2. Nor is it meant, as if the Wiſe Virgins (abſolutely) were unable to have given Oyl unto the Fooliſh. 'Tis true, all Man's ſufficiency (for ſuch a work) is of the Lord, 2 Cor. 3. 5. as well as Efficacy, 1 Cor. 3. 7. yet are Men workers together with him, 2 Cor. 6. 1. who therefore have this Oyl or Treaſure in their Earthen Veſſels, 2 Cor. 4. 7. Paul could Beget, in Bonds, Philem. 10. and he that is not Able to be a Spiritual Father, was Typically of Old debarred from that Prieſt-hood, Lev. 21. 20. which was a Type of Goſpel Saint-ſhip, 1 Pet. 2. 9. nor might ſuch enter into the Congregation, or be Accounted Iſraelites, Deut. 23. 1. Nor will the Saints Oyl (in this Reſpect) forbear to Multiply, ſo long as there are any choſen Veſſels p. 171left for it to over-flow into, as 2 Kings 4. 6. or not untill Election hath done bearing Children; and then this Oyl will ſtay, as did that Widdows, ſerving to pay its Owners Debts, and for Subſiſtance, 2 Kings 4. 7.

3. Nor is that Cautionary Reaſon [Leſt there be not enough for us and you] to be Interpreted, as if this Spiritual Contribution would Exhauſt the Wiſer Virgins ſtore, as at the firſt bluſh it ſeemeth to import. There was no Leſſening of Chriſt's Vertue, by what went from him, Luke 8. 46. nor is the Sun darkened by its ſhining: Nor is a Saint the Poorer for his Spiritual Liberality. Yea, Grace is thus kept Bright with Uſe, which otherwiſe might gather Ruſt, and ſo Corrupt, as Gold it ſelf is apt to Canker, James 5. 3. unto its Owner's Diſadvantage. And as unmeet with holding tendeth unto Poverty, ſo he Increaſeth, who duly ſcattereth, Prov. 11. 24. and watereth himſelf by watering others, v. 25 as Talent-Occupiers do Experience, Mat. 25. 20. Lamps, in the Letter and Myſtery, herein Agree, that neither of them are Diminiſhed by Lighting Others: Myſtical Lamps herein are ſingular, becauſe their Oyl is Multiplyed by Diſtribution. Thus much as to the Negative. But then,

II. Affirmatively. They might thus ſpeak unto the Fooliſh Virgins.

1. To prove the Cordialneſs of their Deſire, if not to check their ſleightineſs and Carnality therein. When that Samaritan Woman ſleightily and Carnally deſired Chriſt's Ever-living water, John 4. 15. he onelyonly Anſwered her with a Diverſion, v. 16. q. d. I will be otherwiſe ſought unto before a Motion of that Nature ſhall be ſatisfied. However Cordialneſs is thus Expreimented. Thus Joſhua tryed the Truth of Iſrael's Profeſſing to Serve the Lord, Joſh. 24. 16. by his Rejecting of it, v. 19. till they had Doubted it, v. 21. and then he let it paſs, v. 22. Thus Naomi refuſed Ruth's firſt Reſolution to Accompany her, Ruth 1. 10. 15. meerly to prove her ſtedfaſtneſs, v. 16, 17, 18. as did Elijah to Eliſha, 2 Kings 2. 2. and Chriſt himſelf unto thoſe two Diſciples, Luke 24 28, 29. Had not the Fooliſh Virgins been indifferent, ſo Modeſt a Denial would have wrought another way; therefore this Tryal was not unwiſely made.

2. To Check the Fooliſh Virgins coming OnelyOnly unto them for Oyl, without any further Pains or Coſt, who therefore bid them (rather) Go to them that Sell, and Buy. Thus Naaman was bid to Go and Waſh in Jordan, 2 Kings 5. 10. and thoſe Ten Lepers to Go and ſhew themſelves unto the Prieſt, Luke 17. 14. and Iſrael, to Buy of Eſan, Meat and Water, Deut. 2. 6. not from unwillingneſs to Gratifie p. 172them upon other terms, but to Rebuke ſelf-love. And though a Gracious Heart is free to do for others what he can, yet doth he ſend ſuch to Chriſt, as without whom he can do nothing; and who doth chiefly ſeek his Glory. Thus to diſſwade from Terminating upon Inſtruments (after a work is done) was Peter's Vertue, Acts 3. 12. and thus to ſend (before hand) the Fooliſh Virgins unto Chriſt, was the Wiſe Virgins ſelf-denyal. It is our Grace and Duty not to ſatisfie anothers wiſh, when either God is likely to be Robbed, or ſome more ſad Diſtemper to be Indulged.

3. To ſhew the Wiſe Virgins ſenſe of having Oyl little enough, and none to ſpare, as (in Propriety of Speech) the Other's Motion did import: Therefore theſe Anſwer, Leſt there be not enough for us and you. As he that Loveth Silver, is not ſatisfied, Eccl. 5. 10. So he that Loveth Oyl (or Grace, and Spiritual Light,) is as the Sea, which is not Full, though all the Rivers run into it, Eccl. 1. 7. Thus is a truly Gracious Heart Diſtinguiſhed from Hypocrites, by his being alway fearful, leſt he ſhould not have Oyl enough, which others are afraid of having too much of. And more eſpecially Wiſe Virgins are ſollicitous, with reference unto Time-Truths and Duties; which are Expenſive, and therefore need the greater S…ock: Yea; which are alſo very Curious, and therefore need the cleareſt Light. 'Tis true, their Lighting others is no way ſelf-diminiſhing; but their Denial here may onelyonly intimate unto the other, how Low they were in their own Eyes, and what an High eſteem they had of Oyl, as to its Worth and Uſe.

4. To ſignifie (perhaps) how Difficult it was for them to make this Preſent Duty out, unto another, above Moſt other Duties. 'Tis true, Time-Truths are very Plain, as Excellent things are, to him that Underſtandeth, Prov. 8. 6. 9. yet are they hardly to be underſtood by Others, 2 Pet. 3. 16. and to be uttered by the Beſt, Heb. 5. 11. Few at this Day perceive that More is in this Second going forth, than at the Firſt: Nor can it be yet made out, but with a ſtammering Lip, as was fore-told, Iſa. 28. 11. or with a ſtrange Tongue, as Paul explaineth it, 1 Cor. 14. 21. Truths are but rarely ſeen, at their firſt coming up, till God (in Time) ſhall make ſome clearer Revelation, Phil. 3. 15. or till the Cuſtomary Practice of Sober Chriſtians, ſhall ſilence them who ſeem to be Contentious, 1 Cor. 11. 14. 16. Let not the Fooliſh Virgins wonder, in caſe the Wiſe (at firſt) have no more Light into untrodden Paths, than will juſt ſerve their turn; as is here hinted.

5. Theſe bid the Other go, and Buy Oyl for Themſelves; becauſe they would have them ſee with their Own Eyes, and not with Others, in Matters of this Nature. Unſound Profeſſors (like ſome bad Husbands) p. 173Live moſt upon Borrowing: But Goſpel-Saints are for the Proving of their Own work, Gal. 6. 4. and working with their Own Hand, 1 Theſ. 4. 11. and being perſwaded in their own Heart, Rom. 14. 5. Thus ſhall Men have Rejoycing in their own ſelves, Gal. 6. 4. Thus ſhall they have Reward, according to their own Labour, 1 Cor. 3. 8. thus Trees are to be known by their own Fruit, Luke 6. 46. nor will the Beſt Seed abide with him, which hath not Root in Himſelf, Mat. 13. 21. Therefore Wiſe Men are onelyonly for the Uſe and Diſtribution of what is their own, Prov. 5. 15, 16, 17. and they who make the Truth their own, have right to call Heaven their own alſo, though Earthly Mammon be Another's, Luke 16. 11, 12. and this is Buying for ones ſelf.

6. They might thus ſpeak to get rid of the Others Company, whom they now had no Pleaſure in, ſo much as to Diſcourſe any longer with them.

1. Partly, Becauſe of their Back-ſliding from a former Practice and Profeſſion. They had gone out Before; but now their Lamps were Gone, or Going out, and with a Noiſom ſmell unto theſe Wiſer Virgins, which might Occaſion this Quick (though Fair) Diſmiſſion. God hath no Pleaſure in him that draweth back, Heb. 10. 38. becauſe Apoſtates are as Smoak unto his Noſe, Iſa. 65. 5. therefore Chriſt will not Parley with theſe late Returners, Mat. 25. 12. no more than do theſe other now. Nor is it to be wondred at, ſince Myſtical Lamps are apt to go out for Company, Mat. 24. 12. yea, their very Snuffs are moſt Offenſive, like Dead Mens Carkaſſes, which do Occaſion thoſe Alive to ſtop their Noſes, Ezek. 39 11. and ſo their Speech muſt needs be Hindred. As Men would have Diſcourſe (with Chriſt, or with his People) to be Convinced; ſo let them take heed of wearying others with ſuch bad Savours, or Dead Affections.

2. Becauſe the Wiſe Virgins might perceive their being unlikely to Convince the other, by any thing Offered for ſuch a purpoſe. Theſe Fooliſh Virgins (Doubtleſly) had already heard, what could be ſaid, and wherefore ſhould they hear the ſame again, who had no mind to be the Truth's Diſciples, John 9. 27? The Cry had cleared up the Nature of this Duty: Nor do they Complain of wanting ought, but Lamps, or good Affections thereunto; and when the Judgment is not Supream, 'tis but in vain to Reaſon with Mens Affections. It was an Argument of Abigail's Wiſdom, to be ſilent, till Nabal's Reaſon was Reſtored, 1 Sam. 25. 26. 27. nor will Men Plough upon the Rock, Amos 6. 12. yea, Saints are bid with-draw from ſtrifes of Words, and from Perverſe Diſputings, 1 Tim. 6. 4, 5. If Men will not Believe, Chriſt will p. 174ſay little, Luke 32. 67. And if Wiſe Virgins be not like to Profit Others, they will not vex Themſelves with vain Diſcourſe.

Queſt. 3. Who are theſe Sellers of Oyl or Light, and why are they ſo called?

Anſw. It muſt be meant of Chriſt, or of his Servants, there being no other whom theſe wiſe Virgins would bid the Other Go unto.

Now, as to Saints, the Generality of Profeſſors are intended by theſe Virgins; therefore They cannot be the Sellers here, ſince half of them do bid the other half, to Go and Buy elſewhere.

'Tis true indeed, there have been Two Anointed ones (or Sons of Oyl) by way of Eminency, Zech. 4. 14. who (with Reſpect to Chriſt) are termed Olive-Branches, v. 12. but Olive-Trees, with reference unto others, v. 11. and theſe are ſaid to Empty the Golden Oyl out of Themſelves, through their Two Golden Pipes, v. 12. or Sanctified Mediums, viz. the VVord and Prayer, 1. Tim. 4. 5. And this is (in Effect) to Sell; ſo that ſuch Eminently enlightned ones (or the Maintainers of others Lamps with Oyl, Zech 4. 2, 3.) may fitly ſhare (with Chriſt himſelf) in ſuch a Title, above the Generality of Profeſſors. OnelyOnly it thence will follow, that ſlumbring (wiſe) Virgins are no Proper VVitneſſes; ſince (when Awakened) they do not Challenge to themſelves the Name of Oyl-Emptyers, (or Sellers of it unto Others,) which yet is given by Chriſt unto the VVitneſſes, Rev. 11. 4.

But yet I rather chuſe to give this Title (here) to Chriſt alone, who is the Heir of all things, Heb. 1. 2. and conſequently, the ſole Proprietor, or Proper Seller of this Commodity. Yet may his ſingle Perſon be Repreſented here, by that word [them;] not onelyonly, becauſe he hath his under Servants, but alſo thoſe Seven Spirits of God, Rev. 3. 1. by whom he Selleth theſe Commodities in his ſtead, and with his Approbation, John 16. 13. And ſo we read of ſeveral things, wherewith Chriſt's Shop is Furniſhed, and under the Nation of their being put to Sale. In which regard, I ſtand here at his Door, (like ſome Apprentice) inviting Paſſengers to come and Buy.

1. Do you lack any Meat or Drink, poor Hungring, Thirſty Souls? Come Buy and Eat, Iſa. 55. 1. here's Meat and Drink indeed, John 6. 55. This water will prevent your future Thirſt, John 4. 14. and he that Eateth of this Bread, ſhall never Dye, John 6. 50. whereas you will be Cheated otherwhere, Iſa. 55. 2.

2. Do you lack any VVine, poor Drooping Hearts? Come hither, yea, come Buy VVine, Iſa. 55. 1. this VVine is well Refined on the Lees, Iſa. 25. 6. Old VVine, which is the Beſt, Luke 5. 39. yea, that p. 175which is better than any Wine whatever, Cant. 1. 2. nor is it meaſured out by Cups, but Flaggons, Cant 2. 5. whereof one may with ſafety (as well as freedom) Drink abundantly, Cant. 5. 1.

3. Do you lack any Milk, poor little Children? Come hither, yea, come, Buy Wine and Milk, Iſa. 55. 1. both which may ſafely be Drunk together, Cant. 5. 1. and this Milk is ſincere, which therefore is to be Deſired, 1 Pet. 2. 2. that New-born Babes may Grow thereby: It is the Milk of that Red Heifer, Numb. 19. 2. and of that Goat, Lev. 16. 20. both which are very Nouriſhing: This Milk is under the Spouſes Tongue, Cant. 4. 11. becauſe ſhe lyeth ſucking at Chriſt's Breaſt.

4. Do you lack any Cloaths or Money, poor Naked Beggars? I Counſel thee (ſaith Chriſt) to Buy of me Gold Tryed in the Fire, and White Raiment, that thou maiſt be Cloathed, Rev. 3. 18. His Gold will never Ruſt, nor will his Garments Moth-eat: his Robes will cover all your Nakedneſs, ſo will his Money pay your Debts: His Cloaths will add Inherent Beauty, his Money anſwereth all things, however poor its all Poſſeſſor ſeemeth, 2 Cor. 6. 10.

5. Once more; Do you lack your Sight, poor Fooliſh Virgins? Chriſt alſo hath Eye-ſalve to Sell, which he doth Counſel you to Buy of him, Rev. 3. 18. That is the Oyl here ſpoken of, (or the Commodity now in my Hand) with reference unto which, Chriſt is here called a Seller. The Nature of which Oyl hath formerly been cleared up: It onelyonly now remains to ſhew, why Chriſt is called the Seller of it, or wherein he is like a Tradeſman? which thus appeareth.

1. Tradeſmen have ſtore of what they put to Sale, and ſo hath Chriſt. Here is enough for him and others; therein he differeth from theſe Wiſe Virgins. He hath the Treaſury of Wiſdom, Col. 2. 3. in whom all fulneſs dwelleth, Col. 1. 19. and ſuch a Fulneſs as is to be Received from, John 1. 16. As none have cauſe to wave his Offer, from their pretending to have enough, Gen. 33. 9. ſo none hath cauſe to fear his being Prejudiced by it, ſince he hath all, as Jacob ſaid, v. 11. and as the Hebrew word there ſignifieth. He promiſeth to fill the wideſt Mouth, Pſal. 81. 10. and hath enough for all the VVorld; yea, ſatisfieth ever Cuſtomer, and yet he is the ſame for ever. His uncreated Oyl can Make (with one word ſpeaking) whatever Oyl the Creature needeth; therefore his ſtock muſt needs continue.

2. A Tradeſman hath Authority to Sell, and ſo hath Chriſt. He is the Proprietor of what he hath, by Vertue of the Father's Gift, Mat. 28. 18. and his own Purchaſe, Phil. 2. 8, 9. and is it not Lawful for him then, to do what he will with his own, Mat. 20. 18? He can produce p. 176his Letters Patents; therefore fear not to Trade with him, for him hath God the Father Sealed, John 6. 27. Buy what you pleaſe of him, it never ſhall be Taken from you, if Good and Needful, Luke 10. 42. Yea, though his Servant (Iſaac) did miſtake the Perſon, yet Jacob had the Bleſſing ſtill, becauſe the Maſter did ſo Order it, Gen. 27. 33. Robbers, John 10. 1. may Sell what they have ſtollen, Jer. 23. 30. but ſhall not therefore Profit others, becauſe not ſent, v. 32.

3. Tradeſmen are Free to deal with any, and ſo is Chriſt. Ho, every one that Thirſteth, Iſa. 55. 1. and whoſoever will, Rev. 22. 17. Rich or Poor, Old or Young, Good or Bad, one or other, let him come. His Voice is to the Sons of Man, Prov. 8. 4. and unto Thee, yea, even to Thee, Prov. 22. 19. And he that cometh to him, ſhal… in no wiſe be Caſt out by him, John 6. 37. He onelyonly findeth fault with Men's unwillingneſs, John 5. 40. nor doth he Turn away from any, till they have Judged themſelves unworthy of his Gracious Offer, Acts 13. 46. Yea, former Provocations are no Let to Perſons pricked in their Hearts; for unto ſuch the Promiſe is, by way of Tender, as well as others, Acts 2. 37, 38, 39.

4. That which a Tradeſman Selleth, is the Buyers own, between them two; ſo is it between a Soul and Chriſt. Therefore his Gifts are ſaid to be without Repentance, Rom. 11. 29. becauſe they are Sold, as to Aſſurance, though freely Given, Rom. 8. 32. as to any Proper Price, Iſa. 55. 1. A Gift beſtowed upon Servants, is onelyonly theirs till ſuch a Time, Ezek. 46. 17. before which Time, it may be Taken away, if miſ-improved, Hoſ. 2. 8, 9. but Spiritual Riches are a True Believers own, Luke 15. 11, 12. who is a Son, John 1. 12. therefore his Gift is a Poſſeſſion by Inheritance, Ezek. 46. 16. 'Tis firmly Promiſed, 1 John 2. 25. and with an Oath, Heb. 6. 17. before ſufficient VVitneſs, … John 5. 7. an Earneſt whereof is alſo given, Eph. 1. 14.

5. Tradeſmen Invite their Cuſtomers, but do not offer to Enforce them, ſave onelyonly in a way of Moral ſuaſion; and ſo doth Chriſt. He onelyonly hinteth the Happineſs of being Intereſted in his Offers, together with the Danger of Refuſing them, Mark 16. 16. and that's the whole of his Compelling to come in, Luke 14. 23. He may be Heard to ſay, How long will ye Love Simplicity, Prov. 1. 22? When will ye be wiſe, Pſal. 94. 8? Why will ye Die, Ezek. 18. 31? but elſe, be at your Choice, whom you will Serve, Joſh. 24. 15. The Man of Sin is for Coercion, Rev. 13. 16. but herein partly doth the eaſineſs of Chriſt's Yoak appear, becauſe it is not Put upon a Perſon's Neck, till he is willing to Take it up, Mat. 11. 29, 30,

p. 1776. Tradeſmen are wont to Part with no Commodities, but upon ſuch propoſed terms; no more doth Chriſt. OnelyOnly Chriſt herein differeth much from other Tradeſmen, becauſe Himſelf is not Advantaged, nor is the Soul at all Impoveriſhed by any of thoſe terms inſiſted on. Which are as followeth:

1. You muſt Come unto him. His Chapmen are oftner bid to Come, than Buy, Iſa. 55. 1. to intimate, that if they mean to Buy, they muſt be ſure to Come. He May be found of ſuch as do not ſeek him, Iſa. 65. 1. but Ordinarily he will be firſt Enquired of, Ezek. 36. 37. Joſeph had Corn enough, yet muſt his own Brethren Come and Buy, Gen. 42. 2. yea, they muſt come again, or ſtarve, Gen. 43. 2. And then he hath his Price, although they had their Money ſtill, v. 22, 23. Yea, they muſt Come to Him, Mat. 11. 28. and not unto their Fellows onelyonly, as did theſe Fooliſh Virgins. The Father hath Committed all to him, John 5. 22. as Pharaoh did to Joſeph, Gen. 41. 55. ſuch alſo muſt Come, as Coming doth import Believing, John 6. 35. not Abſolutely with Reſpect to full Aſſurance, in point of Preſent or Future Intereſt; but yet with reference to his Ability and Will, upon ſuch terms as are propounded by him, James 1. 6. Heb. 11. 6. and by a Special Faith, Eph. 3. 8.

2. You muſt come Mourning over all your former ſleightineſs and Provocations. Acknowledge your Offence, till when he Goeth from you, Hoſ. 5. 15. but humble your ſelves, then will he Hear, 2 Chron. 7. 14. take with you Words, Hoſ. 14. 2. as did that Prodigal, Luke 15. 18, 19. ſo will this Father Run and Meet you, v. 20. Thus muſt Tranſgreſſors come, Going and Weeping, Jer. 50. 4. which doth evince their being led by him, in a ſtraight way, and their being welcome to him as a Father, Jer. 31. 9. Pour out thine Heart like Water before his Face, Lam. 2. 19. which is a Secondary kind of waſhing, Iſa. 1. 16. Then Come (ſaith he) and let us Reaſon, v. 18 and Self-bemoaners are Affectionately remembred by him, Jer. 31. 18. 20. Money in water, is (in Appearance) double; onelyonly this water muſt be clear, 2 Cor. 7. 10. and you muſt put no value thereupon, however Chriſt accounteth of it.

3. You muſt reduce indefinite deſires into Particulars. When Chapmen come into a Shop to Buy, they are firſt asked, What would you have? Blind Bartimeus cryed unto Chriſt, (Indefinitely at firſt) Thou Son of David, have Mercy on me, Mark 10. 47. but when he came to Jeſus, v. 50. Chriſt asked him, What (in Particular) he would have done-unto him, v. 51. Chriſt onelyonly Echoeth unto the Creatures Voice; which (if Particular) is ſuitably replyed unto, Mark 10. 51, 52. p. 178till when, his Call is as Indefinite, v. 49. as is the others Cry, v. 48. And therein have a Care to pitch upon what is of greateſt Worth and Need; ſo will Inferiour things be added, Mat. 6. 33. without asking, 1 Kings 3. 11. 13. You would have Oyl, (ſaith Chriſt,) what kind of Oyl? The very Beſt (ſay you) the Pureſt Oyl: So may you have both it, and what is Common alſo.

4. His Offer muſt be duly Prized. It may be Tendred unto All, but is not Sold, ſave unto ſuch who thereto Eminently are Invited, Iſa. 55. 1. Mat. 11. 28. There muſt be ſo much ſenſe, both of its Worth, and of our Need thereof, as to Provoke the Will, Rev. 22. 17. elſe ſhall we never Buy it of him. 'Tis true, there is a Paſſive Union firſt, (or pre-communication of Chriſt's Commodity) which doth Beget Deſire; but till there be an Active cloze, (proceeding from that Deſire Exerciſed,) there is no Full or Proper Intereſt. It is a Marriage-contract this, wherein the Man firſt takes the Woman, but ſhe muſt alſo take the Man; till when, the Marriage is not Compleated: Nor can ought elſe be Sold or Bought.

5. You muſt receive this Oyl into your Veſſels, elſe will Chriſt never Sell it, meerly to feed your Lamps, or flaſhy Preſent good Affections. It was not deſired by theſe Fooliſh Virgins, ſave onelyonly with reſpect unto their Lamps; and therefore (Poſſibly) the Wiſe Denyed them; ſo will Chriſt certainly. In caſe you would have Oyl (ſaith Chriſt) where is your Veſſel? Give me thine Heart, Prov. 23. 26. and I will fill it, Pſal. 81. 10. If there be no Veſſel, his Oyl will ſtay, 2 Kings 4. 6. and 'tis Abſurd to think, that Oyl (or Wiſdom) can be Subjected, ſave in the Judgment. Some onelyonly would have Oyl applyed to their Itching Ears; others, unto their Tongue, to make it Nimble; others, unto ſome VVound, till it be Healed: But Grace or VViſdom is not Thine, unleſs it entreth into thine Heart, Prov. 2. 10. no more than ſinful Temptations are, untill the Heart be therewith filled.

6. Your Veſſels alſo muſt be Emptied, elſe can you not Receive his Oyl, which is not Sold by him, untill it be immediately Delivered. Some other Liquors will Incorporate; but Darkneſs will as ſoon Agree with Light, as Sin with Grace. Some fain would keep their Puddle-water ſtill; and ſo Chriſt's Oyl ſhould ſpill upon the Ground, which he will not endure. And what a Fool is he, who doth refuſe Chriſt's ſtately Robes, becauſe he may not have them put upon his Filthy Garments? Let go your Airy ſelf-conceit; elſe that alone may be ſufficient to Obſtruct the beſt Repleniſhment: As in a Stomach filled with wind. Yea, Chriſt will not be won, ſave with the Loſs of Common Oyl, and p. 179all thoſe things which heretofore have been Accounted Gain, Phil. 3. 7, 8.

7. You muſt receive the whole of his Commodity. Chriſt is an whole-Sale Merchant onelyonly. He is a Vine, whoſe Fruit is Cluſtered. He doth not Sell his Oyl by Drops or Spoonfu…s; you muſt have All or None. His Water is not to be had, but by a Quill united to his Couduit-Pipe. Some are ſo Moderate, ſo Partial in their Deſires, as that Chriſt hath no mind to Parley with them. Yea, his whole Shop and Perſon too muſt go together, to every of his Speeding Chapmen; Ruth and her Land might not be ſeparated, Ruth 4. 5. And what a Mercy is it unto Saints, that Chriſt and all his Spiritual Bleſſings are thus United, Eph. 1. 3. unto their being made Compleat in him, Col. 2. 10. How readily is this Accepted of, in other Caſes, ſave with Reſpect to Chriſt's Commodit…es!

8. You muſt be content to take it as it Cometh; which (at the firſt) may not be ſo Delightful, as afterwards. If any part of Chriſt's Commodities may be called worſe than other, the Beſt are Laſt; but you muſt take them as they Riſe, that being the Cuſtom of his Shop. There is a Teaching and a Crowning Oyl; an Oyl for Light, and Oyl of Gladneſs; Oyl for a Sacrifice, and Oyl for Food: But Leah muſt firſt be had, Gen. 29. 26. and Supper is not until the Work be over, Luke 17. 7, 8. nor may we receive the Promiſe, till we have done the Will of God, Heb. 10. 36. Thoſe never will go Through with Chriſt, who will not Buy, ſave what is clear (unto an Eye of ſenſe) at its firſt running; who will not learn the Chriſtian's Primmer, becauſe his Croſs is the fir…t Letter in that Row, Mat. 16. 24. who would have the Bottom of C…riſt's Oyl firſt poured out, which cannot be expected.

9. You muſt be willing to lay all down, both in a Myſtical and Literal ſence, giving him leave to Take it if he pleaſeth, and without grudging. He onelyonly deals with Generous Chapmen, who value him above their All, in any Reſpect whatever. Thoſe are not worthy of him, who Love ought More than him, Mat. 10. 37. nor ſhall thoſe Comers ſpeed with him, who Hate not what is Deareſt to them, in caſe he calleth for it, Luke 14. 26. His Terms are theſe; thy Gold and Silver, and Wife and Children, (the Goodlieſt of them all) are Mine, as Benhadad ſaid to Ahab: 2 Kings 20. 3. nor will he be ſatisfied with thy bare Aſſenting hereunto, v. 4. unleſs they be Delivered up, when called for, v. 5, 6. Indeed he either will not take this Money, as Gen. 42. 25. or will reſtore an hundred-Fold, Mark 10. 30. but yet it muſt be all laid down, as Gen. 43. 21, 22. yea, Spiritual Priviledges alſo.

10. You muſt be alſo very Thankful, with reference unto (at leaſtwiſe, p. 180notwithſtanding) the hardeſt terms which have been ſignified. This will Evince its being Given, in your eſteem, as it ſo is, in his account; whoſe being called a Seller here, yea, whoſe fore-named Price inſi…ted on, doth no way Interfere with the Freeneſs of his Gift. His great Deſign is to ſet forth the Glory of his Grace, Eph. 1. 6. which is Eclipſed by Men's unthankfulneſs, or by a Cloud upon their Brow. This hath been the Practice of all his ſpeeding Chapmen; this you muſt do, or he and you will not Agree: And though a Cheapner may think much, yet is Diſ-ſatisfaction inconſi…tent with its being Sold. Therefore ſay not, 'Tis Naught, 'Tis Naught, as many Buyers uſe to do; ſince, when thou haſt it, I dare be bold to ſay, thou wilt Boaſt of it, Prov. 20. 14,

11. You muſt be ſure to hold your Purſes. That's one of this Seller's Terms; Come buy, yea, come, but without Money, Iſa. 55. 1. Plead not for more, becauſe of what you have; plead not for any, becauſe of your Deſerving it, or being Worthy to receive it. Count not your Duty Payment, ſtay not till you have got a Price, or Preſent in your Hand: But come as Poor and Vile in your own Eyes as may be; Chriſt onelyonly deals with Spiritual Beggars. Some hope to ſpeed, becauſe they are full handed; thy Money Periſh with thee: Some dare not come, they are ſo Poor; but if thine Heart be willing to Accept him, as afore-ſaid, come and Welcome. I do not ſay, that Chriſt is thine, but thou maiſt freely come and Buy; yea, none but Nothings are Traded with.

12. You muſt Engage to keep this Oyl; which as he will not Take away, Luke 10. 43. ſo neither muſt you Let it Go, Prov. 4. 13. He Selleth by Indentures, putting his Fear into the Heart (his Oyl into the Veſſel) upon thoſe Terms, Jer. 32. 40. Jer. 50. 5. 2 Tim. 1. 14. That which is ſubject (wholly) to be Loſt, is neither any ſpecial Oyl, nor was it ever Sold by him: Yet ſhall a careleſs Loſer (of Common things) pay more for what is Lent, than doth the Buyer, Exod. 22. 7. 9. But he that bids you Buy the Truth, doth alſo charge you not to Sell it, Prov. 22. 23. And ſince his Commodity is your Life, Prov. 4. 13. you would be a Loſer by its Sale, though all the World ſhould be Exchanged for it, Mat. 16. 26. Eſais had not the Bleſſing, becauſe he was Free to ſell his Birth-right, Heb. 12. 16, 17. which Jacob would never part with more, and thereby evidenced his having Bought it.

13. You muſt Improve this Oyl for him, and not Receive his Grace in vain, 2 Cor. 6. 1. or turn it into Laſciviouſneſs, Jude 4. 'Tis not elſe ſold; nor is that Holy Oyl, which is thus apt to be Abuſed. There is ſome kind of Oyl which may be ſet before an Idol, Hoſ. 2. 8. but that p. 181is Common, and likely to be taken away, v. 9. which doth evince its being not ſold, but Lent. Let your Deſign be good, in your Deſiring Oyl or Light, and you ſhall have it: Oh what an eaſie Price is this! And as a Demonſtration of its being thus improved, he doth expect to be firſt ſerved by you, in a way of ſelf-denyal, or firſt Fruits; leaving the Reſidue for you to gather. Nor will a Wiſe Servant grudge to Occupy that Talent for his Maſter's Uſe, which doth redound at laſt unto his own Advantage.

14. As you would Buy, or Laſtingly partake of the Root and Fruit of this good Olive-Tree, Rom. 11. 17. take heed of Boa…ing, v. 18. with reference unto the Root or Branches, or with reſpect unto the Thing it ſelf. Boaſt not, as to the Thing it ſelf, which is not Theirs who are not Humble, 1 Pet. 5. 5. it being the Nature of this Oyl to keep all other things below it ſelf. Boaſt not againſt the Branches, or ſuch who Now may want this Oyl; but carry your ſelves, in that reſpect, as theſe Wiſe Virgins do unto the Fooliſh; which did more fully evidence their having Bought it, than did the others Motion for ſome part thereof. Boaſt not (eſpecially) againſt the Root or Chriſt, as if he did not Bear thee: As if he were Beholden to thee for thy Fruit; as if it were not His, while it is Thine, which that wiſe Servant did confeſs, Luke 19. 16. and by that means he had the whole, with ſome Addition, v. 24.

15. You muſt not Trifle, but ſee unto this work betimes. There is a Time of Finding, Pſal. 32. 6. And thoſe that ſeek we Early ſhall find me, ſaith Eſſential Wiſdom, Prov. 8. 17. When once the Maſter of this Shop or Houſe hath ſhut the Door, ſome Men will ſeek to enter in, but not be able, Luke 13. 24, 25. Oh ſeek him therefore, while he may be found, Iſa. 55. 6. while he is Calling, while you are waking; while ſin is Modeſt, while you are ſomewhat Tender; while Satan is Reſtrained, and Chriſt at work, whether by his Spirit, Word, or Providences. I would Diſcourage none, by telling them my Preſent Fears, as to the Fooliſh Virgins Caſe; but it is high time to Run and Cry, Lord, Oyl for me, before the Door be ſhut.

16. You muſt be willing to Communicate this Oyl (or Light) to others alſo, as you are able, and as Occaſion is afforded; unleſs the Scripture gives a Diſpenſation. The wiſe Virgins (here) do ſeem unable; and ſcorners are not to be Inſtructed, Prov. 9. 8. but otherwiſe you are Receivers, that you might Give, Mat. 10. 8. Your Light muſt ſhine before the World, Mat. 5. 14, 15, 16. and not be Covered, or in a ſecret place, if you would have your Candle Lighted (or ſold) by Chriſt, Luke 11. 33. When thou art Converted, ſtrengthen others, Luke 22. 32. p. 182whoſe Due it is, when in thy Power, Prov. 3. 27. This is to Occupy thine Oyl for Chriſt, which is one of his Terms inſiſted on. This is the beſt way to have it Multiplyed, Luke 6. 38. elſe is it not Sold or Given to you, no more than he is (in Reality) Forgiven, who doth not alſo Forgive another, Mat. 18. 35. Nor doth Obnoxiouſneſs to Perſecution (in a Common Caſe) diſpenſe herewith; this being that Caſe, wherein thine All is called for, Mat. 10. 27, 28. without ſubmitting to which Term, this Oyl is never Sold to any, Mat. 13. 46.

Queſt. 4. Why doth Chriſt chuſe to Sell his Oyl?

Anſw. 1. That ſo it might be Repreſented ſure; as being fairly Bought and Sold. Gifts are depending upon the Givers good Affections, Hoſ. 13. 11. but Jacob kept the Birth-right ſtill, which he had Bought, (and conſequently, the Bleſſing alſo) though Eſau Hated him, Gen. 27. 41. And though God's ſpecial Gifts are ſaid to be without Repentance, Rom. 11. 29. yet is a Doubting Conſcience better ſatisfied with Chriſt's being ſaid (as here) to Sell it, according unto Common Rules of Judging. Therefore God Buys his People with a Price, that ſo they might be His, without Diſpute, 1 Cor. 6. 20. Yea, therefore he ſometimes Sold them unto others, Judg. 2. 14. to make thoſe Buyers think, they had a Lawful Title to them, Iſa. 49. 24. Now, God is willing to ſhew abundantly his own Immutability unto the Heirs of Promiſe, Heb. 6. 17. who therefore calls his Gift their Purchaſe.

2. To hint the Worth of his Commodities. Gifts uſually are leſſer things; as Thread and Paper: But things of Worth are Evidenced by a Price demanded. Indeed Chriſt is Invaluable, Prov. 8. 11. therefore he muſt be Given, or not be had: But yet the Soul muſt Buy him with his All, Mat. 13. 44. to ſhew his Worth as much as may be. Men will not Run and Cry for Apprehended Trifles; therefore there doing onelyonly ſo for Chriſt, doth intimate his being Valued by them. Eſpecially when Paul did freely ſuffer the Loſs of All things for his ſake, Accounting his former attainments Dung, Compared with him, Phil. 3. 8. And though a ſinners ſin is nothing, becauſe it wants the good of Being; yea, worſe than Nothing, becauſe that Soul had better not have Been, Met. 26. 24. Yet is it his right Eye, Mat. 5. 29. the Loſs whereof doth Argue Higheſt Valuation, Gal. 4. 15.

3. That ſo his Chapmen's Honour (as well as Satisfaction) might be conſulted for, by him, (and by this means) together with his own. He hath made all things (Firſtly) for Himſelf, Prov. 16. 4 becauſe there is no Higher End; which therefore doth accordingly Oblige his Creatures in all their Actings, 1 Cor. 10. 31. who alſo are p. 183Encouraged to Honour him, by his conſulting for their Honour, in a Second place, 1 Sam. 2. 30. He doth put Honour upon Himſelf, by ſtanding upon ſome kind of Price: His People alſo do much Honour him, by their Accepting him upon his own Propoſals: And he will therefore alſo have them Buy, that ſo their Generouſneſs might be thus Evidenced (as was by David, 2 Sam. 24. 23, 24.) And ſeeming Riches, who can thus Purchaſe their very Purchaſer, by that precious Faith, 2 Pet. 1. 1. which is ſo All-commanding, Mat. 15. 18.

4. To ſignifie its being not to be Challenged, as a Debt; nor upon Terms, ſave with its Owner's Leave. That which is fairly Sold, may be Demanded, in way of Righteouſneſs; therefore if Saints confeſs, The Lord is Juſt and Faithful to Forgive, 1 John 1. 9. becauſe (in Chriſt) they have laid down his Price; till when, both Parties are at Liberty. A Tenant's Rent may be Required, but not a Tradeſman's unbought Ware: Nor can ſuch be Conſtrained to Sell, no more than Chapmen are to Buy. No Fleſh muſt Glory in His preſence, 1 Cor. 1. 29. which as the Freeneſs of his Gift conſulteth for, Eph. 2. 9. ſo doth his Sale: That ſo, his being Diſ-obliged might Appear, both as a Benefactor, and as a Tradeſman; which doth Exclude all kind of Boaſting.

5. That ſo his Commodity might be the more Endeared, as Bought things are. Propriety (though meerly from a Gift) doth much Endear, 1 Kings 21. 3. eſpecially when it is purchaſed; as that Ew-Lamb was as his Daughter who had bought it, 2 Sam. 12. 3. Thus Jacob would be Buried in that Field which Abraham Bought, Gen. 49. 29, 30. He that had Bought a piece of Ground, muſt needs go ſee it, though at a Coſtly Rate, Luke 14. 18. And Sion's prime Argument with God, to be remembred, was, her having been his Ancient purchaſe, Pſal. 74. 2. Mothers (uſually) are moſt Affectionate, becauſe their Children coſt Them Deareſt, Prov. 4. 3. and 31. 2. and God is very careful of thoſe whom he hath purchaſed with his own Blood, Acts 20. 28. So was Chriſt unto Paul, whom he had won (or Bought) with Loſing all his former Gains, Phil. 3. 8.

6. That Fooliſh Virgins might be Diſcovered, who fain would have Oyl Freely Given, and keep their Money ſtill, from ſinful ſleightineſs, and baſe ſelf-love, if not from Envy, and for a wicked End. The pooreſt Chapman hath ſome Money, Iſa. 55. 2. which he might keep, if it would either profit him, or not be vainly ſpent elſe-where: And in that Caſe, he doth but ſhew his own unworthineſs, who Grudgeth Chriſt the having of it. Thoſe Men deſerve to be uncaſed by him, who will not give (for his Commodity) what doth not profit them to keep; p. 184and from a Deſign thereby to Act unto his Diſ-advantage. Thus alſo will their Mouth be ſtopt, with reference unto their being Denied, and others Speeding, ſince his Commodity is at the Buyers Service.

Queſt. How is that Freely Given, Rom. 5. 15. which yet is Sold? Either by God or Chriſt.

Anſw. 1. The Father Selleth, becauſe the Son laid down his price, unto the full, in point of Matter, for his Elect; both as to God's vindictive Juſtice, and Diſtributive. Vindictive Juſtice had her Full payment from him, for the ſins of his Elect; becauſe he was made ſin for them, 2 Cor. 5. 21. and was not Spared or Remitted, Rom. 8. 32. Diſtributive Juſtice had her Full, becauſe he did whatever the Law required, Heb. 7. 26. whoſe Univerſal Righteouſneſs (without Reſtraining it unto his Death) is that by which his people Reign in Life, Rom. 5. 17. Yet is it alſo There called a Gift, becauſe the Benefit of his Obedience is made over unto Others, which Rigorous Juſtice doth not Admit; and therefore it is onelyonly pleaded at the Throne of Grace, Heb. 4. 16. Thus Selling and Free Giving are conſiſtent, with Reſpect unto the Father.

2. The Son doth alſo Freely Give, though he is here ſaid to Sell.

1. Becauſe the price (inſiſted on) is Nothing, Compared with the Worth of his Commodity. This Oyl (or Wiſdom) is Invaluable; man knoweth not the price thereof, Job 28. 13. it cannot be got for Gold or precious Stones, v. 15, 16. yea, all the things to be Deſired are not to be Compared with it, Prov. 8. 11. How then can thoſe forenamed terms be called a price? VVhichWhich either Relate to filthy Rags, or Matters of no Real worth at all, ſave in a perſon's Eſtimation. Now, if a Pepper-corn be paid, it hath the Name of Price, in Law; but if an Earldom ſhould be Sold for one braſs Farthing, would it be therefore ſaid, Not to be Given? Therefore Chriſt's proper Name muſt needs be Giver; however, Commonly, he may be called a Seller: His Name is VVonderful, Iſa. 9. 6. or a Free-Giving Tradeſman.

2. Becauſe Himſelf is not Advantaged by any of that fore-ſaid Money, or as the Buyer is, by his Commodity; which therefore (as to Him) is Freely Given. VVhat gets He by thy Coming to him? He Bottleth up his people's Tears, not for Their VVorth, but as his Memorandum, Pſal. 56. 8, 9. The Emptyings of thy Veſſel are no Gain to Him, as thy partaking of his Fulneſs is to Thee. And as thy Praiſes add no Real greatneſs to him; ſo what Receiveth he of thy hand, if thou be Righteous, Job 35. 7. Nehem. 9. 5? Yet will no Man be at this Coſt and pains, who doth not Value this Commodity above thoſe Terms. From whence it followeth, that as the Creature is a Buyer, ſo Cariſt is properly a Giver, though called a Seller.

p. 1853. Becauſe the Chapman is not Damaged, but much Enriched by his very parting with this Money, as well as by what is Exchanged for it. Thy very Coming unto Chriſt, is both a Labour and Recreation, Mat. 11. 28, 29. Thy Godly ſorrow is not to be Repented of, 2 Cor. 7. 10. no more than ſweating in a Fever. Thy Thirſting after him, doth make his Taſte the more Delightful, Prov. 27 7. It is a Mercy to have thy Veſſel Emptied of what is in it; and yet a greater Mercy to have it called for, in Order to its being filled with Grace, Pſal. 81. 10. Yea, it is not for thine Advantage, to have his Oyl run ſomewhat Thick at firſt, and Clearer afterwards, Luke 16. 25? Its being Improved for Him, will prove thy Gain at laſt, Luke 19. 16, 17. ſo will thy greateſt Loſſes for its ſake, Mat. 5. 10. the Expectation whereof doth onelyonly make continued Enjoyments ſo much the more ſafe and ſweet, Heb. 11. 17. 19.

4. Becauſe he is the Sole Proprietor, as of his own Commodity, ſo of the Buyer's Money alſo: And in that caſe, ſelf-payers are Free-Givers. Thou canſt not check him with thy Coming to him, becauſe thou Liveſt and Moveſt in him, Acts 17. 28. Thy ſorrow is an Affection in thee, of his Creating; the Exerciſe whereof thy ſin hath alſo made to be a Moral Debt. What haſt thou (as to Outward Bleſſings,) which thou haſt not Received from him, Ezek. 16. 10, 11, 12? And may he not then Require their being All laid down, without a Commutation? Thine whole Activity is from himſelf; thy Praiſes and Improvements are his Due: Yea, he it is who worketh in thee, to Will and Do, according to the Terms propoſed, Phil. 2. 13. therefore if Abraham were Juſtified by works, he hath whereof to Glory, but not before the Lord, Rom. 4. 2. for who hath firſt given to him, and it ſhall be Recompenſed, Rom. 11. 35. elſe paying him with his own, doth onelyonly evidence the Freeneſs of his Gift.

Ʋſe 1. VViſe Virgins have very Low and Jealous thoughts of their own Spiritual ſtock, as is here ſignified; and more eſpecially, when Newly wakened out of their ſinful ſlumbring, for which there is ſufficient Reaſon. Sleep is Expenſive, as Sickneſs is, whereof this is one kind; and therefore Love it not, for fear of coming unto Poverty, Prov. 20. 13. However ſuch are apt to be ſuſpitious, beyond their Ground; Departure from the Lord, being both the Fruit of unbelief, Heb. 3. 12. and cauſe of ſuch-like Doubting. Yea, a Returning Prodigal is to be known by Holy humble Apprehenſions of his worth, Luke 15. 19. and Oyl or VViſdom, Eccl. 7. 23. Indeed, the truly wiſe are ever Lowly, Prov. 19. 2. whilſt others think they have Enough, not onelyonly for Themſelves and Others help, but alſo to ſpare ſome part for p. 186Satan, who therefore are bold to dally with his Temptations; but ſuch Men's Folly ſhews their Real want of Oyl, or wiſdom.

3. Wiſe Virgins are (in the firſt place) for Themſelves, with reference unto their Spiritual Intereſt. It is not onelyonly warrantable, but (in this caſe) it is their Duty and their Wiſdom. In Outward things Man ought to Love his Neighbour as Himſelf, in Oppoſition unto Malice, Lev. 19. 18. and in Reſpect of Truth, though not Degree, ſave in ſome more than Ordinary Caſes, 1 John 3. 16. but not in Spirituals. And though Paul wiſht himſelf accurſt from Chriſt (for others) in point of Spiritual Priviledges, Rom. 9. 3. wherein he alſo might have a Special warrant; yet did he not wiſh his being a Tranſgreſſor for their ſake, ſave as Chriſt was by way of Imputation. God's Glory ſhould be preferred by us, before our own Salvation; but let us not do Evil, though Good may come, Rom. 3. 8. in that Reſpect, v. 7. Therefore, with reference unto Duty, it was the Spouſe's Grief, that ſhe had kept others Vineyards, and not our own, Cant. 1. 6.

3. Wiſe Virgins are very loath to ſay, Not ſo, unto a Motion made for Spiritual help, in any caſe whatever. Thoſe words [Not ſo] are not in the Greek, but added by our Tranſlators, as being grounded upon the wiſe Virgins ſilence. Nor do they Abſolutely bid the other Go elſewhere, but onelyonly rather; and with Reſpect unto the Fooliſh Virgins greater benefit, who by that means might have Oyl without borrowing. Some do with-hold anothers Due, when it is in the power of their hand to do it, Prov. 3. 27. but Saints are forward to be Charitable, Pſal. 112. 5. ſave as meer Duty doth forbid them: Chriſt had Compaſſion upon others, and as with reference unto their Bodies, Mat. 15. 32. ſo much more with Reſpect unto their Souls, Mark 6. 34. And Chriſtians have their Name from him; nor are Men worthy to be ſo called, in caſe they be of Nabal's Churliſh Diſpoſition, 1 Sam. 25. 11.

4. Wiſe Virgins are for giving ſatisfaction unto others, with reference unto their very Negatives. Some will not hear the ſtrongeſt Reaſon Offered againſt themſelves, Zech. 7. 11. theſe Men are Beaſts, 1 Cor. 15. 32. Others will give no Reaſon for their Practice, but their Will, Exod. 15. 9. theſe are not Prudent Men, Prov. 26. 16. Others expect that every Light Excuſe ſhould ſerve the turn, Luke 14. 18. but thoſe were Carnal Jews, or Fooliſh Virgins. How ſhamefully have ſome endeavoured to ſilence thoſe with Childiſh Anſwers, who have been ſerious in deſiring Oyl, or Spiritual help. But Grace is not for Dallying, eſpecially not in Momentous caſes, but alway is provided of a Rational Anſwer with Holy fear, 1 Pet. 3. 15. expecting that p. 187Chriſt will one day call for an Account (or Reaſon) of Idle words, Mat. 12. 36. Nor can they be ſuppoſed to have Faith, who are unreaſonable or Abſurd, 2 Theſ. 3. 2.

5. Poor Fooliſh Virgins are not likely (in theſe latter days) to gain Oyl from the Wiſe by their Communion with them, or addreſſes to them. Together with the Riſing of God's Light and Glory upon Sion, Profeſſors of an Earthy Spirit will be covered with Groſs Darkneſs, Iſa. 60. 1, 2. None of the wicked at ſuch a time ſhall underſtand, Dan. 12. 10. the Matters of their Peace will then be hidden from their Eyes, Luke 19. 42. and as the unlearned (then) ſo will the Learned be, in point of Ignorance, Iſa. 29. 11, 12. Chriſtians Communion (heretofore) may have been both Preventive and Recovering; but henceforth no more of that Vine, untill its Fruit ſhall be renewed, Mat. 26. 29. Newly Awakened ones love not to ſtir; Helps ready to be laid aſide are very weak, and when the payment is, the work is over: Therefore this Diſpenſation muſt needs be fixing. I would not Diſcourage from the uſe of Means, but Doubt their Efficacy at this Day, with Reſpect unto Fooliſh Virgins.

6. It may not be wondred at, if Wiſe and Fooliſh Virgins be Obſerved (in theſe latter days) to have but little Intercourſe, as is here ſignified. There is not any thing conſiderable doth befall us, but is Revealed, Amos 3. 7. if Men did but conſult the Scriptures, Luke 24. 27. Thus, as to this particular, between the time of Chriſt's Aſcending, (which Anſwereth unto that of of his VVitneſſes, Rev. 11. 12.) and the Deſcending of the Holy Ghoſt, (which Anſwereth unto the Seventh Trumpets ſounding,) Chriſt's Party were alone, Acts 1. 13, 14. chooſing ſome other inſtead of Judas, v. 15. and did not meddle with the Jews till afterwards, Acts 2. 1. which Anſwereth unto the Viols Diſpenſation. And thus, untill the Spirit (in theſe latter days) is poured from on High, the Fruitful Field (or Old Profeſſors) is counted for a Foreſt, Iſa. 32. 15. not ſown with Exhortations, nor Ploughed with Reproofs. This Interval is rather a time of Prayer and ſilence, Rev. 8. 1. alluding unto that, Luke 1. 9, 10.

7. VViſe Virgins (at ſuch a time) are freely willing to let the other Go from them, for mutual good. VVhat ſhall we then judge of them, or by what Name muſt they be called, who cannot bear a ſeparation from their Old Companions by any means? Some count it ſtrange, that others do forbear their wonted Intercourſe: But can a wiſe Man delight to Reaſon with unprofitable Talk, Job 15. 2, 3? Such are Exhorted to ſave Themſelves from that untoward Generation, Acts 2. 40. who are Offended with plain down-right dealing, and Non-compliance with a p. 188ſinful Prohibition, Acts 5. 28. Nor can the Fooliſh Virgins Go and Buy Oyl for themſelves, unleſs Communion with the wiſe be diſcontinued, as is here hinted. The onelyonly way to Benefit Apoſtates, is to let them Go; who otherwiſe are apt to Bleſs themſelves with being ſo far owned, therefore with-draw; 2 Theſ. 3. 14.

8. VViſe Virgins lend what help they can, by way of Exhortation and Direction unto thoſe whom they may not be able to Inſtruct. This is the Laſt Remedy to be uſed; a bidding Ordinary means farewell; like that laſt digging about a Barren Fig-Tree, Luke 13. 8, 9. or bringing the Matter unto Moſes, Exod. 18. 26. Thus is the Spirits willingneſs Evinced, together with its weakneſs; thus is a Departing Saint's breath ſweet unto the laſt: thus is Chriſt Evidenced by them to be above them, and this is Grace's Valediction unto far-ſpent ſinners. Indeed Man's utmoſt help is onelyonly Miniſterial; and Chriſt reſerveth ſome peculiar work unto himſelf, Mar. 9. 18. whom therefore theſe wiſe Virgins ſend the other unto. VVhen Inſtruments are out of Breath, and Ordinary Means have tryed their utmoſt; yet is there hope in him, who can recover from the Grave: And thus far Grace is willing to Accompany a Dying Creature, which is the Laſt Office to be performed.

9. Chriſt will be (now) Gone unto, by ſuch as want his Oyl or Light, and will not come to them, as heretofore his manner was, Eph. 2. 17. He will be Enquired of at ſuch a time, Ezek. 36. 37. and will be ſought for, Hoſ. 3. 5. till when he Goeth and returneth to his place, Hoſ. 5. 15. or Heaven, 1 Kings 8. 30. The Temple ſometime was his dwelling place, Pſal. 76. 2. but now his Glory is removed thence, Ezek. 11. 23. untill it ſhall Return, Ezek. 43. 4. Therefore he muſt be followed by ſuch as mean to find him, Cant. 3. 1, 2. This is the Fruit of ſinful Dallying, viz. the Hiding of his Face, Deut. 32. 20. or ſelf-with-drawing, Cant. 5. 6. and in that caſe, ſelf-ſtirring up is Neceſſary, Iſa. 64. 7. 'tis well if that will ſerve. Time-ſinners muſt not onelyonly ſeek, but alſo ſtrive, Luke 13. 24. and ſuch do but deceive themſelves, if they conclude their having of this Oyl (which formerly hath been Neglected) without ſome more than Ordinary Coſt and Pains, as is here ſignified.

10. Oyl [for our ſelves] was alway both our Duty and our wiſdom to be Labouring after, which in theſe latter days will eminently be urged unto and inſiſted on by all wiſe Virgins. Foundations (now) will be Diſcovered, Hab. 3. 13. there will be no room for Borrowing; nor will Profeſſors be Advantaged, ſave by what is their own. Their Motion here doth evidence Chriſt's Deſign, which is, to have Men p. 189Principled for their Duty, and not to ſatisfie themſelves (as theſe poor Fooliſh Virgins would have done) with bare Revived Lamps or good Affections, wherewith Chriſt is not ſatisfied, nor his People. Wiſe Virgins may be known by this, their putting others upon ſelf-enquiries; who therefore will not lend a Form of Knowledge, leſt that ſhould ſatisfie without its Power. Such may be thought to be reſerved; but as Chriſt hath a Righteous Hand therein, ſo they may have an Holy Aim, viz. the others greater Benefit.

11. There are Oyl-Sellers ſtill, whom Men are bid to Buy it of, as they would have it for Themſelves. Chriſt onelyonly can Eſtate a Soul in Light, and by that means ſecure it; which elſe is apt to be Removed; nor will he Recompenſe a Man, ſave with Reſpect unto what is his own, 1 Cor. 3. 8. But you muſt Buy it, and its Price hath been already ſet; nor will one Farthing be abated: Therefore let none preſume his Intereſt therein, who hath not (doth not) come up unto thoſe fore-named Terms. And 'tis a Mercy that it may be had; which theſe Wiſe Virgins do ſuppoſe, elſe would they not have bid the other Go and Buy: Nor is the Door ſaid to have been ſhut till afterward, Mat. 25. 10. The near Approaching of which Day doth call for Mutual Exhortation, Heb. 10. 25. while it is called, To Day, Heb. 3. 13. before it be too late. And as a Bargain of this Nature would be ſtruck up, theſe following Directions may be of Uſe.

1. You muſt be content to Go, or (in ſome ſence) to Part with thoſe Wiſe Virgins, whom (heretofore) a Right of walking with (in point of State-Communion) hath been Challenged. Keep with them ſtill, as Precious Friends; but ceaſe from any Higher Claim, or from pretending unto the ſameneſs of your Spiritual Caſe and State with theirs. There is that Maketh himſelf Rich, who yet hath Nothing, Prov. 13. 7. and as that Man is not Relieved by another, ſo neither will he work himſelf, till eaſed of that fooliſh Fanſie. The Phariſees were not Baptized of John, Lu. 7 30. becauſe unwilling to confeſs their ſins, Mat. 3. 6, 7, 8. Nor would thoſe Jews come unto Chriſt, John 5. 40. who boldly called God their Father, John 8. 41. no more than Perſons unconvinced of their Blindneſs, will Buy Eye-ſalve, Rev. 3. 17, 18. Oh let us rather Buy Oyl twice than be without it, from Groundleſs ſelf conceit.

2. Set out his Oyl with higheſt Commendations, as to its Virtues, Worth, and Need. Think not to have its Price abated by your ſleighty undervaluings, as in your dealing with other Tradeſmen. Others bid See for Love, and Buy for Money; but here, your Money is your Love: Therefore he biddeth moſt for Oyl, who doth moſt p. 190Prize it. Wiſe Virgins Hide their Love from Men, leſt they ſhould elſe be ſleighted by them: But Chriſt's Admirers have learnt the Art of Gaining upon his Affections. Children will Cry for what they would have, and ſo muſt you for Spiritual Knowledge, Prov. 2. 3. Oh that thou wert my Brother, ſaith ſhe to Chriſt, Cant. 8. 1. And ſay you unto Wiſdom, Thou art my Siſter, Prov. 7. 4. Get Ʋnderſtanding with all thy Getting, Prov. 4. 7. Exalt her, v. 8. who Loveth him that Loveth her, Prov. 8. 17. Our Eſtimations, Sighs, and Tears, are Currant Gold with Chriſt, though nothing Valued by other Tradeſmen.

3. Take heed by any means of Dallying with him. Make not Two words, for Fear of a Denyal. He came no more unto thoſe Gadarens, who did but once deſire him to be gone, Luke 8. 37. nor would he ever after deal with thoſe who had Rejected his firſt Offer, Luke 14. 24. Were it not to Befriend you, (to Pleaſure You more than Himſelf) he would not Sell it: And Love Deſpiſed is the moſt Provoking. Yea, he who fell not in with Paul's firſt Offer, never deſired more the ſight of that Commodity, Acts 24. 25. However this Tradeſman's Loweſt Price is at the firſt, as Late Repentants do Experience, who formerly have Dallied with his Offers: How Cheap did Lydia Buy, Acts 16. 14. Compared with thoſe Second Comers, Acts 2. 37. You cannot be without his Oyl, nor doth your Conſcience think it is too Dear; therefore Accept it with Thankſgiving: And when you have it, your having been ſo long without it will be your onelyonly Grief.

4. Have Patience though, and do not haſtily fling away: Chriſt deals with none (as an Eventual Seller) but Sober Chapmen. Inordinacy of Deſire is a Luſt which he will not indulge in any: Men either do not Ask, or Ask amiſs; who therefore have not their Deſire, James 4. 2, 3. Your Time is alway ready, ſo is not his, John 7. 6. who will not Serve his Mother, till ſuch an Hour, John 2. 4. And Moſes was made to tarry one week longer, whom nothing elſe would ſerve but Now, Numb. 12. 13, 14. Thus many poor Creatures want their Oyl, becauſe they cannot wait, 2 Kings 6. 33. but fling out of Chriſts Shop (with Saul) into the Devil's, 1 Sam. 28. 6, 7. and there are Cheated, v. 14. You are but Beggars, in the Form of Buyers; therefore demean your ſelves accordingly. And do not Paſſionately retort or turn away, though his firſt Anſwer ſhould be rough; but give good words, Pſal. 22. 2, 3. and wait his Leiſure, Pſal. 123. 2. whoſe Oyl cannot be had elſe where, and is thus given, Pſal. 27. 14.

5. Be ſure you do Deſign it for your ſelves, (next unto him,) and p. 191for your own beſt good, as theſe Wiſe Virgins Exhortation hinteth. Expect the firſt Queſtion put (next to What do you lack) will be, Whom is it for? Would you have Oyl, meerly to Boaſt thereof, or to Inſtruct another; or onelyonly to Accommodate a Worldly Intereſt? There's other Oyl good enough for ſuch a purpoſe. This Holy Oyl muſt not be put unto a Common Uſe, Exod. 30. 31. 33. Some would have Healing Oyl, to ſin more freely; and Fragrant Oyl, to gain the Virgins good Affections; and Lightſome Oyl, to make a ſhew: But Holy Oyl is not put into ſuch polluted Veſſels. Abraham had more than Ordinary Light, and he was careful to Improve it, Gen. 18. 17. 19. And Paul, together with his filled Veſſel, had ſomething given to ſecure it, 2 Cor. 12. 7. And though Grace makes the Change, yet the Indulging of Lower Aims is inconſiſtent with a Grounded Hope of ever Buying it.

6. Conſult not with Fleſh and Blood; our own, or others. The Fleſh at beſt (or in a Natural Reſpect) is Weak, Mat. 26. 41. much more in a Moral ſence, Gal. 5. 17. and therefore Fleſh and Blood cannot Inherit, 1 Cor. 15. 50. for theſe will never Buy. Dull Fleſh hath no great mind to Go, Prov. 6. 10. Proud Fleſh thinks ſcorn to have the eaſieſt Terms Impoſed, 2 Kings 5. 11. 13. Self-loving Fleſh would part with Nothing, much leſs with All, Mat. 19. 21, 22. therefore this ſelf (or Fleſh) muſt be Denied, before Chriſt will be followed, Mat. 16. 24. Conſult not herewith in others neither, as Abſalom did with Huſhai, and Rehoboam with his Companions, unto the Ruine of them both. The Serpent will tell thee, Chriſt is too Dear, and may abate, Gen. 3. 4, 5. Relations will bid thee (firſt) to provide for Them: And Carnal Friends will break thine Heart with their Diſſwaſives, Acts 21. 13. Peter took Chriſt to do, for being too forward, Mat. 16. 22. whom therefore Paul would not conſult with at the firſt, Gal. 1. 16, 17, 18. Nor will a Bargain of this Nature be concluded, till ſuch are ſilenced by us, as Peter was by Chriſt, Mat. 16. 23.

7. Mind his Commodity before you do Refuſe it; and under this ſingle denomination (here) of its being called Oyl; yea, meerly with Reſpect to that Particular uſe of Oyl intended here, viz. its being Serviceable in point of Light; which may induce your Buying of it.

1. The Light is ſweet, Eccl. 11. 7. and doth Rejoyce the Heart, Prov. 15. 30. therefore the Light is put for Joy and Gladneſs, Eſth. 8. 16. Pſal. 97. 11. by which the Heart-chearing influence of a Godly Ruler is deſcribed, 2 Sam. 23. 3, 4. Yea, God's own Love (which is the choiſeſt Cordial) is called the Light of his Face or Countenance, p. 192Pſal. 4. 6. Now, would you not be glad of Joy? Come then, yea, come and Buy this Lightſome (and this Gladſome) Oyl. When Sampſon had loſt his Eyes (or Light) how did he Grind in the Priſon-Houſe, Judg. 16. 21. it may be his Teeth together, in way of Indignation and Vexation, chuſing to be Avenged upon others for his Two Eyes, by Loſing his very Life, v. 28. 30. which Now was not Deſirable. Yea, therefore Hell it ſelf is Repreſented by a place of Darkneſs, where Grinders are, Mat. 8. 12. as Heaven is a place of Light, Col. 1. 12. and Joy, Pſal. 16. 11. to ſhew the Pleaſantneſs of Light (as in it ſelf conſidered,) and Dolefulneſs of being in the Dark.

2. Light giveth Life and Being unto viſible Objects, which otherwiſe are as if they were Not, as to our being Solaced with their ſight: Yea, we had better Not to hear of Beauty, than to want Eyes or Light, by which to ſee it. Man ſeeth not (at leaſt not chiefly) by Extramiſſion, as Owls and ſuch like Creatures do; therefore His very Eyes are uſeleſs, if in the Dark; who onelyonly Heareth, what others See. Death and Deſtruction have heard of Wiſdom, Job 28. 22. but ſinners know not that Eminent Gift, John 4. 10. becauſe there is no Light in them, Iſa. 8. 20. How marvellouſly would it Affect, could Men but ſee the Amiableneſs of God's Tabernacles, Pſal. 84. 1. the many Flowers in Sion's Land, Cant. 2. 12. much more the Glory of God himſelf, as it appeareth in his Sanctuary, Pſal. 63. 2. John did behold Chriſt's Glory, in his Loweſt ſtate, John 1. 14. but others ſaw no Beauty in him, who therefore did Deſpiſe him, Iſa. 53. 2.

3. Elſe will you not have the Comfort of what you do Enjoy. Souls in a ſtate of Darkneſs may Really be Intereſted in Electing Love; but till Chriſt gives them Light, Eph. 5. 14. ſuch cannot know it: without his Holy Enlightning Spirit, there is no Joy of his Salvation, Pſal. 51. 11, 12. Thou haſt the Scriptures, but till thine Eyes are Opened, thou canſt not underſtand them, 2 Cor. 4. 4. becauſe they are Spiritually to be Diſcerned, 1 Cor. 2. 14. Thou haſt the Tender of that Marvellous Light, 1 Pet. 2. 9. the Sun of Righteouſneſs doth ſhine upon thee, but yet thy Darkneſs cannot Comprehend it, John 1. 5. God is not far from every of you, Acts 17. 27. yet can you not ſee or know him, untill the Son Revealeth him, Mat. 11. 27. therefore ſuch Groundedly cannot Joy, ſave in the Creature. Nor can you ſee the Creature Neither, ſo as to Rejoyce therein aright, ſave as this Sun doth make that Moon conſpicuous, Pſal. 16. 5, 6. or as God's Light doth ſhew the goodlineſs of that Inheritance.

4. You will not elſe be apt to Bluſh or be Aſhamed, whatever cauſe there may be of it. It is a ſhame to ſpeak of thoſe things which are p. 193done by ſome in ſecret, Eph. 5. 12. becauſe all Manifeſtation is by the Light, v. 13. How did Enlightned Ezra Bluſh, to mention the ſins of others, Ezra 9. 6. much more to ſtain his own Profeſſion with the leaſt unſeemly Motion, Ezra. 8. 22! Light is Subjected in the Eye, Mat. 6. 22. which Eye is therefore apt to water with every Mote, and will not ſuffer ſpots to reſt upon the Garment: Thence is it, that Enlightned ones are alway Neat. But ſinners are in Darkneſs, Mat. 4. 16. who therefore cannot be Aſhamed, Jer. 6. 15. Sin being Virtually upon their Back, where vileſt Spots may be (and be Continued) with utmoſt Confidence, till they ſhall be Aſhamed and Conſounded both together.

5. You will not elſe have any Spiritual Heat or Warmth; which alway is Accompanied with Spiritual Light. The Natural Sun may warm him who is Blind, as to his Bodily ſight; but ſo doth not the Sun of Righteouſneſs, ſave whom he alſo doth Enlighten. There may be true Spiritual Light o… Grace without any Apprehended Warmth or Comfort, Iſa. 50. 10. but there can be no Grounded Peace, where Grace is wholly wanting, Iſa. 57. 21. This is that Oyl of Joy, Iſa. 61. 3. and without which there is no Laughter, ſave what is Mad, Eccl. 2. 2. Darkneſs and Sorrow are Co-incident, and both of them are Conſiſtent with the Light of Earthly Sparks, Iſa. 50. 11. All Wiſdoms Paths are Paths of Peace, Prov. 3. 17. which is a way that others know not, becauſe their Paths are crooked, Iſa. 59. 8. and therefore their Caſe muſt needs be ſad.

6. You will not elſe be Spiritually helpful unto others; at leaſt, there is no Promiſe for it upon other Terms, Jer. 23. 22. Chriſt was Anointed firſt, and with this Special Oyl; and then his Preaching was Effectual, Iſa. 61. 1. but, What haſt thou to do (ſaith God unto the Wicked) to Declare my Statutes, Pſal. 50. 16? whom others are bid to let alone, and with Reſpect unto their Blindneſs, Mat. 15. 14. Lips may Salute the Ear; whereas Heart Anſwereth unto Heart, Prov. 27. 19. nor can it be Expected (in an Ordinary way) that Nature ſhould work Grace; or that a ſinner ſhould Beget, ſave in his own Likeneſs, as Gen. 5. 3. Chriſt's Image (in a true Believer's Converſation) is a Preaching Picture, 1 …et. 3. 1. while Graceleſs Gifts are but a ſilent kind of Speaking, John 6. 63. nor can the Fleſh Reveal that which is Spiritual, Mat. 16. 17. no more than Nature can Receive it, 1 Cor. 2. 14. Since Darkneſs Comprehendeth not this Light, John 1. 5.

7. You will not elſe be able to prevent your doing Miſchief unto others and your ſelves. Paul was Injurious, and yet Ignorant, 1 Tim. 1. 13. untill he was enlightned from Above, Acts 9. 3, 4, 5. Nor can p. 194Men (in the Dark) Diſcern, although the Prince of Life be Killed by them, Acts 3. 15. 17. How will Chriſt's Piercers Mourn when they ſhall ſee him, Zech. 12. 10. perceiving how they have broken his Commands, by Ruſhing on them; and how they have trod him under Foot? Yea, as to ones ſelf, Wiſe Men (or Virgins ſtored with Oyl) fore-ſee the Evil, and Hide themſelves, Prov. 22. 3. while others Paſs on, as Balaam did, upon the Swords point, untill his Eyes were Opened; Numb. 22. 31. Thence is it, that ſuch are apt, either to be ſnared, Iſa. 8. 15. or elſe to kick againſt the Pricks, Acts 9. 5. and run upon the Boſſes of God's Buckler, Job 15. 26. if not to ſtumble and fall upon that Breaking Rock, Iſa. 8. 15. becauſe there is no Light in them, v. 20.

8. You will not elſe find the way, wherein you ought to Walk; and ſo be ſubject either to ſit ſtill for want of Light, or …o go wrong, if not Turn back; or at the leaſt, to walk uncomfortably, and unacceptably, though poſſibly in a Right Path. Darkneſs diſpoſeth more for ſleep than any kind of Action, Pſal. 104. 23. which will be ſad for him whoſe Neceſſary work requireth utmoſt ſpeed, Heb. 3. 7. And in the dark, Men (if they walk) are apt to Wander, John 12. 35. ſave in a broad and Beaten Road, which Chriſt's is not, Mat. 7. 14. Yea, ſuch are prone to wheel about into their bad Old way again, and ſo (being Giddy with frequent Turning) to Fall and Riſe no more. Nay, though by chance ſuch may hit Right, yet are they ſubject to be drawn aſide, Prov. 9 15. and though they ſhould go on, yet as it is uncomfortable, ſo they were Superſtitious ſtill, who Worſhipped the True, but unknown God, Acts 17. 22, 23.

9. You will not elſe Go forth to Meet the Bridegroom, no more than do theſe Fooliſh Virgins for lack of Oyl or Light: and ſo you will not enter with him to the Marriage. Chriſt's Coming is unto Sion, Iſa. 59. 20. and Sion's way is Narroweſt at the laſt: Therefore Men (in the Dark) will There be moſt ſubject to Miſtake. This Going forth is a Time-Truth and Duty; and but Two Hundred (of Iſrael's Thouſands) have Underſtanding of the Times, 1 Chron. 12. 22. therefore without peculiar Light Men are not like to hit this way▪ The greateſt Robberies (as in the Letter) are Near this City, eſpecially when Travellers are Benighted: Therefore (in ſuch a Caſe) none will ſtir out. And if you Go not forth to Meet him, you will not come with him unto the Marriage, which will be very ſad, as may be made out afterwards.

10. You will not elſe be fit to hold Communion with the Wiſe; as being Convicted to be Fooliſh Virgins, by wanting Oyl or Light at p. 195ſuch a Time. I wonder how any can imagine that Light and Darkneſs ſhould Agree, 2 Cor. 6. 14. or why they are Offended with Dividing upon that Account, which is as Old as ſince the firſt Creation, Gen. 1. 4. True Iſraelites have Light, and in their Dwellings, by which they are Diſtinguiſhed from Dark Egyptians, Exod. 10. 23. and not to be enlightned is a ſign of Death, Job 33. 30. Nor was the firſt Creation Perfected, (much leſs the Second) ſo long as Darkneſs was upon it, Gen. 1. 2. So that both State-Communion with the Wiſe, yea, and Communion with their State, depend upon your having of their Oyl or Light: Nor will you elſe Partake of their Inheritance in Light, Col. 1. 12. or Light of Life, John 8. 12.