The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened, Parable · Verse 10

The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened · Parable · Verse 10

p. 195MATTHEW XXV. 10.

And while they went to Buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were Ready went in with him to the Marriage; and the Door was ſhut.

THis Verſe referreth to the Time of Chriſt's own Coming as a Bridegroom, with reference unto the Perfecting of that Redemption, which Gentile Saints muſt firſt be Intereſted in, as hath been cleared up before. Whoſe Coming then, is Amplified here; 1. By the Nick of Time, or while the Fooliſh Virgins went to Buy. 2. By the Qualification of thoſe who are Admitted to the Marriage, [They that were Ready. 3. By the Excluſion of all others, againſt whom the Door was ſhut.

The ſumme of all which may briefly be comprized in this General Obſervation following.

Obſerv. While Fooliſh Virgins Go to Buy their Oyl or Light, the Bridegroom Cometh; together with whom they who are Ready go in to the Marriage: and thereupon the Door is ſhut.

Queſt. 1. How do theſe Fooliſh Virgins Go to Buy?

Anſw. 1. Negatively; Not in a Right or Serious manner, which never is in vain, Iſa. 45. 19. as is their ſeeming Labour here, becauſe they were not Ready in due time. Thoſe went to ſee John Baptiſt's Light, Mat. 11. 9. with ſeeming Joy, John 5. 35. who had no mind to Buy it, (at leaſt ſome of them, Luke 7. 30.) upon his Terms, p. 196Mat. 3. 8. Ezekiel's Hearers came to Cheapen his Commodity, (and with a ſhew of Lo…) but had more mind to Buy a Worldly Intereſt, Ezek. 33. 30, 31. …hich was enough to ſilence them, v. 3. 3. when their Deſolation came upon them, v. 29. Poor Zedekiah was content to Hear what Jeremiah would ſay unto him, Jer. 38. 14. but was afraid of being ſeen (by others) in that Shop, v. 24. nor did he Buy. Thus might theſe Fooliſh Virgins Pray for Light, but with Diſſimulation, as Jer. 42. 20. or ſtumbling-blocks ſet before their Faces, as Ezek. 14. 3.

2. Affirmatively: Their going to Buy doth rather ſeem to intimate their ſtaying otherwhere, (under a falſe Diſguiſe) till ſuch a Time.

1. Till that Practice, of Going out (to Meet the Bridegroom) is grown more General among Profeſſors. I am perſwaded this is the Caſe of many, who have no mind to ſee the Light of a Command, till they ſhall have the Light of Company. When divers Torches are abroad, ſome Men Delight to walk at ſuch a Time, and ſpare the Coſt of Buying for themſelves: But ſingle Lights are not ſufficient to guide Dim-ſighted Hypocrites in Narrow ways. When Chriſt himſelf was left alone, then Peter did not ſeem to know him, Mat. 26. 74. untill the Miſt before his Eyes was (by a Beaming Look from Chriſt) diſſolved into a ſhower, Luke 22. 61, 62. but if Sobriety be the Faſhion, a flanting Courtier will be Sober, (though meerly indeed for Faſhions-ſake;) and if Chriſt's Way be once a Common Road, then Fooliſh Virgins have Bought their Oyl, or want no Light.

2. Till it be ſafer walking in ſuch a way. Darkneſs is ſometimes put for outward Danger, and Light for Safety, Job 29. 3. Nor hath a Fooliſh Virgin Light in the way of Duty untill its Danger is Removed. A Godly Man is ſometimes Tempted to ſit ſtill, at ſuch a Time, Pſal. 39. 1. but yet (Habitually) he is a God-like Man, to whom the Night ſhineth as the Day, Pſal. 139. 12. nor doth he ſtumble in his way of Duty, although it may Expoſe him unto Danger, John 11. 8, 9. But Sufferings are the ſinners OnelyOnly (Apprehended) Darkneſs; who therefore cannot ſee their way untill that Cloud be Taken up, which giveth Light to all True Iſraelites, Exod. 14. 20. So long as thoſe were in a ſtrait or Viſible Danger, they Hid themſelves in Caves and Thickets, 1 Sam. 13. 6. in Mount Ephraim, untill the Enemy began to Run, and then they alſo had Light enough to follow hard after, 1 Sam. 14. 21.

3. Till Goers out to Meet the Bridegroom are ſeen (by them) to be Rewarded; or to Go in with him unto the Marriage. Great is the Light of Earthly Recompences; the Expectation whereof made purblind p. 197Judas hit the way to Chriſt, untill he miſſed of them, and then he Loſt his way again, John 12. 6. Mat. 26. 14. How ſtrongly did Balaam's Wages make him ſee that way, the Dangerouſneſs whereof was Obvious unto an Aſſe's Eye, Numb. 22. 23. and therefore a ſinners way ſeems Right unto himſelf, although its End is Death, Prov. 14. 12. This Recompence of Reward enlightned Moſes into the way of Suffering Duty, Heb. 11. 25, 26. and when the Bridegroom's Favours are beſtowed upon his Followers, Mat. 19. 28. that Glory will Diſcover others having Gone aſide; who will not then want Light, (had they but Leave and Time) for their Returning; till when, they do Complain of Darkneſs.

4. Untill ſome Greater (Apprehended) Danger doth Accompany their ſitting ſtill, than was in going forth to Meet the Bridegroom. The Old Heavens ſhall paſs away with a great Noiſe, 2 Pet. 3. 10. which may Awaken theſe Fooliſh Virgins out of their Loytering ſlumber, and ſo may give them Light. The Clapping of Chriſt's Door (when it is ſhut by him in Anger) may ſtartle all that are without, and make them Run, to be Admitted in, who formerly Pretended Ignorance, as to their Going out When Houſes are on Fire, then Blindeſt Sluggards will have Light ſufficient into that way, wherein a Lion (formerly) was ſaid to be, Prov. 22. 13. VVhen Life will be Endangered by ſinful ſeeking to Preſerve it, Mat. 16. 25. while God will be a Sanctuary to his Faithful Non-complyers, Iſa. 8. 13, 14. then will the Fooliſh Virgins ſeem to have got Oyl or Light.

Queſt. 2. VVhy will Chriſt Come at ſuch a Time?

Anſw. 1. In Anſwer to his People's Prayer, Luke 18. 7. which is Effectual, Jam. 5. 16. ſometimes to alter his ſeeming Purpoſe, Exod. 32. 14. Iſa. 38. 1, 2. 5. and then much more to Haſten his Promiſed Coming, 2 Pet. 3. 12, 13. Prayer will not let him Reſt, till he doth Come, Iſa. 62. 6, 7. and in that Caſe, it is Commiſſionated to Command him, Iſa. 45. 11. Yea, ſingle Importunity (diſtinct from Friendſhip) is Repreſented by him, as moſt Prevailing, Luke 11. 8. Sion may ſay (at ſuch a time) God hath forgotten her, Iſa. 49. 14. But can a Woman forget her Sucking Child, v. 15? Can ſhe endure long to Hear it Crying? Therefore he doth forbid his People's Praying when he is purpoſed not to Hear, Jer. 7. 16. ſince elſe he could not be in quiet. Now at this time a Spirit of Supplication will be poured out. Zech. 12. 10. which (like Reverſed Thunder) will ſhake the Earth and Heavens; ſo will Chriſt Come, Hag. 2. 7.

2. To ſatisfie the Expectation of his Poor; which ſhall not Periſh for ever, or alway be forgotten, Pſal. 9. 18. Theſe Virgins had Expected p. 198him before at their firſt going out to meet him; and then his Meſſenger came: But ſince the Cry was made, Himſelf was verily Expected by them; therefore he Now will Come. Prayer is ſome Ground for Hope, but Earneſt Expectation, (though onelyonly of the Creature, much more of Saints) is ſaid to be an Argument (or Proof) of Glory to be Revealed, Rom. 8. 18, 19. 23. God taketh Pleaſure in his People's Hope, Pſal. 147. 11. and Chriſt doth know what fore Temptations Diſappointments are, Mark 11. 12, 13, 14. therefore if it were otherwiſe, he would have told them, John 14. 2. to Difference his People's Hope, Rom. 5. 5. from that of Hypocrites, Job 8. 13. elſe would the Saints Perſwaſion (in Matters of Duty alſo) be Deſpiſed by the World.

3. To make good his own Promiſe, ſignified by the Cry, as in Relation to his Firſt Coming, Luke 1. 72. who therefore bad it to be Written, becauſe theſe things are True and Faithful, Rev. 21. 5. yea, plainly written upon Tables, becauſe the Viſion will ſurely come, and will not Lye, Hab. 2. 2, 3. There is a Promiſe of his Perſonal Coming at laſt, Acts 1. 11. before which Time there is a Promiſe alſo of his Coming to the Gentile Saints, as hath been cleared up; and he is ever Mindful of his Covenant, Pſal. 111. 5. He therefore brought his People out of Egypt, for he Remembred his Holy Promiſe, Pſal. 105. 42, 43. he therefore laid afide the Jewiſh Covenant, that ſo his Promiſe might be ſure, Rom. 4. 16. which alſo (therefore) is Confirmed with an Oath, Heb. 6. 17. nor will an Abraham therefore ſtagger at it, Rom. 4. 20. or Sarah, becauſe he is adjudged Faithful, Heb. 11. 11.

4. To make the ſhadows flee away, as at his firſt Appearing, Col. 2. 17. which alſo will be Reſembled by his After-Comings. Shadows of Old were of God's own Appointing, Heb. 8. 5. and were continued, untill they grew unreaſonably long, compared with the Subſtance, and then Chriſt came to Take them quite away, Heb. 10. 9. So in theſe Goſpel-times, ſome kind of Shadow (Form, or Type) is Now required, Rom. 6. 17. and ſuffered to continue (in ſuch an Individual Appearance of it) till Power and Form are ſhamefully Diſproportionable; then ſuch Appearances are to be turned from, 2 Tim. 3. 5. Yea, Chriſt himſelf will Come, Iſa. 25. 9. to ſwallow up ſuch Covering Vails, v. 7. and once more will Diſcover the true Subſtantial Forms of Goſpel-worſhip, Ezek. 43. 11. He therefore will Come at ſuch a Time, that ſo the Ark of his Teſtimony may be ſeen within his Second Temple Opened, Rev. 15. 19.

5. To take unto Himſelf his own great Power, and Right of Reigning, Rev. 11. 17. Indeed his Throne was Stabliſhed of Old, Pſal. p. 19993. 2. who was the King or Law-giver unto Iſrael, Acts 7. 38. and as his own (Spiritual) Houſe was firſt Erected at his firſt Coming, Heb. 3. 6. ſo was his Temporal Kingdom alſo, in the Days of Conſtantine, Rev. 12. 5. both which (viz. the Temple and the City) will be Reſtored (as of Old) together with the Full Return of Babylon's Captivity, Zech. 6. 13. Then ſhe that Halted ſhall be made a Remnant, Mic. 4. 7. and David's Tabernacle ſhall be Raiſed up, Amos 9. 11. and then it ſhall be ſaid, Thy God, O Sion, Reigneth, Iſa. 52. 7. He will be King, Hoſ. 13. 10. ſought for by all True Iſraelites, Hoſ. 3. 5. it ſhall be Given him, whoſe Right it is, Ezek. 21. 27. And he will then Come to take poſſeſſion of it, firſt in his Saints, the High ones, Dan. 7. 27. or ſuch as Joſhua was, Zech. 6. 11.

6. To Judge the Dead, Rev. 11. 18. which may be Conſtrued divers ways. Poſſibly with reference unto All ſorts of Perſons; who will be then virtually Dead, and after that comes Judgment, Heb. 9. 27. Or thus; To Judge the Dead, that is, the Wicked; who will be then (Myſtically) Awakened unto their Everlaſting ſhame, Dan. 12. 2. Or rather thus; To Judge the Dead, that is, to Judge Things over again, which have been long ſince Dead and Buryed, in Order unto the paſſing of a Righteous Sentence thereupon. Then will ſome principles be Generally Embraced, which have been thought to be Seditious: Then will ſome Truths be fully Vindicated, which have been called Errours, if not Hereſies: Then will ſome Practices Appear to be Traditional, which have been ſaid to be Chriſt's own Apointments. Men's turning things up-ſide down, ſhall be eſteemed as the Potters Clay, Iſa. 29. 16. for God will then Alter them, v. 17.

7. To give Reward unto his Servants, both Great and Small; viz. his Prophets, Saints, and ſuch as Fear his Name, Rev. 11. 18. or Fathers, Young Men, and Little Children, 1 John 2. 13. Typified by the Ancient High-Prieſts, and Prieſts and Levites. Then will be the Time of Paying off his Hired Labourers, Mat. 20. 8. of giving double unto Sufferers, for their ſhame, Iſa. 61. 7. and of Convincing others (by this means) that verily there is a God, who Judgeth in the Earth, Pſal. 58. 11. Then will the Pelican, Pſal. 102. 6. be turned into a Flock of Doves, Iſa. 60. 8. or Solitary ones be ſet in Families, Pſal. 68. 6. Then will the Sons of Zadock have their Right of Prieſt-hood, Ezek. 44. 15. or Faithful ones, the Chiefeſt Name among Profeſſors: Then will the Saints (the High ones) have the Kingdom, Dan. 7. 27. and the Chief Prieſt (or Eminent Saint among them) ſhall be their Prince, Ezek. 44. 3. Compared with Lev. 8. 31. Rev. 3. 11.

8. To Puniſh Tranſgreſſors, and to Deſtroy them that Deſtroy the p. 200Earth, Rev. 11. 18. Then Wiſe and Fooliſh Virgins will be ſevered, in a Providential way, Mat. 25. 12. Then will Back-ſliding Prieſts (or Eminent Old Profeſſors) be at leaſt Degraded, Ezek. 44. 10. 13. and thoſe will have the Loweſt place of all, who have unfruitfully enjoyed Greateſt Means of Light, as Capernaum (in Chriſt's Day) is threatned, Mat. 11. 23. which was the Metropolis of Napthali; and therefore Napthali his place is Laſt (or Loweſt) in Ezekiel's City, Ezek. 48. 34. which Anſwereth unto This Coming of the Bridegroom. But as to Perſons more Groſly Vicious, Chriſt will then Come to Cut them off, for all their Cheating and Falſe Swearing, Zech. 5. 3. for all their Revellings, Amos 6. 7. Whoredoms and Oppreſſions, Mal. 3. 5. and more Eſpecially for their Perſecutions, Pſal. 79. 10. who then ſhall be drunk with their own Blood, Iſa. 49. 26.

9. To Ceaſe Diſquietments, and ſettle Peace, with Truth and Righteouſneſs among the Profeſſors upon Earth. Chriſt will then Come as King of Salem, Heb. 7. 1. and Prince of Peace, Iſa. 9. 6. being his peoples Peace, when the Aſſyrian cometh, Mich. 5. 5. and give them Peace in his Second Temple, Hag. 2. 9. in way of Covenant, Ezek. 34. 25. Yea, he will ſpeak Peace to the Heathen alſo, Zech. 9. 10. nor ſhall they Learn War any more, Mic. 4. 3. This King of Salem (alſo) is Melchiſedec, Heb. 7. 1. and he will Reign in Righteouſneſs, Iſa. 32. 1. which ſhall look down from Heaven, Pſal. 85. 11. then will Oppreſſors be conſumed, Iſa. 16. 4. and following Exactors will be Righteous, Iſa. 60. 17. Yea, he will then Diſplay the Banner, becauſe of Truth, Pſal. 60. 4. Determining Matters Controverſal, in his Valley of Deciſion, Joel 3. 14. and turning a pure Language to the People, Zeph. 3. 9. that he may be One Lord, and his Name One, Zech. 14. 9.

10. To Eaſe the Creature of its preſent Bondage, perfectly at his Laſt Coming, Rom. 8. 21. a Taſte whereof will Now be given. The Creature groaneth yet, becauſe of its unfruitfulneſs, and cruel Uſage, and ſinful Mis-improvement; all which ſhall then be much Rebuked. The Rivers of Judah (then) will flow with Waters, and Hills with Milk, and Mountains with New Wine, Joel 3. 18. God will Then hear the Heavens, and they the Earth, and it the Fruits thereof, ſon Jezreel's ſake, Hoſ. 2. 21, 22. The Righteous will (then) be Merciful to his Beaſt: the Creatures may not Prey ſo one upon another, Iſa. 10. 6. nor will they be Deſtroyed ſuperfluouſly, as Now they are. Men ſhall not Drink Wine with a Song, Iſa. 24. 9. or ſinfully abuſe the Creature, but fear the Lord and his Goodneſs, Hoſ. 3. 5. therefore the Heavens, p. 201Earth, and Sea, are bid then to Rejoyce, becauſe of Chriſt's Coming to Judge the World, Pſal. 96. 11, 12, 13.

Queſt. 3. Why doth not Chriſt ſtay untill the Fooliſh Virgins do Return?

Anſw. 1. Becauſe his own ſet time was fully come, beyond which 'tis not fit that he ſhould Tarry for any ſort of Perſons whatſoever. Himſelf is Ready, ſo is the Bride; yea, all the Wiſe Virgins alſo: And can it be Expected then, that he ſhould Tarry for ſome few Fooliſh Loyterers? He lately had Engaged for his Speedy coming, Mat. 25. 6. and Mercy muſt give way to Truth; yea, All his Name (or Attributes) unto his Word, Pſal. 138. 2. The five Wiſe Virgins are for his Preſent Coming; and though the other five would have him ſtay, yet ſhall not he Then have a Caſting Voice, upon his own Account? If Time and Tide will ſtay for none; much leſs will their Creator: Eſpecially ſince his Preſent Coming is with State; and Earthly Kings will ſcorn to Tarry till ſluggiſh Servants get them ready.

2. Becauſe he elſe might Tarry long enough, or rather, Not come at all, if not untill theſe Virgins have bought Oyl: Therefore that can be no Let unto him. As Oyl is put for Special Grace, ſo Fooliſh Virgins (in that Day) will never Buy it, (as their Excluſion Evidenceth;) nor as 'tis put for Spiritual Light into this Duty, of Going out to meet the Bridegroom. Nor will they have Light into the Matter of that work before his Coming; becauſe their Light is wholly Borrowed from that which followeth upon his being Come. Now, if he muſt come before they will have Oyl, then if he means to come at all, he muſt not ſtay for them. They will have him come firſt, with reference to their Enlightning Motives; therefore he will not Tarry for them, although by that means they are ſhut out for ever.

3. Becauſe the time of ſhewing Mercy (unto ſuch, and in ſome ſence) is Now Expired. The Attribute of Mercy is inſeparable from God's Eſſence, Exod. 34. 6. yet is its Exerciſe Commanded by his Will, Rom. 9. 18. And though he Delighteth in that Exerciſe, Jer. 9. 24. yet hath he Bounded it by ſuch a time, beyond which time he will no more have Mercy, Hoſ. 1. 6. Now, when the Seventh Trumpet begins to Sound, Rev. 10. 7. then Time ſhall be no longer, v. 6. and partly in this Reſpect, for that contemporizes with the ſhutting of this Door. Theſe Virgins are Dead before that Time; and though Chriſt is ſo Civil, as to wait a while, yet when their being Dead is out of Doubt, (as now it is) he then will ſtay no longer. His Patient Spirit will not alway ſtrive with ſinful Man, Gen. 6. 3. but hath its Limits ſet by him, who can make way for Anger, Pſal. 78. 50.

p. 2024. Becauſe they have had Warning, Means, and Time enough. What could they Reaſonably deſire more? They had the Scriptures from the firſt, which ſhew the worth and Need of Oyl: And 'tis but the Fanſie of ſome in Hell, that other Applications would be more Effectual, Luke 16. 31. They had the Benefit of Converſing with the wiſe, by whom Chriſt worketh Now, as if Himſelf were preſent, John 14. 12. At their firſt Going forth they ſhould have taken Oyl with them: And Errors in the firſt Concoction are not wont to be Corrected in the Second. They had been wakened by the Cry; and Repetitions ſeldom profit them who are not benefited by the Preacher's Voice, John 9. 27. They did confeſs their want of Oyl, and made a ſhew of going to procure it, but did not Act accordingly; and ſo had nothing to Object againſt the Juſtneſs of Chriſt's being wearied with ſuch kind of Dallyers.

5. Becauſe they are not worth the waiting for. They onelyonly ſtood in need of beeing Buryed, for which Chriſt will not ſtay at all, ſince he would not have others do ſo, upon that Account, Mat. 8. 22. They ſeem to be Mad, or Fools in Grain; and if an Achiſh had no need of ſuch, 1 Sam. 21. 15. much leſs hath Chriſt, ſo as to Tarry for them, they had ſufficiently Deſpiſed him, by diſregarding all his counſel, who therefore are not worthy to be ſo much Honoured by him, 1 Sam. 2. 30. They did but cheat the other Virgins all this while with flattering words; And therefore neither Chriſt nor They would be Abuſed by them any longer. Nor would they ever have been good for ought, in caſe they ſhould have come by being tarried for; therefore Chriſt might deſign their being turned off by Coming, while they were Parted from the VVife.

6. Becauſe he elſe would miſs of his Main Purpoſe; which is, to Caſt ſome out for ever, Mat. 8. 12. by coming on them unawares, Luke 21. 34, 35. An Abſolute Decree of ſome Men's ſad Excluſion, is eaſily conſiſtent with a preſent (viſible) Poſſibility of their Admiſſion; both which are hinted in thoſe words, The Children of the Kingdom ſhall be caſt out, Mat. 8. 12. And though Chriſt hath enough for All, Mat. 22. 4. yet but a Remnant onelyonly ſhall be ſaved, Rom. 9. 27. Since Tophet alſo is Ordained for ſome, Iſa. 30. 33. and Everlaſting fire, Mat. 25. 41. as is the Kingdom for ſome others, v. 34. And therefore (chiefly) Chriſt is Reſolved thus to come, while ſuch (who are Ordained to this Condemnation, Jude 4.) are either Revelling, Mat. 24. 49. or minding Earthly things, v. 37. or faſt Aſleep, v. 43. or (at the leaſt) out of the way, as theſe poor Fooliſh Virgins will then be.

p. 203Queſt. What is the Import of that word, Ready? They that were Ready.

Anſw. 1. The ſame Greek word doth elſewhere ſignifie, Fore-Ordained; and is Tranſlated (in that ſence) Prepared, Mat. 25. 34. 1 Cor. 2. 9. Heb. 11. 16. and thus it is here partly meant, with reference unto the Perſons Intereſted in this Priviledge, of Going to the Marriage. Such as were Ordained to Eternal Life, ('tis ſaid) Believed, Acts 13. 48. and none (hereafter) will be Glorified, ſave they who (through fore-knowledge) were of Old Predeſtinated, Rom. 8. 29. All are Invited, but none will come, ſave whom the Father draweth, John 6. 44. or who are Given by him to the Son, John 17. 2. Thoſe muſt Expect to be put by, whoſe Names cannot be found upon Record, when Ancient Regiſters will be enquired into, Ezra 2. 62. Let us therefore make our Calling and Election ſure; Election by our Calling, 2 Pet. 1. 10. and This, by adding unto Faith all other Vertues, v. 5. and in Abundance, v. 8.

2. The ſame word alſo elſe-where ſignifies a Thing, or Perſons being Purely Ordered (or Prepared) by the Lord himſelf; and in a way of ſingular Diſcrimination. Thus ſitting at Chriſt's Right Hand and his Left, is ſaid to be Prepared (or made Ready) by the Father, for ſome Perſons above others, though of the ſame kind with them, Mat. 20. 23. And thus [They that were Ready] may Import, thoſe whom the Father hath peculiarly Deſigned hereunto, Above their Fellows, who (in their Day) may poſſibly have drank as Deeply of Chriſt's Bitter Cup as theſe. This lays the Duſt of ſelf-conceit in any, who are Admitted to the Marriage; and will Occaſion their Crying, Grace, Grace, at ſuch a time, Zech. 4. 7. This is of Uſe to Moderate our over-earneſt Expectations and Deſires of ſharing in that ſpecial Priviledge: And this doth Eminently Declare, that Fooliſh Virgins ſhall never Enter; ſince many Wiſe ones will not be ſuffered to ſee that day, as Mat. 13. 17.

3. The word (here uſed) doth moſt commonly Import One's being Prepared for ſuch a work, 2 Tim. 2. 21. or in a preſent Readineſs to ſet about it, 2 Cor. 10. 6. And in a Three-fold ſence.

1. With Reſpect unto a Perſon's Will. Thus Peter was Ready to go with Chriſt to Priſon, in point of preſent (Apprehended) Willingneſs, Luke 22. 23. And Paul was Ready, not onelyonly to be Bound, but alſo to Die for the Name of Jeſus, Acts 21. 13. And thus, None but the Wiſe Virgins were (at preſent) willing to go with Chriſt unto the Marriage; ſince whoſoever will, may freely Drink thoſe Living Waters, Rev. 22. 17. The Fooliſh Virgins were Habitually p. 204willing, as is evinced by their Coming afterwards: But yet not Actually; for then they would have made more Haſte. They had a ſluggiſh will, but not Induſtrious, Prov. 13. 4. untill the Summers Heat was over, which is the onelyonly Time for Harveſt-work. They had a will unto the Place, but not unto the way that led thereunto: And ſuch are ſaid to have no will for Life, John 5. 40. which yet All do Deſire.

2. VVith reference unto a Perſon's Freedom otherways, or having Nothing elſe to Do. Thus were the Jews Ready to have killed Paul, and waited onelyonly for an Opportunity, Acts 23. 21. Thus alſo are the wiſe Virgins Ready, at ſuch a Time, as having laid aſide all other buſineſs, (or being at a Moments warning,) and onelyonly waiting for their Lord's Appearing, Luke 12. …6. But Fooliſh Virgins are not yet at Leiſure. How long will it be, before a Sluggard thinks it time to Riſe, Prov. 6. 9, 10? And when the Drunkard doth Awake, he yet will at the ſame work again, Prov. 23. 35. To Morrow ſhall be as this Day (ſaith he) and more Abundant, Iſa. 56. 1…. Such think there's time enough; therefore they will take the other Cup, Luke 12. 45. and muſt p…rt civilly with their Old Relations, Luke 9. 61. at leaſt-wiſe fetch their ſtuff out of an Houſe on Fire, Luke 17. 31. and ſo are not yet Ready to follow Chriſt.

3. VVith reference unto a Perſons Fitneſs (every way) for ſuch an Undertaking. Thus Saints are bid to be alway Ready to give an Anſwer to every Man, 1 Pet. 3. 15. that is, to be Prepared for it. And in this ſence it is here Chiefly meant.

VVhichWhich kind of Readineſs (for the Bridegroom's coming) conſi…teth (as the Scriptures ſignifie) in theſe Particulars.

1. Sobriety is Required, with reference unto the Near approaching End, 1 Pet. 4. 7. ſuch as this Diſpenſation is. Thus are we to be Sober in our Speech, not being vain or over-talkative: In our Behaviour, not being Light or Indiſcreet: In uſing the Creature, not Exceeding our Eſtate or Comelineſs: In worldly Employments, not being Covetous or C…rking: In Judging others in a Doubtful caſe: In minding others Judgments of us, ſince the great Judge is at the Door: In Relation to others Proſperity and our Affliction; not to Repine or Envy: In Matters of Revenge, not to prevent the ſpeedy Recompenſer: In D…ſputable ſelf-juſtifyings, not to be Peremptory: And in Relation to the Bridegroom's Coming, not to be over-haſty in our Expectations or ſad Concluſions. Thus are we to be very Sober, both as to our Inward Frame, and Outward ſhew.

2. Such muſt not have their Oyl to Buy; as Oyl importeth Special p. 205Grace, or Spiritual Light into their Preſent Duty. For want hereof, the Fooliſh Virgins are ſhut out, as being not Ready. There is Oyl to be had, juſt till that Time; but when the Bridegroom cometh, his Shop is (for a while) ſhut up; as it will be, for Ever, at his laſt Coming, Rev. 21. 11. How ſhould this Quicken, to Improve the Preſent Reſpite; eſpecially, ſince future Converting Grace is like to be the Portion of the Gentiles, Mal. 1. 11. or another ſort of Perſons. And Light into the Preſent work (of Going out to meet the Bridegroom) is here Particularly meant by Oyl; as that which is Expreſly Requiſite, and without which, the Having of Grace will hardly be made out. Were this Believed, how would it ſtartle ſome, who make light of their being (yet) in the Dark.

3. Such muſt have gone forth a Second time to Meet him. Therefore the Bridegroom Tarried, becauſe the Wiſe Virgins were not Ready (then) in that Reſpect. They had (indeed) Gone out Before; but Chriſt Now comes in Kingly State: And King Ahaſuerus had his Virgins Doubly Purified, ſix Moneths with Oyl of Myrth, and other ſix Moneths with Odours, Eſth. 2. 12. Thoſe never will be Ready to go in with Chriſt, who are contented with a Separation from more Groſs Pollutions. Men uſe to paſs through ſeveral Rooms before they come into the Preſence Chamber: Nor can it be Expected, that a Child's Firſt Coat ſhould ever ſuit a Manly Growing Diſpenſation. If we believe that all theſe things ſhall be Diſſolved, What manner of Perſons ſhould we be, 2 Pet. 3. 11? Or with what Face can we ſuppoſe, that Nothing more ſhould be required Now, than what hath ſormerly been done by us?

4. Such muſt have Mourned over all their former failings; and not content themſelves with bare Reforming. Chriſt cometh with the Clouds, Rev. 1. 7. and we muſt Go with Rain, or Weeping, Jer. 31. 9. as for an onelyonly Son, Zech. 12. 10. Covering our ſelves with ſhame, for we have ſinned, Jer. 3. 25. and ſad Bemoaning for our Evil ways, Jer. 31. 18, 19. Yea, and this Mourning muſt be Apart, Zech. 12. 12, 13. with reference unto Secret faults, and Freedom for an Holy Roaring, and as an Evidence of our being upright. And as a Proof hereof, our former Idols muſt be caſt away with Deteſtation, Iſa. 30. 22. Yea, we muſt Bear God's Indignation, Mic. 7. 9. Acknowledging it as the Puniſhment of our Iniquity, Lev. 26. 40, 41. and not confeſs the ſins of others onelyonly. There are yet few Reformers, but fewer Mourners between the Porch and Altar, Joel 2. 17. and yet till then, we are not Ready for Chriſt's wiping at his Wedding, Rev. 21. 2. 4.

5. Such muſt be Holily Reſolved (in the ſtrength of God) to be p. 206more Faithful to him for the time to come. Though other Lords may have been owned by us, Iſa. 26. 13. though other helps have been confided in, Jer. 3. 23. yet ſhall it be ſo no more, Hoſ. 14. 3. Some are more Open for Chriſt, than heretofore; who yet will promiſe nothing, if a freſh Temptation cometh: Theſe are not Ready, they want the Girdle of an Holy Reſolution; nor will they confeſs a former ſin. But we muſt joyn our ſelves unto the Lord in a Perpetual Covenant, Jer. 50. 5. or be One Spirit with Chriſt, which joyning to him doth Import, 1 Cor. 6. 17. Bound in the Spirit, as Paul was, whatever might befall him, Acts 20. 22. Thus he that Loſeth his Life, ſhall ſave it, Mat. 16. 25. and none will Reign with Chriſt on Earth, ſave they who are thus (virtually at leaſt) beheaded for him, Rev. 20. 4. or are full Followers of him, Numb. 14. 24.

6. Such muſt be made up of Earneſt Wreſtling, and patient Waiting; which is a Rare Conjunction, at ſuch a time. Some may be content to wait, but from the want of Holy Earneſtneſs, or from a ſinful Indifferency and ſlightineſs of Spirit, Relating unto ſuch a Mercy; as is evinced by their Negligent Uſe of Sanctified Means. Others are Earneſt enough, but yet unable to VVait, 2 Kings 6. 33. Ready to Give up all, if not Relieved by ſuch a time, as 1 Sam. 11. 3. But where ſhall we find a ſilent Cryer, Exod. 14. 15? A Submiſſive pleader, Jer. 12. 1? Or Lawful Striver, 2 Tim. 2. 5? Yet are we not fit to Drink till very Thirſty, and yet duly Cool: till furniſh'd with a Spirit of Supplication, Zech. 12. 10. and yet willing to wait, Iſa. 8. 17. Micah 7. 7.

7. Such muſt be able to Bear the Manner of Chriſt's Appearing, which will be very ſtrange; and therefore Bleſſed will they be, who are not then Offended in him, Mat. 11. 6. He will Come in the Night, Rev. 16. 15. and ſome will therefore think he means to Steal, or take by Violence; wherewith weak ones will be Offended: as in a Spiritual caſe, the ſuddenneſs of a Convincing word makes ſome poor Creatures the more Averſe. His Coming will be Terrible; and therewith Children will be Offended; as ſome poor Childiſh Creatures are with Threatning Calls unto Repentance. His firſt Appearance will be ſmall, and therewith ſome will be Offended, Zech. 4. 10. as Judas was, and others are, becauſe Chriſt's Preſent Pay is moſtly Spiritual. And therefore Bleſſed is the people who know his Joyful ſound, Pſal. 89. 15.

8. Such (now) muſt be upon their conſtant VVatch; who formerly, perhaps, had been Aſleep. Chriſt here concludeth with that Exhorta…on, Mat. 25. 13. to ſhew wherein this Readineſs doth conſiſt; and that … …ready Virgins were now fallen into a Second ſlumber, under a p. 207pretence of Buying Oyl. The ſlumbring Spouſe, Cant. 5. 2. was all undreſt, v. 3. to hint, that being Ready, and Aſleep, are inconſiſtent. Chriſt will not come Now (as heretofore) to waken any, Mat. 26. 40. but in good earneſt will bid ſuch, Sleep on now, and take your Reſt, v. 45. Thoſe muſt not ſleep, who mean to ſee the Riſing Sun: Nor will an Heavy Head be lifted up, as it muſt be, by ſharers in this Priviledge, Luke 21. 28. Death's picture (as ſleep is) muſt not then be upon a Living Man; but Gracious Habits muſt be Actuated: The Flowers muſt appear, Cant. 2. 12. and Spiritual Beauty muſt want Nothing but that Light to make it Manifeſt.

9. Such muſt have on their VVedding Garment; elſe will they not continue there, however (poſſibly) they may come in, Mat. 22. 12. 13. which VVedding Garment plainly hinteth ſome kind of Spiritual Bravery, in the General, (whatever its particular import may be;) or ſomething of a more than Ordinary Nature. Then Joſhua muſt be clad with Change of Raiment, as well as have his filthy Garments taken from him, Zech. 3. 4. Yea, a fair Mitre alſo muſt be ſet upon his Head, v. 5. which (in a croud) will evidence his being a High-Prieſt, or a Profeſſor of the Higheſt Rank. Then will the Defence be upon all the Glory, Iſa. 4. 5. or outward Priviledges and Eminent Graces will go together. Then will there be a Glympſe of Heaven upon Earth, (that Diſpenſation being called the Kingdom of Heaven;) and therefore Fleſh and Blood, (or what is ſhort of being Spiritual) will not Inherit that Heavenly Kingdom, as at the laſt, 1 Cor. 15. 50.

10. Such alſo are bid to have their Lights (then) Burning, Luke 12. 35. or all their Graces in the Higheſt Exerciſe. Saints muſt not onelyonly (then) be truly Spiritual, but Zealous alſo, Rev. 3. 19. or ſerving the Lord with ſpiritual Fervour, Rom. 12. 11. Flame is the Form of Fire, and therefore Flaming Lamps (or Burning Lights) doth Evidence, not onelyonly the Having of Oyl (or Truth of Grace;) and Oyl both in the Lamp and Veſſel; But Holy Judicious Affections (alſo) Exerciſed in their Height and Glory. Luke-warm Profeſſors (then) will be caſt out; and nothing but this Sacred Flame will then ſecure from being (in ſome Meaſure) Burned. Affections (then) muſt be called off from all combuſtible (or Lower) Objects; and (being Fired) muſt be fixed upon Chriſt; who will then come in Flaming Fire, (as at the laſt, 2 Theſ. 1. 8.) and therefore will be met with burning Lights by all his Bride-Maids.

11. Such muſt be Doubly Cloathed then, with both an Under and an Upper Garment; or ſomething on them (viz. Imputed Righteouſneſs) as well as in them, viz, Inherent Grace, Pſal. 45. 13. Chriſt Graces p. 208[In] a Soul, are fine and white, or ſhining but yet not Clean or Pure, Iſa. 64. 6. Prov. 20. 9. and therefore Clean (or Pure) fine Linnen muſt needs import, what is Imputed through Believing: And both theſe ſorts of Righteouſneſſes are required unto One's being Ready for the Marriage, Rev. 19. 7, 8. 'Tis true, theſe alway go together in Reality, 1 Cor. 6. 11. but yet they may be (and are) ſevered in Men's Fancies, though ſinfully, ſince God hath joyned them, Mat. 19. 6. Abſurdly, ſince Duty is the Fruit of Faith. And ſelf-undoingly, ſince none will be Admitted, with Chriſt's Approbation, Rev. 7. 15. ſave they whoſe Robes are waſhed in his Blood, v. 14. Woe then to them, who call Imputed Righteouſneſs an Airy Notion,

12. Such alſo are then bid to let their Loins be Girt, Luke 12. 35. as being one undoubted Branch of Readineſs for any Service, 2 Kings 4. 29. Which Girting (in a Spiritual ſence) muſt be with Truth, or Uprightneſs, Eph. 6. 14. a very Rare Girdle at ſuch a time, Mic. 7. 4, 5. Formality (then) will be Predominant, 2 Tim. 3. 5. but Chriſt will utterly aboliſh Idols (or Appearances) in that Day, Iſa. 2. 18. Though Jezebel's Face was Painted, 2 Kings 9. 30. yet Jehu bad Throw her down, v. 33. much more will Jeſus (at his Coming) caſt ſuch Jezebels into a Bed of Sickneſs, Rev. 2. 20. 22. Wood is Combuſtible, 1 Cor. 3. 12, 13. though never ſo fairly Gilded: and therefore Hypocrites (then) will be ſurpriſed with Fear, becauſe they cannot dwell (as can the Upright) with Everlaſting Burnings, Iſa. 33. 14, 15. Be therefore ſincere, Phil. 1. 10. or ſuch as will abide the Judgment of the Sun.

Queſt. 5. What are we to Underſtand by this word, Marriage?

Anſw. Thereby is planly meant Chriſt's Union with his Kingly Diſpenſation upon Earth; which will Reſemble that of Marriage, in all theſe following Reſpects.

1. Marriage is not Convenient in a time of Perſecution or Diſtreſs, 1 Cor. 7. 26. though it is Lawful then, v. 28. The Abſolute prohibiting whereof is that firſt Act, by which the Man of ſin is to be known, 1 Tim. 4 3. ſince it is Honourable in All, Heb. 13. 4. And thus, Chriſt alway had a Power of Marrying in this ſence, (as Paul and Barnabas had in the Letter, 1 Cor. 9. 5.) although he Taketh not that Power to himſelf till ſuch a Time, Rev. 11. 17. He had All Power given him, at his firſt Coming in the Fleſh, Mat. 28. 18. the Abſolute Denying whereof is therefore a Denial of his being Come, by which the Antic…ri…t is to be known, 1 John 4. 3. OnelyOnly he would not then improve his Power in that Reſpect, leſt he ſhould give Offence at ſuch a time, … …5, 26, 27.

p. 2092. The Ancient High-Prieſt might not Marry with an Harlot, or one Divorced, or Prophane, Lev. 21. 14. Nor might an Iſraelite Marry with an Heathen, Deut. 7. 3, 4. Nor may Saints Marry in Goſpel-times, ſave in the Lord, 1 Cor. 7. 39. or in an Holy, Meet, and Honourable way. And thus is Chriſt's Diſpenſation Ordered. He will not Marry with one Divorced, therefore the Jews, Old Miniſtration will not be Reſtored for ever, Ezek. 16. 61. eſpecially, ſince he is (Now) Divorced from that Wife a Second time, which is the utmoſt of his Indulgence, and more than uſual, Jer. 3. 1. He will not Marry with an Harlot; and therefore Antichriſt's Diſpenſation is Blaſphemouſly called Chriſt's, Rev. 17. 3. 5. He will not Marry with one that is Prophane, or Heatheniſh; therefore his Kingdom is not of this wicked World, John 18. 36. The Kingdom of Heaven (ſtrictly taken) is Reſerved for his Father, 1 Cor. 15. 28. therefore Chriſt's Bride is upon Earth, Rev. 21. 2. when fit for Marriage.

3. Marriage conſi…teth in the Husbands Taking, Deut. 25. 5. and in the Womans being Given by her (Living Father) Deut. 22. 16. So is Chriſt Married to his Kingdom, which he Received of his Father, Luke 19. 12. and doth not Take it, Rev. 11. 17. till it is Given him, Ezek. 21. 27. As in Relation to Particular Souls, he Marrieth none, ſave whom the Father Giveth, John 17. 2. So it is with Reſpect unto his Kingly Power. He Cometh as a Thief, unto the World, Rev. 16. 15. but by the Door, as to his Father's Approbation, John 10. 1, 2. He will not Marry without his Father's Full Conſent, wherein he is a Pattern to his Children. Nor do the Saints (the High ones) Take the Kingdom, Dan. 7. 18. till it be given them, v. 27. though others may exalt themſelves, (pretending thereby) to Eſtabliſh the Viſion, but they ſhall Fall, as heretofore ſuch did, Dan. 11. 14.

4. Eſpouſals were wont to be before a Marriage, Mat. 1. 18. Deut. 20. 7. which is of great Uſe, if not a Duty ſtill. And thus, Chriſt was Contracted, or made ſure unto his Throne of Old, Pſal. 33. 2. in which regard, that Diſpenſation is his Wife in Law, Deut. 22. 24. and therefore woe be unto him that Forceth her, v. 25. as worldly Powers have done, (eſpecially ever ſince John Baptiſt's Coming in the Myſtery,) whom therefore Chriſt will put to Death, though nothing ſhall be done unto the Humbled Crying (although Betrothed) Damſel, v. 26. John Baptiſt's Coming was to Prepare the Bridegroom's way, Mat. 3. 3. and whoſe Eſpouſing Teſtimony therefore was of Uſe; John 5. 33. which Cuſtome alſo is Obſerved, in a particular Soul's Uniting unto Chriſt, Hoſ. 2. 19. onelyonly there muſt be ſome further Progreſs made; p. 211therefore they hinder the Lamb's Marriage, who could be ſatisfied with John Baptiſt's work.

5. Princes are wont to Marry (firſt) by Proxies; or by ſome other Perſons Repreſenting them, and ſo doth Chriſt. He was an Husband unto Iſrael, Jer. 31. 32. yet were they Married (firſt) to Moſes, being Baptized into him, 1 Cor. 10. 2. Thus are Saints Married (or Eſpouſed) Now by others unto Chriſt, 2 Cor. 11. 2. Thus alſo Sion is (firſt) Married by her Sons; although Chriſt is the Bridegroom, with Reſpect unto that Diſpenſation, Iſa. 62. 5. Chriſt hath a Throne (or Kingdom) of his own, Rev. 3. 21. which Diſpenſation (at the laſt) is called his Bride, Rev. 21. 2. with reference unto his Perſonal Marrying of it: But yet this King will Honour ſome of his Saints, by letting Them Marry that Miniſtration firſt, Pſal. 149. 9. that he might firſt Sup with Them, Rev. 3. 20. thence all Dominions ('tis ſaid) ſhall Serve and Obey Him, when yet his People (chiefly) do Poſſeſs the Kingdom, Dan. 7. 27.

6. Marriage Creates the Neareſt Union, and fulleſt Communication, or moſt ſweet Communion. So is it here, ſince Chriſt will then Reſt in his Love, Zeph. 3. 17. or Center in a ſweet Deportment towards All, but more eſpecially his Choſen ones, whom he will then Evidence his Conjugal Affection unto, his Everlaſting kindneſs, Iſa. 54. 8. Affected with their former Sufferings from others, Zech. 1. 15. and from Himſelf, Iſa. 40. 2. Jer. 31. 20. Accepting what they Offer, Mal. 3. 4. and ſatisfying their Deſires, Zech. 13. 9. as Eſth. 5. 6. Paying their Debts, Mat. 25. 34, 35. 40. and deeply Revenging all their Injuries, Zech. 2. 8.

7. A Marriage cannot be, unleſs the Bride and Bridegroom be there Preſent, at leaſt-wiſe in their Repreſentatives. Thus Chriſt was Preſent when he firſt Married Iſrael, Acts 7. 38. thus it is alſo from the Preſence of his Spirit (in an Inſtrument) if any Soul be Married to him, or Diſcipled, Mat. 28. 20. and when his Kingly ſtate ſhall be ſet up, its Name will be, The Lord is there, Ezek. 48. 35. His Perſonal preſence is reſerved till the Laſt; but yet the Bridegroom will Now come, elſe could there not be a Marriage. Prepare for his Appearing then, ſo as that Saints ſhall ſay, Loe, This is He, Iſa. 25. 9. Yea, others then will Look upon him, either with weeping Eyes, Zech. 12. 10. or with ſelf-hiding from his Face, as Rev. 6. 16. His ſpiritual Preſence hath been ſuſpended; but he will come again, in that Reſpect, to fill the ſecond Temple with his Glory, and Conſtitute a proper Marriage.

8. Increaſe is wont to follow upon Marriage, in way of Bleſſing p. 210from the Lord, Gen. 1. 28. ſo doth it upon Chriſt's. Thus Iſrael Multiplyed more than others after her being Married unto Chriſt, Ezek. 5. 7. unto the Aggravating of her Adultery. Thus alſo, Goſpel-Saints are therefore Married unto Chriſt, that ſo they might be Fruitful unto God, Rom. 7. 4. and it was fore-told, that Gentile-Saints ſhould Multiply more (in point of Number) than did the Ancient Jewiſh Wife, Iſa. 54. 1. And when Chriſt ſhall be further Married to his Kingly Diſpenſation, Iſrael and Judah will be ſown with the Seed of Man, Jer. 31. 27. they ſhall be Increaſed like a Flock, Ezek. 36. 37. unto their own Admiration Iſa. 49. 21. and Place ſhall not be found for them, Zech. 10. 10. The Children that Sion will then have, ſhall call for Place wherein to Dwell, Iſa. 49. 20.

9. Marriage is during Life, ſince God hates Putting away, Mal. 2. 16. ſave in the caſe of Adultery, Mat. 5. 32. therefore to have been the Wife or Husband of more than one, (by Reaſon of unmeet Divorce) is ſuch a ſcandal, as incapacitateth for a Goſpel Church-Office, 1 Tim. 3. 2. 12. and for the Place of a Widow, 1 Tim. 5. 9. Thus Chriſt's Betrothing is for ever, Hoſ. 2. 19. whoſe Marriage-Covenant with Particular Souls doth undertake for their being Loyal to him, who therefore Never will be Divorced, Jer. 32. 40. And though Chriſt Now Diſowns the Jews (his Ancient Wife) Hoſ. 2. 2. yet did ſhe firſt play the Harlot, Jer. 31. 32. as the Bill of her Divorce will Evidence, Iſa. 50. 1. Nor will he put away his Wife, as to the Gentile-ſtate, till they prove Falſe to him, Rom. 11. 22. nor ever alter his Married Diſpenſation (with them, or with the Converted Jews) but upon their Departing from him firſt.

10. Marriage doth not Neceſſitate the Husband's Conſtant Preſence though; but is conſiſtent with his (ſometime) Diſcontinuance, unto the Bride-Chamber-Children's Mourning, Mat. 9. 15. though Harlots are Glad thereof, Prov. 7. 18, 19. Particular Souls Experience this, unto their ſorrow; though as the Fruit of their Apoſtacy, as in Relation to the preſent Jews, Cant. 8. 1. or Senſuality, as in the days of Conſtantine, Cant. 5. 2. or ſad Formality, as after the Return of Babylon's Old Captivity, Cant. 3. 1. according unto Brightman's Caſting of thoſe ſeveral Times. And with Reſpect unto Chriſt's Marrying with his Diſpenſation; ſome think his Second Perſonal Coming will be Diſcontinued: Though I am not of that Opinion, ſince Saints will then be ever with the Lord, 1 Theſ. 4. 17. But yet, his Glorious preſence, with Reſtored Gentile-Saints (if not the Jews) will be (I think) but for a Time; to make Room for his After-coming, to wit, in Perſon.

p. 21211. Marriages of Old were Solemnized in ſuch a way; wherein Chriſt's Union with his Diſpenſation doth Reſemble Marriage. As thus,

1. It was moſt Honourable, that a Marriage ſhould be known; and ſo is Chriſt's Coming (as a Bridegroom) Notified here before hand, for all the World to ſpeak, if they have ought againſt it. He never uſed to ſteal a Marriage, by Creeping into Houſes, as Suſpitious Perſons do, 2 Tim. 3. 6. but publiſhed his Purpoſe unto Pharaoh, Exod. 5. 1. and the King of Babylon, Jer. 51. 61. Thus was his Perſonal Coming Publiſhed, Mat. 2. 2. and 3. 3. thus is his Spiritual Kingdom to be managed, Mat. 10. 27. thus was his Temporal Kingdom firſt ſet up, Rev. 12. 4, 5. and thus (I am perſwaded) it will be Reſtored, as in the Type, 2 Sam. 2, 7.

2. Marriage is a time of more than Ordinary Joy to all there preſent, as well as to the Bride and Bridegroom; which is of Uſe ſtill among the Jews, as faith Buxtorfius, Synag. Juda. Therefore the Riſing Sun is Repreſented by a Bridegroom's Coming out of his Tent or Chamber, with others Joyful Acclamations, Pſal. 19. 5. And thus John Baptiſt (who was the Bridegroom's Friend) Rejoyced greatly, becauſe of the Bridegroom's Voice, John 3. 29. And as there is Joy in Heaven, upon a Souls Marrying unto Chriſt, Luke 15. 10. ſo doth it make thoſe Glad on Earth who are that Bridegroom's Friends, Acts 11. 23. And thus Chriſt's Coming here, will be Received with many ſhoutings, Zech. 4. 7. and all kind of Muſick, Rev. 15. 2, 3. and holy Dancing, Jer. 31. 13. And as the Bride hath cauſe to Joy (eſpecially conſidering what a Match this is) ſo Chriſt will then Rejoyce as doth a Bridegroom, Iſa. 62. 5. whoſe Heart is then moſt Glad, Cant. 3. 11.

3. Marriage alſo is a Time of Feaſting; eſpecially when Kings are Married, as when Ahaſuerus Married Eſther, Eſth. 2. 18. for which ſome Poor (no doubt) might fare the better. Thus Iſrael's firſt Marriage was called a Feaſt, Exod. 5. 1. in which regard, their Flocks and Herds muſt all go with them, Exod. 10. 9. And therefore God's making a Feaſt for Chriſt (in Goſpel-times) is called a Marriage, Mat. 22. 2. And as that Publican made a Feaſt, upon his being Married unto Chriſt, Luke 5. 29. So will Chriſt make a Feaſt of Wines and Fat things full of Marrow, Iſa. 25. 6. when he ſhall come, v. 9. as when he firſt came in Perſon, Mat. 22. 2. and when his Temporal Kingdom was firſt ſet up, Cant. 5. 1. according unto Brightman's Notion. And he who bids the Poor to be then called, Luke 14. 13. will then Relieve the Pooreſt Creatures with ſome of his Servants broken Meats; yea, all the People, Iſa. 25. 6.

p. 2134. Much Company is wont to be at all Marriages; ſo will there be at ſuch a time. When Souls are Married unto Chriſt, the Angels flock to ſee Repenting Sinners, Luke 15. 10: So when the Church in Corinth was Eſpouſed, 2 Cor. 11. 2, the Angels came to their Solemnities, 1 Cor. 11. 10. How great a mixed Multitude there was, Exod. 12. 38, when Iſrael was Eſpouſed in the Wilderneſs, Jer. 2. 2: and when Chriſt wedded his Diſpenſation in Goſpel-times, his Chariots were twenty thouſand, even Thouſands of Angels, Pſal. 68. 17. Thus in the days of Conſtantine, we read of an innumerable Multitude, Rev. 7. 9; and a great Voice of much People afterwards, Rev. 19. 1, together with the Fall of Babylon, verſ. 2. Then All will gather themſelves to Sion, Iſa. 60. 4; as all the City did to Naomi, at her Return, Ruth 1. 19: and whoſe Thundering Voices will evince the Second Temple's being opened, Rev. 11. 19.

5. All ſorts of perſons (Then) are in their greateſt Bravery; ſo is it at Chriſt's Marriage. Then Solomon is crowned with a ſtately Crown, Cant. 3. 11. The Bride is brought, in Cloathing of wrought Gold and Needle-work, Pſal. 45. 13, 14. yea God will Then appear in Glorious Greatneſs, Tit. 2. 13. as Earthly Parents are moſt fine upon their Childrens Wedding-day. Bridegrooms are wont to Deck themſelves with Ornaments, and Brides with Jewels, Iſa. 61. 10. ſo will Chriſt come with Power and great Glory, Mat. 24. 30; and part of that Bride's Ornament will be, her Numerous Train, Iſa. 49. 18; but chiefly, the Garment of Salvation and Robe of Righteouſneſs, Iſa. 61. 10. Then alſo will the Houſe be Garniſhed, Iſa. 4. 2; and Meaneſt Servants will be finiſied with Outward Bleſſings and Moral Vertues, as Rev. 22. 2; …t more eſpecially, the Brides Companions (or all wiſe Virgins) will then be Honourable, Pſal. 45. 9, 14.

6. Marriage-Solemnities (of Old) were in the Night; which Chriſt doth here allude unto; And ſo are all his Marriages. He married Iſrael (at leaſt-wiſe call'd them to be married) in the Night, Exod. 12. 42: and Married (or Betrothed) Souls are called out of Darkneſs, 1 Pet. 2. 9. and in the Night he will come as a Bridegroom, in this Parable. He was Betrayed in the Night, 1 Cor. 11. 23; and in the Night will he Return. The Natural Day began at Evening, Gen. 1. 5; ſo will this Day of the Son of Man, Zech. 14. 7. as ancient Viſions were wont to be in the Night, Job 4. 13. Chriſts Kingdom cometh not with Obſervation; therefore Not in the Day; but as the Lightning, which ſhineth out of Darkneſs, Luke 17: 20. 24. This ſheweth His Affection to that Diſpenſation; and will trie who love ſleep above it. It will be a Night of Rioting unto the Wicked, 1 Theſſ. 5. 7. and Sorrow to the Saints, p. 214Pſal 30. 5. and Drowzineſs unto all, ſave them who ſet themſelves to watch.

7. Bridegrooms are wont to be Met (of Old) and ſo to be conducted to the Marriage; which alſo Chriſt requireth here. Thus Iſrael Met him in the Wilderneſs, Jer. 2. 2. for There he found her, Hoſ. 9. 10. Thus a Betrothed (or Believing) Soul, muſt Come unto him, John 6. 35. and thus his People muſt prepare to meet him in the latter days, Am. 4. 12. When Abraham had overcome thoſe four great Kings, then did the King of Sodom goe out to Meet him, Gen. 14. 17▪ and when Chriſt fully hath ſubdued the four Monarchs, then Abraham's Seed muſt goe and meet with him. Thus when he cometh to his People (in the latter dayes) he will be found of them without, who muſt then Lead him into their Mothers Houſe, Cant. 8. 1, 2. Who muſt be then Ready alſo with Oyl prepared, and Strength to bear his terrible Appearing, 1 Joh. 2. 28. ſo as to meet him with Thankſgivings, Revel. 11. 16, 17.

Queſt. 6. How can Chriſts Ʋnion with his Diſpenſation (in theſe Latter Dayes) be called a Marriage, ſince it is granted, to have been Once ſet up Before?

Anſ. 1. Becauſe this Reſtauration followeth a former Juſt Divorce. Chriſt married the Gentiles (at his firſt Coming) as he had done the Jews before, Rom. 11. 22. Now as Gods Ancient Iſrael comm…tted Whoredom before their going into Babylon, ſo did the Gentile-Churches before the Man of Sin aroſe, 2 Theſſ. 2. 3. And as thoſe Iſraelites were put away for their Adultery, when they were firſt carried Captive, Jer. 3. 8. ſo muſt the Gentile-Churches (and Profeſſors generally) be Divorced (by a parity of Reaſon) at their firſt going into Babylon. The… is it, that as the Temple was then ſhut up, ſo was the City (or Temporal Dominion) alſo, Trodden under foot, Rev. 11. 1, 2; as in the Letter, of Old. And therefore the Return of that Captivity (with reference unto them both) may well be called a Marriage, (as it is, Hoſ. 2. 19, 20. Jer. 3. 14. Iſa. 62. 4, 5.) becauſe it followeth a Divorce, with reference to that [Numerical] Diſpenſation, although Once more Reſtored in Kind. And this Return is not compleat (with reference unto us Gentiles) untill the Bridegrooms coming, in this Parable, whatever ſhew thereof (like that of Betrothing or Eſpouſals) may go Before. Now if Chriſts Union with his Kingly Diſpenſation in theſe Latter dayes, doth follow a Juſt Divorce from what had been Before; ſuch doe but then plead an Harlots Cauſe, who Argue for his Eccleſiaſtical or Temporal Kingdom, from what hath been Before (or ſince) the Riſing of the Man of Sin; ſave onelyonly in a late Preparatory way to this p. 215enſuing Marriage, from what of Later years hath come to paſs, in order thereunto.

2. Becauſe the Glory of this Latter Houſe (or Diſpenſation) will be Greater than of the Former, Hag. 2. 9. Now when the New Heavens and Earth ſhall be created, the former ſhall not be remembred, Iſa. 65. 17. Chriſt Married (at the firſt) when he was Young, (as ſome Great Perſons uſe to doe.) Who, (in relation to his Spiritual Kingdom, when it was firſt ſet up,) was Therefore call'd a Child, Act. 4. 27. and a Man-child, with reference unto the firſt Erecting of his Temporal Kingdom, Rev. 12. 5. both which muſt needs be Myſtically underſtood. Now Infant-Marriage is not taken notice of, when one is married Afterwards at his full Age, as Chriſt is at this time; from whence the Name of Marriage therefore (ever after) doth Commence. This ſecond (alſo) will Eclipſe the former, becauſe the Glory of Chriſts Spiritual and Temporal Kingdom (Now) will be united, which Heretofore were ſevered. Now as Chriſts ancient Marriage with the Jews, was to be quite forgot in Goſpel-times, Jer. 3. 16; ſo will his Second Marriage with the Gentiles, quite Deſtroy the former, by reaſon of that Glory which Excelleth, as 2 Cor. 3. 10: therefore this Latter onelyonly hath that Name.

Queſt. 7. How may we Reconcile Chriſt's coming (here) To the Marriage, with that Returning [From] the Marriage, Luke 12. 36?

Anſ. 1. By varying the Circumſtances of Time and Place, with reference unto the ſame Wedding in point of Subſtance. Chriſt went to Receive his Kingdom, when he Aſcended, and after the Receiving of it to Return, Luke 19. 12: and yet, at his Return (together with the ſeventh Trumpet's ſounding,) he is then ſaid to Take it, as if he had not Taken it before, Rev. 11. 17. which plainly ſheweth, a Double Taking of his Temporal Kingdom; the one, in Heaven; and … other upon Earth; yet doth he not Take it, in the ſecond ſence, till his Returning from having taken it in the former. And in like manner, he may be ſaid to have been Married [Firſt,] in Heaven, when he Aſcended, (ſince Marrying and Receiving are the ſame;) and yet he doth not Take (or Marry that Diſpenſation upon Earth, till his Returning from that former Wedding. And ſo, his Knocking (Luke 12. 36.) muſt onelyonly intimate his ſudden Coming, conſiſtent with a going out to meet him.

2. By altering the Tranſlation of that Greek word ['Ex] which is there rendred From, Lu. 12. 36; but yet it may be read [by reaſon of] and ſo that Place and this will nothing differ, although fore-named Circumſtances p. 216be not varied. And thus, the ſame Greek word is rendred [of] Rom. 9. 11. 30; with reference unto Works and Faith and Him that Calleth; that is, [becauſe] or [by reaſon of] as eaſily may be collected. And in that ſence Chriſts coming [To] the Marriage here, and his Returning (in Luke) by reaſon of the Wedding, may well agree; ſince his Return, (viz. from Heaven,) will be [becauſe of] his Wedding upon Earth. Nor need we ſtick at the word Return, if we referre it unto Heaven, which He is now Gone into, who ſometime was on Earth; eſpecially ſince his Marrying is ſo Deſireable, as that Earth therefore may be call'd his Home; and ſo his Coming▪ (for ſuch a purpoſe) may well be call'd Returning, in the ſtricteſt ſence; yet doth the Greek word onelyonly note Removing.

3. By varying the Caſe, in Luke and Matthew. The Latter of which (or this in my Text) doth plainly relate unto Chriſts Marrying with his Diſpenſation. But that in Luke may poſſibly referre unto another Parable, by which the Virgins are exhorted to be Watchfull, as Servants are, for their Lord's Coming, when he ſhall Return from Feaſting at ſome Perſons Wedding. In which laſt ſence, Chriſt doth compare himſelf (in Luke) unto an Houſholder, who taketh liberty (Himſelf) to Feaſt abroad, or to be at another's Wedding in the Night; yet doth he expect, his Servants ſhould be well employ'd at home, and ready to Open at his firſt Knock. Chriſt is Now Feaſting upon his Fathers Throne, Rev. 3. 21; yet will he have his Servants (upon Earth,) to watch, that when he ſhall Return from thence, (which in regard of Feaſting is call'd a Wedding,) unto his proper Marriage here, they might immediately receive him. Thus Luke and Matthew are Reconciled.

Queſt. 8. Wherein conſiſts the Priviledge (hinted here) of Going with Chriſt unto the Marriage, at ſuch a Time?

Anſ. 1. …ch will enjoy more Intimate and Near Communion with the Bridegroom; which is a precious Priviledge. Chriſt then will onelyonly have the Bride, as Joh. 3. 29; but all his Friends will have his Preſence: So as to ſee his Face, Rev. 22. 4; and hear his Voice, Joh. 3. 29; and have their fill of his Embraces, Cant. 8. 3. Their Eyes ſhall then behold him in his Beauty, Iſa. 33. 17. and if the Bride be worth one's Coming to have ſeen, Rev. 21. 9; much more the Crowned Bridegroom, in that Day of his Eſpouſals, Cant. 3. 11. The Saints future Happineſs conſiſteth in their being with him, 1 Theſſ. 4. 17; which therefore Paul ſo much Deſired, Phil. 1. 23. the Fulneſs of Joy being in his Preſence, Pſal. 16. 11. which therefore doth forbid his Peoples Mourning, Mat. 9. 5. How did good Davids Soul and Fleſh thirſt to behold his Glory p. 217in the Sanctuary, Pſal. 63. 1, 2; which will be then ſo fully Opened, as that his Hidden Ark will then be ſeen, Rev. 11. 19.

2. Such will then Clearly ſee the Bride in all her Glory; which is a great Priviledge, Rev. 21. 9, 10. She will be then Viſible unto All, as was Chriſt's▪ ſpiritual Glory at his firſt Appearing; which yet was Actually ſeen but by a Few, Joh. 1. 14. Others may ſee her at a Diſtance; as will the ſaved Nations, the New Jeruſalem, Rev. 21. 24. but theſe ſhall ſee Eye to Eye, when the Lord ſhall bring again Sion, Iſa. 52. 8. And if the Promiſes were Embraced (or Joyfully beheld) when they were yet far off, Heb. 11. 13; much more when Sion ſhall be Reared up, will it be worthy to be Looked on, Iſa. 33. 20▪ Much leſs will ſuch Miſtake the Bride, as others will, who therefore will Deſpiſe that Diſpenſation, as ſome men do thoſe Books whoſe Authour is not known. Nor can the Saints know what they Ought to do, ſave as they have knowledge of the Times, 1 Chron. 12. 32. or of their proper Diſpenſation; which therefore is a Priviledge.

3. Such will be Witneſſes of that Solemnity; or of the mutual Taking and Giving, that will then be between the Bride and Bridegroom; which will be both their Honour and Advantage. What running is there, to ſee Two (Earthly) Princes meet? much more, when both the Bridegroom and the Bride come down from Heaven, Rev. 21. 2, 3; or when this Moon and Sun ſhall meet, without Eclipſing each others Light: then will the Morning Stars ſing, and all the Sons of God will ſhout for Joy, as at the firſt Creation, Job 38. 4. 6, 7, and they Alone. Much of Gods Majeſty will appear, Iſa. 24. 14. which yet will not occaſion Singing, (or comfortable Satisfaction) ſave to this little Remnant, v. 13. Strange things will then be done, the Righteouſneſs whereof will onelyonly be reſolved into Sovereignty, Pſal. 75. 7. or into Chriſt's Taking, by vertue of the Father's Giving, and Bleſſed is the Non-offended Perſon in Chriſt's Day, Mat. 11. 6. or ſuch as know the Joyfull Sound, Pſal. 89. 15.

4. Such then will be the Brides Companions, or Maids of Honour, Pſal. 45. 14. and which Kings Daughters will then be Ambitious of, v. 9. That Bride will deal well with all her Servants; but theſe will be her Fellowes, rejoycing with her, Iſa. 66. 10. and being Dandled upon her Knees, v. 12. and Eminently Delighted with the Brightneſs of her Glory, v. 11. Theſe will have liberty of coming with the Bride unto the King, Pſal. 45. 14. theſe Friends ſhall Eat and Drink together with them both, Cant. 5. 1. and it will be their Joy, that Chriſt himſelf ſhall have the Bride, Joh. 3. 29. whileſt others are unſatisfied with their Portion, v. 26. Theſe will be the greateſt Favourites, as Joſeph was p. 218next to Pharaoh, Gen. 41. 40. yea, Theſe will be both Sion's Children and her Husband, in Chriſt's ſtead, Iſa. 62. 5. and thus Eliakim (having the Key of David's Houſe) ſhall be a Father to the Inhabitants of Jeruſalem, Iſa. 22. 21, 22. and be the Ruler of Chriſt's Houſhold, Lu. 12. 42.

5. Such then will have the Comfort of their Garments of Salvation, Iſa. 61. 10. or of thoſe Ornaments, which Maids cannot forget, Jer. 2. 32. It is their preſent Duty to be getting Ready, in that regard; but yet their Change will not be till that very Moment of the Bridegroom's Coming, as 1 Cor. 15. 51, 52. Then will God ſprinkle clean water on them, and cleanſe them from all their filthineſs, and put a New Spirit in them, Ezek. 36. 25, 26. which will Refreſh, as well as Beautifie, Iſa. 61. 10. when Iſrael ſhall be brought again from Egypt, Pſal. 68. 22. where they have lien among the Pots, then will they be as Doves with ſilver wings, and Feathers of Yellow Gold, v. 13. The Remnant of Iſrael ſhall not do Iniquity, Zeph. 3. 13. no other Lord (but Chriſt) will then be mentioned, Iſa. 26. 13. nor will their Garments then be ſtained with Reproaches, as hitherto they have been; but Others (or they with whom they do converſe) ſhall call them in a ſerious way, the Holy People, Iſa. 62. 12.

6. Such then will be uncloathed of their filthy Garments, Zech. 3. 4. Corruption muſt not Inherit Incorruption, 1 Cor. 15. 50. Their ſtony Heart will then be Taken away, Ezek. 11. 19. and wickedneſs will be carried (in a covered Ephah) to be Eſtabliſhed in the Land of Shinar, upon her own Proper Baſe, Zech. 5. 8. 11. Nor will they onelyonly have got Victory over the Beaſt, but over the very Number of his Name at ſuch a Time, Rev. 15. 2. viz. Compliances of the moſt Refined Nature. This will Occaſion them to ſing the Song of Moſes and the Lamb, Rev. 15. 3. viz. more fully and Diſtinctly (as this Particularized Duplicate importeth) than when the Virgins firſt went out, Rev. 14. 3. The Beſt (till Then) will have Iniquity (in Principles or Practices) Reproachfully abiding in them; which Eminently (then) will Paſs away, Zech. 3. 4. unto their Honour and Refreſhing. Such then will be Enlightned (as the Margin hath it) when their Light is come, Iſa. 60. 1. Abandoning what formerly they did Eſteem, Iſa. 30. 22. Yea, ſhaking off their Duſt, and Looſing themſelves from all the Bands of their Captivity, Iſa. 52. 2.

7. Such then will Eat and Drink, Iſa. 65. 13. or Feaſt it with the Bride and Bridegroom, at Wines and Fat things full of Marrow, Iſa. 25. 6. yea, he will then come forth and Serve them, Luke 12. 37. who therefore cannot Faſt or Mourn, Mal. 9. 15. That Chamber (or Accommodation) whoſe Proſpect is toward the North (which was the p. 219moſt Honourable ſide of Old, 1 Kings 7. 39.) will be for the Sons of Faithful Zadok, Ezek. 40. 46. God will then make it known, the Silver and Gold are His, Hag. 2. 8, 9. when they from Sheba ſhall bring Gold, Iſa. 60. 6. and Iron ſhall be turned into Silver, v. 17. for in the Gentiles Glory will the Saints then boaſt themſelves, Iſa. 61. 6. But yet the Prime Diſhes (at this Feaſt) will be the Full Diſcovery of their Duty, Ezek. 43. 11. and Grace to Practiſe what formerly hath been Neglected, as in the Type, Nehem. 8. 17. together with their Hearty Welcome to that whole Proviſion, Jer. 32. 41. and their Being ſatisfied with the Conſolations of that Bride, Iſa. 66. 11. yea, Flouriſhing like an Herb, v. 14. or Thriving by them, increaſing Holy fear together with Enlargement, Iſa. 60. 5.

8. Such will (thence-forward) be ſecure from Groſſer Perſecutions or Oppreſſions. Deſtructions (then) will come to a Perpetual End, Pſal. 9. 6. when Chriſt ſhall have prepared his Throne for Judgment, v. 7. which at this time will be, Rev. 11. 18. As ſuch ſhall walk with Chriſt in white, Rev. 3. 5. and eat of the Hidden Manna, Rev. 2. 17. ſo will they not be hurt by any ſuch kind of Second Death, Rev. 2. 11. for they ſhall eat of the Tree of Life, v. 7. Then will the four Horns be frayed away, Zech. 1. 21. and the Aſſyrian alſo ſmitten with a Rod, Iſa. 30. 31. there ſhall be no more a pricking Bryar to the Houſe of Iſrael, Ezek. 28. 24. ſuch Enemies being either waſted, Iſa. 60. 12. or brought (at leaſt) into a Full ſubjection, v. 14. The Saints Heart (then) ſhall Meditate Terror, with reference unto their Old Oppreſſing Officers at Home, and Forreign Adverſaries, Iſa. 33. 18. but Violence ſhall not be heard, for all ſuch Officers, will be made Peace, Iſa. 60. 18 nor ſhall they ſee a ſierce (Beſieging) people any more, Iſa. 33. 19. but will (in that regard) have Liberty to walk Abroad (which formerly they could not do, v. 8.) or to behold the Land that is far off, v. 17. viz. the uttermoſt of their Borders, in peace and ſafety, v. 20.

9. Such then will be Diſcharged from any kind of Future Toyling whatever. Their Oyl, or their Anointing (then) will have Deſtroyed the Aſſyrian Yoke, Iſa. 10. 27. and then Chriſt's Yoke (when ſevered from the other) will be eaſie. Their Garment of praiſe, Iſa. 61. 3. will then Excuſe them from ſervile work, v. 5. ſave what is ſuitable unto their Royal Prieſt-hood, v. 6. the meaner part of which Employment (alſo) will then be put upon the Better ſort of Late Back-ſliders, Ezek. 44. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. Nor will they be ſo weary (then) with Running in the way of Duty, nor faint with walking; but ſhall renew their ſtrength, yea, ſeem to Mount up with wings p. 220as Eagles, Iſa. 40. 31. Such will Abound with Service then, Iſa. 66. 23. but yet without Complaining; the Labour of a Duty being then removed, when they ſhall get ſhut of Clogging Humours, and have a New Heart beſtowed on them. Thence is that ſtate Deſcribed, by their conſtant ſinging, and ſitting at a Feaſt, Iſa. 65. 13, 14. and yet by ſerving God (in his Temple) Day and Night, Rev. 7. 15. becauſe that Service (then) will be their Meat and Drink, or Matter of Delight; not ſaying (as thoſe of Old) When will the New Moon be Gone, Amos 8. 5? But, Let us Go ſpeedily to Pray before the Lord, Zech. 8. 21.

10. Such will have the Comfort of each others Company. Then all the Precious ones will be together, Zech. 14. 5. like ſo many Jewels made up into a Bracelet, Mal. 3. 17. which as an Ornament that Bride ſhall wear, Iſa. 49. 18. for whereſoever the Body is, thither will the Eagles be gathered together, Luke 17. 37. Then will thoſe Saints be alſo of One Heart and Way, Jer. 32. 39. as were the Primitive Chriſtians, Acts 4. 32. not Envying or Vexing one another, Iſa. 11. 13. but Serving the Lord with one conſent, and joyntly calling upon his Name with a Pure Language, Zeph. 3. 9. whoſe Name will then be One, Zech. 14. 9. Yea, theſe Wiſe Virgins then will be Divided from the Fooliſh, as Sheep from Goats, Mat. 25. 32. no ſtranger uncircumciſed in Heart ſhall enter (with Iſrael) into the Sanctuary, Ezek. 44. 9. but Jeruſalem ſhall be Holy, Joel 3. 17.

11. Such then will there continue, none being Caſt out, Mat. 22. 13. but he that wants his Wedding Garment, v. 12. which ſhews the Poſſibility of ſome Hypocrites creeping then in, as heretofore, Gal. 2. 4. But Sons will abide in that Houſe for Ever, John 8. 35. and Faithful Overcomers will be as Pillars in God's Temple, who ſhall no more Go out, Rev. 3. 12. Indeed God's People (in the General) will from that time be no more termed forſaken, Iſa. 62. 4. nor will they have any more to do with Groſs Idolatry, Hoſ. 14. 3. which yet may be conſiſtent with their Gradual declining in the General, till Chriſt himſelf ſhall come in Perſon, 1 Theſ. 3. 13. But yet particular Saints (who come at firſt with Chriſt unto this Marriage) will be an Earneſt of that more Univerſal fixing afterwards. Yea, ſuch will Grow, Hoſ. 14. 5. paſſing with Chriſt from one Room to another; and reaping the Benefit of that Increaſing Diſpenſation, all their Time.

12. All this will then be Accented unto the Saints, by their Peculiar ſharing in it; or by the quite contrary Portion of the Generality at ſuch a Time. Darkneſs ſhall cover the Earth, when Sion's Light will Riſe upon the Saints, Iſa. 60. 1, 2. when Chriſt ſhall bid [Theſe] Come, in Order unto intimate Communion with himſelf, Mat. 25. 34. He p. 221then will ſay to Others, Depart from me, v. 41. The Nations will be Angry then, Rev. 11. 18. whilſt Theſe are giving Thanks, v. 17. who ſee the Juſtneſs of Chriſt's ways, Rev. 15. 3. or who will be Witneſſes of that Solemnity. When Saints will be the Bride's Companions, Pſal. 45. 14. then others ſhall entreate her Favour, v. 12. as Haman did Eſther's. The Beſt of Hypocrites will want their Wedding Garment, Mat. 22. 11. when theſe Wiſe Virgings will be Ready. Yea, when theſe ſhall be white; Thoſe will do wickedly, or be filthy ſtill, Dan. 12. 10. When Saints ſhall Eat, then Others will be Hungry, Iſa. 65. 13. and Howl, while Saints are Singing, v. 14. The Seventh Trumpet ſoundeth Peace to Theſe, and Woes to Others, Rev. 11. 14, 15. And when the Saints are gathered together, Zech. 14. 5. then will the Mount of Olives (or their Adverſaries) be Divided, v. 4. And as Sons will continue in this Houſe; ſo others will be heard to Knock in vain.

Queſt. 9. What doth this ſhutting of the Door Import?

Anſw. 1. The ſecuring of thoſe within; partly, from Going out Again, as 2 Kings 6. 32. but chiefly from harm without. Thus did the Diſciples ſhut the Doors, although from ſinful Fear, as Calvin noteth, John 20. 19. Thus was Nehemiah Tempted to Meet ſome others in the Temple, with its Doors ſhut upon them, but would not yield thereunto, Nehem. 6. 10, 11. thus did thoſe Angels (Lawfully) pull Lot in, and ſhut the Door againſt thoſe wicked and Miſcievous Sodomites, Gen. 19. 10. And ſo it may be here. Admitted Virgins ſhall not Depart, for Chriſt hath ſhut them In: Nor ſhall any Enter, to do them Hurt, for he hath ſhut them Out. Thus Sion ſhall no more be. made to Drink the Cup of Trembling, Iſa. 51. 22. her uncircumciſed Enemies ſhall no more come in to her, Iſa. 52. 1. Chriſt will be no more wroth with her, Iſa. 54. 9. and in her Land there will be no more Violence heard, Iſa. 60. 18. Yea, Satan will then be in ſome Meaſure Bound, or ſignally Rebuked, Zech. 3. 2. till ſuch a Time; as at Chriſt's Perſonal Coming.

2. The ſhutting of this Door importeth chiefly, the Keeping of Others out, from ſharing … the Priviledge of thoſe within, which will be ſad.

1. Since this Door is ſhut againſt Profeſſors, who have been wont to be within. Dogs are ſhut out, and no Man heeds their Howling: But when ſome kind of Children are caſt out, what weeping and gnaſhing of Teeth muſt needs then be, Mat. 8. 12. VVhat means this Noiſe, ſaid poor Preſumptuous Joab, 1 Kings 1. 4? So will the Fooliſh Virgins ſay, when they ſhall hear the Clapping of this Door againſt p. 222them. The Top-ſtone of Iſhmael's Miſery was, that he (a Son) ſhould be caſt out, Gen. 21. 10. to Die in a Barren VVilderneſs, without a Miracle. Such will then Cry, as ſometime Sion did, Jer. 8. 15. We Looked for Peace, but no Good came; and for a time of Health, and behold Trouble. This Virgin-troop will then be more Confounded, becauſe they Hoped and were Aſhamed, like the Troops of Tema, Job 6. 19, 20. which will rejoyce Hell from beneath (or Men more Groſly wicked) that Virgins are Excluded as well as Harlots, Iſa. 14. 9, 10.

2. Since they are ſhut out from the Marriage; which Feaſt their Teeth will water at, who had no ſtomach to their work of Going forth to Meet the Bridegroom. If theſe were onelyonly Excommunicated from the Service there, they would no more value it, than many do (Now) the Prelates Cenſures; in caſe that Lightning went alone. But they muſt neither Eat nor Drink, Iſa. 65. 13. nor Taſte of Chriſt's Marriage Supper, Luke 14. 24. nor be the Br…de's Companions, as was Deſired and Expected by them. And though Hell may ſee into Heaven, (as through a Cranny of that Bolted Door) yet will the ſight of water there, but onelyonly Aggravate thoſe Seers Torment, Luke. 16. 24. and ſo the Hearing of that Heavenly Muſick, will but increaſe the others Howling, Iſa. 65. 14. An Hypocrite (chiefly) is in Love with Priviledges, (as Harlots are with Gifts;) the want whereof will therefore lay the Top-ſtone of their Miſery, when that Door ſhall be ſhut upon them.

3. Since it is ſhut by Him, who ſhuts, and no Man Openeth, Rev. 3. 7. Indeed his Opening is firſt mentioned there, Rev. 3. 7. becauſe his Prime Deſign (at his firſt coming) was not to Condemn or ſhut, but Save or Open, John 3. 17. but he Now comes to ſhut that Door which had been Opened by him heretofore. And well may he make bold to ſhut the Door, becauſe he is the Maſter of that Houſe, Luke 13. 25. which therefore none may Open without his Order. Nor is it like, that any other would have ſhut it of their own Accord; Saints being rather over-tender: But when 'tis ſhut by Him, they Dare not (will not) Open it without his Leave. …y, when he ſhutteth, no Man Can Open; as when He Openeth, no Man Can Shut, Rev. 3. 8. This Door is not upon the Latch; therefore uncivil Perſons cannot enter: And none but Eliakim hath the Key, Iſa. 22. 22. therefore 'tis but in vain to hope from others: This Door is alſo Everlaſting, Pſal. 24. 7. therefore not to be Broken through.

4. Since ſhutting out, and being Caſt into ut…ter Darkneſs, go together, Mat. 8. 12. The Puniſhment of [Loſs] would be the leſs, if p. 223this of [Senſe] did not accompany it: nor is it ſo bad to Die of Faſting (much leſs to want a Feaſt,) as to be Fed upon (Alive) with gnawing Never dying Worms, Mar. 9. 48. Nor is the want of Greater Light ſomuch afflicting, as to be caſt out into the Outer Darkneſs, a Place of darkneſs as Darkneſs it ſelf, and where the Light is as Darkneſs, Job 10. 22. How great muſt needs that Darkneſs be, Mat. 6. 23. compared wherewith, the Inner Darkneſs is ſome kind of Light. This needs muſt be a Place of Weeping, to which is added, Gnaſhing of Teeth, Mat. 8. 12. not in a way of Deriding Saints, as heretofore in their Afflicted State, Pſal. 35. 16. or of Inſulting over them, as Lam. 2. 16. much leſs of being Ready to Devour them, as Job 16. 9. but in a way of being Vexed, as Pſal. 112. 10. and grievouſly Tormented, as Mark. 9. 18.

5. Since others will be then Within. The Miſery of Man, (ariſing from ſome kind of VVant) is meerly grounded upon his Fancy: if None had ſtately Houſes or rich Fare, then every one would be Content without them: but Envy ſlayeth ſilly Ones, Job 5. 1. Nor would the bare want of Neceſſaries ſo Afflict, in Caſe that VVant were Univerſal: but it muſt needs Increaſe poor ſtarving Lazarus his Pain, to Know, that Dives fared Deliciouſly, Luke 16. 19. 21. whoſe Scale was therefore Juſtly turned afterwards, v. 25. but very Heavily, as Dives though v. 24. This will be the Fooliſh Virgins Caſe; whoſe being caſt out, will make them VVeep; but Others being In, will cauſe the Gnaſhing of their Teeth, Mat. 8. 12. and m…erly for want of being Ready, which they had Timely Notice of, but loſt the Bleſſing as did Eſau.

Ʋſe 1. The Virgins will part with mutual Freedom, before the Bridegroom's Coming. Indeed, the Wiſe (firſt) Bid the other goe; but yet the Fooliſh (Readily) Accept the others Motion▪ Which [Bidding] is, for ſpiritual Gain; but this [Accepting] is for a Carnal Intereſt, as hath been opened. Now they will part, at leaſt-wiſe in Affection: not ſo Delighting each in other, as heretofore: Since Differences in Opinion (eſpecially with reference unto Time, Truths and Duties,) are apt to Alienate if not Provoke, Numb. 14. 6. 10. Yea, ſuch will part in point of Practice alſo; the One ſort going out to Meet the Bridegroom, the other going to Buy Oyl: As Ruth and Orpah did, with reference unto their Mother Naomi, Ruth 1. 14, 15. Nay they will Part in point of wonted ordinary Communion alſo: as Paul and Barnabas did, becauſe of Mark, who had Deſerted his bounden Duty, Act. 15. 38, 39. This Parting (probably) will be Gradual: but let it Certainly be Expected, and not be Wondred at.

p. 2242. The Fooliſh Virgins onelyonly (and not the Wiſe) are ſaid to Goe, or Leave the Others Company: which is Obſervable. The Name of Separation hath been alway Infamous, although the Scripture clearly Owns it, 2 Cor. 6. 14. but at this Day the Fooliſh Virgins are the Separatiſts, however Apt to charge it upon others. There hath been formerly, a Lawfull (Proper) Separation made by Saints, from Others: as when the Jewiſh Way was ſeparated from, by thoſe Act. 19. 8. who ſometime were Obliged to walk therein. But yet, Backſliders (Returning to their Ancient Duty) cannot ſo Properly be ſaid to ſeparate from their bad Companions, ſince there was never any Lawfull Union, and ſo no need of a Divorce. However, the preſent caſe is Plain: the Fooliſh Virgins ſeparate from the Wiſe, as to their former Joynt Practice, of Going out to meet the Bridegroom. Let no man therefore Check wiſe Virgins by that Name, which is not Theirs, nor (Abſolutely) Infamous.

3. It is here ſaid, They went to Buy, who (as it hath been Proved) went to Sleep: from whence is hinted, that ſinfull Actions are Covered over with fair Pretences; and more Eſpecially in theſe Latter dayes. Herein conſiſteth much of that Deceitfulneſs which lurketh: in the Heart, Jer. 17. 9. and Sin, Heb. 3. 13. Thus bold Complyers are termed Wiſe in Chriſt, 1 Cor. 4. 10: and Wantonneſs is called Love, Prov. 7. 18. yea, Perſecution is counted Wiſdom, Exod. 1. 10, Zeal, Phil. 1. 6. and Duty, Act. 26. 9. Some men Declare their Sin, as did Lots eldeſt Daughter, (having learnt that in Sodom, Iſa. 3. 9.) in calling her inceſtuous infant, Moab, which ſignifieth, Of her Father, Gen. 19, 37: but Others are more ſubtile, ſuch are the Fooliſh Virgins. Conſcience (in ſuch) will not permit a full Profeſſion: and as That would have crackt their Credit quite, ſo would it have ſtopt their mouths from ever Claiming a Right of Entring afterwards.

4. Their falſe Hypocriſie is not Detected, (by any Word Diſcovering it,) but as they did Pretend [to goe and Buy] ſo is it here Delivered. They did profeſs ('tis like) this was their End: and Eminent Profeſſors are not Haſtily charged with Lying. However, Chriſt may (yet) let it paſs for Currant: to Harden them in their (undiſcovered) Sin: to learn us Moderation in a Diſputable Caſe: and to Reſerve their Manifeſtation till his Coming, unto the Heightning of their Confuſion, by ſhutting them out, who (till that time) were not Convicted: or, by their being Apprehended, Tryed and Executed all at Once. Methinks I ſee the Reaſon here, of ſome mens Confident ſelf-juſtifying; of others unaccuſtomed forbearing them in way of Cenſures, and of God's Ordering it to be ſo: Others will be more fully ſatisfied, when p. 225they ſhall ſee that following ſudden Revelation of God's righteous Judgement at the Bridegrooms Coming.

5. Deceitfull Shews will not Advantage in this Day of Chriſt; ſince he will Come, while Fooliſh Virgins are gone to Buy, (as they Diſſemblingly pretend) unto their being ſhut out for Ever. Some may ſeek Deep to hide their Counſel from the Lord, Iſa. 29. 15. but this ſhall be eſteemed as the Potters Clay: for ſhall not their Creator know, v. 16? He ſearcheth the Heart, to give to every Man his Due, Jer. 17. 10. Therefore Ought got unjuſtly, will not Proſper, v. 11: and this the Churches (or Profeſſors) ſhall be made to Know, Rev. 2. 23. Yea, when it is thus, in point of Turning things upſide down, Iſa. 29. 16. within a very little while, the Lord will turn ſuch ſeeming fruitfull Field, (or Glorious Hypocrites) into a Forreſt, v. 17. Thoſe do but Haſten his Appearing to their ſhame, who ſeek to cover evil Actions with fair Diſguiſes, Iſa. 66. 5. as Chriſt Then cometh here, upon the Fooliſh Virgins, for our Warning.

6. Peculiar Service (done for Chriſt) will ſuitably be Rewarded (by him) upon Earth, ſince all the Wiſe Virgins will be Admitted to the Marriage. Then Chriſt will gird himſelf, Luke 12. 37. and ſerve them: his Feaſt of Wines, Iſa. 25. 6. will make them to forget their former Miſery, as Prov. 31. 7. Yea he will then ſwallow up Dea…h in Victory, Iſa. 25. 8. and take away their Rebuke from off the Earth. When apt to faint (by reaſon of ſome Wilderneſs-temptations) in fleeing out of Babylon, let this Jeruſalem come into our Mind, Jer. 51. 50. or what God hath Prepared for him that waiteth for him, Iſa. 64. 4. Then will their Fooliſhneſs appear, who have deſired to be Excuſed from this Supper, Luke 14. 18. when they ſhall ſee, Luke 13. 28. how Bleſſed a thing it is to have been Called thereunto, Rev. 19. 9. the Truth whereof is ſignified there, by its being ordered to be Writ, and by a ſuperadded Teſtimony.

7. This Feaſt may not be Taſted though, untill the Bridegroom's Coming; ſince theſe wiſe Virgins are here ſaid to goe [with Him] unto the Marriage. We therefore have need of Patience, Heb. 10. 36: yea therefore Chriſt may put his Knife unto our Throat (or Exerciſe us with Delays) becauſe we are ſo given to Appetite, Prov. 23. 2. And ſince Himſelf Expecteth, Heb. 10. 13: ſhall not we watch with him, Mat. 26. 40? thoſe have no Faith, nor yet good Manners, who cannot Feed upon a Pr…miſe, nor be content to fare as doth their Ma…t…r, Joh. 13. 16. 'Tis for Our Intereſt to have Him with us; whoſe Preſence at the Table) make's our Spikenard ſmell, Cant. 1. 12; and in whoſe Abſence, the very Bride-chamber Children Faſt, Mat. 9. 15. Let us not p. 226therefore be too Haſty: eſpecially ſince they who Now are Full, will then be Hungry, Luke 6. 25. as having had their Portion.

8. There is a Readineſs required for this Feaſt; and without which, none are Admitted to the Marriage. Some kind of Duty is Immediately incumbent on us, while in the Gall of Bitterneſs, Act. 8. 22, 23; but yet All (proper) Priviledges have their Fitneſs pre-required. We muſt be wrought for Glory, 2 Cor. 5. 5: nor will the Blind and Lame, (or Men defective mainly in their Light and Walking) ever Enter into David's Houſe, 2 Sam. 5. 8. Though Duty is required, apart from Priviledge; yet Priviledges may not be Expected without ſuitable Duty. Indeed, this Marriage will be as Burdenſome to Unready Perſons, as ſuch themſelves will be to Chriſt and his Companions; as Heaven it ſelf would be an Hell to Sinners. And uppermoſt Seats will be Reſerved for the greateſt Gallants in that Day; or ſhe ſhall ſtand at Chriſt's Right-hand, whoſe Clothing is the Gold of Ophir, Pſalm. 45. 9.

9. The Marriage-Feaſt (at ſuch a Time) will be in ſome Place which hath (as it were) a Door; as its being [ſhut] importeth. All may be Invited thither, but none will ſhare therein (as Gueſts) ſave they who are Admitted with Approbation. This will be a peculiar Priviledge; which they ſhall know, whoſe Careleſneſs (in point of fore-required Duty) will Exclude them. The New Jeruſalems Gates ſhall not be ſhut at all, Rev. 21. 25; to ſhew the Abſoluteneſs of its Security: yet will there be Angels ſtanding at them, v. 12, to keep thoſe Out who have no Right to Enter, v. 27. ſo will it be Now. And as there ſhall be faithfull Keepers of the Sanctuary then, Ezek. 44. 16; ſo Carefull Eliakim will have the Key of David's Houſe, Iſa. 22. 22; by Means whereof, Communion-Acts (relating unto Priviledge as well as Duty) will be ſecured.

10. The Door of Mercy will (in ſome ſence, and unto ſome) be ſhut on Earth; or in this leſſer Day of Judgement. It is (Inſenſibly) ſo at Preſent, unto particular Souls, as to Chriſt's ſtriving with them by his Spirit of Grace: but it will Then be ſo more Evidently, in point of Priviledges; yea, though ſome (at that time) will ſeek to Enter, Luke 13. 24. Nor will it be to be Wondred at, ſince all the (Intended) Gueſts will be then Come, an… ſet at Supper; and in that caſe, the Gates (in Great Houſes) are alway ſhut. And as there will be no ſcaling of that high Wall, Rev. 21. 12; nor ſtrength to force a paſſage through this Door: ſo neither will late-got Oyl or Tears be able to ſhoot its Lock for Ever. Thoſe are miſtaken ſadly, who do conclude p. 227the ſtanding Open of Chriſt's Door till Death; and more eſpecially in theſe Latter Days, as Fooliſh Virgins will Experience.

11. It therefore highly doth concern the Virgins or Profeſſors of our Days to get themſelves Ready as faſt as may be. And in the Preſſing whereof, I ſhall content my ſelf with urging hereunto, as that word [Ready] appertaineth unto Virgins in the Letter; and as the ſame Greek word is uſed, Rev. 19. 7. with reference unto the Bride at ſuch a time. In Order unto the ſetting home of which Exhortation, theſe following Motives may be of Uſe.

Mot. 1. This getting Ready is that Great work of Time incumbent on us, which therefore had …d be chiefly minded by us alway, and much more Now. What is required of the Bride, but to be Ready, Rev. 19. 7? What of each Gueſt? but to have on his Wedding-Garment, Mat. 22. 12? Yea, what doth God require, from firſt to laſt, but to Put off Old former Cloaths, Eph. 4. 22. and that we Put on New, v. 24? The onelyonly thing required of Spouſes (by their Husband at this Feaſt) will be, to make themſelves as Fine as may be; as once a Perſon told his Lady, upon a like Occaſion. Nor came we (indeed) into this World to Eat and Drink, or Buy and Sell; but to get Ready for our Change. Earth is a Trimming place for Heaven, and Time ſhould be Employed for Eternity. He that is Ready in this Spiritual ſence, hath done the work belonging to his Day. Therefore we cannot be too Early up at ſuch a work.

2. It is the Property of Virgins to be ſelf-adorning; Can-Maids forget their Ornaments, Jer. 2. 32? Such kind of forgetfulneſs ſeemeth to be inconſiſtent with thir ſtate; next to their being termed Harlots, ſuch cannot bear to be Reproached with their want of Neatneſs; whom if we Differ from (in this Reſpect) as to their Nature, how can we take it ill, not to be called by their Name? Harlots of Old were to be known by ſome particular kind of Vail, Gen. 38. 14. and Spiritual Sluttiſhneſs is ſuch a Vail or Covering which ſheweth Perſons to be no Virgins. All ſorts of Profeſſors therefore have diſowned their Companions, as they have ſeen them to be careleſs in their Habit, Compared with their Fellows. So that Remiſneſs in our Holy ſelf-adorning will very much Darken the viſibility of our being Virgins or Profeſſors, and Hazard the Total Loſs of our Repute.

3. Ʋnready Virgins (to be ſure) are not wiſe, or truly Gracious, at leaſt not in Appearance; ſince all the wiſe Virgins are Deſcribed here, by their being Ready; as if thoſe terms were Convertible. There is much wiſdom required unto this work of Dreſſing one's ſelf aright▪ And Heavenly wiſdom is much evinced, by One's being daily Converſant p. 228thereabout. Fools Pride themſelves in ſome one ſingle part of man's Attire; but wiſe Men are aſhamed to be ſeen till they have All, Pſal. 119. 6. Fools are not Careful, as to the manner of their being dreſt: But Holy wiſdom maketh to be Curious; not onelyonly in having All one's Garments on, but every thing alſo in its Place; and ſo Preſerved from being Looſe or ſtained. Children and Fools are chiefly for their Food and Play; but ſpiritual Neatneſs is both the wiſe Man's VVork and Recreation, his Meat and Drink; who therefore alway is at his Bruſh and Looking-Glaſs.

4. Profeſſing Spouſes are Princes Daughters, Cant. 7. 1. which doth Oblige Profeſſors (Eminently) t…e ſollicitous in this regard, as ſuch are in the Letter. Ordinary Garments may Become a Beggar, (as Moral Vertues do a Carnal Man,) but not the Children of a King; who are forbidden ſtrange Apparel, Zeph. 1. 8. but not Compleat, at leaſt, not in a Spiritual ſence. Did ſuch conſider the Nobleneſs of their Deſcent, John 1. 13. the Nature of their High Calling, Phil. 3. 14. The Glory of Kings Daughters Cloathing, Pſal. 45. 13. it would aſhame them into an Evidencing of their Heavenly Breeding, by laying out their time in getting Ready. If Earthly Gallants will not have one Hair amiſs, much more ſhould Heavenly Courtiers Hate a ſpotted Garment, Jude 23. and be continually Adding to what they have; ſince ſpiritual Faſhions (alſo) Alter; and Joſhua (Now) muſt have his Change of Raiment, Zech. 3. 4.

5. Thus ſhall we have more Love and Honour from Chriſt and others. How very plain are ſome in their Night Habit; yea, how did Michal Deſpiſe her Husband David, when he was ſtripped of his ſtately Robes, 2 Sam. 6. 20. Nor was the ſelf-undreſſing Spouſe's Fairneſs witneſſed unto by her Companions, Cant. 5. 9. till ſhe had firſt put on her Coat again, v. 3. 5. But when a Child is Neatly Dreſt, how is it Dandled by its Father; ſo will the King Deſire his Spouſe's Beauty, Pſal. 45. 11. when Clad in Gold, with her Retinue, v. 9. Thus ſhall we alſo be more Amiable in the Eyes of others; both Saints and Sinners. VVhen Ephraim and Judah ſhall be Neat, or Clean from their Defilements, Ezek. 27. 23. then will they Unite in Love, v. 19. and be no more Divided, v. 22. Yea, Carnal Creatures will then Reſpect us, if not Love us; ſuch being apt to honour others, meerly becauſe of their Apparel, whom otherwiſe they do not much Regard.

6. God will be Glorified in us by this means, which is a ſelf-ſufficient Motive to get Ready. Saints Dreſs themſelves and Chriſt at once; as their unhandſomneſs diſgraceth him, whom they call Husband. Their Change of Raiment ſhews the fulneſs of his Wardrobe; their waſhed p. 229Robes, the rinſing Virtue of his Blood; their Curioſity, his Diſpoſition, Purity, and Greatneſs. The comely ſitting of each piece in its due place, doth Evidence the Trueneſs of his Glaſs, viz. the Scriptures; yea, every freſh Addition makes them look more like to Chriſt, Grace being his very Image, Col. 3. 10. and therefore ſelf-adorning Saints are ſaid to put on Chriſt, Rom. 13. 14. And thus will Chriſt be Magnified in our Bodies, Phil. 1. 20. as God was Manifeſted in Chriſt's Fleſh, 1 Tim. 3. 16. becauſe the Father's Glory was to be ſeen in him, John 1. 14. as His in Us, when we are Ready.

7. Thus ſhall we be more uſeful (at the Preſent) unto others, with whom we do converſe; which is a Motive (ſtrong enough) to make us Haſten. All are more apt to mind Examples, than a Rule: Although God's Law was ſtill the ſame, yet when there was no King (or Judge) in Iſrael, to put that Law in Practice, then every one did what ſeemed good unto him, Judg. 17. 6. So is it in the want of Exemplary Saints. Children will gather Wood, when Fathers make the Fire, and Mothers knead the Dough for an Idolatrous Uſe, Jer. 7. 18. Some are Adventurous to be Offenſive i… their Habits, &c. becauſe they ſee Profeſſors ſo altered. How ready were the People to withſtand the Prohibition, when they had Leaders to go before them, Hag. 1. 12. Now, Paul was willing to be from Chriſt (a while) for others good, Phil. 1. 23. 34. much more ſhould we get Ready therefore; which is indeed the way to be with him, at leaſt-wiſe ſooner than can be elſe expected.

8. Elſe ſhall we ill Requite his Love, in Tarrying all this while, for ſuch a purpoſe. Chriſt is Affectionate, unto the Height: who did Exceedingly Deſire to eat his Laſt (or Death-importing) Paſſeover, Luke 23. 15. much more to ſee this Wedding day, as ever did a Youthful Bridegroom, Iſa. 62. 5. whoſe waiting therefore, is like that of a Dropſie Man for Drink, which Exerciſeth Patience to the utmoſt. Now, as he partly tarrieth, untill the Vintage (viz. the wicked) be fully Ripe, Rev. 14. 18. So more eſpecially, untill the Wheat (or Harveſt) be ſo, Mat. 13. 30. or till the Bride be Ready, Rev. 19. 7. whoſe Readineſs conſiſteth (Mainly) in the Readineſs of her Companions. And if for our Expediency, he Tarrieth Now, as he did ſometime (therefore) Go away, John 16. 7. ſhall we then Trifle? VVould not that be, as to His Grief, ſo to Our ſhame, if not the Aggravating and Occaſioning of our Excluſion.

9. Thus ſhall we haſten (what in us lieth) the Coming of this day of God, which is a Duty, 2 Pet. 3. 12. and that which All (in words) Deſire, Mal. 3. 1. And as we are to Haſten it by our Prayer, Iſa. 62. p. 2307. ſo (more eſpecially) by our getting Ready, 1 Pet. 1. 13. elſe ſhall we not Compleatly Haſten it. As Chriſt is therefore ſlack, to Evidence his willingneſs, that none ſhould Periſh, 2 Pet. 3. 9. ſo is he purpoſed to Wait untill his Precious ones be Ready; as he could not Deſtroy the Sodomites, till Lot was come to Zoar, Gen. 19. 22. ſo will he now do for his Servants ſake, Iſa. 65. 8. But if his Jewels were all made up, ſuch would not then be faulted for his ſtaying: Till when, Chriſt's Spirit in them (whilſt they are Praying for his Coming) cannot but Tax them, as being the Cauſe, why he yet cannot Come: And it will be exceeding ſad, if we ſhall be thus Acceſſary to our own and others Miſery.

10. Thus will his Coming be more Comfortable to us, than otherwiſe can be expected. Chriſt in his People, is the Hope of Glory, as to the Groundedneſs of ſuch an Hope, Col. 1. 27. and is its ſweetneſs alſo, ſince all Delight ariſeth from the Union or Conjunction of things ſuitable each to other. They who are fully Ready, will have the cleareſt ſight of all that Glory; the fineſt Taſte of that Proviſion, and deepeſt ſhare in all the other Priviledg… of that Diſpenſation. Such in whom Love (or Grace) is Perfected, will then have Boldneſs, in that Day of Judgment; becauſe as He now is, ſo They are in this World, 1 John 4. 17. Whereas that Day will be Confounding unto others, Amos 5. 18. who then will be afraid, Iſa. 33. 14. (as Naked Adam was, Gen. 3. 10.) and therefore call upon the Hills to Cover them, Luke, 23. 30. at leaſt-wiſe much aſhamed, becauſe th…y have not kept their Garments, Rev. 16. 15.

11. Elſe will it be (at leaſt) unto our Loſs, ſo far as Chriſt will then be fain to Dreſs us, or to make up (by his laſt Inſtantaneous Change) wherein our ſelves were careleſly Defective. 'Tis true indeed, Chriſt will have all his People Ready then, becauſe Himſelf will Cloath them with His Change of Raiment, Zech. 3. 4. yet doth it concern them to be Doing what they can, ſince their Reward will then be ſuited to their own Labour, 1 Cor. 3. 8. Saints will then Differ each from other, in point of Glory, Luke 12. 44. as at Chriſt's Perſonal Coming, 1 Cor. 15. 41, 42. which Difference will ariſe from hence, becauſe ſome will have Laboured more, in getting Ready, whilſt others have been ſleeping, Luke 12. 40. 43, 44. The Fuller our ſelf-cloathing is at preſent, the more Gold Lace ſhall we Then have from him, whoſe Recompence will be according unto works, Rev. 2. 23. although ſuch works will then be Changed by Himſelf; but leaſt unto their Loſs who are Moſt Ready Now.

12. Thus ſhall we (at Preſent) have the Comfort of our being p. 231Ready, as it is in it ſelf conſidered, and with Reſpect unto our ſelves. It is with Spiritual Garments, as with Bodily: VVhichWhich are not ſatisfying (unto Curious Virgins) till All be on; nor Eaſie, untill the whole be cloſely. Girt upon us with that Girdle of Truth, Eph. 6. 14. If that meer Moraliſt could ſay, What lack I yet, Mat. 19. 20. much more is Paul forgetful of that Behind, till that Before is alſo added, Phil. 3. 13. Yea, Graces (alſo) are Odoriferous, Cant. 4. 14. and every of a Chriſtian's Garments ſmell like Lebanon, v. 11. whoſe ſweet Pe…ume doth therefore Multiply together with them. And ſince this getting Ready is our Main work, we cannot be too ſoon a… …, when we ſhall have nothing elſe to do; but either to Depart in Peace, or to Go … with Chriſt unto the Marriage.

13. Thus will Chriſt's preſent Tarrying be leſs Burdenſome by far: Or, we ſhall be thus better able to wait for his Appearing; and therefore is waiting joyned with Compleat Adorning, 1 Cor 1. 7. This VVedding-Garment will ſupply the Bridegroom's place, as being the Quinteſſence of that Comforter, which Chriſt hath ſent for ſuch a Purpoſe, John 14. 16. The want of Priviledge is leaſt Oppreſſing unto theſe, who are moſt Buſied about their Duty. Grace is a ſweet Companion in Chriſt's Abſence, as are that VVoman's Children unto her, whoſe Husband is from home: Since as the Father was to be ſeen in Chriſt, John 14. 9. ſo Grace is Chriſt's (Refreſhing) Image, Col. 3. 10. as Children Repreſent their Earthly Father, unto the Comfort of their ſolitary Mother. Yea, Grace will therefore ſatisfie, i… …uch a caſe; becauſe it is the Creature's VVill reſign'd to God.

14. Thus ſhall we alſo keep Awake, whilſt others ſlumber. Undreſſing and Nodding oft-times go Together; but never was Virgin known (I think) to Nod whilſt getting Ready. Infants (indeed) will ofttimes ſleep while they are Dreſſed by another; which Active ſelf-adorners are not ſeen to do. Such are kept waking, for fear of being prickt with Pins, if careleſly put in, more than if heedleſly plucked out. Yea, ſelf-adorning Virgins are ſo apt to be in Love with their Attire, Jer. 2. 32. as not to ſlumber at ſuch a Time, becauſe of ſelf-beholding and ſelf-pleaſing Fancies then at work. Such alſo are convinced of the Near approaching D…y, as Putting on this Armour of Light evinceth, Rom. 13. 12. who therefore cannot ſleep. And as Activity (in any caſe) will keep one waking, ſo more eſpecially in this, for fear of Ruffling that by ſleeping, which is now putting on with care.

15. Elſe ſhall we not Go with Chriſt unto the Marriage, as is here plainly ſignified. As all Things will be Ready then, Mat. 22. 4. ſo muſt all ſorts of Perſons be, v. 12. and if unſanctified Iſrael might not p. 232eat thoſe Quails, Numb. 11. 18. much leſs thi… Marriage Supper. If Spots ought not to be in Ordinary Feaſts of Charity among Profeſſors, Jude 12. much leſs will ſuch a Glorious Bride and Bridegroom be Reproached with Unready Gueſts. Can we then be too forward at ſuch a work? Perſons invited to ſome Curious Feaſt, need not be bid to Dreſs themſelves apace; eſpecially when a ſecond Meſſenger brings word, that All is Ready: This is our preſent caſe, Mat. 22. 4. Remember what lies at ſ…ake, and if we have any Appetite to thoſe fore-named Diſhes, (which he that Eats not of, will Dye for ever;) ſo let u… call for Hel… …nd ſtand no longer Prating; but on with one thing after another; for fear of being ſhut out with Fooliſh or unready Virgins.

16. This being Ready is of Neceſſary Uſe, with reference un… our Change by Death, which may be ſudden; although this Coming of the Bridegroom ſhould not prove ſo near, as ſome may hope it is. Were this a Duty meerly relating to an uncertain time, which Poſſibly may not be this Hundred Years, we might be Tempted to Doſpiſe an Exhortation thereunto. But if we Judge that Perſonal Death may be at Hand, this Holy Readineſs will then beſtead us; and without which our Diſſolution will be ſad: But when our Courſe is finiſhed, then ſhall we be (as Paul was) Ready to Depart from hence with Joy, 2 Tim. 4. 6, 7. And though we ſhould not Live to ſee this Second Marriage upon Earth; yet if we Dye in ſuch a Ready poſture, we ſhall be at a better Feaſt in Abraham's Boſom, and with the Lord himſelf, Phil. 1. 23. …ill called from thence unto his far more Glorious Perſonal Marriage.

I ſhall Conclude with ſome few Spiritual Helps and ſuitable Directions, (ſti…l holding to this Metaphor of getting Ready in a Bodily Reſpect,) which are as Followeth.

1. Let us Eye the Beauty of our being thus Adorned. This Garment doth conſiſt of Fineſt Linnen, Rev. 19. 8. and Cloth of Gold, Pſal. 45. 13. beſet with Jewels, Iſa. 61. 10. and all bran New, Iſa. 48. 7. which Virgins are Ambitious of. Thus will our Nakedneſs and ſhame be covered, Rev. 16. 15. this Robe being white and Long, Rev. 7. 13. which alſo is exceeding Grave, and therefore was Affected by the Phariſees, Mark 12. 38. Thence is it, that Saints do Love them moſt who are moſt Neat: And if a ſinner doth not Love, yet doth he therefore Envy ſuch, becauſe out-ſhining him: Yea, ſuch are therefore Tempted moſt by Satan, to become his Harlots, becauſe of their Excelling Beauty. However, as Chriſt will thus be moſt Enamoured with us, Cant. 7. 1. 6. ſo we ſhall have moſt Comfort in our ſelves, when thus p. 233Adorned; ſince Man (as Man) would fain be Fine, though (Naturally) Ignorant of trueſt Comelineſs, Rom. 10. 3.

2. Let us conſider how Fine the Bridegroom and the Bride will be at ſuch a time, which may provoke our Labouring to be accordingly. Chriſt will appear in Glory then, Pſal. 102. 16. who will be aſhamed of Unready Virgins, Mark 8. 38. but will confeſs their Name before his Father, Rev. 3. 5. whoſe Garments (Now) are undefiled, v. 4. The Bride then alſo will be Ready, Rev. 19. 7. who Now is bid awake, in Order thereunto, Iſa. 52. 1. and if the Miſtreſs be up, what ſhame it is that Maids ſhould be Aſleep. That Diſpenſation will abound with Priviledges, the having of which Precious Promiſes ſhould cauſe ſelf-cleanſing from all kind of Filthineſs, 2 Cor. 7. 1. Could we but Eye that Recompence of Reward, Heb. 11. 26. how would it make us to abound in Duty, 1 Cor. 15. 58. and we may bluſh to think of not being inwardly Cloathed on, ſo as to ſuit that Outward Glory, which all the Saints will then have put upon them.

3. Did we but ſeriouſly enquire, what of the Night, or what a Clock it is, Iſa. 21. 11. the Watch-man would inform us how far the Night is ſpent, and therefore Haſten our Putting on this Armour of Light, Rom. 13. 12. Satan would fain perſwade us, as did that Levites Father-in-Law, that either it is too ſoon, Judg. 19. 8. or elſe too late, v. 9. but as the Door is not yet ſhut, ſo no Man knows how ſoon it may be; which ſhould provoke our making ſpeed. The Virgins have had (already) their firſt ſleep, out of Doubt; and ſuch as have been Throughly wakened, can ſleep no more, but are ſelf-dreſſing; and Sluggards never were more heavy than at preſent, through Multiplicity of Benign Vapours inviting them to ſleep: All which are Probable Signs of Day being not far off, And if the Nearneſs of our Salvation, much more the ſhortneſs of that Time which may be Now behind, wherein to get us Ready before Day break.

4. Let us Obſerve what Haſte poor ſinners make to Get them Ready for that Diſpenſation: whoſe being fitted to Deſtruction, Rom. 9. 22. (or filling up the Meaſure of their Sin, Mat. 23. 32.) is that for which Chriſt partly Tarrieth, as Gen. 15. 16. That Prince (immediately preceding Chriſt) is therefore eminently called Wicked and Prophane, Ezek. 21. 25, 26, 27. that Intereſt ſucceeding the Fourth Beaſt's Deſtruction (in the little Horn) is therefore Repreſented by the other Beaſts, which were more Groſſely wicked, Dan. 7. 11, 12. And the Aſſyrian Party (which is the ſame) are therefore ſaid to be Conſumed Soul and Body, Iſa. 10. 18. That Vintage Ripens moſt (as in the Letter) towards the Fall; and is it not a ſhame, that Wheat ſhould p. 234come Behind? Yea, Real Saints ſhall Purifie, (at ſuch a time) as Others then will ſignally be Wicked, Dan. 12. 10.

5. The fineſt Ornaments are ſooneſt had (with-Chriſt) and at the Cheapeſt rate; yea other things (for Nought) together with them. Trades men will make him ſtay who onelyonly comes for Thread, to ſerve Another with Gold or Silver-lace: and 'tis not Chriſt's fault but ours, in Caſe the Spirit be not had for Asking, Luke 11. 9. 13; ſince he made Jairus wait for an Outward Mercy, till that Believing Woman's Faith was firſt relieved, though ſhe came laſt, Mark 5. 22, 23, 25. Yea, Heaven Embraceth (as it were) us Dwellers upon Earth, or offereth it ſelf unto us freely; whileſt Lower good things require Digging, Job. 3. 21. which ſhould encourage us to covet earneſtly that which is Beſt. And if we help Chriſt off with choycer Graces, he will Throw in what is of Leſſer value: therefore moſt ſpiritual Saints have alway been moſt univerſally endued with other vertues; and carefull Practiſers of Time-D…ties, are not Defective otherwayes.

6. Let us Uſe (or Look our ſelves in) the Glaſs; by which the Scriptures are reſembled; in order unto our being Compleatly-Dreſt, 2 Cor. 3. 18. Mens Words and Actions are ſome kind of Looking-glaſs, but moſtly falſe: the minding whereof too much, occaſions Groundleſs Self Conceit, 2 Cor. 10. 12. But taking heed unto the Word of God, is that by which a Young man's Way is to be Cleanſed, Pſal. 119. 9. We Now muſt ſee by That, 1 Cor. 13. 12. which though but Dark (compared with one's ſeeing face to face) yet is it True, Pſal. 19. 9. and that by which all other Glaſſes muſt be tryed, Iſa. 8. 20. Did we compare our ſelves more with the Rule, how ſhould we Bluſh, to ſee our Shame Reflected, through want of what is requiſite unto our being Comely. Bu… let us not goe away, till that be Rectified which is Amiſs; elſe ſhall we ſoon forget what manner of men we were, whileſt ſelf-beholding in that Glaſs, Jam. 1. 23.

7. Let us not chooſe to be Alone; which in the ſtate of Innocency was not Good, Gen. 2. 18; but is Now Wofull, Eccl. 4. 10. The time is coming, when Saints ſhall Equalize the Angels, Luke 20. 36; who are Alluded unto in that Deſcription of thoſe four Beaſts (or living Creatures) being full of Eyes Before and Behind, Rev. 4. 6, 7, compared with Ezek. 1. 10: but till that time, a Friend Behind us may be of neceſſary uſe, to rectifie what is amiſs upon our Backs. Yea Company (in it ſelf conſidered) doth much provoke to be more Neat than otherwiſe; ſo little know we how to walk, as being alway in the ſight of God. Affected Solitarineſs and ſpiritual Sluttiſhneſs, are mutual Cauſes each of other; whatever Curioſity may be Pretended unto. p. 235Let me be Left Alone (by others) in my way of Duty, Joh: 16. 32. but not Affect it; for fear of being like him who was a wild Aſs Alone by himſelf, Hoſ. 8. 9.

8. Let us make Choice of our Companions though; elſe had we better be Alone, as to our getting Ready. Man is ſo apt to be as his Companions are, that God himſelf is ſaid to be ſo, Pſal. 18. 26; ſo far as his Unchangeableneſs, Jam. 1. 17, is capable of Variation. But Peter put off his Gentile (Genteel) Garb, ſo ſoon as ſome of the Circumciſed Habit came, Gal. 2. 12: and thereby did much Harm to Others, v. 13: and upon which Account, Paul ſeparated the B…lieving Gentiles from thoſe Jews, Act. 19. 9. Some call that Pride, which is the Neweſt (though Heavenly) Faſhion: and if a Councel were Now call'd among Profeſſors, ſome kind of ſpiritual Spruceneſs in Apparel would be Condemned, as that in Letter was, by the Fifteenth Canon of the Second Nicene Councel. Some are Enforced to with-draw; yea Others therefore are Caſt out, becauſe they Dare not Touch that Garment which is ſpotted with the Fleſh: and bleſſed is he who doth Prevent ſuch kind of Cenſures by his ſelf-choſen Separation, 2 Cor. 6. 17.

9. Let us make haſte in Dying unto Chrnal Bravery; So ſhall we have more Time and Love for Holy ſelf-Adorning. Some are ſo vainly ſtudious of Worldly Faſhions, or ſo Conformed thereunto; as that Transforming (Inward) Renovations are neglected; theſe being Inconſiſtent, Rom. 12. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 9, 10. 1 Pet. 3: 3; 4, 5. Chriſt finds no fault, (ſave with the Plaintiff) when Martha (or the Outward man) complains of Mary, for leaving her Alone, in competition with that One thing Needfull, Luke …0. 39, 40, 41, 42. Perſons in Love with their own cieled Houſes, are ſoon Prohibited from Religious Building, Hag. 1. 4. and ſeveral would follow Chriſt, if they had Nothing elſe to doe, Luke 9. 59. 61. Yea ſpiritual Neatneſs is therefore ſleighted by ſome Profeſſors, becauſe Induments of a Moral Nature are ſo prized: Therefore Paul crieth down theſe Lower Gifts, which hindred thoſe Babiſh Corinthians from what was more Excelling, 1 Cor. 14. 19, 20. 22

10. Let us look chiefly To our ſelves; but let us take he…d of Looking too much At our ſelves, or Truſting in our apprehended Beauty; which doth Begin with Fornications, Ezek. 16. 15. and juſtly Ends with being ſtripped, v. 39. Some are ſo buſie in Dreſſing Others, as to forget Themſelves; which in a ſpiritual Caſe is Paradoxal, Luke 6. 42. Others are ſo in love with ſome Particular thing upon them, as to leave Adding thereunto; and ſo that ſingle Ornament doth but Increaſe p. 236their ſhame, as doth a New Lawn Apron upon a Tattered Gown. Whereas Humility is both the Gloſs of every Garment, and that which makes unſatisfied untill the whole be on: yea, alway ſpying ſome Defect, and earneſtly Deſiring help accordingly. Therefore ſo Few are Ready at this Day, becauſe ſo Many are in Love with former puttings on; not being able to Forget what is Behind, the ſight whereof ſhould onelyonly ſtirre us up to Perfect that which is ſo well Begun. Then ſhall we be Ready to goe with Chriſt into his Second Temple, when all our Women's Looking-glaſſes are converted into Lavers, as Exod. 38. 8; or when our ſelf-Beholding ſhall be turned into ſelf-purifying, for which that Laver ſerved.