The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened, Parable · Verse 2

The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened · Parable · Verse 2

p. 17Mat. XXV. 2.

And Five of them were wiſe, and Five were Fooliſh.

IN theſe words we have the Ten fore-named Virgins Diſtributed, or Diſtinguiſhed, with reference unto their Wiſdom and Folly, which cannot be meant in a Natural ſence, as Eccl. 2. 19. Or in a Worldly ſence, as Luke 16. 8. Or in one's own Conceit and Apprehenſion onelyonly, which is forbidden, Rom. 12. 6. But in a Moral ſence, and in Reality.

And ſo the Obſervation from theſe words, is this.

Obſerv. Profeſſors in theſe latter days, will be, ſome of them Spiritually wiſe, and others of them in the ſame ſence Fooliſh; as Folly is put for ſin, and Wiſdom for New Covenant-Grace.

Whence ſeveral things ar… offered to be enquired into.

Queſt: 1. Why is New Covenant-Grace expreſt by Wiſdom, &c.

Anſw. 1. Wiſdom is chiefly ſeated in the Underſtanding, or Intellectual Faculty, and doth conſiſt in Light or Knowledge, and ſo doth Grace, which therefore is Reſembled by it. The New Man is renewed in Knowledge, Col. 3. 10. And Grace is called the Law of the Mind, Rom. 7. 23. Whilſt ſin is oft-times called Darkneſs, Eph. 4. 18. and 5. 8. Which meerly being Privative, doth therefore need no poſitive Cauſe; and conſequently there's no Neceſſity, that either God ſhould be its Author, or that the Soul (which is its Subject) ſhould be by Natural Generation (upon the one of which Rocks many have run, from un-acquaintance with ſin's proper Notion) ſince ſin is nothing but the Iſſue of an Active Spirit, devoid of Light, which then cannot but err or ſtumble, John 11. 10.

2. Wiſdom (or Knowledge) is that, wherein the Image of God conſiſteth, Col. 3. 10. A lower kind of wiſdom, was that wherein conſiſted (mainly) God's Eſſential Image, Gen. 1. 26. And higheſt wiſdom (or true Holineſs) is that, wherein God's Perſonal Image doth conſiſt, Eph. 4. 24. As Chriſt who was his Father's wiſdom, Luke 11. 49. (with Mat. 23. 34.) Is therefore called the Image of his Perſon, Heb. 1. 3. Which is the onelyonly Image of God, now owned by him, in a Moral ſence; ſo that a Godly wiſe Man is now the onelyonly God-like Man, whereas the Fooliſh ſinner is like unto the Devil, John 8. 44. who is Reſembled by that Fooliſh Woman, Prov. 9. 13. In oppoſition unto Chriſtor Wiſdom, v. 1.

p. 183. Wiſdom is to be got with all our getting, as that which is the Principal thing, Prov. 4. 7. Above Gold and Silver, Prov. 16. 16. More precious than Rubies, Prov. 3. 13. 15. Or all that can be elſe deſired, Prov. 8. 11. The price whereof Man knoweth not, Job 28. 12, 13. All which is true concerning Grace, which therefore is fitly called Wiſdom. Grace is that Better part, or One thing Needful, Luke 10. 41, 42. and will be generally ſo accounted, though now contemned. Saints would not loſe their Graces for all the World. Godlineſs is profitable for all things, 1 Tim. 4. 8. It maketh a Poor Man Rich, Rev. 2. 9 A Needy Man contented, Phil. 4. 11, 12. And taketh the upper hand of preſent Peace, 1 Theſ. 1. 1. and future Glory, Pſal. 84. 11.

4. Wiſdom is very Rare, and ſo is Goſpel-Grace. Great men are not always wiſe, nor yet the Aged, Job 3…. 9. Job found not one wiſe man among his Friends, Job 17. 10. And wiſdom was far from Solomon himſelf, when he ſaid, I will be Wiſe, Eccl. 7. 23. The whole world doth lye in wickedneſs, 1 John 5. 19. And the one half of Profeſſing Virgins are here declared to be Fooliſh; yea, 'tis but little Grace th…'s to be found among the beſt of God's own People. Some call their Vices Vertues; and moſt Men count that Spiritual, which is but meerly Animal, or Natural, becauſe they judge of Actions and Affections by their Matter onelyonly: according to which Rule, the Sacred Fire upon the Jewiſh Altar might have been counted Common.

5. Wiſdom is chiefly ſelf-advantaging, and ſo is Grace. If thou be wiſe, thou ſhalt be wiſe for thy ſelf, Prov. 9. 12. Such may be profitable to themſelves, though not to God, Job 22. 2. He therefore loveth his own Soul, who getteth wiſdom, Prov. 19. 8. 'Tis true, good works are alſo Profitable unto others, Tit. 3. 8. But as ſelf-gain is far the greateſt, ſo Grace (as Grace) doth onelyonly benefit the Soul it ſelf. And though one's ſtrength may help another, without his will, yet wiſdom is not Effectual to Preſerve, or Guide, ſave him in whom it is. Gifts may more profit others than ones ſelf, but Grace leaves not its Owner deſtitute of what it gives to others.

6. A little Folly doth prejudice him very much, who is reputed wiſe; as ſweeteſt Oyntments are moſt unſavoury, in Caſe dead Flyes be in them, Eccl. 10. 1. And ſo it is with Goſpel-Grace. A dirty Swine is not ſo much obſerved as a Dirty Sheep; nor ſin in any, ſo much as in the Saints, becauſe their Linnen is clean and white, Rev. 19. 8. which maketh ſpots to be the more conſpicuous. Degenerating Saints are moſt abominable, as Animal parts and Spirits Putrified (becauſe they are the beſt) are moſt Offenſive. Let not a wiſe man therefore utter p. 19vanity, whatever others do, Job 15. 2. Remembring how wicked ones Blaſphemed when David fell, 2 Sam. 12. 14. becauſe he had a name for wiſdom.

Queſt. 2. How ſhall we Diſtinguiſh between a Wiſe and Fooliſh Virgin?

Anſw. 1. By way of Premiſe. No Man is able (Infallibly) to make it out, wherein this Difference doth conſiſt, ſo as to ſatisfie himſelf or others fully, from the bare Matter of beſt Actions and Aff…ctions; all which are Imitable by ſome cunning Hypocrite, who mainly differeth from a Real Saint, in point of Principle, or with Reſpect unto that Spiritual Root of Actions and Affections, which chiefly conſtituteth their being Gracious; the Nature of which Root is ſo Myſterious, as that it cannot well be uttered, much leſs be clearly underſtood, without the Spirit's Light and Witne…. So that man's utmoſt work and skill (in matters of this Nature) is, rather to ſhew the Negative, or who are not wiſe Virgins; (ſince fleſhly Fruits are, of the two, more manifeſt, Gal. 5. 19.) than to pretend unto the Demonſtration of Spirituality; ſave by thoſe choiſer Effects and Properties, wherewith true Goſpel-Grace is conſtantly Attended; but yet it is very Cautelouſly to be Concluded by them. And though ſome more Diſtinguiſhing Character (than thoſe which follow) might poſſibly be produced, in caſe the buſineſs were purſued at large; yet is my preſent enquiry bounded by this Metaphor of Wiſdom, and what the Scripture ſpeaketh unto the point in hand, under that ſpecial and peculiar conſideration. Therefore let not the expectations of any be over-large, ſince I am now under a double Limitation, viz. Firſt, Of holding to this ſingle word of Wiſdom; and Secondly, Of ſhewing rather, who are Fooliſh, or Graceleſs Perſons, than who may (Peremptorily) be termed Wiſe; at leaſt, with reference unto the Greater part of mine enſuing Characters.

This being Premiſed, I now ſhall Anſwer unto the fore-named Queſtion, by way of ſober Reſolution, from what the Scripture ſpeaks concerning Wiſdom, by which the Nature of Goſpel-Grace is ſhadowed out unto us. And ſo,

1. A Godly wiſe man departs from Evil, Prov. 11. 14. 16. Job 28. 28. Sin doth Depart from others, perhaps, together with the Tempter, who ſometimes gives his Servants Reſt: Or from the want of Natural ſtrength, as ſome Corruptions may decay with Age; or elſe becauſe one Luſt calls for another, as Covetouſneſs will make the Drunkard ſober. But otherwiſe, it is a ſport to Fools to be miſchievous, Prov. 10. 23. And an abomination to depart from Evil, Prov. 13. 19. Whereas p. 20a Gracious Heart runs from a Temptation as from a Bear, and leaveth ſin, before it leaveth him; groaning to be delivered, Rom. 7. 24. Accepting help offered, as Jer. 41. 13, 14. and keeping himſelf from being touched afterwards, 1 John 5. 18.

2. Wiſe men are for a good Foundation, or Building upon a Rock, Mat. 7. 24. whilſt Fools are ſatisfied with a ſandy bottom, v. 26. If …ooliſh Virgins be but Reformed, or bear ſome pleaſant Fruit, they never mind the Root or Principal, which is the main of all. Whereas the wiſer ſort, are for the changing of their Tree, Mat. 12. 23. and bearing Fruit in Chriſt John 15. 2. Or in the newneſs of the Spirit, Rom. 7. 6. Such are for making their Election ſure, 2 Pet. 1. 10. Proving themſelves, 2 Cor. 13. 5. and begging of God to ſearch them, Pſal. 139. 23. becauſe they know, the faireſt Super-ſtructure will ſtand or fall, according to the Nature of its Ground, whereon 'tis raiſed.

3. Wiſe men are very circumſpect (or Accurate) in their walking, which Fools are not, Eph. 5. 15. Poor Fooliſh Virgins make light of Dallying with Temptations, and mock at ſomething which is a ſin, Prov. 14. 9. In caſe their Copy by not blotted, Hair-ſtrokes are not much heeded in their writing. Whereas a Goſpel-Saint is very curious, hating vain Thoughts, Pſal. 119. 113. Abſtaining from Appearances of Evil, 1 Theſ. 5. 22. Proving the Perfect will of God, Rom. 12. 2. not venturing unto the utmoſt of what is Lawful, 1 Cor. 10. 23. but walking worthy of the Lord to all well-pleaſing, Col 1. 10. and begging to be cleanſed from ſecret faults, Pſal. 19. 12.

4. Wiſe ones are for the Building of their Houſe, or for the carrying on of what they have begun; but Fooliſh Perſons are for the plucking down of their own building, with their own Hands, Prov. 14. 1. Theſe Fooliſh Virgins went out at firſt, but failed the ſecond time, and ſo loſt all their Labour. And therefore with what Face can ſome men Glory in a former Teſtimony for that Truth, from whence they have ſince fallen? Such ſeem to be Chriſt's Houſe at preſent, but do not prove ſo in the Iſſue, becauſe they hold not out untill the End, Heb. 3. 6. Many come out of Egypt, who yet come not to Canaan, becauſe their time is ſpent in walking to and fro, whilſt in the Wilderneſs. Whereas a Gracious Heart goes forward, Ezek. 1. 9. forgetting what is behind, Phil. 1. 13. And alway adding unto his Spiritual good Beginnings, 2 Pet. 1. 5.

5. VViſe men will Hear, Prov. 1. 5. And Hearken unto Counſel, Prov. 12. 15. And will receive Commands, Prov. 10. 8. VVhereas Fools are not to be ſpoken unto, becauſe they will deſpiſe the Speakers wiſdom, Prov. 23. 9. How ſadly doth ſome Profeſſor's prating evidence p. 21their preſent Folly, and their future Fall, Prov. 10. 8. When Truths are not received in Love, (whatever Ignorance may be pretended) 'tis one ſad ſign of a Profeſſors ſtate, 2 Theſ. 2. 10. 12. And this is the ſaddeſt time for Cavilling that ever was, as Fooliſh Virgins will Experience, with whom the wiſe (at ſuch a time) will not delight to Talk, when ſought unto for Oyl or Light, Mat. 25. 8, 9. whoſe Anſwer intimateth, their being weary of Diſcourſing with them.

6. A wiſe man ſeeketh knowledge, Prov. 18. 15. and doth not onelyonly receive it, when brought unto him: Such know its worth, and that it lyeth low, as Silver doth; which putteth them upon a ſuitable ſearching for it, Prov. 2. 4. Saints can have no Peace, in being Ignorant of their Duty, but are Induſtrious to underſtand it. Some things are left more dark in the Scriptures, that ſtudious Saints might be diſtinguiſhed from ſluggiſh ſinners, whoſe Soul deſireth, and hath nothing, Prov. 13. 4. How little is ſome kind of Knowledge ſearched after by the generality, who rather ſeem to be afraid of ſeeing that which hazardeth their worldly Intereſt, and thereby are evinced to be Fooliſh Virgins.

7. The wiſdom of the Prudent, is, to underſtand his way, Prov. 14. 8. and to look well unto his going, v. 15. Such will not ſee with others Eyes, as to the matters of their Faith and Practice; but Labour for a full perſwaſion in themſelves, Rom. 14. 5. They are not under the Command of Major vote, 1 Kings 22. 13, 14. but are Redeemed from Traditions, 1 Pet. 1. 18. and have no Maſter, (or Leader of the way) ſave onelyonly Chriſt, Mat. 23. 10. Whereas the ſimple believeth every of ſome mens words, Prov. 14. 15. and it ſufficeth him, if others can make it out, with reference to what he Doeth, or doth Believe. The greateſt part (I fear) of late Profeſſors, may thus be proved to be Fooliſh Virgins.

8. Wiſe men are for the Reduction of what they know, unto the Rule of Practice; or for the ſhewing of their wiſdom by their works and Converſation, James 3. 13. The Doer of Chriſt's ſayings, is onelyonly dignified with hat name of wiſe, Mat. 7. 24. whereas the ſimple Hearer is called Fooliſh, v. 26. At what a rate will ſome men talk? Wherewith themſelves are fully ſatisfied, like ſilly Fools. Many can hear their ſin Reproved, and will Repeat what they have heard, remaining ſtill what formerly they were. But Goſpel-Saints are not for empty Speculations, or the Diſcourſive part of Duty, or an impoſing upon others onelyonly; by which their Heavenly wiſdom doth appear.

9 Rebuke a Wiſe Man and he will love thee, Prov. 9. 8. So far are ſ…h from Scorning to be Reproved; yea, a Reproof doth enter into p. 22ſuch, more than an hundred-ſtripes into a Fool, Prov. 17. 10. Profeſſors are generally grown ſo Proud, that one had better meet a Bear, than Offer to deal plainly with them, Prov. 17. 12. Much leſs are they Reduced by Reproofs; which doth evince their preſent Folly, and is a ſign of following ſtripes. But Goſpel-Saints would have the Righteous ſmite them, Pſal. 141. 5. And ſheep will run upon their Shepherd's whiſtle, before his Dog be ſent among them. Indeed ſome Fooliſh Virgins may bear to be Rebuked; but wiſer ones are by that means Reclaimed alſo, which others ſeldom are.

10. Wiſe men are firſt for Purity, and then for Peace, James 3. 17. whilſt others are afraid, leſt if Truths windows be too big, the Houſe of Peace will by that means be weakned; whereas it is a Duty to throw that Houſe out of Truth's window, rather than that its Light ſhould be Obſcured. The general out-cry at this day for Civil Peace, whatever becomes of Truth, doth but declare men to be Fooliſh. Whilſt Hezekiah was for Peace and Truth, Iſa. 39. 8. And all are bid to be for Truth and Peace, Zech. 8. 16. Moſt men endeavour onelyonly to preſerve an Outward Union; but Paul was meerly for keeping the Spirit's Unity in the Bond of Peace, Eph. 4. 3. Sinners would fain have Peace of Conſcience: but as there is no Peace unto the wicked, ſo Goſpel-Saints are for no Peace with ſin; but are for Purity of Conſcience firſt, and in the ſecond place, for Peace. Yea, this holds true, with reference unto the Peace of God; which though it be highly prized by the Godly wiſe, yet is Grace firſt deſired by them, and Peace in the ſecond place, Eph. 1. 2.

11. Wiſe men do very much Obſerve God's dealings with themſelves and others, which helps their Underſtanding, Pſal. 107. 43. Such are Inſtructed, when others Suffer, Prov. 21. 11. becauſe they wiſely conſider of God's doing, Pſal. 64. 9. And in Relation to themſelves; ſuch earneſtly deſire to know, why God contendeth with them, Job 10. 2. and what he would have them do, at ſuch a time, Acts 9. 6. Such alſo take notice of their Mercy, and its Circumſtances; how it is within the Time prefixed, Exod. 12. 41. when in a low Eſtate, Pſal. 136. 23. when deſtitute of other help, 2 Tim. 4. 16, 17. when in a Dream, or not expecting it, Pſal. 126. 1. and when prepared for it, Pſal. 10. 17.

12. The Heart of the Wiſe is in the Houſe of Mourning, whilſt Fools are in the Houſe of Mirth, Eccl. 7. 4. Mourning and Mirth were wont to Live in ſeveral Houſes, though later times have much confounded Funerals, and Feſtivals; but Saints are to be known by their abiding in a ſerious Frame, as in their conſtant Habitation. There is a p. 23Sober pleaſantneſs, which (in its ſeaſon) is allowed, Eccl. 9. 7. and an Affected ſadneſs is both Ridiculous and Sinful, Mat. 6. 16. But Sorrow is better than Laughter, Eccl. 7. 3. And as the Levity of ſome Profeſſors (at this Day eſpecially) will end in Heavineſs, Prov. 14. 13. So doth it ſadly witneſs (at the preſent) their want of Spiritual Wiſdom.

13. Wiſdom doth much appear in men's Diſcourſe. A Fool is full of Words, Eccl. 10. 14. which he that hath Knowledge ſpareth, Prov. 17. 27. A Saint's Spiritual Fruits prevent his being over-full of Leaves, which Barren Trees do moſt abound with. And though a wiſe man is not for an Affected (much leſs a ſinful) ſilence; yet when he ſpeaketh, the words of his Mouth are Gracious, Ecc. 10. 12. Becauſe his Heart doth teach his Mouth, Prov. 16. 23. And therefore his Tongue is Health, Prov. 12. 18. Now, if in the bare multitude of words, there wants not ſin, Prov. 10. 19. much more doth ſuper-added frothineſs declare mens Spiritual Folly, and then too many of our Profeſſors cannot avoid the Name of Fooliſh Virgins.

14. A wiſe man's Heart diſcerneth both Time and Judgment, Eccl. 8. 5. and ſo his Miſery is prevented, v. 6. Wiſe Virgins are Inſtructed to go forth in Time, Mat. 25. 10. To Pray in a Time of finding, Pſal, 32. 6. To bring forth Fruit in its proper Seaſon, Pſal. 1. 3. which makes it Beautiful, Eccl. 3. 11. All Sion's Sons are Taught of God, Iſa. 54. 13. And therefore they know the fitteſt Time of Mourning and Rejoycing, (whereof the Phariſees were Ignorant, Mat. 9. 14, 15.) Of minding worldly matters, (which poor Gehazi did not, 2 Kings 5. 26,) When they ſhould be Importunate with God for ſparing Mercy, Joel 2. 17. And when they ſhould hold their Peace before him in an evil Time, Amos 5. 13. and 6. 10.

15. Much of men's Wiſdom and Underſtanding appeareth in the Coolneſs of their Spirit, Prov. 17. 27. as the Margin hath it; or in the Moderation of their Inordinate Affections, which they that are Chriſt's have Crucified, Gal. 5. 24. Such can Converſe about theſe Lower things, in a way of Holy Careleſsneſs, 1 Cor. 7. 29, 30, 31. Which others mind with all their might. And in particular, wiſdom doth much appear in Meekneſs; James 3. 13. by which a Prudent man doth cover ſhame, Prov. 12. 16. unto his Honour, Prov. 20. 3. whereas a Fools Wrath is preſently known, Prov. 12. 16. His Lips do enter into Contention, Prov. 18. 6. And Anger reſteth in his Boſom, Eccl. 7. 9. Unbridled Paſſions are one ſad ſign of Fooliſh Virgins.

16. A Wiſe Man's Eyes are in his Head, Eccl. 2. 14. or ſuch are to be known by Prudent fore-ſight, and by their ſuitable Actings. Such look p. 24to be Beſieged; and therefore they ſtore themſelves before hand with Grace ſufficient for thoſe Encounters. Such ſee, that Riches are uncertain, and therefore they make proviſion for Eternity. Such know, how ſin will gall upon a dying Bed; and therefore they ſhun it whilſt alive. Such do fore-ſee, the ſhutting of Chriſt's Door upon late comers; and therefore they ſtrive to enter, whilſt it ſtands open. Such apprehend Chriſt's Coming may be delayed, and therefore their Veſſels are alſo fill'd with Oyl, for fear their Lamps ſhould fail, when freſh Recruits cannot be had, untill it be too late to buy them.

17. Wiſe men are to be known by their Acquaintance with hidden Myſteries: Daniel was noted for his wiſdom, becauſe no ſecret thing was hid from him, Ezek. 28. 3. who had a Gift of Reſolving doubts, and of ſhewing Hard Sentences, Dan. 5. 11, 12. Anſwerable to which, in Goſpel-times, are thoſe more immediate, and peculiar Diſcoveries of Chriſt's mind, which therefore are called, the wiſdom of God in a Myſtery, 1 Cor. 2. 7. and which are not perceived (ſave as they are ſeen with others Eyes) by him who is meerly Natural, v. 14. Such are Time, Truths, and Duties, which are Diſcoveries of a later date, moſt bitterly oppoſed by the world, and rarely received among Profeſſors; and by Acquaintance wherewith, men of that other Spirit have ever been Diſtinguiſhed from the Generality; nor hath a Real Saint (in all the Scripture) been finally known to fail therein; though Joſhua and Zerubbabel did for a time ſurceaſe the Temple work, or chief Duty of that time, who were not yet owned, till their Return, Hag. 1. 4. and 2. 20. 23.

18. Wiſe men (in Evil Times) are ſubject to be Poor, and therefore to be Deſpiſed, with reference unto their ſingularly uſeful wiſdom; as that Poor man Experienced, who by his wiſdom did Deliver a Beſieged City, Eccl. 9. 14, 15. Indeed the Saints ſhall one day be Supreme, Dan. 7. 27. and then their wiſdom will be Admired, as Solomon's was, becauſe reſiding in ſo Great a Perſon: But in the mean time, (by reaſon o… a wicked Ruler's Errour) Folly is ſet in great Dignity, and the Rich, (viz. in wiſdom, as the Antitheſis plainly ſheweth) ſit in low place, Eccl. 10. 5, 6. Thus Chriſt was thought unworthy to be heard, John 10. 20. whilſt Hypocrites were had in great eſteem, Luke 16. 15. And ſelf-denying Paul was branded for a Fool, whilſt thoſe of a Complying Spirit were called wiſe in Chriſt, 1 Cor. 4. 10. The Generality of Profeſſors are too Rich, too much Regarded, to be Right: Therefore let no man's Popularity (which is the Badge of Fools, … Chriſt ſhall ſit upon his Temporal Throne) become the Object of a wiſe man's Envy.

p. 2519. Wiſdom Directeth unto the Exerciſe of greateſt ſtrength in greateſt Difficulties; as when the Iron is blunt, or when its edge is not whetted, Eccl. 10. 10. Jades will draw down-hill, or when a work is eaſie; but the tryal of Heavenly Metal, is up-hill, or when the wheel is clogged. When Chriſt was in his Agony, he Prayed moſt earneſtly, Luke 22. 44. When David was moſt Derided, he was moſt Reſolute, 2 Sam. 6. 20. 22. And when Paul was in Bonds, the Godly Brethren maintained his Suffering-cauſe with much more Holy boldneſs, Phil. 1. 14. whilſt others plead, the Time is not yet come, Hag. 1. 2. ſo long as Danger doth attend the Temple-work. Yea, a wiſe Man doth Scale the City of the Mighty, and caſteth down the ſirength of the confidence thereof, Prov. 21. 22. that is, he overcometh in his moſt ſharp Encounters. Saul ſlew his Thouſands, but David his Ten thouſands, 1 Sam. 18. 7. becauſe he ſlew that great Goliath, 1 Sam. 17. 51. whom Saul fled from, v. 24. 'Tis one ſad ſign of a Fooliſh Virgin, not to prevail in ſoreſt Conflicts, but to indulge ones fear and weakneſs, with reference unto the Power of ſome Temptations.

20. Lowlineſs and Wiſdom are conſtant Twins, Prov. 11. 2. As Pride is generally the Fools Companion, both in the Letter and myſtery. The Mouth of Fools doth pour out Fooliſhneſs, Prov. 15. 2. whereas the prudent Man concealeth knowledge, Prov. 12. 23. Or is not overforward to Declare what maketh for his Glory. Fools judge themſelves to be exceeding wiſe, Prov. 12. 15. But a wiſe Man thinks that wiſdom is far from him, Eccl. 7. 23. Poor Laodiceans are apt to boaſt, Rev. 3. 17. but he that increaſeth knowledge, increaſeth ſorrow, Eccl. 1. 18. It ſadly ſignifieth, when knowledge puffeth up; when God is upbraided with the Creature's Duty; or when one Duty doth not make way for more. Humility is the varniſher of other Graces, but Pride is the Profeſſor's ſtain, which ſpoileth all his other Beauty. An humble ſinner is better to be liked, than he who Glorieth in his being better, Luke 18. 11. 13, 14. The beſt are Tempted to be Proud. But this Temptation is ſtoutlieſt reſiſted by them; yea, God reſiſts it, and giveth Grace unto the Humble, 1 Pet. 5. 5.

21. Wiſe Men will lay up knowledge, Prov. 10. 14. or Labour to ſecure it for the time to come. There may be much Hearing, Reading, and Conferring, and yet no wiſdom, for lack of laying up what is by ſuch means gained. We Read of Hearing for the time to come, Iſa. 42. 23. Mary was much an Hearer, who kept and pondered in her Heart, what others onelyonly heard with preſent wondring, Luke 2. 18, 19. How Rich might ſome Profeſſors be, in caſe their Faculty of p. 26Laying up, were ſuitable to that of getting; by which a Spouſe is to be known, at whoſe Gates are laid up for her Beloved, all manner of pleaſant Fruits, both New and Old, Cant. 7. 13. Thence is it that a Godly Hearer is ſaid to keep the Word, Luke 8. 15. which elſe is ſubject to be catcht away, though in ſome ſence it be ſown in the Heart, Mat. 13. 19. An Holy Man doth therefore Meditate in the Law of God, Pſal. 1. 2. by which he is Diſtinguiſhed from others, as Clean Beaſts were of Old, by chewing the Cud, Lev. 11. 7. According to which Rule of Judging, there are (in many Flocks) more Swine than S…eep, becauſe they who divide the Hoof, (or have a double Calling, viz. as Men, and as Profeſſors) do not yet chew the Cud, or lay up knowledge; which is one Character of Fooliſh Virgins.

22. Another property of wiſe men, is, to uſe aright that knowledge …h…ch they have, Prov. 15. 2. A Fooliſh Virgin may have good ſtore … knowledge, but doth not rightly uſe it, as do the wiſe. Paul had … …nt of parts, 2 Cor, 11. 5, 6. yet could he do nothing againſt the …, 2 Cor. 13. 8. nor ſet the Tree of Knowledge againſt the Tree …, as others d…d, 2 Tim. 3. 8. with their Perverſe Diſputings, …. 6. 5. which did evince their Folly, 2 Tim. 3. 9. though ſuch D…p…ters were called wiſe, 1 Cor. 1. 20. He knew that all things (and co…ſequently ſin it ſelf) ſhould work for good to every true Believer, Rom 8. 28. but yet he durſt not therefore ſin, though Grace thereby ſhould be the more abundant, Rom. 6. 1. He knew, that ſome might weakly be Offended with his Lawful Liberty; yet would he not therefore i…dulge himſelf, but ſeek anothers wealth, in ſuch a Caſe, 1 Cor. 10. 23. 24. He profited in the Jews Religion above his equals, Gal. 1. 14. yet w…s …e under the Law to Chriſt, 1 Cor. 9. 21. and counted all other knowledge loſs, compared with the Excellency of the knowledge of Jeſus Chriſt, Phil. 3. 8. Nor durſt he diſſemble his Light, as others did, for fear of Perſecution, Gal. 6. 12, 13. but did improve his knowledge for the Truth, 2 Cor. 13. 8. though to the ruine of his Perſonal Intereſt, Gal. 5. 11. From an habitual contradicting of which Rule, too many at this day are clearly proved to be Fooliſh Virgins.

Ʋſe 1. How ſadly are Saints miſ-underſtood by ſinners, as if they were the verieſt Fools, who are indeed the onelyonly wiſe. Poor Carnal Creatures, in ſome Reſpects, are wiſer than the Saints, Luke 16. 8. So may a ſilly Fellow (in trivial matters) out-ſtrip the wiſeſt Statesman. Were we to Judge of Men, by skill in Bodily concernments, or by their Natural Accompliſhments, the Righteous would be Condemned: But Men ſhall be Judged by the Scriptures, John 12. 48 and thoſe ſpeak in another Dialect. Let ſinners therefore be well Adviſed, before p. 27they ſay unto a Saint, Thou Fool; conſidering the Danger of ſo ſpeaking unto ones Brother, Mat. 5. 22. And that ſad woe againſt miſ-callers in ſuch a caſe, Iſa. 5. 20.

Ʋſe 2. It doth behove the Saints, to be in the Demonſtration of that wiſdom, for which they have a Name, Poor Spiritual Fools are apt to think all like themſelves, Eccl. 10. 3. And indiſcreet Profeſſors give cauſe for ſuch an Apprehenſion But Wiſdom is Juſtified of her Children, Mat. 11. 19. And therefore none but Ba…tards will practically condemn her. Pretenders unto wiſdom had need be C…r…umſpect, ſince Grace's Reputation lies at Stake, if they miſcarry. Walk wiſely towards them without, Col. 4. 5. So will you put to ſilence their Fooliſh Ignorance, 1 Pet. 2. 15. Or elſe they will Blaſpheme, though greater Folly in themſelves be over-looked by them.

Ʋſe 3. There is no cauſe to wonder, if half the Profeſſors of theſe latter Times prove Fooliſh Virgins, or void of Grace. Ye…, Chriſt here ſpeaketh with the leaſt; for two third parts (…t ſuch a time) muſt be cut off and die, Zech. 13. 5. Things really differing in point of kind, can hardly be Di…tinguiſhed; when the higheſt degree of a lower kind, is in Conjunction with the Loweſt appearance of an Higher. There are ſome Plants endued with a ſeeming ſenſe, there are ſome Brutes exceeding like to Men; and there are many Natural Men, who are concluded to be Saints. Now, if the Diſciples were ſo ſtartled, when onelyonly one of them was hinted to be a Traitor, Mat. 26. 21, 22. much more ought we to be affected, ſince half our number will prove notorious Hypocrites.

Ʋſe 4. Let all be exhorted to get this wiſdom, or Goſpel-Grace; ſince wiſdom is the Principal thing, which therefore ſhould be got with all our getting, Prov. 4. 7. And ſo much the rather, becauſe it is ſo great a Rarity, as is here hinted. Which Exhortation doth chiefly concern thoſe Virgins or Profeſſors, who have been Convicted to be void of wiſdom, by any of thoſe fore-going Characters; but may be of uſe to others alſo, to grow in Grace, as is their Duty, 2 Pet. 3. 18. or to be yet wiſer, as is their Diſpoſition, Prov. 9. 9; with reference to both which ſorts of Perſons, I ſhall endeavour to ſet this Exhortation home, by ſeveral Motives, taken from what the Scripture ſpeaks concerning wiſdom.

Mot. 1. Wiſdom is the way to Honour, as David did Experience, whoſe Name was much ſet by; (among Saul's Servants) becauſe of his wiſe behaviour, 1 Sam. 18. 30. And therefore Solomon was ſought unto, from all the Kings about him, which had heard of his wiſdom, 1 Kings 4. 34, The Wiſe ſhall Inherit Glory, whilſt ſhame ſhall be the p. 28Fools promotion, Prov. 3. 35. Men hitherto have been admired, becauſe of their Natural or worldly wiſdom; but the time now draweth nigh, when God (or the appearance of his Grace) ſhall be for a Crown of Glory, Iſa. 28. 5. Yea, even at the preſent, he is Sirnamed Reverend, whoſe other Name is Holy, Pſal. 111. 9. And Wiſdom makes the Face to ſhine, Eccl. 8. 1.

2. Wiſdom is that which is moſt likely to Advance a Man into the Higheſt Place of Rule and Truſt. Joſeph was ſeen to be Diſcreet and Wiſe, and therefore Pharaoh ſet him over all his Houſe, Gen. 41. 39, 40. Fools have been uppermoſt, but ſhall be Servants to the wiſe, Prov. 11. 29. becauſe the King's Favour is towards a wiſe Servant, Prov. 14. 35. and he ſhall Rule over a Fooliſh Son, Prov. 17. 2. Grace hath the Promiſe of this Life alſo, 1 Tim. 4. 8. which ſhall be performed in due time, when wickedneſs ſhall be de-throned, Ezek. 21. 25, 26. And Saints ſhall have the Kingdom, Dan. 7. 27. Judging the World and Angels, 1 Cor. 6. 2, 3. The Beaſt hath Crown▪d his Horns, Rev. 17. 12. But David will cut them off, and then the Saints Horn ſhall be exalted, Pſal. 75. 10.

3. A wiſe Man knoweth hidden Myſteries, or the Interpretation of a thing, Eccl. 8. 1. which is a great Advantage. Such Men ſhall ſee the Name (or Mind) of God, when he is crying to the City, by ſome ſignal Judgment, Mic. 6. 9. The Godly wiſe ſhall underſtand God's Loving kindneſs, in all his dealings with them, Pſal. 107. 43. which ſweetneth Mercies, and makes the Croſs more eaſie. Such Men ſhall underſtand the Reaſon of a Publick Scourge, Jer. 9. 12. The Truth and Application of the Promiſes, Hoſ. 14. 9. together with the time of their Accompliſhment, Dan. 12. 10. As we would be moſt knowing men, ſo let us Labour to be moſt Holy; ſince theſe have that Revealed to them, which is not known to others, Eph. 3. 5.

4. Wiſdom is better than ſtrength, Eccl. 9. 16. or Weapons of War, v. 18. both in a Defenſive and Offenſive way, Eccl. 7. 12. 19. and 9. 15. Juſtice will be too many for the moſt United force of ſinners, Prov. 11. 21. but cannot hurt the weakeſt Saint for ever. Satan knew Chriſt and Paul, who were too hard for him; but he could overcome thoſe wicked Jews, when offering to adjure him, though in the Name of Jeſus, Acts 19. 13, 14, 15, 16. The words of the Wiſe are heard in quiet, more than the Cry (or utmoſt endeavours) of him that Ruleth among Fools, Eccl. 9. 17. Some put their truſt in Moral Vertues, or Natural Tempers and Reſolutions; but Satan's fiery Darts will not be quenched with ſuch Scarfs and Feathers. Saints are the onelyonly Conquerours, Rom. 8. 37. becauſe they keep themſelves from being p. 29touch'd by him, 1 John 5. 18. Who leadeth others Captive, 1 Tim. 2. 26.

5. Mony may (in ſome caſes) be a Defence, as well as Wiſdom; but the Excellency of Knowledge is, that wiſdom giveth Life to them that have it, Eccl. 7. 12. A Fooliſh Man is dead, as to his better part, viz. his Underſtanding; and Graceleſs Perſons are called Idols, Zech. 11. 17. in whom there is no Breath (or ſign of Life) at all, Hab. 2. 19. Yea, ſin is the ſaddeſt kind of Death that is, becauſe it is both Spiritual, and likely to be Eternal, and yet conſiſtent with the quickeſt ſenſe of higheſt Miſery. And if ſuch were not Dead indeed, this conſideration would make them take faſt hold of Grace or Heavenly wiſdom, and not to let it go, but keep it, becauſe it is their Life, Prov. 4. 13.

6. Wiſdom is of moſt uſe to others alſo; becauſe it makes moſt willing and moſt ſucceſsful, Prov. 15. 7. Men of a Lower Spirit are ſparing in their Communications, leſt others ſhould be as knowing as themſelves: But Grace is free to light a Greater Candle, though its own leſſer Lamp ſhould thereby be Eclipſed. Such alſo are likely to be moſt Succeſsful, becauſe they are moſt careful, and have the promiſe of Chriſt's Preſence with them. The words of the wiſe are Goads, and ſuch are careful to faſten their Nails, for fear of dropping out, Eccl. 12. 11. And though a wicked man may poſſibly Convert another, yet is there no Promiſe for it, ſave unto thoſe, who do themſelves ſtand in God's Counſel, Jer. 23. 22. and winning Souls, or turning Men unto Righteouſneſs, is chiefly Attributed to the Godly wiſe, Prov. 11. 30. Dan. 12. 3.

7. Wiſdom is that which ſets out other things, and without which there's nothing that doth become. Wiſdom is good with an Inheritance, Eccl. 7. 11. not but that wiſdom (it ſelf) is good without it; onelyonly an Inheritance is not elſe ſeemly: whereas the wiſe man's Riches are his Crown, becauſe of that Conjunction, Prov. 14. 24. Wherever the Branch (or Chriſt) doth grow, the Fruit of the Earth will there be Excellent and comely, Iſa. 4. 2. as Earthen Veſſels are, when Tipt with Silver; wether we take that Earthly Fruit, for outward Bleſſings, or Moral Vertues, and Common Actions, or for a mean Deſcent relating to a Gracious Soul, whom every thing becometh, as Ordinary Garments do an handſom Body.

8. Folly doth Incapacitate a Man for that which he is apt to be ambitious of, and which nought elſe can fit him for, ſave onelyonly wiſdom. All would have Joy, but yet delight doth not become a Fool, Prov. 19. 10. No more than Laughter doth a Malefactor, when going to p. 30Execution. Saul was deſirous of being Honoured, 1 Sam. 15. 30. but Honour doth not become a Fool, no more than Snow doth Summer, Prov. 26. 1. Men would be proſperous; but the Proſperity of Fools is their Deſtruction, for then they turn away, Prov. 1. 32. Men would take in the Creature; but when a Fool is fill'd, the Earth is then Diſquieted, Prov. 30. 21, 22. Some would be ſometimes ſpeaking of good things; but Excellent ſpeech doth not become a Fool, Prov. 17 7. becauſe it is too High for him, Prov. 24. 7.

9. There be many that ſay, Who will ſhew us any good? Pſal. 4. 6. Yea, all would be glad of Earthly Riches; the very fancying whereof is unto ſome poor Creatures an over-pleaſing Vanity. Now, Riches are entailed upon wiſdom, as Solomon did Experience, 1 Kings 3. 11. 13. And as Chriſt promiſeth, when Grace, or the Kingdom of God is firſt ſought after, Mat. 6. 33. This hath been alway vertu…lly made good unto the Saints, becauſe Contentment is the Fruit of Godlineſs, which anſwereth unto Gain, 1 Tim. 6. 6. But as ſuch have the Promiſes of this Life alſo, 1 Tim. 4. 8. So we are now haſtning unto the Time of their Accompliſhment; when Meek ones ſhall Inherit the Earth, Pſal. 37. 11. Flowing together for Wheat, and Wine, and Oyl, Jer. 31. 12. And when their Braſs and Iron ſhall be turned into Gold and Silver, Iſa. 60. 17. And in a way of Reparation for all their former Loſſes, receiving double for their ſhame, Iſa. 61. 7. Yea, in this Life an hundred fold for that which they have ſometimes lent to Chriſt, Mat. 19. 29. Then ſhall their Riches alſo be their Crown, Prov. 14. 24. becauſe they will be taught to Conſecrate their Gain unto the Lord, Mic. 4. 13. and to the Duties of his Worſhip, Iſa. 61. 5, 6.

10. Wiſdom, or Underſtanding doth make the words of Chriſt to be exceeding plain, Prov. 8, 9. and eaſie, Prov. 14. 6. which otherwiſe cannot be Apprehended. Saints have the mind of Chriſt, 1 Cor. 2. 16. chiefly becauſe they have the Spirit's Guidance, John 16. 13. but partly from an innate ſagacity, by which a Man of Underſtanding will draw that out which lyeth deep, Prov. 20. 5 Now, we muſt be Judged by the words of Chriſt, John 12. 48. And therefore woe be to that Soul who doth not underſtand them, and ſo cannot receive them. And if ſome Children would give any thing, to have their Leſſons rendred eaſie; what Fools are thoſe, by whom Facilitating Wiſdom is Deſpiſed? This Grace is worth the ſeeking after, were it onelyonly but to remove that Labour of Duty and ſweating at it, which Poor fallen Man is ſubject unto. Chriſt's Yoak is therefore eaſie to his Diſciple…, Mat. 11. 30. and his Commandments are not Grievous, 1 John 5. 3. which p. 31others long to be Diſcharged from, Amos 8. 5. becauſe of wearineſs, Mal. 1. 13. With what Delight would ſinners mind God's Book, had they but that which would endue them with an Holy Ingenuity, whereby they might be able to Run and Read what is contained in it.

11. When wiſdom entreth into thine Heart, Prov. 2. 10. it will Preſerve and keep thee, v. 11. To Deliver thee from the way of evil men, v. 12. Which muſt be meant of Goſpel-Grace, elſe utmoſt wiſdom will not prevent ones Fall, as Solomon did Experience; yea, whilſt his wiſdom (of a lower kind) remained with him, Eccl. 2. 8, 9. Vertue may Apprehend, Impriſon, Condemn, and Torture ſin, but nothing ſhort of Grace, will ever prove its proper Executioner, or abſolute Suppreſſor. Grace is Man Rallied, or Re-inforced with a greater ſtrength than ever Adam had; which therefore doth ſubdue its Adverſaries, as David did thoſe Philiſtines, 2 Sam. 8. 1. whom Saul did onelyonly vex, 1 Sam. 14. 47. but was at laſt ſubdued by them, 1 Sam. 31. 4. Now, is not that Balm worth ſeeking after, which is the onelyonly Healer of a deadly wound, Jer. 51. 8? Is not that Armour worth the putting on, which onelyonly will enable to withſtand, and having done all to ſtand, Eph. 6. 13? They who now Mock at ſin, will one day wiſh they had been wiſer, than to Deſpiſe that Grace or Wiſdom, by which they might have been preſerved from its Mortal ſting, although its preſent ſtain were not to be regarded.

12. This wiſdom had need be ſpeedily endeavoured after, becauſe there is no wiſdom in the Grave, which Men are going into, Eccl. 9. 10. The Door of Grace is ſometimes ſhut on Earth, as Fooliſh Virgins will Experience, Mat. 25. 10. much more when Hell hath ſhut its mouth upon the Sinners Soul. Oh how Induſtrious would the Damned be, had they but any hope of getting that which formerly they have Deſpiſed. And no Man hath a Leaſe of Life, as Hezekiah had, Iſa. 38. 5. which is enough to ſtartle ſlumbring Fools, for fear of ſleeping unto Death; eſpecially ſince Fools are threatned with the ſhorteſt warning, Luke 12. 20. Nor will men plainly ſay, that wiſdom is not the principal thing; why then do they delay to get it with all their getting? Which Ordinary wiſdom will direct unto, in ſuch momentous and uncertain caſes. How careful are Prudent men to expedite the ſetting of their Houſe in Order, before they dye, which is a Duty, Iſa. 38. 1. but nothing in Compariſon of ſetting the Heart in Order, and getting ready that Land-Lord's Rent, whoſe Coming may be before to morrow, and who will then give no longer Day. Whilſt men are walking to the Grave, (which every ſtep they take is tendi…g unto) let them remember, there is no wiſdom there, and let them Act accordingly.

p. 3213. Fools cannot improve the beſt Advantages, and therefore a Price put into their Hands, is to no purpoſe, Prov. 17. 16. Wiſe men are for the multiplying of what they have, but Fools are onelyonly good at ſpending, Prov. 21. 20. Good Company is a precious Talent, but yet the Fooliſh Virgins were not bettered by being in Communion with the wiſe. Fools may be oft Inſtructed, but ſilly Men and Women are ever Learning, and never come unto the knowledge of the Truth, 2 Tim. 3. 6, 7. A Fooliſh People will badly requite their Gracious Benefactor, Deut. 32. 6. or are not the better for Favours ſhewn them, Iſa. 26. 10. And though a Fool be brayed in a Mortar (or be more hardly uſed) yet will not his Fooliſhneſs depart from him, Prov. 27. 22.

14. Fools are unacceptable to God and Man. God hath no pleaſure in them, Eccl. 5. 4. but doth abominate their very Sacrifices, Prov. 15. 8. (they are ſuch ſorry things, Eccl. 5. 1.) although not brought with a wicked mind, Prov. 21. 27. Nor any Man (in his right wits) can take Delight in Mad men, no more than Achiſh did in David, when ſeeming to be ſuch a one, 1 Sam. 21. 13, 14, 15. Who can Delight in wicked Fools? Conſidering their more than Brutiſh Rage, Prov. 17. 12. Their crackling Laughter, Eccl. 7. 6. Their vain Voluminous Talk, Eccl. 5. 3. Their making a ſport of miſchief, Prov. 10. 23. And their intolerable ſelf-conceit, Prov. 12. 15. Therefore good David did bewail his being made to dwell in Meſech, Pſal. 120. 5.

15. As a Dog returneth to his Vomit, ſo will a Fool unto his Folly, Prov. 26. 11. Such may begin to walk in the Spirit, as the Fooliſh Galatians did, Gal. 3. 3. but alas, their wiſdom is apt to fail them by the way, Eccl. 10. 3. as did the Fooliſh Virgins Oyl, Mat. 25. 8. Such may be pretty Sober for a while, but Midſ…mmer Temptations will make theſe Mad men rage as much as ever. They can do nothing with Diſcretion; and without Judgment there is no certainty of Perſeverance: Such Build upon the Sand, and therefore their Houſe muſt fall in a Tempeſtuous day, Mat. 7. 26, 27. As any would ſecure their preſent ſtanding, ſo let them ſeek for wiſdom, which onelyonly will preſerve them, Prov. 4. 5, 6.

16. Let the Portion of ſuch be duly weighed. Fools muſt expect to be Afflicted, becauſe of their Tranſgreſſions, Pſal. 107. 17. The People that doth not Underſtand, ſhall fall, or be ſeverely puniſhed, Hoſ. 4. 14. and therefore he that made them, will not have Mercy on them, Iſa. 27. 11. This kind of Folly will not Excuſe Men, however Natural madneſs may be indulged. As a Whip is for the Horſe, and p. 33a Bridle for the Aſs; ſo is a Rod for the Back of Fools, properly relating to them, Prov. 26. 3. Stripes are prepared for them, Prov. 19. 29. although they do not at the preſent feel them. Yea, the Great God himſelf, that formed all things, will both reward the Fool, and will reward Tranſgreſſors, Prov. 26. 10.

Now, as Men would be Intereſted in this Goſpel-Grace, or Spiritual Wiſdom, let them Obſerve theſe following Helps.

Helps. 1. Labour to be ſenſible of its want. There is more hope of a Fool, than of one wiſe in his own Conceit, Prov. 26. 12. becauſe this ſelf-conceited man, muſt firſt become a Fool, before he can be wiſe, 1 Cor. 3. 18. A Soul that's full loatheth an Hony-comb, Prov. 27. 7. And ſuch will never ſeek for Grace, who do but …nk they have no need thereof, Rev. 3. 17. Let the fore-going Ch…racters be faithfully improved, whoſe Light will not Cr…ate, but onelyonly manifeſt mens hidden Folly, before it be too late to purchaſe Wiſdom. The Ruine of theſe Fooliſh Virgins aroſe from hence, becauſe they did not make a timely ſearch into their empty Veſſels, through ſleightineſs, or ſelf-conceit.

2. Make ſure of Chriſt, who is the Head, Col. 2. 19. and therefore wiſdom cannot be had without him. Grace is by Chriſt, John 1. 17. In whom are hid all wiſdom's Treaſures, Col. 2. 3. From whom we therefore muſt receive, and as in point of Imputation, 1 Cor. 1. 30. So alſo of Inheſion, John 1. 16. And what he hath, is to be had, yea, by the ſillieſt Souls that are. Liſt, how Eſſential wiſdom Cryeth, Prov. 9. 3. Who ſo is ſimple, let him turn in hither, v. 4. How long will ye love ſimplicity, Prov. 1. 22. When will ye be Wiſe? Pſal. 94. 8. Forſake the Fooliſh, and Live, Prov. 9. 6. Ʋnto you, O Men, I call, and my Voyce is unto the Sons of Men, Prov. 8. 4. with whom are my Delights, v. 31. and thoſe that ſeek me early ſhall find me, v. 17.

3. Next unto Chriſt, Converſe much with his Law or Scriptures; whoſe uſe is, to make wiſe the ſimple, Pſal. 19. 7. Yea, which are able to make men wiſe unto Salvation, 2 Tim. 3. 15. Could men but be Admoniſhed by theſe, inſtead of their unprofitable Studies, Eccl. 12. 12. How might thoſe Conduit-pipes convey this water of Life into their Thirſty Souls! But yet the Scriptures are but the Mines of wiſdom, which do require deep digging into, as for Silver, Prov. 2. 4. or being In them, as the Greek word hath it, 1 Tim. 4. 15. Elſe one may have the Field, and yet not be the better for thoſe Treaſures which lye hid therein, and are not ſought for. One may both Hear and Read, and yet not rightly Underſtand, and ſo not be the wiſer, Acts 8. 28. 30.

4. If any man lack Wiſdom, let him ask of God, who giveth Liberally, p. 43and upbraideth not, James 1. 5. But Offer not the Sacrifice of Fools, Eccl. 5. 1. whilſt you pretend to be at Prayer for Wiſdom. Seek for it with all your Heart; elſe is there no Promiſe of Succeſs, Jer. 29. 13. And be importunate, ſince Knowledge muſt be cryed after, Prov. 2. 3. And Perſevere therein, ſince he alone is Bleſſed, who watcheth daily at Wiſdom's Gates, Prov. 8. 34. But ask in Faith, believing that God is able and willing to beſtow this Grace, Jam. 1. 5, 6. And alway bear in mind, that early ſeekers are the ſureſt finders, Prov. 8. 17. Which when it is thus asked and obtained, hath other Bleſſings added to it, 1 Kings 3. 11, 12, 13.

5. Have a care with whom you walk; ſince, though the Company of Wiſe Virgins cannot inſure the Fooliſh Virgins Change, yet ſuch Companions are a ſpecial Help; and he that walketh with Wiſe men is likelieſt to be wiſe; but the Companion of Fools ſhall be deſtroyed; Prov. 13. 20. Communion is a Conduit-pipe, through which both Sweet and Bitter Water is conveyed; and ſuch a derivation oft-times doth much aſſimulate. The Fooliſh Galatians were bew…tched with the Eye, as the Greek word ſignifieth, Gal. 3. 1. And the beholding of Goſpel-Glory in another, is of a Changing Nature, 2 Cor. 3. 18. Yea, ſuch as are not altered by their Company, may yet be very much reſtrained, as David was from good, whilſt in the preſence of the wicked, Pſal. 39. 1, 2. And as theſe Fooliſh Virgins were from Evil, whilſt with the Wiſe.

6. Compare not your ſelves with your ſelves, or with ſuch as you are; which was the cauſe why thoſe poor Creatures were not Wiſe, 2 Cor. 10. 12. Some eminent Profeſſors are ſeen to be Voluptuous, Diſſembling, Proud, Paſſionate, or Vain; and therefore others make light of ſuch Diſtempers in themſelves. Had there been but one Fooliſh Virgin amongſt theſe Ten, that One might have been ſooner wrought upon; but if there be any Saint, for a Fooliſh man to turn unto, he will not eaſily be convinced, as ſeemeth to be hinted, Job 5. 1, 2. Yea, therefore a Scorner will not go unto the Wiſe, becauſe he loveth not to be Reproved by them, as being better than himſelf, Prov. 15. 12. Whereas we ought to walk according to the choiceſt Pattern, Phil. 3. 17. and onelyonly to follow the Faith of ſuch, but not their failings, Heb. 13. 7. Or rather to look at Jeſus, Heb. 12. 1, 2. and to be perfect as God is perfect, Mat. 5. 48.

7. Labour to keep up the Price of Wiſdom in your eſteem, ſince none will Buy that which he doth think is naught, whatever he may ſay, Prov. 20. 14. Eve was not tempted by the Tree of Knowledge, untill ſhe ſaw its being to be Deſired, Gen. 3. 6. Nor will this Tree of Life p. 35(or Spiritual Wiſdom) be otherwiſe regarded, or prove Tempting, in an Holy way. Stand in the viewing of thoſe fore-going Motives, untill you be in Love with Wiſdom; remembring alſo, that all other things to be Deſired, are not to be compared to it, Prov. 8. 11. Wiſdom Excelleth Folly as far as Light Excelleth Darkneſs, Eccl. 2. 13. Yea, Death and Deſtruction ſay, We have heard the Fame thereof, Job 28. 22. which will not be Exchanged (by its wiſe Poſſeſſors) for Jewels of fineſt Gold, v. 17.

8. Be careful to Improve that Meaſure which you have received; ſince unto him that hath (or well improveth) it ſhall be given, Mat. 25. 29. Which Promiſe appertaineth to the truly Gracious, who might have more, did they but Labour as David did, who by that means was wiſer than his Enemies, or Teachers, or than the Ancients, Pſal. 119. 98, 99, 100. Nor can it be denyed, but that a Natural man might do more than he doth, in Order to his Spiritual good; and though I find no Promiſe of ſpecial Grace annext unto the beſt improvement of Nature's ſtrength, yet who doth know what God might do (in way of Arbitrary goodneſs) if ſuch did carefully improve their ſingle Talent? And if they turn at his Reproof, he then will pour out his Spirit unto them, Prov. 1. 23.

9. Refuſe not any good Inſtruction, but Hear it, and be wiſe, Prov. 8. 33. or that thou mayeſt be wiſe (at leaſt-wiſe) in thy Latter end, Prov. 19. 20. Whereas a Scorner ſeeketh wiſdom, but doth not find it, Prov. 14. 6. But he is wiſe who hearkeneth unto Counſel, Prov. 12. 15. Faith comes by Hearing, Rom. 10. 17. As Sin firſt entred by the Ear, 2 Cor. 11. 3. which when it is not opened to the wiſe man's Charming, that Poyſon of ſin cannot be changed, Pſal. 58. 4, 5. Nor will the Serpent's ſubtilty be turned into Heavenly wiſdom. Moſt Men are therefore Graceleſs, becauſe they will not Hear, at leaſt, not Hearken to that Counſel which wiſdom giveth; & which giveth wiſdom the Hearing whereof is both one ſign of wiſdom, and one chief means whereby to gainit, which every wiſe Man will therefore do, Prov. 1. 5.

10. Take heed of Satan's Bribes, ſince Gifts will blind the wiſe, Exod. 23. 8. Satan will caſt his Golden Balls before you, whilſt running after wiſdom, to ſtop your Purſuit. He tempts to make the Conſcience Drunk with worldly Pleaſures, as poor Arreſted Debtors do the Bailiff, thinking thereby to Cheat the Creditor: But Conſcience will awake, and follow ſuch ſelf-deceiving Fools into their everlaſting Chains. Yea, he hath wiſdom's Counterfeit, and maketh many think that Notional Knowledge; or Spiritual Gifts, together with the Matter of good Actions, is Goſpel-Grace and wiſdom. He alſo calls the ſimple p. 36to him, Prov. 9: 13, 16. but not to make them wiſe, as wiſdom doth, v. 4.

11. Be Humble, ſince wiſdom is with the Lowly, both as Humilty is a ſign of wiſdom, Prov. 11. 2. and as it is a means to gain it, Prov. 3. 34. Thoſe have no Grace, who think they have it, becauſe of their Improving Nature. Know not the Grace you have Received, in Point of Pleading (upon that Account) for more. Thoſe are not likely to preſs forward, who do not, in ſome ſence forget what is behind, Phil. 3. 13, 14. Whereas he was the wiſeſt Man on Earth, 1 Kings 13. 12. who Humbly thought that wiſdom was far from him, Eccl. 7. 23. Scorn not to be Reproved or Corrected; ſince the Rod and Reproof give wiſdom, Prov. 29. 15. And ſince meer Natural wiſdom is not Reſtored to men Diſtracted, without big words, and ſometimes blows. Scorn not to be Inſtructed by an Inferiour, or by an Adverſary; ſince we are bid go to the Ant for wiſdom, Prov. 6. 6. Yea, unto Serpents, Mat. 10. 16. This ſtanding upon Terms in Spiritual Caſes, proc…ed, from want of wiſdom, and doth Obſtruct its being gained. And let not the wiſe Man Glory in his wiſdom, Jer. 9. 23. Since Pride fore-runs a Fall, Prov. 16. 18

12. The right Numbring of one's Days will much Advance the Application of Men's He…rts to wiſdom, Pſal. 90. 12. All will confeſs their Days cannot be many; but this affects not, ſave as they are ſo T…ught to Number them, viz In a Serious way. Could Men but ſee into the ſhortneſs of this Life, (wherewith their Outward Comforts will Expire) and that Eternity depends upon this Moment, they would be wiſer than they are. Yea, all other kind of wiſdom (ſave what is Spiritural) will periſh in the Grave, Eccl. 9. 10. As did wiſe Solomon's Philoſophy, whoſe Sacred Writings are onelyonly Extant, 1 Kings 4. 32, 33. Death Reſpreſents the worth of Saving Grace.