The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened, Parable · Verse 5

The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened · Parable · Verse 5

p. 67MATTHEW XXV. 5.

While the Bridegroom tarried they all ſlumbred and ſlept.

IN this Verſe, we have an Account of the fore-named Bridegroom's tarrying, together with what followed thereupon, viz. The ſlumbring and ſleeping of all theſe Virgins.

Obſerv. After theſe Virgins going forth at firſt, the Bridegroom tareth; which doth Occaſion their General ſleep and ſlumber.

Queſt. 1. In what ſence doth the Bridegroom Tarry, after ſuch a Time?

Anſw. I. Negatively; Chriſt is not ſlack as Men count ſlackneſs, 2 Pet. 3. 9. nor doth he paſs the time appointed, as Pharaoh did, Jer. 16. 17. but as the Day of his Coming is known to him, Zech. 14. 7. So will it be Obſerved by him, unto a ſelf-ſame Day, as when he brought Iſrael out of Egypt, Exod. 12. 41. which muſt be Acted over a Second time, Iſa. 11. 11. And as the Agreement may be in other reſpects, ſo doubtleſsly in this, that Chriſt will haſten this latter in his Time, Iſa. 50. 20. and beyond which he will not tarry, no, not an hour.

II. But then Affirmatively; Chriſt may be ſaid to Tarry, (or to Prolong his Time, as the Greek word ſignifieth) in theſe Reſpects.

1. With Reſpect to the ſeeming Need of his more ſpeedy Coming; as when he tarried two days ſtill, after the News of Lazarus his Sickneſs, John 11. 6. whoſe Death elſe might have been prevented, v. 21. And thus the Virgins thought (at their firſt going forth) that there was need enough, why Chriſt ſhould then have come; in which regard, he might be ſaid to Linger. The Witneſſes had then already Propheſied (as ſome yet hope) 1260 Years in Sackcloth; and was it not then High time to Perfect their Redemption? Eſpecially when Chriſt himſelf did ſometimes plead for thoſe Poor Jews, who had been then but 70 Years in Literal Babylon, Zech. 1. 12. And ſince Relapſes are likely to be moſt Dangerous. Had Chriſt come then, his People's Faith would not have failed, his own Beloved Intereſt would not have Dyed, nor would ſome others have ſo Blaſphemed, as whilſt he doth Delay his Coming, Mat. 24. 48.

2. With reference unto the Virgins Longing for him; and therefore p. 68Siſera's Chariot-wheels were ſaid to Tarry, becauſe his Mother did ſo long to ſee him, Judg. 5. 28. as all the Virgins ſometimes did, (with reference unto Chriſt) and may do ſtill; which did invite their firſt going out to meet him, and hath Occaſioned their ſad Complaining of his ſtay. Some wiſh for this Day of Chriſt in way of Scoffing, 2 Pet. 3. 3, 4. but others do more ſeriouſly ſeek after him, Mal. 3. 1. yea, Fooliſh Virgins alſo, or ſuch as will not ſtand when he appeareth, v. 2. Now, a Soul that longs to ſee the Face of Chriſt is apt to ſay, God hath forgotten, Iſa. 49. 14. Yea, that his Promiſe faileth for evermore, Pſal. 77. 8. At leaſt, to cry, How long, O Lord, Rev. 6. 10. make haſte and make no Tarrying, Pſal. 70. 5.

3. With reference unto their General Expectation of his Coming, at their firſt going out: In which reſpect, he may be ſaid to Tarry, as Zacharias did, becauſe he came not ſo ſoon as was expected by the People, Luke 1. 21. Which confident Expectation of him (at ſuch a Time) we know to have been True, and may conjecture at its Riſe.

1. Partly, from an Impatient haſte, proceeding from the weakneſs of Mens Faith, Iſa. 28. 16. but yet Occaſioning their being Confounded or Aſhamed, as the Apoſtle hinteth, Rom. 9. 33. becauſe they hope for that which is ſo vehemently deſired, Job 6. 19, 20. As Confident ſpeaking doth follow True Believing, 2 Cor. 4. 13. So Confident Expecting is equally (oft-times) the Fruit of Fancy, ſince Men are apt to pre-conclude (with utmoſt confidence) what is Importunately deſired by them; as did, not onelyonly Siſera's Mother, concerning her Son's Victory, Judg. 5. 29, 30. but David alſo, concerning his Sons Life, 2 Sam. 18. 27. Now, all theſe Virgins did earneſtly wiſh for the Bridegroom's Coming, at their firſt going out; from whence their Expectation of him might ariſe, and conſequently their ſuppoſal of his Tarrying beyond the Time.

2. Partly from probable Grounds, both Scriptural and Providential. His Coming (at their firſt going out) was Generally the Object of their Faith and Prayer, with whom God's ſecret is, who therefore might conclude his ſpeedy Coming Then, from Pſal. 25. 14. Luke 18. 7, 8. His Servants (at that time) took Pleaſure in Sion's Stones, as was apparent from their Endeavouring Then to Build them up, with greateſt Hazard, Induſtry and Alacrity: who therefore might ſuppoſe, the Time (yea, the ſet Time) was come, from Pſal. 102. 13, 14. The many wondrous works of God (relating unto the Time before mentioned) did much encourage to believe the near approaching of Chriſt's Name or Diſpenſation, from Pſal. 75. 1, 2. The falling p. 69of ſo many Stars (at ſuch a Time,) did comfortably evidence, that this Sign of the Son of Man, was even at the Doors, from Mat. 24. 29, 30, 33. The Witneſſes have been ſignally warred with, as Rev. 11. 7. which War doth properly import their being uppermoſt, or upon equal terms; and therefore it might be Then preſumed, the Kingdom ſhould not be left to other People, from Dan. 2. 44. No wonder then if Expectations were ſo high.

3. Principally, becauſe they were not aware of Chriſt's fore-runner, with reference unto his Coming as a Bridegroom, which is ſufficiently hinted in the Scriptures: And after which Harbinger, his Proper Coming will be uſhered in, by ſuch a ſad ſtate of things, as we have met with. Thus Chriſt himſelf was ſlain, after his being Proclaimed King, by his Diſciples, Luke 19. 37, 38. As David was purſued by Saul, after his having been Annointed King by Samuel, 1 Sam. 16. 13. And as after the Saints being called Earthly Kings, Iſa. 24. 21. they muſt be gathered together as Priſoners in the Pit, v. 22. as Joſeph was, Gen. 37. 22. After that his Supremacy was firſt Declared, v. 9. And after that Sion's ſet time is come, Pſal. 102. 13. there will be a ſore Reproach, v. 8. Drink mingled with weeping, v. 9. a Caſting down, after a being lifted up, v. 10. groaning Priſoners, and ſome Condemned to Dye, v. 20. Yea, after the fourth Beaſt's being ſlain in the little Horn, the reſt of the Beaſts (or a groſſer intereſt) will in ſome ſence ſurvive, though they have no Dominion (or proper ſettlement) in Scripture-phraſe, Dan. 7. 11, 12. And when the Witneſſes are Riſen and Aſcended, or have Received their Kingdom, as Chriſt did upon his Aſcention, Luke 19. 12. then comes that dreadful Earthquake, Rev. 11. 12, 13. which Term…ateth upon their Enemies, but will Begin with others, as ſeemeth to be hinted by that Harveſt, Rev. 14. 15. before the Vintage, v. 18. juſt as God's Iſrael met with that check in the Valley of Achor, after their being Actually poſſeſs'd of Canaan, Joſh 7. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. And as poor David had long War with the Houſe of Saul, 2 Sam. 3. 1. after being made King in Hebron, 2 Sam. 2. 4. And as the Jews were troubled, Ezra 4. 4. after the return of their Captivity, v. 1. All which (with reference unto the latter days) is clearly ſignified, by that Prophetical praying for a Turn, Pſal. 85. 4. After the Captivity is brought back, v. 1. and by the Aſſyrian's inrode into Imanuel's Land, Iſa. 8. 7, 8. Or that of Gog and Magog, into a Land that is brought forth out of the Nations, Ezek 38. 18. and by the Nations coming againſt Jeruſalem, when Re-Inhabited, Zech. 12, 9. or after the bringing again of their Captivity, J…el 3. 1, 2. Then will be the Time of Jacob's greateſt Trouble, J…r. 3…. 3. 7. of Si…n's p. 70Second Travail, Mic, 4. 10. and of Satan's reſiſting Joſhua, after his having been a Brand pluckt out of the Babyloniſh Fire, Zech. 3. 1, 2.

Theſe things the Scriptures have fore-told, but they have not been generally underſtood; and therefore Chriſt hath been conceiv'd to tarry, or prolong his Time, meerly through our miſ-apprehenſion.

Queſt. 2. Why doth Chriſt Tarry beyond the Expected Time?

Anſw. Not from his being forgetful, or aſleep, as Baal was tauntingly ſaid to be, 1 Kings 18. 27. Since Chriſt is alway mindful of his Covenant, Pſal. 111. 5. and doth not ſleep or ſlumber; Pſal. 121. 4 however wrongfully he may be Judged of, Pſal. 44. 23, 24. Not from any want of Power; whence Amaſa's tarrying beyond his time might poſſibly ariſe, 2 Sam. 20. 5. Since Chriſt is Almighty, Rev. 1. 5. who therefore is improperly ſaid to have been hindred, or withſtood by the Prince of Perſia, Dan. 10. 13.—Much leſs from wnat of Will, or good Affection; from whence Lot's lingring in Sodom did proceed Gen. 19. 16. but not Chriſt's Tarrying here, no more than in that caſ… of Lazarus, John 11. 6. whom he yet Loved, v. 3. and whoſe ſa… Death, v. 14. (together with his own, v. 34. and his beloved Siſter… Weeping, v. 33.) had been prevented by his coming ſooner, v. 32. eſpecially ſince Chriſt now cometh as a Bridegroom, whoſe ſtay can not be therefore thought to be from want of Love or any good Affection.

But he now Tarrieth for other Reaſons, ſuch as theſe are:

1. To proclaim his Sovereignty; as when he would not Gratifie his Mother juſt at her Time, to let her know, his God-head was not i… Subjection to her, John 2. 3, 4. God ſometimes bids his People to Command him, Iſa. 45. 11. but leſt they ſhould abuſe his Condeſcention, he therefore would not heal Miriam now, as Moſes did too boldly move, Numb. 12. 13, 14. Muſt he needs therefore come at ſuch a Time, for fear of fruſtrating his Creatures Expectation? Or leſt their Labour ſhould be loſt, in going out to meet him? Chriſt may ſet Ma… his Time, the Diſputing whereof was their great ſin, Hag. 1. 2. But it becomes a Spouſe not to awake her Love, or ſtir him up, untill he pleaſeth, Cant. 8. 4. The Temple-work will be revived, but ſo, as that it ſhall appear to be an Act of Grace, and not of proper Debt, Zech. 4. 7.

2. To make his Coming the more deſired, which is a chief part of his Deſign, and thus Accompliſhed. Chriſt will not come as King of Nations, untill he be Deſired by them, Hag. 27. no more than David would be King of Iſrael, 2 Sam. 2. 7. till ſuch a Time, 2 Sam. 5. 1. He will be enquired of, Ezek. 36. 37. and they ſhall ſeek him, p. 71Hoſ. 3. 5. with all their Heart, Jer. 29. 13. reſolving to make mention of his Name alone, Iſa. 26. 13. And thus, when both the Bride, and he that Heareth, ſhall ſay, Come, Rev. 22. 17. then, I come quickly, ſaith the Bridegroom, v. 20. Now, though an Hypocrite will not pray alway, Job. 27. 10. yet tarrying is an Incentive to a Cordial ſeeker, who is not ſilent in the Night, although his Cry (the Day before) hath not been heard, Pſal. 22. 2. Yea, therefore ſuch will pray more earneſtly, Luke 22. 44. And as Chriſt's Satisfaction is thus conſulted for, ſo is his People's alſo; ſince a Return of Prayer is then moſt Acceptable, Pſal. 69. 13. when Eyes are apt to fail with waiting, or when one's Throat is dryed through weary Crying, v. 3.

3. Chriſt therefore Tarrieth at ſuch a Time, becauſe his own ſet Time is not Then come: Which Time (in ſuch a Caſe) is not for us to know, Acts 1. 7. Our Time is (in ſuch Caſes) always ready, ſo is not his, John 7. 6. who will not come, untill the fulneſs of his Time be come, Gal. 4. 4. till when, a Thouſand Years (with him) are as one Day; but when that Time is come, one Day is as a Thouſand Years, 2 Pet. 3. 8. That is, he will not Tarry, Heb. 10. 37. Nor is it any juſt matter of Grief to us, that Chriſt thus tarryeth, ſince Fruits are ſweeteſt, when fully Ripe: However it is no cauſe of Wonder, ſince Mercy muſt give place to Truth, Pſal. 138. 2. and therefore thoſe Days of Tribulation are no whit ſhorter, than as was fore-determined, Mat. 24. 21, 22.

4. That ſo his Coming might be with greater State, after the manner of Earthly Kings, whoſe Motion therefore is not too quick, and who are therefore wont to have an Harbinger, as Chriſt hath alſo, which cannot but Occaſion ſome kind of tarrying. Chriſt's Spiritual Kingdom was thus Uſhered in, Mat. 3. 3. much more (then) muſt his Temporal Kingdom be ſo Attended, becauſe the Glory of this latter will be more Viſible. And though Chriſt's Coming (in this Parable) will be but ſuch an Harbinger, compared with his Perſonal Coming, yet this fore-runner (compared with it ſelf) will alſo have its Meſſenger, when Chriſt ſhall come into his Temple, Mal. 3. 1. which Temple is not in being at his Perſonal Coming, Rev. 21. 22. And thus Elias muſt firſt come, Mark 9. 12. untill the ending of whoſe Miniſtration, the Bridegroom tarrieth. Poor Virgins would fain have had him come forthwith, but that would not ſo well have ſuited his deſigned Kingly State.

5. That ſo the Fooliſh Virgins might be Diſcovered. Chriſt alway cometh with his Fan, Mat. 3. 12. and Fullers Soap and Fire, Mal. 3. 2. which they muſt be brought under, who are not abſolutely cut off, p. 72as others, Zech. 13. 8, 9. John Baptiſt laid his Ax unto the Root of Fruitleſs Trees, Mat. 3. 7, 8, 9, 10. much more will Chriſt himſelf unmask all ſorts of Hypocrites. This Coming will much reſemble that at Laſt, Mat. 24. 30. and therefore Sheep and Goats will now be ſevered, Mat. 25. 32. or ſuch as formerly have been accounted clean, Deut. 14. 4. Now, had Chriſt come at firſt, theſe Fooliſh Virgins had not been known, no more than Carnal Iſraelites would have been if Moſes had not delayed his coming, Exod. 32. 1. Therefore Chriſt Tarryeth to make his Jewels up, or that Men might Diſcern between the Righteous and the Wicked, Mal. 3. 17, 18. We ſhould not elſe have known who of Chriſt's Followers would have denyed him.

6. That ſo his Coming might be upon a New Covenant-ſcore, or meerly for his own Names ſake, which is conſulted for, Ezek. 36. 22. And which had not been ſo Apparent, in Caſe he had come Then. All ſorts of Virgins (at their firſt going out) were in their Prime, their Lamps were very Trim, and their Affections much let out in way of Prayer and Zeal for Chriſt. So that his Coming then might have been thought to be Deſerved, Men are ſo apt to Magnifie their Duty; and therefore (poſſibly) his Coming in that Nick of Time was verily Expected by them with ſo much Confidence. But he doth chooſe to tarry till all thoſe Virgins be aſleep, that ſo it might appear to be an Act of double Grace, Zech. 4. 7. viz. with reference to their unworthineſs at the preſent, as well as with reſpect to any Natural Tye that was upon him at the firſt.

7. To try the Faith and Patience of the Beſt. Chriſts Coming is Uſhered in by a trying hour, and with reſpect to all, Rev. 3. 10. The tryal of whoſe Faith is much more precious than that of Gold, 1 Pet. 1. 7. Now, had Chriſt come at firſt, this tryal had not been made: Whereas his tarrying doth Experiment what they will ſay, as to the Promiſe of his Coming; whether they will Repent of former Duty, becauſe their Recompence is not ſo ſpeedy; now they can wait one hour beyond the utmoſt of their Expectation, how they can bear to be Derided, becauſe Events are not according to their Hopes; whether their Faith was grounded upon the Scriptures, or mainly upon uncertain Providences; what they will ſay, when Iſrael falls before the King of Ai, in their own Land of Promiſe? What they will do, when Tempted to deny their Ancient Maſter? Whether they can believe the Reſurrection of a Dying cauſe? Or how they can Return (with David) into a former low Condition, after their having been Advanced? And how the Valley of Achor (in theſe latter days) can be a Door of Hope.

p. 738. That Servants (of a Lower Rank) might have that Opportunity, both for their Work and Wages, diſtinct from that of Sons, which otherwiſe could not have been effected. As in a Great Houſe, there are ſome Veſſels to Honour, and ſome to Diſhonour, 2 Tim. 2. 20. So Chriſt hath both his Saints and Sanctified ones, whoſe Work and Wages are Diſtinct, both in Reſpect of Worth and Time. The Lord will give a Banner to them that fear him, Pſal. 60. 4. And Judah alſo ſhall be employed at Jeruſalem, Zech. 14. 14. Such Honour have all the Saints, Pſal. 149. 9. But he will firſt Command his Sanctified Ones, ſuch as the Medes and Perſians were, Iſa. 13. 3. 17. till when, the Men of Judah cannot be at Jeruſalem. And as his Saints ſhall be Rewarded at his Coming, Rev. 11. 18. So meaner Servants muſt have their Temporary Gifts before that Year of Liberty, Ezek. 46. 17. Therefore he Cometh not at their firſt going forth, that ſo this Difference between his Sons and Hired Servants might be conſulted for, whom he will have to be Diſtinguiſhed.

9. That ſo the Sufferings of other Fellow-Servants might alſo be fulfilled; in which regard, thoſe former Sufferers, (who cryed, How long) were bid to Reſt yet for a little ſeaſon, Rev. 6. 10, 11. Chriſt hath a great Reſpect for Paſſive Duty, and till that be Accompliſhed, he will not enter into his Glory, Luke 24. 26. though ſome Men's Expectations be thereby Diſappointed, v. 21. Yea, thoſe Diſciples of a choiſer Spirit will alſo Rejoyce in their Prolonged Sufferings, till that which is behind (of Chriſt's Afflictions, in their fleſh) be filled up, Col. 1. 24. Now, had Chriſt come at firſt, John Baptiſt had not been a Priſoner; and many Late Sufferers would not have come upon the Stage, ſince groſſer Perſecutions (or Deſtructions) will come to a Perpetual end, when Chriſt ſhall have prepared his Throne for Judgment, Pſal. 9. 6, 7. There would not elſe have been thoſe Hopeful Priſoners for him to ſend forth, and render double unto, Zech. 9. 11, 12. when he ſhall come as King, v 9.

10. The Lord is therefore Slack, (or rather long-ſuffering) becauſe he is not willing that any ſhould periſh, but would have all come to Repentance, 2 Pet. 3. 9. as Paul came not (as yet) to thoſe Corinthians, from a Deſign to ſpare them, 2 Cor. 1. 23. and not from any Lightneſs, v. 17. The ſaving of thoſe Samaritans did countervail his Tarrying, John 4. 40, 41. Yea, therefore Paul endured much for the Elects ſake, that they might alſo obtain Salvation, 2 Tim. 2. 10. And thoſe Old Saints might not receive the Promiſe in their Days, God having provided ſome better thing for us, that they without us ſhould not be made Perfect, Heb. 11. 39, 40. Now, had Chriſt come at firſt, p. 74the Hearts of ſome Fathers (then) had not been turned to the Children, unleſs John Baptiſt had gone Before him, Luke 1. 17. Nor had his Patience been ſo apparent, as now it is, unto the utter ſilencing of thoſe who have not ſued out their Pardon in this Reſpite.

11. To Prove the Spirit of Ancient Perſecutors, whether they will be Warned by his Affrighting Meſſenger, or go on ſtill, unto their utter Extirpation. God's Method is to Uſher in Rejection by an immediately fore-going Admonition, Titus 3. 10. Since the Beginning of a Judgment is apt to Promiſe a Souls Return, which Chriſt is willing to Improve, to ſhew the Riches of his Mercy. Thus Pharaoh had his Reſpite, Exod. 8. 15. to try the Nature of his Relenting, v. 8. And Zedekiah's threatning Adverſary was Removed, Jer. 34. 21. To try the Performance of that Liberty which he had Promiſed in his Diſtreſs, v. 8. 11. And therefore Chriſt's Miniſtration was after John's, Acts 10. 37. to try what Operation his Harbinger's Rebuke would have upon the Phariſees and Herodians, Mark 9. 12, 13. Nor would it elſe have been ſo manifeſt, that Envious Edom would have ſo looked upon his poor Diſtreſſed Brother, Obad. 12. Or that the Aſſyrian would have got the Men of Judah's Money, 2 Kings 18. 13, 14, 15, 16. and then Engage againſt them, v. 17. Or that all ſorts of Intereſts would have Combin'd with Aſhur againſt God's hidden Ones, Pſal. 83. 3. 8. who elſe might have been Built up in the midſt of Iſrael, had they walk'd worthy of their Reſtauration after an Affrightment, Jer. 12. 15, 16.

12. To ſhame his own unworthy People, 1 John 2. 28 by fruſtrating their Expectation, Job 6. 20. and to Correct them, by bringing Trouble and no Good, when they did look for Peace and Healing, Jer. 14. 19, 20. He had been oft-times made to Tarry for their Duty, who therefore juſtly makes them Stay for their Deliverance. They quickly waxed Wan on with a little Liberty, who therefore were remanded into Bonds, till better able to bear Enlargement. They were not Thankful for what they had, which therefore was thought meet to be withdrawn. A Toleration was ſometimes called Monſtrous, therefore it is Recalled, till it ſhall have a better Appellation, and duly General Diſtribution. They had a mind to ſpare ſome Goodly Babyloniſh Garment; therefore though Jericho was fallen before, yet Ai muſt check them in their own Land. They were exceeding Hypocritical, Iſa. 10. 6. therefore they muſt fall under the Slain; and it is well, if that be all that is to be infl…cted, v. 4.

13. To make the Revelation of himſelf (at laſt) more Raviſhing, and his Continuance Grateful by Reaſon of his preſent Tarrying, as p. 75warmth is after a tedious Winter, and Meat unto an hunger-bitten Soul. Chriſt (or the Head-ſtone) muſt be brought forth with ſho…tings, Zech. 4. 7. And when he Comes, he means to tarry by it; for though John muſt Decreaſe, John 3. 30. yet will there be no End of Chriſt's increaſing Government, Iſa. 9. 7. therefore he will conſult for more than Ordinary Welcom. Now, that which hath been long deſired, is moſt Affectionately Entertained, and like to be moſt Laſtingly Delighted in: Since waiting doth enlarge one's Receptivity, and gathereth up the Souls Affections into the Boſom of its Beloved Object, untill that Object doth become the ſole Inheriter of its Love. Therefore the Saints ſhall not grow weary of being ever with the Lord, 1 Theſ. 4. 17. becauſe they have been made to wait for his Appearing, 1 Theſ. 1. 10. with ſo much earneſt Expectation, 2 Cor. 5. 2.

14. To Fit and Prepare all ſorts of Perſons for their reſpective future Portions at his Coming. Chriſt waiteth to be Gracious to his People, Iſa. 30. 18. and the Damnation of others doth not ſlumber, 2 Pet. 2. 3. yet doth he tarry till Theſe be fitted to Deſtruction, and till Thoſe be prepared unto Glory, Rom. 9. 22, 23. Iſrael's Redemption muſt therefore be delayed, becauſe the Amorites ſins were not yet full, Gen. 15. 16. Nor will Chriſt Bury thoſe Dead, untill ſome competent Waiting hath evinced that they are Dead indeed. Yea, God's own People were too Hot to Drink at their firſt going out; they were not fine enough to be then Married; they were too Young to Sway the Scepter, too Private Spirited to be entruſted with a Publick Stock; too High to be Exalted, too Senſual to eat their fill, too Low of Stature to wear Long Robes, too Cholerick to eat Chriſt's Sweet-meats; indeed too Many to be Feaſted, and too too Carnal for a Spiritualized Kingdom. But when the Grapes are fully Ripe the Vintage will be Gathered, Rev. 14. 18, 19. And when the Bride is Ready the Bridegroom will not tarry, as till that time he doth, Rev. 19. 7.

15. To ſhew the Greatneſs of his Power, in ſcattering his Re-inforc'd Adverſaries, and in Reviving that Work which had been given up for Dead and Buried. As he abode ſtill where he was, John 11. 6. till Lazarus was Dead, v. 14. and had been four Days Buried, v. 39. that his Diſciples might Believe, v. 15. and that his Enemies might bear Witneſs to ſuch a Miracle, v. 46, 47. The Virgins Party was too Potent at their firſt going out, as Gideon's was, who Therefore were not then Delivered, leſt Iſrael ſhould vauntingly impute their being ſaved to their own Hand, Judg. 7. 2. Therefore Chriſt tarrieth untill their Power be wholly ſcattered, Dan. 12. 7. to make them ſing, His Holy Arm hath gotten him the Victory, Pſal. 98. 1. and not their Sword, Pſal. p. 7644. 3. Nor would the Faith of ſome have been ſo ſtrengthned by healing what was onelyonly Sick, as by one's being Raiſed from the Dead; which latter Dives thought (in Hell) ſufficient to Convince the greateſt Unbeliever upon Earth, Luke 16. 30. Nor doth Chriſt judge the Beaſt to be an Adverſary ſtrong enough untill the Dragon doth ſucceed him, whom Pharaoh Typified, and whom God raiſed up to ſhew his Power, Exod. 9. 16. Chriſt ſleepeth till the Ship be full of Water, Mark 4. …7, 38. But when Senacherib (or Babylon's Aſſiſtant) doth threaten L…banon and Carmel, 2 Kings 19. 23. Now will I Riſe, ſaith the Lord, Iſa. 33. 9, 10. And when all Nations are United againſt Jeruſalem, Then ſhall the Lord go forth and fight againſt them, as in the day of Battel, Zech. 14. 2, 3.

16. To Aggravate both Sions Mercy, and her Oppoſers Judgment by their joynt-ſuddenneſs at his Appearing thus unawares. At their firſt going out the Virgins Generally did Expect him, and ſo did others, as their Amazing fear did then Evince: therefore Chriſt tarrieth, deſigning to ſurprize them all, as they are either Watching, Luke 12. 37. or Sleeping, Mark 13. 36. or Revelling, Mat. 24. 49. at leaſt-wiſe minding other Matters, Luke 17 28. and not thinking of him, Mat. 24. 44. Which ſuddenneſs doth marvellouſly Affect (according to the Nature of a Diſpenſation) both in a way of Paining at the very Heart, Jer. 4. 19, 20. and of Rejoycing, 2 Chron. 29. 36. How will the Saints Mouth be filled with Laughter when their Captivity is Returned, whilſt they are in a Dream, Pſal. 126. 1, 2. And how will others be confounded when their inevitable Deſtruction cometh, whilſt they are ſaying, Peace and Safety, 1 Theſ. 5. 3! Therefore Chriſt doth prolong his Time, that ſo his unexpected Coming might fill his Peoples Hearts with Wondring, and others with Conſternation.

Queſt. 3. What are we to Underſtand by Slumbring and by Sleeping, here? Both as to the Difference that is between them, and as to the Particular Caſes which they refer unto.

Anſw. I. As to the Difference between theſe two, it may be conſidered two ways. Either firſt, with Reſpect unto their Nature; and ſo all know that Slumbring is leſs than Sleeping, as being but an Entry into the Sleeper's Houſe. A Slumberers Senſes are not ſo faſt bound up, but that he can hear ſome greater Noiſe, and underſtand what is ſaid or done, and give ſome kind of Anſwer; yea, have ſome ſtirring of Affections, and be awakened ſooner than he that's faſt aſleep: Witneſs the Spouſe, whoſe Heart was then awake, therefore her Sleep was but a Slumber, Cant, 5. 2. becauſe ſhe then could hear the Knock of her Beloved, and underſtand his Voyce, v. 2. and gave ſome kind of p. 77Anſwer, v. 3. Yea, had ſome Moving in her Bowels for him, v. 4. and preſently awakened ſo, as that ſhe aroſe and Opened to him, v. 5, 6. This ſhews the Difference that is between them, as to their Nature. Secondly, this Difference may be conſidered, as to their Uſe or Application here, unto thoſe Virgins; which may be double.

1. In a way of Diſtribution, or ſo, as that the Fooliſh Virgins ſlept, whereas the Wiſe did onelyonly ſlumber. And ſuch a Diſtinction may eaſily be ſuppoſed, ſince Folly (or Weakneſs) doth much incline unto a Deeper kind of Sleep, as is to be Obſerved in ſilly Aged People and little Children. Saints are not wont to be ſo altogether heavy Headed as others are who want their rouzing Heat, and many other Soul-awakening Helps, which Grace affordeth. Saints are (all of them) Children of the Day, 1 Theſ. 5. 5. but they that Sleep, Sleep in the Night, v. 7. Chriſt keepeth his Diſciples waking with frequent Jogs, Luke 22, 46. Yea, their own Conſcience is an Alarm to them. Slothfulneſs caſts ſinners into a deep Sleep, Prov. 19. 15. but Saints have ſomething elſe to do, Pſal. 132. 4. Nor will their Riches ſuffer them to ſleep, like other poor Creatures, Eccl. 5. 12. Therefore this ſleep and ſlumber may be thus Diſtributed among the Virgins here; which is one way of Underſtanding them.

2. It may be taken in a way of ſhewing how ſleep at laſt did ſeize upon them all, viz. by ſlumbring at the firſt, or that they all firſt ſlumbred, and ſo at laſt fell faſt aſleep. As we would not give ſleep unto our Eyes, ſo we ſhould not give ſlumber to our Eye lids, Prov. 6. 4. The latter of which is but a Needle, which will ſoon ſtitch our Eyes together. Therefore Chriſt bad his Diſciples Watch, for fear of entring into Temptation, viz. by giving way unto their ſlumbrings, Mat. 26. 41. Sluggards (both in the Letter and Myſtery) plead onelyonly for a little ſleep, a little ſlumber, a little folding of the Hands together, Prov. 6. 10. But we are taught (from what the Virgins have Experienced) to be more Wiſe, than to crave Liberty of Leaping up unto the Knees in the Ocean. And thus the Difference between theſe two is briefly Opened, both as to their Nature, and Application.

II. As to the Particular Caſes here referred unto, theſe Virgins may be ſaid to ſlumber and ſleep, as followeth.

1. With Reſpect to common Principles of Truth and Righteouſneſs, which formerly have been avouched. Time was, when Reaſon and Scripture-proof have been demanded inſtead of Major Vote, or meer Humane Authority. A Fundamental Publick Good hath been preferred before the moſt Ancient Cuſtom, Higheſt Worldly Form, or Perſonal Intereſt of any Man whatever. Right Goſpel Churches, Truths, p. 78and Ordinances, have not been ſometime Judged of according to the Fleſh, or by the Numerouſneſs of their Abettors, but by Agreement with the Rule. It heretofore hath been Accounted ſin to fail in Duty, though Ignorant thereof; or though (at leaſt) one be not Spirited thereunto, but now the Caſe is altered. There was a general Cry (at firſt) for Liberty of Conſcience in Matters of a Religious Nature, which when ſome Men had gained for themſelves, how did they vilifie thoſe very Arguments (in others Mouths) and break that Sword in pieces by which themſelves had been Defended.

2. With reference unto their ſometime Zeal for Chriſt, and againſt the Man of ſin; ſubjection unto Commands and Prohibitions in Religious Matters hath been Accounted onelyonly due to Chriſt, which yet o… later Years hath been thought yieldable unto Man without his being Deified. Some Men have ſeparated from thoſe ſuppoſed Churches, whoſe Acts of Office (and conſequently their Eſſence) have been confeſſed valid, which ſince hath been denyed by them to others, unti… the Eſſence (as well as Purity) of their own Churches be Deſtroyed. Did ſome Men ever think they ſhould have been free to ſwear (by neceſſary conſequence) the Preſervation of that Hierarchy which they had formerly Declared to be Antichriſtian? Time was when ſuch were loth to uſe Chriſt's Form of Prayer, who ſince could hear Humane Impoſed Liturgies; And they who ſometimes preſſed hard for Purity i… Communion, could ſince endure to walk with thoſe who have returned to their Ancient Vomit, and have not caſt them out.

3. With reference unto their Entertainment of Chriſt's Little ones, ſuch as Time, Truths, and Duties are. Some have been bold (of later Years) to Queſtion the Being of Time-Truths at all, who yet doubt not the Truth of ſomething which ſcarce had any Being before their Time. Others would grant that Name to be abiding ſtill, but not its Application, ſave unto what was Fanſied and Approved by themſelves. Others would yield that Application alſo, which ſome contended for, who yet thought other common Truths more Profitable to be inſiſted on, though little elſe (but ſuch as theſe) was ſometimes urged by themſelves, and ſuch Diſcourſes then were counted-Edifying; yea, very great ſtreſs was laid thereon by all the Virgins at their firſt going out. But ſince that time ſucceeding Infants of this Nature have much been over-looked (if not over-layed) by our Sleepers, and their poor Nurſes have been Offended ſadly.

4. With reference unto their former Courage and ſelf-denyal in the way of Duty. How boldly did theſe Virgins ſometime Talk and Write, unto the Hazard of their All, who ſince have quarrelled with p. 79the very Name of Self-adventuring. Time was when Suffering Service was thought moſt Honourable, but ſince that time, if Active Duty be more ſafe, it hath been ſet before the other. Chriſt's Inſtituted Worſhip hath been thought worth the loſs of Life, but that (of late) was counted Lawful to be Diſpenſed with, if but Eſtate or Liberty were by that means endangered. How will ſome (one day) be aſhamed of fearing the Oppreſſor's Fury, when it ſhall (tauntingly) be ſaid unto them, Where is the Fury of the Oppreſſor, Iſa. 51. 13? Yea, they who ſometimes have not feared many Deaths in the Open Field, have ſince been frighted from their Duty by a Priſon. Nor is it to be wondred at, if waking Little Children be in the Exerciſe of greater ſtrength than Giants that are faſt aſleep.

5. With reference unto their ſometime Faith and Hope, as to the Bridegroom's Coming. At their firſt going out how did the Pulpits ring with Babylon's Funeral Sermons! Yea, Civil Conſtitutions were alſo threatned with being ſhaken in pieces, as ſome then Witneſſed; nor was there ſo much ſtriving (then) againſt the fifth Monarchy-Principle, as who ſhould be the Men; Chriſt's Coming was (at that time) ſo generally expected. But ſince that time, where is (ſaid ſome) the Promiſe of his Coming, 2 Pet. 3. 4? It is Delayed, ſaith another. Mat. 24. 48. We had great Hopes (ſaid ſome of his Diſciples) we Truſted it had been He, Luke 24. 21. But that Expected Child (ſaid others) hath proved a falſe Conception, Iſa. 26. 18. Not ſo, I hope, (ſaith Hezekiah) onelyonly there is not Strength to bring it forth, Iſa. 37. 3. No, no, (ſaith Sion) the Lord hath forſaken me, my God hath quite forgotten, Iſa. 49. 14. Thus hath there been a Mighty Cry, but yet no Faith on Earth, Luke 18. 7, 8. whilſt others of a more Believing Spirit have been for Signs and Wonders, Iſa. 8. 18. And if it now be otherwiſe, 'tis either from ſome preſent Dream, or from the Virgins late awaking.

6. With reference unto their former Accurateneſs, or walking cloſely with the Lord, as doth become the Goſpel. Time was when all our Virgins were very Sober, ſeeming to be of a ſerious Spirit, not ſwallowed up in Worldly buſineſſes, willing to hear what might be Offered, Diligent in Religious Exerciſes, and trembling to think of groſſer failings, in point of Practice or Opinion. But ſince that time how have they fl…nted it in Worldly Faſhions, making Proviſion for the Fleſh: What Levity hath appeared in their Spirits, and Frothineſs in their Diſcourſe? How hath their Cloven Foot United, having Buried their General in their Particular Calling? How have they ſcorn'd Inſtruction, at leaſt, to be Reproved? How yawningly hath God been p. 80Worſhipped, whilſt Mammon hath had the Male? Yea, how have Dangerous Errors been Indulged, and Groſſer breach of Duty made light of? Thus have the Wiſer Virgins ſlumbred, whilſt others have fallen faſt aſleep.

Queſt. 4. What are the Diſtinct or Proper Signs of ſlumbring and ſleeping?

Anſw. I. The Signs of ſlumbring (ſuitable to what is in the Letter) are theſe.

1. The ſlumberers Eyes are cloſed, who therefore cannot ſee, unleſs it be ſome little glimmering of a greater Light that's juſt before them: Whereas the wakers Eye is Open, who therefore ſeeth at a diſtance, and can diſcern what is more darkly hinted, by ſending forth to meet the Object, and in a way of Prying Obſervation. But ſlumberers cannot underſtand ſome kind of Truths and Duties which formerly were very plain, ſave as their preſent Luſtre can penetrate a ſhut Eye-lid, or not without ſome more than Neceſſary Demonſtration. Time was when all our Virgins were fully ſatisfied concerning ſeveral things, which ſince they ſay are not ſo clear; the Reaſon whereof is more to be Lamented, than to be wondred at, viz. The Heavineſs of their Eyes, which muſt be throughly firſt awakened before they can ſee the Glory of Chriſt's altered Countenance, or of thoſe Men who talk of Sufferings, Luke 29. 30, 31, 32.

2. The ſlumberer's Poſture is very much wavering, this and the other way, untill ſuch either be awakened, or elſe laid down to ſleep. Watchmen can ſtand whole Days and Nights, Iſa. 21. 8. but others are toſſing to and fro; one while enclining to Prophaneneſs on the Left hand, another while to Right-hand Superſtitions; ſometimes too forward, and preſently fallen back as much behind. Seers may be for Going on unto Perfection, Heb. 6. 1. therefore all kind of Alterations are not to be Condemned: But one may eaſily Diſtinguiſh between the Watchman's walking and the Slumberer's Nodding; between a Judicious variation and Childiſh inſtability. When Perſons do thus Multiply ſelf-contradicting Motions, or when their Head hath loſt its due conſiſtency in Matteres of Faith or Duty, we may conclude them to be ſlumbring, eſpecially if they have formerly been more Diſcreet and Fixed.

3. The ſlumberer's Hand is eaſily apt to let things go or fall, who thereupon awakeneth, unto his Fruitleſs ſorrow. A watchful Chriſtian is to be known by holding faſt that which he hath Received, Rev. 3. 2, 3. eſpecially what is of worth, and of a Brittle Nature, ſuch as are the ſtedfaſt Profeſſion of our Faith, Heb. 10. 23. the Confidence of our Hope unto the End, Heb. 3. 6. the Form of ſound words, or Scripture-Language, p. 812 Tim. 1. 13. the word of Chriſt's Patience, Rev. 3. 10, 11. and every Goſpel-Inſtitution, Rev. 2. 25. yea, whatſoever is good and true, 1 Theſ. 5. 21. or that good thing (be it what it will be) which is Committed to his care, 2 Tim. 1. 14. But ſlumberers may ſoon have ſuch things wreſted from them; yea, of themſelves (by little and little) they will let fall what hath been ſometimes highly prized, and then awaken, when in ſome ſence it is too late. How ſadly Remiſs (of later Years) have the moſt of Virgins been, as to their Ancient Teſtimony, the Purity of their Communion, the Savourineſs of their Diſcourſe, their ſearching after Knowledge, and the like; all which evinceth their having entred into this ſad Temptation.

4. Slumberers may Hear, and underſtand a little, but ſuch are not Affected duly with what is ſaid or done. Such can endure to hear their ſcruples Anſwered, their Duty Opened, their Sin Reproved, and yet have no Impreſſion (to any purpoſe) upon their Spirits. They may have ſluggiſh good deſires, and yet have nothing, Prov. 13. 4. becauſe their hands are folded, Prov. 6. 10. there way is as an Hedge of Thorns, Prov. 15. 19. there is (ſay ſuch) a Lion in the way of Action, Prov. 26. 13. and therefore their deſire kills them, Prov. 21. 25. Such may be heard to groan in Prayer, with reference unto ſome Corruptions, but take no further courſe to be Delivered: They like ſuch kind of Spiritual Food, but that it grieves them to bring their Hand and Mouth together, Prov. 26. 15. therefore ſuch Roaſt not what they have ſeemed to take in Hunting, Prov. 12. 27. Lord evermore give us this Bread, ſay ſuch, John 6. 34. but do not eat it, when ſet before them, v. 35, 36. Whereas a watchful Chriſtian hath his Affections ſtirring, and is in an immediate fit Capacity for ſuitable Actings, as in that caſe of Opening, Luke 12. 36.

5. Slumberers may ſometimes ſpeak, but very ſimply; witneſs the ſlumbring Spouſe, whoſe Anſwer to her Beloved's Voice was like that of a Child, as if ſhe knew not how to Dreſs her ſelf, or how to put that on, which was put off, Cant. 5. 2, 3. They ſeem to Pray in the Spirit, but not with Underſtanding, not knowing what they ſay, no more than Peter did, Luke 9. 33. when half aſleep, v. 32. They will confeſs, if ſuch a Rule were followed, God would be Glorified more, yet will they not grant it to be their Duty. Another's Ruining of himſelf and Family, (in a common caſe) will be acknowledged to be his Liberty, but not his bounden Duty, for fear themſelves ſhould then be made to Suffer with him. They heartily could wiſh that all were free to Suffer in ſuch a cauſe; till when, they Judge it not incumbent upon p. 82particular Perſons, as if anothers failing might warrant mine. They will Declare compliances with Man's Commands or Prohibitions to be unlawful, and yet themſelves perſiſt in ſuch a way. Whereas a watchful Chriſtian is to be known by that conſiſtency which is between his Heart and Tongue, his Practice and Profeſſion.

6. Slumberers will oft-times waken, and yet immediately will Nod again, both in the Letter and Myſtery. A ſudden Light may rouze ſuch up a little, as did John Baptiſt's Light thoſe ſlumbring Jews, which made them Skip or Dance a Galliard, though onelyonly for an hour, as the Greek there hath it, John 5. 35. and as his Diſpenſation (in our Days) hath wrought upon ſome others, who ſince that time have ſlept again. Much more will ſuch be ſtartled with a ſudden Noiſe, ſuch as is that of a Terrible Word, or louder Providential Knocks: All which were ſoon forgotten by Ancient Iſrael, Pſal. 78. 11. though God had ſlain ſome of them, and had Redeemed the reſt, v. 34, 35, 36, 37. But moſt of all, ſuch may be made to look about them when they are ſtruck, or nipt, or Perſonally (although more gently) touched; as Pharaoh did, when ſtruck with God's own Hand, Exod. 8. 8. but was at his old work again, v. 15. as Ahab did, when ſorely nipt with that Denunciation, 1 Kings 20. 42, 43. but preſently Nodded into a greater ſin, 1 Kings 21. 2. 4. 13. 16. and as the Diſciples did, when touch'd by Chriſt, Mat. 17. 7, 8. whom he then kept awake, elſe had they ſlept again, as at another time they did, ſo ſoon as his back was turned upon them, Mat. 26. 43.

7. Slumberers cannot endure ſome kind of ſudden, loud, or diſmal Noiſes. One muſt begin with ſuch, a great way off, as Nathan did with ſlumbring David, who elſe would not have born too ſudden a Rebuke, 2 Sam. 12. 1. 7. Such muſt be gently dealt with at the firſt, elſe drouſie Carnal Iſraelites will be Diſturbed, in caſe the Trumpet's Voice be very loud, Exod. 19. 16. They muſt have ſmooth things ſpoken to them, Iſa. 30. 10. elſe will they be Offended, as were the Phariſees when Chriſt ſpake harſhly to them, Mat. 15. 7. 12. Whereas a watchful Chriſtian is not ſurpriſed with Chriſt's ſudden Knock, Luke 12. 36. but can immediately then ſay, Loe, this is he, becauſe they have waited for him, Iſa. 25. 9. Nor are ſuch Paſſionately affected with the Loudneſs of his Voice, becauſe they fain would hear and underſtand it. Nor is their Head Diſquieted with ſmiting reprehenſions, becauſe it is according to their Expectation and Deſire, if need requireth, Pſal. 141. 5.

8. Slumberers cannot endure the Light, eſpecially in caſe it be too nigh, too Glorious, or uncertain in its ſhining. Such will Approve an p. 83Open Teſtimony in Others, or in the General, but not with Reſpect unto Their Times or Perſons; 'tis not the Nature (ſo much as Nearneſs) of that Light which doth Offend them. Such will confeſs Church-Members ſhould be Saints, but that they ſhould be more than Babes in Chriſt, is ſomewhat too Glorious a Diſcovery for ſome awakened ones, much more for Slumberers. Such are for Hoping to the End, ſo long as Providential Grounds are ſteady; but if thoſe waver, the Light of this Duty is ſo uncertain, as that it doth Diſquiet them, who fain would ſlumber untill the Day break, without Diſpute. Therefore ſuch gladly would have that Light removed till ſuch a Time, and then it will be Acceptable, as Chriſt was to the Converted Jews, though it was ſtill a burden unto others, who Laboured under a Spirit of Slumber, Rom. 11. 8.

Theſe are the Signs of Slumbering. The Signs of Sleeping are as followeth.

1. Men faſt aſleep can hardly Hear, and to be ſure, not See at all; Sleep being that which bindeth up the Outward Senſes altogether; as in this Moral ſence it was with thoſe on whom the Spirit of a Deep ſleep was poured out, Iſa. 29. 10. Such muſt be loudly cryed unto, elſe can they Hear no more than Baal did, becauſe (as Elijah ſaid, by way of Holy taunt) He, peradventure, was aſleep, 1 Kings 18. 27. Such do not ſee thoſe Angels who Obſerve unſeemly Geſtures in Religious Exerciſes, 1 Cor. 11. 10. nor how Chriſt walketh among the Golden Candleſticks, Rev. 2. 1. nor how their ſhame is ſeen by others, elſe would they watch, and keep their Garments, Rev. 16. 15. John ſaw Chriſt's Glory, John 1. 14. but ſo did not the Jews, who therefore ſlept whilſt this Sun ſhone full in their Faces, Mat. 13. 13. 15. and ſo it is ſtill, with reference unto his Intereſts, though one would wonder that People do not perceive the eaſineſs of his Yoak, (compared with that of Satan and the Man of ſin) both in Relation to his Spiritual, Eccleſiaſtical, and Temporal Kingdom, but onelyonly that their Faces are, as it were, hid from him, Iſa. 53. 3. and Eyes are cloſed.

2. Men faſt aſleep are apt to Dream, and thereupon to Laugh or Weep, when many times there is no cauſe, but what is of a quite contrary Nature, unto the Aggravating of their Grief and Shame when once they come to be awakened. We may conclude thoſe Men to be aſleep, who Dream of Eating when they are faint, Iſa. 29. 8. who call their Lying Dreams the Word of God, Jer. 23. 28. or who are filthy Dreamers, Jude 8. pretending unto an Intereſt in Chriſt, and yet will turn his Grace into Laſciviouſneſs, v. 4. So on the other ſide, they who were in a Dream when Babylon's Captivity was returned, Pſal. p. 84126. 1. and did evince it by their Weeping, when there was Ground for Joy, or when the Foundation of the Second Houſe was laid, Ezra 3. 12. as in a way ſuitable to that Type, ſome Old Profeſſors in our days have done, whoſe very Age diſpoſeth (as in the Letter) to Sleep and Dream. But whilſt ſuch ſleep at Prayer, they are not wont to Dream of Hell, or how poor Eutychus was likely to have never wakened more, Acts 20. 10. Nor are their Affections Exerciſed according to Subſtantial Grounds, or as the Caſe indeed requireth.

3. Sleep makes the Greateſt Giant as unactive, and as unable to help himſelf or others, as is the Weakeſt Child: Therefore Men of an Active Spirit are deſcribed by their not ſleeping, Iſa. 5. 27. Yea, God himſelf (when Active for his People) is ſaid to be Awaked, Pſal. 78. 65. Till when, Chriſt's Preſence with his Diſciples did not profit them, Mat. 8. 24, 25, 26. Nor can his Poverty be prevented who loveth ſleep, Prov. 20. 13. Some are as Lions, in point of Strength, provided they be awake; but when the Horſe and Chariot are caſt into a ſleep, Pſal. 76. 6. then are the ſtout-hearted ſpoyled, and none of the Men of Might can find their Hands, v. 5. Such cannot prevent their Falling down from a Third Loft, though taken up Dead, Acts 20. 9. and never likely to be Recovered but by a Miracle, v. 10. Thoſe Men are faſt aſleep, whoſe Arms are folded, Prov. 6. 10. whoſe Field is over-grown with Thorns, Prov. 24. 30, 31. 33. who do not riſe up from the Dead, Eph. 5. 14. who put not their Beautiful Garments on, Iſa. 52. 1. or do not awake to Righteouſneſs, 1 Cor. 15. 34. eſpecially at ſuch a Time as this, Rom. 13. 12, 13.

4. Men faſt aſleep know not what doth befall them, or is done unto them, although in never ſo Material a Reſpect. Such may be Robbed of a Rib, as Adam was, (or of their ſtrength) and yet without any apprehended pain, Gen. 2. 21. Yea, ſuch may be deprived of all their former ſtrength, as Sampſon was (together with his Locks) whilſt Delilah made him ſleep upon her Knees, Judg. 16. 19. The Enemy may come and ſow his Tares among their Wheat who are aſleep, Mat. 13. 25. which will not be rooted again, v. 30. ſo long as this World continueth, v. 39. Yea, ſuch may have a Dead Child (or one of Satan's Brats) laid in their Boſom inſtead of one alive; as had that Woman while ſhe ſlept, 1 Kings 3. 20. Such may be in Danger of being Slain, as Saul was, when faſt aſleep, 1 Sam. 26. 7, 8. who loſt his Spear, and yet he knew it not, v. 21. Yea, ſuch (being ſoftly gone unto) may have a Nail driven into their very Temples, as Siſera had when he was faſt aſleep, Judg. 4. 21. Thoſe Men are more than Slumberers, who are not deeply ſenſible (at that p. 85very inſtant) of ſuch like Spiritual Loſſes and Hazards run.

5. Men faſt aſleep are apt to be ſecure, though in the midſt of utmoſt Dangers; as ſleeping Drunkards are upon a top-Maſt, and in the midſt of the Sea, Prov. 23. 30. 34, and as poor ſleeping Jonah was, when the Ship was almoſt broken, and Heathen Mariners cryed every Man unto his God, Jonah 1. 4, 5. Such have Gray hairs upon them here and there, and yet they know it not, Hoſ. 7. 9. Feaſting and making Merry, when at the very Gates of Death, Iſa. 22. 13. The Day of the Lord is Darkneſs, and not Light to them, yet do they Ignorantly deſire it, Amos 6. 18. although not likely to ſtand at his Appearing, Mal. 3. 1, 2. Yea, ſuch will Eat and Drink, and Buy and Sell, and Plant and Build, untill the Son of Man doth Come, (as in the days of Lot and Noah) unto their utter overthrow, Luke 17. 26. 28. 30. Whereas a watchful Chriſtian is conſtantly at work with Holy Fear, Phil. 2. 12. not being ſecure, though in no viſible Danger, Job 3. 25, 26. but Trembling in himſelf when ſpeaking of God's Salvation for his Annointed People, Hab. 3. 13. 16. How would it ſtartle ſome aſleep, could they but ſee how daily Induſtrious, and ſelf-ſuſpitious others are, whoſe work is yet already done, as to the Main thereof.

6. Men faſt aſleep are apt to be awakened with much Affrightment, upon ſome rouzing Noiſe or Accidents; as that poor Jaylor was, who being awakened with an Earthquake, and ſeeing the priſon-doors open, drew out his Sword, and would have killed himſelf, ſuppoſing the Priſoners had been fled, Acts 16. 26. 27. Such being pricked at the Heart, are ſubject to cry, with ſh…icking, What ſhall we do, Acts 2. 37? Yea, to lay violent Hands upon themſelves, as Judas did, Mat. 27. 5. or at leaſt, Deſperately to ſay, with Cain, My ſin is greater than that it may be forgiven, Gen. 4. 13. as the Margin there hath it, and as the ſame Hebrew words are elſewhere rendred, Pſal. 51. 5. Gen. 50. 17. Exod. 10. 17. And if Judge Felix Trembled when Paul, a Priſoner, did but Reaſon at his Bar concerning the future Day of Judgment, Acts 24. 25. much more will ſuch be ſtartled, when awakened out of their preſent ſleep, Dan. 12. 2. and made to appear before Chriſt's Judgment-Seat, 2 Cor. 5. 10. to receive their dreadful Sentence, Mat. 25. 41. And in the mean time Chri…t's Coming (as a Bridegroom) in the Night, will …e (in ſuch Men's Apprehenſions) like that of a Thief, Rev. 3. 3. or as if he came onelyonly to ſteal and kill, and to deſtroy, John 10. 10. Whereas a watchful Chriſtian can bear Convictions without Aſtoniſhment, Ezra 10. 2. and will have Confidence at Chriſt's Appearing, 1 John 2. 28. being able immediately to Open to him when he ſhall come and knock, Luke 12. 36.

p. 86Queſt. 5. How are we to Interpret that word [All] with reference unto the Virgins, & their being over-taken with this Temptation?

Anſw. This word [All] is of a Diverſe Acceptation, of uſe to be Obſerved.

1. It ſometimes ſignifieth ſome of All ſorts, where there is any Diſtribution made, as of theſe Virgins into Wiſe and Fooliſh. Thus Chriſt is ſaid to have taſted Death (with reference to its ſpecial Benefits) for All or Every Man, Heb. 2. 9. as he did ſometimes heal All Sickneſſes, and Every Diſeaſe among the People, Mat. 4. 23. That is, ſome of All ſorts, or all Manner thereof, as it is there Tranſlated, which is the ſame Greek word as in the other place. Thus alſo [All the World] is ſometimes uſed; as when John (Writing to the Jews) calls Chriſt a Propitiation, not onelyonly for Their ſins, but alſo for the ſins of the whole World, 1 John 2. 2. viz. for ſome of All ſorts, both Jews and Gentiles; which Gentiles (Diſtinct from Jews) are ſometimes called the World, Rom. 11. 12.) and not with reſpect to Every individual in the World, ſince Chriſt is onelyonly a Propitiation through Faith, Rom. 3. 25. which Faith All Men have not, 2 Theſ. 3. 2. In which ſence alſo Chriſt lightneth every Man, John 1. 9. if meant of Spiritual Light, ſince ſome have not the Spirit, Jude 19. But [All the Virgins] in my Text, is meant of more than ſome of All ſorts.

2. By this word [All] ſometimes the whole (or Every Individual) is intended, without the leaſt Reſtriction or Limitation. Thus All (as in the Greek) or whoſoever believeth in Chriſt, ſhall not periſh, John 3. 15. and thus the Promiſe is ſure to All the Seed which is of the Faith of Abraham, Rom. 4. 16. And thus All Iſrael (in the Letter) ſhall at laſt be ſaved, Rom. 12. 26. Thus alſo is Marriage Honourable in All, without excepting any, in competition with Fornication, Heb. 13. 4. And thus All Scripture (and every part thereof, unto a word or ſyllable) is given by Holy Inſpiration, 2 Tim. 3. 16. But as the former ſence was too Reſtrictive, ſo is this Second too Comprehenſive to be intended in my Text; as if All Virgins or Profeſſors (not any one excepted) are then aſleep, or ſlumbring, ſince there would elſe be no room for any Watchers, nor conſequently ſuch whom Chriſt will then ſerve, which yet is intimated, Luke 12. 37. and by ſuch Watchers this very Cry at Mid-night ſeemeth to be made; therefore All will not be aſleep, in that ſence.

3. The word [All] is oft-times put to ſignifie the Generality; as All Judea went out to John, Mat. 3. 5. And as thoſe walked in All God's Ordinances, Luke 1. 6. and as the Goſpel went into All the Earth, Rom. 10. 18. &c. In which laſt ſence, theſe Virgins (All of them) are ſaid to ſleep and ſlumber.

p. 87The Ground and Reaſon of which General ſleep may be, as unto God, That ſo the Lord might thereby Humble the Generality of Profeſſors, at ſuch a Time. And thus was David's Covenant (partly) Ordered, 2 Sam. 23. 5. that none ſhould then ſeek after God, Pſal. 14. 2. as his Diſpenſation was a Type of Chriſt's, Rom. 3. 11. and as with reference unto Chriſt's Spiritual Kingdom, ſo with Reſpect unto his Temporal Redemption alſo, Ezra. 20. 44. by turning their Captivity, who then were ſleeping, or in a Dream, Pſal. 126. 1. as it is with ſinners when Chriſt firſt gives them Light, Eph. 5. 14. Nor can his People's Pride be more effectually prevented, than by their ſlumbring at ſuch a time; ſince by that means there is no viſible Difference between the Wiſe and Fooliſh, and ſince they fail in the Predominant Duty of ſuch a Time, and which they have been ſo eminently forewarned of by Chriſt himſelf, Mark 13. 35, 36, 37. And thus, when All have ſinned, the freeneſs of their Redemption is conſulted for, Rom. 3. 23, 24. or when the Deliverer of Sion ſhall turn away ungodlineſs from Jacob, Rom. 11. 26. finding them (at that time) in Blindneſs, v. 25. or Labouring under that Spirit of ſlumber which he hath therefore given them, v. 8. But as to Means, or Second Cauſes, the Reaſon of this General ſleep, is, becauſe,

1. Chriſt Cometh in the Night, 2 Pet. 3. 10. and the Cry is made at Mid-night, Mat. 25. 6. As Typically of Old in Egypt, Exod. 12. 29. which Night is thought to be no Time for work, John 9. 4. but General ſleeping, 1 Theſ. 5. 7. and though ſome Riſe up early, and others ſit up late, Pſal. 127. 2. yet All are wont to be aſleep at Midnight: So that the very Seaſon is one Reaſon why this Temptation is ſo Epidemical. Now, who would have imagined (according unto common Rules of Judging) that ſuch a Friend, a Saviour, and much more a Bridegroom, ſhould Order his Coming at ſuch a Time? Eſpecially ſince he was confidently Expected the Day before? Yea, one might be apt to think that Work or Labour, ſhould onelyonly be expected (from Man) untill the Evening, Pſal. 104 23. by vertue of God's Appointment, and that his ſleep might then be warrantable, ſince, when the Night cometh, no Man can Work, John 9. 4. 'Tis true indeed, this holdeth not in Moral Caſes, or when a Particular Exception is expreſly made; but drouzy Heads are eaſily thus made to ſleep when Satan rocks them.

2. Becauſe of ſo many bad Examples ſet, the ſorce whereof is greater than that of Precepts, ſince theſe do onelyonly Teach, whereas the other, (viz. Examples) Draw, eſpecially in ſinful Caſes. Moſt Men will rather go out of their way than loſe their Company; as Joaſh did (with p. 88reference unto his evil way) ſo long as good Jehoiada Lived, 2 Chron. 24. 2. And as more do out of Chriſt's way on that Account, ſince ſolitarineſs doth more Afflict (the Generality) than Diſobedience. Now, here is no want of ſleepy Preſidents, with reference unto all ſorts of Virgins: and if a little Leaven be ſo dangerous, 1 Cor. 5. 6. much more will half Mankind (viz. the Woman) encourage the other half (viz. the Man) to follow that Example, Gen. 3. 6. and when All go aſtray, the Prieſts themſelves will hardly ſtay behind, Ezek. 44. 10. 'Tis like, theſe Virgins fell not All aſleep at once, but Nodded one after another, untill the laſt was over-taken alſo, becauſe ſhe had not one Companion left to keep her waking; as poor Elijah ran for Company, when fanſying himſelf to be alone.

3. Sleep is the Natural Effect of certain Cauſes, which Antecedents being General, the Conſequent muſt needs be ſo, according to the Ordinary courſe of Nature; and this is Principally the Reaſon why this Temptation doth Generally ſo prevail (at ſuch a time) upon theſe Virgins. Sleep is Occaſioned (as in the Latter, ſo in the Myſtery) ſometimes from Wearineſs, Judg. 4. 21. Sometimes from having nought to do, Prov. 19. 15. Sometimes from Fanſied ſecurity, Luke 12. 39. Sometimes from having Nought to loſe, Eccl. 5. 12. Sometimes from Senſuality, Joel 1. 5. And ſometimes from a Swoon, Mat. 9. 24. All which meet here, with reference unto theſe Virgins. They have been lately wearied with the greatneſs of their way, from Canaan to Aſſyria, Iſa. 57. 9, 10. They have been Slothful, in hiding that Talent, which ſhould have Publickly been improved, Mat. 25. 25, 26, 27. They were Secure, as in the Days of Lot and Noah, Luke 17. 26. 28. 30. Yea, they were Spiritually poor, which made them careleſs, Rev. 3. 17. They have been very Senſual, Mat. 24. 38, 39. Yea, they have fall…n into a Spiritual Swoon, and muſt be awakened from ſome kind of Death by the ſound of the Seventh Trumpet, Rev. 11. 15. 18. No wonder then, if Sleep hath been ſo General, the Cauſes of it having been ſo too.

Queſt. 6. What Influence doth Chriſt's Tarrying lend unto the Virgins Slumbring?

Anſw. 1. Becauſe Sleep is very Natural, yea, unto Chriſt's own Diſciples in his Abſence, eſpecially in Spiritual Reſpects, as ſometimes in the Letter, Mat. 26. 40. Whilſt Adam was alone, his ſinleſs Nature was inclined to Sleep, Gen. 2. 20, 21. And much more is the Old Man ſubject thereunto, ſave as the Second Adam bids that ſleeper to awake, Eph. 5. 14. Chriſt is that Sun, upon whoſe Setting, or with-drawing, Man Naturally falls into a ſlumber, and is apt to ſleep p. 89the ſleep of Death, ſave as his Eyes are ſo enlightened, Pſal. 13. 3, Chriſt ſets the Soul on work, who elſe is Idle, Mat. 20. 1. 6, 7. And ſlothfulneſs will quickly caſt one into a Deep ſleep, Prov. 19. 15. Now, whilſt the Bridegroom tarrieth, his quickning Influences are withheld more than before they were; and if he abideth ſtill, though but two days, John 11. 6. his very Friend ſleepeth, untill he goeth to awake him, v. 11.

2. Becauſe Satan is then moſt buſie, who hath the greateſt Skill (next unto God himſelf) of caſting poor Creatures into a ſlumbring Frame. He knows what is intailed upon Watchers at ſuch a time, Luke 12. 37. 42. who therefore will Then be ſure to be at Joſhua's Righthand, reſiſting him, Zech. 3. 1. when likely to be cloathed with Change of Raiment, and with a fair Mitre upon his Head, v. 4, 5. He alſo knoweth how ſadly the Sleeper's Houſe will then be broken through, Luke 12. 39. and what Temptations ſuch will be expoſed unto, both in reſpect of Sin, v. 45. and Suffering, v. 46. eſpecially Profeſſors, or ſuch as know Chriſt's will, and yet are careleſs, v. 47. He alſo hath his Songs and Cradles, and Soporiferous Applications wherewith to make men ſleep, as Delilah did her Sampſon, Judg. 16. 19. And though Chriſt doth prolong his Time, yet Satan then knows his Time is ſhort, which makes him Rage the more, Rev. 12. 12.

3. Chriſt's Tarrying Occaſions Grief, and Grief Occaſions Drouſineſs; therefore the Virgins ſlumber, if Chriſt be abſent, eſpecially when he Tarrieth. It is ſo in a Spiritual caſe as it was with Iſrael, who were for the making of other gods, when Moſes (who was a Type of Chriſt) Delayed his coming down out of the Mount, Exod 32. 1. It was ſo in the Letter, when ſorrow made thoſe Diſcipl… ſleepy while Chriſt was abſent, and with reſpect unto his ſad expected abſence afterward, Luke 22. 45. And if his going from them (for the Comforter) ſo fill'd their Hearts with ſorrow, John 16. 6, 7. much more the Hope of his Return, when it is deferred, will make the Heart ſick, Prov. 13. 12. and conſequently, the Head exceeding heavy. Many of our Virgins eyes were ditted up with dirty Tears, and they have Cryed themſelves aſleep, as Children oft-times do, when left alone in ſome dark Room, and partly from Vexation.

4. No Man Preciſely knoweth when he will Come, or whether ſome awakening intimations of it be not meer Deluſions, which addeth weight unto the former Heavineſs, and doth encourage ſlumberers to be ſecure. Some ask, How long, Rev. 6. 10? but none can abſolutely tell, Pſal. 74. 9. whether it will be at Even, or at Mid-night, or at the Cock Crowing, or in the Morning, Mark 13. 35. This Day and Hour p. 90being hid…m Angels, Mat. 24. 36. and from the Son himſelf, Mat. 13. 32. as he is Man. Yea, many falſe Alarms alſo are fore ſignified, which we are bid to take heed of, Mark 13. 21, 22, 23. And to be Sober as well as Vig…lant, with reference unto the end of all things being at hand, 1 Pet. 4. 7. Now, when poor Samuel (in the Night) is wakened with an uncertain Call, he may be eaſily perſwaded to lye down again, 1 Sam. 3. 4, 5. And Paſſionate Jehoram (in ſuch a Caſe) will roundly ſay, What ſhould I wait for any longer, 2 Kings 6. 33.

5. Such onelyonly think (at firſt) to ſlumber, but not to ſleep; or onelyonly to ſleep a little, but hope to waken before his Coming; or that they ſhall awaken preſently, and ſoon be ready, upon ſome timely preſumed. Notice of his Coming: All which help forward this Temptation while he tarrieth. Sin is Deceitful, ſtealing upon ſome (as ſleep doth) by degrees, who onelyonly meant to ſlumber or dally with its Temptations: Others Deſign a down-right ſleep, but onelyonly of ſo long continuance, truſting that Conſcience will awaken them at ſuch an hour of the Night: But he that ſaith in his Heart, My Lord delayeth his Coming (the ſame Greek word that is in my Text) will take his fill of ſinful ſleep, Mat. 24. 48, 49. eſpecially when ſuch are furniſh'd, as theſe Virgins are, ſome of them with Oyl in Veſſels, and all with Trimmed Lamps, who therefore doubt not of being Ready. So that the Bridegroom's tarrying muſt needs Occaſion the Virgins ſlumbring.

Ʋſe. 1. From the Bridegroom's tarrying we may Obſerve, the Chriſt's Affections (the ſtrongeſt of them, viz. his Conjugal Affections) are abſolutely under his own Command; though he now cometh alſo to …ecute his Vengeance, Iſa. 61. 2. which is another very ſtrong Affection. He is the Lord of Anger, as the Hebrew hath it, which is Tranſlated Furious, Nahum 1. 2. and doth evince it by his ſlowneſs thereunto, though great in Power, and of an Holy Nature, and much provoked by his Enemies, v. 3. He alſo loves the Diſpenſation of his Coming, which therefore is oft-times called his Bride: Yet is he not thereby Tranſported to out-run his Father's Time, though ſtrongly urged by all his Paranymphs, or Bride-maids earneſt Expectations. True Holy Zeal is no way inconſiſtent with due Sobriety, whatever ſome may Fanſy; but turbulency in Affections is one ſad ſign of their being Carnal, though fixt upon a Spiritual Object. When Tempted to be Impetuous, let us …emember Chriſt, and that they who are his, have Crucified ſuch Affections, Gal. 5. 24. as is their Duty, Col. 3. 5.

2. If all the Virgins be aſleep (at leaſt-wiſe ſlumbring) at ſuch a time, we then may hence conjecture at the Reaſon of what hath been p. 91to be Obſerved among the Churches and Profeſſors of later Times, unto ſome Men's Amazement, ſuppoſing this Parable to have ſuch a reference, as ha… been with Sobriety ſuggeſted. Some have admired that Men pretending unto Light and Conſcience ſhould be ſo Blind, ſo wavering, ſo apt to let their Duty fall, ſo little Affected with what they Underſtood, ſo Childiſh in their Reaſonings, ſo oft Relapſing into the ſame Temptation, ſo utterly unable to bear plain dealing, and ſo Offended with ſome kind of Light. Whilſt others have been ſtark Deaf, affected ſtrangely with ungrounded Fanſies, unable to Reſiſt the Weakeſt Adverſary, not knowing what did befal them, yea, very ſecure in greateſt Dangers, and marvellouſly affrighted with what in its ſelf hath been a Mercy. The Reaſon whereof hath been their being all aſleep, which is not ſo obvious in a Spiritual ſence, as in the Letter, elſe ſhould we not ſo much have wondred at theſe Appearances.

3. We now may ſee what little cauſe we had to be Offended with the Diſ-appointment of our ſometime Expectation, ſince Chriſt had told us of his tarrying, after the Virgins firſt going forth to meet him. Some have been therefore apt to Queſtion wholly, whether that was He, becauſe they truſted he would have then Redeemed Iſrael altogether, Luke 24. 21. But on we Fools, and flow of Heart, to believe all that the Prophets have ſpoken, v. 25. Ought not Chriſt to have ſuffered theſe things (after his being Proclaimed King) and then to enter into his Glory, v. 26? Our failing at this Day is ſadly Aggravated by that Record, and by Chriſt's own Prediction here (added to thoſe of Old) according to what hath come to paſs. Let us with ſhame acknowledge our former In-advertency, and not perſiſt to Queſtion the Near approaching of his Name, becauſe of that, which is indeed one Promiſing Sign thereof; viz. his Tarrying beyond the Time Expected.

And ſince the Bridegroom's tarrying Occaſions ſleep, by thoſe forenamed Influences thereby Miniſtred, theſe following Conſiderations may be of ſome Preventive Uſe, by way of Counterpoiſe.

1. Let us Remember, that all this while we have been meerly Exerciſed with the want (or rather the Delaying) of a Priviledge, and of a Lower Nature onelyonly. Chriſt's Spiritual Preſence (and our Communion with his Grace or Peace) hath not been neceſſarily denyed unto us, by Reaſon of this late Diſ-appointment: Yea, ſuch Communications might have thereby abounded, had we been Watchful in ſuch a Trying Hour, ſince in his abſence, the Comforter is promiſed to ſupply his place, to our Advantage, John 16. 7. 'Tis not Chriſt's fault, but ours, if the Quinteſſence of Outward Liberty be not enjoyed by us in Soul-Enlargements; ſince, if the Father was to be ſeen in Chriſt, John p. 9214. 9. much more Chriſt's Quickning Preſence is in the Spirit, and without which his Fleſh would profit nothing, John 6. 62, 63. Now, ſhall we caſt away theſe choiſer Influences (as Sleepers do) meerly becauſe we yet have not what is of far leſs worth? What clearer Evidence can there be of Childiſh Folly and Mercenarineſs in our Profeſſion, than to Deſpiſe Chriſt's Peace becauſe of Worldly Tribulations, and to deſiſt from bounden Duty for want of Preſent, or immediate Pay?

2. It ſeems Chriſt waiteth alſo, as this his Tarrying doth import; Expecting, till his Enemies be made his Foot-ſtool, Heb. 10. 13. And ſhall not we then Watch with him one Hour, Mat. 26. 40. eſpecially when bid to do ſo, v. 38? His bare Command ſhould ſatisfie a …riend, John 15. 14. a Lover of him, John 14. 15. much more his Practice, John 13. 14. eſpecially with reference unto the ſame Time, as well as Thing; as …n this caſe it is. Shall we not take that Yoak upon us, (and count it eaſie alſo) wherein himſelf is willing to be a Partner, Mat. 11. 29. 30? Thoſe are Proud Servants, who will not Help their Lord, by lifting at the Other (and Lighter) end of any Burden. Yea, he is Suffering all this while; and is it not a ſhame for his Diſciples to fall aſleep, whilſt he is ſweating, as it were, great drops of Blood, Luke 22. 45? Eſpecially ſince he hath ſignified his being then at Prayer for Peter alſo, and the reſt, v. 31, 32. who formerly had continued with him in his Temptations, v. 28. but now could neither Pray for him, nor for themſelves, being faſt aſleep, v. 46.

3. Chriſt alſo tarrieth, for our Advantage, as hath been ſhewn: And ſhall we then ſo ill requite him, as at that very Time to Grieve him by our ſleeping? He thereby doth deſign the Actuating of our Graces; ſhall we then let thoſe Habits ſleep, as if we had a mind to croſs him? This Reſpite is vouchſafed for our Dreſſing; and ſhall we onelyonly then improve it in putting off our Cloaths for ſleep? How ſadly did it aggravate the caſe of Saul and Eli, that they ſhould ſin juſt when God was Eſtabliſhing the one Man's Houſe, 1 Sam. 2. 30. and the other's Kingdom, 1 Sam. 13. 13. How will it vex awakened Virgins, to think how ill they have Rewarded Chriſt and their own Souls by ſlumbering at ſuch a Time, as doubtleſsly it did King Joaſh, who ſtayed his own Hand, when God had given him leave to ſmite his Enemies untill they were conſumed, 2 Kings 13. 18, 19. This Trying Hour is that wherein more work might have been done than all the Day before; and trifling now, may prove more Diſ-advantaging than any of theſe ſleepers Dream of, whoſe utmoſt Diligence afterwards will not Redeem what Now is Loſt.

p. 934. He will Come certainly at laſt, Hab. 2. 3. and unawares on them who are not Watchful, Luke 12. 45, 46. and this all are fore-warned of, on purpoſe to prevent their ſleeping. In caſe the Lord were not to come, that ſlothful Servant would be the Happieſt Man: Or if one might be ſure to be awakened in due Time: Yea, ſleep might be more Pleaſant (though no whit ſafer) if this had not been ſounded in our Ears, which one would think, ſhould make the Virgins ſtartle, however others may ſleep ſecurely who know it not. Now, it might break poor Sampſon's Heart, that he ſhould ſleep till his Hair was cut, and then awaken with that ſad word, Th… …hiliſtines be upon thee, Judg. 16. 19, 20. eſpecially he having Twice been warned before, v. 9. 12. When apt to ſlumber, let that be ſounded in our Ear, The Bridegroom is upon you; whoſe ſudden coming unto Sleepers may be of ſadder conſequence than that of the Philiſtines was to …mpſon. And if this were of Ancient Uſe, Mark 13. 35, 36, 37. much more to us, on whom the End is near approaching.

5. We may be ſure (upon Subſtantial g…unds) that Chriſt will come as ſoon as may be, or that he will tarry no longer than he needs muſt. There are ſome Watch-men upon Jeruſalem's Walls which never hold their Peace, and who are bid to keep no ſilence, nor give him Reſt, till he Eſtabliſh her, Iſa. 62. 6, 7. And his Elect do Generally make an heavy Cry, whom he will therefore ſpeedily avenge, although their Faith is gone, by his long bearing with them, Luke 18. 7, 8. Yea, his own Intereſt doth put him on upon a three-fold ſcore; Partly, becauſe that Diſpenſation is his Bride, whom none can Love more than the Bridegroom doth; and therefore he onelyonly tarrieth till all things are made ready for the Marriage, Mat. 22. 4. Partly, becauſe he cometh as an Avenger upon his Wicked Adverſaries, which is an caſe unto his Heart, Iſa. 1. 24. And therefore he will not long be burthened. And Partly, becauſe he all this while is in a Suffering ſtate, as to his Name and Intereſts, and ſuch a blot will ſuddenly be wip'd away. Therefore we may conclude his Coming with utmoſt ſpeed, and ſo keep Waking.

6. H…s Coming as a Bridegroom; (in theſe our Days,) cannot but be exceeding near, from all thoſe Plauſible fore named Grounds, (both Scriptural and Providential,) by which the Virgins were all encouraged to Expect him at their firſt going forth. And unto which I now ſhall add One more, which is (to …e) a Demonſtration; viz. Becauſe that Diſpenſation (with reference unto its Preſent ſetting up) was manifeſtly (of later Years) The Truth of ſuch a Time; ſince it Then was the OnelyOnly Truth oppoſed by Worldly Powers, and meerly p. 94in regard of its being then to be ſet up. Now, Worldly Powers will alway Perſecute ſome Glorious Truth of Chriſt or other; ſuch as (by way of Eminency) Time-Truths are: Therefore this having been the OnelyOnly Butt of Perſecution, (and with Reſpect unto its Preſent Exaltation) 'tis thereby Evidenced to have been The Truth of ſuch a Time; and conſequently to have been ſpeedily to be Advanced, ſince elſe (in ſuch a Reſpect) it could not be a Truth. Which might have kept us Waking.