of Death untill they saw Mat. 16. 27 28. 3. There also was a Coming in the days of Constantine when Christ did first Erect his Temporal Kingdom Rev. 12. 5. to Recompense his Faithful Servants Rev. 7. 17. and Execute his vengeance upon others Rev. 6. 16 17. 4. There will be also his Coming as a Thief Rev. 16. 15. when Israel or the Eastern Kings shall be Converted v. 12. to whom shall come the first or chief Dominion that ever yet was Mic. 4. 8. who shall be All Righteous Isa 60. 21. but yet not Perfect therefore that also will be but for a Time 5. There will be his Second Appearing at the last without sin Heb. 9. 28. which therefore must needs be Personal or in his Humane Nature wherein he sometimes bare the sins of his Elect 1 Pet. 2. 24. 6. But then there also is a Precursory Coming which last is Principally intended in this Parable as hath before been hinted Thus will Christ's Temporal Throne have six steps up into it as Solomon's had of Old 1 Kings 10. 19. The Manner of which Precursory Coming will much Resemble that of his Personal Coming and the rest as in these following Particulars will appear 1. His Coming will be very sudden When his Enemies will be secure 1 Tâ—â—s 5. 2 3. Mat. 24. 49. 50. Luke 17. 28 29 30. When the Foolish Virgins think there 's time enough to Buy Oyl in Mat. 25. 10. When former Signs will not be seen by Reason of their Dis-continuance Psal 74. 9. 2 Pet. 3. 4. When his Elect abound with unbelieving Cries Luke 18. 7 8. When there will be great Mountains in his way Zech. 4. 7. the Mount of Olives to be divided Zech. 14. 4. and none shut up or left in Israel Deut. 32. 36. This rotten Old House will falâ— in a Calm despised fore-warnings will thus be punished his former tarrying will thus be recompensed he then hath nothing else to do but just to come thus will he amaze the World and thus hath he consulted for the need of Daily Watching Mark 13. 36. 2. His Coming will be with a dreadful Earthquake Zech. 14. 5. Valleys will be Exalted and Mountains Level'd Isa 40. 4 5. The Old Heavens will pass away and the Earth be burnt up 2 Pet. 3. 10. and New Created Isa 65. 17. The state of things will be dissolved and yet not Ruined Psal 75. 2 3. He then will tread the Wine-press of the Almighty's wrath and fierceness Rev. 19. 15. till blood come unto the Horse Bridles Rev. 14. 20. Michael and the Dragon will then try their utmost the Trouble then must needs be great Dan. 12. 1. And if the Beast's Full before was shaking much more will Satan's be so Rev. 12. 8 9. Christ will then come to Judgment Rev. 11. 18. the Name whereof made Felix tremble And this will be a Time of Restitution Acts 3. 21. and therefore of much Commotion Yea all must be done in a little time which cannot be without a mighty noise See therefore to your standing Luke 21. 36. and flee away from Babylon Jer. 51. 45. as far as Azal or separation Zech. 14. 4 5. 3. His Coming will be with Clouds and Darkness Psal 97. 2. as to the Justifiableness of several things according to a common Rule of Judging Israel will then be as the Dew which tarrieth not for Man Mich. 5. 7. but readily will Publish that word which God himself gives forth Psal 68. 11. The Temple and City Walls will not depend upon a fresh Humane Command Ezra 5. 3. but will be pleaded by an Ancient Order v. 11. 13. which was Divine Ezra 1. 1. That Day of the Lord will be upon every one that is Lofty Isa 2. 12. the spoilers will then be spoyled Ezra 39. 10. the Judge will pull down and set up at pleasure Psal 75. 7. the Solitary shall be set in Families Psal 68. 6. and out of Judah shall come every so called Oppressor Zech. 10. 4. This King's High-way will not be Common but where there none was wont to be for his Redeemed Isa 35. 8 9. as it was of old Psal 77. 19 20. 4. Yet Righteousness will be his Habitation Psal â—â— 2. which will sustain him Isa 59. 16. As to his making war with some Rev. 19. 11. and his Redeeming others Isa 1. 27. Israel's Nobles shall be of Themselves Jer. 30. 21. which is but Righteous according to the Chaldeans Principles Hab. 1. 7. They shall be Righteously Redeemed for Nought because they were so Sold Isa 52. 3. No Weapon shall prosper any more against the Just the Servants of the Lord which will be both their Heritage and Righteousness Isa 54. 17. Christ shall then Reign Rev. 11. 15. and he in that respect will then be called a Righteous Branch Jer. 23. 5. for unto him it appertaineth Jer. 10. 7. whose Right it is Ezra 21. 27. God's Law viz. the Light of Nature and the Scriptures will be the Rule for he will then Magnifie his Law and for his Righteousness sake Isa 42. 21. Saints then will walk in the Name of the Lord their God which is but Just since others Judge it to be their Right Mic. 4. 5. Babylon shall be Rewarded as the hath Rewarded others Rev. 18. 6. and Saints shall have double for their shame Isa 61. 7. both which are Righteous 2 Thes 1. 6 7. 5. His Coming will be variously Represented by Men of Differ in Spirits Some will suppose him to be John the Baptist Mat. 16. 14. But others will more confidently say Loe this is He Isa 25. 9. And Blessed is the People that know the Seventh Trumpets joyful sound Psal 89. 15. Some will be Angry Rev. 11. 18. and oppose him Psal 2. 1 2. as the Philistines did David 2 Sam. 5. 17. but others will desire him Hag. 2. 7. Some will then stumble and thereby be ensnared Isa 8. 14. but others will call his saddest Executions Righteous Rev. 16. 5. and blessed is he that is not Offended in him Rev. 15. 3. Some will then Sing whilst others shall Cry for sorrow of Heart Isa 65. 14. Some will give Glory unto God Rev. 11. 13. Indeed who shall not fear him and Worship before him Rev. 15. 4 Yet others will not Repent to give him Glory Rev. 16. 9. 6. His Coming will be with Glory Riding in the Heavens by his Name Jah Psal 68. 4. and being thereby Declared to be the Son of God Psal 2. 7. His Harbinger hath been astonishing as Luke 3. 15. much more himself will be so as of Old John 10. 41. Kings will then shut their Mouths at him Isa 52. 15. and Heathens will bow unto his Scepter Isa 19. 18. A New Earth and Heavens or Glorious Dispensation will be Created Isa 65. 17. wherein all sorts of Persons shall then share v. 20. The Luâ—tre whereof will be set out by that sad state of things immediately before Psal 32. 5. The Spirit also will then be
have sometimes been as sinners are exceeding Vigilant in a sinful way whose Change by Grace doth not Diminish but rather add unto their Circumspection although with reference unto a Changed Object In which regard Believing Paul did Persecute still as in the Greek or follow after that Truth in Love unto it Phil. 3. 12. which he had formerly Persecuted Others for in way of Hatred v. 6. 4. Others are watching for our Halting and therefore we have need to take heed to our ways How was Christ watched by the Pharisees Mark 3. 2. and Jeremy by his Familiars Jer. 20. 10. and David by his Observers which made him Pray for being Led in a plain Path Psal 27. 11 Which being so Narrowly Observed by others may prove our great Advantage it being so Natural to be Remiss if winked at by Fellow-Creatures Yea some must look to be Enticed as Jeremy was Jer. 20. 10. on purpose to make a Breach upon our Principles whereby to be Revenged of us for a Differing Practice or Profession In which regard Christ biddeth his Disciples to be wise as Serpents and to Beware of Men who watch for something by which to Colour over their Designed Mischief Mat. 10. 16 17. Those of the Separation have been alway Censured for their over-strictness but if the least Moâ—e be to be seen upon them it will be put into their Eye who therefore have need to Watch and Keep their Garments 5. Be therefore Vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a Roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may Devour 1 Pet. 5. 8. And as this was his Practice alway so more especially must Josbua look to be Resisted by him at This Day which Answereth unto that of Old Zech. 3. 1. He can apply Temptations suitable to our Tempers yea he can shrewdly Ghess at our Inclining thereunto and so Pursue them in their fittest Season And what would not he give to have his Will next unto Christ Mat. 4. 9. upon some Christians 2 Cor. 12. 7 He knoweth who is likeliest to be his Greatest Adversary whom he would therefore win or weaken by some Fall Yea were it onely to prevent their Near approaching Crown whom he doth therefore strongliest Tempt at such a Time as in that Case of Joshua Zech. 3. 1 5. He also hath Devices on both hands or under a most sair Pretence 2 Cor. 2. 11. by which he will get an Advantage in case we be not very Vigilant wherein it is a shame to be out-stripped by him 6. Christ also is called a Watcher Dan. 4. 13. which is there plainly meant of Him as by his being singularly there spoken of so by that Work it self v. 14. which Primarily belongeth unto Him although his People share with him both in that Work and Name v. 17. who is so called partly because he Watcheth or Keepeth his Vineyard Day and Night Isa 27. 3. for he that Keepeth Israel doth not slumber Psal 121. 3. and if he watcheth them shall not They watch Themselves Yea he as Man did sometimes watch in such an Hour of Temptation to set us an Example Mat. 26. 38. And could ye not Watch with Me said he to his Disciples v. 40. He also as Mediator watcheth still and Prayeth for his Peters Luke 22. 32. which should provoke Their joyning with him in that Work v. 46. as Joshua was to Fight whilst Moses was at Prayer Exod. 17. 9. though Israel Prevailed upon Moses his Account v. 11. as if Christ doth not Keep the Watch-man waketh but in vain Psal 127. 1. yet should we therefore work because God worketh in us Phil. 2. 12 13. 7. As watching is incumbent upon All Mark 13. 37. and in All Things 2 Tim. 4. 5. so at All Times Luke 21. 36. which therefore ought not to be wondred at if Now required but should be more attended to on that Account In which regard it may be said of watchfulness as it is said of Holiness 1 John 2. 6. and Brotherly Love v. 9 10. which is not any New Command v. 7. save with Respect unto a Circumstantial Variation v. 8. as Legal Duty is Now turned into Evangelical and as our watching in the General is Now Commanded in Relation to the Duties and Temptations of such a Particular Time Now when Christ putteth upon his none other Burden save what they have already he signifieth it as a Motive to Hold fast that which they have untill his Coming Rev. 2. 24 25. And if Obedience be our Centre as we draw Nearer to its End so will our Motion be the quicker as is to be Observed in a falling Arrow And if Men very Aged or drawing nigh unto their Dissolution are also most Awake or apt to Rise up at the voice of an Early Bird Eccl. 12. 4. it will be to Their shame who are most Heavy Headed in a Spiritual sence a little before their dropping into the Grave 8. Sleep is so Natural as in the Letter and pleasing to the Flesh especially unto some which is another Motive to be Watchful In Meral cases to be sure we may conclude that to be Excellent which Nature at least Corrupted Nature is averse unto And such is Spiritual Vigilancy The Old Man is so called partly because of Drousiness and if the first Adam's sinless Nature was apt to sleep Gen. 2. 21. as being of an Earthly Make v. 7. much more doth sin dispose thereunto and more especially in this Moral sence And though some cannot sleep as others do or sin to such an Height yet do All Love to slumber or Dally with Temptations of a sinful Nature And as Men of a more Feeble Spirit and Cold Complexion and Grosser Bodies are most Heavy-headed in the Letter so let those look about them in the Mystery whose strength is gone whose Love is Cold and who are most encompassed with this World's Fatness Nor ever had the Tempter such Advantages as Now in point of Watchlessness it being Now so Universal which yet should stir up others to be Singular 9. Some at this Day have need to watch because they are so much Alone as did the Psalmist upon that Account Psal 102. 7. He that will be as Sparrows are upon the House-top must look in Times of Danger to be Alone And wo be unto him whose solitariness at such a Time and sleepiness are in Conjunction These are Dividing Times wherein we therefore should be gathered up so much the more into our selves and into self-defending Circumspection Those are poor Creatures and have Nought to Lose who can sleep in a solitary Cottage which is the case of several Now who have been wont to Live in Families Let scattered ones improve this Consideration in a self-rouzing way whom Providence hath Now constrained to be Watchful and which may prove a great Advantage Now is the Watchmens Day of Visitation Mic. 7. 4. wherein Old Shepherds shall be made to cease from Feeding the Flock of God Ezek. 34. 10. onely Lambs Feeding alone
is applied to wounds Luke 10. 34. and was Symbolically used by those who had the Gift of Healing James 5. 14. Mark 6. 13. Such an All-heal is Grace What noisom Ulcers are upon sinners Hearts Isa 1. 5 6. which Grace keeps sweet at present and is in the way of an Effectual Cure The best of Nature's Medicines are onely Skinning or Repercussive Imprisoning Rebellious Humours which makes them rage the more and break out other where with greater fierceness But Grace Designs the altering of one's Constitution beginning with the Heart or Mind and thence expelling into the Members that which it will not leave there neither Rom. 7. 23 24. 6. Oyl doth not break the Head Psal 141. 5. But is of a Mollifying Nature Isa 1. 6. The Emblem of soft words Psal 55. 21. And that which gently doth insinuate it self into a Part or Member Such also is the Property of Grace A bare Command is very Irritating Rom. 7. 8. And Slavish fear begets an Angry kind of Duty Exod. 4. 25 26. Which is Tormenting 1 John 4. 18. But Grace doth soften a stony Heart Ezek 36. 26. And soaks into the Will Mat. 26. 41. Gently dispersing peccant Humours and making the Soul to Act from Love so that Commandments are not grievous 1 John 5. 3. And when there 's most of Grace in any man there 's most of sweetness both in Relation to himself and others proceeding from the Nature of this Oyl 7. Oyl is not apt to Freeze like other Liquid things No more is Grace Nature is very fluid in the Summer Season and Hypocrites are Active while they are in the midst of warm encouragements but when that Sun declines how stiff are such how Cold for Christ and like-dead Flies untill the Spring returneth Whereas a truly Gracious Soul though sensible of such with-drawings yet is as fit for present use as ever because of that Native warmâ—h wherewith he is endued Saints can endure Hardship 2 Tim. 2. 3. 2 Cor. 11. 27. Partly because they are inured to it Luke â— 29. But chiefly from the Grace or Fatness of that Olive-Tree which they are Graffed into Rom. 11. 17. 8. Oyl is not apt to wast but is the Preserver of other things and therefore Colours are laid in Oyl A Carnal Man's Goodness is like the Dew Hos 6. 4. Or of a waterish Nature which quickly dryeth up And Moral Vertues are of a pretty Colour but apt to fade because not laid in Grace How quickly did that Lovely Young Man look pale for lack of following Christ Mark 10. 20 21 22. Or meerly because his Vertue was not added unto Faith as it should have been 2 Pet. 1. 5. But Grace is of an Everlasting Nature not waxing lean with Age Psal 92. 14. But springing up to Everlasting Life John 4. 14. According to the Nature of its Covenant Jer. 32. 40. 9. Oyl is of a Chearing Fragrant Nature We read of the smell of Oyntments Cant. 4. 10. whereby they do bewray themselves Prov. 27. 16. Filling the House with Odour John 12. 3. which stirs up Love Cant. 1. 3. and is Heart chearing Prov. 27. 9. Therefore 't is called the Oyl of Joy Isa 61. 3. and Gladness Psal 45. 7. which was not to be used in the Times of Mourning 2 Sam. 14. 2. Nor with a Sin-Offering Lev. 5. 11. Or Jealousie-Offering Numb 5. 15. which call'd for sadness All which agrees to Grace in point of Savour and Refreshing confest by all who have their Senses Exercised Christ had Grace poured into his Lips Psal 45. 2. whose Lips were therefore like to Lillies dropping sweet smelling Myrrh Cant. 5. 13. Yea and how Odoriferous might Professors be did they but Open their Box of Oyntment or were but in the Exercise of Gospel-Graces 10. Oyl is a very stately satisfying and Pleasant Nourisher Much of the Israelites Food was Oyl 1 Kings 17. 12. whose pleasantness was that by which their Manna was resembled Numb 11. 8. Yea Oyl is very satisfying by reason of its Fatness and very stately also which therefore is coupled with fine Flower and Honey Ezek. 16. 13. and Wine which he that Loveth over-much will not be Rich Prov 21. 17. To signifie the equal Costliness of Oyl and Wine And such a kind of Nourisher is Grace Heart-strengthning Soul-satisfying and very pleasant unto a Spiritual Palate Yea when that Stately Feast of Oyls as the Hebrew hath it is made upon Mount Sion Isa 25. 6. Its first Course will be Grace as Glory will be the Second Psal 84. 11. 11. Oyl is of a diffusive Nature soaking into the Bones Psal 109. 18. And that by which a running River is Resembled Ezek. 32. 14. An Instance whereof we have in Aaron's Oyntment which ran down from his Head unto his Beard and thence unto the Skirts of his Garment Psal 133. 2. Sin is self-propagatiâ—â— and so is Grace which is not able to contain it self save as it is enforced A worldly prudent Man can stop the current of his Testimony when he pleaseth because his Prophecying Spirit is of an Ordinary Nature which therefore is Subject to such kind of Prophets 1 Cor. 14. 32. But good John Baptist could not hold his Tongue although he thereby lost his Head Mat. 14. 3 4. 10. whose Life and Liberty might else have been preserved 12. Oyl was abundant in the Land of Canaan which therefore was called a Land of Oyl 2 Kings 18. 32. Especially some part thereof and therefore Asher was bid to dip his Foot in Oyl Deut. 32. 24. wherein much of their Treasure did consist Prov. 21. 20. And wherewith they Traded with them of Tyre Ezek. 27. 17. The Assyrian boasted of his Natural Oyl 2 Kings 18. 32. But Grace is no where to be found save in and among God's Israel and there it is abundant especially with those who have the Name for Happiness which Asher signifieth Gen. 30. 13. Although their outward Lot like his be stony yet do they suck this Oyl out of the Flinty Rock Deut. 32. 13. which is the Richest Treasure Isa 33. 6. and wherewith such do Trade Rom. 1. 11. 13. Oyl was of an Ancient Use in the Designation of Persons unto some more than Ordinary work or Office wherewith the High-Priest was Annointed Numb 35. 25. So were the Prophets 1 Kings 19. 16. Psal 105. 15. And also Kings 1 Sam. 16. 13. As these were Types of Christ who was both Prophet Priest and King and was accordingly Annointed Isa 61. 1. Acts 4. 27. Psal 45. 7. Thus also Grace resembleth Oyl because the Saints are thereby both Design'd and fitted for such Offices for he which hath Annointed them is God 2 Cor. 1. 21. Poor Carnal Creatures are Design'd for Lower Uses whilst Higher Places are reserv'd for Saints who as they are at present Kings and Priests to God so they shall Reign on Earth Rev. 5. 10. as David did soon after his Annointing and then will Foolish Virgins wish they had their Vessels
filled with this Oyl 14. Oyl was of Use in Sacrifices which Jacob therefore poured twice upon his Pillar Gen. 28. 18. and 35. 14. Whereby to Testifie his Thankfulness and gain some further Mercy from the Lord Whereof that Typical Meat-Offering did consist Numb 15. 4. which was as Sauce unto their Sacrifices to make them Savoury and Compleat as Grace doth Gospel-Sacrifices which therefore is Required in Prayer 1 Tim. 2. 8. and Praises Col. 3. 16. But therefore it was Their grievous sin who set God's Oyl before the Heathen Ezek. 23. 41. And sent their Oyntments unto Ashur Isa 57. 9. meerly to get their Favour And thus Grace is an Acceptable Sacrifice when Offered up by Christ the Altar 1 Pet. 2. 5. Yea though there be nothing but this Oyl or Grace appearing in the will 2 Cor. 8. 12. But woe be to those Israelites who prostitute this Sacred Oyl at the Feet of Men or give up their Light and Duty unto the wills of others as many Professors in our days have done meerly to curry Favour with them 15. Oyl may be spoyled very much as Ointment is apt to be by some dead Flies got into it Eccl. 10. 1. And as Oyl Typically was of Old when touch'd by one that was unclean by having touched a dead Body Hag. 2. 12 13. And thus even Saints themselves yea and their very Graces are apt to be unsavoury by reason of some strong Corruption laboured under Yea that which some Men count a sorry Flie may be sufficient to breed this Putrefaction untill it be taken away which cannot be without some kind of loss And in particular one's touching or compliance with Man 's Prohibition of Temple-work or Open worship which is the onely thing intended by that Prophet Haggai is apt to make this Oyl unclean or to obstruct Communion with any so polluted 16. Oyl is of special Use for Light which is the Resemblance chiefly here intended And so is Grace which also doth much resemble Light as sin doth Darkness Darkness is meerly privative and so is sin But Grace is of a positive Nature which therefore hath its Author Heb. 12. 2. as Light had its Creator Gen. 1. 3. Grace is from Christ John 1. 16. as Light is from the Sun and sin from Satan John 8. 44. that Prince of Darkness Acts 26. 18. The Light is sweet Eccl. 11. 7. And Grace is a gladsome sight Acts 11. 23. whilst none but Night-Birds can delight in Darkness The Light makes manifest Eph. 5. 13. And so doth Grace the Nature of sin and Duty which poor dark sinners do not understand There 's no Communion between the Light and Darkness 2 Cor. 6. 14. And as not in a Natural so neither in this Moral sence Darkness is staining Job 3. 5. and so is sin But Light and Grace do give a shining lustre Eccl. 8. 1. Darkness and Sin both of them are exceeding Cold Mat. 24. 12. whereas Grace like the Sun doth set the Heart on burning Luke 24. 32. Darkness Occasions Terror Psal 91. 5. and so doth sin Lev. 26. 16. But Grace and Light are equally rejoycing Darkness and Sin expose unto mistakes and Dangers both which are happily prevented through the Light of Grace Darkness unfits for Action as these poor Foolish Virgins did Experience whereas the others Lightsome Oyl kept them in a walking posture after their being once awakened untill the Bridegroom came These are the Principal of those respects wherein New Covenant-Grace resembleth Oyl the last of which viz. It s being of special use for Light is chiefly here intended In which regard I now shall a little further clear up the Nature of this Oyl or Grace with reference unto that Light for which it serveth And so 1. This Oyl of Grace together with its Light is meerly Spiritual and no way Natural There is a Natural Oyl and there is also a Light of Nature in a Moral sence Rom. 2. 14. proceeding from a Mystical yet Naturally Moral Oyl But now this Oyl and Light of Grace is wholly of another Nature The first Adam's Paradise was Richly stored with Natural Olive-Trees both in the Letter and Mystery but Gospel-Grace cannot be had save by a fresh engrafting into that super-natural Olive-Tree Rom. 11. 24. or Second Adam who is from Heaven 1 Cor. 15. 47. Nature's Wild Olive will never yield this Oyl which those are therefore strangers unto who have not in them any thing save what is Natural 2. This Oyl and Light of Grace is alway Accompanied with some good Measure of Spiritual Heat There is a shining Light which is not burning as that of the Moon which fitly answers unto Nature But that of the Sun which is an undoubted Type of Christ Mal. 4. 2. doth set the Heart on burning Luke 24. 32. as well as open the Disciples Eyes v. 31. The Light of Grace is therefore troublesome unto the most because it is so hot whereas a Carnal Jew can Joy at least-wise in John Baptist's Light Abstracted from its burning Heat John 5. 35. Christ's Oyl doth scald the Old Man out of Doors and his very Light or Brightness is Destructive unto wickedness 2 Thes 2. 8. by which 't is to be known from that more Carnal Light which hath no burning Influence upon its Owner's Dross no more than Balaam's had upon his Covetousness 3. This Oyl of Grace as that in the Letter also must first be fired before it yieldeth any Heat or Light whatever immediate use it may be of in other regards Grace doth depend on Christ not onely as its Author but also as he must Actuate it or else that Habit must sleep in Cold and Darkness Those two Disciples had of this Oyl within their Vessels but till Christ came and kindled it they neither saw nor were they warmed Luke 24. 31 32. Saints never will be Independents with reference unto Christ's renewing Influences but he that works the Disposition must also draw it forth to Exercise else though they be something yet can they do nothing John 15. 5. because they Move as well as Live in him Acts 17. 28. 'T is to be feared those men have bought a Wind of Satan who think they have the Spirit 's Wind at their Command 4. The Light of this Oyl is of no use unto a Natural Eye but is Offensive to it Saints have Discoveries thereby made which others do not understand both in Relation unto Christ Cant. 5. 9 10. and things of a Spiritual Nature 1 Cor. 2. 14. Christ was that Light John 1. 9. whom yet the Common Jews received not v. 11. but their very Seers were offended with it Mat. 12. 12. partly because it was too Manifesting John 3. 20. and partly because it was too Great or like unto the Sun it self when looked on this Object being Light as well as that by which 't is seen Psal 36. 9. Yea therefore was John Baptist's Light rejoyced in but for a Season John 5. 35. though his was
on the whole Armour of God Eph. 6. 13. and of abounding 2 Pet. 1. 8 in one Grace added to another v. 5. that so we might not fall v. 10. nor can there be true Grace without it v. 9. III. These Foolish Virgins may here be said to take no Oyl 1. Because they had not the Oyl of Grace but onely that of Nature as is most evident because their Oyl did wholly fail Mat. 25. 8. which that of Grace will never do but springeth up to Everlasting Life John 4. 14. Now that which is not of the Noblest kind is oft times represented as if it had no Being Thus Rational Creatures are called the World John 3. 16. and True Believers all Things Col. 1. 20. and Idols or false gods Nothing 1 Cor. 8. 4. And thus may Nature's Oyl or Light be termed None at all This quells their Pride who Glory in a thing of Nought and shews their sin who Nullifie tâ—ue Grace by making it the same for Kind with Nature 2. Because this very Common Oyl was onely in their Lamps not in their Vessels They had some good Affections but were not Acted by a solid Principle in their first going forth for then their Light would have continued Since the Command had that been eyed was every whit as clear or rather more the second time Now injudicious Acts are counted none and therefore although the Jews did oft-times Pray with much self-humbling yet it is said they Prayed not Dan. 9. 13. nor were they Humbled to that day Jer. 44. 10. because they onely did such things from flashy Affections and not from Judgment How sadly Fools will sometimes weep which yet among the Wise is counted Nothing 3. Because this Oyl was spent at least they would not use it when there was most Occasion for its Light or when the Cry was made at Mid-night Now useless things are said to have No Being as Job's un-useful Friends are called Nothing Job 6. 21. nor ever had such things some kind of Being in which regard that onely seemeth to be had which proves unprofitable in the Issue unto its Owner Luke 8. 18. Well therefore may Professors go for workers of Iniquity Mat. 7. 23. when they back-slide because their Zeal is gone when Christ and they stand most in need thereof which therefore is in such a case as if it had not been at all Christ Represents these Foolish Virgins as those who took no Oyl at first Quest 3. Why were Lamps taken by these Virgins who took no Oyl Answ 1. Because they needs must have a Form of Godliness else all Wise Virgins would cast them off and not be for Communion with them therefore so small a matter shall not part them Saul was desirous of Samuel's Continuance with him which made him do more than otherwise he would have done 1 Sam. 15. 30. Formal Professors would gladly shine with others Beams especially if empty Lamps put into a common stock will make them Partners Yea Conscience it self will not be quiet without the stirring of some Affections but if those Lamps be to be seen poor Fools are satisfied Those are not worthy to be called Virgins whose Outside is not very Neat and Trim. 2. Because these Lamps are Light Compared with Vessels full of Oyl which therefore lazy Hypocrites will rather chuse to bear Oyl in a Gracious Heart is like to Water in its Element which is not Ponderous but unto others 't is Grievous to be born who therefore have no delight to carry it The Light of this Sacred Oyl is like that of the Sun Discovering Moats as well as Dirt both which an Hypocrite can bear the Presence but not the Sight of in such a Reproving way who therefore hateth it John 3. 20. This Oyl is also thought too Dear because the Heart or Vessel must be emptied of other things which none but Fools will either wonder at or grudge But yet such therefore are conteâ—â—â—o be without it 3. Such possibly may think they have this Oyl of Grace or that it is not now to take and upon that Account it may be left behind through self-undoing self-conceit There have been self-deceivers in all Ages who yet do most abound in these last days of ours or in the Declining State of Churches and Professors Typified by those self-conceited Laodiceans who were the last of those Typical Asian Churches Which sad mistake ariseth partly from lothness to enquire lest Conscience should be disquieted or lest the Soul should suffer loss as when Brass Money is become one's own its Owner will not therefore let another rub it Partly because they might think Oyl inseparable from a Lamp or that Affections are always Spiritually Judicious and having Lamps did thence conclude their having Oyl Partly from Spiritual Pride because Hypocrites would not be thought to want so main a business And partly from the Resemblance that is between Special and Common Oyl or Grace and Nature as is between Tin and Silver which therefore at least by Fools are oft Confounded 4. These Foolish Virgins thought they had enough to serve their present turn and Hypocrites are for no more in matters of a Spiritual Nature As is the work such is the need of suitable Instruments a wooden Needle may serve to stitch some coarser Cloth together And their first going forth was Manifestly of a Lower Nature I will not say that Gospel-Grace is absolutely necessary unto the Second going forth for then all of that sort must be concluded to be Real Saints from that very Act of going out which I dare not affirm unless the whole of that Duty be performed which I shall clear up afterwards but something far short of Grace might carry these out at first as is apparent both from the Issue and from the Nature of that fore-named work which might Occasion this neglect 5. Such might at least-wise think this Special Oyl was to be had in Time although they had it not at present And Hypocrites are not for being over-hasty in looking out for Christ's Commodities They might presume to borrow Oyl of their Companions in case of need or that they should have time enough to buy it as may be gathered from their attempting afterwards in both these ways to be supplied Such are acquainted with Christ's tender Bowels and readiness to help poor sinners which is abused by them to indulge their present carelessness and to delay their closing with a present Offer though to the hazarding of their Eternal State by dallying with such Opportunities Quest 4. How came they to go forth at first not having this Light or Oyl And not as well the Second Time Answ 1. At their first going out they were in the Primâ—â—â— their Affections and Zeal for Duties of such a Nature There was some kind of another Heart like that of Saul's 1 Sam. 10. 9. bestowed upon all Professors at that time which raised them unto an higher pitch than Ordinary They were then like to Ground
1. 5. If Civil Subjection to Antichristian Powers which is more dark be bogled at by such much less will Man's Commands or Prohibitions in Religious Matters be complied with by a Judicious Scrupler because this latter is more clear Such will do good to all but more especially where need doth most require or else their Love doth not abound in Knowledge and all Judgment Phil. 1. 9. 5. That which is done with Judgment is done with due Affections also the Judgment being alway so Accompanied as Princes are with their Attendants although Affections oft-times go alone They who judiciously confess a failing especially some kind of sins are suitably Affected with inward bitterness Zech. 12. 10. else do they not seem to know that kind of Plague 1 Kings 8. 38. which must be driven out with Holy Violence Such will pour out their Heart in Prayer Psal 62. 8. especially for Spiritual Blessings Else do they not pray with Understanding since cold Petitioners in such Cases do onely Teach another to deny them Such will draw out their Soul together with their Bread unto the Hungry Isa 58. 10. else may they give much Alms as did the Pharisees Mat. 6. 2. who yet omitted Mercy Mat. 23. 23. because they did it not with Bowels of Compassion And such who do judiciously return unto an open Testimony in Times of Danger as their Duty cannot but be ashamed of their former failing in that Respect and so in any other case whatever 6. That which Men do with Judgment they will endeavour to Accomplish by the diligent use of most effectual Means conducing thereunto Such are no Idle Beggars but he that Cryeth after Knowledge with Understanding will seek her also and search for her as for hid Treasure Prov. 2. 3 4. Temptations Cordially groaned under are striven against and watched over else do not men judge them very burdensome what-ever may be deceitfully pretended unto Such also study what to render for all those Benefits which are judiciously acknowledged by them Psal 116. 12. â—â— how to take in their Bonds and Pay their Vows which have been made with Understanding v. 18. Whereas men guided by meer Affections are to be known by their remissness of their Endeavours and sluggishness of their Desires and the In-activity of their Acknowledgments Nor can we better Judge of Heartless Hypocrites than by Observing the Dis-proportion that is between their Practice and Profession Mat. 23. 3. These are the Signs of Acting from Judgment in the General The Signs of being Spiritually Judicious in our Religious Actings are briefly these which follow 1. The Light of Spiritual Judgment is also Universal at least with reference unto the Main of whatsoever is a Duty Men Naturally Judcious are Uniform as to the whole of a Particular Action But that which is truly Spiritual doth suitably appear in every of a Judicious Professor's ways Nature deals by Retail in Spiritual Matters but Grace by whole Sâ—le And therefore he is guided into All Truth who by the Spirit of Truth is guided into Any one John 16. 13. Grace doth renew the Mind and casteth Salt as did Elisha into that Spring which healeth every of its Streams or Actions as Natural Understanding doth in Ordinary Cases but not Reâ—igious No Verdict can rightly pass upon a man â—ut by Accumulation or taking him altogether No more than Parrots can be conâ—â—uded Rational or Drunkards Sober from some few words which they may utter And therefore Saints are oft-times called Vines whose Fruit is Clustered as Phil. 1. 11. 2. True Spiritual Light is of a self-evidencing Nature like that of the Sun which needeth no Forreign help nor can be Discern'd by any other save its own Beams and which the strongest Arguments cannot prevail against in his Opinion whose Eye is therewith Lightned Such call for no Reason save what is Scriptural nor can they see with Nature's Spectacles in Spiritual Cases nor are they shaken in their Faith by meer Prudential Arguments or Man's Authority Those are not Spiritually Judicious who plead for Nature's Negative Voice upon Divine Commands or Argue from thence the Warrant of self-preservation when Christ who is the Lord of all Acts 10. 36. expresly calls for self-denyal Prophets were therefore counted Mad 2 Kings 9. 11. and so was Paul 2 Cor. 5. 13. because so confident against all Rules of Ordinary Demonstration not knowing Christ after the Flesh as heretofore v. 16. And every Man in Christ is thus Renewed v. 17. 3. True Spiritual Light is throughly Purifying And therefore the Spirit of Judgment is also called the Spirit of Burning Isa 4. 4. with reference unto that Dross and Filth which it Discovereth and consumeth both at once Those men who are but Naturally Judicious may alter their Opinion or former evil Practice yea with Affection also and yet without the utter Extirpation of a contrary Principle As is to be Observed in some Moralists who yet without the Spirit of Christ can never Mortifie a sinful Lust Rom. 1. 13. But Duty proceeding from Spiritual Judgment destroys the Root of Disobedience as doth the Love of Truth what is Erroneous Yea the Confession of a sin when it is Spiritually Judicious doth secretly Eradicate that which is so acknowledged Let us Observe what Execution is done upon our Spiritual Adversaries by every one of our Religious Exercises as we would Argue our being therein Acted by a Spiritually enlightned Judgment Since Christ's Peculiar Baptism with the Holy Ghost is of a fiery Nature and so appeareth by its consuming what-ever is combuâ—tible Mal. 3. 11 12. 4. True Spiritual Light Transforms a Soul into the Nature of what is thereby seen or done it being the Spirit 's property to change Beholders into the Image of what it doth Discover 2 Cor. 3. 18. Balaam did Naturally Understand what he denounced upon Israels Cursers Numb 24. 9. which yet did not prevent his cursed following Practice Rev. 2. 14. No more than Notional Acquaintance with Gospel-Mysteries can change a Carnal Heart who yet may Naturally understand them 1 Cor. 13. 2. But he that Spiritually or by the Spirit of Faith 2 Cor. 4. 13. believeth in Christ is thereby turned into a New Creature all things are New as well as Old things done away 2 Cor. 5. 17. Such are Transfigured as Christ was in Prayer Luke 9. 29. and are Delivered into what they Hear as it is in the Greek Rom. 6. 17. because this Spiritual Digestion doth Convert a Feeder into the Nature of his Meat which Natural Understanding doth not but leaves the Heart as void of Spirituality to be sure though not perhaps so grosly vicious as it was before 5. Men Naturally Judicious are alway Sober but Spiritual Judgment doth also keep them very Humble and of a Lowly Heart with reference to what they either Know or Do. That Knowledge is but Natural at the best which Puffeth up 1 Cor. 8. 1. And Elevating Duty is not Evangelical which some are apt to
for such a Cry as then was made in Egypt Exod. 12. 29 30. And such a surcease of Expectations or such a Midnight hath manifestly been upon us The Bridegroom 's near approach hath not been Credited by those who formerly went out to meet him That Witness hath been wholly waved as being thought unedifying It hath Offended some when but encouraged unto a Sober hope till Providence should cast the Scale We have been cast behind in some Men's Apprehensions as Israel in Reality was through others unbelief Yea Sober intimations of the Bridegroom 's Coming have been like Thieves cryed out against as being Dangerous or tending to Rob Men of Estate and Liberty Thus hath a Midnight been Apparent in our Times and such a Dispensation is that by which the Cry is partly to be known as having been already made Quest 5. Why is a Cry Now made more than at their first going forth Answ 1. Because the Virgins Now are fast asleep who formerly had been awake They do not stir as heretofore therefore Christ Calls them they cannot stir untill awakened therefore Christ Cryeth to them 'T is not an Ordinary Voice that can be heard by one asleep And thus Christ suits his Notice unto their Necessity He might indeed have bid them now sleep on as Mat. 26. 45. but their Condition Cryeth unto him to which his Crying Notice Ecchoeth He knoweth that the Wiser Virgins Spirit is willing therefore he gives them one awakening more Mat. 26. 41. He knew this Cry would have some rouzing Efficacy and whilst there is any hope he is for the use of means Luke 13. 8 9. Some would have thought it hard if he had taken them at this Advantage therefore he takes this course to stop their mouths Rom. 3. 19. His Tarrying was a great Temptation to them which is removed by his Cry How sadly is the straining of his Voice requited by others snorting 2. Because they now are put upon the Repetition of a former Practice which in a Case of this Nature needs a Cry One may do something once in way of Frolick which is not Seconded because it was not thought to be a Duty And thus some serve the Lord in way of real Humour or apprehended Supererogation who therefore count its expected Repetition to be unreasonable One may do that at first which is recalled upon Second thoughts till quickned up by fresh instructing Opportunity However being wearied by their former walk and having found that Rest is good they might be somewhat stiff and loth to Rise unless some Louder Cry doth force them to it Yea having once gone out before they might suppose it needless to go forth again so sparing we are of Multiplyed pains save in a way of our own choosing especially since Christ here takes no Notice of their former Action and since it hath been dis-continued Both which are strong inducements to sit still at present Isa 58. 3. Cant. 5. 3. unless a Call be of a Crying Nature 3. The Season wherein this Cry is made doth make it Necessary 1. As the Midnight is a time of greatest Deadness or Inactivity both in respect of Inward Liveliness and Outward Motives thereunto At Man's awakening in the Morning he is most like to God Psal 17. 15. as to his being Active but Night especially Midnight is Man's time of Rest Psal 104. 23. Though Beasts of Prey are then at work v. 20 21. whom in the Morning the Righteous shall have Dominion over Psal 49. 14. Time also was when all the Virgins at their first going forth were much Encouraged from without Their Governours began to say Jerusalem's Inhabitants shall be our strength Zech. 12. 5. they walked then from strength to strength increasing in their Number as they went to Sion Psal 84. 7. God did then own them by his Providence as Heathens did Confess Psal 126. 2. enough to make the Old Man Lively But it hath since been otherwise therefore a Cry is Needful 2. As Midnight is a time of greatest Darkness especially in Tempestuous Seasons such as that is wherein this Cry is made These Virgins at the first did seem to have no want of Light but then were fully Satisfied as to their Present Work and Duty Their Loins were girt and their Lamps burning which made their way exceeding plain to what it hath been since the failing of those Affections by which the Judgment of most Men is guided How easily then were all Objections Answered which would not since have been thought strong again but that the former Light of General Harmony is now Eclipsed which then was clear Nor can it be denyed but that the Work at first was in it self more Obvious as will appear upon the Opening of this Latter going out In which regard a Cry is needful to clear that Eye which hath of late been so dim-sighted 3. As Midnight is a time of greatest Hardship and visible Danger The Air is then Raw and Cold which tender Virgins cannot bear without the hazard of their Health and therefore such have pleaded they needs must Die if sent to Prison not knowing that such a moist Ceâ—â—ar is Christ's House of Wine Cant. 2. 4. Yea Lions then are wont to Roar Psal 104. 2. 21. which nothing but a Louder Cry will make poor feeble Virgins not to fear Thieves also are then abroad therefore Men judge it not their Duty but their sin to walk at Midnight without a more than Ordinary Call viz. a Cry Though all are set by Christ upon their Watch at such a time Mark 13. 35. 37. which one would think is Call sufficient But we are apt to fit our Duty for the Meridian of our Interest and not to venture out if self-concernments lye at Stake unless a greater Cry be made within as sometimes was in Egypt which made them all to rise at Midnight Exod. 10. 29 30. though Robbed by it v. 36. Quest 6. What 's meant by those words Go ye out to meet him Answ 1. These Virgins were Now Asleep and Going is an Act of one awakened which therefore intimateth the Rouzing up of drouzy Habits into awakened Exercises That Rising Sun will have the Sapoâ— Radical Dispositions drawn up into the Branches of Respective Actions There is no visible Difference between the Wise and Foolish the Deaâ—â— and Living while asleep whom Christ will now Distinguish by putting them upon Motion He is content to eat his Spouses Honey-comb together with her Honey Cant. 5. 1. but Roots alone will not contenâ— him when also Fruits are not laid up for him as is expected from â— Spouse Cant. 7. 13. He therefore hath called them out of Darknesâ— into Light that they might shew forth his Vertues 1 Pet. 2. 9. anâ— not onely have them Dormant in their Habits This is their Duty alway therefore he takes no Notice of their present slumbring but puâ— them on immediate Action or Going out to meet him as they woulâ— have him Own them 2. These Virgins
their Faith be grounded on his Word or on their own and others Apprehensions But yet the Vision will not Lie which doth Oblige ouâ— waiting for it because it will come surely and not tarry Hab. 2. 3. Nor may a former Expectation have been a meer Delusion save as John Baptist hath been thought by his Disciples to be the Bridegroom who onely was the Bridegroom's Friend or Harbinger John 3. 26. 28 29. However let God be True though every Man should prove a Lyar at least in part mistaken as being the Fruit of Darkness and Over-hastiness 2. That Dispensation of the Bridegroom 's Coming is very Notable or much to be Observed as doth appear from Christ's prefixing that Word Behold unto his Signification of its Near approach And if that Night was much to be Observed in which God brought his People out of Egypt Exod. 12. 42. much more this Day in which the Lord our Righteousness will lead the Seed of Israel out of the North to their own Land Jer. 23. 6 7 8. That was their first Redemption this will be the same a Second Time Isa 11. 11. Now as Relapses are most Dangerous so Restaurations are most Remarkable That was attended with following Checks and fore Temptations in the Wilderness but this will put the Gentile-Saints in full possession of their own Land untill the Jews Conversion That onely was Afflicting to Egyptian Dragons and not to any of the Israelites but this will sadly fall upon the Goats or slothful Servants and Foolish Virgins which therefore is much more to be Observed by all sorts of Persons 3. When all the Virgins have done looking for the Bridegroom then is the surest ground for our concluding his Near Approach for then doth Christ himself affirm it which formerly had onely been presumed Therefore he tarrieth untill some kind of false Alarm hath made the Generality to be Secure and then Behold he comes indeed What cause have all to stand continually upon their Watch unless they mean to be surprized by him whose very Coming is not known save that it will be at the most unlikely time How weak are they who therefore think the Time is not so nigh at hand because the present Expectation of it is not so General as heretofore it may have been This doth bespeak our Hearkning to that Cry which giveth Notice of the Bridegroom 's Coming when all the Virgins are fast asleep at least-wise not to count it therefore of no weight since at some such a time the truest signification that yet ever was will then be made 4. Christ here doth give some further Notice of his present Coming besides that of his Harbinger which seemeth to be more than was at his first Coming in the Flesh and which is worth our taking Notice of He came not then to Judge the World John 12. 47. as now he doth Rev. 11. 18. And shall a Judge shew more of Gentleness as this Redundant warning hinteth than did a Saviour But though he now will Execute the Judges Office yet doth he enter on it with a Saviours Heart And therefore he doubly warneth Now because his present Work will be more Dreadful How loth is Christ that any at this day should Perish 2 Pet. 3. 9. How are we more engaged to him than were the Pharisees who onely had John Baptist's Cry And if the Despisers of that single Invitation were then shut out for ever Luke 14. 24. how can those Foolish Virgins hope to enter who have out-stood a Second Notice Therefore this Cry had need be heeded which else will doubly call for Wrath and Vengeance upon its Disobeyers 5. This Cry is made at Midnight or when the Virgins are asleep which further shews the Riches of his Grace who waiteth for the fittest Time wherein to make its freeness Evident especially since they had been Aakened once before or when they first went out of Babylon as is evinced from their Dreaming then Psal 126. 1. Indeed Christ bad Relapsing Slumberers to sleep on now and take their Rest to shew what they Deserved But yet to evidence the Riches of his Love he also bad them to Arise Mat. 26. 43. 45 46. as here he dealeth with these Virgins Lest Men should boast of Congruous worth with reference unto the Grace of God in Christ it therefore is bestowed on them when in the height of Incongruity or unworthiness to receive it Thus did Christ Personate a Macedonian entreating Paul to come and help them Acts 16. 9 10. Yea thus unloveliness is his Time of Love Ezek. 16. 6. 8. who then is moved to Heal when nothing but Discouragements are to be seen Isa 57. 17 17. The Voice of that Cry had need be hearkned unto which otherwise doth so abound with sin-accenting and sorrow-heightning Grace 6. How sadly are they Mistaken who think a going Once out will serve the turn which is that great Soul-ruining Mis-apprehension among the Virgins or Professors The World lyes still in Wickedness 1 John 5. 19. and doth not stir at all But Virgins are such as have gone out at first and then they Rest who Generally perish in that state When Israel first went out of Egypt they went out All together Exod. 12. 41. whose Carkasses yet Generally fell in the Wilderness Numb 14. 29. because they were not also free to go out Thence into Land of Canaan when called thereunto by those of another Spirit v. 24. 30. Thus also All the Jews went out of Nature into Moses 1 Cor. 10. 2. but not from Thence into the Righteousness of God in Christ Rom. 10. 3 4. which is Revealed from Faith in Moses to Faith in Christ Rom. 1. 17. and therefore they were not saved Rom. 10. 1. And thus one may have virtually forgotten that he was purged from his Old sins 2 Pet. 1. 9. who having escaped grosser Lusts is not a Partaker also of that Divine Nature v. 4. whos 's first appearance is Gospel-Faith v. 5. All are partakers of the Earthy Adam's Image but they must bear the Image of the Heavenly also 1 Cor. 15. 49. or not Inherit his Heavenly Kingdom v. 50. nor yet be saved Eph. 2. 8. save as they are God's Workman-ship Created in Christ Jesus v. 10. Let us therefore at the first Go out of Ignorance into Knowledge and then a Second time Out of the Form of Knowledge into Practice Rom. 2. 20 21. Let us at first Go out of Disobedience into Duty and then a Second time out of Material Legal Duty or the Letter into the Newness of its Spirituality Rom. 7. 6. Let us aâ— first Go out of Superstition into Godliness or Right Worship and then a Second time out of the Accidental Form of this Right Worship or Notional Profession of it into its Life and Power 2 Tim. 3. 5. Thus in the General And as to such a Particular Duty and Time peculiarly referred unto in this Parable those are much mistaken who think a former going out will
let us take heed of Empty Vessels 2. Because the very Lamps of Foolish Virgins or their Affections as in Themselves considered are much Inferiour to the other's in point of Lastingness Saints are compared to Green â—iâ—â—-Trees Hos 14. 8. whos 's very Boughs which answer unto Spiritual Affections retain their Greeness Long But Hypocrites Affections at the best are onely Carnal and if a Carnal Mind be Death Rom. 8. 6. much more are such Affections Mortal They also that are Christ's have Crucified that Inordinacy of Affection which others still Labour under Gal. 5. 24. and Violent Pâ—ssions are of no long continuance Yea Hypocrites Affections are like those Lamps or Candles which have some swailing Thief in them or some Particular Object fixt upon which as a Sucker makes the Branch to wither whereas a Good Man guideth his Affections with Discretion Psal 112. 5. which therefore last the longer Thus we may Learn both why the Foolish Virgins Lamps go out and how we may secure our own viz. by getting our Affections Sanctified 3. Because the very Oyl wherewith the Foolish Virgins Lamps are fed is also differing from the others in point of Fatness Purity and self-multiplying all which are Influential to its Lastingness The Foolish Virgins Oyl was onely Common at the best and Nature's Oyl compared with that of Grace doth quickly spend it self and upon those fore-mentioned Accounts as may be thus made out 1. Spiritual things are also Fat and consequently not so apt to wast Such is the Moisture of the Olive-Tree Judg. 9. 9. especially of Christ Rom. 11. 17. and of those Blessings obtained through Faith on him Isa 55. 2. and through Communion with him Psal 36. 8. and 63. 5. Jer. 31. 14. Therefore Affections fed with such like Considerations are of a more lasting Nature and thence it is that True Believers are not so subject to Back-slide because their Motives to continue still are of a more Lively and Eternal make John 6. 67 68. But choisest Earthly Delicates in point of Moral Nourishing are very Lean Psal 106. 15. which leave the Earer's stomach alway Craving Psal 78. 29 30. therefore Affections fed therewith are apt to saint upon their being discontinued and he that onely Drinketh of such Water will Thirst again John 4. 13 Yea Lower things are no way satisfying Isa 55. 2. while they continue Eccl. 1. 8. and Increase Eccl. 5. 10. Therefore Souls Acting upon that Account in ways of Duty are at the best uncertain compared with others Prov. 19. 23. and 14. 14. 2. That which is Spiritual is also Pure 1 Tim. 4. 12. and Purest Oyl at least-wise in a Myâ—tical sence will burn the longest time therefore that Sacred Lamp which was to be alway burning was Ordered to be fed with pure Oyl-Olive beaten Exod. 27. 20. Now a Divine Command is Pure Psal 19. 8. so is that Wisdom from above James 3. 17. yea so is a Believers Hope of Future Glory 1 John 3. 3. therefore Affections fed with such like Arguments are of a long continuance Since God's Command endures for ever so doth his Duty whose Outward Peace gives place to Purity and whose very Hope is of a Soul-purifying Nature But Earthly Lower Motives are Compounded as is the Matter whereof some Lights are made which therefore quickly spend themselves with spitting and leave a Noisome Snuff behind them Therefore the Foolish Virgins Lamps go out with an Offensive smell unto the Wise who thenceforth cannot bear to have Communion with them any longer but wish them also to be Gone Mat. 25. 9. 3. That which is Spiritual is of a self-multiplying Nature also wherein the Wiser Virgins Oyl is like that of the Widows 2 Kings 4 3 4. and that which Multiplyeth in its pouring out must needs be Lasting Inherent Grace is partly therefore Everlasting because it is alway Growing Psal 92. 12. 14. so is a Suffering Saints future Glory 2 Cor. 4. 17. and Present Consolations 2 Cor. 1. 5. yea his Faith also 2 Thes 1. 3 4. therefore Affections fed with such a kind of Oyl are as a well watered Tree whose Fruit and Leaf continue in a Time of Heat and Drought Jer. 17. 7 8. But Lower things are of a Passing Nature 1 John 2. 16 17. uncertain at the best 1 Tim. 6. 17. and at the last will come to Nothing v. 7. yea Perish with the Using Col. 2. 22. therefore Affections sed therewith must needs be of a fading Nature especially since Lower Motives are apt in time to Deaden Men's Affections unto Spiritual Objects whereas that which is Spiritual is also the Preserver and Embalmer of that Affection which is thereby maintained The Truth of all which may yet more fully be made out by taking a Particular Notice of those Motives or that Oyl wherewith the Lamps or good Affections of unsound Professors unto Duty are maintained All which are Fading As 1. When Duty is Affected for its Novelty which may not be so easily perceived at the first as afterwards Athenians spent their time in nothing else but telling and hearing some New thing Acts 17. 21. who therefore had some Affection for Paul's New Doctrine v. 19. which afterwards was Mocked by them v. 32. Thus did the Jews Affect John Baptist's Light though onely for a Season John 5. 35. or during its Prime and Flower as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth from whence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is derived signifying Beautiful Rom. 10. 15. because a thing in Season is so Eccl. 3. 11. And upon this Account the Foolish Virgins might Go out at first but therefore were their Lamps or good Affections soon Extinguished Whereas a Gracious Heart Affects the Nature of his Duty who therefore stores up All both New and Old Mat. 13. 52. and Loves it to the End as Christ doth him John 13. 1. But he that Marrieth a Woman for her Beauty is oft a Widdower before his Wive's Decease and upon that Account poor Foolish Virgins are soon Divorced from that Duty which was Espoused onely for its Beauty 2. When Duty is undertaken from a Passionate Pang or strong Impulse upon their Spirits thereunto which doth petray some into Error and maketh all to faint in ways of Truth Impulses are uncertain things which therefore never can beget a fixed Frame as in those Ancient Prophets whose strange and sudden Variations from themselves did thence arise Impulses are suspitious things especially since the Perfecting of a surer Rule And when a Call is not Exceeding Clear Danger will represent it as a meer Temptation unto the Failing of ones Real Duty Impulses also are oft-times Contradicting and Interest in that Case will have a Casting Voice as being alway Next to Conscience and in its silence evermore supreme Whereas a Gospel-Saint is Taught to Heed that Written Word 2 Pet. 1. 19. which is both certain safe and self-agreeing Therefore his Duty Built upon that Rock will stand when other Bottoms fall together with their Buildings 3. When
and when the Judgment is not Supream 't is but in vain to Reason with Mens Affections It was an Argument of Abigail's Wisdom to be silent till Nabal's Reason was Restored 1 Sam. 25. 26. 27. nor will Men Plough upon the Rock Amos 6. 12. yea Saints are bid with-draw from strifes of Words and from Perverse Disputings 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. If Men will not Believe Christ will say little Luke 32. 67. And if Wise Virgins be not like to Profit Others they will not vex Themselves with vain Discourse Quest 3. Who are these Sellers of Oyl or Light and why are they so called Answ It must be meant of Christ or of his Servants there being no other whom these wise Virgins would bid the Other Go unto Now as to Saints the Generality of Professors are intended by these Virgins therefore They cannot be the Sellers here since half of them do bid the other half to Go and Buy elsewhere 'T is true indeed there have been Two Anointed ones or Sons of Oyl by way of Eminency Zech. 4. 14. who with Respect to Christ are termed Olive-Branches v. 12. but Olive-Trees with reference unto others v. 11. and these are said to Empty the Golden Oyl out of Themselves through their Two Golden Pipes v. 12. or Sanctified Mediums viz. the VVord and Prayer 1. Tim. 4. 5. And this is in Effect to Sell so that such Eminently enlightned ones or the Maintainers of others Lamps with Oyl Zech 4. 2 3. may fitly share with Christ himself in such a Title above the Generality of Professors Onely it thence will follow that slumbring wise Virgins are no Proper VVitnesses since when Awakened they do not Challenge to themselves the Name of Oyl-Emptyers or Sellers of it unto Others which yet is given by Christ unto the VVitnesses Rev. 11. 4. But yet I rather chuse to give this Title here to Christ alone who is the Heir of all things Heb. 1. 2. and consequently the sole Proprietor or Proper Seller of this Commodity Yet may his single Person be Represented here by that word them not onely because he hath his under Servants but also those Seven Spirits of God Rev. 3. 1. by whom he Selleth these Commodities in his stead and with his Approbation John 16. 13. And so we read of several things wherewith Christ's Shop is Furnished and under the Nation of their being put to Sale In which regard I stand here at his Door like some Apprentice inviting Passengers to come and Buy 1. Do you lack any Meat or Drink poor Hungring Thirsty Souls Come Buy and Eat Isa 55. 1. here 's Meat and Drink indeed John 6. 55. This water will prevent your future Thirst John 4. 14. and he that Eateth of this Bread shall never Dye John 6. 50. whereas you will be Cheated otherwhere Isa 55. 2. 2. Do you lack any VVine poor Drooping Hearts Come hither yea come Buy VVine Isa 55. 1. this VVine is well Refined on the Lees Isa 25. 6. Old VVine which is the Best Luke 5. 39. yea that which is better than any Wine whatever Cant. 1. 2. nor is it measured out by Cups but Flaggons Cant 2. 5. whereof one may with safety as well as freedom Drink abundantly Cant. 5. 1. 3. Do you lack any Milk poor little Children Come hither yea come Buy Wine and Milk Isa 55. 1. both which may safely be Drunk together Cant. 5. 1. and this Milk is sincere which therefore is to be Desired 1 Pet. 2. 2. that New-born Babes may Grow thereby It is the Milk of that Red Heifer Numb 19. 2. and of that Goat Lev. 16. 20. both which are very Nourishing This Milk is under the Spouses Tongue Cant. 4. 11. because she lyeth sucking at Christ's Breast 4. Do you lack any Cloaths or Money poor Naked Beggars I Counsel thee saith Christ to Buy of me Gold Tryed in the Fire and White Raiment that thou maist be Cloathed Rev. 3. 18. His Gold will never Rust nor will his Garments Moth-eat his Robes will cover all your Nakedness so will his Money pay your Debts His Cloaths will add Inherent Beauty his Money answereth all things however poor it s all Possessor seemeth 2 Cor. 6. 10. 5. Once more Do you lack your Sight poor Foolish Virgins Christ also hath Eye-salve to Sell which he doth Counsel you to Buy of him Rev. 3. 18. That is the Oyl here spoken of or the Commodity now in my Hand with reference unto which Christ is here called a Seller The Nature of which Oyl hath formerly been cleared up It onely now remains to shew why Christ is called the Seller of it or wherein he is like a Tradesman which thus appeareth 1. Tradesmen have store of what they put to Sale and so hath Christ Here is enough for him and others therein he differeth from these Wise Virgins He hath the Treasury of Wisdom Col. 2. 3. in whom all fulness dwelleth Col. 1. 19. and such a Fulness as is to be Received from John 1. 16. As none have cause to wave his Offer from their pretending to have enough Gen. 33. 9. so none hath cause to fear his being Prejudiced by it since he hath all as Jacob said v. 11. and as the Hebrew word there signifieth He promiseth to fill the widest Mouth Psal 81. 10. and hath enough for all the VVorld yea satisfieth ever Customer and yet he is the same for ever His uncreated Oyl can Make with one word speaking whatever Oyl the Creature needeth therefore his stock must needs continue 2. A Tradesman hath Authority to Sell and so hath Christ He is the Proprietor of what he hath by Vertue of the Father's Gift Mat. 28. 18. and his own Purchase Phil. 2. 8 9. and is it not Lawful for him then to do what he will with his own Mat. 20. 18 He can produce his Letters Patents therefore fear not to Trade with him for him hath God the Father Sealed John 6. 27. Buy what you please of him it never shall be Taken from you if Good and Needful Luke 10. 42. Yea though his Servant Isaac did mistake the Person yet Jacob had the Blessing still because the Master did so Order it Gen. 27. 33. Robbers John 10. 1. may Sell what they have stollen Jer. 23. 30. but shall not therefore Profit others because not sent v. 32. 3. Tradesmen are Free to deal with any and so is Christ Ho every one that Thirsteth Isa 55. 1. and whosoever will Rev. 22. 17. Rich or Poor Old or Young Good or Bad one or other let him come His Voice is to the Sons of Man Prov. 8. 4. and unto Thee yea even to Thee Prov. 22. 19. And he that cometh to him shalâ— in no wise be Cast out by him John 6. 37. He onely findeth fault with Men's unwillingness John 5. 40. nor doth he Turn away from any till they have Judged themselves unworthy of his Gracious Offer Acts 13. 46. Yea former Provocations are no Let to
these latter days will eminently be urged unto and insisted on by all wise Virgins Foundations now will be Discovered Hab. 3. 13. there will be no room for Borrowing nor will Professors be Advantaged save by what is their own Their Motion here doth evidence Christ's Design which is to have Men Principled for their Duty and not to satisfie themselves as these poor Foolish Virgins would have done with bare Revived Lamps or good Affections wherewith Christ is not satisfied nor his People Wise Virgins may be known by this their putting others upon self-enquiries who therefore will not lend a Form of Knowledge lest that should satisfie without its Power Such may be thought to be reserved but as Christ hath a Righteous Hand therein so they may have an Holy Aim viz. the others greater Benefit 11. There are Oyl-Sellers still whom Men are bid to Buy it of as they would have it for Themselves Christ onely can Estate a Soul in Light and by that means secure it which else is apt to be Removed nor will he Recompense a Man save with Respect unto what is his own 1 Cor. 3. 8. But you must Buy it and its Price hath been already set nor will one Farthing be abated Therefore let none presume his Interest therein who hath not doth not come up unto those fore-named Terms And 't is a Mercy that it may be had which these Wise Virgins do suppose else would they not have bid the other Go and Buy Nor is the Door said to have been shut till afterward Mat. 25. 10. The near Approaching of which Day doth call for Mutual Exhortation Heb. 10. 25. while it is called To Day Heb. 3. 13. before it be too late And as a Bargain of this Nature would be struck up these following Directions may be of Use 1. You must be content to Go or in some sence to Part with those Wise Virgins whom heretofore a Right of walking with in point of State-Communion hath been Challenged Keep with them still as Precious Friends but cease from any Higher Claim or from pretending unto the sameness of your Spiritual Case and State with theirs There is that Maketh himself Rich who yet hath Nothing Prov. 13. 7. and as that Man is not Relieved by another so neither will he work himself till eased of that foolish Fansie The Pharisees were not Baptized of John Lu. 7 30. because unwilling to confess their sins Mat. 3. 6 7 8. Nor would those Jews come unto Christ John 5. 40. who boldly called God their Father John 8. 41. no more than Persons unconvinced of their Blindness will Buy Eye-salve Rev. 3. 17 18. Oh let us rather Buy Oyl twice than be without it from Groundless self conceit 2. Set out his Oyl with highest Commendations as to its Virtues Worth and Need. Think not to have its Price abated by your sleighty undervaluings as in your dealing with other Tradesmen Others bid See for Love and Buy for Money but here your Money is your Love Therefore he biddeth most for Oyl who doth most Prize it Wise Virgins Hide their Love from Men lest they should else be sleighted by them But Christ's Admirers have learnt the Art of Gaining upon his Affections Children will Cry for what they would have and so must you for Spiritual Knowledge Prov. 2. 3. Oh that thou wert my Brother saith she to Christ Cant. 8. 1. And say you unto Wisdom Thou art my Sister Prov. 7. 4. Get Vnderstanding with all thy Getting Prov. 4. 7. Exalt her v. 8. who Loveth him that Loveth her Prov. 8. 17. Our Estimations Sighs and Tears are Currant Gold with Christ though nothing Valued by other Tradesmen 3. Take heed by any means of Dallying with him Make not Two words for Fear of a Denyal He came no more unto those Gadarens who did but once desire him to be gone Luke 8. 37. nor would he ever after deal with those who had Rejected his first Offer Luke 14. 24. Were it not to Befriend you to Pleasure You more than Himself he would not Sell it And Love Despised is the most Provoking Yea he who fell not in with Paul's first Offer never desired more the sight of that Commodity Acts 24. 25. However this Tradesman's Lowest Price is at the first as Late Repentants do Experience who formerly have Dallied with his Offers How Cheap did Lydia Buy Acts 16. 14. Compared with those Second Comers Acts 2. 37. You cannot be without his Oyl nor doth your Conscience think it is too Dear therefore Accept it with Thanksgiving And when you have it your having been so long without it will be your onely Grief 4. Have Patience though and do not hastily fling away Christ deals with none as an Eventual Seller but Sober Chapmen Inordinacy of Desire is a Lust which he will not indulge in any Men either do not Ask or Ask amiss who therefore have not their Desire James 4. 2 3. Your Time is alway ready so is not his John 7. 6. who will not Serve his Mother till such an Hour John 2. 4. And Moses was made to tarry one week longer whom nothing else would serve but Now Numb 12. 13 14. Thus many poor Creatures want their Oyl because they cannot wait 2 Kings 6. 33. but fling out of Christs Shop with Saul into the Devil's 1 Sam. 28. 6 7. and there are Cheated v. 14. You are but Beggars in the Form of Buyers therefore demean your selves accordingly And do not Passionately retort or turn away though his first Answer should be rough but give good words Psal 22. 2 3. and wait his Leisure Psal 123. 2. whose Oyl cannot be had else where and is thus given Psal 27. 14. 5. Be sure you do Design it for your selves next unto him and for your own best good as these Wise Virgins Exhortation hinteth Expect the first Question put next to What do you lack will be Whom is it for Would you have Oyl meerly to Boast thereof or to Instruct another or onely to Accommodate a Worldly Interest There 's other Oyl good enough for such a purpose This Holy Oyl must not be put unto a Common Use Exod. 30. 31. 33. Some would have Healing Oyl to sin more freely and Fragrant Oyl to gain the Virgins good Affections and Lightsome Oyl to make a shew But Holy Oyl is not put into such polluted Vessels Abraham had more than Ordinary Light and he was careful to Improve it Gen. 18. 17. 19. And Paul together with his filled Vessel had something given to secure it 2 Cor. 12. 7. And though Grace makes the Change yet the Indulging of Lower Aims is inconsistent with a Grounded Hope of ever Buying it 6. Consult not with Flesh and Blood our own or others The Flesh at best or in a Natural Respect is Weak Mat. 26. 41. much more in a Moral sence Gal. 5. 17. and therefore Flesh and Blood cannot Inherit 1 Cor. 15. 50. for these will never Buy Dull Flesh
begun no Crying out would save the Life of any One Gen. 7. 22. nor was there any Mercy to be shewn to such as staid in Old Jerusalem at such a time Jer. 21. 7. so will it be with reference to such like Future days of Judgement 2. Because these Foolish Virgins Case is very Heynous 1. They are Virgins or Professors which sadly Aggravateth Sin and Punishment Such had drawn nigh to God and therefore Nadab and Abihu had no Mercy Lev. 10. 1 2 3. Such hath God Known of all the Families of the Earth and therefore These must signally be Punished Amos 3. 2. such have been Leaders unto others in their Sin Mal. 2. 8. who therefore Now are most severely dealt with v. 9. Little do many think how much the Garment of their Profession is like to Cost them if that be tattered or Defiled Darkness is blackest unto those who lately came from a Lightsome place and after a Prolonged Summer-season when it once sets in Rain Fair-weather is at an End so will it be with Virgins as with Haman Esth 6. 13. 2. Their Present failing is not Circumstantial but very High as to its Matter That Notion of Religious Circumstances if Commanded by the Lord hath ever been Erroneous and the Betrayer of many Souls into Perdition Thus Israel fancyed their Not Going up to Canaan 〈◊〉 such a Time was but a Circumstantial failing at the most as their Resolving on it Afterwards evinced Numb 14. 40. but to their Ruine v. 45. which Failing also kept the rest from Entring into it for Ever v. 30. And thus Complyers with the Man of Sin have call'd their Failing Circumstantial which yet hath alway been the Badge of Reprobation Rev. 13. 8. Christ hath no Witnesses save with respect unto Time-Truths and Duties wherein these Foolish Virgins fail and so are guilty of Denying him 3. The Manner of their Sin is more than Ordinarily provoking They had been oft Reproved to no purpose and that forerun's remediless Destruction Prov. 29. 1. They had Relapsed a second Time and Trees twice dead are pluckt up by the Roots Jude 12. But more Especially they have persisted in their Evil way until the End of Christ's intended Patience or till the Door be shut and then a Less Transgression is sufficient to make their Plea of none Effect Let Persons at this Day beware of letting slip a present Opportunity by trusting unto future Resolutions Those trifling Israelites were free at Last to march and Fight Deut. 1. 41 â—ut it was then too Late The Timeliness of Man's Return is as Essentially required to Admission as the Act it self â— These come with too much Confidence but without being sensiâ—â—e 〈◊〉 â—ormer failings They call for Opening but not for Mercy â—he◠〈◊〉 for Suffering but not for Sin Here is a Prayer but no Confession As Nature in Paul was willing to be Cloth'd upon but not to be Uncloathed 2 Cor. 5. 4 so Foolish Virgins are for a Return without Repentance But as John Baptist bad Repent Mat. 3. 2. before he would Admit unto his Ministration v. 8. just so did Christ Mat. 4. 17. else future Zeal is not sufficient save as it is Accompanyed with Repentance Rev. 3. 19 And out of their Own mouth will such be judged Luke 19. 22. who have maintained this with reference unto Others and yet Themselves would have a Dispensation which doth evince their being self-condemned together with the Righteousness of their Exclusion or Rejection Tit. 3. 10 11. Vse 1. This Parable cannot so Properly be Applyed as it is by some unto Christ's Personal Coming since there will then be no such room for Foolish Virgins Pleading with him as Here they doe Then will the Earth and All therein be burnt up with Material Fire 2 Pet. 3. 10 excepting some few as in the Ark of Old 1 Pet. 3. 20. and None of which will then come Afterwards as doe these Foolish Virgins untill Christ's Reign is Ended Rev. 20. 5. so that we either must refer this to some other coming or offer violence unto the Proper Meaning of these words Whereas his Coming with the seventh Trumpets sounding will fairly admit of such a Parley and Presently upon his being come as is here signified Yet I exclude not his Last comeing wholly from a share herein so far as it is Capable thereof or without straining 2. Poor Foolish Virgins will not Come untill the Door be shut but then such may be looked for This will be the righteous Wages of Carnal Prudence Thus he that seeketh to save shall Loose Mat. 16. 25. Christ hath fore-told it here that none might be Offended as Joh. 16. 1. and therefore will their Case be sad who Tarry for the Other Virgins company This doth confirm mine Old Perswasion that few professing Jews will find this way untill it be too Late Mat. 7. 14. But then such will Return with Open Mouths unto a Door that will be shut against them I see what Haste poor Muck-wet Creatures made unto the Ark when God had once shut Noah in Gen. 7. 16. and how those Eight secured Souls did then Rejoyce whilest Others were soon washt away 3. Those may know Christ and give him Goodly Words yea seek to Enter whom yet He will not Know nor Open unto Some kind of Knowledge doth not Edifie 1 Cor. 8. 1. Dives in Hell Knew Abraham but not to his Advantage Luke 16. 23. to shew how far unprofitable Notions may Accompany Such also then will be for smoother Language not Daring to Insult as Heretofore prepare for Flattery which yet will not Prevail Yea such will be Dissatisfied in their Distance from the Wiser Virgins earnestly Desiring to Build with them as Ezra 4. 2. but will be shamefully Repulsed as they were v. 3. and yet will not be Able then to do the Other any Mischief as of Old v. 4. for fear of that Decree and Curse at such a Time Ezra 6. 8. 11 12. 4. Christ is not All made up of Mercy as some poor Creatures fansie but Can yea Will give Terrible words and unto Virgins as well as Others He sometimes was a Patient Lion but he will be a Roaring Lamb Yea he was alway for an Intermixture of Threatnings with Encouragements I am Offended with some mens Humours who are Afraid to give one Cutting word unto this Rotten-hearted Generation of Professors and have observed what hath been the fruit of Dawbing with untempered Morter But this will Aggravate Christ's Rougher speaking at the last and it will then appear how far himself is bound from the Necessity of his Nature to be Gracious Christ onely now Reserveth Anger Nah. 1. 2. which therefore at the Last will turn into the Plague or when the Vials shall be poured forth Rev. 15. 7 8. 5. Christ will then have the Last word in Discourse as is here signified by their not Replying to his Answer Thus will himself be Glorified as was Job when After his words they did not
speak Again Job 29. 22. The Pharisees were oft wont to Prate untill Christ put a Question to them concerning his being David's Lord Mat. 22. 45. and then 't is said they neither could Answer him nor durst they Ask him any more Questions v. 46. to signifie how Silencing that God-like Kingly State will be when it shall be Advanced The Dispensation or Appearing of this King will be Evinced by the speechlesness of those unworthy ones whom he Reproveth Mat. 22. 11 12. Errour and Sin may Now be full of words but Then all Flesh is bid be silent Zech. 2. 13. yea all the Earth Hab. 2. 20. MATTHEW XXV 13. Watch therefore for ye know neither the Day nor the Hour wherein the Son of Man cometh IN this Verse we have an Account of Christ's Design in putting forth this Parable or of that principal use which he would have us make thereof viz. Our being Watchfull From whence the General Observation is as followeth Observ Since we Know not the Day or Hour in which the Son of Man will come we therefore ought to be upon our Watch. Quest 1. Why doth Christ call himself the Son of Man with reference unto his Coming in these Latter-dayes Answ 1. To declare his being still a Man though now Ascended and that his Coming at the Last will be in the Humane Nature also Some would sain have him turn'd into a Spirit though he that is now Ascended is also He who first Descended into the Grave Eph. 4. 10. which is not Applicable to the Spirit of Man Eccl. 3. 21. Others will grant him as a Man to be Ascended but not that he will so Return and yet 't is said He shall so Come and in like Manner as he was seen to goe Act. 1. 11. And though his Coming in this Parable will mainly be in a Mystical sence yet will it be the coming of the Son of Man though not his coming As a Man or in his Person till Afterwards save as some Man or Men may Represent him Now as Hezekiah did of Old Isa 32. 1 2. 2. To shew the Nature of his Kingly Dispensation at such a time in point of Visibility and Temporality which is most Aptly shaddowed out by his then coming As the Son of Man His Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Kingdom was set up at first besides both which he had Another Kingdom Then though it was not Immediately to Appear Luke 19. 11 which therefore must be Temporal Now that which is meerly Spiritual is fitlyest resembled by the Soul as Christ with reference unto his spiritual Kingdom is called the Shepherd of his Peoples Souls 1 Pet. 2. 25. but that which is Temporal by the Man Thus David's Temporal Rule was over Men 2 Sam. 23. 3. and as Christ at his Personal coming is called a Man Act. 17. 31. so with respect unto the Assyrians coming before that time this Man 't is said shall be the Peace Mic. 5. 5. 3. To shew the Greatness of his Humility He was God's Equal upon Earth Phil. 2. 6 and he as Man is far above the Angels Now Heb. 1. 13 yet doth he style himself the Son of Man He will Then have that Name the King of Kings upon his Thigh Rev. 19. 16 but in his Mouth the Son of Man which is a Worm Job 25. 6. Thus was Ezekiel oft-times called to make him Humble and thus Christ did as often call himself to shew that he is so When Israel was come into the Land of Canaan they kept no more the Feast of Tabernacles or the Memorial of their former Low Condition till Nehemiah's time but Then it was revived Neh. 8. 17. which Dispensation was a Type of this And when that self-abasing Feast shall Mystically be Observed in these latter dayes then shall men thereby know that Verily the Son of Man is come 4. To hint perhaps the Meanness of his First appearing in these Latter dayes according to the Constant Purport of that Phrase the Son of Man yea with respect to Christ himself Heb. 2. 6. That as Himself who Truely was the Son of Man is onely said to have been Like him Afterwards Rev. 1. 13. he is so Altered Now from what he sometime was so will it be with reference to his Dispensation He will at Last come as the Son of Man Mat. 24. 30 because the Whole of his Own Personal Reign will be but Mean compared with the Father's Kingdom Afterwards 1 Cor. 15. 28. And so may his Precursory coming here be fitly called that of the Son of Man because it will be Mean compared with his Personal when he shall Gloriously appear as God Tit. 2. 13. or in the Glory of his Father Mat. 16. 27. 5. To signifie perhaps the great Humanity or Familiarity of his Conversing with the Sons of Men excepting some at his Appearing His Enemies indeed will be then Burnt up round about Psal 97. 3. but yet his Anger will cease in their Destruction Isa 10. 25. and he will then Rest in his Love Zeph. 3. 17. He did Approve himself on Earth to be the Son of Man by suffering his Disciples to Ask him any thing Joh. 15. 15. to sit with him at Meat Joh. 13. 18 Yea by his Rising to Wait on them v. 4 5. and so will it be Now. Therefore Christ bids his people Ask of him at such a time Isa 45. 11 and they shall then sit with him Rev. 3. 21. yea he will then Rise and Serve them Luke 12. 37. This King of Glory will not be stately but as Himself at Last so he Now in his People will Affably appear to All or as the Son of Man Quest 2. Why is that called the Coming of Christ which yet 't is thought will be so long before his Personal or Proper Coming Answ Because of the full Resemblance that is between them as may be thus made out 1. With respect unto the Signs of Both. Christ's Personal Coming will be notified by many Signs both in the Sun and Moon and Stars and Earth and Sea and Powers of Heaven Luke 21. 25 26 so will This Coming be We have had wonderfull signs of such a Nature and in the Letter of Later years though we Now see them not Psalm 74. 9. And in the Mystery yet more Abundantly The Scriptures fitly answering to the Sun or Fountain of Created Light have been extreamly Darkned as Mat. 24. 29 and more especially some Part thereof And that which Borroweth its Light from thence or Moon-like Preaching hath been turn'd into Blood as Joel 2. 31. at least not given her Light Mat. 24. 29. Church-Officers are called Stars Rev. 1. 20 and these have sadly fallen Mat. 24. 29 at least withdrawn their shining Joel 3. 15. The Earth or Civil State of things hath oft-times Quaked The Sea or Many Waters denoteth People Rev. 17. 15 whose Waves have roared The Powers of Heaven also or of the Churches have been shaken 2. With reference unto the state of things Immediately
every one consider there may be much of God in such a Portion and in a way of Mercy to mine heavy-headed Soul I could sing Requiem's as well as others or smoother things and thereby gain poor Children's Love But let me rather Rouze them with a Faithful Testimony than Rock and Flatter them into a Sleep 10. Offer some kind of Holy Violence unto your selves as in such cases in the Letter Men are wont to do not onely by standing up but shaking off an Heavy Disposition True Godly Sorrow worketh Indignation 2 Cor. 7. 11. and when a Man is vexed with his sin unto a self-abhorring Job 42. 6. his Eye is Opened v. 5. and will not readily shut again Chafe in upon your Hearts some Rouzing Terrors as well as Comforts so will you keep your selves Awake and Others too 2 Cor. 5. 8 9 10 11. I have Observed where some lye Napping Now in whom the Old Man hath prevailed to a self-indulging or who have been afraid of giving him one Angry word Did we first alway speak unto our selves and Labour to make Convictions Powerful upon our Consciences it would Awaken them which else will sleep the more securely because of sleightiness in serious Matters This some can Recommend as Eliphas did his Counsel unto Job Loe we have searched it and so it is hear it and know Thou it for thy Good Job 5. 27. 11. Busie your selves with something of a Curious and stirring Nature Else Ordinary work may not prevent a Spiritual Nodding Persons Engaged in some Deep Discourse which calls for study and stirreth up Affections are not so apt to Talk themselves asleep as others are Coldness in Arguing for the Truth proceeding from Indifferency is very prejudicial unto Zeal in Practice whereas a Lively Advocate doth Heat himself and thereby is the more Inflamed with Love unto his Cause 1 Cor. 9. 26 27. There are deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. and Mysteries of the Kingdom Mat. 13. 11. which he who rightly studieth is not so likely to come short in Lesser Matters Paul Laboured to attain the Resurrection of the Dead Phil. 3. 11. that kept him waking whilst he that Fancieth his being laid in sufficiently will say Soul take thine Ease Luke 12. 18 19. They who care not for Going on Heb. 6. 1. may fall Asleep yea quite away v. 6. because of Resting in Old Received things v. 1 2. or that which is short of Perfection which Therefore Paul Resolved to take heed of if God permitted v. 3 4. 12. Take heed of Worldly sorrow which made the Disciples sleep Luke 22. 45. Now let the Cause be what it will immoderate sorrow becometh Worldly and that works Death 2 Cor. 7. 10. which sinful sleep is oft-times called Job's Grief was very Great Job 2. 13. and that betray'd him into a sinful Passion Job 3. 1. and Baruch Fainted in his sighing Jer. 45. 3. that made him seek great things at such a Time v. 4 5. And they who in the Creatures presence can Rejoyce as if they had Rejoyced not will also in its Absence Weep accordingly and by that means be kept awake Jonah was therefore Angry Jonah 4. 9. with reference unto his withering Gourd because he had been so Exceeding Glad whilst it continued v. 6. who thereupon did sinfully wish for Death v. 8. and Justified it before the Lord himself v. 9. Yea they who do inordinately Delight in Choiser Priviledges such as Christ's Bodily Presence was with his Disciples may soon Ditt up their Eyes with such a kind of dirty Tears as some do Now because he Tarrieth which also holdeth True with reference to any Priviledges whatsoever 13. Labour to be more Spiritual since in Relation to this work of VVatching the Spirit is willing but the Flesh is weak Mat. 26. 41. Angels are Spirits Heb. 1. 7. who therefore do not sleep but alway Behold the Face of God Mat. 18. 10. so will it be with Saints both in a Natural and Moral sence as they grow more like unto Heavenly Angels The first Adam's utmost is called Flesh Mat. 16. 17. and Legal things are termed Carnal Heb. 9. 10. Yea so are also Babes in Christ 1 Cor. 3. 1. and these are weak or likeliest to fall in Spiritual Watching Nature skills not of Instituted Duty nor yet a Legal Spirit of what is Evangelical both which are therefore apt to fall in those Respective cases And Babes in Christ are very prone to sleep and fall as Children in the Letter are The Cry is Now All Flesh is withering Grass and all the Goodliness thereof is as a fading Flower but the Word of our God shall stand for ever Isa 40. 6 7 8. and by which Word is meant what is of a Proper Gospel-Nature 1 Pet. 1. 24 25. and therefore as Men would stand in such a day or as they would not fall asleep so let them Labour to be Spiritual and Evangelical 14. Get well Acquainted with the Time which being known is much awakening Rom. 13. 11. and inability to Discern its signs is that by which an Hypocrite is to be known Mat. 16. 3. And though we should be sober in point of Peremptory setting such a time yet let us take heed of saying the Lord Delays his Coming Mat. 24. 48. considering what sinful Temptations that will Expose unto v. 49. Most talk of some great Revolution near at hand which if they seriously did believe it would awaken them into a suitable watching VVould some Men Beautifie their Old defiled Temples with such goodly stones did they fore-see their being soon to be demolished Mark 13. 1 2 Or did they look e're long for New Created Heavens Isa 65. 17 VVould others fill their Houses with such dear-bought gain did they believe their being Rifled now within a while Zech. 14. 2 VVould others dally with their gross Temptations were they aware how soon all sinners now may perish by the Sword Amos 9. 10 I am not positive as to the very Time but such a study might keep men waking and though Grace turneth upon Golden hinges or Nobler Motives than Mercenary Hope or slavish Fear yet may these help to prick us out of sleeping And this indeed is Christ's own Motive here to make us watch because we know not how soon he may Thus come in these our Days 15. Let us be much in Prayer which Duty we are bid to watch unto 1 Pet. 4. 7. and to be Conversant about together with our watching as we would not be led into Temptation Mark 14. 28. Prayer carrieth a Soul into Christ's Presence and whilst he was with his Disciples he would not suffer them to sleep at least not long And if He doth not keep the VVatchman waketh but in vain Psal 127. 1. therefore let us engage him by our Prayer to watch over us as he Obligeth us by his Command to watch our selves But let us also watch unto Prayer in this regard not Tempting him by our neglect who will take no Man's work out of his hand and who will not Relieve an Idle Beggar Thus let us VVatch and Pray and Pray and VVatch this is to be at work with Both our Hands which is the likeliest way to Overcome Thus have I now done with this whole Parable which hath Occasioned my walking in untrodden paths and wherein some may possibly have stumbled whom I would onely wish to Weigh the Premises before they do reject them And having now born my Testimony I shall endeavour to stand upon my Watch and see what I shall Answer when I am Reproved Submitting all my Sober Apprehensions unto Clearer Light and Providential Determinations in God's Valley of Decision THE END