Several works of Mr. Iohn Murcot, that eminent and godly preacher of the Word, lately of a Church of Christ at Dublin in Ireland. Containing, I. Circumspect walking, on Eph. 5.15,16. II. The parable of the ten virgins, on Mat. 25. from ver. 1. to ver. 14. III. The sun of righteousness hath healing in his wings for sinners, on Mal. 4.2. IV. Christs willingness to receive humble sinners, on John 6.37. Together with his life and death. Published by Mr. Winter, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Eaton, Mr. Carryl, and Mr. Manton. With alphabetical tables, and a table of the Scriptures explained throughout the whole.

Verse 6.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

IN this Verse we have Christ his preparatory to his coming. In the next verse, Its influence upon those unprepared virgins, towards a preparation of themselves for his coming, and their own meeting of him.

In this preparation you have 1. A cry; which is laid down, first in general, or first it is declared 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that there was a cry. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what this cry was; Behold the Bridegroom cometh, &c. And then the sea∣son of it in the second place, it was at midnight. A Cry was made at his first coming, there was a forerunner, and that was John the Bap∣tist, and he was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, an earnest, * 1.1 zealous, loud speaking, prepare ye the way of the Lord. And now at his last coming there is a like preparation of his way, there was a Cry made. Calvin thinketh the Cry here is put metaphorically for the suddeness of his coming, or that it may be understood so, because when any great thing cometh upon a people sudden∣ly, they make a stir, a tumult, it discomposeth them. Or as Children, or Scholars, that are all out of their places, and at their sport, their Father or Master cometh upon them suddenly; O what a stir there is, an out-cry, the Master is coming, the Fa∣ther is coming! Or when an Enemy surprizeth a place, cometh suddenly, beateth up their Quarters, there is a Cry; O horse, horse, arm, arm, they are here upon us. But I know not what Rea∣son thus to understand it of the suddenness of his coming, the Effect being put for the Cause; because before the suddenness of his coming is set forth in the season plainly, as hereafter shall appear; he came at midnight. I rather therefore take this for a Cry by some messenger of God, as a fore-runner of his Sons appearing, or coming to his people, either to take them to the marriage, or shut them out of the marriage for ever.

The Doctrine briefly will be this; The fore-runner of the com∣ing * 1.2 of Christ, is a Cry. At midnight a Cry was made. It is likely that this is spoken by way of accommadation to the Pro∣thesis

of the similitude, as the manner of Marriages then, when the Bridegroom was coming, likely there was some mes∣senger going before, to prepare them that were with the Bride, to meet him that there might be no confusion when he came, so here in the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the similitude, the professors of Christ and the world, they are unready for the most part, and in a sleep: And therefore this fore-runner goeth before the coming of the Bride-groom, to give them warning that they pre∣pare, &c.

That this is so, the Text it self is so express, I think it not very needful to prove it further by Scripture, but shew you that it is his course in all his comings to send some messenger before him to prepare his way, to make way for his coming; his coming to particular Judgments, as with the old world, he sent his harbinger Noah, a Preacher of righteousness, and every blow of the work∣men upon the Ark was a Cry, and might have been as a * 1.3 dreadful sound in the ears of the world, he being the warning; the Ark must be so long, an hundred and twenty years in building, the report of it then might go over all the world in that time, for ought I know. Was not Lot sent to Sodom before their ruin, Jonah to Niniveh, crying yet fourty days, and it shall be overthrown; But I will not stand upon this, you see it is suitable to his former proceedings in coming to judge any people, or de∣liver his own among them, and destroy the rest, which will be the effect of this coming of his.

Only here, let us note something concerning this coming of Christ, in a word or two; for I will not dwell upon these things, having dispatched the main things in the Parable already for the most part, and 2. Something touching this Cry, what it is, and 3. Something concerning them both, relatively considered, one respecting the other.

1. For the coming of Christ, which is the substance of the Cry, as you heard before, either it is his coming at last to judge the world, to gather the Saints together, and carry them into the Marriage as one spouse, topresent them to his father, the purchase of his dearest blood which we must surely understand here to be principally meant. And 2. The coming of Christ to a particular soul, or people to gather them either to the spirits of just men made perfect, the assembly of the first-born, the general assembly, or else to

separate them from the congregation of the righteous; here in∣deed * 1.4 they live mixed, as in the first Psalm, but then the sinners shall not stand in the congregation of the righteous; but then the wheat goeth one way, and the Chaff another, the Gorn one way, the Tares another, the good fish in the Net one way, and the weeds, and trash drawn in the Net another way. Before the foolish Virgins might be counted wise, it may by many as well as the wise, yea happily the only wise, and the wise Virgins the foolish; but now he cometh to make a difference, and lay it open to the view of all, which are which.

2. For the Cry: It is to be noted, that the force of the word imports a strong voice, such a voice happily as would Stentora vincere, there is a still voice, and a loud voice; a Cry is, when the voice is lifted up, when the throat is extended, as I may say, when persons are hard of hearing, Isa. 58. 1. Cry with the throat; Or it is to be extended to a great distance, there is a Cry * 1.5 made. So then, this is no ordinary voice or warning, but a loud Cry, a shrill sound, that is to be the fore-runner of Christ his coming.

But then, What this Cry is, that is here spoken of, will be the subject of a further enquiry? Why? surely brethren, we must understand it according, or suitable to our exposition of the coming in this place.

If we take his coming here, to be his general coming to judge the world, then the Cry may be one of these two, and both of them are fore-runners, though the one is more immediate then the other.

1. Then, The preaching of the Gospel to all the world, their sound is gone forth into all the world. The Gospel of the Kingdom * 1.6 must first be preached to all the World, and then shall the end be; it must be for a witness to all Nations; this is a sound,, a Cry, and the substance of the Cry is, behold he cometh, go forth to meet him; he that is the Bridegroom, that hath purchased with his precious blood a peculiar people to himself to be his spouse, even as many as shall believe in his name. Therefore go forth to meet him, make ready for his appearing, when he shall come to fetch his Bride, see to it that you be found in the number, this Cry is to go forth into all the world, But this is further off. But,

2. The voice of the Archangel; for the Lord himself shall de∣seend from heaven with a shout, with a shout, with the voice of the * 1.7 Archangel, and with the Trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a shout, Beza saith it is taken from Sea∣men, or the like, who when they are pulling an Anchor, or Cable, with one voice cry together, and pull together, as I may say a Hertamen, stirring up one another to pull; so this will be a shout happily of all, or many of the company which come with Jesus Christ, crying out, O he is coming, make ready for him; or what ever it be, some shout there will be, or like the shout of men ready to set upon, and destroy their enemies. The Archangel is chief, there being orders it should seem among them, he doth as I may say, cry before the rest, and instead of the rest, and Calvin maketh this exposition. The Trumpet also whatever it be sounds, to sound forth the majesty of the appearing of Jesus Christ; i•• is the loudest sound that is made with instruments, I think, and used much in Israel in the gathering together their holy, and civil, and martial-Assemblies, and for preparation to warn. Well, this will be a Cry that all the world will ring of, the very dead in their graves shall hear it, they that are in the grave, &c. * 1.8 Not while they are dead, nor be quickned by any vertue of a Creature, as this Cry is, but the power of Christ then going forth, and raising them up, they may be said to hear it, or at least they are raised at that time; The trumpet Calvin mentioneth * 1.9 unto the Corinthians, to be nothing else but metaphorical, the voice of the Angel, the loud Cry, which shall be by the Angel formed; As a General by Trumpet cals together his Army, so God will cite all the world to his Tribunal; or as at Mount Sinai, to the giving the Law, one people were called together with a * 1.10 loud noise, or trumpets, so much more when all the world shall be called together, the Majesty and terror of the appearing of Christ.

If we take it here brethren, of his particular coming to parti∣cular souls, to gather them to himself in part before that day; which I know not that it can be excluded from being a part of his meaning, then the voice, the cry, is otherwise to be understood.

1. Then, It may be meant of the warning words which the Lord giveth his people by the Ministry of the Gospel every

where in his Churches: specially indeed brethren, this hath been the voyce of all the Messengers of Christ ever since his first com∣ing, that he will come, and come quickly, his last and general com∣ing will be quickly, but his coming to us particularly will be—quickly. Now the importunity of them that call upon us to re∣pent, to prepare for the coming of Christ to our souls by death, when we are like to receive our doom for our everlasting state, this may be meant, cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voyce. Or else, * 1.11

2. Happily some Afflictions, God opens the mouth of some rod, some heavy visitation, the rod cryeth, as it is in that place of Mi∣cah, * 1.12 whether it be the affliction, the sickness, or stroke whereby the Lord takes men away, this cryeth to men, repent: O prepare to meet the Lord Jesus, he is coming, he is now even at the door; therefore go forth now to meet him, as Hilarian chid his soul out, egredere O anima, egredere. Sometimes the Lord sendeth a long and a loud cry, a grievous, and heavy visitation upon many of us, yea upon his own dear children, as I have known some, the Cry hath been, he is coming, go forth to meet him, make ready; Or if it be a stroke that he removeth again, before we go hence, and we recover strength again: yet the Cry of it is, Behold he cometh, go forth to meet him, for we know not whether death be not in the cup of affliction we drink at any time.

Thirdly, Then for the relative consideration of the Cry, with respect to his coming, whereof it is a warning: It is to be con∣sidered, whether it be so immediate, yea or no, as there can be no time of preparation after it, which seemeth not to suit with the parable here. It seemeth by the parable, if I may insist so much upon these particulars, 1. That there was some time be∣tween the cry and his coming, as there is some time between the Harbinger, and the coming of his Lord, whose way he prepareth; because the Virgins here seem to have some time to trim their Lamps, even the wise virgins; and for the foolish, it should seem by the parable they had some time to trifle away, in buying, or going to assay it; but this I will not press, or urge too much, onely sure it is, that the wise virgins being found asleep, after the warning, had time, and a heart given them to prepare to trim them. And therefore, If we understand it of them which shall be found alive at the last day, remember this: Some it may be will not be so asleep, and yet need some preparation too. Some may

be asleep, and therefore will need some preparation. Now it is said, that at the voice of Christ then coming with his Trumpet, * 1.13 those that are alive, shall not prevent them that are asleep, go to heaven before them, But the dead in Christ shall rise first, and what time there will be for it, or whether in a moment, I am not able to determine: Or whether they shall in a moment be chan∣ged, soul and body, that are alive, and so made ready to enter with him into glory? Or whether there shall be time for the working of it, I cannot say, but if their Lamps want trimming, their graces want furbishing, they shall have it. But if by the cry then you understand the Gospel preached, then they may have time enough. 2. If there be time between the cry, and his coming, to take his own to himself, it seemeth not to be much; but how much, or how little we cannot say: If the cry be the sickness, or messenger of death which is sent to them; there is u∣sually some time, and not very much given, sometimes more, sometimes less. And so were the word importunately prest, an awakening word, to rouze the poor secure people of God, there may be more or less time between this cry, and Christ his taking them to himself, but some time it seems there is for their trimming of their Lamps. But so much for Explication.

The Arguments now, wherefore there is such a cry before the com∣ing of Jesus Christ.

The great reason is clear here in the Text; It is because men are asleep, many of them, both real Saints and formalists, they are * 1.14 asleep, and deep asleep; and therefore there cometh a cry to a∣wake them, it is not an ordinary voyce will do it, but a Cry. Some Boanerges, a son of thunder; to raise poor sleepy sinners, that he may not take them in a sleep. Let not men think, though now they have a stil voyce of the word, and they can make a shift to sleep notwithstanding, they are Sermon-proof. If this will not awaken, he vvill have another cry that shall avvaken them, he will roar upon them out of heaven, thunder upon them, but he vvill vvaken them. While men are asleep, they are not fit to meet the Lord Jesus in his coming to judgement, whether it be to acquit them, or to condemn them: If it be in mercy, to take them to himself; while they are in a sleep, they are not fit to meet him

their Ornaments are laid aside, their Lamps want trimming, as the Text hath it there; and therefore they must be awaked. Besides, they are not fit to take notice of the infinite, and unsearchable riches of his grace manifested therein to them, in gathering them to himself; if we should be called for in some f••ame that we are in sometimes, truly we should not be able to take comfort in our meeting with him, nor would he have any glory in our departure; and therefore usually he doth awake his people, stir up their gra∣ces, that they may shine, and be active when he cometh to ga∣ther them; and then if he come in judgement, as against these foolish virgins, to blow out their Lamps in obscure darkness, ex∣cept they be awake in some measure, and their Consciences open∣ed, they will not be sensible of it; but when the Conscience of an hypocrite is a little rouzed; O what fearful pre-apprehensions there will be of the displeasure of Christ! they are not fit to re∣ceive the sentence of condemnation, except their Consciences were rouzed; and therefore the Lord doth oftentimes, if not alway, awaken the Conscience; the heart was never awake, but alway asleep; but the Conscience hath been asleep, and now it must be awaked, ut sentiat se mori; It never troubled the foolish virgins, though their Lamps were gone out, all the while they slept, and if they had dyed in that sleep, they had as certainly perished; but not so sensibly, nor so severely, as knowing the terrors of God which belong to them before; and the Lord will have them to lie down in the confusion of their souls, for their folly, in rest∣ing themselves contented with a profession, without the possessi∣on of Jesus Christ; without this oyl in their vessels.

Another ground may be, for the Majesty of the coming of Christ that there may be the more reverence, and awe of his Majesty, * 1.15 therefore he hath a Messenger going before his face, as Princes use to do; and happily in their Marriages of great persons, there might be some such thing, surely this is one reason wherefore he cometh at the last day, one piece of the glory of his appearing, the voice of the Arch-Angel, the Trumpet of God; so the cry that goeth before, it is much for his honour and Majesty, that all the Messengers he sends Either Afflictions, or Ministers, all their Message almost to his people is to prepare for his coming, to fit them for that appearing.

To render hypocrites inexcusable, since they have a cry going before them to awaken them out of their sleep, to set them a∣work * 1.16 to get their grace, this oyl in their vessels, they might have said if they had been taken asleep; why if they had had any war∣ning, they would have done as others did: but now they are a∣waked, rouzed by this cry; and yet alas, they cannot get this oyl in their vessels, they slept away their opportunity, the Gospel must be preached for a witness to all Nations; and now they can have no cloak for their sin, for their unreadiness for his appearing, the * 1.17 ••ord will manage his affairs so, as that every mouth may be stop∣ed, and confess before him.

That none of his own may be ••left; therefore he sendeth a Cry before him, for none that are unfit for entrance with him into the * 1.18 Marriage, shall enter into it; no soul shall go to heaven in a sleep; they are not fit for it, as you heard before, nor when he cometh will he wait upon any; now is the time of waiting to be gracious to poor souls, then is the time of recompence, either love or dis∣pleasure: ••e will not tarry then; and therefore it is said here in the Text, those that were ready went with him in to the supper of the Lamb, into the marriage, those that had their Lamps trimmed, and the door was shut; if the Saints themselves should not be found ready in some measure, he would not then stay; love is impatient of delay, then; now he would not lose any, and there∣fore he is long-suffering, and patient, long before he cometh; for that very end, because he would have none of his perish: so al∣so for the same reason doth he thus warn them by a Voyce, a Cry, to rouze them, awake them, lest if they should be found un∣ready, they might miss of entring with him.

For the Application:

Then brethren let us take notice of the goodness and tenderness of the Lord to his own people, in awakening them, though it * 1.19 may be it may disease them a little at first, to have such a cry in their ears, as not to suffer them to sleep when they would nestle themselves upon their pillow; he is loath to leave them behind, he will not lose any of them, and therefore he rouzeth them: If Jesus Christ had left his Church in Cant. 5. Or his Disciples

sleeping, and gone his ways, their condition had been sad. If death had come upon poor David, while under that guilt in the matter of Ʋriah, and in so deep a sleep, how sad had his condi∣tion been? and so for Jonas, if the belly of hell had been his grave, the belly of the Whale, and he had not been awaked out of that sleep, what had become of him? he had miscarryed for ever, or at least he had suffered great loss; and therefore it is much tenderness in the Lord to his poor people, that he will not let them sleep, but he rouzeth them up.

2. How easie should this make, and how should it sweeten the severest of Gods dealings with us, to awake us? Suppose we have a dreadful sound in our ears, when nothing else will do it, the terrors of God displayed, and set in battle array against our souls, God writeth bitter things against us, and all little enough to awaken us, we are so secure it may be; It must be the lowder voyce of the rod that must do it, if other means will not; and this seemeth * 1.20 not joyons, but grievous at present, but it brings forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness. O! the end will be sweet, when the soul thereby shall be awaked, and kept awake, and ready for the ap∣pearing of the Lord Jesus. I know the people of God would * 1.21 not for a world that day should come upon them and finde them in such a frame, so heavy; so listless, so untoward as they are some∣times, and know not how to shake it off; I, but give the Lord leave to shake it off, bear then the Cry, though it be loud some∣times, and seem offensive, if this be the end, to awaken thee: O why shouldst not thou bear it thankfully and chearfully?

3. If there be a Cry going before his coming, Then brethren see whether or no you have not had this Cry in part sounding in your cars, and what use you have made of it, hath it awaked you, or not? The Gospel, it is here the voyce of the watchmen, that continu∣ally stir you up, and tell you the day of Christ is coming, is at hand; If not the general, yet your particular day, the day of his coming to our souls particularly cannot be far off: this is the daily cry in our ears; and O that we could cry lowder, and lift up our voyce with more affection to your souls; but as such poor worms are able, we cry to you, we are messengers sent before his face, the Cry is, behold he cometh, go forth to meet him: Now bre∣thren where are you? Are you upon your beds still? How many have been awaked by this awakening word, the terrors of the Lord

against them that sleep? Have you done any thing to your further sitting for heaven? Can you with comfort go forth to meet Jesus Christ, open to him when he knocks? Surely you have not made use of this Cry that hath been made; Ah, how many are sleep∣ing as deeply as ever, and do not yet dream of his coming, though they know not but that he is at the door, and this night their souls shall be taken from them!

4. Then how should this stir us up every one to attend to the cry that is made, and obey it; now you have the cry made in the word, this is our preaching, to awaken you. Look not upon Ser∣mons only as the affectionate discourse of a poor creature that wisheth well to your souls, but look upon it as the warning word of Jesus Christ, as the Cry that goeth before his presence, after∣wards himself w••ll come, and that speedily, and how soon you know not, and as he findeth you then, so it will go with you. O that the Lord would speak by his Spirit, and rattle you up a little poor sleepy souls, both wise and foolish virgins, not that I desire the grief of yours or mine own soul, for if I make you sorry, who is it that must make me glad, but you that are made sorry by me? as the Apostle saith: Yet dear friends, as I hope, I could be contented rather to be shaken out of a sleep my self, then be found sleeping at the coming of Christ; so had I rather it should be with you: how shall I bespeak your poor souls this day? I would fain prevail with one poor soul, to shake off this drowsi∣ness and sloath, and sleepiness that is upon us; O arise, arise, for your souls sake, for your peace sake, as you tender your comfort, now you hear the Cry going before him; think with your selves sometimes, Can you look Jesus Christ in the face with such a frame of heart as you have every day? O arise, arise, will such sleepy souls be fit to sing Allelujahs to eternity to God? O arise, arise Deborah * 1.22 to sing praises to the Lord, awake then that sleepest, you cannot else be fit for heaven: this the first.

Consider secondly, If this Cry will not awaken you, you shall have a more dreadful sound in your ears, haply ere long some sad blow or affliction, as there in Job, Elihu saith God speaks once, yea twice, but man regardeth it not; often, but to no purpose; what then? * 1.23 Why then he chasteneth him with pain, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain, and openeth his ear, and seals instruction to 〈…〉〈…〉 ••oring of his ear costs him something; Why will you put

the Lord to it to speak lowder, and more terribly to you? for if you belong to him, awaked you must be, or if you do not, awaked you shall be some way or other; and if this will not do it,

3. Death shall do it, and O how sad will it be for a man to go on securely, and not to behold his unfitness for the appearing of Christ, until just he be upon him? but if that will not do it, Sure I am the everlasting burnings will awake you sinners, if you never wake until then. O the Lord forbid you should have hearts so desperately hardened from his fear, as never to awake until there be no remedy, no providing for your eternal state. O therefore arise, arise as those Virgins did here in the Text; yea, though they were but formal professors, yet they arose, their Consciences were awaked, and somewhat they did, though they fell short; what will become of you then, that never rise, but will sleep, let the Lord Cry, and though the trumpet sound lowd∣er and lowder; you look at the terrors of God, as the horse that rusheth into the battail, looketh at fear, that which is a fear to * 1.24 others. Ah dear friends, it is no mocking at these things, your precious souls lye at the stake; therefore as you love them, beg of God a heart to tremble at this his Cry which is going out before him; how did all the Congregation tremble when the Lord sounded * 1.25 upon Mount-Sinai at the giving of the Law? do but think how terrible the coming of Jesus Christ will be, to avenge himself up∣on sinners that violated this Law, and are not found in him! O this will surely awaken you when you shall have little list to sleep * 1.26 or rest any more for ever. But the Lord give you rather to hear this Cry, to have it sounding in your ears continually; that you may recover strength before you go hence, and be no more seen, that with the wise Virgins, having your Lamps trimmed, you may go in with the Bridegroom into the Marriage.

FOR THE SEASON of this coming of Christ, its preparation to it, It is at Midnight; a time later then they thought of, and sooner then they expected; it is spoken by way of accommodation to the Parable, as the other was before, they fell asleep, the Virgins did, and in the deepest of their sleep the Bridegroom cometh, they are raised up to meet him. Note from hence.

That Jesus Christ his coming to many poor souls will be at Mid∣night, Or his coming ordinarily is at Midnight. What this com∣ing * 1.27 is you have heard before. All the difficulty here is to under∣stand what is meant by Midnight. Some have taken it properly for the Midnight, that part of the natural day, when the Sun is farthest off us, and when it is darkest in the night; and Jerom is said to report it for an A. ••radition, that Christ should come at Midnight, and because it is first in the order of nature to know the day, before the hour; therefore the day was pitched upon, and that was the even of the Passover, when it is said, that the Primitive Churches did watch constantly yearly that night, ex∣pecting it, whereby it should seem they knew not the year, but every year stood upon the watch at the same time; but methinks the year is first in order to be known before the day, and the day before the hour; but surely this was vain, and a mistake of theirs, * 1.28 for our Saviour saith, that of that day and hour knoweth no man.

Therefore we shall understand it here by way of Accommoda∣tion to the Parable; and first then at Midnight siguratively may import in the first place an unknown time, it was not revealed be∣fore hand at what time he would come; our Saviour saith, If the good man had known when the thief would have come, he would have kept his house from being broken; of that day and hour knoweth no man, saith our Saviour, speaking of his coming in general: it is a * 1.29 secret thing, belonging to God, he keepeth it in his own power, as he saith there in the first of the Acts. And for the particu∣lar * 1.30 day of his coming to us, it is not known to men for the most part; indeed Hezekiah his case was extraordinary, to have his li∣mits set him so long before, to know the number of his days so long before hand, else ordinarily the people of God know not the time, or very little before they depart, or be called for. As these Virgins here, when they were asleep; alas they knew not what time it was that the Alarm came, the Midnight is usually the most unknown time, or at least a time wherein the coming of Christ is most unknown, for to that indeed the ignorance is ra∣ther to be referred, though persons asleep at midnight know not the time of the night, nor any evil, which is ready to sur∣prize them at that time.

2. The midst of a mans life is such a time, as the coming of

Christ is not looked for: Now this is more then the former, for though they had not known the time; yet they might have wait∣ed, and expected every hour when he would have come; but they, because it was uncertain, looked not for it: in a day he looked not for him, Luke 12. 46. It is likely they had looked for it, but their waiting was wearyed, they went forth to meet him at first, with their oyl, and Lamps, the wise Virgins, until they thought it long, for it is in respect of their opinions, that he is said to de∣lay his coming, as you have heard; Well, now their watchful eys were sealed up with sleep, so that he came later then their expe∣ctations, and he came sooner then their expectations also, for they were surprized by the Cry, before they were aware, just as a ser∣vant that hath in the beginning of the night expected his Ma∣sters coming home, and a good while waited for it; now he giveth over looking for him, so his Master cometh after his wait∣ing, and yet before it too, for when he is at his rest, and before he awakes again to return to his waiting for his Master, he cometh upon him, this is the very case: a child of God it may be at the beginning when the impressions of God upon the heart are strong and fresh, he expecteth the day of Christ his coming hath it much in his eye; but after awhile, when he seeth he com∣eth not, he letteth down the watch, and groweth more remiss by far, and when he is in the depth of that sleep, before he renew his watching likely, the Lord Jesus cometh upon him.

3. A little more particularly, which is but the beating out of the former, he cometh at the midnight of mens lives, that is to say, at such a time of their lives, as they neither hoped for it, nor feared it, for the expectation of the coming of Jesus Christ doth diversly affect men, according to the different conditions of their souls, if they be such as are ready for it, for his appearing habitu∣ally ready, and actually ready; that is to say, such as have his grace in their hearts, oyl in their vessels, and that grace doth not lye sleeping there, but it is in act, and lively, and the affection flaming towards heaven, and the eye upon the recompence of re∣ward, such a man, he will act his hope for that day, look for it with hope, and with desire, because he expecteth then a Crown of glo∣ry, a fulness of joy unspeakable, everlasting bosom-communion with * 1.31 Jesus Christ; knowing also, that while he is present in the body, he is absent from the Lord, his looking for the appearing of the Lord,

is I say with hope and desire, because it is the day of his raigning, the accomplishment of it, when the God of peace shall bruise Sa∣tan perfectly under his feet, with whose temptations it may be, he is even wearyed out, and therefore as a labouring man longs for the shadow of the evening, so doth he desire it: Now a child of God, he may have the root of this grace of hope, for the coming * 1.32 of Jesus Christ; but while he is asleep, his hope is not in act when it should be, he doth not stretch forth the neck as one earnestly ex∣pecting it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he doth not lift up his head because his re∣demption draweth near, and his salvation is nearer now then it was when he believed, alas his hope is asleep with him. A woman espou∣sed expecting her Husband to come and Marry her, desires the day, but in the mean time falls asleep, then her desires and hopes cease, looks not for him all that while, and in that time he cometh.

On the other hand they fear it not neither, for they are asleep, and so their expectation ceaseth; as prisoners, they fear the coming of the Judge, they have a dreadful sound in their ears, and fear ex∣ceedingly when the Judge will come to deliver them up to the tormentors, to the execution, Sentence being past upon them; but if they fall asleep now, their fear ceaseth if their sleep be fast; so a man that dwells in a place of danger for robbers, he may ex∣pect them and fear; and yet if after a while of waking, they come not, he falls asleep, he fears them not then, as he would do if he were awake, in an hour he thinketh not of it, Luke 12. So wick∣ed▪ * 1.33 men and hypocrites, formal professors, if they be conscious to their conditions at any time, as when an hypocrite hath his Conscience inlightned at first, why then surely there cannot but be a fearful expectation of the coming of Jesus Christ to judge them; but when once they fall asleep, those impressions they had, wear off by degrees, then they fear not, though they have as much cause as ever they had; so then, the Midnight is a time not expected.

The Arguments whereby this may be confirmed. First, It is for his own glory, to come in such a time, unknown. The glory of * 1.34 God is to conceal a thing, but the honour of Kings is to search out a matter; here is an opposition of persons and actions; the persons opposed are Kings, and the God of Heaven, the King of Kings; the honour of Kings, is to search out a matter, they are men

of poor, shallow apprehensions, and little knowledge; and therefore they had need to search to finde out a matter; but now the Lord he is an infinite unsearchable wise God, and he know∣eth all things, and it is for his honour to keep some things secret, that he may be admired, reverenced, adored, his unsearchableness acknowledged. No further then he pleased, were the mysteries of himself and his so•• revealed to the ages before, nor now at this day, much he hath reserved for another time and place; and that is, the time of his coming, his own secret, which belongs to him, he hath kept in his own power, and it is for his honour so to do. And this is the first.

2. Therefore he will come so suddainly and unexpectedly, as * 1.35 I may say, at Midnight, that many, yea the most of men, that men might learn to watch, to be alway ready; this is abundantly proved, by the many exhortations of our Saviour to his Disciples to watch, inforced by this very Argument; therefore also be ye * 1.36 ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the son of man cometh, even as a thief in the night. In the foregoing Verse: Behold I * 1.37 come as a thief, saith he, blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he be found naked, and they see his shame. Whether this be understood of his last coming or no, if any coming of Christ, being suddain, unexpected, uncertain, it should teach us to watch; and is not this the Use which our Saviour maketh of it in the thirteenth verse of this Chapter? And so in that Epistle to the Church of Sardis, If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief. The reason why he tells us he will come * 1.38 like a thief, suddainly, in the time least suspected, is to deter men from sleeping and security; for if they lye to sleep, it will be such a suddain surprisal, but if they watch and be ready, it will not be so unexpected, and this is a reason, I say, wherefore the Lord keepeth it secret and uncertain when he will come, that men might watch. As Caesar, it is said of him that he would never let his souldiers know the time of his removal, or the time of his Onset, scil. Ʋt paratum, & intentum momentis omnibus quo vellet state educeret. So the Lord Jesus, who is the Captain of our salvation, he letteth not us know when it will be, that we might * 1.39 expect it alway. If men should know that Jesus Christ would come to call for them but sixteen years hence, or six years; alas, how

bold would they make with him ordinarily, and spend five of the six in vanity, if not more; and truly such is the corruption of our hearts also, that that very thing which our Saviour, who well knew the constitutions of men, and what might be the most like∣ly Argument for watchfulness, lays down this, of the uncertainty of it, unexpectedness of it, if men sleep, surprizing them, yet we will make bold, and venture at all, in so much that he seldom com∣eth to a soul, and findeth him watching.

3. To make his coming like an evil snare to sinners, to hypocrites. So it is in that place of Luke, take heed your hearts be not over-charged * 1.40 with cares of this world, &c. and that day come upon you as a snare; A snare you know, is a sad thing, and that which sud∣dainly * 1.41 and unavoidably seizeth upon the poor beast or bird; they are taken in an evil snare, when they are sleeping, and so brought to ruine, this is the case, it cometh on them like a snare, like a Net, from on high, as snares rained from Heaven, no avoyding them; or * 1.42 else as a snare hid, when men think nothing, or the beasts are at their prey, and delighting themselves in that, before they are aware the foot or neck is in the snare, and there is no breaking of it, it is too strong a snare.

4. Then usually hypocrites and sinners are at the worst, and the * 1.43 people of God after their awaking, and stirring up, will be at the best; sinners at the worst, when they have setled upon their Lees in security, and sleep for a while, the foolish virgins never 〈…〉〈…〉d a heart awake towards God; their heart never answered that Call, Awake thou that sleepest, their eys indeed were opened, and they walk•• up and down as men may do when the heart is asleep; they had their Lamps, some shew, some formality, but now when this day sur∣prizeth them, all is gone, their form perisheth, or at least will stand them in no stead, their Lamps were gone out; and therefore this is the very nick of time wherein the Lord Jesus will surprize hy∣porrites, and give them their recompence of reward. The peo∣ple of God that sleep, it is true they are unready when the Cry cometh, but O how will this humble them, to be found sleeping, and what is the top of the Ladder but humility? when will the ••oul be fittest to e••alt Christ but then? and so when their Lamps are trimmed up again, they will shine more bright then before, and therefore then also will be a time for his coming to them.

1. Then by way of Application, this may inform us how it cometh to pass so many in the midst of their plots and purposes * 1.44 are taken away, without any hope in their death; surely every man would be happy, they would have heaven, but they think it is time enough to look after that when they have nothing else to do. O if they had compast such a thing, such a Land, and such a House, gotten such an inheritance, then they would lay down these things, and prepare for heaven! and so the milk of their breasts, and marrow of their bones, they lay out upon their youthful Lusts, and think their old age time enough to mind those serious things; But the day cometh upon them at una∣wares, and snatcheth them away in his wrathful displea∣sure, in the midst of their endeavours for the world, plucks them away from their place, and it knoweth them no more. Go to, ye that say, we will go to such a City, and buy, * 1.45 and sell, and get gain; whereas they know not what is in the womb of a day; hence it is, that so many perish from the way, they are cut off in the midst, and never reach their expectations, and so remedilesly perish. This day cometh upon them as a snare, when they are sitting like so many Birds, pluming them∣selves, feeding, and sporting, and singing, it cometh upon them, and they are carryed away to their place. Ah dear friends! what sottish, stupid, and strange presumption possesseth poor sinners hearts, as if they were of the Counsel of God, as if they knew the number of their Moneths before hand, as Hezekiah did, and there∣fore might make bold to lavish out week after week upon their lusts? do you know whether this night the snare will come upon you? O that Sinners could but lay these things to heart, that they might not perish like Beasts overtaken i•• an evil snare: but this is but the first.

2. It will be a word of Reproof of the boldness of some, who * 1.46 take upon them to know the time, and many wanton wits have dared to sport themselves in so serious a thing, to foretell the year, one placing it upon 1533. others upon 1657. Alsted. Chronol. 1494. Pi••us Mirandula; upon 1905. Nicol. Cusa∣nus, upon 1700. and many others; See Trap upon Mat. 24. 36. Many whereof time hath already refuted, the grounds are weak of many of them, this is to be wise above what is written,

vain man would be wise, and herein he sheweth himself a wild * 1.47 Asses Colt indeed, to pry into the secret which God hath kept in his own power; no, no, it is unknown, the day, and hour, the longer, or shorter time, there is no limiting of it by us, it will be at midnight, when men least suspect ordinarily, but * 1.48 enough of that.

3. It may teach us further, that when we least expect it, it is * 1.49 likely to be nearest to us; a man would think this should be a startling word to all poor sleeping sinners; you put away the evil day, the day of the Lord far from you; it is never nearer to you than then; never are men usually more unfit for that day, then when they put it far from them, and never is it usually more near to them, then at that time. It is observed in nature, that usually before an Earthquaeke cometh to swallow up men, there is a great calm; the air is quiet, and the wind lies, before the great rain fals. When was the Old World more near destruction by that day of judgement from the Lord, then when they thought least of it, put it farthest off, were most secure. It is observed, the Flood came in the Spring-time, when the Spirit of God, began to renew the face of the earth, they had as fair, a hopeful, a fruitful year as before; though there was one doubting Noah among them that dreamed of a dry winter, yet when they were most secure, most deeply secure, then the Flood came; when things were in their prime, and their hopes of corn, and wine, and oyl in their flower, the Flood came, and swept them away. And so Sodom, when the Sun arose upon it, what fairer ground of hope? of a fair day doubtless they expected it: they put off the day, but then it was nearest to them. So Laish, secure be∣fore ruin, and Agag; so when they cry peace, peace, they * 1.50 shall do well, God proclaims war against them by his Messengers. Think of it brethren, with your selves; how stand your hearts affected, in respect of this day? are you not secure? do you wait for it, believe it? the less you fear it, the more cause you have to fear it; or the less hope, and love, and desire, and waiting there is in any of us to it, the more cause we have to fear it; for it usually seizeth upon men at midnight. Is it not mid∣night with some of us? dost not thou sleep thy fast, thy dead sleep? nothing will awake thee, thou makest a mock of all these

things: The Lord give you but an eye to see, for the snare is even coming upon you, it is nearest to such persons of all others.

4. It will be a word of Terror then, to all hypocrites and forma∣lists, * 1.51 and all sinners, in that this day of the Lord will surprize you and come upon you at unawares. What maketh death so terri∣ble to poor sinners when they come to it, but the judgement which followeth it? so that let a sinner have warning of it, and it is terrible, but when it cometh upon a sudden and unexpected this exceedingly addeth to the terror of it, it amazeth, astonish∣eth. O what a terror must it needs be to the old world! that when their hopes were in the spring, in their verdure, then all on a sudden, the world was on a flood, the fountains of the deep and the clouds above conspired to swallow them up; And will it not be, think you, as great an astonishment, when the world at the end shall look for nothing less, and before they are aware the world shall be on a flame about their ears? O then the sinners in Sion will be afraid, and fearfulness will surprize the hypocrite! put * 1.52 as good a face upon it now as you can. How terrible is a sudden storm upon the poor Mariners? which they never lookt for, they are all inveloped in darkness; the clouds and seas seem to come to∣gether. How terrible was the coming of Gideon upon the Mi∣diani••es * 1.53 on a sudden at midnight, when all asleep likely, to see and hear so many Trumpets blowing, so many pitchers clatter∣ing, so many Lamps burning! such a cry, the sword of the Lord and of Gideon, all on a sudden! O how terrible it was, it put them besides themselves, they knew not what to do, they thrust their swords in one anothers bowels! O that we had but hearts to believe how terrible a day it will be to us, if it overtake us as a snare. Yea surely it will have somewhat of amazement, terror in it, to the people of God themselves that shal be found sleeping, with whom it shall be midnight, in respect of security; And though they may avoid the ruine and destruction of the day, they shall have a share in the distraction and terror of it, but poor sinners, poor hypocrites, poor formalists shall have the ama∣zing terror, and never come to themselves, never recover them∣selves, but perish for ever by it.

5. Then knowing the terror of the Lord we perswade men to this * 1.54 watching, which is the main thing intended in the Parable. And concerning which you have heard somewhat already, having spoken so largely to the Privation or defect of this watching, in the slumbering and sleeping of the Virgins; Nor do I intend to insist largely upon this watching here, only here I suppose it most naturally falls into this main part of the Parable. Watching here, is as much as diligent taking heed to our selves that that day come not upon us at unawares; As a man that watcheth against an enemy is surprized, he takes diligent heed: so our Saviour, take heed to your selves that that day come not upon you as a snare, so take heed to your selves, and the flock over which the Lord hath made you overseers, &c. Watch therefore, saith he, for after my departure grievous wolves will enter. As a party of soldiers, * 1.55 when they would take diligent heed to themselves, lest they be surprized by their enemy, they watch, they express it that way; so here then, The Exhortation is brethren, to us all, To take diligent heed to our selves, lest we be surprized by the coming of Jesus Christ; for we know not when he will come, * 1.56 there is no determined time, and if we take not diligent heed, it will come upon us unawares.

You have had some of the Motives to press this duty here∣tofore, or the Caution against sleeping; I pray you remember, how you cannot be too often put in mind of them; surely our Saviour cometh over with it so often, again, and again; you have heard the danger you are in while you sleep. But we will rather take up a Consideration or two from hence.

First, the difficulty of the duty, so continually to take so diligent heed; If the good man had known what hour the thief would have come, he might more easily have watched to have prevented him; it is much more easie to hold out such a watch for a while, then constantly, now every hour being in danger, because we know not what hour he will come, this is more difficult; which should not discourage us, but whet us on to double diligence. Jam per periculum anim•• Alexandri; It is an easie thing to be a Christian as many are, lazy droans, listless, sleepy Professors, that alas, alas, would scarce ever be found upon their watch, when ever he should come; But it is a matter of great difficulty,

and will work all your faculties to the utmost, to watch for his appearing.

2. The dreadfulness of the thing; if you be surprized would you have Jesus Christ find you with your ornaments laid aside, find you naked? how will you hold up your heads, and look him in the face? either you will perish with the foolish Virgins, (and I doubt that will prove the portion of many of our souls) or else you will be saved; but you must run through fear, through some shame, confusion, distraction, when you are taken unawares. Besides, you are not of the night, but of the day, saith the Apostle, that that day should not take you at unawares, 1 Thes. 5. 5. And otherwise, we give not God the end of his dispensations, which is that we might watch.

What then should we do? surely brethren, There are two things specially for us to do, according to the scope of this Parable, which our Saviour thus applyeth, because the foolish Virgins, and the wise, both by their sleeping suffered such loss; the one lost all their precious souls, all the world not being able to recover them; the other lost their comfort, and sweet peace, and quiet, and had much coniusion in their latter end, the soul being in a hurry to make ready; when it should go forth to meet the Lord Jesus, should have nothing else to do but to dye; Therefore this watching being opposed to both their sleeping, I conceive there are two things specially in it.

First, That you be sure to have your oyl in your vessels ready, that we have grace in our hearts. Take heed to your selves dili∣gently then in the name of Jesus Christ, that you give not sleep to your eys, nor slumber to your eye-lids; give not the Lord, nor your souls rest, until you have this Communication of Christ to your poor souls; how many poor hearts that hear this word, have not a dram of grace? though you have long had a name to be Christians, yet that hath been all, Brethren, What do you mean? can you dye comfortably, hopefully, except you have grace in your hearts, this oyl, this Spirit of grace dwelling in you? will any thing else enable you to lift up your faces before him, but his righteousness and holiness made over to you, imputed unto you as an Inner, and Outward Garment, or Cloathing? I have hope of you you would not prove Foolish Virgins, and that you are not so careless as not to regard whether you be found to have

grace, yea, or no; If there be any such, let me tell such a man, his Condition is next to desperate; the Lord smite such sinners hearts; but if you do not care, there will come a time when you will care, and every vein in your hearts will ake, when you shall find, alas, you have trifled away your time, your day you had to get grace in, and now you have none; Do you think bre∣thren, to go to heaven without grace? must there be a wedding garment to his Supper here, and must not there much more be a wedding Garment upon them that come into that nearest * 1.57 Fellowship with the Lord Jesus for ever? Do poor sinners eat, and drink judgement to themselves, if they come without grace to the Supper? O brethren! do you think he will endure you to enter, if you have not grace to sit with him at his Table to eter∣nity? No: believe it, Sinners shall not stand in the Congregation * 1.58 of the upright; O that the Lord would perswade you! How far are many of us from the Apostles temper! he counted all things dung and dross, not worthy his thoughts in comparison of being found in Christ; and do not we count these things dung and dross in comparison of the world? if it were not so, surely men would lay out some of their care, some of their thoughts some of their time for the getting Christ and grace.

2. We must labour also to have our graces, to get and keep our graces in act, in a lively frame, our hearts flaming towards the Lord continually; the wise Virgins they slept, and while they slept, they could not watch; now they had grace in their hearts, but they kept it not in use, in exercise, as they should have done, and therefore they underwent much inconvenience, as you have heard; and therefore our Saviour exhorts us to watch, to take di∣ligent heed, that we run not the like hazard with them, no more than with the foolish virgins: Therefore labour to get your graces lively: how should we think with our selves often when we find a listless f••ame growing upon us: O what would my Condition be, if the Lord Jesus should come this day to my poor soul? Labour to keep your faith lively, your Love lively, so your humility and self∣abasing, that you may exalt him.

But alas, you will say, how can we do this? we are poor, imperfect creatures, and therefore can we be alway acting our graces? is it likely we should keep them alway in act? that is enough for Angels, and glorified Saints to do, who are therefore called watchers.

I answer to this; It is true, it is not required we should always be acting of grace, for then we should be able to do nothing else; then we should neither sleep, nor follow the works of some of our callings, which require the intention of the mind as well as the labour of the hand, therefore that is not the meaning, nor indeed were we able to do it, our spirits would fail us. But how then?

Why, We must be acting our graces when we are called to act them, when ever is a time; Mephibosheth eats bread continually at Davids table; not that he did nothing else but eat, without any * 1.59 intermission, but at meal-times he did eat continually. Note bre∣thren, we should see to it, that upon all occasions we act our graces, upon every temptation wherewith we are assaulted, we should act our faith, upon every tryal our patience, upon every manifestation of himself to us to act our love, and humility, and thank-fulness.

But specially in our drawings nigh to him, then see to it that we have our graces in act; which alas, how sar short do we fall of, as in our daily performances, prayers, publike, secret; So, meditating, reading, hearing, receiving the Lords Supper, if we would have them bright, we must exercise them at these times, how should we now renew our repentance, in washing * 1.60 our hands in innocency, as clean as if washed in innocency it self, * 1.61 and so compass the Altar of God? How should we as Jacob his family, besides putting away their Idols, change their garments also! we should labour to get cloathed with another Spirit, another frame then ordinary, when we come before him * 1.62 upon these occasions. It is said concerning the Steward, which specially concerneth the Ministers of Christ; Blessed is that ser∣vant, whom his Master shall sind so doing, giving every one their portion in due season; A slothful servant is a wicked servant, our Saviour saith, he that receiveth grace in vain, improveth it not, * 1.63 stirreth not up himself to lay hold upon Christ, upon special oc∣casions; such as are on foot upon such a day as this, oporte•• Episcopum concionari, saith one eminent in his time. The Lord hath given his Spirit to all believing people, they have the ha∣bits of grace, and he giveth it them as a stock to trade with, as prin∣ciples to act for him in their places; O blessed is that servant whom his Lord shall find so doing; he saith not, whom his Lord

••hall find with grace in his heart, but so doing; acting his grace. Ah blessed souls, whom he shall find praying, keeping up those duties in a lively manner, whom he shall find receiving the seal∣ing Ordinances, and with a wedding Garment upon him, a lively frame of spirit fit for it. You have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in you, if you be his, and will you let such a precious principle lie idle, it is given to mortifie, to sanctifie; O blessed soul that shall be found so doing, even by the Spirit, to mortifie the deeds of the Flesh; surely bre∣thren, * 1.64 nothing will keep us more awake, then action will; if we be found sleeping, it will not be comfortable to us, therefore look to the acting of your graces, I beseech you.

Again, Labour to love his appearing so, as that we may wait for it; for indeed if we love it not, we shall be apt to put the thoughts of it far from us, labour either to love it, or fear it, ac∣cording to thy Condition; if thy Calling and Election be made sure, if thou knowest the things freely given thee of God, then be ashamed that any thing in the world should lie so near thee, as not to desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ; renew these desires day by day, nothing but the greater glory of God should make us willing to be here; indeed action for Christ and his ho∣nour is of a high nature, and ought to have great weight with us, as the Apostle hath it; but yet methinks the burthen of sins should make us groan for it; methinks if we have an eye upon the recompence of reward, the joy that is set before thee, that full enjoyment of Jesus Christ, there should be a greater desire to be with Jesus Christ, knowing you are absent; now where there is such a desire, and such a groaning, surely that day will not come upon them so unexpectedly and ter∣ribly.

If we have not this assurance brethren, methinks then the fear of this day of Jesus Christ should hold us in such bondage all our lives-long, it should so keep us awake, we should have little mind to sleep, if we labour to keep upon our hearts fresh▪ our own Condition, but we should be up, and working to make our calling and election sure, and so we might be found doing; and surely brethren, that poor soul trembling, that thus follows hard after Christ, if the day come upon him before he have this assurance, yet shall it be more comfortable to him, then to a man that hath had more peace, and fals asleep in the lap of it, and so is overtaken.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mat. 3. 3.
• * 1.2

  Doctr.
• * 1.3

  2 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 11. 7.
• * 1.4

  Heb. 12. 23. Psal. 1. 5.
• * 1.5

  Isa. 58. 1.
• * 1.6

  Mat. 24. 14.
• * 1.7

  1 Thes. 4. 16.
• * 1.8

  Ioh. 5. 28.
• * 1.9

  2 Cor. 15. 52. Calv. H••ll.
• * 1.10

  Exod. 19. 16.
• * 1.11

  Isa. 58. 1.
• * 1.12

  Mic. 6. 9.
• * 1.13

  1 Thes. 4.
• * 1.14

  Reas. 1.
• * 1.15

  Reas. 2.
• * 1.16

  Reas. 3.
• * 1.17

  Mat. 24. 14.
• * 1.18

  Reas. 4.
• * 1.19

  Ʋse 1.
• * 1.20

  Iob 15. 21.
• * 1.21

  Heb. 12. 11.
• * 1.22

  Iudg. 5. 12.
• * 1.23

  Iob 33, 14, to 19.
• * 1.24

  Iob 39. 22.
• * 1.25

  Ier. 8. 6.
• * 1.26

  Exod. 19. 16.
• * 1.27

  Doctr.
• * 1.28

  Mat. 24. 36.
• * 1.29

  Luke 12. 39.
• * 1.30

  Act. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.31

  2 Cor. 5. 6, 8.
• * 1.32

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Thcophil. Rom. 8.
• * 1.33

  Luke 12. 40.
• * 1.34

  Reas. 1. Prov. 25. 2.
• * 1.35

  Reas. 2.
• * 1.36

  ••at 24. 44.
• * 1.37

  Rev. 16. 15.
• * 1.38

  Rev. 3.
• * 1.39

  Heb. 2. 10.
• * 1.40

  Reas. 3. Luke 2••. 35.
• * 1.41

  E〈…〉〈…〉es. 9. 12.
• * 1.42

  〈1 line〉〈1 line〉
• * 1.43

  ••eas. 4.
• * 1.44

  Ʋse 1.
• * 1.45

  Iames 4. 13.
• * 1.46

  Ʋse 2.
• * 1.47

  Iob 11. 12.
• * 1.48

  Acts 17.
• * 1.49

  Ʋse
• * 1.50

  Iudg. 18. 9. 1 Sam 15. 1 Thes. 5. 3.
• * 1.51

  Ʋse
• * 1.52

  Isa. 33. 14.
• * 1.53

  Iudg. 7. 19.
• * 1.54

  Ʋse 2 Cor. 5. 11.
• * 1.55

  Luke 12. 34.
• * 1.56

  Acts. 20. 31.
• * 1.57

  Mat. 22. 12.
• * 1.58

  Psal. 15.
• * 1.59

  2 Sam. 9. 13.
• * 1.60

  Psal 26. 6.
• * 1.61

  Gen. 35.
• * 1.62

  Luke 12. 43. Mat. 25. 26.
• * 1.63

  Isa. 64. 7.
• * 1.64

  Rom 8▪ 13.