Ten virgins - Shepard - XVIII - Chapters 19 concluded

Required reading
Ten virgins by Thomas Shepard (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 19.
   
My summary
Today we conclude Chapter 19: 'Showing that none shall enjoy Christ hereafter, but those that are prepared here'.

Firstly Shepard expounds the line 'I know you not' by observing:
(i) that it is a most heavy and dreadful misery not to be beloved, not to be known of Jesus;
(ii) that many men may, and do apprehend Christ by a seeming faith, whom yet Christ Jesus apprehends not by His dearest love;
(iii) that the Lord Jesus, at His coming to death or judgement, will make a perfect separation between the wise and foolish virgins.

Then Shepard observes that all the churches of God are bound to be very watchful by considering the parable of these foolish virgins.

What grabbed me
Shepard did an excellent job of showing how 'I know you not' is the worst thing you could hear: 'If you consider the sweetness of the love of Christ I will instance only in one particular. Ps. Ixxxiii. 3 ; Cant i. The elect, when they are glorified, and with Christ, what shall be most ravishing in their eyes ? what shall swallow up thoughts most ? O, the love of Christ, his free love ! why should I be accepted, beloved ? O, that ever the Lord should cast his eyes, and set his heart upon such an outcast ! hence, praise of the riches of grace (Eph. i.) is "the work of heaven." Now, to be cast out of this love, will, must be exceeding hitter to the soul ; hence, (Matt, vii, 23,) "I never knew you," will be daggers at the heart, or the stone upon the grave's mouth, which shall torment forever. '

Do not let that be you!

One sentence final verdict
Although Shepard is not an easy read, he will certainly challenge you to make sure you are truly saved.

Next week's reading
Commence 'A lifting up for the downcast' by William Bridge (Available from Amazon or free here) by reading Sermon 1 (The good man's peace).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.