We see, in the next place, that ichen the Lord comes again, many will find out the value of saving religion too late.
The parable tells us that when the bridegroom came, the foolish virgins said unto the wise, '^give us of your oil ; for our lamps are gone out." It tells us further, that as the wise had no oil to spare, the foolish went to " buy for themselves." It tells us finally, that they came when the door was shut, and asked in vain for admission. " Lord, Lord," they cried, " open unto us." All these expressions are striking emblems of things to come. Let us take heed that we do not find, them true by experience, to our own eternal ruin.
We may settle it in our minds, that there will be an entire change of opinion one day as to the necessity of decided Christianity. At present, we must all be aware, the vast majority of professing Christians care nothing at all about it. They have no sense of sin. They have no love towards Christ. They know nothing of being born again. Kepentance, and faith, and grace, and holi- ness, are mere words and names to them. They are subjects which they either dislike, or about which they feel no concern. But all this state of things shall one day come to an end. Knowledge, conviction, the value of the soul, the need of a Saviour, shall all burst on men's minds one day like a flash of lightning. But alas ! it will be too late. It will be too late to be buying oil, when the Lord returns. The mistakes that are not found out till that day are irretrievable.
Are we ever mocked and persecuted and thought foolish because of our religion ? Let us bear it patiently,