Use 3. We should improve it as to Christ's general coming-. If it be so that the bridegroom will certainly come, but at his own time —
1. Then be not of the number of those scoffers and mockers that either deny or doubt of his coming. The most part of men expect no such matter ; the profane scoff at it, and would fain shake off this bridle and restraint upon their lusts, 2 Peter iii. 3. Therefore take heed of the whispers of atheism, which would tempt us to turn unto the world and present things, and give over our hopes. Most men's faith about the eternal recompenses is but pretended, at best but too cold and speculative ; an opinion rather than a sound belief, as appear- eth by the little fruit and effect it hath upon them ; for if we had such a belief of them as we have of other things, we should be ' other man- ner of persons, in all holy conversation and godliness.' Two things are to be wondered at, viz., that any man should doubt of the Christian faith that is acquainted with it; and that, having embraced it, should live sinfully and carelessly. Therefore believe it as if you saw it : Rev, xx. 12, ' I saw the dead,' &c.
2. Take heed of apprehending it as a thing afar off ; look upon it as sure and near, to hasten your preparation. It cannot be long to the end of time, if we compare the remainder with what is past, and the whole with eternity : Ps. xc. 4, ' A thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past.' Alas ! it is nothing to the true measure of things : ' He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.' Therefore we should have more quick and lively thoughts and appre- hensions about it, such as will awaken us out of our security.
3. Take heed of a cold and ineffectual thinking of it. There is a certain time appointed, and when that appointed time is come, he will certainly appear ; therefore look for it and long for it. The saints are described by their looking for it: Titus ii. 13, 'Looking for the blessed hope ; ' Phil. iii. 20, ' From whence we look for a Saviour ; ' and Heb. ix. 28. Actual expectation enliveneth all our actions. Kebecca espied Isaac a great way off. Faith and .hope standeth ready to embrace him. And also by their longing for it, 2 Tim. iv. 8; Rev. xxii. 17, ' Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.' Long for it for Christ's sake, and your own sakes. For Christ's sake : His interest is concerned in it, that the glory of his person may be cleared. His first coming was obscure ; but now he will come in great splendour, accom- panied with his holy hosts, ten thousands of saints and angels : 1 Peter iv. 13, ' That when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding joy/ His justice will then be demonstrated : Acts xvii. 31, 'He hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness ; ' and 2 Thcs. i. 6, 7, ' It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you, and to you that are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed with his mighty angels.' And long for it for your own sake ; it is a day of the manifestation of the sons of God, Rom. viii. 19. Then you shall receive your reward to the full : 1 Peter i. 13, ' Hope to the end, for the grace that is to bo brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.' Then is the fullest manifestation of the love of God.
Vers. 7, 8.] sermons upon matthew xxv. 371
Now we are pressed with the remainders of corruption within, and temptations and persecutions without : wait for his coming. The people tarried without for the high priest, till he came forth to bless them : so must we look for his return when he will come to bless us.
SERMON VI.
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out— Mat. XXV. 7, 8.
The meaning of this part of the parable is, that the virgins being roused by the cry made, went to trim their lamps and fit themselves for their march ; while they were so doing, some of them had oil left ; but others had spent all their store, and their lamps were going, or had gone out. Three things are remarkable in these parabolical expres- sions : —
1. That which is common to them all, ' All those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps ; ' which must be differently interpreted of the wise and the foolish. The arising and trimming their lamps noteth in the wise their actual preparation for the Lord's coming ; in the foolish, it noteth the strength of their confidence and self-conceit. The foolish think they are as prepared and ready for Christ's coming as the wise ; they arise and address themselves to meet the bridegroom.