3. It is possible men may go down with a careless profession, and a blind confidence to the grave, but in God's judgment it will not hold out ; for the day of revelation and manifestation is hereafter, and every one is not in a safe condition that dieth in peace; or without actual
382 SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SER. VI
horror and trouble. Usually, indeed, 1 Cor. xv. 5(i, ' The sting of death is sin ; ' but it is possible hypocrites may die with stupid and benumbed consciences, and therefore Christ rnaketh their vain con- ceits to be blown away in the day of accounts : Mat. vii. 22, ' Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord ! ' that is, till the day of doom, may think their plea sufficient.
lieasons why this profession is apt to fail, for there is a distinct con- sideration of these things : —
1. Because they have a principle of apostasy in their hearts still. The love of some created thing is predominant, as it is in all tem- poraries ; either honour, riches, or pleasure, which when it eometh to be touched or intrenched upon, religion must give way. Christ's first lesson is self-denial. Till there be a universal sovereignty of grace over all our desires and inclinations, so as they shall all give way to the love of God, something is left that will tempt us to leave our pro- fession of godliness, though unwillingly ; as the young man went away sad, Mark x. 22 ; and that which is lame is soon turned out of the way, Heb. xii. ; and therefore we can have no satisfaction and security Avhile any one lust remaineth unmortified ; if you are not fallen, you are falling.
2. Because they do not improve what they have received. The great want of temporaries is the want of a constant, serious, lively diligence ; now when men have made a good progress in religion, and stop there, they lose what they have : Luke viii. 18, ' From him that hath not shall be taken what he seemeth to have;' to him that employeth his stock, more shall be given ; but the other is on the losing hand.
Secondly, As to the hope and comfort that followeth this profession. An inclination to that which is good : I suppose without that there can be no true comfort, until we should submit to the conditions of the gospel law, Mat. v. 28-30. There temporaries are defective, all therefore see it and know it when they are serious and considerative. and their mistakes and misconceits are blown away by death and judgment. Now the conditions are believing, repenting, and gospel walking. Now their faith will not yield comfort : Gal. v. 6, ' Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision availeth anything, but faith that worketh by love.' Not their repenting, not a little sorrow for sin past, until carnal distempers are mortified, 2 Cor. vii. 10. So for gospel- walking ; not a loose owning of Christ, Mat. vii. 21 ; until there be a full obedience to his law, putting it in practice with an upright heart, which is not consistent with allowed failings. A man may profess himself a Christian, yet if he do not his Father's will, he may come short.
Use. Oh ! then, let us take heed we be not of the number of those whose lamps are gone out. The lamps of the sanctuary were never to go out, but to burn always, Exod. xvii. 20. To this end —
1. Apply yourselves to Christ in the use of his appointed means, for the renewing your natures, that his Spirit may give you a new understanding and a new heart : God hath made the offer, Ezek. xxxvi. 26, and it is only made good to those that diligently attend upon the appointed means.
VER. 9.] SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. 383
2. Improve what you receive in that way : 1 Thes. v. 14, ' Quench not the Spirit.' Fire may be quenched by pouring on water, or with- drawing the fuel : quench not the Spirit by fleshly delights, nor by a careless conversation.
3. They ask the wise, ' Give us of your oil' First, This demand was unseasonable ; to be getting oil when they should use it, to have their oil to buy when their lamps should have been burning. There is a time of getting, if we lose that, our opportunity is gone, Luke xiv. 32 ; Isa. Iv. 2 ; John ix. 4. While ' you have the day work, for the night cometh in which no man can work.' Secondly, it was extorted by mere necessity. In a time of straits and distresses men will call upon the people of God to help them, as Pharaoh called for Moses and. Aaron, when God's judgments were upon him.
SERMON VII.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so ; lest there be not enough for us and you : but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for your- selves.--Mat. XXV. 9.
In the words we have — (1.) A denial ; (2.) The reason of the denial; (3.) Their advice and counsel to the foolish.
First, The denial, not so. It is not a churlish and envious denial, but such an answer as the nature of the thing would bear. If they should be so kind, they would deprive themselves, and not leave suffi- cient for them both ; therefore they were better take the usual way of supply. Three points are in this verse : — ■