Now such is the difference that still exists between many professors of religion ; many have really the grace of God in their hearts ; these have seen the danger of an unconverted state, and have received that unction of the Holy One, which they stood in need of: they know how strict the scrutiny will be in the last day, and have therefore prayed, that the Holy Ghost might be shed forth abundantly upon them through Christ Jesus. But others there are (would to God they were few !) who have taken up a profession lightly, and who are satisfied
with having a form of godh'ness while they are destitute of its power. In an hour of alarm, they fly to the creature rather than to God. Even they who scoffed at religion in a time of health, will send for a minister, or some godly neighbour, in a prospect of death; but there they stop, and And to their cost the inefficacy of these means. Had they applied to Christ in due time, they might have " bought oil of him without money and without price:" but the bridegroom's arrival finds them un- provided ; and they are left to bewail the bitter consequences of their folly,]
There being no further room for comparison, we shall now,
II. Contrast their end —
The wise virgins, who were ready, were admitted with the bridegroom into the marriage feast —
[It was customary for the virgins, who came forth to at- tend the bridegroom, to participate the pleasures of the nuptial feast. This gives a just idea of their happiness who shall be found ready at the coming of their Lord: they shall enter into the chamber where all the guests are assembled ; they shall hear the bridegroom's voice, and enjoy the testimonies of his regard : the feast provided by God himself shall refresh their souls, while all the harmon}' of iieaven shall fill them with exquisite delight : then all painful watchings and anxious expectations for ever cease : no longer have they any corrup- tions to contend with, or any drowsiness to regret: their fears are dissipated, their hopes are realized, and their most enlarged desires are swallowed up in actual fruition.]
The foolish virgins, who neglected their prepa- ration, were for ever excluded —
[No sooner was the bridegroom with his retinue entered into the house, than the door was shut. The door, which shut in the one, precluded all hope of admittance to the other. In vain did the foolish virgins come and cry for admission ; all knowledge of them was disclaimed by the bridegroom, and they were left in " outer darkness." Thus will it be to those who shall be called hence before they are prepared to meet their God : the door of heaven will be shut against them ; the supplications, which a little before would have prevailed, will now be disregarded : they honoured not the Lord in their life ; nor will he now honour or acknowledge them : they are cut off" from all hoj)e of joining that blest society, or of tasting the heavenly banquet : nor will they merely suffer a privation of happiness ; they will be consigned over to the punishment due to their oflTences, a punishment exquisite, irremediable, eternal.]