The IMPROVEMENT Suggested by our Lord will pro- perly close the subject —
[The grand scope of the parable is, to shew us the need of watchfulness ; and the chief argument to enforce that duty is, the uncertainty of the time when our Lord shall come. And is there any one, to whom we have not occasion to direct our exhortation ? Ye who, like the foolish virgins, have never yet obtained " the oil of joy and gladness," watch against self- deception : you may make a specious profession of religion, and take occasion from the infirmities of true Christians to think yourselves in as good a state as they. But it will soon appear who they are that have the grace of God in their hearts; and who have only " a name to live, while they really are dead." Perhaps ye think that ye shall have time enough to provide oil when the bridegroom's approach shall be announced : but ye know not whether ye shall have any warning, or whether ye shall be able to obtain it the?i, if ye neglect the present oppor- tunity. Be assured that, if the bridegroom come, he will not stay for you, but will enter with those who are ready, and leave the rest behind him. O think, what will ye do if the door should be shut against you? how will ye bewail your folly ! Be persuaded Jioiv to improve your time. Apply for oil to him who " has the residue of the Spirit," and will " give the Holy Spirit unto them that ask him." Go not to the creature, no, not even to the ordinances, as though they of them- selves could impart this blessing. Ministers and ordinances are, as it were, the pipes through which it shall be conveyed ; but Christ, in his person and offices, is the one source of grace ; and out of his fulness must ye all receive''.
As for you, who, like the wise virgins, are endued with grace, still continue to " watch." You see from your own experience what need you have of this exhortation. Too often have you slumbered and slept already, and thereby exposed yourselves to many alarms. Henceforth " let your lamps be trimmed, your loins girt, and yourselves in actual readiness to attend your Lord." Then, at whatever hour he shall come, ye shall have no cause to fear ; ye shall behold him with joy, and participate his glory for evermore.
" What we say then to you, we say unto all, Watch."]''
" Zech. iv. 12—14.
" If this were the subject of a Funeral Sermon, this would be the proper place to shew how the deceased had received grace from Christ, and how bright his light had shone, and how prepared he was for the summons he received.