QUESTIONS. How frequently, and with what degree of earnestness, do I make the ministers of Christ the subject of my prayers? How far does my prayerfulness on behalf of my own minister lead me to further, in any respect, the great work of saving souls in which he is engaged? 2. Besides the main object which our Lord had in view in delivering this parable of the "ten virgins," (that of promoting a spirit of watchfulness for his coming,) it suggests several points, which are applicable to christians, during the whole course of the Gospel dispensation. It brings strongly to mind that part of our Lord's sermon upon the Mount, in which he told His disciples that they were "the light of the world;" and exhorted us to let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven." (Matt, v. 14, 15.) Every christian may be said to be, in some degree, a light in the world; he becomes such by his profession of christianity. But there is an important difference between the light of a mere outward profession, joined with a decent conformity to the ordinances of the christian church (which any worldly person may be wise enough to make in a christian country) and that consistent, uniform exhibition of christian conduct, which results from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. True religion in the heart and life requires a constant unction from on high; continual supplies of grace, which can only be obtained from the source of all grace, the Lord Jesus himself. (John iv. 13, 14; vii. 38, 39.), QUESTIONS. How far does my state of heart, and course of conduct agree with my profession of religion? From whence do I obtain the power to live as a light in the world? Do I seek that power from the Holy Spirit ? Am I satisfied with the grace that induces me, once for all, to profess myself to be a christian? Or, do I feel my dependence upon a daily renewal by the Spirit, in order to support my profession continually unto the end of my life? 3. The proposal of the foolish virgins induced the wise ones to state, that they could not part with any portion of that oil from which they drew their own supply; because what they had would be only sufficient for themselves. This should bring to our remembrance the Lord's words (Luke xvii. 10)-" When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say we are unprofitable servants, we have done that which it was our duty to do." The notion that the supposed merit of our good works can be conveyed to the advantage of others, furnishes one of the most dangerous deceits by which the Romish church ensnares her members. The danger of this has been more particularly pointed out, in explaining the words of our Lord just referred to; and the fourth application of the 146th portion should be read in connexion with the present passage. (See vol. iv., page 323; see also Eph, xiv. 14, 18, 20. Psalm xlix. 7.) QUESTIONS. Am I really aware that the sanctifying grace of God is afforded me, in order that I may work out my own salvation? (Phil. ii. 12.) Or have I any secret imagination that my own state before God may, in some way or other, be of use hereafter to the salvation of any who are dear to me, and whose personal condition affords me uneasiness? and so am backward in endeavouring to do them good now? 4. "Give us of your oil for our lamps are gone out," was the language of the foolish virgins, when they attempted to trim their lamps, under the certain expectation of the bridegroom's immediate approach. They had before been careless about a necessary supply of oil; but now they were alarmed at the want of it, But it was too late: the conviction and alarm at the last moment could not now accomplish what might have been done at the proper season and without alarm. Though this will be more strikingly shewn in the case of all unconverted professors, immediately before the actual coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, many instances of it occur in every generation; when the certainty of being called out of this present life acts upon them in the same way, as the cry of the bridegroom's approach is stated to have acted upon the foolish virgins. Persons who have been merely nominal and customary christians, living in decent repute with the world, but without spiritual life or a renewed heart, are placed in circumstances which make it certain, that in a short time they must die. And then comes the trimming of the lamp ;-then they realize the importance of religion, and consider what is their own profession of it;-then they cannot resist the conviction that they want more spirituality, more of the power and life of religion; then they perceive and feel that what they thought their light is in fact no light; their lamp, is gone out, the light of hope fades away, and the darkness of fear takes its place. They are told to lose no time in striving to secure that grace, of which they have allowed so many offers to pass unheeded; and under the impulse of fear they make the attempt: but alas! it will be found too often to have failed. The sentence of death, which had already come forth, is exe cuted upon them before they have (in their haste) attained to that saving knowledge of Christ, which may ensure them from hearing those awful words of His-"Verily I say unto you, I know you not." QUESTIONS. Am I, or am I not, putting off that course of life which alone can make my calling and election sure? How does my lamp burn? Brightly or orderly? Do I ever trim it, and seek for a fresh supply of oil? Is my religious profession made effectual by the Holy Spirit? Have I ever had an alarming illness, or been placed in probable danger of my life? If so, what were my feelings at that time? In looking forward to enter into the presence of Christ, was I alarmed lest my profession had been a false one? or comforted with the humble hope that it was the work of the Holy Spirit in me? VII. HEADS FOR PRAYER. 1. Pray that a spirit of watchfulness and diligence may be largely bestowed upon the ministers of Christ's Church; and especially upon your own minister. 2. Pray for a continual renewal of heart by the Holy Ghost, to enable you to live consistently with your christian profession, and to let your light shine before men; and for grace to seek the constant supply of the Spirit in Christ, where alone it can be procured. 3. Pray to be kept under a lively sense, that holiness must be an individual work in each person's soul; and that no affection of yours, can alter the real position before God of any whom you love intercede especially on behalf of those friends, concerning whose spiritual state you are not satisfied. 4. Pray for such a realizing view of the certainty of appearing before Christ, that no sudden apprehension of death may alarm you; and for watchful self-examination while in health, that nothing may be left to be done hastily, under a sense of danger. VIII. THE PRAYER. (1) Oh merciful God! the giver of all good gifts, look down with compassion upon thy whole Church; and bless us with pastors after thine own heart. Bestow upon all faithful ministers of thy word a watchful and diligent spirit in large abundance; and especially grant all needful spiritual gifts to thy servant from whom I am permitted to hear the instructions of thy word. (2) I beseech thee to renew in my soul continually the strength of the Holy Ghost; and daily increase in me thy manifold gifts of grace,-the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness: that so I may in all things adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour; and that my light may shine before men, to the glory of thy name. (3) Fill me with a deep sense that the grace which, through thy mercy I obtain, is only what is needed for myself; preserve me from the delusion of hoping concerning those I love, without such grounds for hope as may glorify thee in thy special gift to each of them. Look with compassion upon those near and dear to me who have not yet manifested the bright light of true religion: specially I would intreat thee to have mercy upon mention individual friends or relations). them thy Holy Spirit, converting their souls: and whatsoever else thou mayest withhold from them, withhold not that one thing needful. (4) Teach me to realize the certainty of thy appearing, and the solemn season when I shall enter into thy presence; and give me so constant a recollection of that coming hour, that I may never be taken unawares, or alarmed by the fear of sudden death, To-day, while it it is called to-day, enable me to make my calling and election sure; that I may at all times be able to cry heartily-" Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly;" even so, Amen. Our Father, &c. (here Give |