must light them to the other world, and they have no time to buy it with works of penance. " They shall return at evening," says royal David, "and they shall suffer hunger like dogs." (Ps. lviii. 7.) Then sinners will be denied that spiritual food which they neglected to receive during their lives. "Therefore, whilst we have time let us do good." (Gal. vi. 10.)
II. "Now, while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they who were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut." (Matt. xxv. 10.) Ponder how important it is to be ready at the hour on which eternity depends. The wise virgins entered with joy and mutual congratulation; " everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Is. xxxv. 10.) The brightness of their lamp will be a hundred times increased from the light of the bridegroom's countenance. The flame of their sincere charity will blaze with inextinguishable lustre during the whole long day of eternity. Who would not wish to spend that day in such company!
III. "But at last came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us." They asked to be admitted by words, but their deeds did not entitle them to admittance. " For not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matt, vii. 21.) Prepare, therefore, by works, and not by words only, for the coming of the bridegroom. Ponder the terrors comprehended in those words, " I know you not; and take care that they be not addressed to you.
