By the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN here, is meant the state of the visible church on earth; it cannot be understood of the kingdom of glory, for there are no foolish virgins in that kingdom; nor yet of the invisible kingdom of grace, for therein are no foolish virgins neither. But in the visible church here o... [ Continue Reading ]
By the LAMPS are meant an outward profession of faith and holiness. By the OIL IN THE LAMPS, is to be understood that solemn profession of repentance and faith, which all Christians make in baptism. By OIL IN THEIR VESSELS is meant the sanctifying and saving graces of the Holy Spirit; the growth a... [ Continue Reading ]
That is, whilst Christ delays his coming to persons by death and judgment, they are not so diligent as they ought, to prepare themselves for death and judgment. Instead of being upon their watch and guard, THEY SLUMBERED AND SLEPT. Note, That not only visible professors, but the holiest and best of... [ Continue Reading ]
AT MIDNIGHT, that is, at the most dismal and unseasonable time, when all the virgins were fast asleep; and, when awakened in great affrightment, could not on. sudden consider what to do. Such is the case of those who put off their repentance and preparation for another world, till they are surprised... [ Continue Reading ]
The virgins' arising and trimming their lamps, doth denote, their actual preparation for Christ's coming and appearance, and their putting themselves into. posture of readiness to receive him. Thence learn, That. believing apprehension of the certainty and suddenness of our Lord's coming and approa... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The wise virgin's denial, NOT SO; they will part with no oil. Learn hence, That it must be the care of every one to get grace of his own, otherwise the grace of others will do him no good. It is not what others have done, that will save us, without our own endeavours. Observe, 2.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Christ will come at the great day to his people as. Bridegroom, and to the wicked as. Judge. The relation now begun betwixt Christ and his church shall then be publicly solemnized. Observe, 2. The qualifications of the persons who shall enter with the Bridegroom into heaven: SUCH A... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, The virgins' petition, and the Bridegroom's reply: the petition, LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US. Learn hence, That how negligent soever men are of heaven and salvation here, there are none but will desire it earnestly and importunately hereafter; AFTERWARD; that is, when too late. Observe fa... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have our Lord's application of the foregoing parable, to be always upon our watch, continually upon our guard, to meet the Bridegroom in death and judgment, because we know not the time of his coming and approach. Learn hence, That watchfulness and prepared readiness is. great duty that lie... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, the person intrusting, Christ; the persons intrusted, all Christians; the talents they are intrusted with, goods; that is, goods of providence, riches and honours; gifts of mind, wisdom, parts and learning; gifts of grace: all these goods Christ dispenses variously; more to some, fewer... [ Continue Reading ]
The former verses gave an account of the Lord's distribution; these acquaint us with the servants' negociation. Some traded with, and made improvement of, their talents, others traded not at all; yet it is not said they did embezzle their talent, but no improve it. Learn, It is not sufficient to ju... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. That the wisdom of God dispenses his gifts and graces variously, as so many talents to his servants, to be employed and improved for his own glory, and his church's good. 2. That all such servants as have received any talents, must look to reckon and account for them: that this accoun... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That he that received but one talent is called to an account as well as he that received five. Heathens that have but one talent, namely, the light of nature, must give an account for that one talent, as well as Christians that have five must account for five. Observe, 2. The sloth... [ Continue Reading ]
These words contain the sentence denounced by Christ upon the slothful servant: his punishment is first. punishment of loss: TAKE YE THE TALENT FROM HIM. Learn hence, That not improving the gifts of God given as talents to us, provokes God to take them from us, as well as misimproving. FROM HIM THA... [ Continue Reading ]
From hence to the end of the chapter, we have. draught and scheme of the general judgment. Where observe, the person judging, THE SON OF MAN; the persons judged, GOOD AND BAD; the one called SHEEP, for their innocency and meekness; the other GOATS, for their unruliness and uncleanness. Observe als... [ Continue Reading ]
Here follows the sentence which Christ will pronounce upon the righteous and the wicked at the great day: first the sentence of absolution upon the righteous; then the sentence of condemnation upon the wicked. Learn thence, That at the day of judgment the godly shall be absolved before the wicked a... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our Saviour sets forth, not the meritorious cause of his saints' happiness, but the infallible signs of such as should inherit that happiness, the character of the persons that might expect it. Such as fed him, clothed and visited him, in his members. Where note, 1. That the godly having their... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have. dialogue or interchangeable discourse betwixt Christ and his faithful servants at the great day. Where observe, Their question and his reply. Their question, LORD, WHEN DID WE FEED THEE, CLOTHE, OR VISIT THEE? We have forgot the time, though such is thy goodness to remember it. Learn... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have the sentence of condemnation denounced against the wicked. Where observe, 1. The posture in which they are found; AT CHRIST'S LEFT HAND. this doth not so much denote the ignominy of the place (though placing at the left hand is less honourable) as the impiety of their choice; they took... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How Christ lays the charge of the wicked's damnation upon themselves alone, YE GAVE ME NO MEAT, YE TOOK ME NOT IN: man, and man alone, is the cause of his own destruction and damnation. Observe, 2. The kind of sin charged on the wicked at the great day. Consider it, 1. In general,... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That though the righteous are first judged, yet the sentence is first executed on the wicked. THEY SHALL GO INTO EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT. Observe, 2. That men's states and conditions in another world will be different, as their ways and doings have been in this world. 3. That everl... [ Continue Reading ]