Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

390 ST. MATTHEW.
thing besides, and to forget that which alone can
fill, nourish, and make them shine before God, and
even enjoy God himself for ever.
" 4. But the wise took oil in their vessels with
their lamps."
The greatest wisdom consists in having charity,
and in performing the works of it. Life is given us
to no other end, but that we may make a sufficient
provision of this oil. God alone can pour it into our
hearts by his Spirit; and this Spirit is itself that oil
of gladness, with which the life of our hearts must
be fed to all eternity. Jesus Christ alone has the
fulness of it, and of this fulness must all his members
receive, according to the measure which he has de-
signed them. Lord, as thou hast bestowed on me a
lamp, leave it not empty, but replenish it out of thy
abundant fulness.
" 5. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slum-
bered and slept."
How few are there who think seriously of death
and judgment, and expect the bridegroom with a persevering
vigilance ! The beginnings of conversion
are fervent: but zeal insensibly grows cool in the
generality of persons. There is need of an extra-
ordinary grace, to enable us to continue this perfect
vigilance to the end, so as not to be surprised at the
hour of death. Lord, who keepest Israel—the heart,
I mean, which thou hast made the Israel of God—do
thou neither slumber nor sleep over'me.
" 6. And at midnight there was a cry made, Be-
hold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him."
This is a terrible voice, which calls the creatures
to appear before their Creator when they think least