Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XXV. 391
of it. Happy they to whom he comes as an amia-
ble and much-desired bridegroom, not as a severe and
inexorable judge ! Let
us earnestly endeavour to
render him such to us as we desire to find him.
" 7. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed
their lamps."
Happy is that man who is ready to appear before
God at all times whatever ! But more happy still is
he, who can with a true confidence desire the coming
of Christ ! There
are some certain preparations,
which no Christian omits at the approach of death
every one then thinks of trimming his heart, which is
his lamp. But how late is it, to begin to think of
it at that time I
Grant, O Lord, that I may not be
of the number of those who cannot, without regret,
submit to the necessity of dying, and who neglect to
prepare themselves for it until the very last hour.
" 8. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us
of your oil; for our lamps are gone out."
My God, how dismal is it, for a man not to per-
ceive the emptiness of his heart, the want of good
works, and the extinction of charity, until he comes
to die ! At that time there is often nothing more
of the light of faith, and of the love of goodness left
remaining, than only just enough to show a man
what he has lost, and to raise an unprofitable regret.
He then sees, that good men, whom he used to count
foolish and miserable wretches, have only true wisdom
and substantial wealth ; to these he has recourse,
and would fain partake of their piety and charity
but every thing fails when time fails.
*' 9. But the wise answered, saying, Not so ; lest
there be not enough for us and you : but go ye ra-
ther to them that sell, and buy for yourselves."