206 THE ¥UDGMENT.

 

groom came, “and they that were ready went in with him
- to the marriage: and the door was shut.”

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, “Lord,
Lord, open to us.” But they were too late. They had
been asleep, when they should have been awake trim-
ming their lamps and making ready for the bridegroom.
Now they are told that they cannot enter in, though they
stand knocking at the door. How they must have
mourned when they found that they could not go in to the
marriage feast. See! how sad they look.

So Jesus has told us it will be, when he comes at the
end of the world. Some will be ready, like the wise vir-
gins, waiting for Jesus, and will enter with him into
- heaven. But others there will be who are not ready, like

the foolish virgins, with no oil in their lamps. The door
of heaven will be closed against them.
They may say we have attended sabbath school; we —
have beento church; we have given our money to the
poor, and done many good things; but if they are found
without the love of Jesus in their hearts, they will be too |
late. They may knock and knock at the door, only to
hear Jesus say, I never knew you. How dreadful to be
shut out of heaven forever! Children, the door is now
. open, but the cry will soon be heard, “ Behold, the bride-
groom cometh.” Shall we be found among the wise or
foolish ?