willing to accept the gracious invitation; but all are not willing to labour, nor to be in that constant state of watchfulness necessary to secure a place at the divine banquet. And yet all are invested with the same power, endowed with the same ability, and able to secure the same privileges. Why do they not? They depend rather upon others than upon themselves; and "Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out," is no uncommon request even at the present day.
Faith is truly a bright and shining light, and, kept in active exercise, it is one of the highest ornaments of the Christian character; but it must give place to, or exhibit its power by love or charity, because charity is the END of the commandment. Every man is provided with a containing vessel, or lamp: "the Word of the Lord is a lamp to the feet, and a light to the path;" and it is the duty of a man constantly to take this lamp or containing vessel in his hand, to supply him with oil on his way. But beside this, every man has a lamp or mind; and this is the containing vessel into which he must continually pour oil from the great containing vessel, the Word of the Lord. This oil is the good of love and heavenly charity, it possesses the property of always keeping in brilliancy the light of heavenly truth, so that, whoever possesses this oil—and it can always be had by labouring for—is sure never to be at a loss for light. If he be wise, and take oil with him in his vessel, even if sleep should overtake him, he can arise quickly, and trim his lamp, and go in to the marriage. But if he neglect this oil, how is he to procure an instant light when the cry, "Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him!" is heard. No man has more than enough for himself;
