Matt. xxv. 1-13.
TEN virgins, clothed in white,
The Bridegroom went to meet;
Their lamps were burning bright
To guide his welcome feet.
Five if the band were wise --
Their lamps with oil filled high;
The rest this care despise,
And take their vessels dry.
Long time the Lord abode -
Down came the shades of night -
The weary virgins nod,
And then they sleep outright.
At midnight came the cry
Upon their startled ear -
Behold the Bridegroom nigh,
To light His steps appear.
They trim their lamps; in vain
The foolish virgins toil -
Our lamps are out, O deign
To give us of your oil!
Not so - the wise ones cry -
No oil have we to spare;
But swiftly run and buy,
That you the joy may share.
They went to buy, when lo!
The Bridegroom comes in state;
Within those ready go,
And shut the golden gate.
The foolish virgins now
Before the gateway crowd;
With terror on their brow
They knock and cry aloud:-
"Lord open to our call -
Hast Thou our names forgot?"
Sadly the accents fall -
"Depart, I know you not."
Learn here, my child, how vain
This world, with all its lies,
Those who the kingdom gain
Alone are truly wise.
How vain the Christian name,
If still you live in sin:-
A lamp, and wick, and flame,
No drop of oil within.
Is your lamp filled, my child,
With oil from Christ above?
Has He your heart, so wild,
Made soft and full of love?
Then you are ready now
With Christ to enter in;
To see His holy brow,
And bid farewell to sin.
Sinners! Behold the gate
Of Jesus open still;
Come, ere it be too late,
And enter if you will.
The Saviour's gentle hand
Knocks at your door to-day
But vain his loud demand -
You spurn His love away.
So, at the Saviour's door
You'll knock, with trembling heart
The day of mercy o'er,
Jesus will say - depart.
1841.
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Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813 - 1843)
Scottish divine, youngest son of Adam McCheyne, writer to the signet, was born in Edinburgh, 21 May 1813. At the age of four he knew the characters of the Greek alphabet, and was able to sing and recite fluently. He entered the high school in his eighth year, and matriculated in November 1827 at Edinburgh University, where he showed very versatile powers, and distinguished himself especially in poetical exercises, being awarded a special prize by Professor Wilson for a poem on 'The Covenanters.' In the winter of 1831 he commenced his studies in the Divinity Hall, under Dr. Chalmers and Dr. Welsh; and he was licensed as a preacher by the Annan presbytery on 1 July 1835.McCheyne devoted all his energies to preaching; and although he was an accomplished Hebrew scholar, he left few permanent proofs of his erudition. He had refined musical taste, and was one of the first of the Scottish ministers to take an active part in the improvement of the congregational service of praise. Long after his death he was constantly referred to as 'the saintly McCheyne.'