Verse 25. When once the master, &c. The figure here used is taken from the conduct of a housekeeper, who is willing to see his friends, and who at the proper time keeps his doors open. But there is a proper time for closing them, when he will not see his guests. At night it would be improper and vain to seek an entrance -- the house would be shut. So there is a proper time to seek an entrance into heaven; but there will be a time when it will be too late. At death the time will have passed by, and God will be no longer gracious to the sinner's soul.

{w} "When once the master" Ps 32:6; Is 55:6 {x} "hath shut the door" Mt 25:10 {y} "Lord, Lord open to us" Lu 6:46