Meaning: The quote "In regard of the rich grace and wisdom of his love toward his people; for who sees not, but that it is a curse to be unready as these foolish virgins, who were therefore shut out" is a reflection on the biblical parable of the ten virgins found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 1-13. Thomas Shepard, a prominent clergyman in the early American colonies, used this quote to emphasize the importance of preparedness and readiness in the context of God's love and grace.

The parable of the ten virgins is a story told by Jesus to illustrate the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Christ. In the parable, ten virgins are awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom, who represents Christ. Five of the virgins are described as wise, having brought extra oil for their lamps, while the other five are described as foolish, having only brought their lamps without any extra oil. When the bridegroom is delayed, all ten virgins fall asleep. When he finally arrives, the wise virgins are prepared with oil for their lamps, while the foolish virgins are unprepared and are thus shut out from the wedding feast.

The quote by Thomas Shepard reflects on the consequences of being unprepared and unready, drawing a parallel between the foolish virgins in the parable and individuals who are not spiritually prepared for the return of Christ. Shepard emphasizes the rich grace and wisdom of God's love toward his people, highlighting the importance of being spiritually ready to receive and embrace that love.

Shepard's use of the term "curse" to describe the unpreparedness of the foolish virgins conveys a sense of the severity of the consequences of being spiritually unready. In the context of the parable, being shut out from the wedding feast symbolizes being excluded from the kingdom of God. This serves as a powerful warning to individuals to be spiritually prepared and vigilant, as they do not know the day or the hour of Christ's return.

The quote also underscores the theme of God's grace and love toward his people, suggesting that being spiritually unready is a failure to fully appreciate and embrace the richness of God's love and wisdom. It serves as a reminder of the need for believers to actively cultivate their faith, remain watchful, and be prepared for the fulfillment of God's promises.

Thomas Shepard's use of this quote in his teachings likely served as a call to action for his congregation and followers, urging them to prioritize spiritual readiness and preparedness. By evoking the imagery of the parable of the ten virgins, Shepard sought to instill a sense of urgency and diligence in the pursuit of a deep and abiding relationship with God.

In conclusion, Thomas Shepard's quote from the parable of the ten virgins serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of spiritual preparedness and readiness in the context of God's love and grace. It conveys a sense of urgency and warns of the consequences of being unready, while also emphasizing the richness of God's love and wisdom toward his people. The quote continues to resonate as a timeless and powerful exhortation for believers to remain vigilant and prepared for the fulfillment of God's promises.