Smiting their fellow-servants

These have been “fellow-servants,” harmoniously proclaiming the same message; but now a part of them turn from that which they have taught, and “smite” their fellow-servants who are giving the “meat in due season”—declaring the needful preparation to meet the soon-coming Lord. They “smite” in the same manner that it was proposed to smite Jeremiah. The people said, “Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.” ^{4Jeremiah 18:18.} So did these servants begin to teach in a manner to hinder the work of the “faithful” servants. This same class are thus addressed, “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” ^{5Revelation 3:3.}GSAM 149.1

The parable of the virgins applies at a time when “fellow-servants” are turning from the message of the near coming of the Lord, and “begin to smite.” They also begin to do something else—to “eat and drink with the drunken.” They join in feasting with those who wish to gratify their appetites. Solomon said of such, “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh; for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty.” ^{6Proverbs 23:20, 21.}GSAM 149.2