8 PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

Tarrying Time-Slumbering of the Virgins-Midnight Cry-The Tarrying Night-Termination of the 2,300 Days-Go Ye Out to Meet Him-Power of the Midnight Cry-Buy for Yourselves-Coming of the Bridegroom-High Priest in the Sanctuary-Measure of the Temple

TRACING still further the prophecies concerning the advent movement, the parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25 will next be considered. The previous chapter closed with the record of the smiting of fellow servants and the beginning of church feasting and amusements. The twenty-fifth chapter, which is but a continuation of the same discourse, says: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” ^{1Matthew 25:1.}LDT 165.1

The question arises, When is this comparison to be made? The text says, “Then;” and this is when the “smiting” of fellow servants and the “eating” begin. What is said of these virgins?—“Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” ^{2Matthew 25:2-5.}LDT 165.2

After the close of the Jewish natural year 1843 (April, 1844), Adventists compared their situation with that described in the above texts. The prophecy said then the situation would be thus likened, and thus it was, as may be seen by their writings of that date.LDT 165.3