SLUMBERING OF THE VIRGINS

In this parable of the virgins, we read further: “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” ^{3Matthew 25:5-8.}LDT 167.1

Not only is a tarrying time represented in the comparison, but another event is introduced,-a midnight cry. This, like the other features of prophecy, had just as accurate a fulfilment in the advent message of 1844. A day, in prophecy, as a symbol of a year, is now so well understood that further discussion is unnecessary. That point, therefore, being established, a night would surely be half a year; midnight half a night, or three months. Now, it is an undisputed fact that just three months from the passing of the time in April, 1844, the Adventists did give such a message as here indicated, and called direct attention to the above scripture as setting forth the fact that such aLDT 168.1