Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-13

THE CONTEXT-It is agreed by all that
the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew re-
fers to the destruction of Jerusalem which
occurred A. D. 20. and to the establishment
Of Christs spiritual kingdom, which imme-
diately followed. 1t is believed by some
that In the twenty-fifth chapter Jesus re-
lates the events of the last day. the closing
up of the worlds history in the scenes of
the general Judgment. while others con-
tend that He was merely charging the
topic previously discussed. the one chapter
experimenting the other Whichever view
is adopted the passage before us is intend
ed to snow that some who profess to be
followers of Jesus are not suitably prepared
for the obligations that may rest upon
them. This parable is one of three Zone to
be studied next week) in which He repre-
sents the characteristics of those who shall
be gathered into His church. Whether He
spoke of the near or distant future, the
lesson to be drawn IS equally valuable for
all now living
THE COMPANY Verse DIT is not
necessary to dwell at great length. some
have done in their eXpostions. upon the
marriage customs of eastern countries. for.
while they are substantially now n they
were then, there is no evidence that the
ceremonies Of the rich and the poor were
always the same. The general features
here given may serve as Illustrations. A
company of ten virgins went forth to meet
the bridegroom. They all had lamps, small
vessels containing OIL IN which was
lighted wick exposed to view. To all hui
man appearance these maidens were alike.
No one would have been able to distinguish
between them. They represented the MEM
bers of the church of Christ. who are ex-
pected to be of virgin purity. In outward
form and avowed purpose the members OF
the church are alike Their names are
recorded. They have many pursuits in
common. They go forth evidently on an
errand that shall result in advancing
Christ's cause, expectiug all alike to meet
Him and be approved
THE DISTINCTION Werses 90
These virgins, thus moving along in one
company, with one object. so similar as to
be classed together by all heholders are
nevertheless distinguished under two heads
Five of them were wise in that they had
exercised forethought by taking, besides
their lamps and the oil contained therein.
an additional quantity of oil to repenish
their lamps in case of necessity. The other
fve-just half the number-had f"olishly
neglected to make such provision. The fact
Is here stated, although as they gayly adj
Vanced In the way no one took note Of it.
Each acted Independently according to her
own prompting. So is the church of Christ
In the same congregation are two classes
of people. all mingling together on terms of
much intimacy. The one class. foreseeing
that emergencies may arise, prepare a sur
plus Of grace and other needed support,
while the others are content TO live with
out reference to any unusual demand The
same idea is presented in the parable OF
the draw net Matt. xiii:4O and of the
guest without the wedding garment Matt,
xxi:12).
THE SUMMONS Oerses 5-T-There
was an unexpected delay in the BRIDE
groom's appearance. AS the hours passed
the virgins became weary and gradually
one after another fell asleep. until all We're
wrapt in slumber. There is no indication
that blame attached to any one who had
thus yielded to the prompting of nature.
The company had taken one precaution,
however. and sentinel was stationed to
make announcement when the one sought
should approach. At midnight, when the
slumber was most profound the voice Of
the watcher was heard Behold. the BRIDE
groom cometh: go We out to meet him"
This incident in the parable represents
those sudden calls which come to the fol-
lowers Of Jesus all through life. as well as
that stern summons at the end of life
eternity must be met. Frequently these
calls to duty or to death are made when
people are in profound quiet and ease, not
unlike the repoSe of sumber.
THE REQUEST Oversees 7-al-The dis
tinction which previously existed among
the virgins now became manifest. They all
arose and prepared to enter the bridal pro-
cesson. Those who were wise had no diff
fculty to replenish their lamps out of the
supplies which had been provided. and in
a few moments their lights We're shining
brightly IN the darkness (Matt., V:16). The
other five We're in confusion. Their lamps
were gone out. They had no more oil. The
results OF their folly We're upon them. They
could not advance without the lights. They
would stumble in the way. Besides. they
would advertise to all beholders their pit
liable condition. They turned. therefore, to
their associates to borrow, only to learn
that none could be spared and that they
must go away In the darkness to buy duke.
xii:35). This phase Of the parable presents
the condition of many-perhaps half of all
in the church--who in the day of duty and
trial are unified to meet the summons.
while others Of the congregation are ready
to respond. The former take time to get
ready which ought to be passed In service.
THE ENTRANCE Verse 10)-The
company is now divided into two parts. and ,
we are to learn what came to each. Those
who were ready went forth with light feet
and happy hearts. their lamps making the
way bright before them and dispelling the
gloom OF night. Shortly they formed part