February 29

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them. 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore; for ye knew neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

This is one of Christ's most thrilling parables. The diverse character of the virgins represents the diverse character of Christian professors—part wise, part foolish; part with burning lamps and oil in their vessels, part with burning lamps but no oil in their vessels.

We should note: "All are not Israel who are of Israel. There may be a profession of Christianity without its possession."

"A man may be very much like a Christian, and yet not be one. He may come very near the kingdom, and yet not enter in. He may have all the outward features of a Christian, and yet be lacking in the main one. He may have the complete dress of a saint, and yet not be one. He may have a good life, a sound creed, a strict profession; he may be one who says and does many things excellent; he may be a subscriber to all the religious societies in the land, a member of all their committees, or a speaker at all their meetings, and supporter of all their plans; he may profess to be looking for Christ's coming, and going forth to meet the Bridegroom, yet not necessarily a Christian! He may lack the oil, the Holy Spirit."—H. Bonar, D. D.

The sitting time will surely come—at the appearing of the Heavenly Bridegroom—which will be sudden and startling. The joy and triumph of the wise will be glorious, as they go with the Bridegroom in to the marriage feast—the disappointment of the foolish, the mere professors, will be indescribable as the door is shut.

Closet Promise.—Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.—Psalm xxiii. 4.

The river's not wide, And the other side Seems nearer than ever before; The waves once so dark Recede from the oath, As I list for the dip of the oar

I shudder no more, For the plath of the oar Falls in rhythmical cadence so sweet, It seems but a part Of the peace in my heart As the water flows nearer my feet.

Nor yet do I shrink, Though close to the brink The breath from the river grows chill; For through the deep roll The peace in my soul Buts my fear and the waves be still.

In the fast chilling sand, Uplified I stand By a Hand pierced for me long ago; My sun all confessed, On His bosom I rest, By His blessing made ready to go. —Amanda Lezaman Bartholomew.