Article September 14, 1929 Issue

The Ten Virgins

ADELA LE PAGE

THE parable of the ten virgins who went forth to meet the bridegroom, five of whom wisely took oil wherewith to replenish their lamps, and five of whom foolishly neglected this necessity, is particularly interesting to Christian Scientists; and Mrs. Eddy makes several references to it in her writings. While waiting for the bridegroom, we are told, "they all slumbered and slept" until midnight, when the call came to go out to meet him. The foolish virgins, whose lamps had flickered out, tried to borrow oil of their wiser companions, who had none to spare. While the former went farther to buy for themselves, the bridegroom came, and those prepared "went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut."

Many who have accepted Christian Science have experienced suffering and tribulation and have found earthly joys and possessions inadequate to the attaining of happiness. Wearily they have turned to seek the bright promises which Christian Science offers in the renewed presentation of Christ Jesus' teachings. Healing and harmony have followed, and, like the ten virgins in the parable, they now go "forth to meet the bridegroom," their Redeemer, inspired with some understanding of the Christ, Truth, which illumines their path. Mrs. Eddy describes this journey in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 566) as the "passage from sense to Soul, from a material sense of existence to the spiritual, up to the glory prepared for them who love God."

This journey has to be taken by stages, and the many temptations of the flesh which seem to hinder progress are common to all. In this delayed achievement we see the significance of the words, "They all slumbered and slept." During this period the distinction between the "wise" and the "foolish virgins" becomes apparent. Our Leader has given very definite instructions to enable us to avoid falling into the folly of unpreparedness, and we should not ignore this divine warning.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"Shake off the dust"