experienced a miracle of grace in their hearts. Though having lamps in their hands, they had no oil “in their vessels” (verses 3 and 4)—no grace in their souls! This calls for writer and reader to make honest and careful examination of themselves, to “give diligence to make his calling and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:10). “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins.” Many and varied are the figures used to describe the disciples of Christ. They are spoken of as salt, as lights, as