l in their vessels with their lamps." The latter class had
received the grace of God, the regenerating, enlightening power of the
Holy Spirit, which renders His word a lamp to the feet and a light to the
path. In the fear of God they had studied the Scriptures to learn the
truth, and had earnestly sought for purity of heart and life. These had a
personal experience, a faith in God and in His word, which could not be
overthrown by disappointment and delay. Others "took their lamps, and took
no oil with them." They had moved from impulse. Their fears had been
excited by the solemn message, but they had depended upon the faith of
their brethren, satisfied with the flickering light of good emotions,
without a thorough understanding of the truth, or a genuine work of grace
in the heart. These had gone forth to meet the Lord, full of hope in the
prospect of immediate reward; but they were not prepared for delay and
disappointment. When trials came, their faith failed, and their lights
burned dim.

"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept." By the
tarrying of the bridegroom is represented the passing of the time when the
Lord was expected, the disappointment, and the seeming delay. In this time
of uncertainty, the interest of the superficial and half-hearted soon
began to waver, and their efforts to relax; but those whose faith was
based on a personal knowledge of the Bible, had a rock beneath their feet,
which the waves of disappointment could not wash away. "They all slumbered
and slept;" one class in unconcern and abandonment of their faith, the
other class patiently waiting till clearer light should be given. Yet in
the night of trial the latter seemed to lose, to some extent, their zeal
and devotion. The half-hearted and superficial could no longer lean upon
the faith of their brethren. Each must stand or fall for himself.

About this time, fanaticism began to appear. Some who had professed to be
zealous believers in the message, rejected the word of God as the one
infallible guide, and claiming to be led by the Spirit, gave themselves up
to the control of their own feelings, impressions, and imaginations. There
were some who manifested a blind and bigoted zeal, denouncing all who
would not sanction their course. Their fanatical ideas and exercises met
with no sympathy from the great body of Adventists; yet they served to
bring reproach upon the cause of truth.

Satan was seeking by this means to oppos