THE STORY OF THE TEN VIRGINS.
'Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bride-groom.
'And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
'While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
'And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
'Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
'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.
'And while they went to buy, the bride-groom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
'Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
'But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.'