Memoirs of William Miller - Sylvester Bliss

close of this dispensation, and be in a situation to
listen to the midnight cry, God ordered the virgins,
and they arose and trimmed their lamps; and in all
human probability thousands, who would have met
a drunkard’s grave if this society had not arose, are
now watching, with their lamps trimmed and
burning, ready to meet the Bridegroom at his
coming. perhaps this temperance society is the
virgins’ last resort. The Judge stands at the door;
go ye out to meet him. This society, like the others
before mentioned, is a general thing, and all sects,
denominations, and classes of men, are engaged in
it, and it has an important influence upon all men
who are in this probationary state, and who may be
termed, as in our text, ‘virgins.’ This society is of
later origin than the others, and seems to be a rearguard
to wake up a few stragglers which the other
societies could not reach. And now, drunkards, is
your time; Wisdom stands at the door and knocks;
let go the intoxicating bowl; be sober, and hear the
midnight cry, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!’
For your souls’ sake drink not another draught, lest
he come and find you drunken, ‘and that day come
upon you unawares and find you sleeping.’ O, be
503