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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by
JOSEPH A. SEISS, D.D.,

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON & CO.
PHILADELPHIA.

PREFACE.

THE following Discourses, on the Parable of the Virgins, were preached in St. John's Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, during the months of January and February last, in the course of the author's ordinary pulpit ministrations. Their publication has been solicited by many persons, of different denominations, who listened to them when delivered. They are given to the public in the hope that they may be of service to those who may favor them with a serious perusal. The subject is one which ought to command attention in these solemn times. It is here treated with a view to elicit a clearer understanding of the Savior's meaning in this parable. The interpretation given differs from that commonly entertained; but the grounds on which it rests appear to the writer sufficiently firm and conclusive to satisfy him of the truthfulness of its leading features, and of its claims to be received as an integral part of the great revelation of God. The light that has been followed is that of a solid and straightforward exegesis, unswayed by theories or mere human authorities. The results reached are believed to be in all

respects in perfect harmony with the Scriptures generally, and in no way in conflict with the analogy of faith. To that Divine Master in whose service these Discourses have been prepared, they are also humbly and devoutly dedicated, with the prayer that His blessing may be upon them and upon those who read them, and that their publication may be to His praise, and contribute to prepare many for His glorious appearing and kingdom.

PHILADELPHIA, March, 1862.

P.S.-The Sermon appended to these Discourses is very closely related to them in subject-matter, though written and delivered at an earlier period. It may be considered a part of the exposition of the same general subject, though founded on other portions of Sacred Scripture. It is given in the same service, and with the same intent and prayer, as the Discourses with which it appears.

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