Second advent library

139 axcrual tx.all the ~earth." Again: when we compare the seven.characteristic marks or events, upon opening the sevenseals, with those marks and instructions to the sevenchurches, we shall be led to admire the beaut , harmony,and consistency of the Revelation of Jesus ghrist to hispeople. And I think the mind will rest satisfied that- thisview of the subject is the truth, because it soexactlyagrees with Christ's manner of teaching by parableswhen he was with us in the flesh.Some may inquire,"Why were those seven churchesin Asia used as ti res to represent the church militantinher several congltions to the end ofher militant state ? "I answer, ) if we may be allowed to answer the why: orwhere/`ores,) Because the siglnilicationof the names ofthose seven churches descn e the spirit and qualities ofthe several periods of the Christian church, which theyarebrought forward to represent, which we shall attemptto show in itsproper place.I shall now en eavor to take up the churches in theorder in which theyare laid down to us in Revelation.lst. The word Ernssus,(Read Rev. 1-7, inclusive.)desirable This is true concerning the first age ofthe church, in the apostles' days, when the Holy hostwasgiven the power to work miracles, and the power todistinguish between d and evil spirits, and when allwere of one heart andocihe mind, and the canon of theHoly Scriptures were filling up, and the inspired apostlesweresetting things in order, and establishing churchesthrough the world. Yes, my brethren, these were desirabletimes surely. But to proceed: This church is addressedby the character "that holdeth the seven stars," theministers and servants of him who holdeth them " in hisright hand," under his immediate care and control, " whowalketh in the midst of the sevengolden candlesticks,"and has said, where two or three aregathered togetherin his name, there will he be in the midst of them, andhas promised that whatsoever they should ask in his nameit should be granted unto them. He "says, I know thyworks." In that day they brought forth fruits meet forrepentance, and they went every where preaching thatmen should repent; and Paul said, when preaching at