apostle Peter extends the message of his triumph even unto the spirits in prison. 1 Pet. iii. 17-to chap. iv. 6. to those, who had once been the first patterns of wickedness and infidelity, and on that account, pass even in Heathen mithologies for a race of demons, against whom as they say, the Supreme God armed stars and angels, and washed the elements of their pollutions by the flood.

Here the second chapter ought to commence with the 19th verse; for the Lord now begins to dictate the seven epistles to the apostle, whom the commands to be his secretary and amanuensis by saying, write. This divine order however does not only refer to these seven epistles, but also to the whole contents of the Apocalypse; which by his authority, is divided into three parts. St. John was to write and has written:

I The things which he had seen, from chap.

i. 11-18.

II. The things which are, from chap. i. 19, 20.

ii. 1-7.

III. The things which shall be hereafter, from chap. ii. 8.

When doctors disagree, who shall decide the controversy? And they differ widely in this place. Some contend, that these addresses are not prophetic, and only concern those seven individual churches in Asia, and their bishops or pastors. Others look upon them, as wholly of a prophetic nature, and as containing a description, of the internal state of vital religion and the most interesting events in the Church of Christ, during seven different periods. Some make these periods of equal, and others of unequal lengths; some describe them as arising in succession, and others let them run parallel to each other for many years. They all hold these seven candlesticks to signify seven churches, and the seven stars their pastors; but they disagree in their applications of these prophecies, and select very different objects, in which they suppose them ful

filled. It is very probable these great men may have erred on both sides, and the truth lie between them. Those who contend for seven different churches in succession, cannot draw the line of distinction between them with any degree of exactness; and those which only understand the churches in Asia, are often wavering as they proceed to explain, and give us but little saticfaction. I look upon this subject as important and well deserving of mature consideration. If in my researches on this head I have been so fortunate, as to hit upon a rich bed of precious metal, by following a good appearance a few feet deeper; the credit is certainly due to those, who first dug the shaft into the bowels of the earth, and prepared the way for entrance.

These seven stars and seven candlesticks are called a mystery in the 20th verse, and must therefore be of a more comprehensive signification, than merely to denote those churches in Asia: though they surely were of first import to them. These epistles, no doubt, most properly belong to the following prophecy, and stand strictly connected with its contents. We only wish to know in what point of view their relation is to be considered. I have in part ventured my opinion on this head, though with all sincere respect due to the talents, learning, and labours of others. If it should not appear convincing to all my readers, probably some of them have not studied this subject as it deserves. These churches are by their number seven [which is the holy number, the number of perfection] the representation of the whole church of Christ, at seven different periods of time; and these addresses, are seven pastoral charges of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, to his gospel ministry, and where our Lord expressly designates, also to all the members of his church. They are chiefly addressed to the gospel ministry; in direct terms, at the head of every epistle, and the churches are not expressly comprehended in them, except in the annexed

promises. And even there the pious prelate Bengelius reads instead of: τί τὸ πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις, what the Spirit saith the Churches, with an ellipsis taken from chap. xxii. 16. thus: what the Spirit saith iπì Taïs ennAnsíass, in or at the churches; so that the gospel ministry in or at those churches is still, even in the annexed promises the principal object in view.

It is the gospel ministry then, which here receives special instruction, concerning their official conduct, and the most successful mode to manage the affairs and government of the church, during those times of extraordinary trial and temptation, to which these pastoral charges refer. The contents of these charges have heretofore been explained, as only concerning the conduct and prac tice of private christians during perilous times, and their state of vital religion; but the Lord here describes the general character of his ministry, as it is at each period, with praise or censure where due. This being the nature and design of these epistles, we may expect to meet in

them with many prophetic views of important events to the church; which also afford light to many of the fol-lowing prophecies, more particularly, where the pastoral instructions, praise or censure given, are of a special nature, and refer to particular times and places in the church.

Pause then, ye Shepherds of souls! Read and study these charges with renewed and double attention, as expressly addressed to you; to you my reverend brethren in particular. Our candlestick is among these seven, and we constitute one of these angels, to which the Lord of life and death addresses himself. Consider, how serious are his forewarnings how loving his admonitions-how full of comfort his encouragements how great his promises, and how faithful his advice. We are in his hand, and the Lord walks in our midst, observing our labours, and inspecting our flocks, with eyes like a flame of fire,

too penetrating to behold. If we enter the conflict under his banner, and fight the good fight of faith; if we perform our duty well, as officers under his command; if we overcome the enemies of our souls, and of his church, our happiness will be complete. But how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation. Hebrews xi. 3.

CHAPTER II.

THESE angels of the seven churches then, are not selected in imitation of the Scheliach Zibbur, or ruler of the Jewish synagogue. They are not physical persons, or bishops of churches in Asia, at that time; but moral representatives of the whole body of the gospel ministry, at seven different periods, to which these charges refer. Though ministers of the gospel are often represented in the emblematical style of scripture as stars and angels ; yet there is a great difference, to be termed a star among millions of other stars, and to be one of these seven in the right hand of the Lord. There is more glory, dignity and excellence attached to these, than can ever fall to the share of one servant of Christ. The angels at Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea are also in different places addressed in the plural number, to assist us in arriving at the true sense af this word.

The seven candlesticks, by which the Church of Christ is represented in these pastoral letters, were no doubt lighted, and burning in very different degrees of brightness, though it is not expressly mentioned in the text. The first christian churches had a great measure of light and grace, and bore a clear testimony concerning Christ, to all Heathen nations. They were candlesticks burning with a holy flame of love and zeal for the glory of Christ and the conversion of souls. Some churches now scarcely shine or burn-some burn without shining, and others shine