The Carlisle independent., 1916-12-07

| trateS that dominating purpose or Paul's life. More than most lessons a map will be necessary to locate dis tinctly the places mentioned. There are interesting stories in connection with each of the seven cities and l churches. It might be wise to give to ing information to the class regard ing each one mentioned.
 l. Ephesus, whose love is waning (yv. ID. The key word to these mes sageS is the word 'overcometh." In each of the messages our Lord de- scribes himself in a different way ac- cording to the peculiar needs of that particular church. Here he Is repre- sented as holding the stars (messen- i gers of the churches, Oh. l POD i'll his right hand, and keeping them secure, controlling them while he walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands, literally churches. The symbolism of damp stand" is used because the churches were intended to be light l bearers as they held forth the light given by the oil of the Spirit (Math. 5 :16; Phil. ? :16; Zech. :2-6). Ephesus was the capital of a province said to be one of the richest in the Roman em- pire. In it was the great temple of Diana. Here Paul had labOred and had various experiences, and to Ephesus he had written a letter (See lesson 8, third quarter), but there were good things to be found in this Ephesian church (vy. 2,3). Forty years after be- ing founded, John writes this message. He knew their works" their general moral conduct, especially its active and passive sides through it's trials, it's dealing with impostors and it's prac- tical energy and enterprise; and it's pa- tience Literally steadfast assurance) in bearing witness for Christ. Jesus knew of their never wearying endur- ance. Surely these things would indi- cate pretty nearly model church. Jesus says, "No, there is something seriously wrong," so seriously wrong that unless repented of he would re- move them out of their place.
 II. Smyrna, the church with crown of life (vy. SID. Smyrna was 40 or 90 miles from Ephesus, and at this time city of 250000 inhabitants. To this church the Son of Man (Ch. 1:11) sends another message. It is interest," 1 ing to note that this church and the one at Philadelphia received from the Master unqualified praise. It had works, activities; it also had tribula- tions, riches and poverty (for thou art rich) rich in good works, rich toward | God, rich in treasures laid up in heaven; however, it was In the midst 1 of persecution. It was here that Poly carp labored, who afterward, as bishop Of Smyrna, was martyred (see V. 10). Of Polycarp it is said that rather than save his life by renounclng Christ he cried out, Eighty and six years have I served him, and he has done nle no ill how then can I blaspheme my king who hath saved me-" The crown is eternal life, the crown of victory. The second death is the final condemna- ton which sinners undergo at the judg ment seat of God.
 III. Pergamos, the church in strong hold of faith (vv. 12-17). Our glorified Lord knew that the church in Pergamos was in a peculiarly difficult situation, that it was Satan's headquarters, his throne" (v. 13) hence they were in especial need of a defender and the | Lord is represented as ''he that hath a sharp, two-edged sword" the word of God (Heb. 4 12-13 John :22). Per | games was almost fifty miles north of Smyrna, city of about 17,000 inhabi tants, and the capital of the province. To it were brought many of the early Christians who were compelled to sui fer nartyrdom. Again we have a | church whose works are commended, whose steadfastness is mentioned in l that they 'held fast to my name, and rot denied the faith"-martyrs (vv. 13). However, dangers threatened them for there had been compromise with the world and with other sys- tens of faith, what we would call to- day liberality in doctrine and breadth in view in teaching: CD Some of their number had accepted and practiced the doctrine of Baalim (Jude II; Mum. 31-1e). CD These teachings cast a | GiOSh DtlOlc tlc Slillul cl Ol Israel (v. 14). This was done by per suading the Israelites to join in the idolatrous feasts and revelings of the heathen, and also their iEpurity of worship.
 In the remaining part of the chapter we have some glimpses of the remain ing four churches, the good that was to be cherished and the evil that was to be overcome.
 Perhaps the most suggestive of all is that of Laodicea, the lukewarm church.
 LukewarEness is one of the most deadly evils to overcome, and hence the highest and most glorious of all the promises suggested ends with q will give him to sit down with me ir my throne as also overcame and sat down with my father in his throne l (Am. K. V.).