ipients and dispensers of the light of the Holy Scriptures.
They are therefore appropriate symbols of churches.

"In the midst of the candlesticks" is one in the form of humanity,
surrounded by the insignia of Deity. It is the same appearance that
Ezekiel saw, when he had a vision "of the likeness of the glory of the
Lord," (Ezek. 1:26-28); and before which Daniel fell trembling, Dan.
10:5-9. The sublime spectacle was too overwhelming for John's endurance,
and, like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, his strength turned to corruption.
But the glorified Saviour was the same sympathetic being on whose breast
John leaned, at the last supper, and he lays his endearing hand on John,
and, by soothing words, restores his confidence. He explains the mystery
contained in the symbols shown, and enjoins on him to write the things he
had seen--symbolic of the things which then were, and of those which were
then in the future. As no created resemblance is a fit representative of
Deity, Christ is shown to John by the symbol of his own likeness.

The "seven stars" in the right hand of the Saviour, are the angels,--the
messengers, or pastors of the seven churches, 1:20. As the Saviour holds
the stars in his hand, so does he sustain all his gospel ministers,
enabling them to impart light to those who sit under their ministrations.
And as he walked in the midst of the golden candlesticks, so the Lord is
ever in the midst of those who fear him, and call upon his name.

Epistles to the Seven Churches.

Epistle to the Church in Ephesus.

"To the messenger of the congregation of Ephesus write: These
things saith He who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who
walketh in the midst of the seven golden lamp-stands: I know thy
works, and thy toil, and thy patience, and that thou canst not
endure the evil; and thou hast tried those, who say they are
apostles, and are not; and hast found them liars; and hast
patience, and hast endured on account of my name, and hast not
fainted. Nevertheless, I have this against thee, that thou hast
left thy first love. Remember therefore whence thou hast fallen,
and repent and do the first works; or else I will come to thee
quickly, and will remove thy lamp-stand out of its place, except
thou repentest. But thou hast this, that thou hatest the deeds of
the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. He, who hath an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit sait