the candlestick was a symbol, out of its place. They did not repent; and,
says Gibbon, "In the year 1312, began the _captivity_, or ruin of the
seven churches by the Ottoman power. In the loss of Ephesus, the
Christians deplored the loss of the first _Angel_, the extinction of the
first _candlestick_ of the Revelations. The desolation is complete, and
the temple of _Diana_, or the church of _Mary_, will equally elude the
search of the curious traveller."

The Nicolaitanes, whose deeds God hated, were a sect of heretics, who
assumed the name from Nicholas of Antioch, one of the first seven deacons
of the church in Jerusalem. It is believed that he was rather the innocent
occasion, than the author of the infamous practices of those who assumed
his name,--who allowed a community of wives, and ate meats offered in
sacrifice to idols. It was a short-lived sect.

For hating their deeds, the church of Ephesus was commended, and also for
not giving countenance to false teachers, who claimed to be apostles, and
were proved to be liars. Thus are Christians to "believe not every spirit,
but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets
are gone out into the world," 1 John 4:1. "Such are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ," 2
Cor. 11:13. "There were false prophets also among the people, even as
there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in
damnable heresies," 2 Pet. 2:1.

The promise to him that overcometh, that he shall "eat of the tree of
life," points to the resurrection and to the new creation. As in Eden was
made to grow "the tree of life" (Gen. 2:9), so in Eden restored, "they
that do his commandments ... may have right to the tree of life, and may
enter in through the gates into the city," Rev. 22:2.

Epistle to the Church in Smyrna.

"And to the messenger of the congregation in Smyrna, write: These
things saith the First and the Last, who became dead and is alive:
I know thy works, and affliction, and poverty (but thou art rich);
and I know the reviling of those, who say they are Jews, and are
not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Fear none of the things, which
thou wilt suffer. Behold, the devil will cast some of you into
prison, that ye may be tried, and ye will have affliction ten
days. Be thou faithful to death, and I will give thee the crown of
life. He, who hath an ear, let him he