church by our Master — he saith: “Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan . . . to know that I have loved thee. . . . Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”
He goes on to portray seven churches, the full number of days named in the creation, which signifies a complete time or number of whatever is spoken of in the Scriptures.
Beloved, let him that hath an ear (that discerneth spiritually) hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; and seek thou the divine import of the Revelator's vision — and no other. Note his inspired rebuke to all the churches except the church in Philadelphia — the name whereof signifies “brotherly love.” I call your attention to this to remind you of the joy you have had in following the more perfect way, or Golden Rule: “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye.” Let no root of bitterness spring up among you, but hold in your full hearts fervently the charity that seeketh not only her own, but another's good. The angel that spake unto the churches cites Jesus as “he that hath the key of David; that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth;” in other words, he that toiled for the spiritually indispensable.
At all times respect the character and philanthropy of the better class of M.D.'s — and if you are stoned from the pulpit, say in your heart as the devout St. Stephen said: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.”
When invited to a feast you naturally ask who are to be the guests. And being told they are distinguished individuals, you prepare accordingly for the festivity. Putting
