teachings, Christ calls “depths of Satan.” The rest have not accepted these revamped mysteries of heathenism, originated by Satan; God will not place upon them heavier burden to bear; they will see no greater affliction. The days of tribulation were shortened for the elect’s sake; the light of the Reformation eased the church’s burden of the Dark Ages.
8. "Depths of Satan."— Error often speaks of the wonderful "depths," "mysteries," of its cult. It is common to-day. It has been common through all the ages. What they call "depths" of their
9. “Hold fast” whatever may come. Some in the Thyatiran condition in some countries may exist to the end. “Hold fast till I come,” is the Lord’s blessed entreaty.
10. “Authority over the nations.”—How appropriate, how fitting the promise to the persecuted church of the centuries. The nations, misled and misguided, have had authority over God’s children, have persecuted, tormented, slain them. In God’s plan there will be a reversal. The Master was identified with them in the sacrifice, the suffering, the tribulation; when infinite justice demands that He shall come and destroy sin and oppression, and as sin will be reckoned all who are then identified with it, His saints will share with Him that eternal triumph. See Psalm 149.
11. “Hear” what the Spirit says. The same principles which made Balaam and his followers, which made the Nicolaitans, which made Jezebel and those associated in her wickedness, are still operative, and will make similar characters now if men yield to them. Our safety is to let the eyes of the Son of God shine away the sin, and Himself live in us.
