rly
contradict the testimony of Christ respecting it. To discourage the study
of it, is to treat with neglect, and to despise what God has spoken in
these last days by his Son, Heb. 1:2; of whom it is said: "See that ye
refuse not him that speaketh; for if they escaped not who refused him who
spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him
that speaketh from heaven," Heb. 12:25. Those who thus neglect it, cannot
regard the blessing promised to those who read, hear, and keep its
sayings.

The Apocalypse is not to be undervalued as unprofitable; for "all
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the
man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2
Tim. 3:16, 17. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written
for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope," Rom. 15:4. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think
ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me," John 5:39.
"Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of
things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands
command ye me," Isa. 45:11. "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that
keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book," Rev. 22:7.

John's Salutation to the Churches.

"John to the seven congregations in Asia: grace be to you and
peace, from Him who is, and who was, and who is to be; and from
the seven Spirits, that are before his throne; and from Jesus
Christ, the faithful Witness, and the First-born of the dead, and
the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loved us, and
washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings
and priests to God even his father: to him be glory and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every
eye will see him, and those, who pierced him: and all the tribes
of the earth will wail because of him. Yea, so be it! I am the
Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, who is, and who was, and
who is to be, the Almighty."--Rev. 1:4-8.

The seven churches to which John sends salutation, were those of Ephesus,
Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, 1:11. The
Asia, in which they were situated, was a province in Asia Minor, distinct
from Pontus, Gallatia