8. By what title is the first state of the church distinguished? “Unto the angel of the church of _Ephesus_ write.” Rev. 2:1. NOTE.—The meaning of Ephesus is _desirable_, and fitly describes the character and condition of the church in its first state, when its members received the doctrine of Christ in its purity, and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the first century, or during the lifetime of the apostles. See dates in the accompanying diagram, showing the beginning and close of the seven periods. [Illustration.] The Seven Churches. 9. After commending this church for their good works, what charge did the Lord bring against them? “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because _thou hast left thy first love_. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and _repent, and do the first works_.” Verses 4, 5. NOTE.—The “first love” is the love of the truth, and the desire of making it known to others. The “first works” are the fruit of this love. 10. What name is given to the second state of the church? “Unto the angel of the church in _Smyrna_ write.” Verse 8. NOTE.—The meaning of Smyrna is _myrrh_, or _sweet-smelling savor_, and applies to the period of time when many of the saints of God suffered martyrdom under pagan Rome. 11. How is the closing period of tribulation of the church during this time referred to? “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, _the devil shall cast some of you into prison_, that ye may be tried; and _ye shall have tribulation ten days_: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Verse 10. NOTE.—The most severe of what is commonly known as “the ten persecutions” under pagan Rome, began under the emperor Diocletian, and continued from 303 A.D. to 313 A.D., a period of ten prophetic days. 12. What name is given to the third state of the church? “To the angel of the church in _Pergamos_ write.” Verse 12. NOTE.—The meaning of Pergamos is _height_, or _elevation_, and fitly represents that period of the Christian church, beginning with the reign of the emperor Constantine in 313 A.D., when the power which had put the Christians to death espoused the cause of the church, and by rewards, edicts, and promised promotions to office in the government, sought to induce the people to become Christians, thus bringing a flood of worldliness and corruption into the church. Many of the heathen rites and ceremonies previously introduced into the Christian religion, including the heathen festival, _Sunday_ (sun’s day), were then established by law, resulting in the first day of the week taking the place of the Sabbath of the Bible. 13. How was the faithfulness of this church commended?