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p97 Dear F Gibbs, - . . . The first resurrection I believe to be one whole thing, as contrasted with the second. (Rev. 20:4, 5.) Verse 4 brings in those killed under the beast. You have the general fact, there are sitters on thrones; then you have those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and "those who" - not, and who - had not worshipped the beast. These all form part of the first resurrection, the Old Testament saints "made perfect" with us. Chapter 6:9 answers to the first specific class in this verse; those of the beast's time to the last, for whom those of chapter 6:9 wait. In this last verse there is nothing expressly of resurrection; the question is the execution of vengeance; for this, they have to wait for the last class, who are slain under the beast (such as the two witnesses), who are a kind of supplementary class, and are the saints of the high places of Daniel 7. When judgment is given to the saints (Dan. 7:22) their trials are over; the same characteristic is found in Revelation 20. 4. The patience of the saints goes on till then. This is over when the Ancient of days comes. (Rev. 14:13, 14.)

Affectionately yours in the Lord

Dublin, June 24th, 1880.

[53084E]

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