A SUCCESSION OF CHURCHES

There have been four Churches on this earth since the day of creation;
a first, to be called the Adamic, a second, to be called the Noachic;
a third, the Israelitish; and a fourth, the Christian. After these
four Churches, a new one will arise, which is to be truly Christian,
foretold in _Daniel_ and in the _Apocalypse_, and by the Lord Himself
in the Evangelists, and looked for by the Apostles.

--_Coronis_, Summary, I, VIII


EARLY CHRISTIANITY AND ITS DECLINE

When a Church is raised up by the Lord, it is in the beginning
blameless; and one then loves the other as his brother, as we know of
the primitive Church after the Lord's advent. At that time, all the
sons of the Church lived together like brothers, and also called one
another brother, and mutually loved each other. But in the course of
time charity diminished, and vanished; and as it vanished, evils
succeeded; and together with evils falsities insinuated themselves.
Hence came schisms and heresies, which would never come to be, were
charity regnant and alive.

--_Arcana Coelestia, n._ 1834


THE LORD'S SECOND COMING: WHEN? HOW?