In the book of the revelation of St. John, there is related a vision of higher thought, in which the inspired seer beholds the destiny of the suffering and persecuted disciples of Truth. "And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
A period of a thousand years is called a Millennium; millet, thousand, annum, a year.
For more than three centuries, or since the Bible was translated into the language of Europe, this special vision has engaged the attention of professed Christians, and inspired a hope.
