of his great name above every name; and that at His name every knee does bow, "to the glory of God the Father," saying, "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

What follows, and indeed concludes this splendid exhibition, affords additional proof of the high consideration and devotion of the church in heaven.

"And the four living creatures said Amen: and the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped Him that liveth for ever and ever." (v. 14.)

In conclusion, I would observe, that there is no part of the Word of God, clear as it frequently is on this point, that more decidedly proves the Godhead of the Lord Jesus Christ, than this manifestation of his glory in the worship of all the hosts of heaven. For jealous as the Lord God hath declared himself of his honour in this respect, it is impossible that such adoration could have been permitted to any but to a divine person; "to Him that is my fellow, saith the Lord." And the very particular mention of the whole race of created beings, without one exception"every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them,"precludes the possibility of Him being a created Being to whom this universal worship is paid. Besides which, he is mentioned as invested with the attributes of Deity, having, as the slain Lamb, seven horns, indicative of His almighty and

irresistible power, and seven eyes, indicative of His omnipresence. Therefore, let the church on earth join with that in heaven, and likewise say "Amen, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever;" and among that number my soul too would join and say, Amen.

CHAPTER IV.

THE FOUR FIRST SEALS;

SHEWING THE

GRADUAL PROGRESS OF THE FRIGHTFUL APOSTACY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

Opening of the First Seal-A very remarkable Era-Concern of
the Church above respecting it—Its symbols and their meaning—
Emperor Constantine and the triumph of Christianity over
Paganism-Pagan persecutions-Apostate Julian-Opening of
Second Seal-Meaning of the Symbols-Paganism destroyed by
Theodosius-His character-The Church's fierce divisions and
slaughter-Opening of the Third Seal-Emperor Justinian
His great actions and their lamentable influence on the Church

Its gross Darkness - Preservation of the Bible incorrupt—

Opening of the Fourth Seal-The Church in a state of utter corruption-Charlemagne Important era he formed-Confined to the Latin nations-Great misery of this period.

D

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CHAPTER IV.

THE FOUR FIRST SEALS;

SHEWING THE

PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH'S FRIGHTFUL APOSTACY.

WITHOUT further ceremony the process of opening the respective Seals is now commenced; and the mighty course of God's providence, in the aspect and complexion which his church was to assume during the whole period of its militant state, until its safe and triumphant translation to glory, is, in rich, varied, and most significant emblems, thereby unfolded to our view.

THE OPENING OF THE FIRST SEAL;

Or the External Triumph of the Church.

"And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals ; and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four living creatures saying, Come and see.

“And I saw, and lo! a white horse; and he that sat upon him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer." (vi. 1, 2.)

The import of these symbols appears to be, that they represent

1. An era eminently attracting the notice of the world; for the Apostle was called to "come and see," in a voice of thunder; implying that the event to which it referred should be one of the most superlatively surprising kind: much more so than any of the succeeding ones; for it is to be observed, that it is only this of all the seven seals that was thus uttered with this loud voice. We are to understand, therefore, that it applies to some most remarkable change-sudden, decisive, complete, and unexpected.

2. This voice of thunder is said, moreover, to proceed from one of the four living creatures, which, according to the explanation previously given, signifies, that it proceeds from a portion of the general assembly of the church, whose names are written in heaven; implying thereby that it has reference to concerns in which the church of Christ is essentially interested.

3. These great and surprising concerns are compared to a horseman or warrior coming forth riding on a horse of a white colour, emblematical of purity; armed with a bow, expressive of the strongest and most complete armour, according as it is said of Joseph, "his bow abode in strength;" and adorned with a crown or coronet, the reward of victory, of, which indeed the whole scene is highly significant. And to this effect it is added, that "he went forth conquering, and to conquer," or re-conquering; by which it seems to convey the idea that the conquest. shall in a marked manner be revived.