view which is thus represented. This of itself would lead us to suppose that the events prophesied of cannot succeed each other, because in such a case, each of them would only describe a part of history in regard to its chronological order, and could not embrace any view as a whole or perfect theory. Moreover, we shall find, as we proceed, that the symbols themselves, (interpreted in the light of Scripture) represent very different things. For example, the Seal was an instrument always used in matters exclusively Civil, or in things relating to the rule or possession of the earth. The Trumpet, on the contrary, was an instrument appointed of God to be used for religious purposes, and by the Priests alone, and has therefore an Ecclesiastical character.

We may also remark here, that both the Seal and the Trumpet in the New Testament are applied in a mystical sense. In the Acts of the Apostles, for example, Circumcision" is called, "the Seal of the Acts vii. 8. Covenant which God made with Abraham," in refer

ence to the possession of the land of Canaan; and the Seal of the HOLY SPIRIT S. Paul calls "the earnest Eph.i. 13, 14. of our inheritance" in reference to the kingdom of heaven which has yet to be revealed.

In like manner the Trumpets are used symbolically both in the Old and New Testament.

The Ascension

of our LORD is spoken of in these words,-"GOD is Ps. xlvii. gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a

Trumpet." And when He comes again, He is said

16.

'to descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice Thess. iv. of the Archangel and with the trump of GOD," which

S. Paul calls in his Epistle to the Corinthians, "the 1Cor. xv. 52. last Trump," when the dead in CHRIST shall be raised. And it is also declared that "when the seventh Trum- Rev. x. 7.

pet shall begin to sound, the mystery of GoD shall be finished. These applications of the Seal and Trumpet are sufficient to justify the remark, that these two symbols point to two distinct aspects or phases of history ; the one Civil, the other Ecclesiastical. And from the circumstance of each series being composed of seven parts, we are led to infer that the series of Seals represent the whole Civil phase of Christendom, from the beginning to the end of the dispensation; and the series of Trumpets represent the whole Ecclesiastical phase, from the beginning to the end of the dispensation. And this view is confirmed by the circumstance of our LORD's Ascension being said to be accompanied by the sound of a Trumpet; and His second Advent being attended by the same symbolic representation.

The Epistles, being addressed to the then spiritual condition of the Seven Churches of Asia, we are led to conclude they have also the same application towards Christendom, when taken as prophetic of its history. The Epistolary form was that in which the Apostles always addressed the Churches in respect to their spiritual state.

The seven Vials, being called the vials of wrath, and the seven last plagues, indicate by their name that they represent the phase of God's judgments upon the apostate condition of the Church; commencing with her first declension from the truth, when she left "her first love;" which charge is brought against her in the first Epistle.

us.

We have thus, four aspects or phases represented to

And these four embrace every point of view in which the history of Christendom can be considered. Another reason for believing that these four series present four distinct aspects of Christian history is,

that they are preceded by four introductory visions, which likewise present these four distinct aspects. In the vision preceding the Epistles, our LORD is represented as the Shepherd and Bishop of the Church, and arrayed in all the attributes of a spiritual oversight and rule; walking in the midst of His Churches, as a commender of the good and a rebuker of the evil which He discerns among them. In the vision preceding the Seals, the LORD is seen seated on a throne, with His Elders around Him, likewise seated upon thrones, and praising Him for thus being made kings and priests to reign upon the earth; casting their crowns at His feet, and saying that He alone is worthy to receive all blessing and honour, and glory, and power. The symbols in this introductory vision, connected with the Seals, clearly represent an aspect of Kingly rule and dominion; or relating to the possession and rule of the earth. In the vision preceding the Trumpets, the LORD is represented as performing the part of High Priest in the heavens, and offering incense with the prayers of all saints upon the Golden Altar, which is before GOD; and which act embraces every other Priestly act and service. In this introductory vision, connected with the series of Trumpets, the symbols represent an aspect exclusively Ecclesiastical. And it is not less remarkable, that in the visions preceding the Vials, the apostate state of Christendom is described in symbolical language, showing the causes for which GOD poureth out, by the instrumentality of angels, this series of judgments. The four forms of evil which are described as preceding the Vials, and bringing their judgments upon the earth, answer to, and are descriptive of, the power and working of Antichrist under each of the four aspects of Christian history as set forth in

this prophecy. That is to say-the Dragon appears in the heavens, the region of the spiritual; ever standing ready to devour the "man-child," or spiritual seed of the Church; which is symbolized under the figure of a woman clothed with the sun, and having the moon under her feet, and twelve stars upon her head: all which symbols are of a spiritual character. "The Beast out of the sea," is described by the symbols of the earthly, answering to the Civil phase; that is, he is likened to a bear, and the mouth of a lion, and certain other indications are given of this being a symbolic description of Antichristian rule as it is seen working in the kingdoms of the earth. "The Beast out of the earth with horns like a lamb," indicates both by the symbolism used, as well as by the power which he exercises, that he is the representation of the spirit of Antichrist as seen working in the outward forms of the Church, and influencing its Ecclesiastical polity, which derives all its influence and power from the State. The fourth form of evil represented by the "Image of the Beast," which is made to speak and live by this second beast, exhibits that Satanic form of Antichrist, which wrought at the commencement of the Christian age, and which remains to be perfected in the seventh period of its history, under the last head of Imperial Rome; who will be a devil-possessed man, and will cause himself to be worshipped as GOD, and who, with the false prophet that worketh miracles before him, shall be cast alive into the lake of fire.

The distinct characteristics thus given to the four series or forms of prophecy-first, by the interpretations of the symbols from Holy Scripture; secondly, by the character of the prefatory visions; thirdly, by each series being composed of seven parts, indicating

the completeness of the phase or aspect represented; and fourthly, by the four forms of evil which answer to these four aspects of Christian history,-appear altogether to carry with them such an amount of evidence that this is the true arrangement and construction of these four streams of prophecy, that we conclude this is the true key, whereby we shall be able by the grace of GOD, and the help of His HOLY SPIRIT, to obtain that knowledge which this Revelation was intended to convey to the Church, and by means of which we shall be able to ascertain what has, and what has not been fulfilled of this wonderful prophecy.

The following prophetic Chart or Table, will give at one view, the plan we have here briefly laid down, with some of its leading symbols, as setting forth the seven great epochs in the history of the Church and of the world.