The Seven Churches

The Seven ChurchesIllustration.John On Patmos. "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches." Rev. 1:11.1. What title is given the last book of the Bible?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”Rev. 1:1.2. To whom do those things which are revealed belong?“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: butthose things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.”Deut. 29:29.3. For what purpose was the Revelation given?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Himto show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.”Rev. 1:1.4. What great event, according to this book, is imminent?“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.”Verse 7.Note.—This book not only opens and closes with the subject of Christ's second coming, but its eight lines of prophecy all reach down to this as the great culminating event to the church and the world.5. What encouragement is given to study this book?“Blessed is he that readeth, and they thathearthe words of[pg 281]this prophecy, andkeepthose things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”Verse 3.6. To whom was the book dedicated?“Johnto the seven churches which are in Asia.”Verse 4.7. What were the names of these seven churches?“What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; untoEphesus, and untoSmyrna, and untoPergamos, and untoThyatira, and untoSardis, and untoPhiladelphia, and untoLaodicea.”Verse 11.Note.—These seven churches, and the messages addressed to them, apply to seven periods or states of the church reaching from the first to the second advent of Christ.“Under this emblematical representation of the seven churches of Asia,”says Vitringa, in the“Comprehensive Commentary,”“the Holy Spirit has delineated seven different states of the Christian church, which would appear in succession, extending to the coming of our Lord and the consummation of all things.”Their good qualities and their defects are pointed out, with admonitions, exhortations, and warnings suitable for each, all of which are also applicable to individual Christian experience.8. By what title is the first state of the church distinguished?“Unto the angel of the church ofEphesuswrite.”Rev. 2:1.Note.—The meaning of Ephesus isdesirable, and fitly describes the character and condition of the church in its first state, when its members received the doctrine of Christ in its purity, and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the first century, or during the lifetime of the apostles. See dates in the accompanying diagram, showing the beginning and close of the seven periods.Illustration.The Seven Churches.9. After commending this church for their good works, what charge did the Lord bring against them?“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, becausethou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, andrepent, and do the first works.”Verses 4, 5.Note.—The“first love”is the love of the truth, and the desire of making it known to others. The“first works”are the fruit of this love.10. What name is given to the second state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inSmyrnawrite.”Verse 8.Note.—The meaning of Smyrna ismyrrh, orsweet-smelling savor, and applies to the period of time when many of the saints of God suffered martyrdom under pagan Rome.[pg 282]11. How is the closing period of tribulation of the church during this time referred to?“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold,the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; andye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Verse 10.Note.—The most severe of what is commonly known as“the ten persecutions”under pagan Rome, began under the emperor Diocletian, and continued from 303a.d.to313 a.d., a period of ten prophetic days.12. What name is given to the third state of the church?“To the angel of the church inPergamoswrite.”Verse 12.Note.—The meaning of Pergamos isheight, orelevation, and fitly represents that period of the Christian church, beginning with the reign of the emperor Constantine in 313a.d., when the power which had put the Christians to death espoused the cause of the church, and by rewards, edicts, and promised promotions to office in the government, sought to induce the people to become Christians, thus bringing a flood of worldliness and corruption into the church. Many of the heathen rites and ceremonies previously introduced into the Christian religion, including the heathen festival,Sunday(sun's day), were then established by law, resulting in the first day of the week taking the place of the Sabbath of the Bible.13. How was the faithfulness of this church commended?“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: andthou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”Verse 13.Note.—Antipascomes from two Latin words,anti, opposed to, andpapas, father, or pope, and denotes a class of people who were opposed to papal rule. RegardingPergamos, see note on page256.14. What title was given to the fourth state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inThyatirawrite.”Verse 18.Note.—Thyatira meanssong of labor, orsacrifice of contrition, and points out the condition of God's people during the long, dark period of 1260 years, beginning with the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d., and closing with the downfall of that power in 1798. See notes on page223. During that time, millions of the saints of God were put to death in the most cruel manner that wicked men and demons could invent. Christ referred to this time in His wonderful prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, in these words:“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”The tribulation of the 1260 years was cut short through the influence of the Reformation.15. What promise did God leave for these persecuted ones?“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And[pg 283]he that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end,to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father.”Verses 25-27.16. By what name is the fifth state of the church addressed?“Unto the angel of the church inSardiswrite.”Rev. 3:1.Note.—Sardis meanssong of joy, orthat which remains. A cause forjoyat that time was the fact that the great tribulation of the people of God was at an end. It was only as a result of the Reformation that any of God's people were leftremaining. See Matt. 24:21, 22, and note under question 14. The Sardis church continued from the close of the papal power, 1798a.d., until the beginning of the great advent movement in 1833, which was marked by the falling of the stars on November 13 of that year, as foretold by Christ in Matt. 24:29.17. What endearing title is given the sixth church?“To the angel of the church inPhiladelphiawrite.”Rev. 3:7.Note.—Philadelphia meansbrotherly love, and applies to the church under the judgment-hour message. See page251.18. What words to this church show the second advent near?“Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”Verse 11.19. What is Christ's message to the last church?“Unto the angel of the church of theLaodiceanswrite; ... I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.... Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; ... I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”Verses 14-19.Note.—Laodicea signifiesthe judging of the people, or, according to Cruden, ajust people. This church exists in the time of the judgment and the proclamation of the final warning messages preceding Christ's second coming. See Rev. 14:6-16, and readings on cages 251-263. This is a time of great profession, with but little vital godliness and true piety.20. What encouragement is given to heed this message?“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”Verse 20.Note.—The pointed, searching messages to the seven churches contain most important lessons of admonition, encouragement, and warning for all Christians in all ages. The seven promises to the overcomer found in this line of prophecy (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21), with the eighth or universal promise recorded in Rev. 21:7, form a galaxy of promises as precious, as comforting, and as inspiring as any recorded in the Scriptures. See pages558,762.[pg 284]The Seven SealsIllustration.The Lisbon Earthquake. "When He had opened the sixth seal, ... there was a great earthquake." Rev. 6:12.1. What did John the revelator see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne?“And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the thronea bookwritten within, and on the back sidesealed with seven seals.”Rev. 5:1.2. What did the Lamb do with this book?“And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne.”Verse 7.3. Why was Christ declared worthy to open these seals?“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy bloodout of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”Verse 9.4. What was shown upon the opening of the first seal?“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, ...a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”Rev. 6:1, 2.Note.—The numbersevenin the Scriptures denotes completion or perfection. The seven seals embrace the whole of a class of events in which is narrated the history of the church from the beginning of the Christian era to the second coming of Christ. The white horse, with his rider going forth to conquer, fitly represents the early Christian church in its purity, going into all the world with the gospel message of salvation.[pg 285]5. What appeared upon the opening of the second seal?“And when He had opened the second seal, ... there went outanother horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”Verses 3, 4.Note.—As whiteness in the first horse denoted the purity of the gospel which its rider propagated, so the color of the second horse would show that corruption had begun to creep in when this symbol applies. It is true that such a state of things did succeed the apostolic church. Speaking of the second century, Wharey, in his“Church History,”page 39, says:“Christianity began already to wear the garb of heathenism. The seeds of most of those errors that afterwards so entirely overran the church, marred its beauty, and tarnished its glory, were already beginning to take root.”Worldliness came in. The church sought alliance with the secular power, and trouble and commotion were the result. This symbol extends from the close of the first century to the time of Constantine, when a complete union of church and state was effected.6. What was the color of the symbol under the third seal?“When He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and loa black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”Verse 5.Note.—The“black”horse fitly represents the spiritual darkness that characterized the church from the time of Constantine till the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d.Of the condition of things in the fourth century, Wharey (page 54) says:“Christianity had now become popular, and a large proportion, perhaps a large majority, of those who embraced it, only assumed the name, received the rite of baptism, and conformed to some of the external ceremonies of the church, while at heart and in moral character they were as much heathen as they were before. Error and corruption now came in upon the church like a flood.”7. What were the color and character of the fourth symbol?“And when He had opened the fourth seal, ... beholda pale horse: and his name that sat on him wasDeath, andHell[Greek,Hades, thegrave]followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,to kill with sword, and withhunger, and withdeath, and with thebeasts of the earth.”Verses 7, 8.Note.—This is an unnatural color for a horse. The original denotes thepaleoryellowishcolor seen in blighted plants. The symbol evidently refers to the work of persecution and death carried on by the Roman Church against the people of God from the time of the beginning of papal supremacy in 538a.d.to the time when the Reformers commenced their work of exposing the true character of the Papacy, and a check was placed upon this work of death.8. On opening the fifth seal, what was seen under the altar?[pg 286]“And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altarthe souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.”Verse 9.Note.—When the Reformers exposed the work of the Papacy, it was then called to mind how many martyrs had been slain for their faith.9. What were these martyrs represented as doing?“Andthey cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”Verse 10.Note.—The cruel treatment which they had received cried for vengeance, just as Abel's blood cried to God from the ground. Gen. 4:10. They were not in heaven, but under the altar on which they had been slain. On this point Dr. Adam Clarke says:“The altar is upon earth, not in heaven.”See note under next question.10. What was given these martyrs?“Andwhite robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled [have fulfilled their course, R. V.].”Verse 11.Note.—These had been slain during the hundreds of years covered by the preceding seal. Their persecutors, most of them, at least, had died. And if they had at death passed to their punishment, as is by some supposed, why should the martyred ones still importune for their punishment? In this, as in other parts of the Bible, the figure of personification is used, in which inanimate objects are represented as alive and speaking, and things that are not as though they were. See Judges 9:8-15; Heb. 2:11; Rom. 4:17. These martyrs had gone down as heretics under the darkness and superstition of the preceding seal, covered with ignominy and shame. Now, in the light of the Reformation, their true character appears, and they are seen to have been righteous, and hence are given“white robes.”“The fine linen [white robes] is the righteousness of saints.”Rev. 19:8. Righteousness is ascribed to them; and when they have rested a little longer where they are,—under the altar,—till all others who are to fall for their faith have followed them, then together they will be raised to life and immortality.11. What was first seen on the opening of the sixth seal?“And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there wasa great earthquake.”Verse 12, first part.Note.—This doubtless refers to the great earthquake of Nov. 1, 1755, commonly known as the Lisbon earthquake, the effects of which were felt over an area of 4,000,000 square miles. Lisbon, Portugal, a city containing 150,000 inhabitants, was almost entirely destroyed. The shock of the earthquake, says Mr. Sears, in his“Wonders of the World,”page 200,“was instantly followed by the fall of every church and convent, almost all the large public buildings, and one fourth of the houses. In about two hours afterward, fires broke out in different quarters, and raged with such[pg 287]violence for the space of nearly three days that the city was completely desolated. The earthquake happened on a holy day, when the churches and convents were full of people, very few of whom escaped.... The terror of the people was beyond description. Nobody wept: it was beyond tears. They ran hither and thither, delirious with horror and astonishment, beating their faces and breasts, crying,‘Misericordia! the world's at an end!’Mothers forgot their children, and ran about loaded with crucifixed images. Unfortunately, many ran to the churches for protection; but in vain was the sacrament exposed; in vain did the poor creatures embrace the altars; images, priests, and people were buried in one common ruin.... Ninety thousand persons are supposed to have been lost on that fatal day.”12. What was to follow the great earthquake?“Andthe sun became blackas sackcloth of hair, andthe moon became as blood.”Same verse, latter part.Note.—This refers to the dark day and night of May 19, 1780, when the darkness and gloom were such as to give the general impression that the day of judgment was at hand. See readings on pages311,319.13. What other event is mentioned under this seal?“Andthe stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.”Verse 13.Notes.—This was fulfilled in the wonderful meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 1833. Describing the scene in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, one writer says:“No spectacle so terribly grand and sublime was ever before beheld by man as that of the firmament descending in fiery torrents over the dark and roaring cataract.”—“Our First Century,”page 330; also The American Cyclopedia, edition 1881, article“Meteor.”See readings just referred to.A contributor, writing for theJournal of Commerceof Nov. 14, 1833, in regard to the falling stars of Nov. 13, 1833, said:“Were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens as that which St. John uses in the prophecy. The falling stars did not come as if from several trees shaken, but as fromone; those which appeared in the east, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the west, fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south, fell toward the south. And they fell not as theripefruit falls,—far from it,—but they flew, they werecast, like the unripe fruit which at first refuses to leave the branch; and when, under a violent pressure, it does break its hold, it flies swiftly,straightoff, descending; and in the multitude falling, some cross the track of others, as they are thrown with more or less force; but each one falls on its own side of the tree.”See page321.14. What is the next event mentioned in the prophecy?“Andthe heaven departed as a scrollwhen it is rolled together;[pg 288]and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”Verse 14.Note.—This event is still future, and will take place in connection with Christ's second coming. We are now standing between the two events,—the last of the signs in the heavens, and the parting of the heavens and removal of earthly things out of their places. The great signs here mentioned which mark the approach of Christ's second coming and the dissolution of all earthly things, are all in the past, and the world awaits the sound of the last trump as the closing scene in earth's drama.15. How will this great event affect the world?“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”Verses 15-17.16. After the sealing work brought to view in Revelation 7, which takes place under the sixth seal, how is the seventh seal introduced?“And when He had opened the seventh seal,there was silence in heavenabout the space of half an hour.”Rev. 8:1.Note.—The sixth seal introduced the events connected with the second coming of Christ. The seventh seal most naturally, therefore, would refer to that event, or to some accompanying result of it. When Christ comes, all the holy angels will accompany Him (Matt. 25:31); and it follows that silence will necessarily, therefore, reign in heaven during their absence. A half-hour of prophetic time would be about seven days. The seven seals, therefore, bring us down to the second coming of Christ.It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,That Jesus will come in the fulness of gloryTo receive from the world His own.It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnightWill burst into light in the blaze of His glory,When Jesus receives His own.O joy! O delight! should we go without dying,No sickness, no sadness, no dread, and no crying,Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,When Jesus receives His own.H. L. Turner.[pg 289]

The Seven ChurchesIllustration.John On Patmos. "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches." Rev. 1:11.1. What title is given the last book of the Bible?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”Rev. 1:1.2. To whom do those things which are revealed belong?“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: butthose things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.”Deut. 29:29.3. For what purpose was the Revelation given?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Himto show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.”Rev. 1:1.4. What great event, according to this book, is imminent?“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.”Verse 7.Note.—This book not only opens and closes with the subject of Christ's second coming, but its eight lines of prophecy all reach down to this as the great culminating event to the church and the world.5. What encouragement is given to study this book?“Blessed is he that readeth, and they thathearthe words of[pg 281]this prophecy, andkeepthose things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”Verse 3.6. To whom was the book dedicated?“Johnto the seven churches which are in Asia.”Verse 4.7. What were the names of these seven churches?“What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; untoEphesus, and untoSmyrna, and untoPergamos, and untoThyatira, and untoSardis, and untoPhiladelphia, and untoLaodicea.”Verse 11.Note.—These seven churches, and the messages addressed to them, apply to seven periods or states of the church reaching from the first to the second advent of Christ.“Under this emblematical representation of the seven churches of Asia,”says Vitringa, in the“Comprehensive Commentary,”“the Holy Spirit has delineated seven different states of the Christian church, which would appear in succession, extending to the coming of our Lord and the consummation of all things.”Their good qualities and their defects are pointed out, with admonitions, exhortations, and warnings suitable for each, all of which are also applicable to individual Christian experience.8. By what title is the first state of the church distinguished?“Unto the angel of the church ofEphesuswrite.”Rev. 2:1.Note.—The meaning of Ephesus isdesirable, and fitly describes the character and condition of the church in its first state, when its members received the doctrine of Christ in its purity, and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the first century, or during the lifetime of the apostles. See dates in the accompanying diagram, showing the beginning and close of the seven periods.Illustration.The Seven Churches.9. After commending this church for their good works, what charge did the Lord bring against them?“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, becausethou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, andrepent, and do the first works.”Verses 4, 5.Note.—The“first love”is the love of the truth, and the desire of making it known to others. The“first works”are the fruit of this love.10. What name is given to the second state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inSmyrnawrite.”Verse 8.Note.—The meaning of Smyrna ismyrrh, orsweet-smelling savor, and applies to the period of time when many of the saints of God suffered martyrdom under pagan Rome.[pg 282]11. How is the closing period of tribulation of the church during this time referred to?“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold,the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; andye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Verse 10.Note.—The most severe of what is commonly known as“the ten persecutions”under pagan Rome, began under the emperor Diocletian, and continued from 303a.d.to313 a.d., a period of ten prophetic days.12. What name is given to the third state of the church?“To the angel of the church inPergamoswrite.”Verse 12.Note.—The meaning of Pergamos isheight, orelevation, and fitly represents that period of the Christian church, beginning with the reign of the emperor Constantine in 313a.d., when the power which had put the Christians to death espoused the cause of the church, and by rewards, edicts, and promised promotions to office in the government, sought to induce the people to become Christians, thus bringing a flood of worldliness and corruption into the church. Many of the heathen rites and ceremonies previously introduced into the Christian religion, including the heathen festival,Sunday(sun's day), were then established by law, resulting in the first day of the week taking the place of the Sabbath of the Bible.13. How was the faithfulness of this church commended?“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: andthou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”Verse 13.Note.—Antipascomes from two Latin words,anti, opposed to, andpapas, father, or pope, and denotes a class of people who were opposed to papal rule. RegardingPergamos, see note on page256.14. What title was given to the fourth state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inThyatirawrite.”Verse 18.Note.—Thyatira meanssong of labor, orsacrifice of contrition, and points out the condition of God's people during the long, dark period of 1260 years, beginning with the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d., and closing with the downfall of that power in 1798. See notes on page223. During that time, millions of the saints of God were put to death in the most cruel manner that wicked men and demons could invent. Christ referred to this time in His wonderful prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, in these words:“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”The tribulation of the 1260 years was cut short through the influence of the Reformation.15. What promise did God leave for these persecuted ones?“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And[pg 283]he that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end,to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father.”Verses 25-27.16. By what name is the fifth state of the church addressed?“Unto the angel of the church inSardiswrite.”Rev. 3:1.Note.—Sardis meanssong of joy, orthat which remains. A cause forjoyat that time was the fact that the great tribulation of the people of God was at an end. It was only as a result of the Reformation that any of God's people were leftremaining. See Matt. 24:21, 22, and note under question 14. The Sardis church continued from the close of the papal power, 1798a.d., until the beginning of the great advent movement in 1833, which was marked by the falling of the stars on November 13 of that year, as foretold by Christ in Matt. 24:29.17. What endearing title is given the sixth church?“To the angel of the church inPhiladelphiawrite.”Rev. 3:7.Note.—Philadelphia meansbrotherly love, and applies to the church under the judgment-hour message. See page251.18. What words to this church show the second advent near?“Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”Verse 11.19. What is Christ's message to the last church?“Unto the angel of the church of theLaodiceanswrite; ... I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.... Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; ... I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”Verses 14-19.Note.—Laodicea signifiesthe judging of the people, or, according to Cruden, ajust people. This church exists in the time of the judgment and the proclamation of the final warning messages preceding Christ's second coming. See Rev. 14:6-16, and readings on cages 251-263. This is a time of great profession, with but little vital godliness and true piety.20. What encouragement is given to heed this message?“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”Verse 20.Note.—The pointed, searching messages to the seven churches contain most important lessons of admonition, encouragement, and warning for all Christians in all ages. The seven promises to the overcomer found in this line of prophecy (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21), with the eighth or universal promise recorded in Rev. 21:7, form a galaxy of promises as precious, as comforting, and as inspiring as any recorded in the Scriptures. See pages558,762.[pg 284]The Seven SealsIllustration.The Lisbon Earthquake. "When He had opened the sixth seal, ... there was a great earthquake." Rev. 6:12.1. What did John the revelator see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne?“And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the thronea bookwritten within, and on the back sidesealed with seven seals.”Rev. 5:1.2. What did the Lamb do with this book?“And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne.”Verse 7.3. Why was Christ declared worthy to open these seals?“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy bloodout of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”Verse 9.4. What was shown upon the opening of the first seal?“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, ...a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”Rev. 6:1, 2.Note.—The numbersevenin the Scriptures denotes completion or perfection. The seven seals embrace the whole of a class of events in which is narrated the history of the church from the beginning of the Christian era to the second coming of Christ. The white horse, with his rider going forth to conquer, fitly represents the early Christian church in its purity, going into all the world with the gospel message of salvation.[pg 285]5. What appeared upon the opening of the second seal?“And when He had opened the second seal, ... there went outanother horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”Verses 3, 4.Note.—As whiteness in the first horse denoted the purity of the gospel which its rider propagated, so the color of the second horse would show that corruption had begun to creep in when this symbol applies. It is true that such a state of things did succeed the apostolic church. Speaking of the second century, Wharey, in his“Church History,”page 39, says:“Christianity began already to wear the garb of heathenism. The seeds of most of those errors that afterwards so entirely overran the church, marred its beauty, and tarnished its glory, were already beginning to take root.”Worldliness came in. The church sought alliance with the secular power, and trouble and commotion were the result. This symbol extends from the close of the first century to the time of Constantine, when a complete union of church and state was effected.6. What was the color of the symbol under the third seal?“When He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and loa black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”Verse 5.Note.—The“black”horse fitly represents the spiritual darkness that characterized the church from the time of Constantine till the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d.Of the condition of things in the fourth century, Wharey (page 54) says:“Christianity had now become popular, and a large proportion, perhaps a large majority, of those who embraced it, only assumed the name, received the rite of baptism, and conformed to some of the external ceremonies of the church, while at heart and in moral character they were as much heathen as they were before. Error and corruption now came in upon the church like a flood.”7. What were the color and character of the fourth symbol?“And when He had opened the fourth seal, ... beholda pale horse: and his name that sat on him wasDeath, andHell[Greek,Hades, thegrave]followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,to kill with sword, and withhunger, and withdeath, and with thebeasts of the earth.”Verses 7, 8.Note.—This is an unnatural color for a horse. The original denotes thepaleoryellowishcolor seen in blighted plants. The symbol evidently refers to the work of persecution and death carried on by the Roman Church against the people of God from the time of the beginning of papal supremacy in 538a.d.to the time when the Reformers commenced their work of exposing the true character of the Papacy, and a check was placed upon this work of death.8. On opening the fifth seal, what was seen under the altar?[pg 286]“And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altarthe souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.”Verse 9.Note.—When the Reformers exposed the work of the Papacy, it was then called to mind how many martyrs had been slain for their faith.9. What were these martyrs represented as doing?“Andthey cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”Verse 10.Note.—The cruel treatment which they had received cried for vengeance, just as Abel's blood cried to God from the ground. Gen. 4:10. They were not in heaven, but under the altar on which they had been slain. On this point Dr. Adam Clarke says:“The altar is upon earth, not in heaven.”See note under next question.10. What was given these martyrs?“Andwhite robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled [have fulfilled their course, R. V.].”Verse 11.Note.—These had been slain during the hundreds of years covered by the preceding seal. Their persecutors, most of them, at least, had died. And if they had at death passed to their punishment, as is by some supposed, why should the martyred ones still importune for their punishment? In this, as in other parts of the Bible, the figure of personification is used, in which inanimate objects are represented as alive and speaking, and things that are not as though they were. See Judges 9:8-15; Heb. 2:11; Rom. 4:17. These martyrs had gone down as heretics under the darkness and superstition of the preceding seal, covered with ignominy and shame. Now, in the light of the Reformation, their true character appears, and they are seen to have been righteous, and hence are given“white robes.”“The fine linen [white robes] is the righteousness of saints.”Rev. 19:8. Righteousness is ascribed to them; and when they have rested a little longer where they are,—under the altar,—till all others who are to fall for their faith have followed them, then together they will be raised to life and immortality.11. What was first seen on the opening of the sixth seal?“And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there wasa great earthquake.”Verse 12, first part.Note.—This doubtless refers to the great earthquake of Nov. 1, 1755, commonly known as the Lisbon earthquake, the effects of which were felt over an area of 4,000,000 square miles. Lisbon, Portugal, a city containing 150,000 inhabitants, was almost entirely destroyed. The shock of the earthquake, says Mr. Sears, in his“Wonders of the World,”page 200,“was instantly followed by the fall of every church and convent, almost all the large public buildings, and one fourth of the houses. In about two hours afterward, fires broke out in different quarters, and raged with such[pg 287]violence for the space of nearly three days that the city was completely desolated. The earthquake happened on a holy day, when the churches and convents were full of people, very few of whom escaped.... The terror of the people was beyond description. Nobody wept: it was beyond tears. They ran hither and thither, delirious with horror and astonishment, beating their faces and breasts, crying,‘Misericordia! the world's at an end!’Mothers forgot their children, and ran about loaded with crucifixed images. Unfortunately, many ran to the churches for protection; but in vain was the sacrament exposed; in vain did the poor creatures embrace the altars; images, priests, and people were buried in one common ruin.... Ninety thousand persons are supposed to have been lost on that fatal day.”12. What was to follow the great earthquake?“Andthe sun became blackas sackcloth of hair, andthe moon became as blood.”Same verse, latter part.Note.—This refers to the dark day and night of May 19, 1780, when the darkness and gloom were such as to give the general impression that the day of judgment was at hand. See readings on pages311,319.13. What other event is mentioned under this seal?“Andthe stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.”Verse 13.Notes.—This was fulfilled in the wonderful meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 1833. Describing the scene in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, one writer says:“No spectacle so terribly grand and sublime was ever before beheld by man as that of the firmament descending in fiery torrents over the dark and roaring cataract.”—“Our First Century,”page 330; also The American Cyclopedia, edition 1881, article“Meteor.”See readings just referred to.A contributor, writing for theJournal of Commerceof Nov. 14, 1833, in regard to the falling stars of Nov. 13, 1833, said:“Were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens as that which St. John uses in the prophecy. The falling stars did not come as if from several trees shaken, but as fromone; those which appeared in the east, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the west, fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south, fell toward the south. And they fell not as theripefruit falls,—far from it,—but they flew, they werecast, like the unripe fruit which at first refuses to leave the branch; and when, under a violent pressure, it does break its hold, it flies swiftly,straightoff, descending; and in the multitude falling, some cross the track of others, as they are thrown with more or less force; but each one falls on its own side of the tree.”See page321.14. What is the next event mentioned in the prophecy?“Andthe heaven departed as a scrollwhen it is rolled together;[pg 288]and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”Verse 14.Note.—This event is still future, and will take place in connection with Christ's second coming. We are now standing between the two events,—the last of the signs in the heavens, and the parting of the heavens and removal of earthly things out of their places. The great signs here mentioned which mark the approach of Christ's second coming and the dissolution of all earthly things, are all in the past, and the world awaits the sound of the last trump as the closing scene in earth's drama.15. How will this great event affect the world?“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”Verses 15-17.16. After the sealing work brought to view in Revelation 7, which takes place under the sixth seal, how is the seventh seal introduced?“And when He had opened the seventh seal,there was silence in heavenabout the space of half an hour.”Rev. 8:1.Note.—The sixth seal introduced the events connected with the second coming of Christ. The seventh seal most naturally, therefore, would refer to that event, or to some accompanying result of it. When Christ comes, all the holy angels will accompany Him (Matt. 25:31); and it follows that silence will necessarily, therefore, reign in heaven during their absence. A half-hour of prophetic time would be about seven days. The seven seals, therefore, bring us down to the second coming of Christ.It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,That Jesus will come in the fulness of gloryTo receive from the world His own.It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnightWill burst into light in the blaze of His glory,When Jesus receives His own.O joy! O delight! should we go without dying,No sickness, no sadness, no dread, and no crying,Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,When Jesus receives His own.H. L. Turner.[pg 289]

The Seven ChurchesIllustration.John On Patmos. "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches." Rev. 1:11.1. What title is given the last book of the Bible?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”Rev. 1:1.2. To whom do those things which are revealed belong?“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: butthose things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.”Deut. 29:29.3. For what purpose was the Revelation given?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Himto show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.”Rev. 1:1.4. What great event, according to this book, is imminent?“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.”Verse 7.Note.—This book not only opens and closes with the subject of Christ's second coming, but its eight lines of prophecy all reach down to this as the great culminating event to the church and the world.5. What encouragement is given to study this book?“Blessed is he that readeth, and they thathearthe words of[pg 281]this prophecy, andkeepthose things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”Verse 3.6. To whom was the book dedicated?“Johnto the seven churches which are in Asia.”Verse 4.7. What were the names of these seven churches?“What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; untoEphesus, and untoSmyrna, and untoPergamos, and untoThyatira, and untoSardis, and untoPhiladelphia, and untoLaodicea.”Verse 11.Note.—These seven churches, and the messages addressed to them, apply to seven periods or states of the church reaching from the first to the second advent of Christ.“Under this emblematical representation of the seven churches of Asia,”says Vitringa, in the“Comprehensive Commentary,”“the Holy Spirit has delineated seven different states of the Christian church, which would appear in succession, extending to the coming of our Lord and the consummation of all things.”Their good qualities and their defects are pointed out, with admonitions, exhortations, and warnings suitable for each, all of which are also applicable to individual Christian experience.8. By what title is the first state of the church distinguished?“Unto the angel of the church ofEphesuswrite.”Rev. 2:1.Note.—The meaning of Ephesus isdesirable, and fitly describes the character and condition of the church in its first state, when its members received the doctrine of Christ in its purity, and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the first century, or during the lifetime of the apostles. See dates in the accompanying diagram, showing the beginning and close of the seven periods.Illustration.The Seven Churches.9. After commending this church for their good works, what charge did the Lord bring against them?“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, becausethou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, andrepent, and do the first works.”Verses 4, 5.Note.—The“first love”is the love of the truth, and the desire of making it known to others. The“first works”are the fruit of this love.10. What name is given to the second state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inSmyrnawrite.”Verse 8.Note.—The meaning of Smyrna ismyrrh, orsweet-smelling savor, and applies to the period of time when many of the saints of God suffered martyrdom under pagan Rome.[pg 282]11. How is the closing period of tribulation of the church during this time referred to?“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold,the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; andye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Verse 10.Note.—The most severe of what is commonly known as“the ten persecutions”under pagan Rome, began under the emperor Diocletian, and continued from 303a.d.to313 a.d., a period of ten prophetic days.12. What name is given to the third state of the church?“To the angel of the church inPergamoswrite.”Verse 12.Note.—The meaning of Pergamos isheight, orelevation, and fitly represents that period of the Christian church, beginning with the reign of the emperor Constantine in 313a.d., when the power which had put the Christians to death espoused the cause of the church, and by rewards, edicts, and promised promotions to office in the government, sought to induce the people to become Christians, thus bringing a flood of worldliness and corruption into the church. Many of the heathen rites and ceremonies previously introduced into the Christian religion, including the heathen festival,Sunday(sun's day), were then established by law, resulting in the first day of the week taking the place of the Sabbath of the Bible.13. How was the faithfulness of this church commended?“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: andthou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”Verse 13.Note.—Antipascomes from two Latin words,anti, opposed to, andpapas, father, or pope, and denotes a class of people who were opposed to papal rule. RegardingPergamos, see note on page256.14. What title was given to the fourth state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inThyatirawrite.”Verse 18.Note.—Thyatira meanssong of labor, orsacrifice of contrition, and points out the condition of God's people during the long, dark period of 1260 years, beginning with the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d., and closing with the downfall of that power in 1798. See notes on page223. During that time, millions of the saints of God were put to death in the most cruel manner that wicked men and demons could invent. Christ referred to this time in His wonderful prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, in these words:“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”The tribulation of the 1260 years was cut short through the influence of the Reformation.15. What promise did God leave for these persecuted ones?“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And[pg 283]he that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end,to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father.”Verses 25-27.16. By what name is the fifth state of the church addressed?“Unto the angel of the church inSardiswrite.”Rev. 3:1.Note.—Sardis meanssong of joy, orthat which remains. A cause forjoyat that time was the fact that the great tribulation of the people of God was at an end. It was only as a result of the Reformation that any of God's people were leftremaining. See Matt. 24:21, 22, and note under question 14. The Sardis church continued from the close of the papal power, 1798a.d., until the beginning of the great advent movement in 1833, which was marked by the falling of the stars on November 13 of that year, as foretold by Christ in Matt. 24:29.17. What endearing title is given the sixth church?“To the angel of the church inPhiladelphiawrite.”Rev. 3:7.Note.—Philadelphia meansbrotherly love, and applies to the church under the judgment-hour message. See page251.18. What words to this church show the second advent near?“Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”Verse 11.19. What is Christ's message to the last church?“Unto the angel of the church of theLaodiceanswrite; ... I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.... Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; ... I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”Verses 14-19.Note.—Laodicea signifiesthe judging of the people, or, according to Cruden, ajust people. This church exists in the time of the judgment and the proclamation of the final warning messages preceding Christ's second coming. See Rev. 14:6-16, and readings on cages 251-263. This is a time of great profession, with but little vital godliness and true piety.20. What encouragement is given to heed this message?“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”Verse 20.Note.—The pointed, searching messages to the seven churches contain most important lessons of admonition, encouragement, and warning for all Christians in all ages. The seven promises to the overcomer found in this line of prophecy (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21), with the eighth or universal promise recorded in Rev. 21:7, form a galaxy of promises as precious, as comforting, and as inspiring as any recorded in the Scriptures. See pages558,762.[pg 284]The Seven SealsIllustration.The Lisbon Earthquake. "When He had opened the sixth seal, ... there was a great earthquake." Rev. 6:12.1. What did John the revelator see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne?“And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the thronea bookwritten within, and on the back sidesealed with seven seals.”Rev. 5:1.2. What did the Lamb do with this book?“And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne.”Verse 7.3. Why was Christ declared worthy to open these seals?“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy bloodout of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”Verse 9.4. What was shown upon the opening of the first seal?“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, ...a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”Rev. 6:1, 2.Note.—The numbersevenin the Scriptures denotes completion or perfection. The seven seals embrace the whole of a class of events in which is narrated the history of the church from the beginning of the Christian era to the second coming of Christ. The white horse, with his rider going forth to conquer, fitly represents the early Christian church in its purity, going into all the world with the gospel message of salvation.[pg 285]5. What appeared upon the opening of the second seal?“And when He had opened the second seal, ... there went outanother horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”Verses 3, 4.Note.—As whiteness in the first horse denoted the purity of the gospel which its rider propagated, so the color of the second horse would show that corruption had begun to creep in when this symbol applies. It is true that such a state of things did succeed the apostolic church. Speaking of the second century, Wharey, in his“Church History,”page 39, says:“Christianity began already to wear the garb of heathenism. The seeds of most of those errors that afterwards so entirely overran the church, marred its beauty, and tarnished its glory, were already beginning to take root.”Worldliness came in. The church sought alliance with the secular power, and trouble and commotion were the result. This symbol extends from the close of the first century to the time of Constantine, when a complete union of church and state was effected.6. What was the color of the symbol under the third seal?“When He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and loa black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”Verse 5.Note.—The“black”horse fitly represents the spiritual darkness that characterized the church from the time of Constantine till the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d.Of the condition of things in the fourth century, Wharey (page 54) says:“Christianity had now become popular, and a large proportion, perhaps a large majority, of those who embraced it, only assumed the name, received the rite of baptism, and conformed to some of the external ceremonies of the church, while at heart and in moral character they were as much heathen as they were before. Error and corruption now came in upon the church like a flood.”7. What were the color and character of the fourth symbol?“And when He had opened the fourth seal, ... beholda pale horse: and his name that sat on him wasDeath, andHell[Greek,Hades, thegrave]followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,to kill with sword, and withhunger, and withdeath, and with thebeasts of the earth.”Verses 7, 8.Note.—This is an unnatural color for a horse. The original denotes thepaleoryellowishcolor seen in blighted plants. The symbol evidently refers to the work of persecution and death carried on by the Roman Church against the people of God from the time of the beginning of papal supremacy in 538a.d.to the time when the Reformers commenced their work of exposing the true character of the Papacy, and a check was placed upon this work of death.8. On opening the fifth seal, what was seen under the altar?[pg 286]“And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altarthe souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.”Verse 9.Note.—When the Reformers exposed the work of the Papacy, it was then called to mind how many martyrs had been slain for their faith.9. What were these martyrs represented as doing?“Andthey cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”Verse 10.Note.—The cruel treatment which they had received cried for vengeance, just as Abel's blood cried to God from the ground. Gen. 4:10. They were not in heaven, but under the altar on which they had been slain. On this point Dr. Adam Clarke says:“The altar is upon earth, not in heaven.”See note under next question.10. What was given these martyrs?“Andwhite robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled [have fulfilled their course, R. V.].”Verse 11.Note.—These had been slain during the hundreds of years covered by the preceding seal. Their persecutors, most of them, at least, had died. And if they had at death passed to their punishment, as is by some supposed, why should the martyred ones still importune for their punishment? In this, as in other parts of the Bible, the figure of personification is used, in which inanimate objects are represented as alive and speaking, and things that are not as though they were. See Judges 9:8-15; Heb. 2:11; Rom. 4:17. These martyrs had gone down as heretics under the darkness and superstition of the preceding seal, covered with ignominy and shame. Now, in the light of the Reformation, their true character appears, and they are seen to have been righteous, and hence are given“white robes.”“The fine linen [white robes] is the righteousness of saints.”Rev. 19:8. Righteousness is ascribed to them; and when they have rested a little longer where they are,—under the altar,—till all others who are to fall for their faith have followed them, then together they will be raised to life and immortality.11. What was first seen on the opening of the sixth seal?“And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there wasa great earthquake.”Verse 12, first part.Note.—This doubtless refers to the great earthquake of Nov. 1, 1755, commonly known as the Lisbon earthquake, the effects of which were felt over an area of 4,000,000 square miles. Lisbon, Portugal, a city containing 150,000 inhabitants, was almost entirely destroyed. The shock of the earthquake, says Mr. Sears, in his“Wonders of the World,”page 200,“was instantly followed by the fall of every church and convent, almost all the large public buildings, and one fourth of the houses. In about two hours afterward, fires broke out in different quarters, and raged with such[pg 287]violence for the space of nearly three days that the city was completely desolated. The earthquake happened on a holy day, when the churches and convents were full of people, very few of whom escaped.... The terror of the people was beyond description. Nobody wept: it was beyond tears. They ran hither and thither, delirious with horror and astonishment, beating their faces and breasts, crying,‘Misericordia! the world's at an end!’Mothers forgot their children, and ran about loaded with crucifixed images. Unfortunately, many ran to the churches for protection; but in vain was the sacrament exposed; in vain did the poor creatures embrace the altars; images, priests, and people were buried in one common ruin.... Ninety thousand persons are supposed to have been lost on that fatal day.”12. What was to follow the great earthquake?“Andthe sun became blackas sackcloth of hair, andthe moon became as blood.”Same verse, latter part.Note.—This refers to the dark day and night of May 19, 1780, when the darkness and gloom were such as to give the general impression that the day of judgment was at hand. See readings on pages311,319.13. What other event is mentioned under this seal?“Andthe stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.”Verse 13.Notes.—This was fulfilled in the wonderful meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 1833. Describing the scene in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, one writer says:“No spectacle so terribly grand and sublime was ever before beheld by man as that of the firmament descending in fiery torrents over the dark and roaring cataract.”—“Our First Century,”page 330; also The American Cyclopedia, edition 1881, article“Meteor.”See readings just referred to.A contributor, writing for theJournal of Commerceof Nov. 14, 1833, in regard to the falling stars of Nov. 13, 1833, said:“Were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens as that which St. John uses in the prophecy. The falling stars did not come as if from several trees shaken, but as fromone; those which appeared in the east, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the west, fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south, fell toward the south. And they fell not as theripefruit falls,—far from it,—but they flew, they werecast, like the unripe fruit which at first refuses to leave the branch; and when, under a violent pressure, it does break its hold, it flies swiftly,straightoff, descending; and in the multitude falling, some cross the track of others, as they are thrown with more or less force; but each one falls on its own side of the tree.”See page321.14. What is the next event mentioned in the prophecy?“Andthe heaven departed as a scrollwhen it is rolled together;[pg 288]and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”Verse 14.Note.—This event is still future, and will take place in connection with Christ's second coming. We are now standing between the two events,—the last of the signs in the heavens, and the parting of the heavens and removal of earthly things out of their places. The great signs here mentioned which mark the approach of Christ's second coming and the dissolution of all earthly things, are all in the past, and the world awaits the sound of the last trump as the closing scene in earth's drama.15. How will this great event affect the world?“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”Verses 15-17.16. After the sealing work brought to view in Revelation 7, which takes place under the sixth seal, how is the seventh seal introduced?“And when He had opened the seventh seal,there was silence in heavenabout the space of half an hour.”Rev. 8:1.Note.—The sixth seal introduced the events connected with the second coming of Christ. The seventh seal most naturally, therefore, would refer to that event, or to some accompanying result of it. When Christ comes, all the holy angels will accompany Him (Matt. 25:31); and it follows that silence will necessarily, therefore, reign in heaven during their absence. A half-hour of prophetic time would be about seven days. The seven seals, therefore, bring us down to the second coming of Christ.It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,That Jesus will come in the fulness of gloryTo receive from the world His own.It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnightWill burst into light in the blaze of His glory,When Jesus receives His own.O joy! O delight! should we go without dying,No sickness, no sadness, no dread, and no crying,Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,When Jesus receives His own.H. L. Turner.[pg 289]

The Seven ChurchesIllustration.John On Patmos. "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches." Rev. 1:11.1. What title is given the last book of the Bible?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”Rev. 1:1.2. To whom do those things which are revealed belong?“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: butthose things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.”Deut. 29:29.3. For what purpose was the Revelation given?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Himto show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.”Rev. 1:1.4. What great event, according to this book, is imminent?“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.”Verse 7.Note.—This book not only opens and closes with the subject of Christ's second coming, but its eight lines of prophecy all reach down to this as the great culminating event to the church and the world.5. What encouragement is given to study this book?“Blessed is he that readeth, and they thathearthe words of[pg 281]this prophecy, andkeepthose things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”Verse 3.6. To whom was the book dedicated?“Johnto the seven churches which are in Asia.”Verse 4.7. What were the names of these seven churches?“What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; untoEphesus, and untoSmyrna, and untoPergamos, and untoThyatira, and untoSardis, and untoPhiladelphia, and untoLaodicea.”Verse 11.Note.—These seven churches, and the messages addressed to them, apply to seven periods or states of the church reaching from the first to the second advent of Christ.“Under this emblematical representation of the seven churches of Asia,”says Vitringa, in the“Comprehensive Commentary,”“the Holy Spirit has delineated seven different states of the Christian church, which would appear in succession, extending to the coming of our Lord and the consummation of all things.”Their good qualities and their defects are pointed out, with admonitions, exhortations, and warnings suitable for each, all of which are also applicable to individual Christian experience.8. By what title is the first state of the church distinguished?“Unto the angel of the church ofEphesuswrite.”Rev. 2:1.Note.—The meaning of Ephesus isdesirable, and fitly describes the character and condition of the church in its first state, when its members received the doctrine of Christ in its purity, and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the first century, or during the lifetime of the apostles. See dates in the accompanying diagram, showing the beginning and close of the seven periods.Illustration.The Seven Churches.9. After commending this church for their good works, what charge did the Lord bring against them?“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, becausethou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, andrepent, and do the first works.”Verses 4, 5.Note.—The“first love”is the love of the truth, and the desire of making it known to others. The“first works”are the fruit of this love.10. What name is given to the second state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inSmyrnawrite.”Verse 8.Note.—The meaning of Smyrna ismyrrh, orsweet-smelling savor, and applies to the period of time when many of the saints of God suffered martyrdom under pagan Rome.[pg 282]11. How is the closing period of tribulation of the church during this time referred to?“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold,the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; andye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Verse 10.Note.—The most severe of what is commonly known as“the ten persecutions”under pagan Rome, began under the emperor Diocletian, and continued from 303a.d.to313 a.d., a period of ten prophetic days.12. What name is given to the third state of the church?“To the angel of the church inPergamoswrite.”Verse 12.Note.—The meaning of Pergamos isheight, orelevation, and fitly represents that period of the Christian church, beginning with the reign of the emperor Constantine in 313a.d., when the power which had put the Christians to death espoused the cause of the church, and by rewards, edicts, and promised promotions to office in the government, sought to induce the people to become Christians, thus bringing a flood of worldliness and corruption into the church. Many of the heathen rites and ceremonies previously introduced into the Christian religion, including the heathen festival,Sunday(sun's day), were then established by law, resulting in the first day of the week taking the place of the Sabbath of the Bible.13. How was the faithfulness of this church commended?“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: andthou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”Verse 13.Note.—Antipascomes from two Latin words,anti, opposed to, andpapas, father, or pope, and denotes a class of people who were opposed to papal rule. RegardingPergamos, see note on page256.14. What title was given to the fourth state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inThyatirawrite.”Verse 18.Note.—Thyatira meanssong of labor, orsacrifice of contrition, and points out the condition of God's people during the long, dark period of 1260 years, beginning with the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d., and closing with the downfall of that power in 1798. See notes on page223. During that time, millions of the saints of God were put to death in the most cruel manner that wicked men and demons could invent. Christ referred to this time in His wonderful prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, in these words:“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”The tribulation of the 1260 years was cut short through the influence of the Reformation.15. What promise did God leave for these persecuted ones?“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And[pg 283]he that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end,to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father.”Verses 25-27.16. By what name is the fifth state of the church addressed?“Unto the angel of the church inSardiswrite.”Rev. 3:1.Note.—Sardis meanssong of joy, orthat which remains. A cause forjoyat that time was the fact that the great tribulation of the people of God was at an end. It was only as a result of the Reformation that any of God's people were leftremaining. See Matt. 24:21, 22, and note under question 14. The Sardis church continued from the close of the papal power, 1798a.d., until the beginning of the great advent movement in 1833, which was marked by the falling of the stars on November 13 of that year, as foretold by Christ in Matt. 24:29.17. What endearing title is given the sixth church?“To the angel of the church inPhiladelphiawrite.”Rev. 3:7.Note.—Philadelphia meansbrotherly love, and applies to the church under the judgment-hour message. See page251.18. What words to this church show the second advent near?“Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”Verse 11.19. What is Christ's message to the last church?“Unto the angel of the church of theLaodiceanswrite; ... I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.... Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; ... I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”Verses 14-19.Note.—Laodicea signifiesthe judging of the people, or, according to Cruden, ajust people. This church exists in the time of the judgment and the proclamation of the final warning messages preceding Christ's second coming. See Rev. 14:6-16, and readings on cages 251-263. This is a time of great profession, with but little vital godliness and true piety.20. What encouragement is given to heed this message?“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”Verse 20.Note.—The pointed, searching messages to the seven churches contain most important lessons of admonition, encouragement, and warning for all Christians in all ages. The seven promises to the overcomer found in this line of prophecy (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21), with the eighth or universal promise recorded in Rev. 21:7, form a galaxy of promises as precious, as comforting, and as inspiring as any recorded in the Scriptures. See pages558,762.[pg 284]The Seven SealsIllustration.The Lisbon Earthquake. "When He had opened the sixth seal, ... there was a great earthquake." Rev. 6:12.1. What did John the revelator see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne?“And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the thronea bookwritten within, and on the back sidesealed with seven seals.”Rev. 5:1.2. What did the Lamb do with this book?“And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne.”Verse 7.3. Why was Christ declared worthy to open these seals?“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy bloodout of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”Verse 9.4. What was shown upon the opening of the first seal?“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, ...a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”Rev. 6:1, 2.Note.—The numbersevenin the Scriptures denotes completion or perfection. The seven seals embrace the whole of a class of events in which is narrated the history of the church from the beginning of the Christian era to the second coming of Christ. The white horse, with his rider going forth to conquer, fitly represents the early Christian church in its purity, going into all the world with the gospel message of salvation.[pg 285]5. What appeared upon the opening of the second seal?“And when He had opened the second seal, ... there went outanother horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”Verses 3, 4.Note.—As whiteness in the first horse denoted the purity of the gospel which its rider propagated, so the color of the second horse would show that corruption had begun to creep in when this symbol applies. It is true that such a state of things did succeed the apostolic church. Speaking of the second century, Wharey, in his“Church History,”page 39, says:“Christianity began already to wear the garb of heathenism. The seeds of most of those errors that afterwards so entirely overran the church, marred its beauty, and tarnished its glory, were already beginning to take root.”Worldliness came in. The church sought alliance with the secular power, and trouble and commotion were the result. This symbol extends from the close of the first century to the time of Constantine, when a complete union of church and state was effected.6. What was the color of the symbol under the third seal?“When He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and loa black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”Verse 5.Note.—The“black”horse fitly represents the spiritual darkness that characterized the church from the time of Constantine till the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d.Of the condition of things in the fourth century, Wharey (page 54) says:“Christianity had now become popular, and a large proportion, perhaps a large majority, of those who embraced it, only assumed the name, received the rite of baptism, and conformed to some of the external ceremonies of the church, while at heart and in moral character they were as much heathen as they were before. Error and corruption now came in upon the church like a flood.”7. What were the color and character of the fourth symbol?“And when He had opened the fourth seal, ... beholda pale horse: and his name that sat on him wasDeath, andHell[Greek,Hades, thegrave]followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,to kill with sword, and withhunger, and withdeath, and with thebeasts of the earth.”Verses 7, 8.Note.—This is an unnatural color for a horse. The original denotes thepaleoryellowishcolor seen in blighted plants. The symbol evidently refers to the work of persecution and death carried on by the Roman Church against the people of God from the time of the beginning of papal supremacy in 538a.d.to the time when the Reformers commenced their work of exposing the true character of the Papacy, and a check was placed upon this work of death.8. On opening the fifth seal, what was seen under the altar?[pg 286]“And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altarthe souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.”Verse 9.Note.—When the Reformers exposed the work of the Papacy, it was then called to mind how many martyrs had been slain for their faith.9. What were these martyrs represented as doing?“Andthey cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”Verse 10.Note.—The cruel treatment which they had received cried for vengeance, just as Abel's blood cried to God from the ground. Gen. 4:10. They were not in heaven, but under the altar on which they had been slain. On this point Dr. Adam Clarke says:“The altar is upon earth, not in heaven.”See note under next question.10. What was given these martyrs?“Andwhite robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled [have fulfilled their course, R. V.].”Verse 11.Note.—These had been slain during the hundreds of years covered by the preceding seal. Their persecutors, most of them, at least, had died. And if they had at death passed to their punishment, as is by some supposed, why should the martyred ones still importune for their punishment? In this, as in other parts of the Bible, the figure of personification is used, in which inanimate objects are represented as alive and speaking, and things that are not as though they were. See Judges 9:8-15; Heb. 2:11; Rom. 4:17. These martyrs had gone down as heretics under the darkness and superstition of the preceding seal, covered with ignominy and shame. Now, in the light of the Reformation, their true character appears, and they are seen to have been righteous, and hence are given“white robes.”“The fine linen [white robes] is the righteousness of saints.”Rev. 19:8. Righteousness is ascribed to them; and when they have rested a little longer where they are,—under the altar,—till all others who are to fall for their faith have followed them, then together they will be raised to life and immortality.11. What was first seen on the opening of the sixth seal?“And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there wasa great earthquake.”Verse 12, first part.Note.—This doubtless refers to the great earthquake of Nov. 1, 1755, commonly known as the Lisbon earthquake, the effects of which were felt over an area of 4,000,000 square miles. Lisbon, Portugal, a city containing 150,000 inhabitants, was almost entirely destroyed. The shock of the earthquake, says Mr. Sears, in his“Wonders of the World,”page 200,“was instantly followed by the fall of every church and convent, almost all the large public buildings, and one fourth of the houses. In about two hours afterward, fires broke out in different quarters, and raged with such[pg 287]violence for the space of nearly three days that the city was completely desolated. The earthquake happened on a holy day, when the churches and convents were full of people, very few of whom escaped.... The terror of the people was beyond description. Nobody wept: it was beyond tears. They ran hither and thither, delirious with horror and astonishment, beating their faces and breasts, crying,‘Misericordia! the world's at an end!’Mothers forgot their children, and ran about loaded with crucifixed images. Unfortunately, many ran to the churches for protection; but in vain was the sacrament exposed; in vain did the poor creatures embrace the altars; images, priests, and people were buried in one common ruin.... Ninety thousand persons are supposed to have been lost on that fatal day.”12. What was to follow the great earthquake?“Andthe sun became blackas sackcloth of hair, andthe moon became as blood.”Same verse, latter part.Note.—This refers to the dark day and night of May 19, 1780, when the darkness and gloom were such as to give the general impression that the day of judgment was at hand. See readings on pages311,319.13. What other event is mentioned under this seal?“Andthe stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.”Verse 13.Notes.—This was fulfilled in the wonderful meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 1833. Describing the scene in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, one writer says:“No spectacle so terribly grand and sublime was ever before beheld by man as that of the firmament descending in fiery torrents over the dark and roaring cataract.”—“Our First Century,”page 330; also The American Cyclopedia, edition 1881, article“Meteor.”See readings just referred to.A contributor, writing for theJournal of Commerceof Nov. 14, 1833, in regard to the falling stars of Nov. 13, 1833, said:“Were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens as that which St. John uses in the prophecy. The falling stars did not come as if from several trees shaken, but as fromone; those which appeared in the east, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the west, fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south, fell toward the south. And they fell not as theripefruit falls,—far from it,—but they flew, they werecast, like the unripe fruit which at first refuses to leave the branch; and when, under a violent pressure, it does break its hold, it flies swiftly,straightoff, descending; and in the multitude falling, some cross the track of others, as they are thrown with more or less force; but each one falls on its own side of the tree.”See page321.14. What is the next event mentioned in the prophecy?“Andthe heaven departed as a scrollwhen it is rolled together;[pg 288]and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”Verse 14.Note.—This event is still future, and will take place in connection with Christ's second coming. We are now standing between the two events,—the last of the signs in the heavens, and the parting of the heavens and removal of earthly things out of their places. The great signs here mentioned which mark the approach of Christ's second coming and the dissolution of all earthly things, are all in the past, and the world awaits the sound of the last trump as the closing scene in earth's drama.15. How will this great event affect the world?“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”Verses 15-17.16. After the sealing work brought to view in Revelation 7, which takes place under the sixth seal, how is the seventh seal introduced?“And when He had opened the seventh seal,there was silence in heavenabout the space of half an hour.”Rev. 8:1.Note.—The sixth seal introduced the events connected with the second coming of Christ. The seventh seal most naturally, therefore, would refer to that event, or to some accompanying result of it. When Christ comes, all the holy angels will accompany Him (Matt. 25:31); and it follows that silence will necessarily, therefore, reign in heaven during their absence. A half-hour of prophetic time would be about seven days. The seven seals, therefore, bring us down to the second coming of Christ.It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,That Jesus will come in the fulness of gloryTo receive from the world His own.It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnightWill burst into light in the blaze of His glory,When Jesus receives His own.O joy! O delight! should we go without dying,No sickness, no sadness, no dread, and no crying,Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,When Jesus receives His own.H. L. Turner.[pg 289]

The Seven ChurchesIllustration.John On Patmos. "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches." Rev. 1:11.1. What title is given the last book of the Bible?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”Rev. 1:1.2. To whom do those things which are revealed belong?“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: butthose things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.”Deut. 29:29.3. For what purpose was the Revelation given?“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Himto show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.”Rev. 1:1.4. What great event, according to this book, is imminent?“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.”Verse 7.Note.—This book not only opens and closes with the subject of Christ's second coming, but its eight lines of prophecy all reach down to this as the great culminating event to the church and the world.5. What encouragement is given to study this book?“Blessed is he that readeth, and they thathearthe words of[pg 281]this prophecy, andkeepthose things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”Verse 3.6. To whom was the book dedicated?“Johnto the seven churches which are in Asia.”Verse 4.7. What were the names of these seven churches?“What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; untoEphesus, and untoSmyrna, and untoPergamos, and untoThyatira, and untoSardis, and untoPhiladelphia, and untoLaodicea.”Verse 11.Note.—These seven churches, and the messages addressed to them, apply to seven periods or states of the church reaching from the first to the second advent of Christ.“Under this emblematical representation of the seven churches of Asia,”says Vitringa, in the“Comprehensive Commentary,”“the Holy Spirit has delineated seven different states of the Christian church, which would appear in succession, extending to the coming of our Lord and the consummation of all things.”Their good qualities and their defects are pointed out, with admonitions, exhortations, and warnings suitable for each, all of which are also applicable to individual Christian experience.8. By what title is the first state of the church distinguished?“Unto the angel of the church ofEphesuswrite.”Rev. 2:1.Note.—The meaning of Ephesus isdesirable, and fitly describes the character and condition of the church in its first state, when its members received the doctrine of Christ in its purity, and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the first century, or during the lifetime of the apostles. See dates in the accompanying diagram, showing the beginning and close of the seven periods.Illustration.The Seven Churches.9. After commending this church for their good works, what charge did the Lord bring against them?“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, becausethou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, andrepent, and do the first works.”Verses 4, 5.Note.—The“first love”is the love of the truth, and the desire of making it known to others. The“first works”are the fruit of this love.10. What name is given to the second state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inSmyrnawrite.”Verse 8.Note.—The meaning of Smyrna ismyrrh, orsweet-smelling savor, and applies to the period of time when many of the saints of God suffered martyrdom under pagan Rome.[pg 282]11. How is the closing period of tribulation of the church during this time referred to?“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold,the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; andye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Verse 10.Note.—The most severe of what is commonly known as“the ten persecutions”under pagan Rome, began under the emperor Diocletian, and continued from 303a.d.to313 a.d., a period of ten prophetic days.12. What name is given to the third state of the church?“To the angel of the church inPergamoswrite.”Verse 12.Note.—The meaning of Pergamos isheight, orelevation, and fitly represents that period of the Christian church, beginning with the reign of the emperor Constantine in 313a.d., when the power which had put the Christians to death espoused the cause of the church, and by rewards, edicts, and promised promotions to office in the government, sought to induce the people to become Christians, thus bringing a flood of worldliness and corruption into the church. Many of the heathen rites and ceremonies previously introduced into the Christian religion, including the heathen festival,Sunday(sun's day), were then established by law, resulting in the first day of the week taking the place of the Sabbath of the Bible.13. How was the faithfulness of this church commended?“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: andthou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”Verse 13.Note.—Antipascomes from two Latin words,anti, opposed to, andpapas, father, or pope, and denotes a class of people who were opposed to papal rule. RegardingPergamos, see note on page256.14. What title was given to the fourth state of the church?“Unto the angel of the church inThyatirawrite.”Verse 18.Note.—Thyatira meanssong of labor, orsacrifice of contrition, and points out the condition of God's people during the long, dark period of 1260 years, beginning with the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d., and closing with the downfall of that power in 1798. See notes on page223. During that time, millions of the saints of God were put to death in the most cruel manner that wicked men and demons could invent. Christ referred to this time in His wonderful prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, in these words:“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”The tribulation of the 1260 years was cut short through the influence of the Reformation.15. What promise did God leave for these persecuted ones?“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And[pg 283]he that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end,to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father.”Verses 25-27.16. By what name is the fifth state of the church addressed?“Unto the angel of the church inSardiswrite.”Rev. 3:1.Note.—Sardis meanssong of joy, orthat which remains. A cause forjoyat that time was the fact that the great tribulation of the people of God was at an end. It was only as a result of the Reformation that any of God's people were leftremaining. See Matt. 24:21, 22, and note under question 14. The Sardis church continued from the close of the papal power, 1798a.d., until the beginning of the great advent movement in 1833, which was marked by the falling of the stars on November 13 of that year, as foretold by Christ in Matt. 24:29.17. What endearing title is given the sixth church?“To the angel of the church inPhiladelphiawrite.”Rev. 3:7.Note.—Philadelphia meansbrotherly love, and applies to the church under the judgment-hour message. See page251.18. What words to this church show the second advent near?“Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”Verse 11.19. What is Christ's message to the last church?“Unto the angel of the church of theLaodiceanswrite; ... I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.... Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; ... I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”Verses 14-19.Note.—Laodicea signifiesthe judging of the people, or, according to Cruden, ajust people. This church exists in the time of the judgment and the proclamation of the final warning messages preceding Christ's second coming. See Rev. 14:6-16, and readings on cages 251-263. This is a time of great profession, with but little vital godliness and true piety.20. What encouragement is given to heed this message?“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”Verse 20.Note.—The pointed, searching messages to the seven churches contain most important lessons of admonition, encouragement, and warning for all Christians in all ages. The seven promises to the overcomer found in this line of prophecy (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21), with the eighth or universal promise recorded in Rev. 21:7, form a galaxy of promises as precious, as comforting, and as inspiring as any recorded in the Scriptures. See pages558,762.

Illustration.John On Patmos. "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches." Rev. 1:11.

John On Patmos. "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches." Rev. 1:11.

1. What title is given the last book of the Bible?

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”Rev. 1:1.

2. To whom do those things which are revealed belong?

“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: butthose things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.”Deut. 29:29.

3. For what purpose was the Revelation given?

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Himto show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.”Rev. 1:1.

4. What great event, according to this book, is imminent?

“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.”Verse 7.

Note.—This book not only opens and closes with the subject of Christ's second coming, but its eight lines of prophecy all reach down to this as the great culminating event to the church and the world.

5. What encouragement is given to study this book?

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they thathearthe words of[pg 281]this prophecy, andkeepthose things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”Verse 3.

6. To whom was the book dedicated?

“Johnto the seven churches which are in Asia.”Verse 4.

7. What were the names of these seven churches?

“What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; untoEphesus, and untoSmyrna, and untoPergamos, and untoThyatira, and untoSardis, and untoPhiladelphia, and untoLaodicea.”Verse 11.

Note.—These seven churches, and the messages addressed to them, apply to seven periods or states of the church reaching from the first to the second advent of Christ.“Under this emblematical representation of the seven churches of Asia,”says Vitringa, in the“Comprehensive Commentary,”“the Holy Spirit has delineated seven different states of the Christian church, which would appear in succession, extending to the coming of our Lord and the consummation of all things.”Their good qualities and their defects are pointed out, with admonitions, exhortations, and warnings suitable for each, all of which are also applicable to individual Christian experience.

8. By what title is the first state of the church distinguished?

“Unto the angel of the church ofEphesuswrite.”Rev. 2:1.

Note.—The meaning of Ephesus isdesirable, and fitly describes the character and condition of the church in its first state, when its members received the doctrine of Christ in its purity, and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the first century, or during the lifetime of the apostles. See dates in the accompanying diagram, showing the beginning and close of the seven periods.

Illustration.The Seven Churches.

The Seven Churches.

9. After commending this church for their good works, what charge did the Lord bring against them?

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, becausethou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, andrepent, and do the first works.”Verses 4, 5.

Note.—The“first love”is the love of the truth, and the desire of making it known to others. The“first works”are the fruit of this love.

10. What name is given to the second state of the church?

“Unto the angel of the church inSmyrnawrite.”Verse 8.

Note.—The meaning of Smyrna ismyrrh, orsweet-smelling savor, and applies to the period of time when many of the saints of God suffered martyrdom under pagan Rome.

11. How is the closing period of tribulation of the church during this time referred to?

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold,the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; andye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Verse 10.

Note.—The most severe of what is commonly known as“the ten persecutions”under pagan Rome, began under the emperor Diocletian, and continued from 303a.d.to313 a.d., a period of ten prophetic days.

12. What name is given to the third state of the church?

“To the angel of the church inPergamoswrite.”Verse 12.

Note.—The meaning of Pergamos isheight, orelevation, and fitly represents that period of the Christian church, beginning with the reign of the emperor Constantine in 313a.d., when the power which had put the Christians to death espoused the cause of the church, and by rewards, edicts, and promised promotions to office in the government, sought to induce the people to become Christians, thus bringing a flood of worldliness and corruption into the church. Many of the heathen rites and ceremonies previously introduced into the Christian religion, including the heathen festival,Sunday(sun's day), were then established by law, resulting in the first day of the week taking the place of the Sabbath of the Bible.

13. How was the faithfulness of this church commended?

“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: andthou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”Verse 13.

Note.—Antipascomes from two Latin words,anti, opposed to, andpapas, father, or pope, and denotes a class of people who were opposed to papal rule. RegardingPergamos, see note on page256.

14. What title was given to the fourth state of the church?

“Unto the angel of the church inThyatirawrite.”Verse 18.

Note.—Thyatira meanssong of labor, orsacrifice of contrition, and points out the condition of God's people during the long, dark period of 1260 years, beginning with the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d., and closing with the downfall of that power in 1798. See notes on page223. During that time, millions of the saints of God were put to death in the most cruel manner that wicked men and demons could invent. Christ referred to this time in His wonderful prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, in these words:“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”The tribulation of the 1260 years was cut short through the influence of the Reformation.

15. What promise did God leave for these persecuted ones?

“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And[pg 283]he that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end,to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father.”Verses 25-27.

16. By what name is the fifth state of the church addressed?

“Unto the angel of the church inSardiswrite.”Rev. 3:1.

Note.—Sardis meanssong of joy, orthat which remains. A cause forjoyat that time was the fact that the great tribulation of the people of God was at an end. It was only as a result of the Reformation that any of God's people were leftremaining. See Matt. 24:21, 22, and note under question 14. The Sardis church continued from the close of the papal power, 1798a.d., until the beginning of the great advent movement in 1833, which was marked by the falling of the stars on November 13 of that year, as foretold by Christ in Matt. 24:29.

17. What endearing title is given the sixth church?

“To the angel of the church inPhiladelphiawrite.”Rev. 3:7.

Note.—Philadelphia meansbrotherly love, and applies to the church under the judgment-hour message. See page251.

18. What words to this church show the second advent near?

“Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”Verse 11.

19. What is Christ's message to the last church?

“Unto the angel of the church of theLaodiceanswrite; ... I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.... Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; ... I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”Verses 14-19.

Note.—Laodicea signifiesthe judging of the people, or, according to Cruden, ajust people. This church exists in the time of the judgment and the proclamation of the final warning messages preceding Christ's second coming. See Rev. 14:6-16, and readings on cages 251-263. This is a time of great profession, with but little vital godliness and true piety.

20. What encouragement is given to heed this message?

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”Verse 20.

Note.—The pointed, searching messages to the seven churches contain most important lessons of admonition, encouragement, and warning for all Christians in all ages. The seven promises to the overcomer found in this line of prophecy (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21), with the eighth or universal promise recorded in Rev. 21:7, form a galaxy of promises as precious, as comforting, and as inspiring as any recorded in the Scriptures. See pages558,762.

The Seven SealsIllustration.The Lisbon Earthquake. "When He had opened the sixth seal, ... there was a great earthquake." Rev. 6:12.1. What did John the revelator see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne?“And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the thronea bookwritten within, and on the back sidesealed with seven seals.”Rev. 5:1.2. What did the Lamb do with this book?“And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne.”Verse 7.3. Why was Christ declared worthy to open these seals?“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy bloodout of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”Verse 9.4. What was shown upon the opening of the first seal?“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, ...a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”Rev. 6:1, 2.Note.—The numbersevenin the Scriptures denotes completion or perfection. The seven seals embrace the whole of a class of events in which is narrated the history of the church from the beginning of the Christian era to the second coming of Christ. The white horse, with his rider going forth to conquer, fitly represents the early Christian church in its purity, going into all the world with the gospel message of salvation.[pg 285]5. What appeared upon the opening of the second seal?“And when He had opened the second seal, ... there went outanother horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”Verses 3, 4.Note.—As whiteness in the first horse denoted the purity of the gospel which its rider propagated, so the color of the second horse would show that corruption had begun to creep in when this symbol applies. It is true that such a state of things did succeed the apostolic church. Speaking of the second century, Wharey, in his“Church History,”page 39, says:“Christianity began already to wear the garb of heathenism. The seeds of most of those errors that afterwards so entirely overran the church, marred its beauty, and tarnished its glory, were already beginning to take root.”Worldliness came in. The church sought alliance with the secular power, and trouble and commotion were the result. This symbol extends from the close of the first century to the time of Constantine, when a complete union of church and state was effected.6. What was the color of the symbol under the third seal?“When He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and loa black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”Verse 5.Note.—The“black”horse fitly represents the spiritual darkness that characterized the church from the time of Constantine till the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d.Of the condition of things in the fourth century, Wharey (page 54) says:“Christianity had now become popular, and a large proportion, perhaps a large majority, of those who embraced it, only assumed the name, received the rite of baptism, and conformed to some of the external ceremonies of the church, while at heart and in moral character they were as much heathen as they were before. Error and corruption now came in upon the church like a flood.”7. What were the color and character of the fourth symbol?“And when He had opened the fourth seal, ... beholda pale horse: and his name that sat on him wasDeath, andHell[Greek,Hades, thegrave]followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,to kill with sword, and withhunger, and withdeath, and with thebeasts of the earth.”Verses 7, 8.Note.—This is an unnatural color for a horse. The original denotes thepaleoryellowishcolor seen in blighted plants. The symbol evidently refers to the work of persecution and death carried on by the Roman Church against the people of God from the time of the beginning of papal supremacy in 538a.d.to the time when the Reformers commenced their work of exposing the true character of the Papacy, and a check was placed upon this work of death.8. On opening the fifth seal, what was seen under the altar?[pg 286]“And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altarthe souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.”Verse 9.Note.—When the Reformers exposed the work of the Papacy, it was then called to mind how many martyrs had been slain for their faith.9. What were these martyrs represented as doing?“Andthey cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”Verse 10.Note.—The cruel treatment which they had received cried for vengeance, just as Abel's blood cried to God from the ground. Gen. 4:10. They were not in heaven, but under the altar on which they had been slain. On this point Dr. Adam Clarke says:“The altar is upon earth, not in heaven.”See note under next question.10. What was given these martyrs?“Andwhite robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled [have fulfilled their course, R. V.].”Verse 11.Note.—These had been slain during the hundreds of years covered by the preceding seal. Their persecutors, most of them, at least, had died. And if they had at death passed to their punishment, as is by some supposed, why should the martyred ones still importune for their punishment? In this, as in other parts of the Bible, the figure of personification is used, in which inanimate objects are represented as alive and speaking, and things that are not as though they were. See Judges 9:8-15; Heb. 2:11; Rom. 4:17. These martyrs had gone down as heretics under the darkness and superstition of the preceding seal, covered with ignominy and shame. Now, in the light of the Reformation, their true character appears, and they are seen to have been righteous, and hence are given“white robes.”“The fine linen [white robes] is the righteousness of saints.”Rev. 19:8. Righteousness is ascribed to them; and when they have rested a little longer where they are,—under the altar,—till all others who are to fall for their faith have followed them, then together they will be raised to life and immortality.11. What was first seen on the opening of the sixth seal?“And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there wasa great earthquake.”Verse 12, first part.Note.—This doubtless refers to the great earthquake of Nov. 1, 1755, commonly known as the Lisbon earthquake, the effects of which were felt over an area of 4,000,000 square miles. Lisbon, Portugal, a city containing 150,000 inhabitants, was almost entirely destroyed. The shock of the earthquake, says Mr. Sears, in his“Wonders of the World,”page 200,“was instantly followed by the fall of every church and convent, almost all the large public buildings, and one fourth of the houses. In about two hours afterward, fires broke out in different quarters, and raged with such[pg 287]violence for the space of nearly three days that the city was completely desolated. The earthquake happened on a holy day, when the churches and convents were full of people, very few of whom escaped.... The terror of the people was beyond description. Nobody wept: it was beyond tears. They ran hither and thither, delirious with horror and astonishment, beating their faces and breasts, crying,‘Misericordia! the world's at an end!’Mothers forgot their children, and ran about loaded with crucifixed images. Unfortunately, many ran to the churches for protection; but in vain was the sacrament exposed; in vain did the poor creatures embrace the altars; images, priests, and people were buried in one common ruin.... Ninety thousand persons are supposed to have been lost on that fatal day.”12. What was to follow the great earthquake?“Andthe sun became blackas sackcloth of hair, andthe moon became as blood.”Same verse, latter part.Note.—This refers to the dark day and night of May 19, 1780, when the darkness and gloom were such as to give the general impression that the day of judgment was at hand. See readings on pages311,319.13. What other event is mentioned under this seal?“Andthe stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.”Verse 13.Notes.—This was fulfilled in the wonderful meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 1833. Describing the scene in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, one writer says:“No spectacle so terribly grand and sublime was ever before beheld by man as that of the firmament descending in fiery torrents over the dark and roaring cataract.”—“Our First Century,”page 330; also The American Cyclopedia, edition 1881, article“Meteor.”See readings just referred to.A contributor, writing for theJournal of Commerceof Nov. 14, 1833, in regard to the falling stars of Nov. 13, 1833, said:“Were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens as that which St. John uses in the prophecy. The falling stars did not come as if from several trees shaken, but as fromone; those which appeared in the east, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the west, fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south, fell toward the south. And they fell not as theripefruit falls,—far from it,—but they flew, they werecast, like the unripe fruit which at first refuses to leave the branch; and when, under a violent pressure, it does break its hold, it flies swiftly,straightoff, descending; and in the multitude falling, some cross the track of others, as they are thrown with more or less force; but each one falls on its own side of the tree.”See page321.14. What is the next event mentioned in the prophecy?“Andthe heaven departed as a scrollwhen it is rolled together;[pg 288]and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”Verse 14.Note.—This event is still future, and will take place in connection with Christ's second coming. We are now standing between the two events,—the last of the signs in the heavens, and the parting of the heavens and removal of earthly things out of their places. The great signs here mentioned which mark the approach of Christ's second coming and the dissolution of all earthly things, are all in the past, and the world awaits the sound of the last trump as the closing scene in earth's drama.15. How will this great event affect the world?“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”Verses 15-17.16. After the sealing work brought to view in Revelation 7, which takes place under the sixth seal, how is the seventh seal introduced?“And when He had opened the seventh seal,there was silence in heavenabout the space of half an hour.”Rev. 8:1.Note.—The sixth seal introduced the events connected with the second coming of Christ. The seventh seal most naturally, therefore, would refer to that event, or to some accompanying result of it. When Christ comes, all the holy angels will accompany Him (Matt. 25:31); and it follows that silence will necessarily, therefore, reign in heaven during their absence. A half-hour of prophetic time would be about seven days. The seven seals, therefore, bring us down to the second coming of Christ.It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,That Jesus will come in the fulness of gloryTo receive from the world His own.It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnightWill burst into light in the blaze of His glory,When Jesus receives His own.O joy! O delight! should we go without dying,No sickness, no sadness, no dread, and no crying,Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,When Jesus receives His own.H. L. Turner.

Illustration.The Lisbon Earthquake. "When He had opened the sixth seal, ... there was a great earthquake." Rev. 6:12.

The Lisbon Earthquake. "When He had opened the sixth seal, ... there was a great earthquake." Rev. 6:12.

1. What did John the revelator see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne?

“And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the thronea bookwritten within, and on the back sidesealed with seven seals.”Rev. 5:1.

2. What did the Lamb do with this book?

“And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne.”Verse 7.

3. Why was Christ declared worthy to open these seals?

“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy bloodout of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”Verse 9.

4. What was shown upon the opening of the first seal?

“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, ...a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”Rev. 6:1, 2.

Note.—The numbersevenin the Scriptures denotes completion or perfection. The seven seals embrace the whole of a class of events in which is narrated the history of the church from the beginning of the Christian era to the second coming of Christ. The white horse, with his rider going forth to conquer, fitly represents the early Christian church in its purity, going into all the world with the gospel message of salvation.

5. What appeared upon the opening of the second seal?

“And when He had opened the second seal, ... there went outanother horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”Verses 3, 4.

Note.—As whiteness in the first horse denoted the purity of the gospel which its rider propagated, so the color of the second horse would show that corruption had begun to creep in when this symbol applies. It is true that such a state of things did succeed the apostolic church. Speaking of the second century, Wharey, in his“Church History,”page 39, says:“Christianity began already to wear the garb of heathenism. The seeds of most of those errors that afterwards so entirely overran the church, marred its beauty, and tarnished its glory, were already beginning to take root.”Worldliness came in. The church sought alliance with the secular power, and trouble and commotion were the result. This symbol extends from the close of the first century to the time of Constantine, when a complete union of church and state was effected.

6. What was the color of the symbol under the third seal?

“When He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and loa black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”Verse 5.

Note.—The“black”horse fitly represents the spiritual darkness that characterized the church from the time of Constantine till the establishment of papal supremacy in 538a.d.Of the condition of things in the fourth century, Wharey (page 54) says:“Christianity had now become popular, and a large proportion, perhaps a large majority, of those who embraced it, only assumed the name, received the rite of baptism, and conformed to some of the external ceremonies of the church, while at heart and in moral character they were as much heathen as they were before. Error and corruption now came in upon the church like a flood.”

7. What were the color and character of the fourth symbol?

“And when He had opened the fourth seal, ... beholda pale horse: and his name that sat on him wasDeath, andHell[Greek,Hades, thegrave]followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,to kill with sword, and withhunger, and withdeath, and with thebeasts of the earth.”Verses 7, 8.

Note.—This is an unnatural color for a horse. The original denotes thepaleoryellowishcolor seen in blighted plants. The symbol evidently refers to the work of persecution and death carried on by the Roman Church against the people of God from the time of the beginning of papal supremacy in 538a.d.to the time when the Reformers commenced their work of exposing the true character of the Papacy, and a check was placed upon this work of death.

8. On opening the fifth seal, what was seen under the altar?

“And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altarthe souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.”Verse 9.

Note.—When the Reformers exposed the work of the Papacy, it was then called to mind how many martyrs had been slain for their faith.

9. What were these martyrs represented as doing?

“Andthey cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”Verse 10.

Note.—The cruel treatment which they had received cried for vengeance, just as Abel's blood cried to God from the ground. Gen. 4:10. They were not in heaven, but under the altar on which they had been slain. On this point Dr. Adam Clarke says:“The altar is upon earth, not in heaven.”See note under next question.

10. What was given these martyrs?

“Andwhite robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled [have fulfilled their course, R. V.].”Verse 11.

Note.—These had been slain during the hundreds of years covered by the preceding seal. Their persecutors, most of them, at least, had died. And if they had at death passed to their punishment, as is by some supposed, why should the martyred ones still importune for their punishment? In this, as in other parts of the Bible, the figure of personification is used, in which inanimate objects are represented as alive and speaking, and things that are not as though they were. See Judges 9:8-15; Heb. 2:11; Rom. 4:17. These martyrs had gone down as heretics under the darkness and superstition of the preceding seal, covered with ignominy and shame. Now, in the light of the Reformation, their true character appears, and they are seen to have been righteous, and hence are given“white robes.”“The fine linen [white robes] is the righteousness of saints.”Rev. 19:8. Righteousness is ascribed to them; and when they have rested a little longer where they are,—under the altar,—till all others who are to fall for their faith have followed them, then together they will be raised to life and immortality.

11. What was first seen on the opening of the sixth seal?

“And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there wasa great earthquake.”Verse 12, first part.

Note.—This doubtless refers to the great earthquake of Nov. 1, 1755, commonly known as the Lisbon earthquake, the effects of which were felt over an area of 4,000,000 square miles. Lisbon, Portugal, a city containing 150,000 inhabitants, was almost entirely destroyed. The shock of the earthquake, says Mr. Sears, in his“Wonders of the World,”page 200,“was instantly followed by the fall of every church and convent, almost all the large public buildings, and one fourth of the houses. In about two hours afterward, fires broke out in different quarters, and raged with such[pg 287]violence for the space of nearly three days that the city was completely desolated. The earthquake happened on a holy day, when the churches and convents were full of people, very few of whom escaped.... The terror of the people was beyond description. Nobody wept: it was beyond tears. They ran hither and thither, delirious with horror and astonishment, beating their faces and breasts, crying,‘Misericordia! the world's at an end!’Mothers forgot their children, and ran about loaded with crucifixed images. Unfortunately, many ran to the churches for protection; but in vain was the sacrament exposed; in vain did the poor creatures embrace the altars; images, priests, and people were buried in one common ruin.... Ninety thousand persons are supposed to have been lost on that fatal day.”

12. What was to follow the great earthquake?

“Andthe sun became blackas sackcloth of hair, andthe moon became as blood.”Same verse, latter part.

Note.—This refers to the dark day and night of May 19, 1780, when the darkness and gloom were such as to give the general impression that the day of judgment was at hand. See readings on pages311,319.

13. What other event is mentioned under this seal?

“Andthe stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.”Verse 13.

Notes.—This was fulfilled in the wonderful meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 1833. Describing the scene in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, one writer says:“No spectacle so terribly grand and sublime was ever before beheld by man as that of the firmament descending in fiery torrents over the dark and roaring cataract.”—“Our First Century,”page 330; also The American Cyclopedia, edition 1881, article“Meteor.”See readings just referred to.A contributor, writing for theJournal of Commerceof Nov. 14, 1833, in regard to the falling stars of Nov. 13, 1833, said:“Were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens as that which St. John uses in the prophecy. The falling stars did not come as if from several trees shaken, but as fromone; those which appeared in the east, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the west, fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south, fell toward the south. And they fell not as theripefruit falls,—far from it,—but they flew, they werecast, like the unripe fruit which at first refuses to leave the branch; and when, under a violent pressure, it does break its hold, it flies swiftly,straightoff, descending; and in the multitude falling, some cross the track of others, as they are thrown with more or less force; but each one falls on its own side of the tree.”See page321.

Notes.—This was fulfilled in the wonderful meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 1833. Describing the scene in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, one writer says:“No spectacle so terribly grand and sublime was ever before beheld by man as that of the firmament descending in fiery torrents over the dark and roaring cataract.”—“Our First Century,”page 330; also The American Cyclopedia, edition 1881, article“Meteor.”See readings just referred to.

A contributor, writing for theJournal of Commerceof Nov. 14, 1833, in regard to the falling stars of Nov. 13, 1833, said:“Were I to hunt through nature for a simile, I could not find one so apt to illustrate the appearance of the heavens as that which St. John uses in the prophecy. The falling stars did not come as if from several trees shaken, but as fromone; those which appeared in the east, fell toward the east; those which appeared in the west, fell toward the west; and those which appeared in the south, fell toward the south. And they fell not as theripefruit falls,—far from it,—but they flew, they werecast, like the unripe fruit which at first refuses to leave the branch; and when, under a violent pressure, it does break its hold, it flies swiftly,straightoff, descending; and in the multitude falling, some cross the track of others, as they are thrown with more or less force; but each one falls on its own side of the tree.”See page321.

14. What is the next event mentioned in the prophecy?

“Andthe heaven departed as a scrollwhen it is rolled together;[pg 288]and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”Verse 14.

Note.—This event is still future, and will take place in connection with Christ's second coming. We are now standing between the two events,—the last of the signs in the heavens, and the parting of the heavens and removal of earthly things out of their places. The great signs here mentioned which mark the approach of Christ's second coming and the dissolution of all earthly things, are all in the past, and the world awaits the sound of the last trump as the closing scene in earth's drama.

15. How will this great event affect the world?

“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”Verses 15-17.

16. After the sealing work brought to view in Revelation 7, which takes place under the sixth seal, how is the seventh seal introduced?

“And when He had opened the seventh seal,there was silence in heavenabout the space of half an hour.”Rev. 8:1.

Note.—The sixth seal introduced the events connected with the second coming of Christ. The seventh seal most naturally, therefore, would refer to that event, or to some accompanying result of it. When Christ comes, all the holy angels will accompany Him (Matt. 25:31); and it follows that silence will necessarily, therefore, reign in heaven during their absence. A half-hour of prophetic time would be about seven days. The seven seals, therefore, bring us down to the second coming of Christ.

It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,That Jesus will come in the fulness of gloryTo receive from the world His own.It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnightWill burst into light in the blaze of His glory,When Jesus receives His own.O joy! O delight! should we go without dying,No sickness, no sadness, no dread, and no crying,Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,When Jesus receives His own.H. L. Turner.

It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,That Jesus will come in the fulness of gloryTo receive from the world His own.

It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,

When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking,

That Jesus will come in the fulness of glory

To receive from the world His own.

It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnightWill burst into light in the blaze of His glory,When Jesus receives His own.

It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,

It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnight

Will burst into light in the blaze of His glory,

When Jesus receives His own.

O joy! O delight! should we go without dying,No sickness, no sadness, no dread, and no crying,Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,When Jesus receives His own.

O joy! O delight! should we go without dying,

No sickness, no sadness, no dread, and no crying,

Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,

When Jesus receives His own.

H. L. Turner.

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