Page:Darby - Notes on the Book of Revelations, 1839.djvu/49

 nations. Here, not merely on the sea, wherefrom, consequent on it, Daniel saw the four great beasts or kingdoms emerge; but on the earth, here, because there was already a settled and ordered system which was affected by them as well as the mass of unformed nations—the sea.

This was arrested till it was shewn how effectual the word of God had been in spite of opposition.

The seals, as well as the trumpets, and, perhaps, I might add, the vials, are divided into four and three. The four beasts call to see the consequences of opening the first four seals. The three last have their own special character. The division of the trumpets is well known; the three last being woe-trumpets. The seven churches are divided into three and four, by the different position of the pro- mise and warning to all that have ears to ear. I think it will be found that no repentance is proposed to the Church after the first three.

Looked at in the light of the sustaining power and attributes of providential rule, the call of the four living creatures is very intelligible.

Taking the interpretation now, according to the protracted course of Divine Government, the first four seals would be the history of the empire. I hold a horse to be the symbol of imperial or royal