and that too the most difficult, is to decipher the emblems, show their meaning, and their verification in the events of the past, or those which are to come in the future. A great error has been committed by understanding parts of these visions literally, and other parts figuratively in the same connection, where all is manifestly figurative. This throws confusion over the whole, and necessarily leads to an incorrect interpretation.

In numerous instances also, even professed expounders of the Apocalypse have given no explanation of the emblems, as if they deemed them unimportant, or because they knew not what interpretation to give. I regard it as a fact by no means to be overlooked, that John never introduces a figure or a symbol unmeaningly, or as mere ornamental costume. And he who would give a full and correct explanation of his language must pay particular attention to that fact. Much learning may be displayed in a philological and grammatical exegesis of this book, and very little light be imparted. The fatigued and discouraged reader may rise up just about as ignorant of the true meaning of these hierophantic visions as when he began.

The prophetic portion of this book, which it is my design to elucidate, commences with the fourth chapter. With a few general remarks on the introduction contained in the first chapter, I pass over the specific messages addressed to the seven churches which make up the two following chapters.

The source of these apocalyptic visions is declared to be God himself; and as Christ has ever been the Teacher of men, they were by him communicated to John by the instrumentality of an angel. The record of them was made in obedience to the command of Christ, and was sent to the seven churches in Asia Minor. The writer makes himself known as John the apostle and evangelist, by declaring that he was a cotemporary, and brother, and fellow-sufferer in tribulation with the members of those churches, and also by the fact that he was banished to the Isle of Patmos for his maintenance of God's truth, and his testimony concerning Christ.

It was on the Lord's day that the first of these visions was given to him, which was significant of the nature of the whole as pertaining to Christ and his church. He saw seven golden candle

sticks or lamps, which, as he was immediately informed, were emblems of the seven churches; and in the midst of them one like a son of man, not Christ himself, but an emblematic representation of him,—one having a human form. Daniel also had a visionary sight of one like a son of man, who came in the clouds of heaven, -to whom was given dominion and glory, and a kingdom, that all nations should serve him. In both cases it is Messiah who is

meant.

The ancient Hebrew prophet discoursed of the four great monarchies which were to have supremacy in the eastern portion of the world, the first of which, viz., the Chaldean, was then in the zenith of its glory. As three of those monarchies had existed their destined period, and had passed away, leaving only their broken fragments, John discourses of the fourth, which is the Roman, in which the destinies of the Christian church and kingdom of Christ were involved. And the attentive biblical reader will not fail to observe that the emblems and symbols which John employs are chiefly those which are found in the writings of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah.

This emblematic man standing among the lamps, is described as having the garb of a Jewish priest, his head surrounded with a glory, his eyes like "a consuming fire," denoting his mental penetration, and his power to destroy;-his feet like pure brass, regarded as the most durable metal, and polished to the utmost brightness, indicating, perhaps, the permanency of his government and the holiness of his ways, even in his most terrible judgments on mankind;—and his voice like the deep roar of cataracts, or that of the mighty ocean, which is heard afar off, showed that his word should be published by myriads of tongues, and command the attention and awe of mankind. The whole of this introductory vision, as it seems to me, was intended to show what Christ would be to his churches, and what he would do for them. Another symbolic representation of Christ is given in the nineteenth chapter, differing from this, but equally adapted to set forth the great things he will do for his cause in the world.

I remark also, that this book was probably written previous to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish commonwealth.

Whatever may be thought of the expressions,-Things which must shortly come to pass, and The time is at hand, the seventh verse seems to be a palpable intimation of that great catastrophe. With some variation, it is a repetition of the language which the Saviour used in his impressive description of that event as recorded in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew's gospel. An abrupt call is made for attention to something which is declared as if even then commencing. Behold He cometh with clouds, that is, with a great host,-clouds being a symbol of a multitude. He will be so manifested by remarkable events at that period, that in the figurative language of the writer, “every eye will see him,” and particularly "those who pierced him." This last phrase is an evident designation of the Jews, and an intimation that this will take place in the lifetime of the crucifiers of the Lord. The sentiment is that the divine visitations upon them will be so peculiar and distressing, that they will clearly recognize him as an almighty

avenger.

And all the tribes of the land will wail because of him. The incorrectness of our common translation has led most persons into the erroneous belief that this is the second personal coming of Christ; and so it has been quoted thousands of times. The reading which I have given makes the whole plain. The land is Palestine, and the tribes of it are the Jews, and his coming is providential or circumstantial, such as is expressed in numerous other passages of the sacred scriptures.

EXPOSITION.

CHAPTER IV.

God's Presence with His Church.

THIS and the succeeding chapter may be regarded as preparatory to the visions which follow, and was intended to show that those visions relate to the Christian church, and that they were given by Christ, who takes the book, and opens the seals. In the first place, we are taught emblematically the important and encouraging fact, that the presence of God is with his church, that he governs it by his authority, and protects it by his power; and that the church renders to him a pure and spiritual worship. This will appear as we come to speak of the throne and its glorious occupant in the midst of the adoring elders, and of those who lead their devotions.

Verse 1. After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. After the things detailed in the preceding chapters, the entranced apostle perceived a door opened in heaven. This expression is plainly symbolic, as there is no door in heaven. Something different in kind, as in all similar cases, is intended. Our first business should be to ascertain what that is. To say with Dr. Clark, that "this appears to have