Spirit, to enter the lists with the Dragon in a much more trying and prolonged contest.  The latter company, although preceding the other, in the order of symbolic revelation; do really in the order of time, succeed them in continuation of the struggle with the powers of darkness.  And here we make the general remark, That nearly throughout the Apocalypse the two parties whom we may call the powers of darkness and the children of light, often change their relative positions, and assume different aspects.  And in this, there is nothing new, as appears, 2 Cor. xi. 14, 15; vi. 8, 9.

CHAPTER VIII.

Hitherto our observations have been brief, because interpreters are very generally agreed in their views of the first series, the seals, in this interesting book of prophecy.  The first six seals, covering the time of heathen Rome’s opposition to Christianity, and before the Devil succeeded in enlisting the nominal church of Christ in his interest, do not therefore furnish occasion for much controversy among expositors.  Besides, the seventh seal covers much more time than all the others.  The first six refer to pagan Rome, and constitute the first period, properly styled the PERIOD OF THE SEALS.  The seventh seal, introducing the trumpets, is the second period, called the PERIOD OF THE TRUMPETS.  In attempting to unfold their mystical import, greater amplification will be indispensable.

1.  And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

V. 1.—­“Heaven” is the ordinary symbol of organized society, whether civil or ecclesiastical or both.  “Silence in heaven for half an hour,” indicates public tranquillity, together with anxious and mute expectation of coming and alarming events.  “Half an hour,” a definite for an indefinite duration, as usual, imports that the repose hitherto enjoyed, shall shortly terminate.  The respite which the saints enjoyed during the period succeeding the revolution indicated by the opening of the sixth seal, soon came to an end.

2.  And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

3.  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

4.  And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.

Vs. 2-4.—­“Seven angels” appear to John as ministers “standing before God,” ready to execute his commands.  To them were given “seven trumpets.”  Here, as all along hitherto, there is allusion to the former dispensation.  Under the Old Testament, trumpets were constructed by divine direction and to be used for diverse purposes.  Of the manifold uses of this instrument, that which