Except that the bow is wanting, nothing could have a closer resemblance; and the fact that such symbols were employed, and were well understood by the Romans, may be admitted to be a confirmation of the view above taken of the meaning of the first seal. Indeed, so many things combine to confirm this, that it seems impossible {146} to be mistaken in regard to it: for if it should be supposed that John lived _after_ this time, and that he _meant_ to furnish a striking emblem of this period of Roman history, he could not have employed a more significant and appropriate symbol than he has done. 3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 3. _And when he had opened the second seal._ So as to disclose another portion of the volume. Notes, ch. v. 1. ¶ _I heard the second beast say._ The second beast was like a calf or an ox. Notes, ch. iv. 7. It cannot be supposed that there is any special significancy in the fact that the _second_ beast addressed the seer on the opening of the _second_ seal, or that, so far as the symbol was concerned, there was any reason why this living creature should approach on the opening of this seal rather than on either of the others. All that seems to be designed is, that as the living creatures are intended to be emblems of the providential government of God, it was proper to represent that government as concerned in the opening of each of these four seals, indicating important events among the nations. ¶ _Come and see._ See Notes on ver. 1. 4 And there went out another 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.