A general idea of conflict is present in this introduction. The Churches of Asia have special temptations against which they must fight, _e.g._ coldness at Ephesus, false prophecy at Thyatira, emperor worship at Pergamum. I. Revelation of the Book of Destiny: iv.-v.--The throne of God is manifested, surrounded by the elders and by the four living creatures who represent the created universe, _chorus of creation_ (iv.). The sealed book which none can open but the Lamb, _chorus of redemption_ (v.). II. Revelation of the Seals: vi.-viii. 1.--The first four seals of the book are opened. Christ appears riding on a white horse, and is followed by four symbolic powers of evil: (a) Apollyon, who rides on a red horse; (b) the Steward, who rides on a black horse, and dispenses corn at a dear price, representing a perverted ministry of the Word, which nevertheless cannot hurt the unction given to the Christian nor the wine of Christ's Passion; (c) Death on a pale horse; and (d) his companion Hell. When the fifth scene is opened, the martyrs who are under the altar which is before the throne cry in expectancy. With the sixth seal there is a warning of prophetic horrors. The day of God's wrath all but comes. But judgment is restrained for a season (vi.). Chastisement is suspended until 144,000 of Israelites are sealed, then a multitude of all nations, _chorus of salvation_ (vii.). The seventh seal, which discloses a war against God, can now be opened; silence (viii. 1). {281} III. Revelation of the Trumpets: viii. 2-xi. 18.--Seven angels receive trumpets, incense offered. With the sounding of each of the first four trumpets a chastisement is sent from above to rouse repentance (viii.). With the fifth, chastisement ascends from the pit; with the sixth, angels and terrific horsemen come from the Euphrates; but men repent not (ix.). Before the seventh trumpet sounds, an angel tells the seer that when it has sounded the mystery of God as declared to the prophets will be finished (x.). Two prophets resembling Elijah and Moses appear as the symbols of Christian prophecy; they are slain in Jerusalem where our Lord was crucified, they ascend like Christ amid the wreck of a tenth of the city. The city confesses God. Then the seventh trumpet proclaims the subject of the next revelation: the kingdoms of the world becoming the kingdoms of Christ, _chorus of God reigning_ (xi. 1-18).