Even this is not all. There is a third stage in the ascending scale, a third circle formed for the widening song:-- And everything which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things that are in them, heard I saying, Unto Him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honour, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever (v. 13). What a sublime conception have we here before us! The whole universe, from its remotest star to the things around us and beneath our feet, is one,--one in feeling, in emotion, in expression; one in heart and voice. Nothing is said of evil. Nor is it thought of. It is in the hands of God, who will work out His sovereign purposes in His own good time and way. We have only to listen to the universal harmony, and to see that it move us to corresponding praise. It did so now:-- And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the elders fell down and worshipped (v. 14). The redeemed creation is once more singled out for special mention. At chap. iv, 8, 10, they began the song; now we return to them that they may close it. All creation, man included, cries, _Amen_. The glorified Church has her heart too full to speak. She can only fall down and worship. The distinction between chap. iv. and chap. v. must now be obvious, even while it is allowed that the same general thought is at the bottom of both chapters. In the one the Church when about to enter on her struggle has the call addressed to her: "Believe in God." In the other that call is followed up by the glorified Redeemer: "Believe also in Me." Having listened to the call, there is no enemy that she need fear, and no trial from which she need shrink. She is already more than conqueror through Him that loved her. As we enter into the spirit of these chapters we cry,-- "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be moved in the heart of the seas; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge."[131] FOOTNOTES: [87] Comp. 2 Chron. xxxii. 7, 8. [88] Ps. ix. 7. [89] Chap. xxi. 11. [90] Isa. vi. 3. [91] 1 Pet. ii. 6, 8. [92] Heb. xii. 28, 29. [93] Ps. xcix. 1. [94] Exod. xxvi. 1. [95] Comp. _Bible Educator_, vol. iii., p. 290, where the writer has discussed this subject at some length.