I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, &c.— The sixth seal or period produces mighty changes and revolutions, which, according to the prophetic style, are expressed by great commotions in the earth, and in the heavens. The very same images, the very same expressions are used by the other prophets concerning the mutations and alterations of religions and governments; and why may they not therefore, with equal propriety and fitness, be applied to one of the greatest and most memorable revolutions that ever was in the world,—the subversion of the Heathen religion, and establishment of the Christian, which was begun by Constantine the Great, and completed by his successors? The series of the prophesy requires this application, and all the phrases and expressions will easily admit it. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, (Revelation 6:12.) and lo, there was a great earthquake, or rather a great concussion, (σεισμος); for the word comprehends the shaking of the heavens as well as of the earth. The same phrase is used, Haggai 2:6; Haggai 2:21 concerning the first coming of Christ; and this shaking, as the apostle says, Hebrews 12:27 signifieth the removing of those things which are shaken; and so the prophet Haggai explains it. And where was ever a greater concussion, or removal, than when Christianity was advanced to the throne of Paganism, and idolatry gave placetothetruereligion? Then follow the particular effects of this general concussion, Revelation 6:12-14. Isaiah speaks much in the same manner concerning Babylon and Idumea, ch. Isaiah 13:10 and Isaiah 34:4.; and Jeremiah concerning the land of Judah, ch. Jeremiah 4:23-24; and Ezekiel concerning Egypt, ch. Ezekiel 32:17.; and Joel concerning Jerusalem, ch. Joel 2:10; Joel 2:31.; and our Saviour himself also concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, Matthew 24:29. Now, it is certain, that the fall of any of these cities or kingdoms was not of greater concern and consequence to the world, nor more deserving to be described in such sublime figures, than the fall of the Pagan Roman empire, when the great lights of the Heathen world—the sun, moon, and stars,—the powers civil and ecclesiastical, were all eclipsed and obscured; the Heathen emperors and Caesars were slain, the Heathen priests and augurs were extirpated, the Heathen officers and magistrates were removed, and their temples were demolished. It is customary with the prophets, after they have described a thingin the most symbolical and figurative diction, to represent the same again in plainer language; and the same method is observed here, Revelation 6:15-17.; and the kings of the earth, &c. that is, Maximin, Galerius, Maxentius, Licinius, &c. with all their adherents and followers, were so routed and dispersed, that they hid themselves in dens, &c. expressions used, as in other prophets, (Isaiah 19:21.Hosea 10:8. Luke 23:30.) to denote the utmost terror and consternation. This is therefore a triumph of Christ over his Heathen enemies, and a triumph after a severe persecution; so that the time and all the circumstances, as well as the series and order of the prophesy, agree perfectly with this interpretation. Galerius, Maximin, and Licinius, made even a public confession of their guilt, recalled their decrees and edicts against the Christians, and acknowledged the just judgments of God in their own destruction. The reader, desirous to enter more fully into the meaning of this wonderful chapter, will do well to consult the cotemporary historians; as it is impossible, in the compass of notes like these, to mark out all the particulars which well deserve observation. Mr. Burton observes upon this chapter, that "as commentators have been differently affected by reading the account of the apocalyptical visions, so they have struck out applications of various events to them. The very doubts of those, much better qualified to judge of these things than I dare presume to be, are sufficient to impose a silence upon me with regard to the application of particular events. Time, the grand revealer of all secrets, must unravel the deep mystery of these wonders. We have as yet but a dawn of those important truths, to lead us on from strength to strength; we must at present, like the wondering Israelites, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord: in the mean time, it becomes us to seek after him, if haply we may find him. The general plan of the Revelation is evidently marked out to us as a solid foundation; and some strong outlines already appear, though at a distance from us, to shew that a beautiful and well-proportioned superstructure is now opening to our view, whose Builder and Maker is God. As far as reason will justify our application, and we derive our knowledge from the holy scripture, that pure fountain of all human knowledge, our conduct is safe and commendable; but we no sooner lose sight of that, than we become vain in our imaginations, and our foolish heart is darkened. The seven seals, in this chapter, seem tohave the apocalyptical number seven for a ground-work, from which to calculate the rise of their several events, and of their completions. But I am inclinable to think, that both the sixth and seventh seals are yet to be opened; since, from the apocalyptical descriptions given in this chapter, they seem to be reserved for those dreadful events which are to be revealed in the very last day, and which exceed our past experiences as much as they do the strength of our imagination."—We will conclude our notes on this chapter with Mr. Lowman's remark, "that this part of historyis very proper to the general design of the whole Revelation;—to support the patience, and encourage the perseverance of the church, by such an instance of God's power and faithfulness in the protection of the Christian religion, and punishment of its enemies. We see in this period, during the persecution of Heathen Rome, the church in a state of trial and suffering, yet preserved and protected, and finally obtaining a state of peace and safety, when all the power of their persecutors was totally destroyed by God's over-ruling providence. Thus this history verifies the general truth of all the prophecies, and the particular predictions of each of them severally:—astrongencouragement to the patience and constancy of the true church!"
Inferences.—To whatever event the seals may refer, it is certain, that the representations here made are very awful, and very instructive. Let us consider ourselves as invited to come up and see, and let us observe the memorable spectacle with attention. Let the view of the white horse, and his rider, who went forth conquering and to conquer, lead us to reflect on the peaceful purposes of our blessed Saviour's appearance, and the rapidity of his conquests; and engage us frequently to pray for the further prosperity of his kingdom, that kingdom of righteousness, love, and happiness. When we think of the terrible effects of war, of famine, and of pestilence, represented by the three following hordes, and their riders here mentioned, let it excite our thankfulness, that not one of this dreadful triumvirate is comparatively sent forth against us in our land, though our national crimes have indeed deserved that they should invade us with united terrors; that peace should be entirely taken from our land, that our bread and water should be received by weight and measure, and that the dead should lie unburied in our streets, the food of the fowls of heaven, and the beasts of the earth: nor can any thing more justly excite our gratitude and thankfulness, than that the terrors and the guilt of sanguinary persecution are not to be found in the midst of us. The history of its horrors and ravages in other nations, and in other ages, may sometimes be an exercise of our faith; and we may be ready to cry out with the souls under the altar, How long, O Lord, holy and true, wilt thou not avenge the blood of thy saints upon the earth? But let us wait with patience; let us not form a hasty and inconsiderate judgment. The dead, who die in the Lord, and those who have been persecuted to death for his sake, and in his cause, are incomparably more happy than those who are the happiest among the living. The white robes, and golden crowns, with which they are adorned, are an abundant compensation, not only for every lighter suffering, but even for the slow fire, and the rack, those most dreadful instruments of torture. And though their malicious and implacable enemies may bitterly insult over them for a while, yet the triumphing of the wicked is for a short time, their guilty spirits will soon be summoned before the great Avenger of blood; and the day is coming when they shall be publicly brought forth, to suffer the utmost demands of his justice; even that day, when all the figurative descriptions here used shall be fully answered, in their literal meaning; when the sun shall indeed be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood; when the volume of heaven shall be rolled up as a scroll, and its stars shall fall from their orbs. It is no wonder, that ungodly sinners fly from this alarming and tremendous scene with wild consternation and confusion; no wonder, that they rend the very heavens with their cries, and call upon the mountains to fall upon them, and the rocks to cover them: for O! what were the sudden and irresistible crush of a rock, or a mountain, when compared with the weight of the wrath of the Lamb, and with the fire and brimstone of this second death. O! that by the expectation of this awful day, men of all ranks and conditions may be influenced to make their application to him, while he yet appears in the displays of his grace and mercy; to kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and they perish from the way, even when his wrath is only beginning to be kindled. (Psalms 2:12.)
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The six first seals contain the events relative to the church under the Heathen emperors, till, in the reign of Constantine, Paganism was utterly subverted, about the year 323.
On the Lamb's opening the first seal, one of the living creatures, with a voice loud as the thunder, summoned the apostle's attention, and bade him come and see the vision. When, lo! a white horse appeared, and one sat thereon, carrying a bow, and a crown on his head; and he went forth conquering and to conquer. This, in a spiritual sense, represents the ministration of the gospel, which brings joy, and peace, and triumph to the soul, of which the white horse may be considered as an emblem. The bow of Jesus, like that of Jonathan, returns not empty: the arrows of the gospel, through the power of the Spirit, become effectual to subdue the souls of sinners: his crown may denote his victories and dignity: he must prevail: and, in spite of all opposition, his gospel shall go on conquering and to conquer; till in the hearts of his faithful servants every corruption is subdued; till throughout the world his truth is diffused; and to the latest ages he will continue his conquests, till the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ. Hasten, O Lord, that happy day!
2nd, The second seal being opened, he has a summons repeated from the second living creature, to come and see. And behold, another horse which was red; and one armed with a sword sat thereon, to whom power was given to take peace from the earth. And this seems to prefigure the bloody wars which, during the reigns of Trajan and Adrian, consumed innumerable multitudes of Jews and Romans, the common persecutors of Christianity. Note; (1.) Persecutors of God's people shall have blood given them to drink. (2.) The Lord can set his enemies at variance among themselves, and make often one wicked nation to be the scourge of his vengeance upon another.
3rdly, The third seal opens, and another summons bids him come and see; when, lo! a black horse, the emblem of famine, appeared, and one with a pair of balances sat on him; when one of the beasts cried, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. The famine would fall chiefly on the poor, who, for the price of a whole day's labour, could but just procure bread for their subsistence. Note; When one judgment is not effectual to lead sinners to repentance, a second follows at its heels.
4thly, The fourth seal being opened, the fourth living creature bids him come and see: when, behold, a pale horse; death sat thereon, and the grave attended him to devour the corpses of the fallen; or hell, to receive their souls. By war, by famine, by pestilence, and the beasts of the earth, permission is given them to slay even the fourth part of the earth: and history informs us of the dreadful desolations which wasted the Roman empire, from the reign of Maximin to Dioclesian, in righteous vengeance for their bloody persecutions of the Christians. Note; (1.) Death marches as a conqueror through the earth; and, when attended with hell at his feet, is indeed the king of terrors. (2.) God's quiver is never exhausted; and, when he contends, he must prevail.
5thly, On opening the fifth seal a new scene is disclosed. The souls of the martyrs, who had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held, appear at the altar of incense; and they unite in their fervent supplications, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not display these perfections, and judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? In answer to their prayer, and in token of their acceptance, white robes, the emblems of righteousness and honour, were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, patiently expecting their final triumphs over all their foes, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled; and then a period should be put to the bloody persecutions of the Pagan emperors, by the accession of Constantine, about the year 323. Note; (1.) The blood of martyrs, and the sufferings of the persecuted, cry for vengeance to a holy God, and it will surely come upon the heads of their enemies. (2.) The time for the exercise of faith and patience is a little season; but the glory which shall follow, will be eternal.
6thly, On opening the sixth seal, a dreadful earthquake seemed to threaten universal destruction. The luminaries of heaven grew dark as sackcloth; the stars dropped from their spheres, as when the storm shakes down the untimely figs; the heaven itself departed as a scroll; every island and mountain fled affrighted; and universal consternation seized all ranks and degrees, from the king upon the throne to the meanest slave, who sought for shelter in dens and caves, and in their horror wished to be for ever covered under the rocks and mountains, from the face of him that sat upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for now by woeful experience they felt his terrible vengeance, which they could neither fly from nor resist.
This vision seems to represent the utter and irrecoverable overthrow of Heathenism, when that wonderful revolution was brought about in the empire, and, under Constantine, idolatry was abolished, the idols of Paganism destroyed, and all those who had before been the inveterate enemies of the Christian name, covered with confusion.
And what is here presented in vision, will be most emphatically verified in the great day of the perdition of ungodly men; when, trembling before the intolerable wrath of an offended Judge, in vain the mountains and rocks will be invoked to fall on the sinner's guilty head: naked and defenceless, he must be exposed to all the furious blasts of vengeance, and sink down into everlasting burnings, under black unfathomable despair! Lord, gather not my soul with sinners!