You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth." Sermons I. WHAT IS COMMON TO THEM ALL. They are all ascribed to the Lamb. Exclusively in the first two; united with "him that sitteth on the throne," in the third; but in all the Lamb is prominent. From this we learn: 1. We cannot render too much honour to Christ. He is seen "in the midst of the throne," and the Centre of all that heavenly circle, and the Object of their united adoration. We therefore cannot exceed in our worship of him. We scarce know how, we need not know how, to distinguish between him that sitteth on the throne and between him that is in the midst of the throne. The worship of one is the worship of the other, and of the other of the one. Christ is everything to us - "all and in all," as St. Paul affirms, and as this vision shows. The fact is, we cannot worship God without worshipping Christ. No man cometh or can come to the Father but by him. The very thoughts and ideas that we have of God we gain through him. Those varied human expressions concerning God which we find in the Old Testament are but anticipations of the confirmation they were to receive through him who, coming from the Father, should take our nature and so reveal the Father to us. 2. Nor can we think too much of the cross of Christ. It is to him as to the Lamb, the Lamb slain and who hath redeemed us by his blood, that this adoration is given. It is the cross of Christ that speaks peace to the contrite heart, that assures of perfect sympathy the sad and distressed mind, that gives new strength and resolve to the tempted soul. Well does Watts sing - "Oh, the sweet wonders of that cross II. WHAT IS PECULIAR TO EACH. 1. The first doxology. (1) Offered by: (a) The four living ones. Representative (see previous homily) of perfectly redeemed humanity - the condition in which man shall be when Christ has drawn all men unto him; when he shalt have put all enemies under his feet. They are represented as "four," to signify the worldwide scope of Christ's redemption: "They shall come from the north and from the south, from the east and from the west." (b) The twenty-four elders. These represent the Church of God. They are twenty-four because of the twenty-four courses of priests (1 Chronicles 24:3-19). They are the instruments by which mankind at large shall be won for God. The manifold wisdom of God is to be made known through, the Church. (2) By means of: (a) The outward homage of the body: "they fell down." The attitude of the body not merely symbolizes, but often assists, the worship of the mind. The posture of reverence is helpful to the feeling of reverence, and therefore is not to be regarded as unimportant. (b) Music and song. They had "harps," and they "sung a new song." Music alone of all the arts is to be perpetuated m heaven. We read not of painting or sculpture, but music and song are there. For music is the utterance of thoughts too deep for words. Much is given to us besides language, to express our thoughts - tones, looks, tears, cries, and music also. Moreover, music is symbolical of the life of heaven. As in music so there, there is no self will. Music is only possible by absolute obedience to the laws of harmony. Obedience is its life. And how glorious is that music which is consecrated to God's praise! (c) Intercessions for those on earth. This seems to me the significance of the incense-laden censers, the "vials full of odours," which are spoken of. How can the Lord of love be more truly worshipped than by sympathies, thoughts, and deeds of love? Is it to be imagined that the blessed in heaven cease to care for their poor troubled brethren on earth? - that the love they had for them is all gone, evaporated? God forbid! And here it is shown that as here on earth they loved to pray for and with them, so in heaven they do the same (cf. Revelation 6:10; cf. also Luke 1:10; Exodus 30:36-38). In such intercession Christ sees the fruit of the Spirit he has given them. (3) On the ground of: (a) The worthiness of Christ. (b) The redemption he has wrought - so real, so universal, so costly. (c) The results of it: "made us kings," etc. (ver. 10). Such is the first doxology; it is the praise of the redeemed for their redemption. We do not now seem to value it so highly; many other things seem to us more precious - wealth, friends, success, pleasure. But when we see things as they really are, then this gift of gifts, all gifts in one, our redemption, will be prized and praised as now it too seldom is. 2. The second doxology. This, though joined in - as how could it be otherwise? - by those who sang the first, is more especially that of the angels. In myriads upon myriads they gather round and cry, "Worthy is the Lamb." Unto these "principalities and powers in the heavenlies" is made known, "by means of the Church," the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10). These "things" they "desire to look into" (1 Peter 1:12). How, then, can they, who rejoice over one sinner brought to repentance (Luke 15.), fail to be filled with rapture when they behold that which the Lamb slain has done? Therefore to him to whom all this is due they render praise, affirming the certain truth that all the power, the riches of grace, the wisdom, and might, which were conspicuous in man's redemption, and the honour and glory on account thereof, are to be ascribed to the Lamb. "By grace are ye saved, not of yourselves" - such is the reminder the angels give. We are slow to recognize this, and too ready to attribute overmuch to ourselves. 3. The third doxology. (Ver. 13.) The Church, the angels, have uttered theirs; and now creation, in all her forms - man living and dead not excluded, for" those under the earth" (cf. Job 10:21, 22; Isaiah 14:9), those who have departed this life and are now in the realm of the shadow of death - are named, and they all unite in this praise (cf. Philippians 2:10). St. Paul seems to teach (Romans 8:19-23, and especially ver. 21), that there shall be a redemption for it also - a deliverance "from the bondage of corruption." When we think of the sorrows and sufferings of those creatures of God who have no sins of their own to answer for, being incapable of sin, though not of suffering, it is a blessed revelation that in some form or other unknown to us they shall share in the blessings Christ hath brought. The psalms are full of invocations to creation in its various forms - the seas, the trees, "everything that hath breath," "all creatures" - to "praise the Name of the Lord." And here in this vision we behold creation, along with angels and redeemed men, uniting in this praise. Who that has heard the marvellous echo of shout or horn amid the Alps does not remember how the sound spreads and travels on further and further, till height and crag and soaring summit seem to hear, and at once give back the sound? So with the adoration of the Lamb, the doxologies of which this chapter tells. They begin, they should, with the redeemed Church and saved man; they are caught up by the myriads of angels, they are heard and repeated by the whole creation of God. How is the reflection forced upon us of the relation in which we stand to this all-glorious redemption. In the fibre of this universal praise dare we reject or trifle with it? What madness! Shall we not embrace it with our whole heart, and seek to know the joy and every blessedness of it more and more, so that at the last, with all the saved, we may fall "down and worship him that liveth forever and ever"? And if we are trusting in Christ, let there be in our lives and on our lips more of praise. Let us not be forever wailing our litanies, but let us learn more of the language of praise. We have been too remiss in this. But whenever we have caught the blessed spirit of these doxologies, how good it has been for us! The devil is eager enough to dishonour Christ: all the more let us be eager to praise. - S.C. 1. The Divine throne. 2. The Possessor of the throne. There is no name given, but there is eternal glory in this nameless majesty. 3. The right hand of Him who sat upon the throne.(1) The right hand is the symbol of wisdom. God's hand and His council are synonymous expressions (Isaiah 14:27; Acts 4:28).(2) The right hand is the symbol of power. All that infinite wisdom hath contrived, omnipotent power will certainly perform.(3) The right hand is also the symbol of Divine operation. In all the means and instruments employed He is still supreme. 4. The wonderful book. 5. The writing of the book.(1) The writing implies the immutability of His counsels and all His precious promises.(2) The writing implies the manifestation of His counsels — the design of God, that His will should be revealed, or made known to the world.(3) The writing implies their value and importance. They are worthy to be held in everlasting remembrance as a ground of hope and consolation to the Church. 6. The form of the writing — "It was written within and on the backside." The allusion implies the number and variety of the counsels, works, and dealings of God. It also implies the fulness of the writing. 7. The sealing of the book.(1) The sealing is expressive of Divine authority. This book proceeds from the throne, from God's right hand; it comes in His name, it is clothed with His prerogative, invested with His glory, and enforced by His omnipotence.(2) The sealing of the book is expressive of darkness. While a writing is sealed, the meaning is unknown.(3) The sealing of the book implies distance — the distance of time between the giving and fulfilling of Divine prediction.(4) The sealing of the book implies Divine certainty. What is written in the king's name, and sealed with his ring, may no man reverse. 3. The number of the seals — "It was sealed with seven seals." This implies the holiness, depth, fulness, and perfection of the counsels and covenant promises contained in the book of God's right hand. II. THE HEAVENLY PROCLAMATION. 1. The agent employed. He is called "an angel." 2. His glorious power and excellence. This was "a strong angel." 3. The wonderful proclamation — "The angel proclaimed with a loud voice." 4. The great subject of the proclamation — "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" III. THE UNAVAILING APPEAL. 1. The field of inquiry is vast and boundless. 2. The universal appeal. 3. The subject of inquiry is expressed again, and more fully and gloriously declared to the world. The work to be performed is great and marvellous, and variously expressed in the Book of Revelation. The qualifications for the work are also great and marvellous. IV. THE SORROW OF THE APOSTLE — "And I wept." 1. If the book cannot be opened, how could the apostle refrain his voice from weeping and his eyes from tears? The darkness that rested on the Church's future history filled his heart with sorrow and deep foreboding fear. 2. The greatness of his sorrow — "And I wept much." There is a sacredness in sorrow, that fills the heart with awe. Yea, there is a majesty in overwhelming woe that commands the sympathy and homage of the heart. 3. The apostle repeats the reason of his sorrow; for the mind of the afflicted loves to linger on the cause of the affliction and the greatness of his grief: and he wonders that any one should feel such indifference to his melancholy tale, and take so little interest in what is so sadly interesting to him. (James Young.) Homilist. I. IT IS CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO A VAST PRECONCERTED PLAN. The Almighty never acts from impulse or caprice, but ever from plan or law; and this plan is truly vast. "It is written within and on the backside." All that shall happen through the vast futurities of individuals, families, nations, worlds, is mapped out on the pages of this wonderful book. Predestination is no special doctrine of the Bible; it is written on every part of nature; it includes as truly the motions of an atom as the revolutions of a world — the growth of a plant as the conversion of a soul. True philosophy, as well as Christianity, resolves everything but sin into the predestination of Infinite Love.II. THIS VAST PRECONCERTED PLAN IS SEALED IN MYSTERY. 1. It transcends all finite intelligence. 2. It is frequently the source of great mental distress. 3. It is an inestimable means of spiritual discipline: it sobers, humbles, stimulates. III. THAT THE MYSTERY OF THIS PLAN IS TO BE EXPOUNDED BY CHRIST. He discloses the eternal purposes in various ways.(1) In His creative acts. Stars, suns, and systems are but the palpable forms or diagrams of Infinite ideas.(2) In His redemptive operations.(3) In His judicial conduct. "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." In the last day what new disclosures will be made! (Homilist.) I. THE APOSTOLIC VISION.II. THE APOSTOLIC PROCLAMATION. III. THE WEEPING APOSTLE. This gives humanness and pathos to the scene. We too, like John, have shed tears as we wrestled to solve some dark, difficult problem in the government of our righteous but most merciful God. IV. THE CONSOLING ELDER. V. THE VICTORIOUS LION. (James Nelson.) I. HOW BENEFICENT IS THE FACT OF OUR GENERAL IGNORANCE OF THE FUTURE! It is this ignorance of the future which alone makes it possible for life to be a school of goodness, a training-ground for faith, hope, and a host of other qualities which are among the noblest that adorn the human soul. Could we see in the aggregate the sorrows which await us, the mere sight would crush us. Did we foresee the happiness which the "Hand that was pierced" is keeping for us, the present, with its limitations, and pains, and duties, would become intolerable to us. If we could foresee the certain victory or certain defeat of each battle we fight for justice, truth, and right, where would be our courage, our faith, our patience? But God has purposely hidden in His own wise and loving counsel such things as whether our lives are to be long or short; whom we shall marry, or whether we shall be married at all; whether we shall succeed or fail in examinations, or in business; whether we shall have health or sickness. And He has hidden these things in order that we may feel our dependence upon Him, and confide ourselves to His keeping; that we may give ourselves to the doing of His will, and leave to Him to choose the inheritance of friends and circumstances which the future may have in store for us.II. WHILE IGNORANCE OF THE FUTURE IS GENERALLY BENEFICENT, OCCASIONS MAY ARISE WHEN A KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE BEYOND WHAT CAN BE GAINED BY EXPERIENCE AND FORESIGHT IS OF THE HIGHEST ADVANTAGE. This supposition is bound up in our belief in a supernatural revelation, such as the Bible professes to give, Such a revelation must deal, among other things, with the facts of the unseen world of which experience can give us no authentic information, and also with events of the future of this world's history beyond the power of the wisest merely human foresight to predict. A revelation of this kind would plainly not be given unless it were needed, but serious doubt as to the need seems hardly possible. While ignorance of the future on our part is needful, it is no less needful to our welfare that Some One should know our future; and, also, not less needful to our comfort that we should be assured of this knowledge on His part. The growing child is still dependent on the knowledge of its future needs which leads parents to train and educate it with a view to its well-being and happiness. But the best knowledge and truest foresight of parents will not enable them to predict with certainty the future events of the child's life. This third and highest kind of evidence brings into full view the question that is of infinite and eternal importance for every individual: How do I stand related at this moment to this living and reigning Saviour? Only one relationship can be right and safe, that of humble submission, of trustful loyalty, of reverent affection. III. WHAT EFFECT OUGHT OUR KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST'S COMPLETE MASTERY OVER THE FUTURE TO HAVE UPON OUR FEELING AND ACTION? Should not this glorious truth infuse into our feeling a deep peace? Should it not inspire us with quiet confidence and a lion-like courage — a mighty hope and an invincible patience? (Arthur James, B. A.) I. "A BOOK, WRITTEN WITHIN AND ON THE BACK WITH SEVEN SEALS."1. It is the book of redemption. Its central thought is the Cross, which is the wisdom of God and the power of God. 2. This book is complete; it is "written within and on the back," both sides of the parchment covered. God's plan of redemption is round and full. Its last word is "Finis," and there is room for no other. 3. The book was "close sealed with seven seals." In the ages before Christ the great problem was how God could be just and yet the justifier of the ungodly. Three sentiments were struggling in all human breasts: the conviction of sin, the intuitive apprehension of death, and the trembling hope that God, in some wise, would deliver. The solution of the difficulty was hid within this volume of the Divine decrees — hid by the Father, to be revealed in fulness of time unto us. II. A LAMB AS IT HAD BEEN SLAIN. And this Lamb took the book out of the right hand of God and opened it. The opening of this book of the Divine decrees concerning the redemption of man is like daybreak after an Egyptian night. As to this Lamb observe — 1. He bore in His person the tokens of death. Our Lord Jesus wears in glory the honourable scars of His service on earth. Why did the Lord Jesus die? That so, in our behalf, He might triumph over death: That so He might prevail to open the book of life end immortality. 2. The place where the Lamb stood is significant: it was "in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders." Where else should He stand who ever liveth to make intercession for us, the Mediator of the new covenant, the only One between God and men. John Bunyan was at one time sorely troubled to know how the Lord Jesus could be both man and God. "At last that in Revelation 5:6 came into my mind: 'And, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the elders stood a Lamb.' — 'In the midst of the throne,' thought I — there is the Godhead; 'in the midst of the elders' — there is the manhood; but, oh, methought this did glister! It was a goodly touch, and gave me sweet satisfaction." 3. He had seven horns. The horn is the emblem of power. The name of Jesus is The Mighty to Save. 4. He had seven eyes, which are the fulness of the Divine Spirit sent forth into all the earth. We are now living under the dispensation of this Spirit, who goeth to and fro everywhere like multitudinous eyes to see into all hearts and perceive all secret imaginations, ever watchful for truth and righteousness, to the end that all souls and all nations presently may be brought under the peaceful sway of the Lamb. The horns of Divine power and the eyes of Divine wisdom are grandly and perpetually co-working towards this consummation so devoutly to be wished. III. OH, THEN WHAT A SONG, when heaven and earth shall join in ascribing praises to Him that was dead, but is alive again, and liveth for evermore, and hath the keys of death and hell! 1. It will be a new song. The fresh mercies of God call, even here, for perpetual renewals of thanksgiving. Stale praises are in no wise better than stale manna. But how will it be in the kingdom? The songs yonder must keep pace with the perpetually new unveilings of Divine love. 2. And it will be a universal song, joined in by "the redeemed tenantry of heaven end earth, the angels of the sky, and grateful inmates of the ocean and the air." (D. J. Burrell, D. D.) The book of futurity is what was sealed with seven seals. It is a dark and mysterious one for us also. The future is closed to us, and must remain so. How foolish the wish to raise this thick veil. Every joy, being foreseen, would lose its attraction; every pain and loss would become an insufferable torture. Through God's grace the future is hid from us; and they are foolish who pretend to proclaim it. And yet the seals are broken. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has come to open the book and break its seals. Fate is no longer cruel darkness to us Christians. Whatever darkness may lie before our feet, at every step which we take into the future the guiding stars shine above us, and at our side stands the faithful guide. And how do these holy superscriptions of our life run?1. We read first the words, Walk before God. In everything that thou doest, ask what is good, what is true before God. How does He speak to thee by His voice, conscience? You bear in yourselves the dominion over all that approaches from without, whether with allurements or threats. You bear in yourselves the measure of things. 2. Perceive, then, this the second inscription and precept of life. It is: "All things are yours!" The Divine and exalted right of man over all creatures is here proclaimed to us. And this includes his freedom and his dominion — the freedom of his soul from the outer world, and the dominion of his spirit over it. Is it not, then, you who turn misfortune into prosperity, and acquire strength in trial, and in exercising patience learn courage and self-conquest, the highest work of man? Is it not you who ennoble good fortune, and place it in the service of the Spirit, and use it in order to lead yourselves farther, and to lessen the want round about you, and to fashion everything that is near you into a life worthy of man? 3. Now you perceive, in fine, the third superscription of the book of life: "The fruit of the Spirit is love!" It puts forth, perhaps, many and beautiful flowers, and the powerful stem raises itself and extends its wide shadowing branches over the extent of the earth; but the ripe fruit of the Spirit is love, and that alone. We feel, everything else is only falling flowers, only brilliant appearance; love alone remains. We feel it is cold, and solitary, and joyless in the world without love. And our liberty and moral power also against the world and fate, how can we preserve them if we stand not firmly bound together in the fellowship of the brethren? — one extending the hand to the other whenever he sinks down, one comforting the other in word and deed when a heavy blow falls upon his head. (Dr. Schwarz.) I. THE SOLUTION OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD. God, like the painter, poet, builder, works by plan. Is the conflict of life purposeless? Evidences of plan and purpose — in nature. Everywhere there are proofs of an intelligent mind and Divine purpose. This truth is stamped on our lives from first to last. We are limited, dependent, controlled everywhere. Life itself is not ours to determine, nor its particular form and circumstances. Even where we have a choice, the circumstances between which we choose are not in our power. The duration of life is determined apart from our choice. If thought is ours, the power to think is given. Again, the great variety there is among men, modified, too, by so many circumstances of birth, education, etc., variety in regard to temperament, position, success, anticipation. And so in regard to the inner life and the life and course of the Church. Wise builders always work by plan. The wisest are most like God.II. THE OBJECT OF WORSHIP. (R. V. Pryce, M. A.) I. THERE IS IN THE DIVINE MIND A PLAN OF UNIVERSAL DESTINY.1. Destiny is planned. 2. Destiny is comprehensive. The scroll was full of writing. 3. Destiny is effective. The book was in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. It was not carelessly thrown on the ground. II. THE PLAN OF UNIVERSAL DESTINY IS CONCEALED. 1. It is concealed by the mystery in which it is inherently involved. 2. It is concealed by the intellectual inability of man. III. THE PLAN OF UNIVERSAL DESTINY SOMETIMES AWAKENS MENTAL ANGUISH ON THE PART OF MAN. 1. Men often experience mental anguish as they contemplate the mystery of destiny. Fears of — (1) (2) (3) 2. There is much to console the mental anguish which the thought of destiny may awaken. IV. THE PLAN OF UNIVERSAL DESTINY IS REVEALED BY CHRIST IN HIS MEDIATORIAL RELATIONSHIP TO MANKIND. 1. Destiny is unsealed by strength. 2. Destiny is revealed by humiliation. 3. Destiny is revealed by sacrifice. Lessons:(1) That all the events of the future are arranged according to a wise and comprehensive plan.(2) That in contemplation of the future, all mental distress which may arise should be consoled by the revelation which Christ has made.(3) That Christ is above all created intelligence in His mediatorial relationship to the future. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) II. I observe next, THAT EVERYTHING IN THE VISION, IN WHICH THIS SYMBOL OCCURS, SEEMS TO SPEAK TO US OF THE DOMAIN OF PROVIDENCE. Those prelusions of the consummation of all things, of which Providence is so full, salute us here. It is the "Lamb," the redemptive heart of Providence; the "Lion," the avenging arm of Providence; the "root of David," the kingly power in Providence, who prevails to open the book. He is the Lord mighty to save or destroy. And finally, His power to deal with this great mystery of time, the oppression of the righteous by the wicked, is represented as a joy to all who are embraced in the great scheme of Providence. It should be borne in mind that this worship, like the vision in which it occurs, was revealed as consolation for John. He was in tears because no man could unseal the book. It is a most suggestive fact, that the first word of the consolation comes from one of the representatives of the redeemed. It was one of the elders who said to the exile, "Weep not!" To that elder and his companions the seals on the book had caused no anxiety. The secret of the Lord was in their hearts. They knew that there was one eye from which the things written in that book were never hid. In the light which breaks upon him now, the tears of the captive-prophet have disappeared. The mystery which lay upon his soul is unloosed. The book is in the hands of his Lord. "What no man in heaven, nor in earth, nor under the earth" could do, has been done by Christ. He has prevailed "to open the book, and to loose the seven seals." The joy of the seer seems to palpitate up into the throngs of heaven. And if we would know the character of that book, we must open our minds to the thoughts which find expression in this song. 1. The song is first of all a song of thanks: "Thou hast redeemed us." There was such power in His sympathy, that it penetrated, and used for redemption purposes, every peculiarity of nature, and race, and sphere. There was such power in His grace, that it broke down, in their hearts, the might of indifference, and enmity, and lust, and sin. 2. Again, the song of the elders is more than personal thanksgiving. It is a prophecy of consolation as well. It is sung for John and the suffering Church. 3. Besides being personal thanksgiving and prophecy, the song of the redeemed is worship of the Redeemer. And it is the judicial aspect of His work they praise. The object of this worship is seated on the throne of the universe. The song is often quoted as if it were an acknowledgment of His worth as a sacrifice: "Thou art worthy...for Thou wast slain." But it is more, by being less, than this. "Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof, for Thou wast slain." The fact that He was slain is celebrated here, only because it imparts the right to open the book. The singers take their stand on the fact that He is judge, because He is first of all sacrifice. He is worthy to unloose the seals of judgment, because He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. We are accustomed to connect the death of Christ with the outflowings of His mercy; the connection here is between that death and the outflowings of His justice. In the depths of this song I find the great faith, that there is a Judge in the earth who judgeth righteously, and Christ the crucified is He. (A. Macleod, D. D.) 1. The habit of expecting from the future what is already by our side is one cause of our blindness to the retributions of the present. We underrate the present, and are surprised when it brings a judgment to our door. Every age, I might say every day, is a judgment-day. "Every morning doth He bring judgment to light." Even while I write these words the term of probation for some life, or scheme, or institution, or nation, is coming to a close. Over a thousand spheres of action, the judgment hour is striking. 2. Our subjection to sense, and the consequent tendency to judge according to appearance, is another cause of the dimness which seems to lie on the world of retribution. "Appearance" is no mark of well-being in the sphere of Providence. 3. A third cause of our blindness to such events is the foregone conclusion that retribution is only present when the last results of sin have been reached. Judgment manifests itself in the partial as well as in the complete developments of evil. 4. A fourth cause which seals up the prelusive judgments from our view is the mistaken conceptions of retribution which we entertain. We are wrong in our notions of its nature and manifestations. Even when retributions are present and palpable to the senses, we will not believe them to be outbreakings of the Divine wrath on sin. We suffer ourselves to be blinded by phrases which hide out the truth. We say — we think we have explained them when we say — they are the accidents of circumstances, or the natural fruits of evil. We do not see that there can be no such accidents. We do not sufficiently remember that the natural fruits of evil are themselves a doom. We insist on extraneous and formal dooms. Retributions must come forth clad in miraculous and visible garments. It must be a handwriting on the wall, a portent in the heavens, a sounding of trumpets in the sky. But this is merely the aberration of our ignorance. Retribution can only on rare occasions be clothed in formalities like these. Its manifestations, for the most part, and of necessity, are not miraculous, but natural. It is at work when we, who are in its presence, see only decay, or disease, or accident. (A. Macleod, D. D.) 1. The "book of the living" (Psalm 69:28), in which are enumerated all items of personal human history, as God has decreed them (Psalm 139:16). 2. The "book of the law" (Galatians 3:10), in which are included all God's demands for obedience and duty. 3. The "book of remembrance" (Malachi 3:16), in which are noted all the incidents of each believer's continued experience (Psalm 56:8). 4. The "book of life" (Philippians 4:3), in which are recorded all the names of those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and no others (Revelation 20:15). Of these perhaps the likeliest to be the one John now saw in God's right hand was the first, containing the secret decrees of Divine providence concerning human life and the destiny of nations. (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) 1. It is instructive to inquire where the seer saw the book. 2. It is also instructive to notice the fulness of Divine counsels contained in the book. 3. The carefulness with which its contents are secured. II. A STARTLING CHALLENGE AND THE PROFOUND SUSPENSE. 1. By whom made. 2. The nature of the challenge. 3. The profound suspense.(1) What a stern rebuke to all the daring speculations of unaided reason concerning the future purposes of God!(2) How painful the thought of the unbroken seals to the apocalyptic seer! III. THE CONSOLING ANNOUNCEMENT. 1. The character of the announcement. 2. The ground of the consolation. IV. A MARVELLOUS SCENE. 1. A symbolic representation of our Lord in heaven.(1) "In the midst of the throne," etc. Christ is the central figure of all the heavenly hosts.(2) "A Lamb as it had been slain," etc. Christ's death is the ground of all heavenly glory. 2. "A symbolic representation of the investiture of Christ with full control of all the purposes of the Father.(1) These purposes are symbolised in the book.(2) The investiture is symbolised in Christ becoming possessor of the book. 3. A symbolic representation of the joy which will fill all heaven and earth and sea when Christ is thus honoured.(1) The song now sung was a "new song."(2) The inspiration of the song was the worthiness of Christ to take the book and to open its seals.(3) The theme of the song — redemption through Christ's blood; the exaltation of the saved to the positions of kings and priests, blessed hope of reigning over the earth.Learn — 1. That all the events of the future, as well as those of the past, are under the supreme control of our Lord as Redeemer. 2. That to Christ we owe every ray of light that this book sheds on the future. 3. That while terrible judgments are announced in the book against the wicked, the issue will be most glorious for the Church of Christ, and the result of Christ's administration will be the triumph of holiness. (D. C. Hughes, M. A.) 2. The work of Messiah is a great and glorious under. taking. 3. There is a mixture of good and evil in the temper and conduct of the best of men. John wept when he had no proper occasion for sorrow. In so far as his grief sprung from inattention to Christ it was criminal; but in so far as it manifested his public spirit, and sprung from a fear lest the Church might be destitute of any branch of knowledge that might be advantageous for her, it was truly generous and patriotic, and therefore much to be commended. 4. There is a constitutional fitness in the person of Christ for the work of mediation. He is both the root and the offspring of David; He is a daysman who can lay His hand upon both, and make up the breach between them; and as there is no other medium of friendly intercourse with God, it nearly concerns us to be savingly acquainted with Him, as the way, the truth, and the life. (R. Culbertson.) (J. Trapp.) 2. Where He says, "Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah," etc., we are taught for all solid comfort to look up to Christ the fountain thereof; and as Samson got honey out of his slain lion, so shall we the sweetness of comfort from Him. 3. The elder speaks of Him in His titles out of Moses and Isaiah; and so do all faithful teachers speak of Him according to the Scriptures. 4. Christ is said to be not only a Lamb for meekness, innocence, and patient suffering, but also a Lion for power and prevailing against all His foes and ours, which is both a comfort to His own and terror to His enemies. 5. Also where He is said to be of the tribe of Judah, and so to be man of our nature and come of men; it is likewise greatly to our comfort that He has so dignified our nature in His person, wherein now it is glorified, passing by the angels. 6. Where He is called "the Root of David," who was also a Branch or the Son of David, we see as He was man; so likewise God, and the root or stock which bears up all the faithful and can never fail. 7. He is said to have prevailed to open the book, etc. — to wit, with the Father-as our Mediator and Advocate, which is to our great comfort, that whatever (for the good of His Church) He seeks of the Father, He prevails therein; yea, whatever we shall seek in His name, it shall be granted us. 8. He prevails to open the book and the seven seals thereof. It is He, then, only who is "The Word," as the Wisdom of the Father to decree, so the Word to declare, and the Power to effectuate, that Great Prophet of His Church who came from the bosom of the Father to reveal the Lord's counsel, and His goodwill to men: hear Him. (Wm. Guild, D. D.) II. COURAGE, HOWEVER, AS WE ALL KNOW, MAY RESIDE IN A BOSOM TO WHICH THE POWER OF ACCOMPLISHING WHAT IT UNDERTAKES IS DENIED. There may be the will to do and the soul to dare what the hand is incompetent to execute. But it was not thus with the blessed Jesus, who undertook the bold work of saving lost men. His strength was equal to His courage, and He had power to execute all that His boldness purposed. Being God as well as man, no burden was too heavy for Him, no trial too severe. III. THE IDEA SUGGESTED BY THE METAPHOR UNDER CONSIDERATION MAY WELL ANIMATE YOU TO STEADFASTNESS IN THE WORK OF THE LORD. Like your Divine Master, you too shall have powerful opposition to encounter, and formidable enemies to contend against. But the example which He has set may well arouse you to activity. (J. L. Adamson.) I. THE VICTORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND POWER OF JUDAH. Of Judah, the old man says that he shall be chief amongst his brethren. "Thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise;... thy father's children shall bow down before thee." He is to be a victorious power. "Thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies... from the prey thou art gone up." His is to be a legislative and regal power. "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet." He is to be the true centre of government, the rallying point of the world's hopes; "to him shall the gathering of the people be." Let us trace the history to see the facts that fulfil the prophecy. Two hundred years after the old man's dying words were spoken, we find the children of Israel going up out of Egypt, and God gives directions about the order of their encampment. "On the east side shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch" (Numbers 2:3). Why is Judah assigned the principal place in the front of the tabernacle? Why is he here the chief tribe? Why should not Reuben, the first-born, be appointed here? There is no explanation to be given except that for his sin he had been displaced, "and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright," and "Judah was made the chief ruler" (1 Chronicles 5:1, 2). Again, in Numbers 7:12, when the offerings were to be made, Nahshon... of the tribe of Judah was assigned the dignity of offering first. When the tribes had passed into Canaan the remnants of the people were to be overcome, and Israel requires of the Lord who shall be put in the forefront of the fray, who should lead to battle. "Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? And the Lord said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the lands into his hand" (Judges 1:2, 3). Still later the tribe of Benjamin revolt (Judges 20:18) and the people "went to the house of God" and "asked counsel of God. Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the Lord said, Judah shall go up first." II. But this all-conquering and all-controlling power of Judah but symbolised THE REAL ROYALTY AND SUPREME SWAY OF JESUS CHRIST, and hence we go on to the New Testament — the family record of the Lord Jesus, "the book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David." The old promise of Jacob in Genesis was that this regal might, this conquering splendour, should abide with Judah till the Peace-bringer, the Shiloh, should come (Genesis 49:10). (J. T. Gracey, D. D.) (F. D. Maurice, M. A.) 5369 kingship, divine 2336 Christ, exaltation 2315 Christ, as Lamb 2030 Christ, holiness 4010 creation, renewal 5005 human race, and redemption The Universal Chorus The Song of the Redeemed April the Twelfth the Lamb on the Throne On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit:" Etc. , but Especially on That, "Blessed are The Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth. The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints The Angel's Message and Song My Life in Christ Set Me as a Seal Upon Thy Heart, as a Seal Upon Thine Arm; for Love is Strong as Death, Jealousy is Cruel as Hell; the Lights Thereof are Lights of Fire and Flames. Prayer and Sacrifice Explained by the Similitude of a Perfume --Our Annihilation in this Sacrifice --Solidity and Fruitfulness of this Prayer as Set Forth in The Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding... The First Wall. The Source of Power The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World Of Self-Annihilation The Glory of Jesus and Mary. Notes on the Second Century Of the Prerogatives which the Elect Shall Enjoy in Heaven. Christ's Kingly Office Messiah Worshipped by Angels Seven Sanctified Thoughts and Mournful Sighs of a Sick Man Ready to Die. |