, and
events which end with the universal judgment. The _first_, which
describes the Lamb that was slain and the book of destiny which He
alone could open, corresponds with the _seventh_, which describes the
Bride of the Lamb, the New Jerusalem in heaven. Thus the final glory
of the Church corresponds with the glory which the ascended Jesus
already receives in heaven.

The whole closes with a short epilogue.

It will be observed that the book contains seven choric songs. The
first revelation contains two such songs, one after each division. The
second, third, and fifth revelation, each close with a song. The
fourth and central revelation contains two songs; one is sung by the
bodyguard of the Lamb before they go to war, the other is sung after
the victory is gained. The seventh and last chorus celebrates the fall
of Babylon (Rome), and ushers in the marriage of the Lamb. It comes at
the end of the fifth revelation. Its form is double, and it sums up
the remaining action of the book. Two more facts must be mentioned in
this connection. The first is that the words of the song of the
bodyguard of the Lamb (xiv. 3) are not told; it can only be learned by
the redeemed. It begins with the voice of Christ, the voice "of many
waters," and it is taken up by the "thunder" of the cherubim and the
harps of the elders. The second is that there is no song between the
sixth and seventh revelation. It is simply the voice out of the throne
itself, the voice of the cherubim who uphold the throne of God (see iv.
6), which proclaims that the tabernacle of God is now with men, and
that He shall wipe away every tear (xxi. 4). The exquisite art of this
arrangement of the songs is manifest.

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ANALYSIS

Title and description (i. 1-3).

Prologue (i. 4-iii. 22).

The vision of the Son of Man (i. 4-20).

The message to each of the seven Churches of Asia (ii., iii.).

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 fi