ings, are hovering in the air.

Now, what shall we say is the meaning of the Bible vision which this
picture brings afresh before our eyes? The four Horses with their
Riders represent four kinds of judgment which God sends at times upon
the world. They are Conquest, Slaughter, Famine, and Death. The Rider
on the White Horse stands for the first of these. The picture shows us
the way in which strong nations and their rulers subdue the world, and
build up great Empires by force. The Rider's stately figure, and
resolute face, and stern, unpitying eyes remind us of famous conquerors
like Alexander the Great and Napoleon. The bow and quiver make it
clear that it is by the weapons of war that their successes have been
won. The proud war-horse, forcing its way among the thronging forms
around it, suggests the resistless power with which Conquest goes on
its triumphant way. The crown on the Rider's head is an emblem of the
glory and dominion which conquerors win. In the other figures with the
starry brows we may see the different nations, or the kings and queens,
who have been touched and influenced by the spirit of War for Empire's
sake. The leader of the Horse, and the other two forms behind him, may
represent nations that are marching along on the path of Conquest. The
prostrate, lifeless figures may be nations that have perished in the
strife. And the bowed head in front of the Horse's breast may stand
for one of the nations that are subdued, and brought under the power of
those that are stronger than themselves. The dark, angry sky makes us
feel that the Conqueror's progress is full of dread; and the eagles
give us a hint of the horrors that he leaves behind him, of the dead
bodies that lie in the track of the White Horse and his terrible Rider,
of the other three Riders, more terrible still, who follow in his train.

As we look at this picture we learn that War and Conquest have two
sides. At first sight we are attracted by the power and majesty of the
Horse and his Rider, and we cannot help admiring them. There is
something grand and noble in the might of a great nation, in the strong
will and fearless courage of a great conqueror. We are stirred and
thrilled when we see the march of great armies, and hear the tidings of
great victories. There is a feeling of pride in belonging to a great
Empire which has proved itself able to subdue the world. It seems a
glorious thing to lead, or even to take part, in