Although the ministers seem to be a special class among those constituting the redeemed multitude, yet their intimate connection with the remainder is set forth under another symbol—­that of wings attached to the four living creatures.  Each of the four living ones possessed six wings, which, taken numerically, make up twenty-four again.  The wings of a living creature would signify its means of flight; and it is by the action of the ministry, who “go into all the world” as flying messengers to preach the everlasting gospel, that the church of God is established among all nations.  Thus, under the symbol of living creatures with wings is set forth the glorious harmony and unity that exists in the body of Christ between ministry and laity.

The elders are represented as being clothed in white raiment and as possessing golden crowns.  “White raiment” is a symbol of righteousness (chap. 19:8), while crowns represent special power and authority.  God’s ministers possess both.  They are made righteous through the blood of the everlasting covenant and are given power over all the power of the enemy and authority to heal the sick and to cast out devils.

The entire company are engaged in worshiping God unceasingly, the elders casting their crowns before the throne, thus ascribing all praise, honor, and glory to Him who has delegated to them the authority they possess.  And may we, my brethren, never grow weary in well-doing and conclude that the worship of God grows monotonous; but let us, with heart and soul, join the universal chorus, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.”

CHAPTER V.

    And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book
    written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

    2.  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who
    is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

    3.  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth,
    was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

    4.  And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and
    to read the book, neither to look thereon.

    5.  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not:  behold, the
    Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to
    open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

6.  And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

    7.  And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him
    that sat upon the throne.