V. 2. He had in his hand a little book open; rather opened. Considerable interest attaches to this book. What was this book? Why was it opened? Why called a little book? What did it contain? What relation did it bear to the book put in Christ's hand in the fifth chapter? Was it the same book or was it a new book comprising the prophecies in the last half of Revelation? Evidently the reasonable explanation is that it was the same book that we saw in the fifth chapter sealed with seven seals; or rather what is left of it. The seven seals have been opened, so this book appears opened. We are now in the seventh seal that disclosed seven trumpets and we are in the events of the sixth trumpet. So therefore but little remains of the contents of that book and it is now described as 'little.' We are almost at the end of this series of visions. Let this be duly observed for it is a very important point in the proper understanding of the whole book of Revelation. The revelations of that book that was sealed with the seven seals evidently ends with the eleventh chapter; and the disclosures of the second half of Revelation are otherwise provided for. Now we see Christ come down with that same book in his hand with every seal opened to declare that the time is up; and the prayers of his saints are to be answered; and the blood of his martyrs judged or avenged; and the last great catastrophe shall fall on the first great persecutor of the Christian church.