\\INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION 8\\

This chapter contains the opening of the seventh seal, and the
things that followed on it, and particularly the sounding of the
first four trumpets. Upon the opening of the seventh seal there was
silence in heaven for half an hour, \\#Re 8:1\\; then follows a vision
of seven angels, who stood before God, and had seven trumpets given
to them, \\#Re 8:2\\; then of another angel, described by his position,
standing at the altar; by his having a golden censer, and by much
incense being given him, the end of which was to offer up the
prayers of all saints, which with it went up to God, and were
acceptable to him; and by filling his censer with the fire of the
altar, and casting it to the earth; the effects of which were
voices, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake, \\#Re 8:3-5\\, after
which the seven angels prepare to sound their trumpets, \\#Re 8:6\\; the
first blows his, which brings hail and fire, mingled with blood,
upon the earth, which burns up the third part of trees and all green
grass, \\#Re 8:7\\; the second blows, upon which a burning mountain is
cast into the sea, and a third part of it becomes blood, a third
part of the creatures in it die, and a third part of the ships upon
it are destroyed, \\#Re 8:8,9\\; the third angel blows; upon which a
star, like a burning lamp, falls upon the third part of rivers and
fountains, whose name is Wormwood, and embitters them, so that many
men die of them, \\#Re 8:10,11\\; the fourth angel blows, and the third
part of the sun, moon, and stars, is smitten, and becomes dark, so that
there is no light for a third part of the day and night, \\#Re 8:12\\;
and the chapter is concluded with the vision of another angel flying
through the midst of heaven, proclaiming three times woe to the
inhabitants of the earth, on account of what would be uttered by the
three following angels, who were yet to blow their trumpets,
\\#Re 8:13\\.