mentioned Isa. xxix, 11, and the book sealed with seven
seals, in the Revelation v, 1–3, are the prophecies of Isaiah and of
John, which were written in a book, or roll, after the manner of the
ancients, and were sealed, which figure truly signifies that they were
mysterious: they had respect to times remote, and to future events; so
that a complete knowledge of their meaning could not be obtained till
after what was foretold should happen, and the seals, as it were taken
off. In old times, letters, and other writings that were to be sealed,
were first wrapped round with thread or flax, and then wax and the seal
were applied to them. To read them, it was necessary to cut the thread
or flax, and to break the seals.
seals, in the Revelation v, 1–3, are the prophecies of Isaiah and of
John, which were written in a book, or roll, after the manner of the
ancients, and were sealed, which figure truly signifies that they were
mysterious: they had respect to times remote, and to future events; so
that a complete knowledge of their meaning could not be obtained till
after what was foretold should happen, and the seals, as it were taken
off. In old times, letters, and other writings that were to be sealed,
were first wrapped round with thread or flax, and then wax and the seal
were applied to them. To read them, it was necessary to cut the thread
or flax, and to break the seals.