The third beast was he who had the face of a man, who also inviteth John to come and see what came forth upon his opening the third seal. He seeth a black horse, and a rider upon him, with a pair of balances. There is a difference amongst interpreters what should be signified by this black horse; some by it understand famine, because a scarcity of victuals bringeth men to a black and swarthy colour; some understand by it justice, because the rider is said to have a pair of balances in his hand; others understand by it heresies, and great sufferings of the church by heretics and others. He that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand; either to give men their bread by weight, (as is usual in times of great scarcity), or to measure out every one their due.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising