For nearly nineteen centuries the book of Revelation has been both an inspiration and a mystery to the Christian church. In hours of darkness it has given courage to its readers, enabling them to endure persecution and death for the sake of Christ. In periods of ease and prosperity it has been the battleground of exegetes who have endeavored to fashion its strange pageant into a consistent eschatology. From the seemingly desultory assortment of seals, trumpets, beasts, and bowls they have