visions of coloured horses somewhat similar to these in Zechariah 1 and 6 and, though there are also significant differences, the meanings of these four are clear enough: they are messengers of God. The first seal is opened; the first of those living creatures thunders ‘Come!’ and a white horse appears. Logically, the summons must be addressed to the rider and his horse, not to John, who is already present.3 Some have argued that the rider on the white horse is Christ, on the