1031. Verse 1. And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven vials and spoke with me, signifies a manifestation of the state of the church with the Papists. This is evident from the signification of "the angel that had the vial," as being the manifestation by the Lord of the state of the church (as above, n. 869, 878, 883). It means manifestation of the state of the church with the Papists, because this chapter and the following treat of "Babylon," by which is meant the religious persuasion of the Papists. One of the seven angels came, because "the seven angels that have the seven vials" mean in the preceding chapter the manifestation of the state of the church with the Reformed, and now here with the Papists; so when the seventh angel poured out his vial it is said:

And great Babylon came into remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fury of His anger (Revelation 16:19).