391. 'And seven trumpets were given to them' signifies the examination and disclosure of the state of the Church and consequently of the life of those who are in faith alone. By 'trumpets' here is signified much the same as by 'to sound', because they sounded with them, and by 'to sound with trumpets' is signified a calling together for solemn occasions and these were various; here a calling together for examining and disclosing what those who are in faith alone are like, thus the quality of those who at this day belong to the Churches of the Reformed. It should be known that the Church in the Reformed world at this day has been divided into three on account of the three leaders, LUTHER, CALVIN and MELANCTHON, and that those three Churches differ in various matters; but in this article, that man is justified by faith without the works of the law, they all agree, which is quite remarkable. That by 'to sound with trumpets' is signified to call together will be seen below (n. 397).