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 plagues which they inflict are called the last because they shall fill up the measure of God's justice against His enemies and the enemies of His Church.

2-4. The sea of crystal which St. John saw in a former vision, is now mingled with fire. The light which pervades it enlightens the faithful, while the fire consumes the wicked. The vision now looks to the future when Antichrist will have been completely overcome. The victors standing upon the sea of glass chant hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God. Moses song of victory over the Egyptians is well suited to the occasion, especially if he be the companion of Elias in those days.

The canticle of the Lamb is another hymn of praise to God for the triumph of Christ and His Church over all enemies. The manifest judgments of God against all enemies of the Church lead to the conversion of all nations and the universal reign of Christ upon earth.