Page:Theapocalypseofs00berruoft.djvu/155



"5. And after these things I looked; and behold the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

6. And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed with clean and white linen, and girt about the breasts with golden girdles.

7. And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden vials, full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

8. And the temple was filled with smoke from the majesty of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled."

5. This vision reveals to St. John the nature of the plagues to be inflicted upon the empire of Antichrist. The Church, typified by the tabernacle of the Old Law, is opened to give testimony to God. The Church teaching gives testimony through the preaching of the Gospel and the power of miracles. The Church militant gives testimony by the blood of martyrs shed in her defense. Through the ministry of the seven angels Christ will condemn and punish those who refuse this twofold testimony.