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18 is less needed for this purpose since we have the unerring Church of Christ as our teacher and guide in all things pertaining to salvation.

2. By writing these revelations St. John has given testimony to God and to Jesus Christ. Testimony may be given by word or by works, especially by martyrdom. St. John here gives testimony by written word.

3. Whoever reads this book, opens his heart to its teachings, and conforms his life to its precepts is worthy of eternal happiness. Let no one say that the book was written for future ages only. It is already being fulfilled and every Christian should find therein a rule of life suited to the circumstances in which God has placed him.

"4. John to the seven churches which are in Asia. Grace be to you and peace from him that is, and that was, and that is to come, and from the seven spirits which are before his throne.

5. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6, and hath made us a kingdom and priests to God and his Father, to him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

7. Behold he cometh with the clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also that pierced him. And all tribes of earth shall bewail themselves because of him. Even so. Amen."