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 prophecies God reveals Himself as a just Judge and a kind Father.

4. The four and twenty ancients are the twelve patriarchs of the Old Law and the twelve Apostles of the New Dispensation. By extension they represent the bishops and priests of the Church throughout the cen turies. They are seated upon thrones participating with Christ in the government of His Church. They wear the crowns of royalty because they have been chosen kings and princes in the kingdom of God on earth. The gold is a symbol of Christian charity. The white garments signify sanctifying grace and the eternal happiness to which it leads.

"5. And from the throne proceeded lightnings, and voices and thunders: and there were seven lamps burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.

6. And in the sight of the throne was as it were a sea of glass like to crystal: and in the midst of the throne and round about the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

7. And the first living creature was like a lion: and the second living creature like a calf; and the third living creature having the face, as it were, of a man: and the fourth living creature was like an eagle flying."