Page:Theapocalypseofs00berruoft.djvu/67

 "3. And no man was able, neither in heaven, nor on earth nor under the earth, to open the book, nor to look on it.

4. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open nor to see it.

5. And one of the ancients said to me; Weep not; for behold the lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

6. And I saw, and behold in the midst of the throne and of i.he four living creatures, and in the midst of the ancients, a Lamb standing as it were slain, having seven horns and seven eyes: which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."

The preceding chapter is devoted to the Church and the worship it offers to Almighty God. It depicts the faithful paying homage of adoration, praise and thanks giving through the ministry of Apostles, bishops and priests. The present chapter is taken up with our divine Saviour, the head and spouse of His Church. He alone is able to open the book of its future. He is also worthy of divine honors in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar no less than in heaven.

1. In the right hand of God, St. John sees the book of the Church's future history; but the book is sealed to all creatures. No one in heaven, nor on earth, nor under the earth knows what the future holds in store unless God deigns to reveal it.

In ancient times a book consisted of a long strip of