thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel," Matt. 19:28. "And I appoint
unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me," Luke 22:29. "If
we suffer" _i.e._ with Christ, "we shall also reign with him," 2 Tim.
2:12.

Vision of the Deity.

"After this, I looked, and behold, a door opened in heaven: and
the first voice, which I heard, was like a trumpet talking with
me; saying, Ascend here, and I will show thee things, which must
take place hereafter. And immediately I was in the Spirit: and
behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
And, He, who sat, was in appearance like a jasper and a cornelian
stone: and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance,
like an emerald. And around the throne were twenty-four thrones;
and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in
white raiment; and crowns of gold on their heads. And from the
throne came forth lightnings, and voices and thunders. And seven
lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven
Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a transparent sea
like crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and around the
throne, were four living beings, full of eyes before and behind.
And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living
being like a calf, and the third living being had a face like a
man, and the fourth living being was like a flying eagle. And each
of the four living beings had six wings around him; and within
they were full of eyes: and they rest not day or night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to
be! And when the living beings give glory, and honor, and thanks
to Him seated on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the
four and twenty elders fall down before Him seated on the throne,
and worship Him, who liveth for ever and ever, and cast their
crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy art thou, O Lord, our
God, to receive glory, and honor, and power: for thou hast created
all things, and for thy pleasure they existed and were
created."--Rev. 4:1-11.

This vision is preparatory to the revelations of "things which must be
hereafter," which were given John in the series of visions following.
Their divine origin, and, consequently, the deference with which they are
to be received as a revelation from God, are demonst