AFTER these things I beheld, and, lo! a door was opened in heaven, and
a voice, the first which I heard, as of a trumpet, speaking to me,
said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee what things will be after
these. (2)And immediately I was _rapt_ in spirit: and, lo! a throne was
placed in heaven, and upon the throne a person sitting. (3)And he that
sat was in appearance like a stone of jasper and sardine: and a rainbow
encircled the throne, like in hue to an emerald. (4)And around the
throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon these thrones I saw
twenty-four presbyters seated, clothed in white robes; and they had on
their heads golden crowns. (5)And out of the throne issued forth
lightnings, and thunder, and loud voices; and seven lamps of fire
burned before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. (6)And
before the throne was a sea of glass like crystal: and in the midst of
the throne, and within the circle of the throne, were four living
beings full of eyes before and behind. (7)And the first living being
was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the
third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was
like an eagle with wings expanded. (8)And the four living beings had
each for himself six wings encircling him, and within they were full of
eyes; and they never cease day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is coming. (9)And when
these living beings give glory, and honour, and thanksgiving to him
that sitteth on the throne, to him who liveth for ever and ever,
(10)the four and twenty presbyters prostrate themselves before him who
is Seated on the throne, and worship him who liveth for ever and ever,
and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, (11)Worthy art thou, O
Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power; for thou hast created
all things, and by thy will they exist, and were created.