A30152:244
The holy city, or, The new-Jerusalem wherein its goodly light walls, gates, angels, and…The holy citie, or, The new-Jerusalem wherein its goodly light walls, gates, angels, and…
The holy city, or, The new-Jerusalem wherein its goodly light walls, gates, angels, and the manner of their standing, are expounded : also, her length and breadth, together with the golden measuring-reed, explained, and the glory of all unfolded : as also, the numerousness of its inhabitants, and what the tree and water of life are, by which they are sustained / by John Bunyan ...The holy citie, or, The new-Jerusalem wherein its goodly light walls, gates, angels, and the manner of their standing, are expounded : also, her length and breadth, together with the golden measuring-reed, explained, and the glory of all unfolded : as also, the numerousness of its inhabitants, and what the tree and water of life are, by which they are sustained / by John Bunyan ...
London: printed for Francis Smith, 1669
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But now, though the holy Ghost is thus pleased to speak of the Portions of the Saints in the New Jerusalem, as if he intended chiefly that their Portion should consist in outward Happiness, and in the enjoyment of such and such a Portion, or compass of ground: Yet consider that these are but metaphorical and borrowed Expressions, spoken to our Capacities, under which is indeed included the nature of our blessed and spiritual Food and Nourishment: You know it is usual for the holy Ghost in Scripture to1 call the Saints Sheep, Lambs, Heifers, Cows, Rams, Doves, Swallows, Pelicans,2 3and the like; and also to call their Food, their spiritual and heavenly Food,4 Grass, Provender, Wheat, Wine, Oil,5 Grapes, Apples, Figs, Nuts, and the6 like also; all which are but shadowish and figurative expressions, even as this of the measure of the twelve thousand furlongs: and observe it, that which ⟨p. 123⟩John saith here is twelve thousand furlongs, Ezekiel tells us, it lieth on this 7side and on that side of the bank of the River of the Water of Life: Now I think there is none so much void of understanding, as to think this Water of Life is any thing else but the precious Grace of God, in and through the Lord Jesus: Wherefore the ground or measure for Portions, it is nothing else but our spiritual and heavenly Food, even spiritual Grace, and Gifts, and Comforts, that the holy Ones of this City shall most plentifully partake of, and enjoy: And so indeed the Prophet also saith, speaking of the Portions of the holy Land for this City: The increase thereof, saith he,8 shall be for Food unto them that serve the City; and they that serve it shall serve it out of the twelve Tribes of Israel: Out of the twelve Tribes, that is, out of the twelve thousand Furlongs, which is the the Portion of the Tribes. This is according to the Saying of the Prophet David, He maketh me to lie down in green Pastures, he leadeth me besides the still Waters: and again, For the Lamb that is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall lead them into living Fountains of Water: