A30152:466
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.
Thirdly, After this, it proceeds higher, even up to the loins; this signifies, that as Grace makes men Children of God, and his Young-men, so also it maketh them Fathers, and Ancients in his Church; it makes them grave, knowing, solid Guides, and Unfolders of the Mysteries of the Kingdom; these are such as are instructed into the Kingdom of God, and that can bring out of their treasury things new and old.
Fourthly, It yet proceeds higher, even to be above the head, a River to swim in, and that such a River as can by no means be passed over. This signifieth our launching into Eternity; our being beyond all heights, depths, lengths and breadths, in the open Visions and Enjoyments of Grace. For there the Glorious Lord shall be unto us a place of BROAD Rivers, and Streams, wherein shall go no Galley with ⟨p. 260⟩Oars, neither shall gallant Ships pass thereby, Isa. 33. 21. Thus we begin Children, and wade up to the ankles in the things of God, and being once in, it riseth and proceeds to come up to our knees, then to our loins, and last of all to be a River to swim in; a River so wide, so deep, and every way so large, that can in no wise be passed over.
Fourthly, It yet proceeds higher, even to be above the head, a River to swim in, and that such a River as can by no means be passed over. This signifieth our launching into Eternity; our being beyond all heights, depths, lengths and breadths, in the open Visions and Enjoyments of Grace. For there the Glorious Lord shall be unto us a place of BROAD Rivers, and Streams, wherein shall go no Gallie with ⟨p. 260⟩Oars, neither shall gallant Ships passe thereby, Isa. 33. 21. Thus we begin Children, and wade up to the ancles in the things of God, and being once in, it riseth and proceeds to come up to our knees, then to our loins, and last of all to be a River to swim in; a River so wide, so deep, and every way so large, that can in no wise be passed over.