XVI. Jerusalem, he says, in Judea. But the dwelling of the brides should be perfect. For such “a comely pack” a great castle would be required. The city in Judæa, answers the maiden, is where Christ suffered, and is the Old Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem is where the Lamb has assembled his brides. Jerusalem means the city of God. In the Old city our peace was made at one. In the New city is eternal peace. XVII. The father prays his daughter to bring him to the blissful bower. His daughter tells him that he shall see the outside, but not a foot may he put in the city. XVIII. The maiden then tells her father to go along the bank till he comes to a hill. He reaches the hill, and beholds the heavenly city. As St. John saw it, so he beheld it. The city was of burnished gold. Pitched upon gems, the foundation composed of twelve stones. The names of the precious stones. i. Jasper. ii. Sapphire. iii. Chalcedony. iv. Emerald. v. Sardonyx. vi. Ruby. vii. Chrysolite. viii. Beryl. ix. Topaz. x. Chrysoprasus. xi. Jacinth. xii. Amethyst. The city was square. The wall was of jasper. Twelve thousand furlongs in length and breadth. XIX. Each “pane” had three gates. Each gate adorned with a pearl. Such light gleamed in all the streets, that there was no need of the sun or moon. God was the light of those in the city. The high throne might be seen, upon which the “high God” sat. A river ran out of the throne; it flowed through each street. No church was seen. God was the church; Christ the sacrifice. The gates were ever open. There is no night in the city. The planets, and the sun itself, are dim compared to the divine light. Trees there renew their fruit every month. The beholder of this fair city stood still as a “dased quail.” XX. As the moon began to rise he was aware of a procession of virgins crowned with pearls, in white robes, with a pearl in their breast. As they went along they shone as glass. The Lamb went before them. There was no pressing. The “alder men” fell groveling at the feet of the Lamb. All sang in praise of the Lamb. The Lamb wore white weeds. A wide wound was seen near his breast. Joy was in his looks. The father perceives his little queen. XIX. Great delight takes possession of his mind. He attempts to cross the stream. It was not pleasing to the Lord. The dreamer awakes, and is in great sorrow. He addresses his pearl; laments his rash curiosity. Men desire more than they have any right to expect. The good Christian knows how to make peace with God. God give us grace to be his servants! * * * * * * * * * Cleanness: Sidenotes