The Holy City, Commentary · Chapter 22

The Holy City · Commentary · Chapter 22

p. 250Chap. 22. ver. 1.

And he shewed me a pure River of Water of Life, clear as Crystal, proceeding out of the Throne of God, and of the Lamb.

HAving thus shewed us this City, her Fashion, Glory, Inhabitants, and the like: he now comes to shew us her Provision and Maintenance, wherewith p. 251she is kept in safety, life, peace and comfort, &c.

And he shewed me a pure River of Water of Life.

This Water of Life, is nothing else but the manifold Grace of God in Christ, let forth to the Inhabitants of this Jerusalem, wherewith she is watered and replenished, as the Earth with rain from Heaven, for the good of those that drink thereof. For both the word Water, and that of Life, they are but metaphorical sayings, under which is held forth some better and more excellent thing. And indeed it is frequent with God in Scripture to speak of his Grace and Mercy under the notion of Waters, of a Fountain, a Sea, and the like; Zech. 13. 1, 2. Mica 7. 18, 19.

Now it is called Water,

First, Because no soul can be cleansed or effectually washed from its guilt andEph. 1. 7.Eph 1:7 filth, but by the Grace of God. I washed thee with water, yea I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and thou becamest mine, Ezek. 16. 8, 9.

Secondly, It is called Water, because p. 252it also quencheth the spiritual thrist of them that by Faith do drink thereof: I will give, saith Christ, to him that is athirst Isa. 41. 18Isa 41:18of the Fountain of the Water of Life freely. And again, He that drinketh of the Water that I shall give him, shall never thirst, Rev. 2. 16. John 4. 14.

Further, As it is called Water, so it is called the Water OF LIFE, and that upon a diverse account.

First, Because it is that which recovereth the soul that drinketh thereof, from the Death of Sin and the Curse of God, to a principle of Life and heavenly Blessing. And it shall come to pass that everyone that liveth, that moveth whithersoever the waters shall come, shall live. Ezek. 47. 9.

Secondly, It is called the Water of Life; because, that from it comes all those heavenly and spiritual quicknings and revivings, that (like Aqua-vitae) do fetch again, and chear up the soul that was sinking, and giving up the Ghost in this world. There is a River, the streams whereof make glad the City of God, Psal. 46. 4.

Thirdly, It is called the Water of Life, because, it healeth the soul of all its spiritual p. 253infirmities and diseases, wherewith by the reason of the remainders of sin, the creature is most sadly anoyed and infected. And there shall be a great multitude of Fish (of men he means, Mat. 4. 19.) because the waters shall come thither; for they (the Fish) shall be healed, and every thing shall live whither the Waters come, Ezek. 47. 9.

Fourthly and lastly; It is called the Water of Life, because that whosoever doth effectually drink thereof, shall die no more, but the Water that Christ shall give him shal be in him a Well of water, springing up in him to eternal life; wherefore he calleth it in another place the Living Water, because the quality and nature of it is to beget, to encrease, to maintain, and preserve life, John 4. 10, 14.

And he shewed me a pure River of Water of Life, clear as Crystal &c.

Mark, It is Water, Water of Life, pure Water of Life, and clear as Crystal. These words, pure and clear and that as Crystal, they are aded upon a double account.

First, To shew you that it is Grace alone that saveth the sinner.

p. 254And secondly, To shew you, … this day the Doctrine of this Grace will be by it self alone without the commixture of that dirt and trash that for a long time, even to this day, hath been thrown into it.

First, It sheweth us, that it is Grace alone that saveth the sinner, pure Grace, Grace that admits of nothing of ours to be in the least a helper in the matter of our happiness; we are justified freely by his Grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. As he saith by the Prophet, I will pour [CLEAN] water upon you, and you shall be clean, and from all your Idols will [I] cleanse you. Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord. Be ye ashamed, and confounded for all your own evil ways, O House of Israel. Ezek. 36. 25, 26, 27, 32, 33. It is clean water indeed, it is clear in the nature of it, clear in the gift of it, and clear in the working of it: It washeth freely, throughly and perfectly: from all your Idols will I cleanse you, Rev. 21. 6. Ezek. 16. 9. Ezek. 36. 25, 26.

Secondly, This word pure, and clear as Crystal: It also sheweth us that at the day of New Jerusalem the Doctrine of Grace shall be cleansed from all those p. 255dirty and muddy inventions, that Sin, Satan and the Wisdom of this world hath thrown into this River, and into its goodly Crystal Streams; I say, at this day they shall not come near it, neither shall the rubish they have already cast into it any more be there for ever. I will destroy all the Beasts thereof (the beastly men he means) from beside the great waters, neither shall the foot of man trouble them any more, nor the hoofs of Beasts trouble them. Then will I make their Waters deep, and cause their Rivers to run like Oyl, saith the Lord God, Ezek. 32. 13, 14.

And he [shewed] me a pure River of Water of Life, clear as Crystal, &c.

In that he saith, he saw this River, he giveth us in a Mystery also to understand how openly and plainly this River shall in all its Crystal Streams and Cur-rents be apprehended and seen by the Children of this City; for in this Vision he doth as it were represent in his Person the Children of New Jerusalem; as God said to Ezekiel in another case, Thou shalt be their sign, and they shall do as Ezek. 24 22, 27.Ezek 24:22Ezek 24:27thou hast done. ▪ So here, I SAW, saith p. 256John, a pure River of Water of Life. I am in this a signe to the House of the Israel of God, and to the Inhabitants of this City; they shall do as I have done, and shall also see as I have seen. As saith the Church and People of this City, As we have heard, so have we SEEN, Psal. 48. 8Ps 48:8in the City of the Lord of Hosts. And hence it is called an OPEN Fountain, Zec. 13. 1, 2.because, it shall be no more shut up or kept close for ever.

And he shewed me a pure River of Water of Life, clear as Crystal [proceeding] out of the Throne of God.

This word, proceeding, hath also in it two things.

First, An implicit declaration, whither it goes. And,

Secondly, A discovery of its gradual extention to those to whom it goes.

First, Touching to whom or whither it goes; it is let out both to the Jews and Gentiles indifferently; and so it never yet was, since the Foundations of the Jewish Church; for in the time of the old Testament it did run to the Jews in special, and in the times of the New-Testament p. 257hitherto, unto us the Gentiles in special▪ … but now it shall in this manner be extended to sinners no longer; not now to the Jews without the Gentiles, nor again, to them without the Jews, but equally, and alike to both, and on them both it shall work alike effectually: It shall be at that day, saith the Prophet, that Living Waters shall go out from Jersusalem; half of Zec. 14. 8them towards the former Sea, and half of them towards the hinder Sea. By Living Waters here, you are to understand the same with this in the Text; by the former Sea, the People of the Jews, for they were Gods former People; and by hinder Sea, the People of the Gentiles, for they are the younger Son: And because the whole World consisteth of these two People, therefore Ezekiel in his Vision …uts them both together, calling them …he Fish of one great Sea, to which this Water of Life shall run, and upon whose Fish it shall have alike operation, even …o heal them, and make them live without respect either to this or that party.

It shall come to pass that the Fishers (thatEzek. 47 10.Ezek 47:10 …s the Gospel Ministers) shall stand upon …he River from En-gedi, even to Eneglaim, they shall be a place to spread Nets, their Fish p. 258shall be according to their kinds, as the Fish of the great Sea, Exceeding many; as anotherIsa. 60. 5.Isa 60:5 Prophet saith, The abundance of the Sea shall be converted to thee.

Thus much touching whither this Water goes.

And now to come to the manner of the extention of it in the way of its proceeding. A thing that proceeds, it doth what it doth gradually, that is, by degrees. First, it comes or goes so far, and then further, and afterwards further than that; till at last it ascends to the height and uppermost degree that is alotted for its perfection: All which the Holy Ghost would have us gather out of this word, it proceedeth, or that John saw this Holy-Water proceeding: The which, the Prophet Ezekiel in a mystery unfoldeth to us, saying, the first time he passed over this Water, it was up but to his ancles; the secondEzek. 47 3, 4, 5.Ezek 47:3Ezek 47:4Ezek 47:5 time he passed through, it proceeded to his knees; the third time to his loyns, and last of all, became a River to swim in▪

First, It is but up to the ancles, that is, but shallow, and signifies that, first, the soul is but a little child in Gods things, such as the Apostle calls Babes Children, little Children.1 Joh. 2. 12.1 John 2:12

p. 259Secondly, Then from the ancles it proceeds to the knees, that is, somewhat higher then the ancles, and signifieth that the Christian groweth from a Child to a Young and Strong-man, one that is now gotten deeper into the things of God,1 John 2. 13.1 John 2:13 and that is able to tug with, and overcome the wicked ones.

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 Gallie with p. 260Oars, 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.

And he shewed me a pure River of Water of Life, clear as Crystal, proceeding out of the Throne of God, and of the Lamb.

Having thus spoken to the Water, what it is, as also to whom it extends it self, and how it proceeds: He now comes to shew us from whence and from whom it doth come. It proceeds, saith he, from the Throne of God and of the Lamb, Out of the Throne of God; this Throne of God, Exod. 25. 22. Heb. 4. 16.Exod 25:22Heb 4:16it is in another place called the Mercy-Seat, and Throne of Grace, from which, as always, so now in a special manner he will issue forth of himself in the glory of the Gospel of the Grace of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to the Inhabitants of this City. When he saith therefore, that it doth proceed out of the Throne of God, it is as if he had said, I saw, that p. 261from the yearning bowels of the great God did flow continually the Living Streams of the everlasting Fountains of Grace, and that not only to, but in the midst of this City, wherewith her Inhabitants are continually watered and their Pastures kept always green and flourishing.Isa. 55. 1.Isa 55:1 Ho every one that thirsteth, Come ye to the Waters.

Proceeding out of the Throne of God and of the Lamb.

In that this Water of Life is said to proceed not only out of the Throne of God, but also of the Lamb. It signifieth and holdeth forth unto us two speciall things.

First, That the Throne of God is also made the Throne of the Lord Jesus Christ, upon which he (as a reward of his Sufferings and Victory over Sin, Satan and all Evils) is set down, and upon which he sits and rules as Lord and Chief of all Worlds. He is set down on theHeb. 1. 2. & 10. 12. & 12. 2.Heb 1:2Heb 10:12Heb 12:2 right hand of Power, on the right hand of the Majesty on high; as he saith, To him that overcometh will I grant to sit down with Rev. 3 21Rev 3:21me on my Throne, even as I overcame, and am set down with my Father upon his Throne. p. 262This being thus, it signifieth that this City shall have her enjoyments of Life, Peace and Joy in the holy Ghost, by vertue of the Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ, aswel as by the vertue of his Priestly and Prophetical Office. The Church doth in our dayes know a little what Joy, Peace and Life is to be enjoyed from Christ, even through that dark and glimmering sight that she hath of the Offices of Christ in a mist; but she feels not yet what Joy she shall have, and what Peace she shall enjoy when her Lord in all his Offices is manifest before her, and when he in the glory of them doth reign in the midst of this Jerusalem. There are none of the Offices of the Lord Jesus yet upon the Throne in his Church on Earth, though they be all upon the Throne in Heaven: O! but the day is coming that they shall be all upon the Throne in the Church on Earth, when they shal each of them in its full length, breadth, heighth and depth bear sway among his People, and before all men▪ Then shall the Moon be confounded, and the Sun ashamed, when the Lord of Hosts shal… reign in Mount-Zion, and in Jerusalem▪ and before his Antients gloriously, Isa. 24▪ 23.

p. 263O that thou wouldest rend the Heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the Mountains might flow down at thy presence! O that the day were come that the smoak should go forth of the Temple of God, that men might enter into it, and there meet with God upon the Throne, and with Jesus in him upon the Throne in all his Offices. It will be thus, thou Zion, Isa. 64. 1.Isa 64:1shortly, and great shall be the Peace of thy Children.

The second thing observable, is, That as all Grace comes from out of the Throne of God, so it also proceeds, or comes out of the Throne of the Lamb: that is, No Grace comes to any, but thorow the Victory and Conquest of the Lord Christ: We are justified freely by his Rom. 3. 24.Rom 3:24Grace, through the Redemption that is in Eph. 1. 7.Eph 1:7Christ Jesus: and again, We have Redemption thorow his Blood, even the forgiveness of our Sins, according to the riches of his Grace. By which we may gather, that when these things come to be in their own Purity among us; that is, when Grace runs clear without the dirt and mud of the Traditions of men commixed therewith, then will all that hold up false and erronious Opinions, be washed p. 264away: for this River will not onelyonly wash away the sins and filthiness of those that are truly gracious, but it will also destroy the Heretick and erronious Person; it will be to them at that day as the red Sea was to the Egyptians of old; which Sea, though it was a Wall on this hand, and on that, to the Children of Israel, yet it destroyed the Egyptians thatHeb. 11. 29Heb 11:29 assayed to go thorow it, as Israel did. The reason also why we are at this day in such confusion in matters of Religion, it is for want of the clear and pure streams of this River of Water of Life; all which will be mended when there is but one River to water this City, and that too the pure River of the Water of Life, in all its streams as clear as Crystal; then shall all drink-in all things into one Spirit, and be watered with the same Dews of Heaven.

Thus much of the Water of Life that belongeth to this Jerusalem.

p. 265Vers. 2.

And in the midst of the Street of it, and on either side of the River was there the Tree of Life, which bare twelve manner of Fruits, and yeilded her Fruit every month; and the Leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the Nations.

This Tree of Life is the Lord Jesus Christ; and that he is here called a Tree, rather then by other of his Names, it is to shew us how fruitful and exceeding advantagious he in all his Benefits will be to the Inhabitants of this City: this is that Tree under whose Branches theMat. 13. 31, 32.Matt 13:31Matt 13:32 Fowls of Heaven shall now most safely lodge, and finde relief from the hot and fainting Beams of the persecuting Sun of this world, as the Word doth there inform us.

Now before I come to speak to this Tree touching the manner of its Fruit, and its often bearing, with the efficatiousness of its Leaves, which here he saith doth heal the Nations; I will take notice of one or two general things that lie before me, from the standing of the Tree in the midst of the street of this City.

p. 266First then, In that he saith this City hath a Tree of Life in it; He alludes to the Garden of Eden, the pleasant Paradise that God began the World withal; whereby he signifieth, that as the World began with a Paradise, so also it shall end with a Paradise, when Sin and Satan have done their worst: This New Jerusalem shall be the wind-up of the world, and in it shall stand the Tree of Life, as well as there stood one in the goodly Garden which was the beginning thereof. In which Paradise there shall be no Tree of Knowledge, or the Law of Works to bear sway, and to cause that the Sons of God shall be thrust out thence for their eating of its forbidden Fruits; no, the Tree of Life alone shall here bear sway, and rule; whose Fruit is only healthful, and the Leaves thereof for Medicine.

Now this Tree of Life being in the midst of this City, it signifieth that the Inhabitants of it shall be sweetly shadowed, refreshed and defended with its coolness, and also sweetly nourished and comforted with its dainties: And hence it is that the Scriptures do hold him forth in his benefits to his Church, under p. 267these very notions: As the Apple-tree is among the Trees of the Wood, so is my Beloved Cant. 2. 3.Song 2:3among the Sons. I sate down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Indeed the shadow of this Tree of Life, as always it is refreshing to the tempted and weary, so now it will be far more: They that dwell Hos. 14. 5, 6, 7.Hos 14:5Hos 14:6Hos 14:7under his shadow, shall return; they shall revive as the Corn, and grow as the Vine, and the scent thereof shall be as the Wine of Lebanon. Mark, 1. His shadow will make us return, that is, to our first Love; to the dayes of our youth, to our young, fresh, tender, and flourishing Faith, Love and Self-denial, that we received in the dayes of our Espousals. 2. As it will make us return to these, so it will make us revive in these; they shall return, and revive; they shall revive as the Corn; as the Corn doth when in the heat of Summer after long scorching, it it covered with cool Clouds, and watered with the bottles of Heaven. 3. As is shall make them return and revive, so it shall make them grow; they shall grow as the Vine, that is, speedily, fruitfully, and spreadingly. 4. This is not all, but the smell of Saints in those dayes p. 268shall be excellent, They shall revive as the Corn, they shall grow as the Vine, and shall send forth their scent as the Wine of Lebanon. This Tree is a Perfuming-Tree, and makes them also that abide under the shadow thereof, to smell as sweet-smelling Myrrh; it makes them smell as the Wine of thy Grace, O Lord, and as the fragrant Oyntments of Heaven. When the Spouse did but touch where her Lord had touched afore her, it made her hands drop with Myrrh, and her fingers with sweet-smelling Myrrh. O they will be green, savoury, reviving, flourishing, growing Christians, that shall walk the street of New-Jerusalem! I am, saith he, a green Fir-Tree, from me Hos. 14. 8Hos 14:8is thy Fruit found.

But again; As he shall be thus profitable to his People for shadow and reviving; so he will be in the midst of the Street of it for food, for refreshing, and replenishing that way. I sate down under his shadow with great delight, said she, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Ezekiel tels us, that this Tree is all Trees;Ezek. 47 12.Ezek 47:12 And on the bank of the River, on this side, and on that, were [all Trees] for meat. Indeed Christ is all Trees; yea, there is p. 269more to be found in him for the food of the Soul, than there can be on all Trees for the food of the Body. He is a Fir-tree for tallness, greenness and strength; He is an Olive for fatness, a Vine for sweetnessHos. 14. 8. Rom. 11. 12▪ John 15. 1, 2. Cant. 2. 13.Hos 14:8Rom 11:12John 15:1John 15:2Song 2:13 and goodness; for therewith is refreshed the heart both of God and man. What shal I say? he is the Almond-tree, the Fig-tree, the Apple-tree, all Trees; The Tree of Life also in the midst of the Paradise of God.

To conclude. Seeing Christ is said to be in the midst of the Street of this City, it sheweth unto us with what, at all occasions, the actions of the Saints of this City shall be seasoned. The Street, you know I told you, is the Way of Holiness in this City; the place of Spiritual recreation and solace. Now in the very midst of this Street there stands this Tree, which being thus, it sheweth us how wonderfully Christ, as a Tree of Life, will be in all the words and deeds of the Inhabitants of this Jerusalem; they will walk in Christ, they will talk in Christ, they will do all they do in Christ; or rather Christ will be found in all their wayes, even as the Tree of Life is found in the midst of the Street p. 270of this City: they shall walk up and down Zech. 10. 12.Zech 10:12in my Name, saith the Lord.

Again, In that this Tree is said to stand in the midst of the Street, it sheweth unto us how common and free his benefits will now be also. The Plumbs, and Figs, and Grapes and Apples of this Tree, will be open to every Passenger; not a Boy nor a Girl that now shall play in thy Street, O Jerusalem, but shall eat of the Fruits of the Tree that stands in he midst of thee, as of common **Jer. 31. 4, 5.Jer 31:4Jer 31:5things.

And in the midst of the Street of it, and and [on either side] of the River was there the Tree of Life.

As this Tree doth stand in the midst of the Street of this City, so it also standeth one each side of the River of the Water of Life, of which you have heard before. Now when he saith, the Tree is on either side of the River; whence by the way note yet again, That both the Water of Life, and also the Tree of Life, they are both to be enjoyed by the Inhabitants of this City in the way of Holiness; the Tree is in the midst of the Street, and the River runs thorow or between the very tables of p. 271the heart of this Tree of Life; on either side of the iver was there the Tree of Life.

Again, In that it is said that this Tree of Life is on either side of the River; it argueth that they who come at any time at this River for water to quench their thirst, and to make them live, they must come to it by the Tree of Life, which is Christ. In more easie terms, read it thus; There is none can partake of the GraceCol. 2. 3, 9.Col 2:3Col 2:9 of God but by the man Christ Jesus, which is this Tree of Life; for this Tree,John 1. 16.John 1:16 this Christ, doth stand on either side of the River, to signifie that all Grace to us comes thorow his bloody Wounds,John 14. 6.John 14:6 Death and Victory. I am the Way, saith Christ, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh to the Father but by me.

And on either side of the River was there the Tree of Life.

Mark, But one Tree, and yet such a Tree whose body reached as far as the River reached; indeed Ezekiel saith this Tree is all Trees for meat, yet not to shew that there is more Trees of Life than one, but to shew that all that can be thought of that is good for soul-nourishment is to p. 272be found in this one, that is in Christ Jesus: and it is further evident, that though he saith all Trees, as if he meant many, yet he spake but metaphorically, to shew thereby the fulness of Christ; because, John doth understand him so, calling it one Tree, to wit, the Tree of Life. But mark again; so far as the River goes, so far the Tree goes, so that where you cannot find the Tree of Life, be sure there is none of the Water of Life. No Christ, no Grace; He that hath the Son hath life, John 3. 36.John 3:36but he that hath not the Son shall not see 1 John 5. 12.1 John 5:12life, but the wrath of God abides upon him: For on either side of the River was [there] the Tree of Life.

Which bare twelve manner of [Fruits.]

This word, Fruits, it may be taken two ways, either as it relates to God, or as it relates to man (for as I said before,Judg. 9. 9, 13.Judg 9:9Judg 9:13 the Fruits of this Tree refresheth the heart both of God and man.)

Now if it be taken with reference to God, then it signifieth the compleat satisfaction that by the worthiness of the Fruits of the Passion of Christ is given to God for the salvation of the Church; this p. 273City of God. He suffered to finish transgression, Dan. 9. 24, 26. Matth. 3. 17.Dan 9:24Dan 9:26Matt 3:17to make an end of sin, and to bring in everlasting Righteousness; by this, I say, is the heart of God refreshed, and in this doth it rest.

2. If Fruit here be taken with reference to men, then it signifieth the Happiness and Glory that those for whom he dyed and rose again, should receive by this means. His Fruit I have shewed you is sweet to the taste of his Church, which Fruit is the effect of his undertaking for Sinners, and the comfortable savour of it in the soul.

Which bare [twelve] manner of Fruits.

In that he saith, the Fruits are twelve, he herein alludeth to the twelve Tribes of the Israel of God; for which twelve Tribes here will be found a suitable measure of Food, healing Food: I will multiply Ezek. 3… 30.Ezek 3:30the Fruit of the Tree, saith God, and also the encrease of the Field, that you may receive no more reproach of Famine among the Heathen.

Again, These that John calleth twelve manner of Fruits, the Prophet Ezekiel calleth, all manner of Fruit for meat: For p. 274indeed, as I shewed before, there is that to be found in Christ, both for fulness and variety, that is not to be found in Heaven and Earth beside. Here is Fruit for Body, Fruit for Soul, Fruit for Babes, Fruit for Strong-men, Fruit for Fathers, yea, for glorified Saints and Angels: Fruits, variety of Fruits, even twelve manner of Fruits.

2. By twelve manner of Fruits, he doth also allude to the Apostles, who are called, twelve, and are those who have made provision for the House of God according to the twelvefold manner of the Dispensation of God unto them, and of the twelve fold manner of Operation of that holy Spirit, which wrought in every one of them severally as he pleased: which twelve were before figured out unto us by the twelve Officers of King Solomon (the… King. 4. 7. Type of Christ) which twelve were to make provision for the House of the King according to the season of the year, and each man his month in the year. Which very thing the holy Ghost also doth here cast his eye upon, & that makes him bring in the words of every month, saying, it yeeld… its Fruit every month: For indeed, what ever you reade of, concerning this City p. 275in this description of John, you find something or other in the Writings of the Prophets that giveth ground for such expressions. Wherefore seeing the Officers of Solomon were twelve, and the Apostles of Christ twelve also; and seeing the Officers of Solomon made provision for his house, each man his month in a year, and the Fruits of this Tree of Life is called twelve manner of Fruits: I do take the twelve manner of Fruits here to be signified by the provision of Solomon's Officers according to the twelve seasons of the year, and they a Type of1 Thess. 2. 7. 1 Cor. 3. 2. Heb. 5. 11, 12, 13, 14.1 Thess 2:71 Cor 3:2Heb 5:11Heb 5:12Heb 5:13Heb 5:14 the twelvefold Doctrine of the twelve Apostles of the Lord Christ, for it is their Doctrine that is the bread of the Church, yea, the milk for the Babe, and the strong meat for men.

And yeelded her Fruit every month.

As this confirmeth what I have said before; so it further sheweth us these three things.

First, That the effectual Fruits of Christ for the saving of the world, they are to be had especially, at certain seasons: It yeelded her Fruit every Month.

p. 276Secondly, It sheweth also that at the building of this Jerusalem, these Seasons will be very thick and quick; she yeelded her Fruit every month.

Thirdly, It sheweth us, also, the abundance of provision that this holy City shall then enjoy from the Tree of Life, even all manner of Fruit, every Month.

1. For the first, That the Gospel hath and will be especially effectual at certain Seasons for the saving of the sons of men: it is shewed us by the descending of the Angel into the Pool of Bethesda to trouble the water, which as it was at certain seasons, so he that in those seasons first stepped in, he only was made whole o… Joh. 5. 4.John 5:4whatsoever disease he had. It is shewed us also in that Parable of the Lord's hiring men to work in his Vineyard; which time of hiring, though it lasteth in general from the first hour to the eleventh yet so, as that there were vacant seasons between hiring-times, and hiring-timesMat. 20. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.Matt 20:1Matt 20:2Matt 20:3Matt 20:4Matt 20:5Matt 20:6 quit thorow the whole day; he went out at the first, third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hour, and not at every hour to hir… Labourers. For as God hath appointed out before hand the number of his Elect p. 277so also he hath determined in his goodGal. 1. 15, 16. Hos. 6. 11 Jer. 2. 24Gal 1:15Gal 1:16Hos 6:11Jer 2:24 pleasure the day of their bringing in, and will then have them as certainly as the wild Ass is found in her month. Of which times and seasons, because men are ignorant, therefore they should with all faithfulness wait upon God in all theJoh. 5. 8.John 5:8 seasons of his Grace for their souls, even as he did for his body; who because he would be there at all seasons, brought thither his bed and couch to rest there.

Secondly, As by the Fruit of this Tree being yeelded at certain seasons, We may gather that there are certain seasons in which the Word in an especial manner shall be blessed and made successful to the salvation of many souls: So again, in that he saith, This Fruit is yeelded every month, it signifieth that in the days of the building of the City, the New-Jerusalem, these Seasons will be very thick and quick. Lift up thine eyes, saith God to this City, all these gather themselves together, to come unto thee; thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters from the ends of the Earth. All the Flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee (so that thou wandering by, shalt say) Who are these that flie as a cloud, and p. 278as Doves to the windows. For I will make thy Mountain a way, and my high ways shall Isa. 49. 11, 12. Isa. 60. 7, 8.Isa 49:11Isa 49:12Isa 60:7Isa 60:8be exalted. Behold these shall come from far, and lo these from the North and the West, and those from the Land of Sinim.

Thirdly, In that she is said to yeeld not only Fruit, but all manner of Fruit; and that not only one manner of Fruit now, and another then, but all manner of Fruit, and that, every month: it argueth also, that at this day Jerusalem shal have abundance of heavenly and spiritual provision, and of variety of dainties for her solace and refreshment; alwayes new, I say, and immediately from the Tree. The Fruits of the Vine shall at that Jer. 31. 5.Jer 31:5day be upon the Mountains of Samaria, and shall be eaten as common things, saith the Prophet. Fear not, O Land, be glad and rejoyce; for the Lord will do great things. Be not afraid, ye Beasts of the field, for the Pastures of the Wilderness do spring: for the Tree beareth her Fruit; the Fig-Tree and the Vine do yeeld their Strength. Be glad ye Children of Zion, and rejoyce in the Lord your God; for he hath given you the former and the latter rain moderatly, and he will cause it to come down to you, the rain, the former and the latter rain in the first month; p. 279and the Floors shall be full of Wheat, and Joel 2. 21 22, 23, 24 25.Joel 2:21the Fats shall overflow with Wine and Oyl. And I will restore unto you that which the Canker-worm, the Catterpillar, and the Palmer-worm hath eaten, and you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and shall praise the Name of the Lord. And then shall Zech 3. 10.Zech 3:10every one, not only, sit under his own Vine and under his own Fig-tree, but from thence they shall call each to other, to give to each other their dainties, and none shall make them afraid.

And the Leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the Nations.

By Leaves here, we may understand the blessed and precious Promises, Consolations and Encouragments that by vertue of Christ's undertaking for us, we have every where growing upon the new Covenant; which Promises and Encouragments they are, and will be, most freely handed to the wounded conscience that will be tossed upon the restless waves of doubt and unbelief, as was the Olive-leaf by the Dove brought home to Noah, when he was tossed upon theGen. 11.Gen 11 waves of that outragious Flood that then did drown the world.

p. 280But again, by this word, the Leaves, You may conceive, that still he hath his eye to the Paradise in which at first God placed Adam and his Companion, for 'twas to Leaves they fled for covering, after they had transgressed against their…n. 3. 7. Maker. Now then, in his saying the Leaves are for healing, it is as if he had said, the Paradise that will be towards the latter end of the world, will far outstrip the Paradise that first was planted in the begining thereof; for as the Tree of Life, which is the Christ and Saviour, shall stand where did the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil, which is the Old Covenant, and Law of Works: So the Leaves of this Tree shall be for healing, and for covering the nakedness of poor transgressors; though the Leaves that Adam found in the first Paradise, do what he could, did leave him naked.

Christs Leaves are better than Adams Aprons. Ezekiel saith, that these LeavesEzek. 47 12.Ezek 47:12 are for medicine, that is, they are for healing, saith John; the which may most fitly be applied to the blessed promise of Grace, for as a Leaf for Medicine, when applied to a sore in the body doth supple, molify, and heal the wound; so the p. 281word of Promise when rightly applyed to the soul, it doth supple, molify and heal the wounded conscience; He sent his word and healed them, and delivered them from their distractions. O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderous works to the Children of men! Psal. 107. 20, 21.

And the Leaves, &c.

There is yet another Mystery lieth in these words.

He doth not say, And the Fruits thereof are for the healing of the Nations, but the Leaves; by which he would have us to understand, that all the benefits, and priviledges that we do here receive from Christ, they are as inferior to the Glory we shall have from him when we come to Heaven, as inferior, I say, as the Leaves are to the Fruit. Again, The comfort and sweetness that at any time we receive from the Lord, it is not before, but after a Promise is suitably applied, even as the Fruit of the Tree with which the body is comforted, is not before, but after the Leavs have put forth themselves. Wherefore Christ might well p. 282say to Nathaniel (and that after he had received some refreshment from a Leaf)John 1. 50.John 1:50 Thou shalt see greater things than these; and Paul, That yet a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory is laid up for 2 Cor. 4. 17.2 Cor 4:17all Believers: for indeed, indeed, the Glory that God hath prepared for us against the day of God, it doth, and will more outstrip the most high Enjoyment of the highest Saint in New-Jerusalem (notwithstanding their Enjoyment will be so eminent) than doth the sweetest Fruit outstrip the Leaf that hangeth on that Tree: And the Leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the Nations.

If the Leaves be so good, O Lord, let us enjoy the Fruit; and not a little, or earnest, but the whole Harvest thereof in thy Kingdom.

Thus much touching this Water and Tree of Life.

Vers. 3.

And there shall be no more Curse, but the the Throne of God shall be in it, and his Servants shall serve him.

This is the conclusion of the whole Discourse; and it sheweth unto us the blessed effect of the blessed recovering p. 283of this City to her first and primitive state. These words therefore, they are only applicable to this state of the Church.

For there hath no state of the Church been yet in the world, but that state hath been liable to a Curse; but this state, to wit, the state she will be in at her building again, wil be a state without parallel, a state properly her own. And there shall be no more Curse.

By Curse in this place we are cheifly to understand, not the taking away of the Curse, the eternal Curse which separates between God and the soul for ever; for so the Curse in this sence hath always been taken away, by vertue of the terms, the general terms of the New-Covenant, and that in common for every Saint in all ages: But by Curse here, we areGal. 3. 13 Zeph. 1. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.Gal 3:13Zeph 1:12Zeph 1:13Zeph 1:14Zeph 1:15Zeph 1:16Zeph 1:17 to understand that, or those Curses, that do, and have frequently befallen the Church for her Sin and Apostacy; asIsa. 43. 28Isa 43:28 namely, the giving up his People to their own darkness and ignorance; his sufferingJer. 29. 18. and 44. 8, 12. Amos 8. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.Jer 29:18Jer 44:8Jer 44:12Amos 8:9Amos 8:10Amos 8:11Amos 8:12Amos 8:13 them to swerve from his true Worship and Ordinances; his giving them up into the hand of those that hate them, to become among them a hissing, a taunt, p. 284a reproach, and a by-word, as it is at this day: his taking away from them the means, to wit, the outward Word of the Gospel, and suffering them to be even at the point to famish for the want thereof. These and other things are the Curses that he here saith shall be no more among his People; for indeed they shall not, because the Gospel-Pattern shall never be removed more; nor their Light to see, nor their Love to practise, never beIsa. 33. 16.Isa 33:16 diminished more; Their defence, also, shall be the munition of Rocks; bread shall be given them, and their waters shall be sure: As here, you find the Tree & River of the Water of Life are fixed now in the midst of this City. Wherefore now the Church (as I have all-along shewed you) shall have her Sun at the height; her Light as the light of seven dayes, and shall go no more down for ever: Also she shall never be pulled down; She shall be a Tabernacle that shall never be pulled down, neither shall one of the cords thereof be loosed, or one of her stakes again removed. There shall be no more Curse.

But the Throne of God shall be in it.

Indeed, here lieth the reason of all p. 285blessedness to any People, even the Presence of God. Now the Presence of God is with his People, either at times and seasons, or all together: He will not be to this City a God of times and seasons,Zeph. 3. 17.Zeph 3:17 even like a wayfaring man that tarries but Jer. 14. 8, 9.Jer 14:8Jer 14:9for a night, as He used to be to his People of old, but here he will abide, rest,Zech. 2. 10, 11.Zech 2:10Zech 2:11 and dwell, I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, Ezek. 43. 9.Ezek 43:9and my House shall be built in it, saith the Lord; and again, I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem for ever: wherefore John considering this, he saith, there shall be here no more any Cnrse, but the Throne of God. God will now when he returneth to Jerusalem, bring his Seat with him, to signify his sitting down in the midst his People, to be their company-keeper for ever.

But the Throne of God shall be in it.

By this word Throne, we are to understand, yet further, these particular things.

First, How blessed a state this City will be in at all times, for the answer of of prayer; the Throne of God will be in the midst of them; the Throne of Grace, p. 286the Mercy-Seat, they will be open now to all the Inhabitants of this City; yea, the fame thereof shall so spread, that it shall be rumored among all Nations, that in Jerusalem God will be found speedily; that in Jerusalem the God of Heaven and eternal Mercy is found at all times by them that seek his face. My House, Isa. 56. 7.Isa 56:7saith he, shall be called, a House of Prayer for all Nations. Yea, many People, and strong Nations shall at that day come to seek the Lord at Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. And at that day, the very Fasts of the House of God, shall Zech. 8. 19, 20, 21, 22.Zech 8:19Zech 8:20Zech 8:21Zech 8:22be to the House of Judah, Joy and gladness, and cheerful Feasts; therefore Love, Truth and Peace.

Secondly, The Throne of God being now established in this City, what a government, what rule, what a life of holiness & godliness, what dread and majesty will now be in the hearts of all the Sons o… this City! How to an hairs breadthIsa. 48. 17Isa 48:17 wil he command and guide them with his eye at all times, when they should either turn to to the right hand or to the left: What Wisdom (I say) what Holiness, what Grace and Life will be found in all their words and actions? The Throne p. 287of God is among them, from which there will come continual influence, light and splendor into all their hearts. Hear the Word of the Lord, O ye Nations, and declare it in the Isles afar off. He that scattered Jacob, will gather him, and keep him, as a Shepherd doth his Sheep: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that is stronger than he. Therefore they shall come, and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for Wheat, and for Wine, and for Oyl, and for the young of the Flock and of the Herd; and their Jer. 31. 1… 11, 12, 13.Jer 31:1soul shall be as a watered Garden, and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Thirdly, The Throne of God being in this City, there is also thereby discovered what sway and commanding an Authority this City will have at this day, (as I have already shewed you) over all the Earth: The Lord shall roar out of Zion, and shall utter his voice from Jerusalem, and the Heavens and the Earth shall Isa. 2. 9, 10. Joel 3. 16Isa 2:9Isa 2:10Joel 3:16shake; but the Lord shall be the Hope of his People, and the Strength of the Children of Israel. This was figured forth by the Throne of Solomon, in the days when that City was in its prosperity; which p. 288Throne, to shew the majesty and commanding awe that then that City had over all, both far and near; it had for the bearers of the steps twelve Lions, six on1 Kings 10. 18, 19 20.1 Kgs 10:181 Kgs 10:19 this side, and six on that side of the Throne. This City shall then be the Head and Chief, but the Tail and Reproach no more: Glorious things are spoken Psal. 87. 3Ps 87:3of thee, O City of God.

And his Servants shall serve him.

That is, him only: Indeed his Servants serve him always, but yet withal they do too too often serve with the wills and lusts of men even in their Service and worshipping God; that is, they serve him in much Affliction, Temptation, Fear and Persecution, but then they shall serve him without any of these: Yea, they shall take them Captives whose Captives they were, and they shall rule over their Oppressors. And it shall come to pass in that day (O City) that the Lord shall Isa. 14. 23Isa 14:23give thee [REST] from thy Sorrow, and from the hard Bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, and thou shalt serve the Lord Luke 1. 74, 75.Luke 1:74Luke 1:75thy God without fear in Holiness and Righteousness before him all the days of thy life.

p. 289And they shall see his face.

This also argueth a very great dispensation of Grace and Mercy to this Jerusalem. When God did deliver up his People into the hand of the King of Babylon, Deut. 31 17. Jer. 33. 5Deut 31:17Jer 33:5he said, it should be done in fury and in anger, and that for their wickedness he would hide his face from his City. Wherefore by the sight of his face here, we are to understand that glorious visible appearance of God that then will be for this City and People in the face of all the world: For by the Face of God,1 Pet. 3. 12. Job 6. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Heb. 1. 1, 2, 3. 2 Cor. 4. 6.1 Pet 3:12Job 6:8Job 6:9Job 6:10Job 6:11Job 6:12Job 6:13Heb 1:1Heb 1:2Heb 1:32 Cor 4:6 we are to understand the discovery of his Severity, Providences and wonderful Out-goings among the sons of men; as also the glorions breaking forth of Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness thorow Christ Jesus; all which, the People of God shall then most marvellously see and behold.

First, They shall see his Severity and Judgments upon the Whore.

Secondly, They shall see how God by his strange Judgments and works of Wonder hath brought this about: Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy Rev. 15. 4.Rev 15:4Name? for thou only art holy; for all Nations p. 290shall come and worship before thee… for thy Judgments are made manifest. ††Judg. 5▪ 11.Judg 5:11They that are delivered from the noise of Archers in the places of drawing water; there shall they rehearse the righteous Acts of the Lord even the righteous Acts towards the Inhabitants of his Villages in Israel.

Thirdly, And as for his Mercy, theyPsal. 148. 14.Ps 148:14 shall see that their Horn is exalted, and that they are neer to him. Praise ye the Lord.

And his Name shall be in their foreheads.

And his Name] That is, his Fear and Image, it shall appear in all their doings. Sometimes he saith he will write his Fear and Law in their hearts and minds. Which Fear and Law is all one with that which in this place he calleth his Name in their foreheads. The forehead of a man is the place, above all parts of the body, that is most naked and plain to be beheld of all that pas… by; wherefore when he saith their Fathers Name shall be in their foreheads; it is, as if he had said, The Profession of my People shall now be open, and the p. 291beauty of it apparent to all beholders; I will make them, saith God, a Name and Zeph. 3. 20.Zeph 3:20a Praise among all the People of the Earth, when I turn back your Captivity before your eyes. Every Face shall then shine with Oyl, as well as every heart be replenished with Milk and Wine. This was held forth by the Memorial that the Israelites were to wear at God's command,Exod. 13 6, 7, 8, 9. 1 Cor. 5. 8.Exod 13:6Exod 13:7Exod 13:8Exod 13:91 Cor 5:8 between their eyes: Which Memorial, was the Doctrine of Unleavened-Bread, and of the Paschal-Lamb, the Doctrine of Faith and Holiness. Wherefore by Name here, he means the Faith and Holiness of the Gospel, which in those days shall walk openly with Honour, with Reverence and Esteem before all men. At this day the World will, as I have said, be so far off from opposing and persecuting, that they shall wonder and tremble and fear before this People; yea, be taken, affected, and pleased with the welfare of this Beloved. The Mountains and the Hills shall break forth before Isa. 55. 12Isa 55:12her into singing, and all the Trees of the Field shall clap their hands: All Nations shall call them blessed; for they shall be a delight some Land, saith the Lord of Hosts, Malac. 3. 12. The Waters of Noah p. 292shall now be no more, the tumultuous Multitudes shall now be gone, and there Isa. 54. 9. Psal. 65. 7. & 89. 9. Rev. 21. 1, 2. Gen. 8. 4, 5, &c.Isa 54:9Ps 65:7Ps 89:9Rev 21:1Rev 21:2Gen 8:4Gen 8:5will be no more Sea: Now therefore the Doves may be gathering their Olivebranches, and also find rest for the soals of their feet, while the Ark shall rest upon the Mountains of Ararat.

The Wolf shall (now) dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard shall lie down with the Kid; the Calf and the young Lion, and the Fatling together; and a little Child shall lead them. The Lion shall eat Isa. 11. 6, 7, 8, 9. & 56. 25.Isa 11:6Isa 11:7Isa 11:8Isa 11:9Isa 56:25straw like an Oxe. And the little Childe shall play at the hole of the Asp, and the weaned Childe shall put his hand into the Cockatrices den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my Holy Mountain, saith the Lord.

Blessed is he whose lot it will be to see this holy City descending and lighting upon the place that shall be prepared for her situation and rest! Then will be a Golden World; Wickedness shall then be ashamed, especially that which persecutes the Church: Holiness, Goodness, and Truth, shall then with great boldness, countenance, and reverence, walk upon the face of all the Earth. From the rising of the Sun, even p. 293to the going down of the same, my Name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place Incense shall be offered to my Mal. 1. 11.Mal 1:11Name, and a pure Offering: for my Name shall be Great among the Heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts. 'Twill be then alwayes Summer, alwayes Sunshine, alwayes pleasant, green, fruitfull, and beautiful to the Sons of God. And it shall come to pass in that day that the Mountains shall drop down new Wine, and the Hills shall flow with Milk, and all the Rivers of Judah shall flow with Water; and a Fountain shall come forth of the House of the Lord, and shall water the valley Joel 3. 18 20.Joel 3:18of Shittem; and Judah shall dwell for ever, even from Generation to Generation. And the name of the City shall be from that day, THE LORD IS THERE. [Oh Blessedness!] And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true. And Rev. 22. 6Rev 22:6the Lord God of the holy Prophets sent his Angel to shew unto his Servants, things that MUST SHORTLY be done.

I conclude therefore with that earnest Groan of Moses the Man of God: O satisfie us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoyce, and be glad all our dayes! p. 294Make us glad according to the dayes wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy Work Psal. 90. 14, 15, 16, 17.Ps 90:14Ps 90:15Ps 90:16Ps 90:17appear unto thy Servants, and thy Glory to their Children; and let the Beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands; yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it.

Amen.

THE END.

End of the text · John Bunyan, The Holy City (1669)