Anf-03 v.iv.iv.xxiv Pg 19
Rev. xxi. 10–23.
And the word of the new prophecy which is a part of our belief,3452 3452 That is, the Montanist. [Regarded as conclusive; but not conclusive evidence of an accomplished lapse from Catholic Communion.]
attests how it foretold that there would be for a sign a picture of this very city exhibited to view previous to its manifestation. This prophecy, indeed, has been very lately fulfilled in an expedition to the East.3453 3453 He means that of Severus against the Parthians. Tertullian is the only author who mentions this prodigy.
For it is evident from the testimony of even heathen witnesses, that in Judæa there was suspended in the sky a city early every morning for forty days. As the day advanced, the entire figure of its walls would wane gradually,3454 3454 Evanescente.
and sometimes it would vanish instantly.3455 3455 Et alias de proximo nullam: or “de proximo” may mean, “on a near approach.”
We say that this city has been provided by God for receiving the saints on their resurrection, and refreshing them with the abundance of all really spiritual blessings, as a recompense for those which in the world we have either despised or lost; since it is both just and God-worthy that His servants should have their joy in the place where they have also suffered affliction for His name’s sake. Of the heavenly kingdom this is the process.3456 3456 Ratio.
After its thousand years are over, within which period is completed the resurrection of the saints, who rise sooner or later according to their deserts there will ensue the destruction of the world and the conflagration of all things at the judgment: we shall then be changed in a moment into the substance of angels, even by the investiture of an incorruptible nature, and so be removed to that kingdom in heaven of which we have now been treating, just as if it had not been predicted by the Creator, and as if it were proving Christ to belong to the other god and as if he were the first and sole revealer of it. But now learn that it has been, in fact, predicted by the Creator, and that even without prediction it has a claim upon our faith in respect of3457 3457 Apud: or, “in the dispensation of the Creator.”
the Creator. What appears to be probable to you, when Abraham’s seed, after the primal promise of being like the sand of the sea for multitude, is destined likewise to an equality with the stars of heaven—are not these the indications both of an earthly and a heavenly dispensation?3458 3458 Dispositionis.
When Isaac, in blessing his son Jacob, says, “God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth,”3459 3459
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge, Chapter 21
VERSE (23) - :11; 22:5 Isa 24:23; 60:19,20
