HOMILY XXXVIII.
THE HEAVENLY CITY.
Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity.—(From the Gospel.);
“ And He entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into His own city. And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy ; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”—S. Matt. ix. 1, 2.
Allegorically this city, “ His own city,” is a heavenly city. “ Glorious things are spoken of thee, O City of God,” Ps. lxxxvii. 3. To this city he comes who “enters into a ship,” i.e., a holy life; and Jesus, passing beyond the sea of this life, “entered into a ship, and passed over.” Morally,this ship signifies holiness of life for three reasons. Firstly, because of its material. Secondly, because of its form. Thirdly, by reason of its end. Everybody ought to hasten to this city for three reasons. Firstly, because of its security. Secondly, because of its pleasantness. Thirdly, because of its abundance.
I. On the first head it is to be noted, that the security of the heavenly city flows from three causes. (1) Because it is the most solid city, being strengthened by the firmest columns: “Blessed be the Lord ; for He hath shewed me His marvellous kindness in a strong city,” Ps. xxxi. 21. (2) Because there is no wicked there who disturbs its security and peace: “ Oh, Lord, when Thou awakest Thou shalt despise their image,” Ps. lxxxiii. 21. (3) Because it is established for eternity: “ As we have heard, so have we seen in the City of the Lord of Hosts, in the City of our God; God will establish it for ever,” Ps. xlviii. 8. “ For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God,” Heb. xi. 10. .
II. On the second head it is to be noted, that the pleasantness of the city arises from three causes. (1) Because it is decorated with the fairest walls : “ She hath sent forth her maidens,” Prov. ix. 2.; i.e., the elected, infirm, and despised preachers, that they might call by their word and example faithful people to her citadel, and might gather together to
