The New Jerusalem

righteousness, I have dared
to offer to your Excellency; [you] who from
youth has proven in deed, and
still proves, your love for God, your
favor toward the Pious, your zeal for
the good, your strong desire to lead a God-
ly life before the Lord;
into your lap, O doubly blessed
Princess, is it that I cast this Jewel The "Jewel" refers to the book or manuscript itself, a common 17th-century metaphor for a precious spiritual work.:
Partly, because such was the
intention of the Author himself, who
undoubtedly, had death not
prevented him, would have fulfilled it
himself: but also, because I hope,
yea, firmly trust, that the matter
itself will be pleasing to your Excellency,
and refresh your soul more than
the flowing honey did Jonathan A reference to 1 Samuel 14:27, where Jonathan eats wild honey and his "eyes were enlightened," symbolizing physical and spiritual refreshment., so as
to travel happily, through the power of this
spiritual Manna, through the wil-
derness of this world, toward that hea-
venly Canaan: the biblical Promised Land, here used as a metaphor for the Kingdom of Heaven and the eternal rest of the soul, to possess
there an incorruptible, undefiled,
and unfading inheritance This phrasing draws directly from 1 Peter 1:4.: which
the heir of all things A title for Jesus Christ, referring to Hebrews 1:2: "whom he hath appointed heir of all things." may grant to your Excellency
and all yours, after the completion of
this race; and