The New Jerusalem

The New Jerusalem.

To be more and more strengthened against those weaknesses, it is very useful and profitable that you thoroughly consider and weigh how the practice of godliness: "Godtsaligheyt," a life of sincere piety and devotion to God (even though it may feel somewhat troublesome to the flesh: "vleesche," referring to human nature and its desires for the present time, and seems to give birth to some fear and unrest) holds the promise of both the present and the future life: so that by practicing godliness in your life, in your death, and after your temporal death, you shall be happy always and eternally.

Mary. Oh! Lord, please grant me some further opening: "openinge," meaning an explanation or spiritual revelation regarding this.

The Lord. The good that you shall enjoy through the practice of godliness in this life is primarily threefold.

The first is that, being now set free from the sorrowful slavery of the devil, and delivered from the hand of all your spiritual enemies (for such a beautiful freedom is obtained by all those who practice godliness from the heart), you shall henceforth serve and The text here mirrors the "Song of Zechariah" from the Gospel of Luke, promising service to God without fear. magnify the great God of Heaven and Earth without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of your life.