10248.“这要给他们作一个时代的条例”表一个永恒的秩序律法。这从“条例”和“时代”的含义清楚可知：“条例”是指秩序的律法（参看7884，7995，8537节）；“时代”是指永恒之物。“时代”之所以表示永恒之物，是因为“时代”是指直到结束的持续时间，这种持续时间在内义上表示永恒之物。此外，在原文，用来表述“时代”的这个词表示永恒。“时代”表示永恒之物，是因为当在圣言中论到教会时，“时代”表示它甚至直到结束的持续时间。因此，当这个词论及天堂，就是没有结束的地方时，它表示永恒之物。这个词语一般可以论及任何教会，但尤其论及属天教会。除此之外，“时代”还表示世界和那里的生命，以及此后直到永远的生命。
关于它的含义，第一：当论及教会时，“时代”表示它甚至直到结束的持续时间，这一点从下列经文明显看出来，马太福音：
门徒问耶稣说，请告诉我们，你降临和时代的完结，有什么预兆呢？（马太福音24:3）
“时代的完结”表示教会的末期，因而它的结束，这时不再有任何信，因为没有了仁。这就是时代完结的意思，所以“时代”表示教会甚至直到结束的持续时间，这一点从主在这一章所说的一切话可以看出来，关于它们的解释可见于创世记26-40章开头的章节。在马太福音的别处，“时代”和它的“完结”具有相同的含义
收割的时候就是这时代的完结。（马太福音13:39，40，49）
同一福音书：
我终日与你们同在，直到时代的完结。（马太福音28:20）
此处“时代”也表示教会从开始到结束的持续时间。
以西结书：
他们必住在地上，他们和他们的子孙，并子孙的子孙，直住到永远。大卫必作他们一个时代的王。我的圣所必在他们中间，直到一个时代。（以西结书37:25，28）
这些应许论及以色列，以色列在内义上表示属灵教会；“他们必住的地”也表示教会；“圣所”表示教会的一切；“大卫”表示主。由此明显可知，“直到一个时代”表示甚至直到结束。在圣言中，“以色列”是指属灵教会（参看9340节提到的地方）；“地”是指教会（参看9325节提到的地方）；“圣所”是指构成教会的一切，它论及属灵教会的良善和真理（8330，9479节）；“大卫”是指主（1888，9954节）。
诗篇：
诸山未曾生出，地与世界未曾形成，甚至从时代到时代，你是神！（诗篇90:2）
“诸山未曾生出，地与世界你未曾形成”不是指世界的创造，而是指一个教会的建立；因为在圣言中，“山”表示天上的爱或属天之爱，因而表示这爱存在于其中的教会；“地”和“世界”也表示教会；因此，“从时代到时代”表示从诸教会的建立到它们的结束。诸教会一个接一个接踵而来，因为当一个教会走到尽头或经历荒凉时，另一个教会就会建立。“山”表示天上的爱或属天之爱，因而表示这爱存在于其中的教会（参看795，796，4210，6435，8758节）；“地”尤指教会，但“世界”一般指教会（参看9325节提到的地方）。
第二：当论及天堂，就是没有结束的地方，或论及主时，“时代”表示永恒之物，这一点从下列经文清楚看出来，诗篇：
耶和华是一个时代、永远的王。（诗篇10:16；以及出埃及记15:18）
又：
你的国是众时代的国，你统治的权柄代代长存。（诗篇145:13）
耶利米书：
祂是活神，是时代的王。（耶利米书10:10）
但以理书：
祂的权柄是不能废去的一个时代的权柄。之后至高者的圣民，必要得到这国度，稳固这国度，直到一个时代，甚至直到时代的时代。（但以理书7:14，18，27）
马太福音：
国度、权柄、荣耀，全是你的，直到众时代。阿们！（马太福音6:13）
路加福音：
神要把大卫的宝座给祂，祂必掌王权管理雅各家，直到众时代。（路加福音1:32，33）
启示录：
愿荣耀、权能归给耶稣基督，直到时代的时代。（启示录1:6）
别处：
看哪，我是活着的，直到时代的时代。（启示录1:18）
又：
但愿祝福、尊贵、荣耀、权能都归给羔羊，直到时代的时代！二十四位长老也敬拜那活到时代的时代者。（启示录5:13，14；10:6；11:15）
以赛亚书：
惟有我的救恩存到一个时代，我的公义代代长存。（以赛亚书51:6，8）
同一先知书：
祂脸上的天使在一个时代的一切日子保抱他们。（以赛亚书63:9）
但以理书：
已睡的必有多人醒来得一个时代的生命，剩下的蒙受一个时代的羞辱。（但以理书12:2）
约翰福音：
人若吃这粮，就必活着，直到一个时代。（约翰福音6:51，58）
同一福音书：
我赐给他们永生，他们必灭亡，直到一个时代。（约翰福音10:28）
诗篇：
在时代的路上引导我。（诗篇139:24）
又：
祂把它们永远立定，直到一个时代；祂立下不能废去的条例。（诗篇148:6）
在这些经文中，“时代”表示永恒之物，因为它论及主和祂的国，以及天堂和那里的生命，这一切都没有结束；“时代的时代”并非表示永恒的永恒，而表示永恒之物；然而，这种表述用来指地上一个接一个连续到来的教会。从圣言明显可知，我们地球上曾四次建立过教会。其中，第一个是存在于大洪水之前的上古教会；第二个是大洪水之后到来的古教会；第三个是以色列和犹太教会；最后一个是基督教会。每个教会从开始到结束的整个时期就是“一个时代”；此外，继基督教会之后，一个新教会要开始了。“时代的时代”就表示这一系列的教会，“一个时代”是指一个教会甚至直到结束的持续时间，如前所示。
第三：“时代”一般论及任何教会，但尤指属天教会，这一点从下列经文清楚看出来，阿摩司书：
我必树起大卫倒塌的帐幕，照着一个时代的日子建立起来。（阿摩司书9:11）
“一个时代的日子”表示属天的上古教会的时期。弥迦书：
伯利恒以法他啊，你在犹大诸城中为小，将来必有一位从你那里出来，在以色列中为我作掌权的；祂的根源出于亘古、出于一个时代的日子。（弥迦书5:2）
此处的意思是一样的。摩西五经：
你当回想一个时代的日子；了解代代之年。（申命记32:7）
此处“一个时代的日子”表示属天的上古教会的时代；“代代之年”表示属灵的古教会的时期。
以赛亚书：
耶和华的膀臂啊，醒来，醒来!穿上力量。醒来有如古时、诸时代的世代之日。（以赛亚书51:8-9）
“如诸时代的世代之日”表示如源于上古教会的古教会中爱和信的状态那样。诗篇：
我追想古时之日，诸时代之年。（诗篇77:5）
此处的意思是一样的。
以赛亚书：
你们要追念一个时代以来的往事。（以赛亚书46:9）
玛拉基书：
那时，犹大和耶路撒冷的素祭必蒙耶和华悦纳，正如一个时代的日子，又如往古之年。（玛拉基书3:4）
约珥书：
犹大必存到一个时代，耶路撒冷必存到代代。（约珥书3:20）
在这些地方，“犹大”表示属天教会，所以论到该教会，经上说“正如一个时代的日子”、“存到一个时代”；而“耶路撒冷”表示属灵教会，论到该教会，经上说“如往古之年”、“存到代代”。“犹大”是指属天教会（参看3654，3881，6363，8780节）；“耶路撒冷”是指属灵教会（参看402，3654节）。
第四：“时代”表示世界和那里的生命，这一点从下列经文清楚看出来，马太福音：
撒在荆棘里的，就是人听了圣言，而这个时代的思虑，钱财的迷惑，把圣言挤住了。（马太福音13:22）
路加福音：
这个时代之子较比光明之子更精明。（路加福音16:8）
同一福音书：
这个时代之子有娶有嫁。（路加福音20:34）
诗篇：
这个时代的邪恶安逸之人财富增多。（诗篇73:12）
第五：“时代”表示死后直到永远的生命，马可福音：
在现今这时期必得百倍，在将要到来的时代必得永生。（马可福音10:30）
以西结书：
那时，我要叫你跟那些下阴坑的人一起下到一个时代的人那里。（以西结书26:20）
以及其它地方（如路加福音18:9，30；20:35；以赛亚书34:10，17；启示录14:11；20:10；22:5）。
Potts(1905-1910) 10248
10248. And it shall be to them a statute of an age. That this signifies an eternal law of order, is evident from the signification of "a statute," as being a law of order (see n. 7884, 7995, 8537); and from the signification of "an age," as being what is eternal. That "an age" denotes what is eternal, is because by "an age" is meant duration even to the end; and in the internal sense this duration signifies what is eternal; moreover, the word by which "an age" is here expressed in the original tongue signifies eternity. That "an age" denotes what is eternal, is because "an age," when said in the Word about the church, signifies its duration even to the end; and consequently when it is said of heaven, where there is no end, and when it is said of the Lord, it signifies what is eternal. This is predicated in general of every church, but specifically of the celestial church. Moreover, "an age" also signifies the world and life there, and likewise life thereafter to eternity. [2] As regards the FIRST meaning: That "an age" when said of the church, signifies its duration even to the end, is evident from the following passages:
The disciples said unto Jesus, Tell us what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the consummation of the age? (Matt. 24:3). By "the consummation of the age" is signified the last time of the church, thus its end, when there is no longer any faith because no charity. That this is the consummation of the age, consequently that "an age" denotes the duration of the church even to its end, can be seen from all that was said by the Lord in that chapter, which may be seen unfolded in this work before the chapters of Genesis, from chapter 26 to chapter 40. The like is signified elsewhere by "an age" and its "consummation" in the same Gospel:
The harvest is the consummation of the age (Matt. 13:39, 40, 49). I am with you all the days even unto the consummation of the age (Matt. 28:20). Here also the "age" means the duration of the church from beginning to end. [3] In Ezekiel:
They shall dwell upon the land, they and their sons, and their sons' sons, even to an age; David shall be their prince for an age. My sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for an age (Ezek. 37:25, 28). These things are said of Israel, by whom in the internal sense is meant the spiritual church; by the "land on which they shall dwell" is also signified the church; by the "sanctuary," everything of the church; and by "David," the Lord; from which it is evident that by "to an age" is signified even to the end. (That "Israel" in the Word denotes the spiritual church, see the places cited in n. 9340; that the "land" denotes the church, see the places cited in n. 9325; that the "sanctuary" denotes everything of the church, and that it is predicated of the good and truth of the spiritual church, n. 8330, 9479; and that "David" denotes the Lord, n. 1888, 9954.) [4] In David:
Before the mountains were born, and the earth and the world were formed, even from age to age, Thou art God (Ps. 90:2). By "the mountains being born," and by "the earth and the world being formed," is not meant the creation of the world, but the setting up of the church; for "mountains" in the Word signify celestial love, thus the church in which is this love; the "earth" also and the "world" signify the church; hence "from age to age" signifies from the setting up of churches to their ends; for churches follow on, one after another, because when one has been ended or vastated another is set up. (That a "mountain" denotes celestial love, consequently the church which is in this love, see n. 795, 796, 4210, 6435, 8758; and that "land" denotes the church specifically, and the "world" the church generally, see the places cited in n. 9325.) [5] SECONDLY: That "an age," when said of heaven where there is no end, and of the Lord, signifies what is eternal, is evident from the following passages:
Jehovah is King for an age, and forever (Ps. 10:16; also Exod. 15:18). Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all the ages; and Thy dominion is to every generation and generation (Ps. 145:13). The living God, the King of an age (Jer. 10:10). His dominion is the dominion of an age which shall not pass away. Afterward the saints of the highests shall receive the kingdom, and shall confirm the kingdom even to an age, and even to ages of ages (Dan. 7:14, 18, 27). Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, unto ages (Matt. 6:13). God shall give unto Him the throne of David, that He may reign over the house of Jacob for ages (Luke 1:32, 33). [6] To Jesus Christ be glory and strength unto ages of ages (Rev. 1:6). Behold I am alive unto ages of ages (Rev. 1:18). To the Lamb be blessing, and honor, and glory, and strength, unto ages of ages. The twenty-four elders worshiped Him that liveth unto ages of age (Rev. 5:13, 14; 10:6; 11:15). My salvation shall be for an age, and My righteousness to generation of generations (Isa. 51:6, 8). The angel of His faces carried them all the days of an age (Isa. 63:9). Many of them that sleep shall awake to the life of an age (Dan. 12:2). If anyone shall eat of this bread, he shall live for an age (John 6:51, 58). I give unto them eternal life, and they shall not perish for an age (John 10:28). Lead me in the way of an age (Ps. 139:24). He hath established them forever and for an age, He hath made a statute which shall not pass away (Ps. 148:6). [7] In these passages "an age" signifies what is eternal, because it is said of the Lord and of His kingdom, and of heaven and the life there, whereof there is no end; "ages of ages" do not mean eternities of eternities, but denote what is eternal; and the expression is used relatively to churches on earth of which one succeeds another. It is evident from the Word that on our earth a church has been set up four times, of which the first was the Most Ancient Church, which was before the flood; the second was the Ancient Church, which was after the flood; the third was the Israelitish and Jewish Church; and lastly there was the Christian Church. The period of each Church, from beginning to end is "an age;" moreover, after this last mentioned Church, a new one will begin. These successions of churches are meant by "ages of ages." (That "an age" denotes the duration of a church even to the end, was shown above.) [8] THIRDLY: That "an age" is predicated in general of every church, but specifically of the celestial church, is evident from the following passages:
I will set up the tent of David that is fallen, and will build according to the days of an age (Amos 9:11);
where by "the days of an age" is meant the time of the Most Ancient Church, which was celestial. And in Micah:
Bethlehem Ephrathah, out of thee shall He come forth unto Me who shall be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from the days of an age (Micah 5:2);
where the sense is the same. And in Moses:
Remember thou the days of an age; understand ye the years of generation and generation (Deut. 32:7). Here "the days of an age" denote the time of the Most Ancient Church, which was celestial; and "the years of generation and generation" denote the time of the Ancient Church, which was spiritual. [9] In Isaiah:
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of Jehovah; awake according to the days of antiquity, of the generation of ages (Isa. 51:8-9). "According to the days of the generation of ages" denotes according to the states of love and faith in the Ancient Churches derived from the Most Ancient Church. In David:
I have considered the days of old, the years of ages (Ps. 77:5);
where the sense is the same. [10] Again:
Remember the former things from an age (Isa. 46:9). Then shall the meat-offering of Judah and Jerusalem be sweet to Jehovah, according to the days of an age, and according to the ancient years (Mal. 3:4). Judah shall be seated for an age, and Jerusalem to generation and generation (Joel 3:20);
where by "Judah" is signified the celestial church, of which it is therefore said, "according to the days of an age," and "for an age;" and by "Jerusalem" is signified the spiritual church, of which it is said, "according to the ancient days," and "to generation and generation." (That "Judah" denotes the celestial church, see n. 3654, 3881, 6363, 8780; and "Jerusalem," the spiritual church, n. 402, 3654.) [11] FOURTHLY: That "an age" signifies the world and life there, is evident from the following passages:
He that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the Word, but the care of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word (Matt. 13:22). The sons of this age are more prudent than the sons of light (Luke 16:8). The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage (Luke 20:34). The wicked and the secure of the age multiply riches (Ps. 73:12). [12] FIFTHLY: That "an age" signifies the life after death to eternity:
He shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, and in the age to come life eternal (Mark 10:30). When I shall bring thee down with them that go down into the pit, to the people of an age (Ezek. 26:20). And in other passages, as Luke 18:9, 30; 20:35; Isa. 34:10, 17; Rev. 14:11; 20:10; 22:5.
Elliott(1983-1999) 10248
10248. 'And it shall be the statute of an age to them' means an eternal law of order. This is clear from the meaning of 'a statute' as a law of order, dealt with in 7884, 7995, 8357; and from the meaning of 'an age' as that which is eternal. The reason why 'an age' means what is eternal is that duration even to the end should be understood by it, and in the internal sense what is eternal is meant by that duration. Furthermore the word used to denote an age means eternity in the original language. 'Age' means what is eternal because when used in the Word with regard to the Church it means duration of it even to the end. Consequently, when the term is used with regard to heaven, where there is no end, or with regard to the Lord, it means what is eternal. The term may be used to refer in general to any Church, but in particular to the celestial Church. In addition to all this 'age' means the world and life there, and also life after this to eternity.
[2] 1 The term 'age', when used with regard to the Church, means the duration of it even to the end This is clear from the following places: In Matthew,
The disciples said to Jesus, Tell us, what will be the sign of Your coming and of the close of the age? Matt 24:3.
'The close of the age' means the final period of the Church, thus the end of it, when there is no longer any faith because there is no charity. The fact that this is meant by 'the close of the age' and that 'the age' therefore means the duration of the Church even to the end becomes clear from all the things stated by the Lord in that chapter, an explanation of which may be seen in the opening sections of Chapters 26-40 of Genesis. 'The age' and 'the close' of it have the same meaning elsewhere in the same gospel,
The harvest is the close of the age. Matt 13:39,40,49.
Also,
Behold, I am with you at all timesa even to the close of the age. Matt 28:20.
Here also 'the age' is used to mean the duration of the Church from start to finish.
[3] In Ezekiel,
They will dwell on the land, they and their sons and their sons' sons even to an age. David will be their prince for an age. My sanctuary will be in their midst for an age. Ezek 37:25,28.
These promises refer to Israel, who in the internal sense serves to mean the spiritual Church. 'The land' on which they will dwell also means the Church; 'the sanctuary' means everything composing the Church; and 'David' means the Lord. From this it is evident that 'for an age' means even to the end.
'Israel' in the Word is the spiritual Church, see in the places referred to in 9340. 'The land' is the Church, in the places referred to in 9325. 'The sanctuary' is everything composing the Church, and it has reference to the goodness and truth of the spiritual Church, 8330, 9479. 'David' is the Lord, 1888, 9954.
[4] In David,
Before the mountains were born, and the earth and the world were formed, from age even to age You are God. Ps 90:2.
By the birth of mountains and formation of the earth and the world not the creation of the world but the establishment of a Church should be understood, for in the Word heavenly or celestial love, and so the Church in which that love exists, is meant by 'the mountains'. 'The earth' too and 'the world' mean the Church, so that 'from age to age' means from when Churches are established to when they come to an end. Churches follow in succession, one after another; for when one has come to an end or undergone vastation another is established.
'Mountain' means heavenly or celestial love, and therefore the Church which is governed by that love, see 795, 796, 4210, 6435, 8758. 'The earth' is the Church in particular, but 'the world' the Church in general, see in the places referred to in 9325.
[5] 2 The term 'age', when used with regard to heaven, where there is no end, or with regard to the Lord, means what is eternal This is clear from the following places: In David,
Jehovah is King for an age and for perpetuity. Ps 10:16; Exod 15:18.
In the same author,
Your kingdom is a kingdom of all the ages, and Your dominion to every generation after generation. Ps 145:13.
In Jeremiah,
[He is] the living God [and] the King of the age. Jer 10:10.
In Daniel,
His dominion is the dominion of an age which will not pass away. Afterwards the saints of the Most Highb will receive the kingdom and will strengthen the kingdom even to an age, and even to ages of ages. Dan 7:14,18,27.
In Matthew,
Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ages. Matt 6:13.
In Luke,
God will give Him the throne of David, so that He may reign over the house of Jacob for ages. Luke 1:32,33.
[6] In the Book of Revelation,
To Jesus Christ be glory and might for ages of ages. Rev 1:6.
Elsewhere in the same book,
Behold, I live for ages of ages. Rev 1:18.
And elsewhere again,
Blessing, and honour, and glory, and might to the Lamb for ages of ages! The twenty-four elders worshipped the One living for ages of ages. Rev 5:13,14; 10:6; 11:15.
In Isaiah,
My salvation will exist for an age, and My righteousness to each generationc. Isa 51:6,8.
In the same prophet,
The angel of [His] face carried them all the days of the age. Isa.63:9.
In Daniel,
Many of those sleeping will awake to the life of the aged, the rest to the disrepute of the agee. Dan 12:2.
In John,
If anyone eats of this bread he will live for an age. John 6:51,58.
In the same gospel,
I give them eternal life, and they will not perish for an age. John 10:28.
In David,
Lead me in the way of the agef. Ps 139:24.
In the same author,
He has caused them to stand for perpetuity and for an age; He has given a statute that will not pass away. Ps 148:6.
[7] In these places 'age' means what is eternal since it is used with regard to the Lord, to His kingdom, and to heaven and the life there, all of which have no end. 'Ages of ages' is not used to mean eternities of eternities but that which is eternal. That expression is used however with regard to the Churches on earth coming in succession one after another. From the Word it is evident that a Church has been established four times on this planet. The first of them was the Most Ancient, which existed before the Flood; the second was the Ancient, which came after the Flood; the third was the Israelite and Jewish; and the last was the Christian. The whole period of each one from start to finish is an age. And after the Christian Church a new one will begin. This series of Churches is meant by 'ages of ages', 'an age' being the duration of a Church even to its end, as shown above.
[8] 3 The term 'age' may be used to refer in general to any Church, but in particular to the celestial Church This is clear from the following places: In Amos,
I will raise up the tent of David that is fallen down, and I will build as in the days of a [previous] age. Amos 9:11.
'The days of a [previous] age' is used to mean the time when the Most Ancient Church, which was celestial, existed. In Micah,
Bethlehem Ephrath, from you will come forth for Me one who will be Ruler in Israel, and whose origins are from of old, from the days of a [previous] age. Micah 5:2.
Here the meaning is similar. In Moses,
Remember the days of a [previous] age, understand the years of generation after generation. Deut 32:7.
'The days of a [previous] age' stands for the time of the Most Ancient Church, which was a celestial Church, and 'the years of generation after generation' for the time of the Ancient Church, which was a spiritual Church.
[9] In Isaiah,
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of Jehovah. Awake as in the days of antiquity, of the generation of [previous] ages. Isa 51:8,9.
'As in [the days] of the generation of [previous] ages' means as it was with the states of love and faith in the Ancient Churches that descended from the Most Ancient. In David,
I have considered the days of old, the years of [previous] ages. Ps 77:5.
Here the meaning is similar.
[10] In Isaiah,
Remember from a [previous] age the former thing. Isa 46:9.
In Malachi,
Then the minchah of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to Jehovah, as in the days of a [previous] age, and as in ancient years. Mal 3:4.
In Joel,
Judah will abide for an age, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. Joel 3:20.
In these places 'Judah' means the celestial Church, to which the words 'as in the days of the age' and 'into the age' therefore refer, while 'Jerusalem' means the spiritual Church, to which the words 'as in the ancient years' and 'into generation after generation' refer.
'Judah' is the celestial Church, see 3654, 3881, 6363, 8770. 'Jerusalem' is the spiritual Church, 402, 3654.
[11] 4 The term 'age' may mean the world and life there This is clear in Matthew,
The one who is sown among thorns is he who hears the Word but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word. Matt 13:22.
In Luke,
The sons of this age are more shrewd than the sons of light. Luke 16:8.
In the same gospel,
The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. Luke 20:34.
And in David,
The wicked and carefree ones of the age multiply wealth. Ps 73:12.
[12] 5 The term 'age' may mean life to eternity after death In Mark,
... will receive a hundredfold, now in this time, and in the age to come eternal life. Mark 10:30.
In Ezekiel,
When I will cause you to go down with those going down to the pit, to the people of a [previous] age, ... Ezek 26:20.
And elsewhere, as in Luke 18:30; 20:35; Isa 34:10,17; Rev 14:11; 20:10; 22:5.
Latin(1748-1756) 10248
10248. `Et erit illis statutum saeculi': quod significet legem ordinis aeternam, constat ex significatione `statuti' quod sit lex ordinis, de qua n. 7884, 7995, 8357, et ex significatione `saeculi' quod sit aeternum; quod `saeculum' sit aeternum, est quia per saeculum intelligitur duratio usque ad finem, et per illam durationem in sensu interno significatur aeternum; etiam vox illa qua exprimitur saeculum, in lingua originali significat aeternitatem. {1}(s)Quod saeculum sit aeternum, est quia `saeculum' in Verbo significat, cum dicitur de Ecclesia, durationem ejus usque ad finem; inde cum dicitur de caelo, ubi non finis {2}, et cum de Domino, significat aeternum; praedicatur in genere de omni Ecclesia, in specie autem de Ecclesia caelesti; porro etiam `saeculum' significat mundum, ac vitam ibi, ut et vitam post illam in aeternum. [2] Quod PRIMUM attinet, quod nempe saeculum cum dicitur de Ecclesia, significet durationem ejus usque ad finem, constat ex sequentibus his locis: apud Matthaeum, Discipuli dixerunt ad Jesum, Dic nobis quodnam signum Tui adventus, et consummationis saeculi, xxiv 3;per `consummationem saeculi' significatur ultimum tempus Ecclesiae, ita finis ejus, cum amplius nulla fides quia nulla charitas; quod hoc sit consummatio saeculi, proinde quod saeculum sit duratio Ecclesiae usque ad finem, constare potest ex omnibus illis quae a Domino in illo capite dicta sunt, quae videantur explicata ante capita Geneseos xxvi-xl; simile per `saeculum' et ejus `consummationem' significatur alibi apud eundem, Messis est consummatio saeculi, xiii 39, 40, 49: tum, Ecce Ego vobiscum sum omnibus diebus usque ad consummationem saeculi, xxviii 20;
per `saeculum' etiam ibi {3}intelligitur duratio Ecclesiae a principio ad 3 finem: apud Ezechielem, Habitabunt super terra, illi et filii eorum, et filii filiorum illorum usque in saeculum: David princeps illis in saeculum. Erit sanctuarium Meum in medio eorum in saeculum, (x)xxxvii 25, 28;
dicuntur haec de Israele, per quem in sensu interno intelligitur Ecclesia spiritualis; per `terram super qua habitabunt' etiam significatur Ecclesia, per `sanctuarium' omne Ecclesiae, et per `Davidem' Dominus: inde patet quod per `in saeculum' {3}significetur usque ad finem; quod `Israel' in Verbo sit Ecclesia spiritualis, videatur in locis citatis n. 9340; quod `terra' sit Ecclesia, in locis citatis n. 9325, quod `sanctuarium' sit omne Ecclesiae, et quod praedicetur de bono et vero Ecclesiae spiritualis, n. 8330, 9479, et quod `David' sit Dominus, n. 1888, 9954: [4] apud Davidem, Antequam montes nati sunt, et formata est terra, et orbis, a saeculo usque in saeculum, Tu Deus, Ps. (x)xc 2;
per `montes natos, et per `terram formatam,' ac per `orbem,' non intelligitur creatio mundi sed instauratio Ecclesiae, nam `montes' in Verbo significant amorem caelestem, {4} ita Ecclesiam in qua ille amor; `terra' quoque et `orbis' significant Ecclesiam, inde a saeculo ad saeculum significat ab Ecclesiarum instauratione ad fines earum; succedunt enim Ecclesiae, una post alteram, nam finita seu vastata una, instauratur altera; quod `mons' sit amor caelestis, proinde Ecclesia quae in illo amore, videatur n. 795, 796, 4210, 6435, 8758, et quod `terra' sit Ecclesia in specie, {5}`orbis' autem in genere, in locis citatis n. 9325. [5] SECUNDO, Quod saeculum cum dicitur de caelo, ubi non finis, et de Domino, significet aeternum, constat ex his locis: apud Davidem, Jehovah Rex in saeculum, et in perpetuum, Ps. x 16; Exod. xv 18: apud eundem, Regnum Tuum regnum omnium saeculorum, et dominium Tuum in omnem generationem et generationem, Ps. cxlv 13:
apud Jeremiam, Deus vivus Rex saeculi, x 10:
apud Danielem, Dominium Ipsius, dominium saeculi quod non transibit, postea accipient regnum sancti altissimorum, et confirmabunt regnum usque in saeculum, et usque in saecula saeculorum, vii 14, 18: 27:
apud Matthaeum, Tuum est regnum, potentia, et gloria in saecula, vi 13:
apud Lucam, Dabit Ipsi Deus thronum Davidis, ut regnet super domum Jacobi in saecula, i 32, 33:
in Apocalypsi, [6] Jesu Christo sit gloria et robur in saecula saeculorum, i 6:
alibi, Ecce vivo in saecula saeculorum, i 18:
et alibi, Agno benedictio, et honor, et gloria, et robur, in saecula saeculorum. Viginti quattuor seniores adorarunt viventem in saecula saeculorum, v 13, 14, x 6, xi 15 apud Esaiam, Salus Mea in saeculum erit, et justitia Mea {6}in generationem generationum, li 6, 8:
apud eundem, Angelus facierum portavit eos omnibus diebus saeculi, lxiii 9:
apud Danielem, Multi ex dormientibus evigilabunt in vitam saeculi, reliqui in ignominiam saeculi, xii 2:
apud Johannem, Si quis comederit ex hoc pane, vivet in saeculum, vi 51, 58:
apud eundem, Ego vitam aeternam do illis, et non peribunt in saeculum, x 28:
apud Davidem, (m)Duc me in via saeculi, Ps. cxxxix 24:(n):
apud eundem, Statuit ea in perpetuum, et in saeculum; statutum dedit quod non transibit, Ps. cxlviii 6;
[7] in his locis `saeculum' significat aeternum, quoniam dicitur de Domino, ac de Ipsius regno, deque caelo, et de vita ibi, quorum non finis; `saecula saeculorum' non sunt aeternitates aeternitatum, sed sunt aeternum; {7}verum ita (x)dicitur respective ad Ecclesias in terris, quarum una succedit alteri; ex Verbo patet quod Ecclesia in hac tellure quater instaurata fuerit, {8}quarum prima fuit antiquissima quae ante diluvium, altera antiqua quae post diluvium, {9}tertia Israelitica et Judaica, et demum Christiana; cujusvis periodus a principio ad finem est saeculum; post hanc etiam incohabit nova; hae successiones Ecclesiarum intelliguntur per `saecula saeculorum'; quod `saeculum' sit duratio Ecclesiae usque ad finem, supra ostensum est {10}. [8] TERTIO, Quod saeculum praedicetur in genere de omni Ecclesia, at in specie de Ecclesia caelesti, constat ex his locis: apud Amos, Erigam tentorium Davidis collapsum, et aedificabo juxta dies saeculi, ix 11;
per `dies saeculi' intelligitur tempus cum Ecclesia antiquissima fuit, quae fuit caelestis: apud Micham, Bethlechem (x)Ephrataea, ex te Mihi exibit qui sit Dominator in Israele, et cujus exitus ab antiquo, a diebus saeculi, v 1 [A. V. 2];
similiter: apud Moschen, Memento dierum saeculi, intelligite annos generationis et generationis, Deut. xxxii 7;
`dies saeculi' pro tempore Ecclesiae Antiquissimae, quae fuit Ecclesia caelestis, ac `anni generationis et generationis' pro tempore Ecclesiae Antiquae, quae fuit Ecclesia spiritualis: apud Esaiam, [9] Expergiscere, expergiscere, indue robur, bracchium Jehovae; expergiscere juxta dies antiquitatis, generationis saeculorum, li 8, 9;
`juxta [dies] generationis saeculorum' est juxta status {11}amoris et fidei in Ecclesiis antiquis derivatis ab antiquissima: apud Davidem, Cogitavi dies ab antiquo, annos saeculorum, Ps. lxxvii 6 [A. V. 5];
similiter: apud Esaiam, [10] Recordamini prioris a saeculo, xlvi 9:
apud Malachiam, Tunc suavis erit Jehovae minhah Jehudae et Hierosolymae, juxta dies saeculi, et juxta annos antiquos, iii 4:
apud Joelem, Jehudah in saeculum sedebit, et Hierosolyma in generationem et generationem, iv 20 [A. V. iii 20];
per `Jehudam' ibi significatur Ecclesia caelestis, de qua ideo dicitur `juxta dies saeculi,' et `in saeculum'; et per `Hierosolymam' significatur Ecclesia spiritualis, de qua dicitur `juxta dies antiquos' et `in generationem et generationem'; quod `Jehudah' sit Ecclesia caelestis, videatur n. 3654, 3881, 6363, 8770, et `Hierosolyma' Ecclesia spiritualis, n. 402, 3654. [11] QUARTO, Quod saeculum significet mundum et vitam ibi, constat apud Matthaeum, Qui inter spinas seminatus est, hic est qui Verbum audit, sed cura saeculi hujus, et fraus divitiarum suffocat (x)Verbum, xiii 22:
apud Lucam, Filii hujus saeculi sunt filiis lucis, xvi 8:
apud eundem, Filii saeculi hujus nuptias faciunt, et nuptui dantur, xx 34:
et apud (m)Davidem, Impii et securi saeculi multiplicant opes, Ps. (x)lxxiii 12. [12] QUINTO, Quod saeculum significet vitam post mortem in aeternum, apud (x)Marcum, Recipiet centupla nunc in tempore hoc, et in saeculo venturo vitam aeternam, x 30:
{12} {13}apud Ezechielem, Cum fecero descendere te cum (x)descendentibus ad foveam, ad populum saeculi, xxvi 20;
{14}et alibi, ut Luc. xviii (x) 30, xx 35; Esai. xxxiv 10, 17; Apoc. xiv 11, xx 10, xxii 5.(n)(s) @1 This separate sheet appears in A IV pp. 706-708.$ @2 i est$ @3 significatur$ @4 i qui est amor in Dominum,$ @5 et quod orbis Ecclesia$ @6 in saeculum$ @7 sed$ @8 nempe antiquissima quae fuit$ @9 postea$ @10 i; at vero applicate ad Regnum Domini in coelis, ubi non finis, per saecula saeculorum significetur aeternum, ibi enim aeternitates in plurali non sunt.$ @11 fidei et amoris$ @12 i et$ @13 After xxii 5.$ @14 pariter$