Book 12: Adam & Eve get kicked out of Paradise

THE ARGUMENT.—The Angel Michael continues, from the Flood, to relate what shall succeed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that Seed of the Woman shall be which was promised Adam and Eve in the Fall: his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension; the state of the Church till his second coming. Adam, greatly satisfied and recomforted by these relations and promises, descends the hill with Michael; wakens Eve, who all this while had slept, but with gentle dreams composed to quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand leads them out of Paradise, the fiery Sword waving behind them, and the Cherubim taking their stations to guard the place.

tl;dr Michael continues showing and telling the future of mankind to Adam. Then he leads them out of Paradise because they can't sit with us.

 

Text		tl;dr
AS one who, in his journey, bates at noon,
Though bent on speed, so here the Archangel paused		The angel Michael took a pause.
Betwixt the world destroyed and world restored,		Because it was at the point in the story where
If Adam ought perhaps might interpose;		the past world was destroyed by the flood
Then, with transition sweet, new speech resumes:—	5	and a new one would begin. Michael was expecting Adam to have another outburst or interjection, but he didn't.
“Thus thou hast seen one world begin and end,		Michael continued to speak,
And Man as from a second stock proceed.		"As one world ends,
Much thou hast yet to see; but I perceive		a new one begins with a new generation of men..
Thy mortal sight to fail; objects divine		I have so much to show you,
Must needs impair and weary human sense.	10	but those magic drops I put in your eyes are starting to wear off.
Henceforth what is to come I will relate;
Thou, therefore, give due audience, and attend.		This new generation of people,
“This second source of men, while yet but few,		is still quite small...
And while the dread of judgment past remains
Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity,	15	and they'll behave themselves for God.
With some regard to what is just and right
Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace,		Mainly because they know what God is capable of doing to them and their world.
Labouring the soil, and reaping plenteous crop,		This small population will grow and multiply quickly.
Corn, wine and oil; and, from the herd or flock		They'll farm, and raise livestock
Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid,	20
With large wine-offerings poured, and sacred feast,		have big feasts,
Shall spend their days in joy unblamed, and dwell
Long time in peace, by families and tribes,		and live in peaceful families, tribes and communities.
Under paternal rule, till one shall rise,		But as always, there will be an ambitious individual above all.
Of proud, ambitious heart, who, not content	25
With fair equality, fraternal state,
Will arrogate dominion undeserved		He would ruin things for everyone.
Over his brethren, and quite dispossess		He hunted his fellow man
Concord and law of Nature from the Earth—
Hunting (and men, not beasts, shall be his game)	30	as if they were animals.
With war and hostile snare such as refuse		And anyone who stood up against him
Subjection to his empire tyrannous.		he would kill.
A mighty Hunter thence he shall be styled
Before the Lord, as in despite of Heaven,		This man would want to be like a god.
Or from Heaven claiming second sovranty,	35
And from rebellion shall derive his name,
Though of rebellion others he accuse.
He, with a crew, whom like ambition joins		As always, these kind of people would gain followers.
With him or under him to tyrannize,
Marching from Eden towards the west, shall find	40	They'll go west of Eden
The Plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge
Boils out from under ground, the mouth of Hell.		to mine materials from the earth to build with.
Of brick, and of that stuff, they cast to build
A city and tower, whose top may reach to Heaven;		They will try to build a tall city tower
And get themselves a name, lest far dispersed	45	that they hope would reach Heaven.
In foreign lands, their memory be lost—		All in the hopes that they would become famous around the world.
Regardless whether good or evil fame.		And they won't care if it was being famous for doing something good or bad.
But God, who oft descends to visit men
Unseen, and through their habitations walks,		God himself will come down to the earth to visit men. But he will be invisible.
To mark their doings, them beholding soon,	50	God will see this tower
Comes down to see their city, ere the Tower
Obstruct Heaven-towers, and in derision sets		and cast a spell upon it
Upon their tongues a various spirit, to rase		so that anyone within the tower who spoke
Quite out their native language, and, instead,		would speak a different language and no one would be able to understand each other.
To sow a jangling noise of words unknown.	55
Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud		Everyone would be babbling
Among the builders; each to other calls,		making the builders confused
Not understood—till, hoarse and all in rage,		and angry.
As mocked they storm. Great laughter was in Heaven,		They would end up leaving the job site, leaving the tower unfinished. And all the angels in Heaven would laugh."
And looking down to see the hubbub strange	60
And hear the din. Thus was the building left
Ridiculous, and the work Confusion named.”
Whereto thus Adam, fatherly displeased:—		Adam replied,
“O execrable son, so to aspire		"That guy is an idiot for
Above his brethren, to himself assuming	65
Authority usurped, from God not given!		trying to be like God.
He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl,		God gave us the power to rule over animals only.
Dominion absolute; that right we hold
By his donation: but man over men		Not people.
He made not lord—such title to himself	70
Reserving, human left from human free.
But this Usurper his encroachment proud
Stays not on Man; to God his Tower intends		And I can't believe he would try and build a tower to God.
Siege and defiance. Wretched man! what food		He didn't think things through!"
Will he convey up thither, to sustain	75
Himself and his rash army, where thin air
Above the clouds will pine his entrails gross,
And famish him of breath, if not of bread?”
To whom thus Michael:—“Justly thou abhorr’st		Michael replied,
That son, who on the quiet state of men	80	"Yup. You're absolutely right.
Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue
Rational liberty; yet know withal,		But understand this...
Since thy original lapse, true liberty		You committed a sin too,
Is lost, which always with right reason dwells		so true liberty doesn't really exist.
Twinned, and from her hath no dividual being.	85	Liberty is connected to reason and wisdom,
Reason in Man obscured, or not obeyed,
Immediately inordinate desires		and when a person ignores what he should do
And upstart passions catch the government
From Reason, and to servitude reduce		then unhealthy actions and desires come about.
Man, till then free. Therefore, since he permits	90
Within himself unworthy powers to reign		You should never let your mind be controlled by your impulsive desires.
Over free reason, God, in judgment just,
Subjects him from without to violent lords,		God lets these violent lords and tyrants do what they want.
Who oft as undeservedly enthral
His outward freedom. Tyranny must be,	95
Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse.
Yet sometimes nations will decline so low		They inevitably become their own downfall.
From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong,
But justice and some fatal curse annexed,
Deprives them of their outward liberty,	100
Their inward lost: witness the irreverent son
Of him who built the Ark, who, for the shame
Done to his father, heard this heavy curse,
Servant of servants, on his vicious race.
Thus will this latter, as the former world,	105	Basically, this next generation will end up being like the last one.
Still tend from bad to worse, till God at last,
Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw		God will turn his back on these people because
His presence from among them, and avert		of their evil ways.
His holy eyes, resolving from thenceforth
To leave them to their own polluted ways,	110	But God will eventually find a
And one peculiar nation to select		chosen people.
From all the rest, of whom to be invoked—
A nation from one faithful man to spring.		This nation would originate from one faithful man.
Him on this side Euphrates yet residing,
Bred up in idol-worship—Oh, that men	115
(Canst thou believe?) should be so stupid grown,		Because so many men in the future will be so stupid
While yet the patriarch lived who scaped the Flood,		that even when Noah was still alive, they still turned their backs on God and built idols.
As to forsake the living God, and fall
To worship their own work in wood and stone
For gods!—yet him God the Most High voutsafes	120	But this one faithful man
To call by vision from his father’s house,
His kindred, and false gods into a land
Which he will shew him, and from him will raise
A mighty nation, and upon him shower
His benediction so that in his seed	125	trusted in God.
All Nations shall be blest. He straight obeys;
Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes.
I see him, but thou canst not, with what faith
He leaves his gods, his friends, and native soil,		He left a world of men that worshipped false idols."
Ur of Chaldæa, passing now the ford	130
To Haran—after him a cumbrous train
Of herds and flocks, and numerous servitude—
Not wandering poor, but trusting all his wealth
With God, who called him, in a land unknown
Canaan he now attains; I see his tents	135
Pitched about Sechem, and the neighbouring plain		Michael pointed out a plain
Of Moreh. There, by promise, he receives		it was called Canaan.
Gift to his progeny of all that land,
From Hamath northward to the Desert south
(Things by their names I call, though yet unnamed),	140	This land would later be called
From Hermon east to the great western sea;
Mount Hermon, yonder sea, each place behold		Palestine, Syria
In prospect, as I point them: on the shore,		Arabia
Mount Carmel; here, the double-founted stream,		and
Jordan, true limit eastward; but his sons	145	the Jordan River.
Shall dwell to Senir, that long ridge of hills.
This ponder, that all nations of the Earth
Shall in his seed be blessèd. By that seed		Michael continued,
Is meant thy great Deliverer, who shall bruise		"Adam, all the nations on earth will be blessed by this one faithful man.
The Serpent’s head; whereof to thee anon	150	He would be the one to bruise the serpent's head, but I'll tell you about that later.
Plainlier shall be revealed. This patriarch blest,		Let's start with Abraham
Whom faithful Abraham due time shall call,
A son, and of his son a grandchild, leaves,		who will have a son named Isaac,
Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown.
The grandchild, with twelve sons increased, departs	155	who will have a son named Jacob, who will have 12 sons.
From Canaan to a land hereafter called		Jacob and his sons will travel to Egypt.
Egypt, divided by the river Nile;
See where it flows, disgorging at seven mouths
Into the sea, To sojourn in that land
He comes, invited by a younger son	160	One of his youngest named Joseph would lead them to Egypt.
In time of dearth—a son whose worthy deeds
Raise him to be the second in that realm		Joseph will grow up to be second in rank to the Pharoah.
Of Pharaoh. There he dies, and leaves his race
Growing into a nation, and now grown		However, when Joseph dies... the Pharoah will
Suspected to a sequent king, who seeks	165	order that all the people that descended from Joseph
To stop their overgrowth, as inmate guests		be made slaves. The Pharoah would also order that all the male infants be put to death too.
Too numerous; whence of guests he makes them slaves,
Inhospitably, and kills their infant males:
Till, by two brethren (those two brethren call		Moses and Aaron would be sent from God
Moses and Aaron) sent from God to claim	170	to rescue the Jews from slavery and death
His people from enthralment, they return,
With glory and spoil, back to their promised land.		and brought to the promised land.
But first the lawless tyrant, who denies
To know their God, or message to regard,		In order to do that, God would send
Must be compelled by signs and judgments dire:	175
To blood unshed the rivers must be turned;		plagues to the Pharoah's land.
Frogs, lice, and flies must all his palace fill
With loathed intrusion, and fill all the land;		From turning the rivers to blood,
His cattle must of rot and murrain die;		lice, flies, diseased livestock,
Botches and blains must all his flesh imboss,	180
And all his people; thunder mixed with hail,
Hail mixed with fire, must rend the Egyptian sky,		fire from the sky,
And wheel on the earth, devouring where it rolls;
What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain,		locusts to destroy crops,
A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down	185	and darkness
Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green;
Darkness must overshadow all his bounds,		for three days,
Palpable darkness, and blot out three days;
Last, with one midnight-stroke, all the first-born		along with all first-born children killed.
Of Egypt must lie dead. Thus with ten wounds	190	After all this happened,
The River-dragon tamed at length submits
To let his sojourners depart, and oft		the Pharoah finally let the Jews go.
Humbles his stubborn heart, but still as ice		But he changed his mind and
More hardened after thaw; till, in his rage		led his army after them.
Pursuing whom he late dismissed, the sea	195
Swallows him with his host, but them lets pass,
As on dry land, between two crystal walls,
Awed by the rod of Moses so to stand
Divided till his rescued gain their shore:
Such wondrous power God to his Saint will lend,	200	God guided them to the promise land with signs
Though present in his Angel, who shall go
Before them in a cloud, and pillar of fire—		like a cloud in the daytime
By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire—
To guide them in their journey, and remove		and a pillar of fire at night.
Behind them, while the obdúrate king pursues.	205	The Pharoah didn't stop his pursuit.
All night he will pursue, but his approach
Darkness defends between till morning-watch;
Then through the fiery pillar and the cloud
God looking forth will trouble all his host,
And craze their chariot-wheels: when, by command,	210
Moses once more his potent rod extends		Moses commanded the sea to swallow Pharoah's army.
Over the sea; the sea his rod obeys;
On their imbattled ranks the waves return,		And to allow safe passage for the Jews across the sea floor.
And overwhelm their war. The race elect
Safe towards Canaan, from the shore, advance	215	When the Jews got to the other side,
Through the wild Desert—not the readiest way,
Lest, entering on the Canaanite alarmed,		they were afraid of the Canaanites
War terrify them inexpert, and fear
Return them back to Egypt, choosing rather		because the Jews weren't fighters.
Inglorious life with servitude; for life	220
To noble and ignoble is more sweet
Untrained in arms, where rashness leads not on.		They settled in the desert
This also shall they gain by their delay
In the wide wilderness: there they shall found
Their government, and their great Senate choose	225	and set up a government made from
Through the twelve Tribes, to rule by laws ordained.		the twelve tribes from the twelve brothers of Joseph.
God, from the Mount of Sinai, whose grey top
Shall tremble, he descending, will himself,		Their religious laws and civil rights would
In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpet’s sound,
Ordain them laws—part, such as appertain	230
To civil justice; part, religious rites		follow the Ten Commandments.
Of sacrifice, informing them, by types
And shadows, of that destined Seed to bruise
The Serpent, by what means he shall achieve
Mankind’s deliverance. But the voice of God	235	They just need Moses to guide them on what God wants.
To mortal ear is dreadful: they beseech
That Moses might report to them his will,
And terror cease; he grants what they besought,
Instructed that to God is no access		Moses will explain that a greater leader than him would take his place.
Without Mediator, whose high office now	240
Moses in figure bears, to introduce
One greater, of whose day he shall foretell,		The Messiah.
And all the Prophets, in their age, the times
Of great Messiah shall sing. Thus laws and rites
Established, such delight hath God in men	245	God will see how good this people will become.
Obedient to his will that he voutsafes
Among them to set up his Tabernacle—
The Holy One with mortal men to dwell.
By his prescript a sanctuary is framed
Of cedar, overlaid with gold; therein	250	He'll teach them how to build the Ark of the Covenant.
An ark, and in the Ark his testimony,
The records of his covenant; over these		It would be made out of cedar wood and covered with gold. On top would be a golden seat between angel wings.
A mercy-seat of gold, between the wings
Of two bright Cherubim; before him burn		Inside would be the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments inscribed on them.
Seven lamps, as in a zodiac representing	255
The heavenly fires. Over the tent a cloud		A cloud would hide this ark in the daytime,
Shall rest by day, a fiery gleam by night,
Save when they journey; and at length they come,		and a fiery glow would protect it in the night.
Conducted by his Angel, to the land
Promised to Abraham and his seed. The rest	260
Were long to tell—how many battles fought;
How many kings destroyed, and kingdoms won;
Or how the sun shall in mid—heaven stand still
A day entire, and night’s due course adjourn,
Man’s voice commanding, ‘Sun, in Gibeon stand,	265
And thou, Moon, in the vale of Aialon,		Jacob, the son of Isaac, grandson of
Till Israel overcome!’—so call the third		Abraham... would be called Israel."
From Abraham, son of Isaac, and from him
His whole descent, who thus shall Canaan win.”
Here Adam interposed:—“O sent from Heaven,	270	Adam replied,
Enlightener of my darkness, gracious things		"This story about Abraham makes me feel good.
Thou hast revealed, those chiefly which concern
Just Abraham and his seed. Now first I find
Mine eyes true opening, and my heart much eased,
Erewhile perplexed with thoughts what would become	275	I was starting to worry about mankind in the future.
Of me and all mankind; but now I see
His day, in whom all nations shall be blest—
Favour unmerited by me, who sought
Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means.		But knowing that there are people like Abraham and his descendants will gain God's blessing sounds great.
This yet I apprehend not—why to those	280
Among whom God will deign to dwell on Earth
So many and so various laws are given.		I'm just wondering why there are so many rules that God wants people to follow...
So many laws argue so many sins
Among them; how can God with such reside?”		I feel like that the more rules there are, the more sinning could happen.
To whom thus Michael:—“Doubt not but that sin	285	Michael replied,
Will reign among them, as of thee begot;		"Sin will always happen.
And therefore was law given them, to evince
Their natural pravity, by stirring up		the laws are in place to give mankind guidance.
Sin against Law to fight, that, when they see
Law can discover sin, but no remove,	290
Save by those shadowy expiations weak,
The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude
Some blood more precious must be paid for Man,		Putting faith in God is the only way to live a long and successful life.
Just for unjust, that in such righteousness,
To them by faith imputed, they may find	295
Justification towards God, and peace
Of conscience, which the law by ceremonies
Cannot appease, nor man the moral part
Perform, and not performing cannot live.
So Law appears imperfect, and but given	300	Sure, a lot of laws seems strict.
With purpose to resign them, in full time,
Up to a better covenant, disciplined		But they show that man can only survive through God's grace.
From shadowy types to truth, from flesh to spirit,
From imposition of strict laws to free
Acceptance of large grace, from servile fear	305
To filial, works of law to works of faith.
And therefore shall not Moses, though of God
Highly beloved, being but the minister		Moses was the one chosen by God to present God's laws
Of Law, his people into Canaan lead;
But Joshua, whom the Gentiles Jesus call,	310	to people. But Joshua would be the one to lead them to Canaan.
His name and office bearing who shall quell
The adversary Serpent, and bring back
Through the world’s wilderness long-wandered Man
Safe to eternal Paradise of rest.
Meanwhile they, in their earthly Canaan placed,	315
Long time shall dwell and prosper, but when sins
National interrupt their public peace,
Provoking God to raise them enemies—
From whom as oft he saves them penitent,
By Judges first, then under Kings; of whom	320	There would be a King named David,
The second, both for piety renowned
And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive		who would receive a message from God
Irrevocable, that his regal throne
For ever shall endure. The like shall sing		about the coming of the Savior, the Son of God.
All Prophecy—that of the royal stock	325
Of David (so I name this king) shall rise
A son, the Woman’s Seed to thee foretold,
Foretold to Abraham as in whom shall trust
All nations, and to kings foretold of kings
The last, for of his reign shall be no end.	330	The Son of God would be the last king the world would need.
But first a long succession must ensue;
And his next son, for wealth and wisdom famed,		But before he arrives, there would be other kings.
The clouded Ark of God, till then in tents		After King David, would be Solomon, who would build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant.
Wandering, shall in a glorious Temple enshrine.
Such follow him as shall be registered	335	After Solomon, there would be more kings.
Part good, part bad; of bad the longer scroll:
Whose foul idolatries and other faults,		Good ones, a lot of bad ones.
Heaped to the popular sum, will so incense
God, as to leave them, and expose their land,		And many of them would worship idols and false gods.
Their city, his Temple, and his holy Ark,	340	God would become angry with this, and let all these people be
With all his sacred things, a scorn and prey		conquered by Babylon...
To that proud city whose high walls thou saw’st
Left in confusion, Babylon thence called.		you know the city tower that I told you about that had
There in captivity he lets them dwell		languages and confusion.
The space of seventy years; then brings them back,	345	These people would remain in Babylon for 70 years.
Remembering mercy, and his covenant sworn
To David, established as the days of Heaven.
Returned from Babylon by leave of kings,		Until God would release them.
Their lords, whom God disposed, the house of God
They first re-edify, and for a while	350
In mean estate live moderate, till, grown		They'd go home, live a simple life, and rebuild their temples.
In wealth and multitude, factious they grow.		That is until the priest of these temples would grow rich again,
But first among the priests dissension springs—		and start fighting amongst themselves.
Men who attend the altar, and should most
Endeavour peace: their strife pollution brings	355	As you would guess it, more bad things would happen.
Upon the Temple itself; at last they seize
The sceptre, and regard not David’s sons;
Then lose it to a stranger, that the true
Anointed King Messiah might be born		Eventually the Messiah would be born.
Barred of his right. Yet at his birth a Star,	360	A star would appear in the sky that no one
Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come,		had ever seen before.
And guides the eastern sages, who inquire
His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold:		This star would guide three kings to the Son.
His place of birth a solemn Angel tells
To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night;	365
They gladly thither haste, and by a quire
Of squadroned Angels hear his carol sung.
A Virgin is his mother, but his sire		The Son would have a virgin mother, and
The Power of the Most High. He shall ascend		his father would be God.
The throne hereditary, and bound his reign	370	He'd be king of the whole Earth."
With Earth’s wide bounds, his glory with the Heavens.”
He ceased, discerning Adam with such joy
Surcharged as had, like grief, been dewed in tears,
Without the vent of words; which these he breathed:—		Adam spoke with happiness in his voice,
“O prophet of glad tidings, finisher	375	"Finally some good news!
Of utmost hope! now clear I understand
What oft my steadiest thoughts have searched in vain—		I now understand.
Why our great Expectation should be called
The Seed of Woman. Virgin Mother, hail!		Our best hope will come from a virgin mother.
High in the love of Heaven, yet from my loins	380
Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son		And she will descend from me, and the
Of God Most High; so God with Man unites.
Needs must the Serpent now his capital bruise		Son will descend from her. I'm part of it all!
Except with mortal pain. Say where and when		The snake's head will be bruised soon!
Their fight, what stroke shall bruise the Victor’s heel.”	385	I want to know about that part! Tell me!"
To whom thus Michael:—“Dream not of their fight		Michael replied,
As of a duel, or the local wounds		"Yeah, it's not going to be a physical fight like that.
Of head or heel. Not therefore joins the Son
Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil
Thy enemy; nor so is overcome	390	That's not how you really fight Satan.
Satan, whose fall from Heaven, a deadlier bruise,
Disabled not to give thee thy death’s wound;
Which he who comes thy Saviour shall recure,		The fight is won,
Not by destroying Satan, but his works		not by destroying Satan...
In thee and in thy seed. Nor can this be,	395
But by fulfilling that which thou didst want,
Obedience to the law of God, imposed		but by destroying his influence on others.
On penalty of death, and suffering death,
The penalty to thy transgression due,
And due to theirs which out of thine will grow:	400
So only can high justice rest appaid.
The Law of God exact he shall fulfil
Both by obedience and by love, though love		The Son of God will
Alone fulfil the Law; thy punishment
He shall endure, by coming in the flesh	405	be born human.
To a reproachful life and cursed death,
Proclaiming life to all who shall believe		He will live a difficult life,
In his redemption, and that his obedience
Imputed becomes theirs by faith—his merits		preach the good word nonetheless,
To save them, not their own, though legal, works.	410
For this he shall live hated, be blasphemed,
Seized on by force, judged, and to death condemned		and die a terrible death on the cross by his own people the Jews.
A shameful and accursed, nailed to the Cross
By his own nation, slain for bringing life;
But to the cross he nails thy enemies—	415	But with this sacrifice
The Law that is against thee, and the sins
Of all mankind, with him there crucified,		it will forgive all the sins of man.
Never to hurt them more who rightly trust
In this his satisfaction. So he dies,		The Son will die, but he won't stay dead.
But soon revives; Death over him no power	420
Shall long usurp. Ere the third dawning light		On the third day he will rise again,
Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise
Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light,
Thy ransom paid, which Man from Death redeems—		and your death sentence will be paid.
His death for Man, as many as offered life	425
Neglect not, and the benefit imbrace
By faith not void of works. This godlike act		His brave sacrifice will save you from the eternal death and suffering you were sentenced to.
Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldst have died,
In sin for ever lost from life; this act
Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength,	430	This is what is meant by 'bruising the head' of the snake/Satan.
Defeating Sin and Death, his two main arms,
And fix far deeper in his head their stings		It crushes his hopes.
Than temporal death shall bruise the Victor’s heel,
Or theirs whom he redeems—a death like sleep,
A gentle wafting to immortal life.	435
Nor after resurrection shall he stay
Longer on Earth than certain times to appear
To his disciples—men who in his life		Jesus will stay on Earth to order his disciples
Still followed him; to them shall leave in charge		to teach the world his ways.
To teach all nations what of him they learned	440
And his salvation, them who shall believe
Baptizing in the profluent stream—the sign		People would be baptized,
Of washing them from guilt of sin to life		which is a symbolic way of
Pure, and in mind prepared, if so befall,		washing away sins.
For death like that which the Redeemer died.	445
All nations they shall teach; for from that day
Not only to the sons of Abraham’s loins
Salvation shall be preached, but to the sons
Of Abraham’s faith wherever through the world;
So in his seed all nations shall be blest.	450
Then to the Heaven of Heavens he shall ascend		Then Jesus would go back up to Heaven.
With victory, triumphing through the air
Over his foes and thine; there shall surprise
The Serpent, Prince of Air, and drag in chains
Through all his realm, and there confounded leave;	455
Then enter into glory and resume
His seat at God’s right hand, exalted high
Above all names in Heaven; and thence shall come,		And when the end of the world comes,
When this World’s dissolution shall be ripe,
With glory and power, to judge both quick and dead—	460
To judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward		Jesus will come back down again
His faithful, and receive them into bliss,
Whether in Heaven or Earth; for then the Earth		and judge everyone.
Shall all be Paradise, far happier place
Than this of Eden, and far happier days.”	465	The faithful ones will be rewarded. Some will stay on Earth for a new Paradise to come, others will come to Heaven."
So spake the Archangel Michaël; then paused,
As at the World’s great period; and our Sire,		Michael finished, and Adam was happy to hear it all.
Replete with joy and wonder, thus replied:—
“O Goodness infinite, Goodness immense,		Adam said,
That all this good of evil shall produce,	470	"I didn't realize so much good could stem from
And evil turn to good—more wonderful
Than that which by creation first brought forth		my sin.
Light out of darkness! Full of doubt I stand,
Whether I should repent me now of sin		Should I feel guilty about sinning in the first place,
By me done and occasioned, or rejoice	475
Much more that much more good thereof shall spring—		or be glad that so much good will eventually
To God more glory, more good-will to men
From God—and over wrauth grace shall abound.		happen in the longterm?
But say, if our Deliverer up to Heaven
Must reascend, what will betide the few,	480	What happens to the disciples?
His faithful, left among the unfaithful herd,
The enemies of truth. Who then shall guide		Wouldn't they be in trouble after Jesus ascends?"
His people, who defend? Will they not deal
Worse with his followers than with him they dealt?”		Michael replied,
“Be sure they will,” said the Angel; “but from Heaven	485	"Yeah, they will get in trouble too.
He to his own a Comforter will send,
The promise of the Father, who shall dwell,		But God's spirit will be with them and guide them to safety.
His Spirit, within them, and the law of faith
Working through love upon their hearts shall write,
To guide them in all truth, and also arm	490	They will always be protected from Satan and his ways.
With spiritual armour, able to resist
Satan’s assaults, and quench his fiery darts—
What man can do against them not afraid,
Though to the death; against such cruelties
With inward consolations recompensed,	495
And often supported so as shall amaze
Their proudest persecutors. For the Spirit,
Poured first on his Apostles, whom he sends		The disciples will teach their own disciples
To evangelize the nations, then on all
Baptized, shall them with wondrous gifts endue	500	to spread the word of God.
To speak all tongues, and do all miracles,
As did their Lord before them. Thus they win
Great numbers of each nation to receive		It will spread worldwide.
With joy the tidings brought from Heaven: at length,
Their ministry performed, and race well run,	505
Their doctrine and their story written left,
They die; but in their room, as they forewarn,
Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous wolves,		But as always, there will be
Who all the sacred mysteries of Heaven		bad people who will use the word of God
To their own vile advantages shall turn	510
Of lucre and ambition, and the truth		for their own selfish ways.
With superstitions and traditions taint,
Left only in those written Records pure,
Though not but by the Spirit understood.
Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names,	515	Some will build churches and
Palaces, and titles, and with these to join
Secular power, though feigning still to act		become priests...
By spiritual; to themselves appropriating
The Spirit of God, promised alike and given		but their false religions will never amount to anything good.
To all believers; and, from that pretense,	520
Spiritual laws by carnal power shall force		They'll try and force their twisted laws on people.
On every conscience—laws which none shall find
Left them enrowled, or what the Spirit within
Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then
But force the Spirit of Grace itself, and bind	525
His consort, Liberty? what but unbuild
His living temples, built by faith to stand—
Their own faith, not another’s? for, on Earth,
Who against faith and conscience can be heard
Infallible? Yet many will presume:	530
Whence heavy persecution shall arise
On all who in the worship persevere
Of Spirit and Truth; the rest, far greater part,
Will deem in outward rites and specious forms
Religion satisfied; Truth shall retire	535
Bestuck with slanderous darts, and works of Faith
Rarely be found. So shall the World go on,
To good malignant, to bad men benign,
Under her own weight groaning, till the day
Appear of respiration to the just	540
And vengeance to the wicked, at return
Of Him so lately promised to thy aid,
The Woman’s Seed—obscurely then foretold,
Now amplier known the Saviour and thy Lord;
Last in the clouds from Heaven to be revealed	545	So just wait for the second coming of Christ.
In glory of the Father, to dissolve
Satan with his perverted World; then raise		He will destroy Satan's influence.
From the conflagrant mass, purged and refined,
New Heavens, new Earth, Ages of endless date		A new Earth will grow full
Founded in righteousness and peace and love,	550	of goodness, peace, and love."
To bring forth fruits, joy and eternal bliss.”
He ended; and thus Adam last replied:—		Adam replied,
“How soon hath thy prediction, Seer blest,		"In such a short amount of time, you've told me so much.
Measured this transient World, the race of Time,
Till Time stand fixed! Beyond is all abyss—	555
Eternity, whose end no eye can reach.
Greatly instructed I shall hence depart,		Now when I leave Paradise,
Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill
Of knowledge, what this vessel can contain;		I can have peace of mind. I know everything I need to know.
Beyond which was my folly to aspire.	560
Henceforth I learn that to obey is best,
And love with fear the only God, to walk		I learned it's best to obey God.
As in his presence, ever to observe		To love him and fear him.
His providence, and on him sole depend,		And act as if he is always watching, because he is.
Merciful over all his works, with good	565
Still overcoming evil, and by small
Accomplishing great things—by things deemed weak
Subverting worldly-strong, and worldly-wise		And if you tell the truth,
By simply meek; that suffering for Truth’s sake		you always win in the end. There's no point in lying.
Is fortitude to highest victory,	570
And to the faithful death the gate of life—		Most of all, if you are faithful...
Taught this by his example whom I now		you will have a better life after you die."
Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest.”
To whom thus also the Angel last replied:—		Michael replied,
“This having learned, thou hast attained the sum	575	"Now you know.
Of wisdom; hope no higher, though all the stars
Thou knew’st by name, and all the ethereal powers,		If you even knew the name of every star in the galaxy,
All secrets of the Deep, all Nature’s works,		the name of every angel,
Or works of God in heaven, air, earth, or sea,		and all the secrets of nature, or even
And all the riches of this world enjoy’dst,	580
And all the rule, one empire. Only add		the richest man in the world, you wouldn't be better off.
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable; add faith;
Add virtue, patience, temperance; add love,		You just have to do good things and do good deeds.
By name to come called Charity, the soul
Of all the rest: then wilt thou not be loth	585	Always be faithful to God. Do not be greedy.
To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess
A Paradise within thee, happier far.		You shouldn't mind leaving Paradise now
Let us descend now, therefore, from this top		because you have knowledge of Paradise within you.
Of speculation; for the hour precise		It is time to go now.
Exacts our parting hence; and, see! the guards,	590
By me encamped on yonder hill, expect
Their motion, at whose front a flaming sword,
In signal of remove, waves fiercely round.
We may no longer stay. Go, waken Eve;		Go wake up Eve.
Her also I with gentle dreams have calmed,	595	I sent her gentle dreams in the meantime.
Portending good, and all her spirits composed
To meek submission: thou, at season fit,
Let her with thee partake what thou hast heard—		When the time is right, I want you to tell her everything I told you. Especially about the Son of God coming from a woman.
Chiefly what may concern her faith to know,
The great deliverance by her seed to come	600
(For by the Woman’s Seed) on all mankind—
That ye may live, which will be many days,		The both of you will live a long life together.
Both in one faith unanimous; though sad
With cause for evils past, yet much more cheered		You'll always have the memory of the past, but
With meditation on the happy end.”	605	you will definitely have a happy ending."
He ended, and they both descend the hill.		Adam and Michael descended the hill
Descended, Adam to the bower where Eve		and found Eve.
Lay sleeping ran before, but found her waked;
And thus with words not sad she him received:—		Eve spoke,
“Whence thou return’st and whither went’st I know;	610	"I don't know
For God is also in sleep, and dreams advise,		where you went, but I had some happy dreams
Which he hath sent propitious, some great good		when I was sleeping.
Presaging, since, with sorrow and heart’s distress
Wearied, I fell asleep. But now lead on;		I'm ready to go now if you are.
In me is no delay; with thee to go	615
Is to stay here; without thee here to stay		Wherever you go I will be happy."
Is to go hence unwilling; thou to me
Art all things under Heaven, all places thou,
Who for my wilful crime art banished hence.
This further consolation yet secure	620
I carry hence: though all by me is lost,
Such favour I unworthy am voutsafed,
By me the Promised Seed shall all restore.”
So spake our mother Eve; and Adam heard		Adam was glad to hear her so happy and content.
Well pleased, by answered not; for now too nigh	625
The Archangel stood, and from the other hill
To their fixed station, all in bright array,
The Cherubim descended, on the ground		The other angels flew to them.
Gliding meteorous, as evening mist
Risen from a river o’er the marish glides,	630
And gathers ground fast at the labourer’s heel
Homeward returning. High in front advanced,
The brandished sword of God before them blazed,		They brought a burning sword over.
Fierce as a comet; which with torrid heat,
And vapour at the Libyan air adust,	635	Michael took Adam and Eve by their hands
Began to parch that temperate clime; whereat
In either hand the hastening Angel caught
Our lingering Parents, and to the eastern gate		and lead them through the eastern gate of Paradise.
Led them direct, and down the cliff as fast
To the subjected plain—then disappeared.	640	Then he disappeared. Both Adam and Eve
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld		looked back at Paradise.
Of Paradise, so late their happy seat,
Waved over by that flaming brand; the gate		They saw the angels guarding
With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms.		and the scary fiery sword waving back and forth.
Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon;	645	They started to cry.
The world was all before them, where to choose		But they had a new world to build.
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide.
They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow,		With faith in their hearts, they held hands and wandered off together.
Through Eden took their solitary way.