The Literal Meaning of Genesis (continued)
was said figuratively on the ground that the Church was signified, through a figure of what was to come,!4° by that Paradise where Adam actually was.
And yet a more thoughtful consideration of the matter might possibly suggest that the corporeal Paradise in which Adam lived his corporeal life was a sign both of this life of the saints now existing in the Church and of that eternal life which will be when this life is done. Thus Jerusalem, which is translated "the vision of peace,"!47 although it designates a certain earthly city, is a sign of Jerusalem, our eternal mother in heaven.'*8 In the latter sense it can refer to those who in hope have been saved!49 and in their hope wait with patience for what they do not see. It is because of these that Scripture says, Many are the children of the desolate, more than of ber that has a busband.'°° Or it can refer to the holy angels themselves throughout the Church of God's manifold wisdom,!>! with whom we are to enjoy a peaceful and unending abode after this exile.
CHAPTER 29
Whether there are more than three beavens is difficult to say.
57. In explaining the third heaven to which St. Paul was carried, some may wish to conjecture the existence of a fourth heaven also, and above this still more heavens, beneath which is found the third heaven; and some actually do say that there are seven, eight, nine, or even ten;!52 and in the one called the firmament they assert that there are many heavens and accordingly argue and conclude that they are corporeal. But to discuss these arguments and theories at the present time would take too long.
Moreover, one can hold, or demonstrate if he is able, that in spiritual or intellectual visions there are also many grades and that these are distinguished according to a progression of revelations under the influence of more or less illumination. Now whatever the facts may be and whatever different opinions men