Season 4 Podcast 76 Milton’s Paradise Lost Bk XII, Pt XLIV (44), “Expelled From Eden, Pt IV”

Season 4 Podcast 76 Milton’s Paradise Lost Bk XII, Pt XLIV (44), “Expelled From Eden, Pt IV” This is the final part of the final book of Milton’s Paradise Lost. In the prologue to Book XII, Milton writes.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.Following the resurrection Christ will be on earth only a short time. He leaves his Apostles in charge to teach the gospel to all nations. Baptism is a sign that all guilt is removed. The gospel of salvation shall be preached not only to the children of Abraham but to all the world.Nor after resurrection shall he stay Longer on Earth then certain times to appear To his Disciples, Men who in his Life Still followed him; to them shall leave in charge To teach all nations what of him they learned And his Salvation, them who shall believe Baptizing in the profluent stream, the sign Of washing them from guilt of sin to Life Pure, and in mind prepared, if so befall, For death, like that which the redeemer died. All Nations they shall teach; for from that day Not only to the Sons of Abraham’s Loins Salvation shall be Preacht, but to the Sons Of Abraham’s Faith wherever through the world; So in his seed all Nations shall be blest.Christ shall then ascend into heaven victorious. Satan lost the greatest battle of his life. Christ enters into his glory, above all the names in heaven, sits on the right hand of God. Christ will return when the world is ripe in iniquity to judge those who are resurrected. He will punish those who are unfaithful and reward those who are faithful. The Earth shall be a Paradise during the Millennial reign of Christ, happier than Eden.Then to the Heav’n of Heav’ns he shall ascend 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, & there confounded leave; Then enter into glory, and resume His Seat at Gods right hand, exalted high Above all names in Heav’n; and thence shall come, When this world’s dissolution shall be ripe, With glory and power to judge both quick & dead, To judge the’ unfaithful dead, but to reward His faithful, and receive them into bliss, Whether in Heav’n or Earth, for then the Earth Shall all be Paradise, far happier place Than this of Eden, and far happier days.Adam is overcome with joy and sings praises to God that evil will be turned to good. Adam recognizes that the fall was necessary to bring about the eternal happiness of man. Grace will abound.So spake th’ Archangel Michael, then paused, As at the World’s great period; and our Sire Replete with joy and wonder thus replied.