789. 'In which all having ships in the sea have been made rich by reason of her preciousness, for in one hour they have been devastated' signifies on this account, that by means of the holy things of that form of religion all, as many as were willing to buy, have been pardoned (propitiati sint), and for worldly and temporal riches have received spiritual and eternal riches, and that now no one [can buy them]. By 'to be made rich by reason of her preciousness' is signified by means of the holy things of that form of religion to be pardoned by God, or to believe that for temporal and temporary merchandise or riches they are receiving spiritual and eternal merchandise or riches, that is, that for gold, silver, precious stone, pearls, purple and the rest that are enumerated (vers. 12, 13) they are acquiring blessings and felicities after death. These things are understood by the 'preciousness' with which they declare themselves to be enriched out of that city. That they speak in this manner is known. By the statement that 'in one hour they have been devastated' is signified that on account of the destruction of that form of religion no one hereafter can buy their holy things. From these things it is plain that by these words the things that have been set forth above are signified. That the holy things of the Church are signified by 'precious things' is plain from these passages:-