The water of life, or, A discourse showing the richness and glory of the…The water of life, or, A discourse shewing the richness and glory of the…

Some Men fly from it, as from a Bear; and some are afraid to drink of it, for fear it should be poison unto them. Some again, dare not take it, 'cause 'tis not mixed, and as they, poor Souls, imagine, qualified and made toothsome by a little of that which is called the Wisdom of this World. Thus one shucks, another shrinks, and another will none of God. Mean while, who so shall please to look into this River, shall find it harmless and clear. Yea, offering it self to the Consciences of all Men to make trial, if it be not the only chief good, the only necessary Waters, the only profitable for the health of the Soul, of all the things ⟨p. 99⟩that are in the World, and as clear of mischief, as is the Sun of spots.

Some Men fly from it, as from a Bear; and some are afraid to drink of it, for fear it should be poison unto them. Some again, dare not take it, 'cause 'tis not mixed, and as they, poor Souls, imagine, qualified and made toothsom by a little of that which is called the Wisdom of this World. Thus one shucks, another shrinks, and another will none of God. Mean while, who so shall please to look into this River, shall find it harmless and clear. Yea, offering it self to the Consciences of all Men to make trial, if it be not the only chief good, the only necessary Waters, the only profitable for the health of the Soul, of all the things ⟨p. 99⟩that are in the World, and as clear of mischief, as is the Sun of spots.

Thirdly, As John saw this River pure and clear, so he saw it clear to a comparison. Clear, to the best of comparisons, clear as crystal. Crystal is a very clear stone, as clear as the clearest glass, if not clearer; one may see far into it, yea thorough it, 'tis without those spots, and streaks, and smirches that are in other precious Stones. Wherefore when he saith, that this River is clear as crystal: it is as if God should say, Look sinners, look to the bottom, of these my crystal streams. I have heard of some Seas, that are so pure and clear, that a Man may see to the bottom tho they may be forty foot deep. I know this River of Water of Life, is a deep River: but tho it is said to be deep, it is not said we can see no bottom. Indeed as to the wideness of it, it is said to be such as that it cannot be passed over: But I say, it is no