A plain explanation of the whole Revelation of Saint John Very necessary and comfortable…A plaine explanation of the vvhole Revelation of Saint John Very necessary and comfortable…

And first it is said, there was a River which ran throughout the midst of it; signifying first the pleasantness of the City: for as that City is notably situated which standeth so as that it hath a River running through it, to carry away the filthiness and uncleanness from it, so this City is so placed, as that it is void of all noisomeness and uncleanness. And also it is said to have a River going through it, in regard of those Countries which used to drink of the water of the River; which if it were near, was an excellent commodity, which notwithstanding, was oft times far off from the City; but here it is not so, for this River is near at hand, being a river of fresh water; yea, of water of life: and they need not to go out of the City to fetch it; as did the Samaritan Woman, it being even at the doors.

And first it is said, there was a Riuer which ranne throughout the midst of it; signifying first the pleasantnesse of the City: for as that City is notably situated which standeth so as that it hath a Riuer running through it, to carry away the filthinesse and vncleanenesse from it, so this City is so placed, as that it is voide of all noysomnesse and vncleanenesse. And also it is said to haue a Riuer going through it, in regard of those Countries which vsed to drinke of the water of the Riuer; which if it were neere, was an excellent commodity, which notwithstanding, was oft times farre off from the City; but here it is not so, for this Riuer is neere at hand, being a riuer of fresh water; yea, of water of life: and they neede not to goe out of the City to fetch it; as did the Samaritan Woman, it being euen at the doores.

In the midst of the Street, and on both sides of the River, was the tree of life; which signifieth our Saviour Christ, who is called the Tree of life, in regard of those most excellent and lively graces, which as most comfortable fruits, he bringeth forth, and ministereth unto his Church. And as by the River was set down their drinks, so also by the Tree of life, is expressed their meat; not that there shall be in the Kingdom of heaven any corporal meat or drink, but only noting a sufficiency and fullness of all good things, which there Gods Children should have. In that the Tree of life bringeth forth fruit every month, (to wit, twelve times in the year) and it bringeth forth also several kinds of fruit, it noteth all measure and kinds of delight, being not only plentiful, but also full of all variety. Even as men use to do, which making a feast, will not content themselves with one sort of meat, but will labour to have what variety they can, of most dainty meats, that it may bring more delight unto the guests: so here it is noted, that in Christ there should be all sufficiency and variety of pleasures and delights. Saint John here chooseth to set forth the joys of heaven by fruits, rather then by Oxen and Fatlings, (as our Saviour Christ expresseth it