Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 1.pdf/148



HERE are in this vision of holy waters so many instructive subjects to contemplate, that the mind seems almost at a loss to know how or where to begin; for when the Lord in mercy, and to effect the objects of His providence, reveals to man some of the wonders of His Word and kingdom, it is not to be doubted but that the scenes presented in such prophetic visions are vast and profound, and that they shadow forth those states of life which relate to man's condition both in this and the future world. Here, in vision, waters were seen to issue out from the house or temple eastward, and to flow from the right side of the house at the south side of the altar. These waters were, by the man with a line in his hand, measured, to ascertain their depth. At the first measuring the waters were to the ankles; at the second to the knees; at the third to the loins; and at the fourth measuring, they became a river that could not be passed over; for "the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over." Here then is the climax: the waters rose gradually by measuring, and what was first shallow, only to the ankles, is at last an impassable river. That this river of water is the true emblem of that which gives life, is plain, from its being said, in verse 9, that "every thing shall live whither the river cometh." Who can mistake these holy waters for the living emblems of the truths of the