Page:The Parable of Creation.djvu/121

Rh the earthly phases of regenerative life are described, the other, the spiritual figure under which this later and higher phase of progress is set forth. The one typifies that which in its degree and order is beautiful but inanimate, the other that which is on an altogether higher plane, and animate or truly living.

It is said in the parable, "Let the waters bring forth the creeping thing, the living soul." We have had occasion to note in previous lectures, that waters, throughout the Scriptures, are symbols of truths. In repeating this it must, of course, be remembered that the truths so symbolized are of a spiritual character only. Those which the Lord gives, those which teach of Himself and his ways, those which tell of the immortality of the soul and the nature of the future life, those which teach us of regeneration and the true path of Christian progress—those only constitute the water of life described in the Revelation as proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb—those only are the waters which can come in unto the soul.

It is truth—the truth Divine, which brings forth every good for man. Looking at the matter from a natural point of view merely, we can do no work, we can be useful in no employment, we can minister to our fellows in no profession, until we learn the natural truths which cover that profession or work. Much more is this spiritually so. Our minds are