they solace themselves and take great content. These streams are
instead of a looking-glass; their clearness presents us with an
opportunity of seeing our own features.

As in fair waters a man may see the hody of the sun, and of the
moon, and of the stars, and the very body of heaven; so ho that
stands upon the bank of this river, and that washeth his eyes with
this water, may see the Son of God, the stars of God, the glory of
God, and the habitation that God has prepared for his people. And
are not these pleasant sights? Is not this excellent water? Has not
this river pleasant streams?

Some men fly from the "river of the water of life," as from a bear;
arid some are afraid to drink of it, for fear it should he poison
unto them. Some again, dare not take it, because it is 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. Meanwhile,
whoso shall please to look into this river, shall find it harmless
and clear; yea, offering itself 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 that are in the world, and as clear of mischief as is the sun
of spots.

In old times the ancients had their habitations by the rivers; yea,
we read of Aroer, that stood upon the brink of the river Arnon.
Balaam also had his dwelling in his city Pethor, by the river of the
land of the children of his people. O, by the river side is the
pleasantest dwelling in the world; and of all rivers, the river of