December 10

PART II.— Revelation 22:2.

To this tree of life, we would invite a dying world, for there is no other remedy for the perishing children of men. At a distance from this, we must of necessity therefore, starve and die. The branches of this tree, happily extend to the whole world, and its fruit is offered to every creature. No flaming sword is wielded by the angry cherubim, to prevent any from having access. The way to it is free, and plain; the terms gratuitous, and the invitation is to all. Myriads of fainting souls have come and have been revived. All the diseases of the mind are thoroughly cured by its healing leaves. Its fragrant odours fill the mind with unspeakable joy and delight. By feeding upon it, we attain a spiritual nature, so as to be made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.

"The tree of life that near the throne, In heaven's high garden grows,

Laden with grace, bends gently down, Its ever smiling boughs."

"Hovering amongst the leaves, there stands The sweet celestial dove;

And Jesus on the branches hangs, The banner of his love."

"'Tis a blest heaven of strange delights, While in the shade we sit;

His fruit is pleasing to the sight, And to the taste as sweet."

'New life it spreads thro' dying hearts, And cheers each drooping mind;

Vigour and joy the juice imparts, And leaves no sting behind."

"Infinite grace our souls adore, Whose wond'rous hand has made

This living tree of wond'rous power, To raise and heal the dead."

Happy they who constantly dwell near this tree, and daily feed upon its fruits, and happy they who can catch one believing glance of it while passing through the valley of death, and still more happy all they who are raised to dwell beneath it, in the Eden above, for ever.