thing, they mean it under different phases. Thus while the New Jerusalem is a restoration of Eden, it will be of a different genius from the ancient Eden, because the people of whom it is to be composed will be of a different character, though of equal perfection. Yet it is not improper to use the term Eden, or any other Scripture term for the state implied by it, to describe the state of hearts and lives to-day that have attained to it, because all Scripture is applicable to all ages and to all hearts.
This tree of life—the Lord with his matchless love—grows in the midst of the street of the New Jerusalem. The street, or to use a more common phrase, the way or path of life, is the truth by means of which we walk. When our Lord says, "I will show thee the path of life," He means that He will point out to us the heavenly truths which shall constitute our daily walk, or show us how to live. The street of the New Jerusalem may just as well be translated its path. The tree of life is said, therefore, to grow in the midst of its street, because the Lord as love (or the love of the Lord) is the central principle of life to whomsoever comes to dwell in the New Jerusalem. All his life-walk turns to it; all his desires and affections look to it. It is never out of his sight. It is before him whithersoever his steps tend, and in the very midst of his path.
