the way back, and encourage and assist him to return to his lost Eden. He was received by a few, yet his teachings were but partially comprehended and dimly discerned. He has waited with mercy and long suffering for man—waited for him to develop into a state wherein he could receive the divine words in their true spiritual meaning. Then He raised up a messenger, Emanuel Swedenborg, whom He illumined with his wisdom, to reveal the mystery of Eden, of the kingdom of heaven, of the New Jerusalem; to unfold in greater fullness the true nature of that wondrous spiritual life set forth in the divine Word for the restoration of man, and to make plain the true spirit of all He had hitherto taught.
So we find the New Jerusalem of divine promise, to be but paradise restored. The rivers of Eden break out afresh in its golden streets; the tree of life is growing by its river of living water; all the blessings that man ever enjoyed, shall be his again; all love, innocence, purity, wisdom and happiness, the river pure as crystal that flows from the throne of God, the tree of life with its healing leaves and heavenly fruit, will he but keep the Lord's commandments.
The invitation is full and free. "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." The water of life is the truth of God's holy Word;— of the Word as apprehended, not in the obscurity
