expressions militate against the unity of his divine nature and personality; and are calculated,—­we do not say intended, to mislead or confuse the mind of his disciples.  “In him personally, not in the Father or the Holy Ghost, “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Col. ii. 9.)—­By John the descent of Christ’s human nature is traced through David here, because of the Covenant of Royalty; by Paul, he is represented as being of the “seed of Abraham,” by reason of the more extended relation involved in the Covenant of Grace. (Heb. ii. 16.)—­He is also “the bright, even the morning star.”  This may be in reference to the less luminous “stars in his right hand,” (ch. i. 16, 20,) and by way of contrast with them:  but he takes this name chiefly to intimate that he is the Author of all supernatural illumination, whether in the kingdom of grace or of glory:—­“The Lamb is the light thereof,” (ch. xxi. 23.)

17.  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.  And let him that heareth, say, Come.  And let him that is athirst, come.  And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

V. 17.—­Here is the unrestricted universal call of the gospel, to “come” to Christ for eternal life.—­“We do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world,” (1 John iv. 14.)—­The invitation is manifold and pressing.  “The Spirit” by the word and conscience says, “Come.”  “The Bride,” the church militant and triumphant, says, “Come.”  Every one “that heareth” the invitation, is warranted to say to others, “Come.”  Let every one that “thirsts” for true and lasting felicity, “Come.”  If any one be in doubt, whether his desire be spiritual or not, it is added for his encouragement, as well as sufficient warrant,—­“Let whosoever will, take of the water of life freely.”  Any sinner of Adam’s race may “wash and be clean,” in that “fountain open for sin and for uncleanness;” may with confidence and pleasure, “draw water from the wells of salvation.” (Zech. xiii. 1:  Isa. xii. 3.) Who can resist these calls, invitations and persuasions, and be guiltless? or who can devise easier terms of reconciliation to an offended God, than are here addressed to the chief of sinners?

18.  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

19.  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.