[The blessings of the Gospel are here set forth under the most natural and expressive images. What can be more refreshing than water ? more reviving than wine ? more nutri- tious than milk ? yet do these but faintly represent the opera- tions of the Gospel on the soul of man. Nor can water or milk be by any means dispensed with; they are altogether necessary for human subsistence : so that on this account also are they fit emblems of spiritual blessings. What would be the state of man if there were no Saviour to atone for him, no Spirit to renew him, no God and Father to preserve and bless him ? On the contrary, how revived and animated is he by the promises of pardon and peace, of holiness and glory ! Such then are the blessings which God offers to mankind. And to a participation of them he invites every one that thirsteth: every person, whatever have been his character or conduct, is called : if only he thirst, nothing shall be a bar to his acceptance. Yet no man needs to decline the invitation, under the idea that he is not welcome, because he does not thirst enough: if he be willing, that is sufficient11. Nor need any one he discouraged at the thought that he has nothing wherewith to purchase these benefits : for though they are to be bought, it is "without money and without price;" and therefore they " who have no money" are particularly specified in the invitation. Indeed, if any man bring a price in his hand, he shall surely go empty away : Christ has paid the price ; nor can we obtain any thing, unless we be willing to receive it as the free gift of God through Christ.
The earnestness with which God entreats us to accept these blessings, is well worthy of our notice. He personates a herald standing in the place of public concourse, and, in the accustomed manner, calling the attention of all around him. He then expatiates on the blessings which he is ready to communicate, and the terms on which he will bestow them : he describes the persons to whose necessities the blessings are suited, and to whose indigence the terms are more especially adapted : and then, as though he were determined to take no refusal, he cries, " Come," " come," " come ! "]
And shall we despise such a gracious invitation ?
[Let us but contemplate the blessings we are invited to
partake of: how rich, how suitable, how necessary!
Let us reflect on the terms on which they are offered : can any
thing be more reviving ? — Let us recollect who it is that
calls us : Is he used to mock his people ? or is he incapable of
supplying all their wants? Let us consider his description
of the persons invited : can any thing be more encouraging ?
a So St. John expounds the passage, Rev. xxii. 17.