This presents another testimony against idolatrous worship of saints and angels. God calls every
one to witness to the declarations here made. This book, thus kept open, will have effect upon men;
the filthy and unjust will be more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those who
are upright with God. Never let us think that a dead or disobedient faith will save us, for the First
and the Last has declared that those alone are blessed who do his commandments. It is a book that
shuts out form heaven all wicked and unrighteous persons, particularly those who love and make
lies, therefore cannot itself be a lie. There is no middle place or condition. Jesus, who is the Spirit
of prophecy, has given his churches this morning-light of prophecy, to assure them of the light of
the perfect day approaching. All is confirmed by an open and general invitation to mankind, to
come and partake freely of the promises and of the privileges of the gospel. The Spirit, by the sacred
word, and by convictions and influence in the sinner's conscience, says, Come to Christ for salvation;
and the bride, or the whole church, on earth and in heaven, says, Come and share our happiness.
Lest any should hesitate, it is added, Let whosoever will, or, is willing, come and take of the water
of life freely. May every one who hears or reads these words, desire at once to accept the gracious
invitation. All are condemned who should dare to corrupt or change the word of God, either by
adding to it, or taking from it.
Verses 20 , 21
After discovering these things to his people on earth, Christ seems to take leave of them, and
return to heaven; but he assures them it shall not be long before he comes again. And while we are
busy in the duties of our different stations of life; whatever labours may try us, whatever difficulties
may surround us, whatever sorrows may press us down, let us with pleasure hear our Lord
proclaiming, Behold, I come quickly; I come to put an end to the labour and suffering of my servants.
I come, and my reward of grace is with me, to recompense, with royal bounty, every work of faith
and labour of love. I come to receive my faithful, persevering people to myself, to dwell for ever
in that blissful world. Amen, even so, come, Lord Jesus. A blessing closes the whole. By the grace
of Christ we must be kept in joyful expectation of his glory, fitted for it, and preserved to it; and
his glorious appearance will be joyful to those who partake of his grace and favour here. Let all
add, Amen. Let us earnestly thirst after greater measures of the gracious influences of the blessed
Jesus in our souls, and his gracious presence with us, till glory has made perfect his grace toward
us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.