Article November 2, 1957 Issue

SEE THE WATERS FLOWING

ELEANORA B. CARR

Most people love a river. Some love a particular river; others appreciate rivers anywhere. There is something definitely satisfying about flowing water, and when it is dancing and rippling in the sunshine between leafy banks, frequented by interesting inhabitants, flowing water presents a beautiful picture of peaceful and harmonious activity.

Of course, there are countries where water is so scarce and precious that it becomes almost a symbol of life itself to those dwelling there. In the individual's need of water and his thirst for it may we not see a hint of humanity's inherent desire for purity and cleanliness? Indeed, baptism by sprinkling with or immersion in water has been employed by many religions as a type or symbol of cleansing from sin.

The idea of pure flowing water typifying spiritual blessing is found throughout the Bible. The Psalmist speaks of "a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God" (Ps. 46:4). "The prophet Isaiah tells of God's promise to make "a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" (43:19). In Revelation (22:1), the Apostle John in describing the holy city, New Jerusalem, speaks of its "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."