5. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. The description of the New Jerusalem continues in the first five verses of this chapter. By the "river of the water of life" is doubtless meant full salvation, which as a mighty flowing stream issues "out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." To this fountain of living waters an invitation is now given to all to come and partake to their satisfaction. "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Verse 17. As a defense to God's people in this world salvation is represented as a great wall surrounding them (Isa. 26:12); but as a source of joy, holiness and happiness, it is a living stream whereof all may partake. While this symbol meets an appropriate fulfilment in the present dispensation, yet salvation will also be the eternal possession of the saints in the world to come, when "they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in the midst thereof, shall feed them, and shall _lead them unto living fountains of waters_; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Chap. 7:16, 17. In a most appropriate place, upon the banks of the river, grew "the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." The tree of life in the garden of Eden was a symbol of man's immortality or incorruption, or rather the _means_ of it; for after his fall it was securely guarded and he driven from the garden, "lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" (Gen. 3:22) and thus frustrate the decree of God just uttered--that he should return unto dust and corruption. In the New Jerusalem, however, that tree of life blooms again and bears fruit abundantly, yea continuously, as symbolized by "every month," and no cherubim with flaming sword are placed to guard all approach to it. The privilege is open; for it is added immediately, "There _shall be no more curse_." This, then, symbolizes the removal of spiritual death and the impartation of everlasting life in this world and immortality in the next. The tree of life grew on both sides of the river. On this side of the line of mortality we have access to it in one important sense, while those in the future world are preserved also by its healing benefits.