The purer an element is, the simpler the structure of that element. It follows, therefore, that the more extended is the selflessness of that element, the more ways it can be used. Let me illustrate.

Nothing can be purer nor simpler than water. Certainly nothing on all this earth has a greater range of uses. Why? Because of its fluidity. Is has no sensible qualities of its own. It is ready to receive all sorts of impressions and be contented. It is tasteless in itself but can carry infinite variety of tastes. It is not correct to say that water in itself possesses qualities of color and scent. These qualities are impressed upon the water by that which is put within the water! It is the very capacity to be free from taste and color, to be pure, to be simple that allows water to exhibit such a great variety and abundance of applications!

If you ask water, “What are you properties?” the water will reply, “My properties are to have no property at all. I am inert.” “But,” you may reply, “I see you have a read color.” “I dare say,” the water will answer, “but I, nonetheless, am not red by nature, nor do I question what is done with me, either in imparting to me flavor or color.”

Furthermore, water treats form the same way it treats color. It is fluid and yielding. It instantly and exactly assumes the form of the vessel in which it is placed. If water had consistency and properties which it firmly held on to, it would not be able to take every form that is called upon to yield to. . .just as it would not be able to give the appearance of every tint and hue.

So it is also with the indwelling Holy Spirit; so it is also with the human will. . .when the will is in a state of simplicity and purity. Water has no flavor nor color derived from its own self. Just as water owes its scent or tint to what dwells within it, so it is with the human will abandoned to God! God is the author of whatever is manifest.

I see this to be the proper state of the believer’s will. The soul no longer distiguishes or takes knowledge of anything of itself; the will sees nothing as belonging to itself. There is its purity. Everything that comes to it from the Lord, it receives. Nor does it withhold any part for its own self.

What personal loss that is! But behold the gain! What loss there would be to all if there were not this loss! How much water teaches us!