"Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.”
The theater-going crowd in my native town was in a state of great excitement. A renowned actress was to perform, and the old scenery and rubbish of the stage was being replaced by new. Everything possible was to be done to make the new "star's" appearance a success.
The big night came. Handbills and placards had done their work, and the house was crowded. I was just a lad, but was doing my part by carrying beer to the orchestra. Then I was called upon to carry wine to one of the boxes. I did so, and there found the famous actress chatting familiarly with some of the patrons about the crowded condition of the house. Suddenly she remarked, "Oh, how terrible if the gallery should give way!”
"There would be a good many souls in hell, I am sure, if it should," someone answered.
Though said in jest, these words seemed to strike fear to the heart of the actress. Turning impulsively to me, she said: "Oh, young man, leave this place―leave it! You are too young to be here. There is something better for you than this. Leave now before it enters your blood and it is too late.”
Oh, the look that was in her eyes! I can't forget it, for it told of a burning thirst in her soul that could never be quenched. She had been to the well of fame, oh so often, and had drank, and drank, and drank; but that thirst had never been slaked. She would never get her fill of the pleasures of the world, and she knew it.
"Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again," are Christ's own words, and they were so true of those who live for the plaudits of the world.
Her words were like a whiplash to me and cut me to the heart, for I too, young as I was, aspired to great renown as an actor. I left; and it was the last night I ever drank of those waters.
O unsaved one, if you are drinking of the waters of this poor world, its pleasures or anything else, stop! There is a spring where you may drink and be satisfied―be filled―yes, to overflowing. He is able that promised, and He has said, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." Rev. 21:66And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Revelation 21:6). And again― "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:1414But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14).
The water given by the Savior's blessed hand alone can satisfy― none other ever can; drink, then, while yet there is time. Hear, once more, the gracious invitation of His love extended to us― once, when down here in this world, and now again from the glory, where He is. It is for you, dear thirsty soul. "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink." John 7:3737In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (John 7:37).