A GENTLEMAN from Australia, visiting his native village, noticed that the school children and mill workers had difficulty in finding good water to drink. There was a splendid spring on the hillside near, so he arranged to bear the cost of bringing the water to the village, and erecting a fountain in a public place accessible to all. So the water was brought, the fountain was erected and presented, and the villagers had water enough and to spare.
The donor knew and loved the gospel, and in order to keep its message before all, he had chiseled on the granite stone upon which the fountain stood, the words: “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17).
Many read the message as they drew near to drink, and the Word of the Lord will not return unto Him void but it will accomplish that which He pleases.
On a summer day, a thirsty traveler passing through the village saw the fountain, but was in doubt if it were private property. Walking up, he read the inscription, and to one who stood near he remarked, “Whoever: that is a big word, but it means ME.” He put in his claim as one of the “whosoevers” and drank till his thirst was quenched. And so may you drink the water of life. It has been brought near at infinite cost, the death of the Lord Jesus on the cross, but it is free to all. Make it yours.
ML-06/10/1962