The theater was in a state of great excitement: a renowned actress was to perform, and the old scenery and rubbish of the stage was replaced by new. Everything was done to please the “star,” and to make the new play a success. The night came—the handbills and placards had done their work, and the house was crowded.
While engaged carrying drinks to the orchestra, I was called upon to carry wine to one of the boxes; I did so, and there found the actress herself, chatting familiarly with one of the actors about the crowded condition of the house, and she made this remark, “Oh, suppose the gallery should give way!”
“There would be a good many more souls in hell, I am sure, if it should.” he said.
These words seemed to touch a chord in the heart of the actress, for she turned to me instantly and said, “O, leave this place—leave it! You are too young to be here: there is something better than this, leave now before it is too late.”
Oh, the look that was in her eyes told of the thirst in her soul that had never been quenched. She had been at the well, oh, so often, and had drank and drank, but had never been filled. She had never got her fill from 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 her. Her words cut me to the heart, and I left; it was the last night I ever drank of those waters.
O, unsaved one, if you are still drinking of the waters of this poor world (its pleasures or aught else), stop! There is a spring where you may drink and be satisfied—be filled —yea, 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 Saviour’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, when down here in this world, and again from the glory where He is now,—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); “Let him that is athirst come, and 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).
ML 09/17/1961