It was the first night of a new play and the house was crowded. A famous actress was the leading lady, and everyone seemed confident that it would be a big success. Although just a small boy, I was doing my part by running errands. Called to make a delivery to one of the boxes, I found there the actress herself talking 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 jokingly, these words seemed to go straight 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 gets into 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 drunk again and again, but that thirst had never been satisfied. 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 are so true of those who live for the applause of the world.
Her words cut me to the heart, for I too, even though I was young, was stage-struck and dreamed of being a great actor. I left, and it was the last night I ever drank of those waters.
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 has said, I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. And again, Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.
The water given by the Saviour’s blessed hand alone can satisfy—none other ever can. Drink, then, while there is still time. Hear once more the invitation of His love extended to us. It is for you: If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.
Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.