I AM writing this in the beautiful Isle of Wight, where every view seems lovely, and with the glorious weather of bright sunshine and refreshing breezes, it might appear impossible for one living here, or in the midst of similar beauties, not to be perfectly happy and contented. And, indeed, God in His bountiful goodness does care for toiling man, that his mind and body might find rest and refreshment in the beauties of nature.
It is an ungrateful heart that can discern no cause for thankfulness to the Giver of every good, for these scenes of quiet and restfulness in a world of unrest and ceaseless round of worry and demand. But after all this—whether we consider the wonderful beauties of nature, or the ceaseless inventions of men—the world is not large enough to fill your heart with satisfaction and lasting joy. And have you not, dear reader, proved for yourself in some measure the truth of what I am now saying? How, then, indeed, if this be all can you be really happy?
But is it possible, perhaps you say, for one to be really happy here? Well, I want to remind you of One, the Lord Jesus, who has been in this world and died for sinners such as you and me; that, believing in the propitiation made to God by the shedding of His precious blood on Calvary's cross, you and I, and all w he thus believe, might be made truly happy now, and forever, in the knowledge of our sins righteously blotted out, and of His love shed abroad in our heart by the Holy Spirit given to us. Come then to the Saviour and give Him the joy of welcoming you. "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out" are His own loving words. Further, He said to the woman of Samaria, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but 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 4:13, 1413Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14But 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 4:13‑14)). Come to Him for this water, and you shall be "really happy.”
And yet again, the same blessed Lord Jesus, who, after this interview with the woman at Sychar's well, went up to Jerusalem, to the feast of tabernacles, on the closing day of the feast, stood and cried, saying, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." Does not this skew you, dear reader, how rich is the blessing that He is ready to give, and at once? Are you not encouraged then to come now, and prove for yourself how true are His words? He will not only give you the truly refreshing, and satisfying, living water, but make you a means of happy refreshment to others besides, without the diminution of your own full measure—a full cup and flowing over.