A DEAR girl, 12 years of age, was very sick. Her mother and relatives knew that dear Alice (for such was her name), would not be with them very much longer. The Lord in His wisdom, thought soon to call her home. Dear Alice was not afraid to die because she loved the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, —the One, Who had suffered for her sins. Those Who know Him and trust Him, can say:
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Cor. 15:55.
Little boys and girls that belong to the Lord, will go to Him when they die, or should they still be living when He returns for His own, will be caught up, to be forever with the Lord in the Father’s house above. (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Yes, Alice even rejoiced at the thought of soon being with the Lord, and beholding Him in all His glory.
One afternoon, not long before her departure to be with the Lord Jesus, she received a visit from her cousin, a young man who did not know or love the Lord. Alas! the poor boy sought his happiness and portion in this poor sinful world; and never gave a thought to the solemn scripture:
“The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 1 John 2:17.
His precious soul was still under the power of the prince of this world, who is a liar and a murderer. O how many, both young and old, are even now in the same position as Willie was at that time.
Willie came into the sick room where Alice lay, and sat on a chair next to her bed. Alice’s mother, soon after, purposely left the room, and attended to some household duties, which left Willie alone at the sick-bed. After some time, Alice, who was very weak, opened her eyes and asked for a drink of water that was standing near her. Willie took the glass and handed it to her, while he supported her as she drank. Alice did not drink at once, but with a look which penetrated his soul, she said:
“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” John 4:13, 14.
“Tell me, Willie, have you drank of this living water?” Then she drank; and without saying another word, lay back on her pillow and closed her eyes as before. Willie feeling very uncomfortable, rose up and left the room. But the look and words of the sick one, he could not forget.
Alice’s lips and eyes closed a few days later for this life, and she entered into the everlasting rest; but for Willie there was no more rest. As often as he saw a glass of water, or wanted to go out for pleasure, the words rang in his ears:
“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.”
Yes, how well he experienced this, for with all the pleasures that this world could give, it had not made him happy. From this time on, there was awakened in his soul a real burning thirst for this living water which the Lord gives; and His call was heard in vain no longer:
“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” John 7:37.
“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Rev. 21:6.
Willie now came to the Lord in full confidence, desirous of salvation; and the dear boy found by faith in Him eternal salvation, everlasting life, real and abiding peace.
ML 01/16/1927