IT was about four o'clock one dark, wet autumn morning, and before the midnight lamp had been put out, that a man just recovering from the effects of excessive drinking alarmed the house by knocking violently at the back and then at the front door.
Upon being asked who was there, he replied, “I am lost; I have lost my way. Can you direct me?”
Having been told the way, he cried out, “But it is so dark, and I want a drink of water.”
What a striking picture of a poor sinner who has drowned his senses, and wasted his time of grace, in the vain pursuit of this poor world's empty pleasures! Waking up in eternity, like the rich man in Luke 16, he finds he is forever lost in the blackness of darkness, and he asks for a drop of water, for he is tormented in the lake of fire. But, thank God, you have a body out of the grave, and a soul out of hell.
Have you found out that you are lost? If you have, I affectionately direct you to that blessed Saviour who came to seek and to save that which was lost. Oh, trust Him! for blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord.
Have you found out the terribleness of being in the darkness of unbelief? If you have, oh,
then look to who went into awful darkness on the cross when bearing our sins, and the wrath of God against them; that you, through believing in Him, might be led by the love of God out of darkness into His marvelous light; take your leave of the darkness forever, and find your home in the light of God's presence for eternity.
Are you thirsting for the "water of life"?
Have you found out that the pleasures of the world cannot satisfy the thirst of the needy soul? If so, then listen to Him who is so tenderly and lovingly saying, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink” (John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)). JOH 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37). The invitation is world-wide, for it is, “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)). 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) Oh, drink, by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; then the thirst of your precious soul shall be everlastingly satisfied, and you will be able by the grace of God to say, to His glory, “I was lost; but I am found. I was in darkness; but now I am light in the Lord. I was a poor, thirsty sinner, but now I am a rejoicingly satisfied saint.”
Turn to God, and praise Him for what He has done for your soul, and tell others the good news; and may God use you to the salvation of many precious souls, and to Him be all the glory forever!
H. M. H.