September 17

Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. — 1 JOHN iii. :8

Give me to drink. — JOHN iv. 7.

IT is Jesus who asks this. It was asked of one who could supply the physical need. It was comparatively a little thing for which he asked, but the woman of Samaria found that he who thus asked could give the water of life, which would quench the thirst of the soul.

Jesus asks still, "Give me to drink," and though we may not be able to quench the physical thirst of the Son of man, we may minister to him by ministering in his name to others, for we have his own word, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me."

The request is one to which every one can accede. Not in the largeness of the gift lies its value, but in the spirit which prompts it. The cup of water only, if given for Christ's sake and for very love to him, he will always regard as for himself.

There are wearied, burdened, bruised, and sorrowing ones of earth to whom we can minister, there are thirsting ones to whom we can bring the "cup of salvation:" and they who thus give Jesus to drink shall from him receive the "gift of God," even the "living water which springeth up into ever- lasting life."

Lewis Francis.

May each child of thine be willing, Willing both in hand and heart, Every law of love fulfilling, Every comfort to impart!

GODFREY THRING.