February 27

Come ye to the waters. — ISAIAH IV. 1.

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 IV. 13, 14.

ENLIGHTENED by the great Teacher the woman of Samaria saw that no fountain of earthly joy could satisfy her immortal spirit. Would that all who thirst for riches, honors, pleasures, could have their eyes thus opened? The principle of divine grace, implanted in our hearts, becomes "a well of water springing up into everlasting life." Our merciful Saviour invites, yea, urges us all to come to him and assuage our thirst. Have we done this? If so, we are sure of heavenly support amid earthly trials, and of eternal bliss. An African missionary of my acquaintance exclaimed when dying, "How grand a thing it is to have the certain consciousness of everlasting life!" He had quenched his thirst at this wonderful fountain. It bubbled up in his glad experience, as he bade adieu to sublunary scenes. Friends, drink yourselves, freely, and persuade others to do likewise. The four lepers at the gate of Samaria said one to another, "We do not well; this is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace."

Come to the living waters, come; Sinners, obey your Maker's call! Return, ye weary wanderers, home, And find his grace is free for all.

J. WESLEY.