21 APRIL (PREACHED OLNEY FAIR DAY, 17 APRIL 1775)
The thirsty come
‘And 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
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 55:1–5
The persons called: him that is athirst. In a sense, this includes all, and I think the Word of God warrants such a general call (Isaiah 55:1–2). You that are thirsting after happiness and seeking it where it is not to be found, in creature comforts and sinful pleasures, spending your money for that which is not bread, this Spirit calls on you to come for the Bread of Life. The pearl of great price is set before you. The water of life is pointed out to you. Come, there is room enough and water enough. If you never thought of it before, begin now. What? No desire after the water of life? Alas, if you put it from you, you will perish. If you despise this invitation it will lie heavily upon your conscience hereafter. What will you say to the Lord of the feast? That you never heard of it? That you were not warned? I take that poor excuse from you now. I call upon everyone now in the Lord’s presence—I adjure you by his cross and passion that you seek him for the water of life. But alas, I cannot persuade you or turn your hearts. Lord, put forth thy power.
The words, I hope, will be welcome to awakened souls. Do you not thirst, and for these very things which the Lord has promised? You know the nature of thirst is that nothing can assuage it but drink. Are your desires thus? Then you are called, as it were, by name. As sure as there is a water of life, so sure you have a right to it.
FOR MEDITATION: See the Lord says whosoever will. Are you willing? Then here is no exception of persons. Whatever you have been in time past, no matter, if you are now willing. Surely you would not have been so, had not the Lord made you. He says freely. You are spiritually poor, and if it was to be bought you must go without, for you have nothing to pay. But did you ever pay for the rain? Or sunshine? No, these blessings are bestowed freely, bountifully. All the wealth in the world could not purchase them, but they come without money and without price. Just so free is gospel grace to every seeking soul.
SERMON: REVELATION 22:17 [5/6] [EASTER MONDAY EVENING]
Milo 