The Tenth of October.

THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM --- John 4:14.

"Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance." --- Matthew 13:12.

"For the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." --- John 4:14.

Of the remarkable increase in the kingdom of God, even from the least beginning, see also Matthew 13:31-33; and that beautiful figure, Ezekial 47:1-12. This well being opened, it highly concerns us to draw living water out of it daily by fervent prayer, and then it will spring up freely.

But, reader, if you begin to be slothful, and distracted with worldly cares, not abiding closely with Christ, nor calling diligently on him, your spirit will soon be dried up, and you will scarcely be able, with anxious groans, to draw a single drop from this well. Therefore, take heed to your spirit; and if you desire your own comfort and God's glory, keep near the well's mouth, and be drawing its water continually by prayer, and drinking it sweetly by faith.

Glory to God that walks the sky,
And sends his blessings through;
That tells his saints of joys on high,
And gives a taste below.

Cheerful I feast on heav'nly fruit,
And drink the pleasures down;
Pleasure that flow hard by foot
Of the eternal throne.

But ah! how soon my joys decay!
But how soon my sins arise,
And snatch the heavenly scene away
From these lamenting eyes!

When shall the time, dear Jesus, when,
The shining day appear,
That I shall leave these clouds of sin,
And guilt and darkness here?

Devotion for October 10