A CUP OF COLD WATER

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 3, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 46.

"A CUP OF COLD WATER."

THE Lord of the harvest walked forth one day Where the fields were white with the ripening wheat, Where those he had sent in the early morn Were reaping the grain in the noon-day heat. He had chosen a place for each faithful one, And bidden them work till the day was done.

Apart from the others, with troubled voice, Spoke one who had gathered no golden grain: "The Master has given no work to me, And my coming hither has been in vain; The reapers with gladness and song will come, But no sheaves will be mine in the harvest home."

He heard the complaint, and he called her name: "Dear child, why standest thou idle here? Go fill thy cup from the hillside stream, And bring it to those who are toiling near; I will bless thy labor, and it shall be Kept in remembrance as done for Me."

'T was a little service; but grateful hearts Thanked God for the water so cool and clear; And some who were fainting through thirst and heat Went forth with new strength to the work so dear; And many a weary soul looked up Revived and cheered by the little cup.

Dear Lord, I have looked with an envious heart On those who were reaping the golden grain; I have thought in thy work I had no part, And mourned that my life was lived in vain. But now thou hast opened my eyes to see That thou hast some little work for me.

If only this labor of love be mine, To gladen the heart of some toiling saint, To whisper some words that shall cheer the weak, Do something to comfort the worn and faint— Though small be the service, I will not grieve, Content just a cup of cold water to give.

And when the Lord of the harvest shall come, And the laborers home from the field shall call, He will not look for my gathered sheaves; But his loving words on my ear will fall, "Thou gavest a cup of cold water to Me, A heavenly home thy reward shall be." —Sel.