MY friend F. was in great distress about her soul. She read the bible and good books, heard sermons, attended prayer meetings, and tried in every way she could think of to obtain pardon for herself, but all in vain. The way of salvation was plainly set before her; she knew that Christ had borne the penalty of sin, and that she had only to come to Him for peace, but her feeling was always, “I want to come to Him, but I cannot; something seems to hold me back.” At last, one night, as she was thinking how miserable she was, and wondering how long she should remain so, the words, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” came into her mind with great power. She thought, “I am ‘heavy laden,’ so those words are meant for me. Jesus says, ‘Come;’ I will come. Lord, I come to Thee, just as I am. I believe Thou art my Saviour, and that Thou wilt give me rest.” And the Lord did give her rest, according to His word. The moment she believed she obtained the rest she longed for.
How many are there like F.! Wondering why they cannot come. We know of some held in these invisible chains, who for years have been oppressed with a similar burden. Are you not just the heavy-laden souls to whom Jesus speaks? You are amongst the “all” that labor. Oh! cast yourself, “heavy laden” as you are, upon the heart of Jesus. His words are indeed addressed to you. His invitation is specially sent to you. Believe the Lord, and if you feel that you do not believe aright, remember that it is Jesus who saves your soul, and that your faith is simply crediting Him. Do not be occupied with your faith in Christ, but with Christ Himself. Satan often keeps the heart from repose in Christ by occupying it with the quality of its faith; but the Spirit of God puts Christ only before you; rest in His heart, accept His love, leave serf aside, and say as did F., “Jesus says, Come. I will come. Lord, I come to Thee just as I am. I believe,” and you shall have the promised rest.
H. A. I. S. M.