"Let Go Your Hold."

From: Messages of God's Love: 1917

SEVERAL boys were playing near an unfinished house, before which the scaffolding still remained. Boy like, they were trying to outdo each other in acts of bravery. At last one little fellow said he should like to go to the top of the scaffolding and look down on the people below. So away he went up the ladder, and in a little time was at the top. Now for his treat! He looked down, and was so interested in what he saw, that he slipped forward and lost his footing. However, in falling, he happened to catch hold of one of the poles going crossways. Here he hung, calling out for someone to come and take him down. One of the workmen, hearing the cry, came, and standing underneath, called out, “Let go your hold, my boy, and I will catch you.” After some hesitation, and a good deal of calling for someone to come and save him, he let go his hold, and was caught safe in the man’s strong arms.

Now, my dear children, if you stop to think for one moment of the fact that you are in a far worse position than that boy, and Christ is stretching out His hands, inviting you to trust in Him—believe in Him —what can you say? O, will you not let go everything else and commit yourself to Him, who says, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest”? (Matt. 11:28²⁸Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).)

Hark! the voice of Jesus calling—

“Come, deaf children, come to Me;

I have rest and peace to offer,

Rest, dear children, now for thee.”

Yes; though high in heavenly glory,

Still the Saviour calls to thee:

Faith can hear His gracious accents—

“Come, dear children, come to Me.”

Soon that voice will cease its calling,

Now it speaks and speaks to thee:

Children, heed the gracious message—

To the blood for refuge flee: