ONCE WHEN Paderewski, the famous musician, was visiting in a home, a gentleman remarked to him, “You must be a happy man — you, who can give so much pleasure to so many people.”
“Yes, I am happy in doing that,’ replied Paderewski; “but it is the only happiness I have.” Then after a little, he added: “You perhaps are not aware that my wife died some years ago, and my only child is an incurable cripple. He is all I have in the world, and my wealth and fame can do nothing for him. My only motive for pursuing the career of a musician was that I should at last be able to obtain the best medical advice possible for my poor boy. Alas, I found it an idle dream; and when the public, which is always kind to me, applauds me, I think of the little fellow lying on his couch in the house by the sea, which I have taken for him, and I think how poor and how vain it all is!”
What a sad, yet touching, testimony! Think of Paderewski’s word: — “how poor and how vain it all is!” The man who could entertain others is not happy himself! His wealth and fame could not impart strength to the limbs of his crippler boy. While being applauded by the crowds for his extraordinary musical talent, yet his heart was down by the sea where his helpless chile lay.
Neither wealth, pleasure, fame, nor worldly honors can satisfy the longings of an immortal soul. The heart knows its own bitterness. If the reader imagines that he can obtain lasting happiness in what this world can give, sooner or later he will find out his sad mistake.
The Lord Jesus, and He alone, can satisfy the deepest desires of the human heart. “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28, are His own blessed words. Rest to the conscience can only be had through coming to and believing on Him. He died that we might be set free from the accusations of a guilty conscience, and obtain forgiveness, rest and peace to our troubled souls. “We which have believed do enter into rest.” Heb. 4:3.
Unsaved friend, give up struggling, striving, vowing and resolving, in order to obtain rest. Cease from your own works, and believe on Him who perfectly satisfied God’s holy and righteous claims against sin, and you will “enter into rest.”
“He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psa. 107:9.
ML-08/21/1966