In the Island of Ceylon there is a religion much followed by the people, called Buhism. Some years ago a little boy there went a to Buddhist temple wherein lay a very large figure of the founder of that rigion. This figure was about thirty yards long.
The boy went to the face of the idol, and put down his wreath of flowers which he had brought as a present, saying, as they usually do, “I take refuge in Buddha.”
He then waited to see what the idol would say in reply, but was much astonished when he found that Buddha did not notice him in the least, as he had hoped he would. The figure did not open its eyes, nor appear to take the least notice of the offering he had brought.
Not long after this, the same boy was sent by his father to the missionary school. He heard many things there that were new to him, and among others which gave the Christians in Ceylon much joy. We will translate two lines of the refrain:
“Jesus, Lord, I come to Thee; Thou wilt all my refuge be!”
This was just what the boy wanted a refuge—and he learned the truth in the words of this hymn. He saw that Buddha could not be a refuge, for he had not even life itself; he therefore became a Christian. Later on he went to a teacher in the missionary school, and has, for years, been a preacher on the island; and his joy in being able to preach the gospel to his countrymen, was exceedingly great. His highest delight, to point them—not to Buddha for sympathy, consolation, or salvation—but to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the rich and only refuge and defense for all los and burdened sinners.
Yes, dear children, Jesus is our only refuge, and it is when we know Him that the words of the prophet are fulfilled to us:
ML 10/27/1946