ONE fine summer morning many years ago, a gentleman stood dressing opposite an open window. Looking out he observed a little bird being pursued by a cruel hawk. He stood anxiously watching the little creature, wondering whether it would escape from its fierce and powerful foe. Nearer and nearer it flew to the open window, opposite which Mr. Wesley stood, and at last, fluttering and panting, it flew right through it, and rested exhausted on his bosom. The hawk pursued the little bird no further. It had found a refuge and resting-place on the bosom of a friend, and there it was safe from its pursuer. The incident produced a deep impression on Mr. Wesley’s mind, and a few hours afterwards, he took up his pen and wrote the favorite hymn,
Jesus! lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the billows near me roll,
While the tempest still is nigh,
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide,
O, receive my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none:
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, O, leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
All my hope on Thee is stayed,
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head,
With the shadow of Thy wing.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found—
Grace to pardon all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound,
Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
Freely let me take of Thee:
Spring Thou up within My heart,
Now and to eternity!
Reader, have you fled to Christ the Refuge? Are you safe and sheltered in His bosom, or are you exposed to the power of Satan the adversary? There is no middle place. You are either exposed to death and judgment, liable to be cut down at any moment, and hurried into Eternity; or safe in the bosom of the Lord. Which? If you have not yet fled for refuge to Jesus, will you do so now? No bosom ever opened to a frightened bird pursued by an enemy, so willing as His, will open to you. Yes, it is open already. He stands, waiting, pleading, asking you to come. Others said of Him,
ML 09/12/1937