One day Mr. Charles Wesley was sitting by an open window looking out over the bright and beautiful fields in summer time. Presently a little bird, flitting about in the sunshine, attracted his attention. Just then a hawk came sweeping down toward the little bird. The poor thing, very much frightened, was darting here and there, trying to find some place of refuge. In the bright sunny air, in the leafy trees, or green fields, there was no hiding place from the fierce grasp of the hawk. But, seeing the open window and a man sitting by it, the bird flew in its extreme terror towards it, and with a beating heart and quivering wing found refuge in Mr. Wesley’s bosom. He sheltered it from the threatening danger, and saved it from a cruel death.
Mr. Wesley was at that time suffering from severe trials, and was feeling the need of a refuge in his own time of trouble, as much as the trembling little bird did that nestled so safely in his bosom. So he took up his pen and wrote that sweet hymn:
‘Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.’
That prayer grew into one of the most beautiful hymns in our language, and multitudes of people, when in sorrow and danger, have found comfort while they have repeated or sung these lines: ‘All my trust on Thee is stayed;
‘All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of Thy wing.’
But God Himself has provided a refuge in His beloved Son for all those who come and put their trust in Him. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). The wrath of God will never touch a soul that has fled to Jesus for refuge, for He has Himself born the judgment against his sins upon the cross. Dear young reader, we urge you now to “Flee from the wrath to come.” Luke 3:77Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Luke 3:7).
ML 08/22/1965