TRUST YOUR FATHER’S PROTECTING HAND.
By H. G. Thurston
A little girl was walking by the side of her father, who held her hand as they passed along the crowded street of the city. Presently the enticing beauties in the store windows invited her to stop a moment, and she sought to pull away from her father, feeling that she could go alone. He cautioned her, but so confident was she that he let go his hold of her hand. In a few minutes she had so far forgotten him that she stopped by a window and was viewing its contents with childish delight. Her father was soon lost in the crowd, and when she turned to go on, she could not find him. She then began to realize that she was alone, and, not knowing which way to go, her eyes began to well up with tears, and her quivering lip betrayed her perplexity. She was lost, alone,—away from father. But he did not forget his little one. He was watching her with intense interest and affection. As soon as he thought she had learned the lesson “that father knows best,” he came along so she could see him, and as he spoke her name, she quickly turned and in a moment was by his side, clinging firmly to his hand. Have you, O child of God, been attracted by the glitter of earth? Have you let go your Father’s hand, and are you charmed by the tinsel along the way? In your self-confidence have you forgotten that you need a guiding hand to keep you on your journey through the land of destruction, that you may reach your home in safety? As you turn to go forward, do you feel confused, not knowing which way to go? And as you begin to realize that you are alone, does despair take possession of your soul as the tempter whispers to your confused and frightened senses, “You are lost”? Let this thought quiet your beating heart: Your heavenly Father has not forgotten you. And if you turn with all your soul to seek Him, He will again reveal to you His smiling face. He has not forgotten you, but longs once more, according to His blessed promise, to hold your hand. Delay no longer, but turn, O, turn, before the night falls, and you find Him not! H. G. THURSTON.