The Rambler's Rest

by James Smith, 1860

One can seldom go far, if one is in a meditative mood — without meeting with something that will suggest food for the mind. My attention is now arrested, by a sign over the door of a tavern called, "The Rambler's Rest." But I am persuaded that it is a very poor rest that can be found there. If there is rest for the body — there is ruin for the soul! It is a mere temptation, a lure to entrap men to drink — that they may . . .
waste their property,
destroy their health,
deprave their minds, and
endanger their souls!

Strong drink is a mocker, it should therefore be avoided. Beer-shops, and taverns, are generally synagogues of Satan, and should therefore be shunned. If men have any concern for . . .
the peace of their families,
the comfort of their homes, or
the salvation of their souls —
they should avoid the alehouse!

"The Rambler's Rest" may talk of rest, promise rest, and invite us to come and find rest, in its parlor, or tap-room — but there is no rest to be found there. Sinful excitement, foolish jokes, vain songs, and trifling mirth — is all that we shall find there. Rest indeed! Rest for whom? Rest from what? Rest for how long? Rest at what price? Poor rambler, don't be enticed by such a sign, or seek for rest where you will find none!

"The Rambler's Rest."

Well, man is a rambler.

He has rambled from God.

He has rambled in the forbidden paths of sin.

He has rambled in company with Satan.

He has rambled until he has become restless and uneasy.

He does need a rest — but not such an one as the alehouse offers him. He needs a rest for his soul, and blessed be God — there is such a rest provided, and over the cross of Jesus, over the throne of grace, and over the church of God, may with great propriety be written, "The Rambler's Rest."

Yes, there is rest provided by God's mercy for poor ramblers. It is to be found at the feet of Jesus, who lovingly calls to every poor rambler, "Come unto me, and I will give you rest." This is the rest that the soul needs. This is the rest that just suits the sinner's case. Let us spend a few minutes n thinking of this rest.

For WHOM is it provided? For poor rambling sinners. No matter how poor, how depraved, how unworthy; for every weary soul, for every one that needs rest — it is intended.

For WHAT is it designed?

To give rest — sweet rest, perfect rest.

Rest from the lashings of a guilty conscience.

Rest from the thunderings of a broken law.

Rest from the exhausting labor of working for salvation.

Rest from the accusations of Satan.

Rest from the fears of eternal death.

For how LONG may we enjoy rest here? Through the whole of life, in the trying hour of death, and throughout eternity. Here, poor rambler, is a rest for you — better, cheaper, sweeter, more peaceful, more refreshing, and more lasting than you will find anywhere else!

Ramble then to the feet of Jesus — and leave off your rambling there.

Ramble to the cross of Jesus — and find peace, comfort, and the beginning of Heaven there.

Ramble to the church of God — and lie down with the sheep of Jesus there. The green pastures and the still waters are there. The rest and the refreshing for the weary are there. The joy and peace in believing, are to be realized there. At the feet of Jesus, at the cross of Jesus, and in the church of Jesus — you will find "The True Rambler's Rest."

Rest from all your cares.

Rest from all your fears.

Rest from all your toils.

Rest from all your foes.

Rest akin to the rest of Heaven — where there is rest that will not be broken for evermore.

Once more then, I say, Ramble to Jesus. Ramble to the church of God. Ramble to the cross — and there you will find rest, sweet and permanent rest, for your weary soul!