O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO

When he was a teenager, George Matheson learned that his poor eyesight was deteriorating further.  However, he continued with his plans to enroll in Glasgow University.  This determination led to his graduation at age nineteen. 

As he pursued graduate studies for Christian ministry, he became totally blind.  His sisters joined ranks beside him, learning Greek and Hebrew to assist him in his studies and with their support, he was able to press on.

His spirit almost totally collapsed when his fiancée, unwilling to be married to a blind man, broke off their engagement and returned his ring.  George never married, and the pain of that rejection never really left him.  In the years ahead, his sister came to announce her engagement.  He rejoiced with her, but his mind went back to his own heartache.  He found comfort and great solace in the truth that God’s love is never limited, never conditional, never withdrawn and never uncertain.  It is said that out of this experience, he was inspired to write the hymn, O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO, on June 6, 1882.

George became a powerful and popular preacher pastoring in the Scottish village of Innellan. One evening he had prepared particularly hard for his sermon, but had been told that the winter weather had stopped many from attending.  He persevered and did his best to present the message to the few in attendance…not knowing that in the small congregation was a visitor from a large church who was seeking a pastor. 

He had been quoted once as saying, “Make every occasion a great occasion.”   In 1886, he was called to St Bernard’s Church in Edinburgh where he became one of Scotland’s favourite preachers.  George Matheson knew that God’s love remains unmatched!