Like as a Father by Arthur W. Spaulding

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1915

Like as a Father

By Arthur W. Spaulding

ARTHUR W. SPAULDING

“Like as a father!” What, O Lord, am I, To serve as symbol of thy matchless love? “A father pitieth when his children cry.” Own I that pity that hath birth above?

“Like as a father!” When light strength is spent, And the heart breaketh o’er the petty task, And childish fear sets up its monument, Is succor ready ere my children ask?

“Like as a father!” In the wayward hour, When creeping evil palsies all the will, And the soul’s windows mirror demon power, Keep I the father’s love and pity still?

“Like as a father!” When the sore heart lies Wounded and quivering from the stunning fall, Know I the splendor of the glad surprise That leaps to meet a father’s tender call?

“Like as a father!” Nay; with what gray shame, O thou my God,—and yet what thrilling hope,— I hear thee name thyself with my poor name, Dazzling the eyes on which thy portals ope.

Father in heaven, teach me, by the sign Of thy calm conquest of my fretted life, The science of a father’s power benign O’er all his children’s sorrows and their strife.