KNOWLEDGE by Minnie Alexandrina Sanderson

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 21, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 25.

KNOWLEDGE.

By Minnie Alexandrina Sanderson

"O, WHERE is knowledge?" the savant sighed, As he turned the pages o'er, Still wearily searching, yet eager-eyed, Through volumes of treasured lore. Long years he had struggled in vain to win The wisdom his soul did crave,— A knowledge of truth that could save from sin, And the terrors of the grave.

Then wandering forth with restless feet In the hush of the Sabbath day, A little child he chanced to meet, As she tripped on her homeward way; Her eyes were as bright as the morning flowers, And her little singing mouth Made blithe and happy the shining hours, Like a bright-winged bird of the South.

"My child," he said, "how glad you look! Why is it, my pretty one?" She held up before him a little book: "This tells about God's dear Son, How He died that we might go to heaven; My mother told me so: His letter is here to His children given; It tells of His love, you know."

"May I see your wonderful Book?" he said; And he read, as he raised the lid, In Christ, who for our sins hath bled, Are all the treasures hid Of wisdom and knowledge, and life and love. Amazement filled his eyes; "'Tis revealed to babes from the Father above, Tho hid from the prudent and wise."

Then the learned philosopher bared his head Before the little child; "Thou hast the blest knowledge, sweet one," he said, "That I've sought for in anguish wild." He hastened home with a lighter heart, Through the glow of the sunset's gold, And brought out a volume long set apart, All covered with dust and mold.

On the first blank leaf he saw his name, And the traces of tender tears, And while the sunset died in flame, He thought of his mother's prayers; And the glory that lighted her dying brow Ere they laid her beneath the sod; Lo! the gray-haired scholar is kneeling now— A child before his God.

MINNIE ALEXANDRINA SANDERSON. Jacksonville, Florida.