A PARABLE by F. T. Elkin

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 8, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 10.

A PARABLE.

By F. T. Elkin

THE wrecker’s beacon had wrought havoc there— A faithless faith, and the false wisdom given To men to be a delusion and a snare Clouded his world and robbed the light from heaven. Now at the altar rail, the narrow path To God, again his wandering feet would feel, And, nervous in doubt’s anxious aftermath, The quavering voice made eloquent appeal.

“Out of the deep I call—the dark, dread deep. Hear me, Thou unknown God, Thou Infinite. Round my lost soul the furious waters leap And clamor in demoniac delight; O Thou that stillest the tempest, pitying God, And loving Son of man, send swift relief, Still every doubt, spare, spare Thy chastening rod! Lord, I believe; help Thou my unbelief.”

And in the maelstrom of an agony Unbearable, Oblivion touched the brain, Compelling toll of frail mortality, And, lo! from the abandonment of pain The soul awoke to new-born consciousness— A consciousness that knew the Presence near, With wounded hands forever raised to bless, And whose sweet voice thrilled and caressed the ear.

“Child, thou hast called; behold, I come to thee; Art anguished? Thus My heart hath riven been; My soul as thine endured Gethsemane. Peace, ravaged heart! Be clean, O thou unclean! Ah! come to where Unutterable Love Sweetens with joy life’s bitter water springs; According as thy faith shall henceforth prove, Thy stay, thy strength shall be the King of kings.”

The moments passed, and from the sinking sun One shaft, escaping, pierced the tinted pane And glorified that face, ere it was gone, With raptured radiance. Need I now explain? Christ’s unknown love is borne on every ray That travels earthward from the firmament; His presence meets us daily as we pray; To striving souls self-answering grace is sent.

F. T. ELKIN. Denver, Colo.