THE OLD-FASHIONED GOD by Belle Jenks McKorkle

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 6, 1907

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 10.

THE OLD-FASHIONED GOD.

By Belle Jenks McKorkle

THEY talked to me of God as strange and wonderful— An abstract thing—the Good in all—the Beautiful. I listened, there was a charm of science and of reason; They meant no harm—there was no thought of treason.

And I was at the morn of life—so gay, so glad— So bright, so strong and brave—could I be sad? The God I worshiped with a song was like unto a bird or flower, Impersonal, esthetic, and nature's laws His power.

But noon has past—dark shadows creep up about my way, The wind's drear moan warns of a storm-closed day; And, like a helpless little child, lost and afraid, I think of those who've lifted up their hands and prayed.

Ah! then, I knew the God I needed—Father, Friend— Whose arms would fold me close about, when at the long day's end I'd whisper low, "Our Father who in heaven art, I lay me down to sleep—keep safe—send rest unto my troubled heart." —Belle Jenks McKorkle.