All chapters

Poetry · Chapter

The Father’s Worshippers explained

A brief poem contrasting the weeping and praying of worshippers with the carefree joy of children held in the Father's embrace.

What happens

A brief poem contrasting the weeping and praying of worshippers with the carefree joy of children held in the Father's embrace.

Themes in this chapter

  • Divine Fatherhood

    The Father is depicted as a nurturing presence whose bosom shelters joyful children.

  • Childhood and Innocence

    Children in the Father's arms represent innocent, carefree joy contrasted with the worshippers' sorrow.

Characters to notice

  • God

    Addressed as the Father whose bosom holds children who laugh and play.

  • Unknown

    The speaker who identifies with the weeping and praying worshippers.

Key passages

  • 'Tis we, not in thine arms, who weep and pray; The children in thy bosom laugh and play.

    It is we who are not held in your embrace that weep and pray; the children resting in your bosom laugh and play.

    Contrast between the sorrow of those outside the Father's arms and the joy of those within.