# The Father’s Worshippers explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> '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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/the-father-s-worshippers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters