God’s Painting

"God's Painting" Told by Wilford C. Brimley I have heard this story, and now retell it in my own way: A good father and mother had an only son. From his infancy, they had taught him to pray, and as he grew older, had read and explained much of the Bible to him. They had given him the best education their town could afford and were desirous that his schooling should be continued in college, so that upon his return, he might be of service to the community, a credit to himself and an honor to his parents. To this end, thev had saved their means. The fall after the completion of his course at the local high school, Joe Turner left his home in the West and entered a noted college in the East. He found lodgings with a number of other students of the college at a boarding house nearby. He soon became intimate with several of the boys of his class, and frequently studied with them around a large table in the dining room, but generally retired to his room a little earlier than they, in order to attend to his prayers, which had always been a part of his daily life. One night, as he knelt by the bedside, he was interrupted by one of the boys entering the room. As he arose, the young man asked: "What were you doing on your knees, Joe?" "Praying," was the answer. "To whom do you pray?" "I pray to God, of course," said Joe, frankly. "Have you ever seen God?" asked his companion. "No, I haven't." "Well, then, how do you know there is a God?" Joe had never doubted the existence of God. He had always believed the teachings of his parents. This was the first time he had ever been questioned. He informed his companion he had often heard his father read from the Bible the story of the creation of the earth by God and many of his dealings with the people on the earth, and how God and angels had appeared. The classmate then told Joe that the Bible accounts for only six thousand years, but that scientists, philosophers, and other men of great learning have proven the earth to be many thousands of years old; that many people have come to look upon

14 IMPROVEMENT ERA the Bible as a myth on account of many apparent absurdities and impossibilities which it contains. But Joe remonstrated that he had always been taught that the Bible was true, and that he had no reason to doubt his parents' teachings. The schoolmate then asked if he didn't think his parents could be mistaken. Had they any evidence to combat the findings of scholars who had made a study of the matter? He said even ministers had adopted the "higher criticism of the Bible." Joe said little, but thought a great deal. Perhaps father and mother were mistaken; they had had very little education. He could hardly understand how their belief could stand against the wisdom of professors, scientists and men of great learning. As doubt and uncertainty took the place of child-like faith, Joe ceased to pray, not considering the consequences and the effect it might have upon his life. To him, prayer without faith, was hypocrisy. He often questioned the sincerity of prayerful men at home, whom before he had esteemed and respected. He became restless and dissatisfied, not realizing the cause. The uncertainty in his mind was weakening him. The rudder which had guided his course had been torn away. He was only content when deep in his studies or associating with the fellows, who always seemed free from any cares. After finishing his course in college, Joe's only thoughts were about home and father and mother. He could hardly wait to tell them of his success. They would not think him boastful, but only be filled with pride. They had sent him some extra money for sightseeing, but Joe was so anxious to get home, that his long expected sightseeing trip was given only secondary consideration. After buying a few presents for father and mother, he packed his trunk and set out for home. On the fourth day after leaving college, Joe Turner alighted from the train in his home town. It was only a couple of blocks from the station to home, so in ten minutes he was walking down the gravel walk that led from the sidewalk to the front door of his home. Nearing the porch he caught the fragrance of the old lilac tree in full bloom. A fresh rain had added color to the lawn, and a robin was sounding its surface for worms and insects. The house had been newly painted a pretty shade of green with white borders and trimmings. Mrs. Turner wept for joy as she kissed her son and felt hio arms go around her waist, and she realized that he was again safe at home. But Joe's father gave a hearty laugh as he sized up his boy, now tall and manful, and thought of the many times he had held him on the horse's back to give him a ride. All afternoon they sat on the front porch, Joe telling them

: GOD'S PAINTING 15 of his many experiences, and they telling him of the many changes that had taken place in the town. Before retiring for the night, Mr. Turner took down his Bible and read a chapter which told of the wonderful events that will take place in the last days. When he had finished reading, Joe asked: "Father, do you really believe the Bible is true?" His father was astonished at the question. "Of course I believe the Bible is true. Haven't I always taught you so?" Joe realized he had struck a tender spot, but he explained fully all he had been told, and acknowledged he had changed his ideas to conform to the beliefs of men of learning. The elder Turner knew it would be useless to argue with his son in that condition of mind, so he said very little, but after Joe had retired, he and his companion knelt beside their bed and implored God to redeem their son from the awful, faithless condition into which he had been led. Sooner would they have let him die as a child in sickness than to grow to manhood an unbeliever in his Maker's existence. Of what service could he be to humanity by causing uncertainty in the minds of his associates? They realized that the education of the world was sadly lacking without the inspiration of the Almighty. Nor did they cease to think and to pray until far into the night. The next day, Mr. Turner took Joe on a sight-seeing trip in his own town. As they approached a newly constructed building, Joe began to wonder and then to admire its beauty and architecture. It was a museum and art gallery, and had been erected by public subscription, several wealthy men of the town being largely responsible for the structure. Joe's first question was, "Who were the architects of this beautiful building?" His father thought a moment, and replied, "I'll tell you in a few minutes." In the corridor stood a great buffalo carved in stone. Joe asked, "What great sculptor carved this buffalo?" Again his father pondered and said, "I'll tell you in a few minutes." Joe thought it strange that he should have to wait for an answer, but his attention was soon attracted by several beautiful paintings, and his eyes became fixed upon one which seemed the greatest of all. It was a beautiful picture of the Madonna and Christ child. As he stood there gazing, he asked "Father, do you know the name of the artist who painted that picture?" The father answered: "Yes, my son, I'll tell you in just a moment." It was nearing the close of the day. The father of the boy