WITNESSES OF THE RESURRECTION. "Him God raised up, and showed him openly, not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God." Ask we the cause so few, The Lord of life who knew, Beheld him, when from death he rose to view The holy women, then A group of faithful men, And last in Galilee a humble train : Know, this was God's own way, He proved if men would listen and obey : Not in his risen might, Not with a sudden blaze of heaven-sent light— F In silent power arose From his three days' repose The Lord, the Saviour, startling friends and foes; He stood in flesh and bone, Seen but by few, alone, Himself the witness that the work was done! He, who did thus appear Of old in vision clear To those who did in humble faith draw near, His Spirit to his own, Till he shall come himself, their joy and crown. JESUS THE LIFE OF THE WORLD. "The Life was manifested." Jesus, for ages long concealed, Jesus, whom God the Father sealed, They laid him in a manger-bed, They crowned with thorns his holy head, Now, seated on a heavenly throne, And Death and Hell has trampled down. In every place, the world around, As men tell out the joyful sound, Blessings increase and joys abound. Angels and saints, fall down before Worthy to live and reign The Lamb who once was slain, Worthy of honour, worship, power, 'Tis he who intercedes For us in all our needs, 'Tis he who, when we faint with fear, Sends down the Comforter. "Tis he who leads his own By paths to them unknown, That he may give them an abode For ever with their God. |