Slowly has dawned the day
That brings soul's triumph nigh;
Calmly the purpose lay
Watched of Omniscient Eye:
And early to the tomb,
Come pilgrims wan with fear.
Why breaks not through their gloom
The wondrous Light so near?
Mighty that stone of Fear
That angels roll away,
To bring us vision clear
Of Resurrection Day.
"Seek ye a living Christ?"
The Holy Voices say.
The vision hath sufficed—
And now where Jesus lay,
Wondrous in love and power,
The Shining Ones behold,
Who in Faith's thrilling hour
The vital truth unfold;
Living! our gracious Lord,
And risen, far away!
Live ye, His quick'ning word,
Rise ye, this Holy Day!
Rise, from each fettering bond
Of habit, thought, or creed,
Rise, into life beyond,
Harmonious, word and deed!
Rise, and shake off thy past.
Rise! if ye will, ye may,—
No stone to hold ye fast
This Resurrection Day!
Live! 'tis His changeless thought,
Eternal Life for all;
Rise, for Himself hath wrought,
Thy conscious, full recall!
