As nature's shower and sunshine bring
From fertile soil each tender thing,
New thoughts, like birds upon the wing,
In praise to God, rise, soar, and sing;
While flowers to all their fragrance fling,
As they come forth at call of spring.
So Truth, unfolding beauteous, fair,
Within our hearts its flowers rare —
Love, constancy, devotion, prayer,
Whose fragrance gentle zephyrs bear
To soothe the heartsick, sweeten care —
Doth call, Come forth — Love's freedom share!
O earth-bound mortal; matter, clay
Is not true soil nor substance; nay,
'Tis but a shadow which one ray
Of light dispels and clears the way.
Look, list, and hear the Master say,
Come forth, — Truth makes you free today!
Thus we come forth from hope forlorn,
And rise to find the grave is shorn
Of power to hold; nor scourge, nor thorn,
Nor cross can stay the Spirit-born;
Health-giving light the heavens adorn —
It is our resurrection morn!
