WINTER. (IM WINTER.) WINTER is here. In Nature's wide domains When Spring shall rouse them from their slumber deep. Earth, thou hast lost thy glory-joy is gone; Bearing a deep instruction to each heart. Let Earth towards Heaven direct thy yearning quest ; On Earth thy spirit shall not find its rest : Thy time of sojourn here will soon be gone; The heart's true treasure must be sought in Heaven. Ask Earth alone that she a place will lend For the dust-garment, when this life shall end. But when the glorious Easter Songs resound, THE MESSENGERS TO THE HEATHEN. (DIE HEIDENBOTEN.) O BLESSED are ye messengers, sent forth By your own Lord's commands, God's Love proclaiming to the blind and dead, In strange, far-distant lands! Through the thick, fearful darkness still press on ;— Strong and courageous be: The Lord Himself shall crown your faith and love With certain victory! The Banner of the Cross of Jesus wave, Undauntedly, on high ; That heathen hosts may see to Whom all worlds In true subjection lie. Be ye to all the earth a token sure Of God's Majestic Power ;— That He must conquer, and all foes must yield In His victorious Hour! O Soldiers, bearing neither arms nor sword, Mighty in faith alone ; The Earth and all its fulness is your Lord's: He Who hath sent you ever gives His Aid; Your King stands by your side : And, though like sheep midst wolves, your hearts shall still In joyous rest abide. Love drives you forth; and in your ardent souls Its burning ray hath shone, Kindling your zeal to brother-souls to tell What God for you hath done: Therefore your own ye seek not-neither fame, Honours, nor earthly good : Ye glory only in the Love shown forth In Jesus' Precious Blood. With glad content, endure then, that the world Contempt and shame accord: Rejoice, when ye shall see all lands reflect The glory of The Lord! Rejoice, that ye are chosen to behold Your Lord His Victory win ; That ye are suffered at the Doors to stand, |