A walk - Pieta
Spiritual thoughts
J. Johnson, Jr., in: The Well-Spring, edited by Asa Bullard (Boston: Massachusetts Sabbath School Society), Volume 3, number 26, June 26, 1846,
How sweetly the morn Of the Sabbath arose,
When Jesus the conqueror Had vanquished his foes,
Ascended from darkness, Dispelling the night,
When dawned on the nations The Gospel’s fair light.
And soon the bright morning Spread swiftly and wide,
and awed into silence the hosts that defied.
The band of disciples a banner unfurled,
The Gospel’s white banner, to float o’er the world.
Still onward, and onwar. The brightness advanced,
from river and glacier the sunny beam danced.
The heathen rejoiced. In the warmth of the ray.
And welcomed in gladness Messiah’s mild sway.
A darkness, a darkness— All shrouded in gloom—
Oh, say, hath the Savior Returned to the tomb?
The world—must it wander. In sorrow again?
Oh, was the great standard unfolded in vain?
All hail the white banner! ’Tis waving again;
Adieu then to darkness, And error, and pain.
For Briton, and Gaul, and the Switzer, there’s rest,
and light in the beautiful Land of the West.
Strive on then, ye Christians, be valiant and strong;
Ne’er faint in the conflict, Although it be long—
And never refrain till all error is flown.
And earth bright and pure For the blessèd. One’s throne.
Make room! we are coming. The gentle and young;
though weak now, and humble, we soon shall be strong.
The hosts of the heathen Shall hear of the Lamb
and nations uncounted Shall honor his name.