  (illuminated capital) The Summer blossoms fast decay Beneath the Autumn’s chilling breath, And man is passing thus away, Touched by the silent hand of Death. Still fading—falling—day by day The withered petals strew the plain, They never more shall deck the spray— But man shall rise again! Behold the bare and leafless tree Blushes in spring to beauty bright; Where the dark root was buried—see The eager floweret springs to light! The sun his gentle influence shed To break cold winter’s icy chain— So God shall wake us from the dead, We all shall rise again! As beauteous day succeeds to night, So glory dawns upon the grave— Praise to the Sun of life and light, Who lived to bless, and died to save! We calmly gaze on life’s dark close, The tomb shall not our forms retain— E’en as our God and Saviour rose His own shall rise again! |
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