"Some women who went to the sepulcher say That angels assured them he's living this hour, But they did not see him, and try as we may, It seems a false rumor of glory and power." The stranger rebuked them ere he would teach What the prophets portray of Christ's sufferings here. Their souls were enlivened, but soon they would reach The village they sought, which too quickly drew near. The stranger seemed passing, but now they entreat, "Abide with us here; the day is far spent"; They could not forego yet such fellowship sweet, And he entered in with them whither they went. When supper was ready, they sat up to partake-- They and the stranger, in whom they delight. He blessed, as his custom, the bread ere he brake; They knew it was Jesus! And he vanished from sight. "Did not our hearts burn within us," now they exclaimed, "As he taught of himself what the prophets record? We've seen him, we've heard him, and he is the same: He is Israel's Messiah, our Savior and Lord!" We are travelers here on the highway of time, But he will go with us if we seek him aright. His strength will support us as upward we climb; Through his blood we inherit immortality's light. DAYBREAK _Until the day break, and the shadows flee away._--Song of Solomon 4:6. Gleaming softly, silvery-faint, Heralded by chanticleer, Merging from night's shadowy taint, New day of the passing year! Born to bless or born to blight, Born for you and born for me, Leaving, ere it take its flight, Impress on eternity! 'Tis a gift from God's own hand. On its pure unsullied page Let us write at his command What will bless our pilgrimage. True repentance giveth joy To the angels in the sky. What could be more blest employ Than to cheer the choirs on high? Deeds of patience, deeds of love, Banishing all hate and guile-- These will steer toward heaven above, These will make the angels smile. May this child of time unite Earth and heaven in blest accord, Heathen nations see the light From the cross of Christ our Lord. Coming is the glad daybreak, The prophetic jubilee; Sin will then all hearts forsake, Then will all the shadows flee. GONE Upon time's surging, billowy sea A ship now slowly disappears, With freight no human eye can see, But weighing just one hundred years. Their sighs, their tears, their weary moans, Their joy and pleasure, pomp and pride, Their angry and their gentle tones, Beneath its waves forever hide. Yes, sunk within oblivion's waves, They'll partly live in memory; To youth, who will their secrets crave, Mostly exist in history. Ah, what a truth steps in this strain-- They are not lost within time's sea; Their words and actions live again, And blight or light eternity!