IMITATIONS FROM THE

GERMAN.

THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST.

(ERSCHEINUNG CHRISTI.)

CHRIST, Who in Death's night of darkness
As a Shining Light did'st come;
Seeking Thee in Herod's Palace,

Vainly did my spirit roam.

Found I there all dazzling splendour ;

Joys enchaining sense and mind :
Yet my craving heart was empty :-

Thee, alone, I could not find.

B

Forth I went to men of learning;
Versed in Scripture-lore were they :
But from wise and subtle spirits
Jacob's Star concealed its ray.
Of the Light that had appeared
They spoke, also, to the blind:
Yet all vain my search amongst them—
Christ Himself I could not find.

Came I then within the precincts
Of the Temple's holy ground:
Sacrificial Fire was burning;

Radiant brightness gleamed around.
Here conceiving of His Presence,

Yet I found Him not at last :

Quitting then thy walls, O Salem,
On to Bethlehem I passed.

Lonely through the street I wandered ;
Far and near was heard no sound :

All was silent and deserted ;

And no passing guide I found.

But, at length, I saw above me,

Through the gloom, a bright Star shine :

Thus, through seeking and believing,

Christ Himself at last was mine!

Only seek-so shalt thou find Him!

Only faint not, nor despair;

Do not check thy heart's keen yearning,
Which thy God hath kindled there !
Follow on, in trustful patience;

Faithful to His teaching live :

Light from Heaven above shall guide thee :Light from Heaven the Star doth give.

EASTER.

(OSTERFEIER.)

WITH brighter glory, Easter Sun,
Shine forth upon thy way;

For my Redeemer, and thy Lord,
Rose from His grave this day!

Thou didst hide in veil of darkness

When He bowed His Head to die :

But now shine forth-thy Master

Has risen up on High!

Earth, in thy tranquil beauty lie

Thy calm blue skies beneath : Thy Lord deserts thee not-His Arm Hath burst the gates of death.

When He breathed forth His Spirit,

Thy mighty rocks were riven.

Greet now The newly Living;

Steeped in soft light from Heaven!