Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.
Luke 24:5–6
Words: Julia H. Johnston, in Bible Study Songs, by Bertha F. Vella & Daniel Towner (Boston, Massachusetts: Pilgrim Press, 1899), page 116.
Music: Daniel B. Towner (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a better photo of Johnston,
Softly the light of the beautiful morning
Fell on the garden, all smiling with bloom,
When, in the dawn, without trumpet of warning,
Angels descended to open the tomb.
Women of Galilee, followers lowly,
Bringing their spices in token of love,
Seeking for Jesus, the Master all holy,
Found the bright messengers sent from above.
Refrain
Hark! hark to the message, the glad Easter greeting,
Jesus is risen! Remember His word;
Tell it abroad, the good tidings repeating,
Till the whole world the sweet story has heard.
Seek not the living at death’s gloomy portal,
said the angel immortal;
Jesus is risen, oh, be not afraid;
He is not here,
Come, see the place where the Savior was laid.
Wonderful tidings! oh, message of gladness!
He who was dead liveth now in the skies.
Tell to all hearts that are mourning in sadness,
Jesus is risen; His children shall rise.
Refrain
Lo, in the midst of disciples assembled,
Showing the wounds in His hands and His feet,
Tenderly, tenderly, while they all trembled,
Peace, peace be unto you,
hear Him repeat.
Jesus, victorious, God ever living,
Savior of sinners, Thy praises we sing.
Hear us, we pray, in our joyful thanksgiving,
Risen Redeemer and conquering King.
Refrain