The Nazarene by Wm. E. A. Axon

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 7, 1904

The Nazarene

By Wm. E. A. Axon

“So the Nazarene is dead,” Caiaphas the high priest said. “His wonder-working deeds are o’er, He will trouble us no more. May blasphemers such as he Perish on the shameful tree, And our holy temple’s law Be kept free from ev’ry flaw; For the temple must have sway Till heaven and earth shall pass away. So the Nazarene is dead,” Caiaphas the high priest said.

“So the Nazarene is dead,” In his palace Pilate said. “Good his words and just his life, But the priests who stirred up strife Said his followers would be From imperial Rome set free. Vain their plotting and their care— All the yoke of Rome must bear— Rome that will forever stand Mighty lord of every land. So the Nazarene is dead,” In his palace Pilate said.

The temple now has passed away; Ended Rome’s imperial day; But the Nazarene still lives, Peace to myriad souls he gives, Lives in gentle words and deeds, In all that meets the spirit’s needs, And the cross on which he died By his death is sanctified; Hosts in many lands acclaim The crucified One by his name; In their faithful hearts are seen The ever-living Nazarene. Priest and Pilate both have said That the Nazarene is dead. False their wisdom, false their lore— He lives now and evermore.

—Wm. E. A. Axon.