p. 1 | VIA CRUCIS, VIA LUCIS by Brooks

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 16, 1856

VIA CRUCIS, VIA LUCIS.

By Brooks

From the German—Brooks.

Through night to light!—And though to mortal eyes Creation's face a pall of horror wear Good cheer! good cheer! The gloom of midnight flies; Then shall a sunrise follow, mild and fair.

Thro' storm to calm!—And though his thunder car The rumbling tempest drive through earth and sky, Good cheer! good cheer! The elemental war Tells that a blessed healing hour is nigh.

Thro' frost to Spring!—And though the biting blast Of Eurus stiffen nature's juicy veins, Good cheer! good cheer! When Winter's wrath is past, Soft murmuring Spring breathes sweetly o'er the plains.

Thro' strife to peace!—And though with bristling front, A thousand frightful deaths encompass thee, Good cheer! good cheer! Brave thou the Battle's brunt, For the peace march and song of victory.

Thro' sweat to sleep!—And tho' the sultry noon, With heavy, drooping wing, oppress thee now, Good cheer! good cheer! The cool of evening soon Shall lull to sweet repose, thy weary brow.

Thro' cross to crown!—And tho' thy spirit's life, Trials untold assail with giant strength, Good cheer! good cheer! Soon ends the bitter strife, And thou shalt reign with Christ in peace at length,

Thro' wo to joy!—And tho' at morn thou weep, And though the midnight find thee weeping still, Good cheer! good cheer! The Shepherd loves his sheep; Resign thee to the watchful Father's will.

Thro' death to life!—And thro', this vale of tears, And through this thistle field of life, ascend To that great supper in that world, whose years Of bliss unfading, cloudless, know no end.