O

I.

THOU great Friend to all the sons of men,

Who once appeared in humblest guise below,

Sin to rebuke, to break the captive's chain,

To call thy brethren forth from want and woe,

2.

Thee would I sing: thy truth is still the light

Which guides the nations, groping on their way, Stumbling and falling in disastrous night,

Yet hoping ever for the perfect day.

3.

Yes thou art still the life; thou art the way

The holiest know,-light, life, and way of heaven; And they who dearest hope and deepest pray,

Toil by the truth, life, way, that thou hast given.

THEODORE PARKER, 1810-1860.