Theodore Parker (1810–1860)

O THOU great Friend to all the sons of men,

Who once appear’dst in humblest guise below,

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

To call thy brethren forth from want and woe!—

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.

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;

And in thy name aspiring mortals trust

To uplift their bleeding brothers from the dust.