In life�s earnest morning, when our hope was high,
Came Thy voice to summons, not to be put by;
Nor in toil nor sorrow, weakness or dismay,
Need we ever falter�art not Thou our stay?
Teach us,
Lord, Thy wisdom, while we seek men�s lore;
May the mind be humbled as we know Thee more;
Let the larger vision bring the childlike heart,
And our deeper knowledge holier zeal impart.
Should Thy face be clouded to our spirits� sight,
Speak thro� human kindness, shine thro� nature�s light,
In the face of loved ones, or the ties of home�
Only, gracious Father, to Thy children come.
Save us, Lord, from seeking earth�s unhallowed goals;
May our lifelong passion be the love of souls;
Let us live and labor, Father, in Thy sight,
Thro� the grace of Jesus, by the Spirit�s might.