Unless our Souls win back to Thee,
We shall have lost this fight.
Yes, though we win on field and sea,
Though mightier still our might may be,
We still shall lose if we win not Thee.
_Help us to climb, as in Thy sight,
The Great High Way of Thy Delight_.
It is the world-old strife again,--
The fight 'twixt good and ill.
Since first the curse broke out in Cain,
Each age has worn the grim red chain,
And ill fought good for sake of gain.
_Help us, through all life's conflict, still
To battle upwards to Thy Will_.
Are we to be like all the rest,
Or climb we loftier height?
Can we our wayward steps arrest?--
All life with nobler life invest?--
And so fulfil our Lord's behest?
_Help us, through all the world's dark night,
To struggle upwards to the Light_.
If not,--we too shall pass, as passed
The older peoples in their time.
God's pact is sure, His word stands fast,--
Those who His sovereignty outcast
Outcast themselves shall be at last.
_So,--lest we pass in this our prime,
Lord, set us to the upward climb_!