O God, for men to lead, not for mere selfish gain,
But swift in generous, knightly deed,
To help a brother in his need,
Or break a bondsman's chain! O God, for men to write more than high-sounding praise,
Brave words that borrow heaven's light,
To pierce the clouds of selfish night,
And lead to brighter days! O God, for men to sing, not simply pleasing rhymes,
But earnest songs, whose notes shall ring
In trumpet call, and swiftly bring
Thy power to mould the times! O God, for men to preach, not empty creed and form,
But Christly words, whose help shall reach
Poor souls in need, and prove for each
Thy anchor in a storm! O God, for faith to own men, words, and powers are thine,
The shuttles which thy hand doth throw
In ceaseless action to and fro,
Until the finished fabric show complete thine own design!