THERE is need of light! there is need of light!
To scatter the gloom of Error's night;
To cheer these darkened ways of ours,
Where the weeds are many, and few the flowers;
Since the partisan's oath and the bigot's zeal
Would force their creeds by the aid of steel. Since the banner of Peace is trailed in dust,
And the cannon thunders for Power and Lust,
And the orphan's cry and the widow's wail
Moan in the wave, and shriek in the gale;
Since Right is crushed by the heel of Might—
There is yet in the world a need of light. Since the rich man closes alike his door
And his heart, to the plea of the starving poor;
Since human beings are bought and sold
To quench the feverish thirst for gold.
And the Bible is quoted to prove it right—
There is need, O, is there not need of light? Need of a light like that which shone
From the mount and cross, and where the stone
By the watching angels was rolled aside
From the grave of the risen Crucified:
A love and a light to burn and glow
Like Christ's, in the hearts of all below.