O Thou Great Friend

O Thou great Friend to all the sons of men,
Who once appeared in humblest guise below,
Sin to rebuke, to break the captive’s chain,
To call the 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 Heav’n;
And they who dearest hope and deepest pray
Toil by the truth, life, way that Thou hast giv’n.