With eyes of shining gentleness
And lustrous faith serene—
With patience, courage, industry,
The pioneers are seen!
They break the yoke of dominance
With love that conquers hate,
And meekly on omnipotence
With expectation wait.
They see the ever-open door
That to dull eyes is barred;
With burning zeal their day illumed,
Their night with faith is starred!
They dare to tread the untrod path,
To chart the unknown sea,
To bring into the cleansing light
The unholy mystery.
They climb the sacred mount of God;
And when the truth they know,
That which the perfect shows to them
They dare to practice now.
In every age, to any man
Who has the ears to hear,
There comes the call for laborers
With faith to pioneer.
And when, within the secret place
Of heart's most deep desire,
I hear Truth call: Whom shall I send?
With sacramental fire
From off Love's altar, cleanse my lips,
My sense from sin set free,
That, Spirit-girded, I may say:
Lo, here am I. Send me!
