“‘I am the Light’: how long in heathen darkness
Must they remain, for whom the Saviour died?
Groping in night, and lost in sin and sorrow,
When for their need the Lamb was crucified?
‘I am the Light’; but precious hearts are darkened;
This blessed gleam has never found its way;
No gospel story of salvation’s wonder
Ever has turned their hopeless night to day.
I am the Light!’ Ah, Church of Christ, arise ye!
Cast off thy chains of lethargy and greed;
Break thine unhallowed union with the worldlings;
Haste with the message! Meet the desp’rate need.”