Aspiration After Higher Truth Poem by John Bowring

One and universal Father!
Here in reverent thought we gather,
Seeking light in honouring Thee;
Free our souls from error's fetter;
Make us wiser-make us better;
Be our guide-our guardian be!


Not in mean and vile prostration
Pour we out our adoration;
No! to Thee, to Thee we turn,
Looking onward, upwards ever,
Following light and truth wherever
Light and truth may beam and burn.


To the paths of life to win us,
Thou, O God, did'st plant within us
Aspirations high and bright;
Bring us to Thy presence nearer,
Let us see Thy glories clearer,
Till all mists shall melt in light.