Classic Poem

1. Onward, onward, men of heaven! Bear the gospel's banner high;
Rest not, till its light is given, Star of every pagan sky.
2. Where the Arctic ocean thunders, Where the tropics fiercely glow,
Broadly spread its page of wonders, Brightly bid its radiance flow.
1. Send it where the pilgrim stranger Faints beneath the torrid ray;
2. India marks its lustre stealing; Shivering Greenland loves its rays;
Bid the redbrowed forest ranger Hail it, ere he fades away.
Afric, 'mid her deserts kneeling, Lifts the untaught strain of praise.

3. Rude in speech, or grim in feature,
Dark in spirit, though they be,
Show that light to every creature
Prince or vassal, bond or free.
Lo! they haste to every nation,
Host on host the ranks supply;
Onward! Christ is your salvation,
And your death is victory.