FACING A TASK UNFINISHED

Facing a task unfinished,

that drives us to our knees,

a need that, undiminished,

rebukes our slothful ease.

We who rejoice to know Thee,

renew before Thy throne

the solemn pledge we owe Thee,

to go and make Thee known.




Where other lords beside Thee

hold their unhindered sway,

where forces that defied Thee

defy Thee still today,

with none to heed their crying

for life, and love, and light,

unnumbered souls are dying,

and pass into the night.




We bear the torch that, flaming,

fell from the hands of those

who gave their lives, proclaiming

that Jesus died and rose.

Ours is the same commission,

the same glad message ours,

fired by the same ambition,

to Thee we yield our powers.




O Father who sustained them,

O Spirit who inspired,

Saviour, whose love constrained them

to toil with zeal untired.

From cowardice defend us,

from lethargy awake!

Forth on Thine errands send us

to labour for Thy sake