Make this thing plain to us, O Lord!
That not the triumph of the sword —
Not that alone — can end the strife,
But reformation of the life —
But full submission to Thy Word!

Not all the stream of blood outpoured
Can Peace — the Long-Desired — afford;
Not tears of Mother, Maid or Wife...
Make this thing plain!

We must root out our sins ignored,
By whatsoever name adored;
Our secret sins, that, ever rife,
Shrink from the operating knife;
Then shall we rise, renewed, restored...
Make this thing plain!