As one who, standing safe upon the land,
Beholds a vessel tossing on the wave,
Or by the tempest driven on the strand,
Without the power the mariner to save;
So do I read, from danger's path afar,
Of many a sad event on field, and flood;
Of the fierce ravages of cruel war,
Of people perishing from want of food;
Of single sufferers, whom no help of mine
Can ever reach, whom I can never see;—
Why read the harrowing page, the mournful line,
If I can only give my sympathy?
Ah, say not so. Believe the Sacred Word,
Pray for all men, the prayer of faith is heard!