| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 266. The Higher Good |
| | | By Theodore Parker |
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| FATHER, I will not ask for wealth or fame, | |
| Though once they would have joyed my carnal sense: | |
| I shudder not to bear a hated name, | |
| Wanting all wealth, myself my sole defence. | |
| But give me, Lord, eyes to behold the truth; | 5 |
| A seeing sense that knows the eternal right; | |
| A heart with pity filled, and gentlest ruth; | |
| A manly faith that makes all darkness light: | |
| Give me the power to labor for mankind; | |
| Make me the mouth of such as cannot speak; | 10 |
| Eyes let me be to groping men and blind; | |
| A conscience to the base; and to the weak | |
| Let me be hands and feet; and to the foolish, mind; | |
| And lead still further on such as thy kingdom seek. | |
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