1 By Thy favor, Lord, we gather
In our circle here tonight;
Guide our minds, O gracious Father,
Give them more than human sight;
Lead us ever,
In our studies, toward the light.

2 See we in the realm of story
Nations flourish and decline?
In their fall, as in their glory,
May we see the Hand divine;
Lamp of wisdom,
Shine on every page and line.

3 As we search the field of learning,
Let us sift as we pursue;
By the higher light discerning
What is false and what is true;
Choosing rather
Older truth than errors new.