Now in Vain the Distance Beacons

1 Not in vain the distance beacons.
Forward, forward let us range.
Let the great world spin forever
down the ringing grooves of change;
through the shadow of the globe
we sweep ahead to heights sublime,
we, the heirs of all the ages,
in the foremost files of time.

2 Oh, we see the crescent promise
of that spirit has not set;
ancient founts of inspiration
well through all our fancies yet;
and we doubt not through the ages
one increasing purpose runs,
and the thoughts of all are widened
with the process of the suns.

3 Yea, we dip into the future,
far as human eye can see,
see the vision of the world,
and all the wonder that shall be,
hear the war-drum throb no longer,
see the battle flags all furled,
in the parliament of freedom,
federation of the world.

Source: Singing the Living Tradition #143