THE HOUSE OF GOD.
THE Lord's own Temple! in His Holy Name
What reverent steps its very pavements claim!
Oh, enter softly! He who here abides
From mortal eyes His form, His glory hides;
Yet all around in all these fair designs
His Name is written in mysterious lines,
And everywhere the sacred symbols speak
Of Him whom all may find who truly seek.
Here human art attains its loftiest reach,
Eternal truths to shadow forth and teach;
And beauty here in sweet constraint doth dwell,
Where every color teaches truth as well;
And even the unlettered here may learn,
Led by Devotion's hand at every turn.
What reverent steps its very pavements claim!
Oh, enter softly! He who here abides
From mortal eyes His form, His glory hides;
Yet all around in all these fair designs
His Name is written in mysterious lines,
And everywhere the sacred symbols speak
Of Him whom all may find who truly seek.
Here human art attains its loftiest reach,
Eternal truths to shadow forth and teach;
And beauty here in sweet constraint doth dwell,
Where every color teaches truth as well;
And even the unlettered here may learn,
Led by Devotion's hand at every turn.
These steadfast stones the "living stones" declare
Whereof is built a temple far more fair,
Whose corner-stone is Christ; whose piers unseen,
The same to-day as they have ever been,
Are Prophets and Apostles,—noble line,
The Churches firm foundations to define!
Whereof is built a temple far more fair,
Whose corner-stone is Christ; whose piers unseen,
The same to-day as they have ever been,
Are Prophets and Apostles,—noble line,
The Churches firm foundations to define!
27
