2 Here as in their due succession

Stone on stone the workmen place, Thus, we pray, unseen but surely, Jesu, build us up in grace; Till, within these walls completed, We complete in thee are found; And to thee, the one Foundation, Strong and living stones, are bound.

FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS.

3 Fair shall be thine earthly temple: Here the careless passer- by Shall bethink him, in its beauty, Of the holier house on high: Weary hearts and troubled spirits Here shall find a still retreat: Sinful souls shall bring their burden Here to The Absolver's feet.

4 Yet with truer nobler beauty,

Lord, we pray, this house adorn, Where thy bride, thy church redeemed, Robes her for her marriage morn; Clothed in garments of salvation,

Rich with gems of heavenly grace, Spouse of Christ, arrayed and waiting Till she may behold his face.

5 Here in due and solemn order May her ceaseless prayer arise; Here may strains of holy gladness Lift her heart above the skies; Here the word of life be spoken;

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Here the child of God be sealed; Here the bread of heaven be broken, " Till he come" himself revealed.

6 Praise to thee, O Master- Builder, Maker of the earth and skies; Praise to thee, in whom thy temple Fitly framed together lies: Praise to thee, eternal Spirit, Binding all that lives in one: Till our earthly praise be ended, And the eternal song begun!

That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night." 2 Chronicles vi. 20.

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2-88.

991

1 YHRIST is our corner- stone,

we

With his true saints alone

The courts of heaven are fille 1; On his great love Our hopes we place Of present grace And joys above. 20! then with hymns of praise

These hallowed courts shall ring; Our voices we will raise

The Three in One to sing: And thus proclaim In joyful song, Both loud and long, That glorious Name.

3 Here, gracious God, do thou

For evermore draw nigh; Accept each faithful vow,

And mark each suppliant sigh; In copious shower On all who pray Each holy day Thy blessings pour.

4 Here may we gain from heaven The grace which we implore: And may that grace, once given, Be with us vermore;

Until that day, When all the blest To endless rest Arc called away. 2:26

992

0

LORD of hosts, whose glory fills The bounds of the eternal hills, And yet vouchsafes in Christian lands To dwell in temples made with hands; 2 Grant that all we, who here to- day Rejoicing this foundation lay, May be in very deed thine own, Built on the precious corner- stone.

L. M.

1

3 Endue the creatures with thy grace, That shall adorn thy dwelling- place; The beauty of the oak and pine, The gold and silver, make them thine.

4 To thee they all pertain; to thee The treasures of the earth and sea; And when we bring them to thy throne We but present thee with thine own.

5 The heads that guide endue with skill; The hands that work preserve from ill; That we, who these foundations lay, May raise the top- stone in its day.

6 Both now and ever, Lord, protect The temple of thine own elect; Be thon in them, and they in thee, O ever- blessed Trinity!

993

L. M.

1 THIS stone to thee in faith we lay;

we

Thy power and goodness here display, And be it with thy presence filled."

2 Here, when thy people seek thy face, And dying sinners pray to live, Hear thou in heaven, thy dwelling- place; And when thou hearest, Lord, forgive!

3 Here, when thy messengers proclaim The blessed gospel of thy Son, Still, by the power of his great name, Be mighty signs and wonders done. 4 Hosanna! to their heavenly King,

When children's voices raise that song, Hosanna! let their angels sing,[ long. And heaven with earth the strain pro­5 But will indeed Jehovah deign

Here to abide, no transient guest? Here will the world's Redeemer reign? And here the Holy Spirit rest?

6 Thy glory never hence depart;

Yet choose not, Lord, this house alone; Thy kingdom come to every heart; In every bosom fix thy throne!

L. M.

994

1 G₁

On opening a Place of Worship. REAT God, thy watchful care we bless, Which guards these sacred courts in Nor dare tumultuous foes invade,[ peace; To fill thy worshippers with dread."

2 These walls we to thy honour raise, Long may they echo to thy praise! And thou, descending, fill the place With choicest tokens of thy grace.

3 And in the great decisive day, When God the nations shall survey, May it before the world appear, That crowds were born to glory hero.