For the Opening of a Place of Worship

Not here, as to the prophet's eye,
The Lord upon His throne appears;
Nor seraphim responsive cry,
"Holy! thrice holy!" in our ears.

Yet God is present in this place,
Veil'd in serener majesty,
So full of glory, truth, and grace,
That faith alone such light can see.

Nor, as He in the temple taught,
Is Christ beneath this roof reveal'd,
When blind, and deaf, and dumb, were brought,
Lepers and lame,--and all were heal'd.

Yet here, when two or three shall meet,
Or thronging multitudes are found,
All may sit down at Jesus' feet,
And hear and know the joyful sound.

Send forth the seraphim, O Lord!
To touch Thy servants' lips with fire;
Saviour! give them Thy faithful word;
God, Holy Ghost! their hearts inspire.