A Consecration
Like some fair nun, the pious and the chaste,
Shalford, thy new-born temple stands serene,
Modestly deck'd in pure old English taste,
The village beauty of thy tranquil scene;
And we to-day have made religious haste
To see thee wedded to thy heavenly Spouse,
Kneeling in unison of praise and pray'r,
To help the offering of thy maiden vows:
Hark! what a thrilling utterance is there,
" Lift up your heads, ye everlasting gates, "
As God's high-priest with apostolic care
To Him this tent of glory consecrates:
Good work! to be remembered for all time,
The seed of mercies endless and sublime!
" Come in, thou King of Glory, " yea, come in,
Rest here awhile, great Conqueror for good!
Bless thou this font to cleanse from Adam's sin,
Spread thou this table with celestial food!
And, kindled by Thy grace to gratitude,
May thousands here eternal treasures win,
As, hither led, from time to time with joy
They seek their Father! Lo! before mine eyes
Visions and promises of good arise:
The tender babe baptized, the stripling boy
Confirmed for godliness, the maid and youth
Wedded in love, the man mature made wise,
The elder taught in righteousness and truth,
And each an heir of life before he dies!
Shalford, thy new-born temple stands serene,
Modestly deck'd in pure old English taste,
The village beauty of thy tranquil scene;
And we to-day have made religious haste
To see thee wedded to thy heavenly Spouse,
Kneeling in unison of praise and pray'r,
To help the offering of thy maiden vows:
Hark! what a thrilling utterance is there,
" Lift up your heads, ye everlasting gates, "
As God's high-priest with apostolic care
To Him this tent of glory consecrates:
Good work! to be remembered for all time,
The seed of mercies endless and sublime!
" Come in, thou King of Glory, " yea, come in,
Rest here awhile, great Conqueror for good!
Bless thou this font to cleanse from Adam's sin,
Spread thou this table with celestial food!
And, kindled by Thy grace to gratitude,
May thousands here eternal treasures win,
As, hither led, from time to time with joy
They seek their Father! Lo! before mine eyes
Visions and promises of good arise:
The tender babe baptized, the stripling boy
Confirmed for godliness, the maid and youth
Wedded in love, the man mature made wise,
The elder taught in righteousness and truth,
And each an heir of life before he dies!
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