Classic Poem

FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHAPEL OF THE FIRST PARISH, HAVERHILL .

O God ! a temple to thy name
Our hands have builded fair
And now we dedicate to thee
This lowly House of Prayer.

And Father, though thou dwellest not
In temples made with hands,
But in the pure and holy heart
That doth thy pure commands,

Yet dwell thou here! for here, we trust,
Shall hearts which thou wilt love
Bring unto thee the offering,
Which thou dost most approve.

Here be thy word of Love and Power
Proclaimed from lips sincere,
And every hope which blesses man
Find warmest welcome here.

Here meet in Love thy sin-stained child
And bid his wanderings cease
And on the weary, laden heart
Send thine untroubled Peace.