University of Virginia Library

HYMN

FOR THE OPENING OF A CHURCH ORGAN.

I

Throughout all earth, and air, and sea,
Sweet sounds our Father bless,
In hymns of natural harmony
From voices numberless.

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II

The carol shrill of joyous bird,—
The hum of honey-bee,—
The leaves, by summer breezes stirr'd,
Which whisper on the tree—

III

The cataract's rush,—the ocean's roar
Unite with one accord,
In ceaseless chorus to adore
Their own—all Nature's Lord.

IV

The Church, with pipes and keys combined
By Man's profounder art,
Appropriate utterance strives to find
For music in her heart.

V

Father! to-day accept our gift,
And by thy presence bless
The hymns thy children here uplift
To praise thy bounteousness.