HYMN
SUNG AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE OBELISK TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 22, 1881
I
Great God, to whom since time began
The world has prayed and striven;
Maker of stars, and earth, and man,
To Thee our praise is given.
Here, by this ancient Sign
Of Thine own Light divine,
We lift to Thee our eyes,
Thou Dweller of the Skies;
Hear us, O God in Heaven!
II
Older than Nilus' mighty flood
Into the Mid-Sea pouring,
Or than the sea, Thou God hast stood—
Thou God of our adoring!
Waters and stormy blast
Haste when Thou bid'st them haste;
Silent, and hid, and still,
Thou sendest good and ill;
Thy ways are past exploring.
III
In myriad forms, by myriad names,
Men seek to bind and mold Thee;
But Thou dost melt, like wax in flames,
The cords that would enfold Thee.
Who madest life and light,
Bring'st morning after night,
Who all things didst create—
No majesty, nor state,
Nor word, nor world can hold Thee!
IV
Great God, to whom since time began
The world has prayed and striven;
Maker of stars, and earth, and man,
To Thee our praise is given.
Of suns Thou art the Sun,
Eternal, holy One;
Who us can help save Thou?
To Thee alone we bow!
Hear us, O God in heaven!
