Sequences, Hymns, and Other Ecclesiastical Verses ::

Neale, J. M. (1818-1866)

At the Consecration of a Church.

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O God, who lovest to abide
In Sion's chosen gate,
More than the thousand tents beside,
Where Israel's faithful wait;

Accept our works, and hear our vows,
Unworthy though we be;
And look in mercy on the House
We dedicate to Thee.

Here answer Thou, as Thou art wont,
Thy people when they pray;
Here in the waters of Thy font
Let sin be washed away;

Here set Thy Confirmation's seal
For ghostly strength and good;
Here give Thy faithful, as they kneel,
Their Saviour's Flesh and Blood;

Let never evil thing divide
The hearts Thou here mak'st one;
By danger or affliction tried,
Here let thy servants run;

Here find they refuge from their foes,
And grace and peace alway;
Here let their dust in hope repose
Until the Judgment-day.

If after sin they seek Thy Face,
And by Thy precepts live,
Hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place,
And when Thou hear'st, forgive!

If there be famine in the land,
Or pestilence, or foe,
Stretch out from Heaven Thy strong right Hand,
When here Thy flock fall low.

Bless those, O Lord, and hear their cry,
That raised Thy Temple here:
That in Thy House beyond the sky
With joy they may appear;

And whoso seeks, by guile or might,
To wrong Thy holy place;
Thou shalt avenge, O God, Thy right
On him and all his race.

Wisdom and power to God alone;
Praise to the Father be,
And to the precious Corner-stone,
And, Holy Ghost, to Thee!

Amen.

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