Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By AndrewsNorton

51 Hymn for the Dedication of a Church

WHERE ancient forests round us spread,

Where bends the cataract’s ocean-fall,

On the lone mountain’s silent head,

There are thy temples, God of all!

Beneath the dark-blue, midnight arch,

Whence myriad suns pour down their rays,

Where planets trace their ceaseless march,

Father! we worship as we gaze.

The tombs thine altars are; for there,

When earthly loves and hopes have fled,

To thee ascends the spirit’s prayer,

Thou God of the immortal dead.

All space is holy; for all space

Is filled by thee; but human thought

Burns clearer in some chosen place,

Where thy own words of love are taught.

Here be they taught; and may we know

That faith thy servants knew of old;

Which onward bears through weal and woe,

Till Death the gates of heaven unfold!

Nor we alone; may those whose brow

Shows yet no trace of human cares,

Hereafter stand where we do now,

And raise to thee still holier prayers!