EXCEPT THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE
Ancient of Days! except thou deign
Upon the finished task to smile,
The workman’s hand hath toiled in vain,
To hew the rock and rear the pile.
Oh, let thy peace, the peace that tames
The wayward heart, inhabit here,
That quenches passion’s fiercest flames,
And thaws the deadly frost of fear.
And send thy love, the love that bears
Meekly with hate, and scorn, and wrong,
And loads itself with generous cares,
And toils, and hopes, and watches long.
Here may bold tongues thy truth proclaim,
Unmingled with the dreams of men,
As from His holy lips it came
Who died for us and rose again.