LAYING OF CORNER-STONE. 450 L. M. O Lord of hosts, whose glory fills The bounds of the eternal hills And yet vouchsaf’st, in Christian lands, To dwell in temples made with hands; 2. Grant that all we who here to-day Rejoicing this foundation lay May be in very deed Thine own, Built on the precious Corner-stone. 3. The heads that guide endue with skill, The hands that work preserve from ill, That we, who these foundations lay May raise the top-stone in its day. 4. But now and ever, Lord, protect The temple of Thine own elect; Be Thou in them and they in Thee, O ever-blessed Trinity! J. M. Neale, 1844, abr. 451 8, 7, 8 l In the name which earth and heaven Ever worship, praise, and fear, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Shall a house be builded here. Here with prayer its deep foundations, In the faith of Christ, we lay, Trusting by His help to crown it With the top-stone in its day. 2. Here as in their due succession Stone on stone the workmen place; Thus, we pray, unseen, but surely, Jesus, build us up in grace; Till, within these walls completed, We complete in Thee are found And to Thee, the one Foundation, Strong and living stones, are bound. 3. Fair shall be Thine earthly temple; Here the careless passer-by Shall bethink him, in its beauty, Of the holier house on high; Weary hearts and troubled spirits Here shall find a still retreat; Sinful souls shall bring their burden Here to the Absolver’s feet. 4. Yet with truer, nobler beauty, Lord, we pray, this house adorn, Where Thy Bride, Thy Church redeemèd, Robes her for her marriage morn; Clothed in garments of salvation, Rich with gems of heavenly grace, Spouse of Christ, arrayed and waiting Till she may behold His face. 5. Here in due and solemn order May her ceaseless prayer arise; Here may strains of holy gladness Lift her heart above the skies; Here the Word of Life be spoken; Here the child of God be sealed; Here the Bread of Heaven be broken, “Till He come,” Himself revealed. 6. Praise to Thee, O Master Builder, Maker of the earth and skies; Praise to Thee, in whom Thy temple, Fitly framed together, lies; Praise to Thee, eternal Spirit, Binding all that lives in one, Till our earthly praise be ended And th’ eternal song begun! J. Ellerton, 1871, a. 452 C. M.