James Montgomery

On laying the Foundation Stone of a Church.

Heaven as a tent Thine hand display'd,

Thy word the earth on nothing hung;

Thy power upholds what Thou hast made;

Thy praise, Lord God, by all be sung.

Though small amidst the glorious space,

Where suns and stars Thy might proclaim,

To Thee we consecrate this place,

Here we record Thy Holy Name.

A temple built with hands, to Thee

For children's children here shall rise;

O may their ceaseless worship be,

Pure offerings, free-will sacrifice.

Now to the prayer of faith attend,

Thou God who answerest by fire;

An earnest of the Spirit send,

Enlarge, fulfil, surpass desire.