The House of Prayer

I

Thy mansion is the Christian’s heart,
O Lord, thy dwelling-place secure!
Bid the unruly throng depart,
And leave the consecrated door.

II

Devoted as it is to thee,
A thievish swarm frequents the place;
They steal away my joys from me,
And rob my Saviour of his praise.

III

There too a sharp designing trade,
Sin, Satan, and the world maintain;
Nor cease to press me, and persuade,
To part with ease and purchase pain.

IV

I know them, and I hate their din,
Am weary of the bustling crowd;
But while their voice is heard within
I cannot serve thee as I would.

V

Oh! for the joy thy presence gives⁠—
What peace shall reign when thou art here!
Thy presence makes this den of thieves
A calm delightful house of prayer.

VI

And if thou make thy temple shine,
Yet, self-abased, will I adore;
The gold and silver are not mine⁠—
I give thee what was thine before.