The New Temple

A NEW shrine stands in beauty reared,

Where scions of a faith revered

Renew their vows to God—

To Him this house they dedicate,

To Him their hearts they consecrate,

Upon this sacred sod.

Here shall the words of praise be sung,

From days, when yet the world was young,

Of Psalmist and of Seer;

Like torrent shall the chorus run,

“The Lord our God, the Lord is One,

Hear thou, O Israel, hear!”

Hence shall ascend the fervent prayers

Of thanks for joys, for strength, when cares

And sorrows the soul rack;

Here shall the breast where sin has surged,

By the atonement’s fires be purged,

To holiness led back.

On this new altar there shall blaze

Refulgently the Bible’s rays,

Of Righteousness and Truth;

Here shall the wond’rous tale be told

The miracle of Israel old,

And its undying youth.

May justice ever here prevail,

May love of all Mankind ne’er fail,

And Charity ne’er cease;

May God’s Shekinah calmly rest,

And they who gather here be blessed

With Concord and with Peace.