The Enlightened Men

(Rendered by Joseph Robbins at the celebration of St. John the Baptist Day, June 24th, 1866.)

 

Beneath Thy temple’s bending dome 

We meet, O Architect Divine —

Grand emblems of that brooding care,

Which makes these human temples thine.

 

Father, as we our altar rear,

Within the over-arching wood,

Oh, do thou raise in every heart

An altar to the True and Good.

 

Its incense be the love we bear 

To every earth-born child of Thine.

Fan with Thy breathing love to flame

The spark of brotherhood divine.

 

Safe resting on Thy mighty arm,

Guide us through all these earthly ways,

And grant thus in Thy heavenly Lodge

To join in never-ending praise.