When, as Returns the Solemn Day

When

as re­turns the so­lemn day

Man comes to meet his mak­er

God

What rites

what hon­ors shall he pay?

How spread His sov­er­eign name abroad?

From mar­ble domes and gild­ed spires

Shall curl­ing clouds of in­cense rise

And gems and gold and gar­lands deck

The cost­ly pomp of sac­ri­fice?

Vain

sin­ful man! cre­ation’s Lord

Thy gold­en of­fer­ings may well spare;

But give thy heart

and thou shalt find

Here dwells a God who hear­eth pray­er.

O grant us

in this so­lemn hour

From earth and sin’s al­lure­ments free

To feel Thy love

to own Thy pow­er

And raise each rap­tured thought to Thee.