The Mother Church—A Psalm

JESSICA LENNARD LEWIS

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Israel,
For the Lord loveth thee with tender mercy;
He doeth great things from everlasting.
Thy house is His dwelling place even forever.
Thy walls are graven in righteousness,
Raised in strength and grandeur.
Thy pillars are founded on the Rock.
Thy floors, trodden in meekness and peace,
Are a rest for the sorrowful and weary.
Thy ceilings rise upward to the heights of holiness.
Thy doors open with benevolence and freedom.
Thy windows transmit beauty and enlightenment;
Through them is seen "the brightness of his coming."
Thy watch tower is a sure defense,
A deliverance by night and by day.
Love enfoldeth thee in the ark of safety,
For the subtlety of darkness cannot enter therein.
Thy covering is a garment of long-suffering and patience,
And thine eyes have proved the kindness of the Lord.
The music of many harps soundeth continually,
And the voices of melody are gracious to thine ears.
Oh, magnify His love on the hills of Zion,
For the heart of thy God abideth ever with thee!
The Lord comforteth thee forever;
He comforteth thee forevermore.