First Line: How honoured, how dear, that sacred abode,

How honoured, how dear, that sacred abode,
Where Christians draw near their Father and God I
'Mid worldly commotion, my wearied
soul faints
For the house of devotion, the home of Thy saints

2 The birds have their home, they fix
on their nest ;
Wherever they roam, they turn to their rest :
From them fondly learning, my soul
would take wing ;
To Thee so returning, my God and my King.

3 O happy the choirs who praise Thee
above !
What joy tunes their lyres ! their worship is love.
Yet safe in Thy keeping and happy they be
In this world of weeping, whose strength is in Thee.

4 Though rugged their way, they drink, as they go,
Of springs that convey new life as they flow :
The God they rely on, their strength
shall renew,
Till each, brought to Zion, His glory shall view.

5 Thou Hearer of prayer, still grant me
a place [courts of Thy grace :
Where Christians repair to the
More blest, beyond measure, one day
so employed, [lings enjoyed.
Than years of vain pleasure by world-

6 The Lord is a Sun, the Lord is a Shield;
What grace has begun, with glory is sealed.
He hears the distressed, He succours the just :
And they shall be blessed who make Him their trust.