Scripture Verse

The Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Acts 7:48

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: N. B. Sar­gent, 1887 (🔊 pdf nwc). Ap­peared in Hymns New and Old, Re­vised (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Flem­ing H. Re­vell, 1891).

If you know Sar­gent’s full name, or where to get a good pho­to of him (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

We are build­ing in sor­row or joy,
A tem­ple the world may not see,
Which time can­not mar nor de­stroy:
We build for eter­nity.

Refrain

We are build­ing ev­ery day
A tem­ple the world may not see,
Building, build­ing ev­ery day,
Building for eter­ni­ty.

Every thought that we’ve ever had,
Its own lit­tle place has filled;
Every deed we have done, good or bad,
Is a stone in the tem­ple we build.

Refrain

Every word that so light­ly falls,
Giving some heart joy or pain,
Will shine in our tem­ple walls,
Or ev­er its beau­ty stain.

Refrain

Are you build­ing for God alone?
Are you build­ing in faith and love
A tem­ple the Fa­ther will own,
In the ci­ty of light above?

Refrain