Fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 7:1–2
Words: George A. Warburton, in the College Hymnal, by M. Woolsey Stryker, 1904.
Music: Canonbury adapted from Nachtstück, Opus 23, No. 4, by Robert A. Schumann, 1839 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Warburton (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
O Thou, whose glory shone like fire,
Within the ancient temple walls,
Grant us our heart’s sincere desire:
Thy presence in these sacred halls.
O Thou, who, homeless, wandered wide
Through far Judea’s favored land,
Make this a home for men, and guide
The steps of all with Thy strong hand.
O Thou, who sorrowing in the night,
Longed for the love of human friend,
Make here a spring of friendship bright
With Thy rich love that knows no end.
O Thou, whose life and words were one,
Strong, manly, holy and divine;
Here may our fellow men be shown
How they may live a life like Thine.