Sequence 24. On the Dedication of a Church

SOLOMON, the King, a Temple
Built, whose pattern and example
Christ, with Holy Church, appears :
He, its founder and foundation,
Sway, through grace's mediation,
As the Church's ruler bears.

Squarely built, this Temple's bases
Are of marble ; each wall's space is
Formed of stones cut evenly :
Chastity's fair flower there twineth ;
Each squared stone therein combineth,
Prelates' nerve and constancy.

Its far-reaching
Length, and stretching
Width, and height that tempts the sky, 1 5
Faith explaining
The true meaning,
Are Faith, Hope, and Charity.

Tripartite is this fair Temple,
After the Triune's example,
With first, third, and middle floor :
First, the living signifying ;
Second, those in death now lying.

Third, those raised to life once more.
All the parts together rated,
Or alone, are calculated
Threescore cubits wide to be :
Triply do these three, thus blending,
Harmonize with the transcending
Trinity in Unity.

Gorgeous ritual
And perpetual
Scents, sweet smelling.

Fill God's dwelling.
Cassia, myrrh, and cinnamon ;
Signifying
Never-dying
Christian graces,
Prayers, and praises,
Grateful offerings at His throne.

In this palace
Is each chalice
A gold measure
From the treasure
Pre-elected secretly :
For all teachers'
Minds, and preachers',
Throughly furnished.

Purged, and burnished.
By the Spirit's fire should be.

Thus with treasure,
David's pleasure
Had collected.

Is erected
Solomon's great sanctuary ;
But the dwelling,
All excelling, —
Timber sending,
Craftsmen lending, —
Tyre's art fashioned cunningly.

Formed of Jew and Gentile races,
Builds the Church her holy places.

As did both the Temple raise.
Christ, Who both in one unitest !

Comer-stone of each ! the brightest
Glory be to Thee and praise. Amen.