Chapter 78 of 134

XVII. THE HOUSE OF PRAYER.--_Mark_ xi. 17.

The Works of William Cowper: His life, letters, and poems, now first completed by the introduction of Cowper's private correspondence · William Cowper

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Thy mansion is the Christian's heart, O Lord, thy dwelling-place secure! Bid the unruly throng depart, And leave the consecrated door.

Devoted as it is to thee, A thievish swarm frequents the place; They steal away my joys from me, And rob my Saviour of his praise.

There, too, a sharp designing trade Sin, Satan, and the world maintain; Nor cease to press me, and persuade To part with ease, and purchase pain.

I know them, and I hate their din, Am weary of the bustling crowd; But while their voice is heard within, I cannot serve thee as I would.

Oh! for the joy thy presence gives, What peace shall reign when thou art here! Thy presence makes this den of thieves A calm delightful house of prayer.

And if thou make thy temple shine, Yet, self-abased, will I adore; The gold and silver are not mine, I give thee what was thine before.