Page:Bruton parish church restored and its historic environments (1907 V2).djvu/196

 "Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their might, Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight, Thou in the darkness drear, their one true light             Alleluia.

"Oh, may thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, And win with them, the Victor's crown of gold             Alleluia.

"O, blest Communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine, Yet all are one in Thee, for all are thine,             Alleluia.

"The house is finished." With joy and gratitude let us come to its consecration. The building has been enriched and beautified, and its glory is doubtless greater than that of the Church of old. It is meet and right that it should be. It is hallowed by the glory of the past, and for Bruton Parish Church nothing could be made too beautiful if its form blends with the symmetry and architectural designs of the past, and is in harmony with the beautiful and true—and that the architect has done this is evident to all.

Around this building our associations may gather, and about it our heart cords may fasten themselves in enduring love.

Let us ever show in this place the deep reverence that to this hallowed shrine is due. Let such conversation as needs be held in this house of God be in tones subdued, that we may hear the voices of those invisible which speak to us, which can be heard alone where silence reigns, and when upon the life the hush of reverence falls.

When you come here to participate in the service of consecration, pray that the glory of the Lord may fill and sanctify this temple; that to the associations of the past may be added a new witness-bearing power; that those who enter the Kingdom of Christ at this font: that those who kneel for confir