988. L. M. J. G. Adams.

Dedication of a School-house.

1God of our fathers! from whose hand

Came all our lights and blessings down,--

Who this devoted, favored land

Dost with thy choicest mercy crown!

2To Learning and to Knowledge reared--

We dedicate with prayer and praise

This edifice, to thee, revered

Above all gods, through endless days!

3Accept the offering--deign to dwell

With thy confiding children here;

The shades of Ignorance dispel,--

In Truth's omnipotence appear!

4Here through successive years may come

The youthful mind--fair Wisdom's guest;

Long be this house Instruction's home,

When those who reared it sink to rest.

The Same.

1Raise the adoring song!

Praises to God belong,

In this glad hour!

He who from worlds on high,

Spreads over earth and sky

Proofs of his majesty,

Goodness and power!

2Praise, that Instruction's voice

Bids the young heart rejoice

In this fair land;

Praise, that the humblest mind

Wisdom's true light may find,

Ground on which all inclined

Freely may stand.

3Source of all holiness!

With thy rich favor bless

This house of thine;

Here be true knowledge sought,

Here purest wisdom taught,

Wisdom with Freedom fraught,

Freedom divine!