132 Built on the Rock the Church doth stand

1 Built on the Rock the Church doth stand, Even when steeples are falling; Crumbled have spires in every land, Bells still are chiming and calling, Calling the young and old to rest, But above all the soul-distrest, Longing for rest everlasting. 2 Surely in temples made with hands, God, the Most High, is not dwelling; High above earth His temple stands, All earthly temples excelling: Yet He whom heaven cannot contain Chose to abide on earth with men Built in our bodies His temple. 3 We are God's house of living stones, Builded for His habitation; He through baptismal grace us owns Heirs of His wondrous salvation: Were we but two His name to tell, Yet He would deign with us to dwell, With all His grace and His favor. 4 Now we may gather with our King; E'en in the lowliest dwelling; Praises to Him we there may bring, His wondrous mercy forth telling; Jesus His grace to us accords, Spirit and life are all His words, His truth doth hallow the temple. 5 Still we our earthly temples rear, That we may herald His praises; They are the homes where He abides And little children embraces; [Near Beautiful things in them are said; God there with us His covenant made, Making us heirs of His kingdom. 6 Here stands the font before our eyes, Telling how God did receive us; Th' altar recalls Christ's sacrifice And what His table doth give us; Here sounds the word that doth proclaim Christ yesterday, today the same, Yea, and for aye our Redeemer. 7 Grant then, O God, where'er men roam, That when the church bells are ringing, Many in Jesus' faith may come Where He His message is bringing: I know mine own, mine own know me, Ye, not the world, my face shall see: My peace I leave with you, Amen.