Ralph Waldo Emerson - Hymn II lyrics

There is in all the sons of men A love that in the spirit dwells, That panteth after things unseen, And tidings of the future tells. And God hath built his altar here To keep this fire of faith alive, And sent his priests in holy fear To speak the truth—for truth to strive. And hither come the pensive train Of rich and poor, of young and old, Of ardent youth untouched by pain, Of thoughtful maids and manhood bold. They seek a friend to speak the word Already trembling on their tongue, To touch with prophet's hand the chord Which God in human hearts hath strung. To speak the plain reproof of sin That sounded in the soul before, And bid you let the angels in That knock at meek contrition's door. A friend to lift the curtain up That hides from man the mortal goal, And with glad thoughts of faith and hope Surprise the exulting soul. Sole source of light and hope a**ured, O touch thy servant's lips with power, So shall he speak to us the word Thyself dost give forever more. June, 1831.