Dedication of a School-house.
1 God of our fathers! from whose hand
Came all our lights and blessings down,--
Who this devoted, favored land
Dost with thy choicest mercy crown!
2 To Learning and to Knowledge reared--
We dedicate with prayer and praise
This edifice, to thee, revered
Above all gods, through endless days!
3 Accept the offering--deign to dwell
With thy confiding children here;
The shades of Ignorance dispel,--
In Truth's omnipotence appear!
4 Here 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.