381    L.M.     WIlliam Cowper
The House of Prayer. Mark 11. 17; 1 Cor. 3. 16, 17

1 Thy mansion is the Christian’s heart,
  O Lord, thy dwelling-place secure!
  Bid the unruly throng depart,
  And leave the consecrated door.

2 Devoted as it is to thee,
  A thievish swarm frequents the place;
  They steal away my joys from me,
  And rob my Saviour of his praise.

3 There, too, a sharp designing trade,
  Sin, Satan, and the world maintain;
  Nor cease to press me, and persuade
  To part with ease and purchase pain.

4 I know them, and I hate their din;
  Am weary of the bustling crowd;
  But while their voice is heard within,
  I cannot serve thee as I would.

5 O for the joy thy presence gives;
  What peace shall reign when thou art here;
  Thy presence makes this den of thieves
  A calm, delightful house of prayer.

6 And if thou make thy temple shine,
  Yet, self-abased, will I adore;
  The gold and silver are not mine;
  I give thee what was thine before.