THE FAMILY ALTAR | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 22, 1862

THE FAMILY ALTAR.

How blest is that dwelling which ev'ning and morning Sends forth the sweet incense of heart-feeling prayers! How blest are its inmates, their lives thus adorning By humble confession and penitent tears.

How beams that pure altar, to heaven uprearing! Peace, peace to the dwelling in which it doth stand; Around it are formed ties strong and endearing, Which angels watch over by heaven's command.

How blest is that father who reared such an altar, And blest is that mother who stands by his side; Blest, blest are those children whose steps never falter, While walking the pathway which wisdom provides.

I came to a dwelling—God's seal was upon it— I entered—the entrance to heaven seemed there; In silence I list'ned, and wept as I heard it, The sweet invocation, the family prayer.

'Twas there that blest Book, giv'n by God's inspiration, Was read, and sweet hymns in the Spirit were sung; 'Twas not the vain glow of a showy profession, But the heart's deepest echo to heaven that rung.

O fain would I linger fore'er 'neath its portals, Though humble the structure that dwelling doth bear, Where its inmates are blest with such heav'nly recitals, The Christian's best safe-guard—true family prayer!