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Henry Van Dyke - A Psalm Of The Unseen Altar
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Man the maker of cities is also a builder of altars:
Among his habitations he setteth tables for his god.

He bringeth the beauty of the rocks to enrich them:
Marble and alabaster, porphyry, jasper and jade.

He cometh with costly gifts to offer an oblation:
He would buy favour with the fairest of his flock.

Around the many altars I hear strange music arising:
Loud lamentations and shouting and singing and sighs.

I perceive also the pain and terror of their sacrifices:
I see the white marble wet with tears and with blood.

Then I said, These are the altars of ignorance:
Yet they are built by thy children, O God, who know thee not.

Surely thou wilt have pity upon them and lead them:
Hast thou not prepared for them a table of peace?

Then the Lord mercifully sent his angel forth to lead me:
He led me through the temples, the holy place that is hidden.

Lo, there are multitudes kneeling in the silence of the spirit:
They are kneeling at the unseen altar of the lowly heart.

Here is plentiful forgiveness for the souls that are forgiving:
And the joy of life is given unto all who long to give.

Here a Father`s hand upholdeth all who bear each other`s burdens:
And the benediction falleth upon all who pray in love.

Surely this is the altar where the penitent find pardon:
And the priest who hath blessed it forever is the Holy One of God.
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