The Unseen Altar + 

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. + 