Author: James Relly Meter: Irregular Appears in 3 hymnals Scripture: Psalm 118:22-23 First Line: The builder, whom true wisdom sways Lyrics: 1 The builder, whom true wisdom sways,
First, the foundation deeply lays;
Prepar'd against each shock:
Our builder, sure of his own plan,
Founded us deeply in the man,
On God, th' eternal rock.
2 Christ is that precious corner stone,
Which all his church is built upon;
Nor can it ever fall:
The prophets, and apostles too,
Other foundations never knew
Than Jesus, Lord of all.
3 Christ, in this building is the door;
And always open to the poor,
Who would approach their God:
Nor, tho' they're naked, need they fear;
For Christ is yea; boldly draw near,
And plead redeeming blood.
4 As windows rang'd, admit the light
To chase the horrors of the night,
Enlight'ning ev'ry part:
So, in our Saviour's lovely face,
The Godhead shines in love and grace,
To cheer the human heart.
5 The stone the builders did refuse,
Which human wisdom ne'er will choose,
Is here the head-stone seen:
Brought forth with joy to make all fast;
Christ is the first stone and the last;
The church is safe between.
6 The spacious roof, extended wide,
Lock'd in secure on ev'ry aide,
Braves all the storms that fall:
Christ is that cov'ring, suited well,
To shelter man from storms of hell;
O Christ! thou art our all.
Corner Stone