I wandered in a desert wild.
Where snares beset me 'round;
Trifles and toys my feet beguiled,
And all my senses drowned.

Though clouds encompassed me around,
In darkness on I sped,
Still wand'ring on enchanted ground,
Till hope seemed almost fled.

I murmured, at the righteous hand
That held the chast'ning rod,
Like one that could not understand
The precepts of his God.

Well might the Father's smile depart,
The Savior hide his face,
And God, the spirit, shun my heart,
That foul polluted place.

We never find the heavenly dove
Perched on an idol throne;
Those, who would share Jehovah's love,
Must worship him alone.

* * * * *

"And the vail of the temple was rent in twain."--_Scripture_.

Come, with your guilt and sin oppressed,