Hhadash Hamishcan

or The New Chapel, at Halifax, in Yorkshire

What is this Building so magnificent,
With Spacious Area and this grand Ascent:
With Pillars on each Hand? One might suppose
The one was Jachin, and the other Boaz.
The Door-Steads built with architectural Grace,
Pilasters rising from the solid base.
Within, what Flow'ry work, of purest Paste,
and all things finish'd in a superb Taste!
Tis sure a Pantheon of the present Age,
Or pompous theatre, to set off the Stage.

Forebear your Taunts, this Structure is design'd
An Habitation for th'eternal Mind .....

But why such Beauty and Magnificence?
You might have built, and sav'd a vast Expence?
A House sufficient; but you here expend
Large Sums, in Ornaments, and to no end .....

But if a House is to be built for God,
Each Penny's precious, as a drop of Blood .....

But since you deem this House too large, and fine,
I'll lead your envious Thoughts to Palestine.
View foolish Solomon, at vast Expence,
Erect a House, which for magnificence,
For Elegance, and Ornament, as far
Excell'd this House, as doth the Sun, a Star.
Repent not of the sums that you have giv'n,
Done for his Sake, 'tis treasure lodg'd in heav'n.

Titus Knight, 1772