Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 9

2 Lord, in this day of holy rest, We would improve the calm repose; And, in thy service truly blest, Forget the world, its joys and woes.

3 Lord! may thy truth, upon the heart, Now fall and dwell as heavenly dew, And flowers of grace in freshness start Where once the weeds of error grew.

4 May prayer now lift her sacred wings, Contented with that aim alone Which bears her to the King of kings, And rests her at his sheltering throne.

56. C. M. Montgomery.

Introduction to Evening Wors.h.i.+p.

1 On the first Christian Sabbath eve, When his disciples met O'er his lost fellows.h.i.+p to grieve, Nor knew the Scripture yet,--

2 Lo! in their midst his form was seen,-- The form in which he died; Their Master's marred and wounded mien,-- His hands, his feet, his side.

3 Then were they glad their Lord to know, And hailed him, yet with fear;-- Jesus, again thy presence show; Meet thy disciples here.

4 Be in our midst; let faith rejoice Our risen Lord to view, And make our spirits hear thy voice Say, "Peace be unto you!"

57. C. M. Watts.

Going to Church. Ps. 122.

1 How did my heart rejoice to hear My friends devoutly say, "In Zion let us all appear, And keep the solemn day!"

2 Up to her courts, with joys unknown, The holy tribes repair: The Son of David holds his throne, And sits in judgment there.

3 Peace be within this sacred place, And joy a constant guest; With holy gifts and heavenly grace Be her attendants blest.

4 My soul shall pray for Zion still While life or breath remains; There my best friends, my kindred, dwell; There G.o.d, my Saviour, reigns.

58. L. M. Stennett.

Sabbath Morning.

1 Another six days' work is done, Another Sabbath is begun: Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest, Improve the day which G.o.d hath blest.

2 O that our thoughts and thanks may rise, As grateful incense, to the skies, And draw from heaven that sweet repose, Which none but he that feels it knows!

3 This heavenly calm within the breast Is the dear pledge of glorious rest, Which for the church of G.o.d remains, The end of cares, the end of pains.

4 In holy duties let the day-- In holy pleasures--pa.s.s away: How sweet, a Sabbath thus to spend, In hope of one that ne'er shall end!

59. 7s. M. Miss H. F. Gould.

The Sabbath.

1 Choice of G.o.d, thou blessed day, At thy dawn the grave gave way To the power of him within, Who had, sinless, bled for sin.

2 Thine the radiance to illume First, for man, the dismal tomb, When its bars their weakness owned, There revealing death dethroned.

3 Then the Sun of righteousness Rose, a darkened world to bless, Bringing up from mortal night Immortality and light.

4 Day of glory, day of power, Sacred be thine every hour, Emblem, earnest of the rest That remaineth for the blest!

60. C. M. Mrs. Bareauld.

The Lord's Day Morning.

1 Again the Lord of life and light Awakes the kindling ray, Unseals the eyelids of the morn, And pours increasing day.

2 O what a night was that which wrapped The heathen world in gloom!

O what a sun which broke, this day, Triumphant from the tomb!

3 This day be grateful homage paid, And loud hosannas sung; Let gladness dwell in every heart, And praise on every tongue.

4 Ten thousand differing lips shall join To hail this welcome morn, Which scatters blessings from its wings To nations yet unborn.

61. L. M. Watts.

Sabbath on Earth and in Heaven. Ps. 92.

1 Sweet is the work, my G.o.d, my King, To praise thy name, give thanks, and sing; To show thy love by morning light, And talk of all thy truth at night.

2 Sweet is the day of sacred rest!

No mortal cares shall seize my breast; O may my heart in tune be found, Like David's harp of solemn sound.