Sabbath of Rest

#1001     L.M.    John Newton
    The Sabbath of Rest. Exod. 31. 15; 35. 2
    1    How welcome to the saints, when pressed
        With six days’ noise, and care, and toil,
        Is the returning day of rest,
        Which hides them from the world awhile!

    2    Now, from the throng withdrawn away,
        They seem to breathe a different air;
        Composed and softened by the day,
        All things another aspect wear.

    3    How happy if their lot is cast
        Where statedly the gospel sounds!
        The word is honey to their taste,
        Renews their strength and heals their wounds.

    4    With joy they hasten to the place
        Where they their Saviour oft have met;
        And while they feast upon his grace,
        Their burdens and their griefs forget.

    5    This favoured lot, my friends, is ours;
        May we the privilege highly prize,
        And find these consecrated hours
        Sweet earnests of immortal joys.

    1002     C.M.    J. Montgomery