The dawn of God's dear Sabbath Breaks o'er the earth again. As some sweet summer morning After a night of pain : It comes as cooling showers To some exhausted land, As shade of clustered palm trees 'Mid weary wastes of sand.
2. O day, when earthly sorrow Is merged in heavenly joy, And trial changed to blessing That foes may not destroy ; When want is turned to fulness, And weariness to rest ; And pain to wondrous rapture, Upon the Saviour's breast.
3. Lord, we would bring for offering, Though marred with earthly soil, A week of earnest labour, Of steady, faithful toil ; Fair fruits of self-denial, Of strong, deep love to Thee, Fostered by Thine own Spirit In our humility.
4. And we would bring our burden Of sinful thought and deed, In Thy pure presence kneeling, From bondage to be freed ; Our hearts' most bitter sorrow For all Thy work undone,------ So many talents wasted, So few bright laurels won !
5. So be it, Lord, for ever : Oh, may we evermore, In Jesus' holy presence, His blessed name adore : Upon His peaceful Sabbath, Within His temple walls, Type of the stainless worship In Zion's golden halls ;
6. So that in joy and gladness We reach that home at last ; When life's short week of sorrow, And sin, and strife is past ; When angel-hands have gathered The fair ripe fruit for Thee, O Father, Lord, Redeemer, Most Holy Trinity.