Blest hour, when mortal man retires

To hold communion with his God,

To send to heaven his warm desires,

And listen to the sacred word.

2 Blest hour, when earthly cares resign

Their empire o’er his anxious breast,

While, all around, the calm divine,

Proclaims the holy day of rest.

3 Blest hour, when God himself draws nigh,

Well pleased his people’s voice to hear,

To hush the penitential sigh,

And wipe away the mourner’s tear.

4 Blest hour! for, where the Lord resorts,

Foretastes of future bliss are given,

And mortals find his earthly courts

The house of God, the gate of heaven.