Sweet is the light of Sabbath eve,

And soft the sunbeam lingering there;

Those sacred hours this low earth leave,

Wafted on wings of praise and prayer.

The time, how lovely and how still!

Peace shines and smiles on all below;

The plain, the stream, the wood, the hill,

All fair with evening’s setting glow!

Season of rest! the tranquil soul

Feels thy sweet calm, and melts in love;

And while these sacred moments roll,

Faith sees a smiling heaven above.

Thou God of mercy, swift to hear,

More swift than man to tell his need;

Be Thou to us, this evening, near,

And to Thy fount our spirits lead!