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2 Now, from the throng withdrawn away,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.