1. The Sabbath day - sweet day of rest -
was drawing to a close; -
The summer breeze went murmuring by,
to lull me to repose; -
I took my father’s Bible down -
his father’s gift to him -
A treasure rare, beyond compare, -
though soiled the page, and dim.
2. “Old friend,” I said, “if thou couldst tell, -
what would thy memories be?” -
And from the Book there seemed to come -
this evening reverie: -
“Good will to men, Peace be to thee! -
My mission aye hath been, -
To tell the love of Him who died -
To save a world from sin.
3. “A hundred years ago I sailed, -
with those who sail no more, -
Through perils dread; by land and sea, -
I reached New England’s shore; -
There, on a soul-worn, faithful band -
this soothing psalm did fall: -
Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place, -
in generations all.
4. “Year after year, in temples rude, -
upon the desk I lay, -
To teach of Him, the great High Priest; -
the Life, the Truth, the Way. -
And multitudes who listened there -
to God’s life-giving word,” -
Are resting from their labors now, -
‘For ever with the Lord.’
5. “Anon a lowly home I found, -
but love and peace were there -
The children with the father read, -
and knelt with him in prayer; -
And through the valley, as one passed, -
I heard her sweetly sing: -
‘O Grave, where is thy victory? -
O Death, where is thy sting?’
6. “Hold fast the faith,” the old Book said; -
“thy father’s God adore...; -
And on the Rock of Ages
rest -
the soul forever more.” -
“Amen,” said I, “by grace I will, -
till at His feet we fall, -
We’ll join the everlasting song, -
and crown Him Lord of all.”
