James Montgomery

Evening Song for the Sabbath-day.

Millions within Thy courts have met,

Millions this day before Thee bow'd;

Their face Zion-ward were set,

Vows with their lips to Thee they vow'd;

But Thou, soul-searching God! hast known

The hearts of all that bent the knee,

And hast accepted those alone,

In spirit and truth, that worshipp'd Thee.

People of many a tribe and tongue,

Men of strange colours, climates, lands,

Have heard Thy truth, Thy glory sung,

And offer'd prayer with holy hands.

Still, as the light of morning broke

O'er islands, continent, or deep,

Thy far-spread family awoke,

Sabbath all round the world to keep.

From east to west, the sun survey'd,

From north to south, adoring throngs;

And atill, where evening stretch'd her shade,

The stars came out to hear their songs.

Harmonious as the wind and seas,

In halcyon hours when storms are flown,

Arose earth's Babel languages,

In pure accordance to the throne.

Not angel trumpets sound more clear,

Nor elders' harps, nor seraphs' lays,

Yield sweeter music to Thine ear

Than humble prayer and thankful praise.

And not a prayer, a tear, a sigh,

Hath fail'd this day some suit to gain;

To those in trouble, Thou wert nigh,

Not one hath sought Thy face in vain.

Thy poor were bountifully fed,

Thy chasten'd sons have kissd the rod,

Thy mourners have been comforted,

The pure in heart have seen their God.

Yet one prayer more! -- and be it one,

In which both heaven and earth accord;

Fulfil Thy promise to Thy Son,

Let all that breathe call Jesus Lord.