Sabbath Morning

The holy radiance of a Sabbath morn,
     With its first wakening beautifies the hills,
     And glances downward, where the bright’ning rills
Mingle their music with the voices born
Of gladness in the Spring time—sweetest voices
     From the wild birds that third the intricate wood,
     Making it vocal with their gratitude,
While in their joy the human heart rejoices.
A day of rest!—let care be thrown aside,
     And Toil suspend his weary search for gain,
     That the unburdened spirit wear no chain
To check its converse with the CRUCIFIED!
A day of joy!—the SAVIOR’s triumph-day,
When Death and Hell were robbed of their IMMORTAL PREY!