HYMN FOR SUNDAY EVENING.

FIRST PART.

LIKE the cool rain upon the leaf,

Like dew upon the flower,

So softly steals the holy breath
Of Sabbath evening's hour.

It is the breath of praise and prayer,
Which through this holy day
Hath whispered peace to every care,
And wafted toil away.

Lord, works of labour, works of skill,
Have all been put aside;

But Thou hast taught thy holy will

To us, and been our guide.

The hands that rested, Thou hast bade
That we should clasp in prayer;
The lips forgot their songs, but paid
Their tribute to thy care.

SECOND PART.

We "toiled not, neither have we spun,"
Since this glad morning came;
But grant, that in our hearts hath sprung
The grace to bless thy name.

This quiet evening softly falls
In calmness on our bed;

Oh, grant the truths heard in thy walls,
A blessing here may shed.

If I may slumber, let my sleep Be met with thoughts of Thee; If I awake, thy vigil keep,

And "come and dwell" with me.

Let this first day o'er all the rest
A hallowed brightness cast;
So let the week, O Lord, be blest,
And in thy service past.