A Sabbath Hymn

John Newton wrote a lot of hymns you've likely never seen or sung. Here are some of the verses of his hymn for the Lord's Day. (If you like a tune to go with your lyrics, you can try the tune of "Shout for the blessed Jesus reigns", the Doxology, or any others with that meter.)

How welcome to the saints, when press'd
With six days' noise, and care, and toil,
Is the returning day of rest
Which hides them from the world a while?

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!

Though pinch'd with poverty at home,
With sharp afflictions daily fed,
It makes amends, if they can come
To God's own house for heav'nly bread!

With joy they hasten to the place
Where they their Savior oft have met;
And while they feast upon his grace,
Their burdens and their griefs forget.

This favour'd lot, my friends, is ours,
May we the privilege improve,
And find these consecrated hours
Sweet earnest of the joys above!

We thank thee for thy day, O Lord:
Here we thy promis'd presence seek;
Open thine hand, with blessings stor'd,
And give us manna for the week.

May God bless us as we come to worship him on his day!