The Sabbath Seal by Arthur W. Spaulding

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 10, 1913

The Sabbath Seal

By Arthur W. Spaulding

ARTHUR W. SPAULDING

The Sabbath hour draws on apace, And I, a wanderer, My journey backward swiftly trace, To loved and lone afar, Where, in the kingdom of my heart, My little children sing: “Safely through another week God has brought us on our way; Let us now a blessing seek, Waiting in his courts to-day.” Unseen, but glad, I take my part, A king beneath a King.

Around me surge a graceless crowd, Intent on mirth and gain; To them the earth-tones cry aloud, The heavenly voice in vain. But far, far, my heart will hail The voices now that sing: “Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, That calls me from a world of care, And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known!” And all the tumults round me fail. To shut me from my King.

The brooding shadows forward thrust Their lengthening wings abroad, And plain and mountain hide their dust In an empurpled sod; And, blending all the world in one, A myriad voices sing: “Softly now the light of day Fades upon our sight away; Free from care, from labor free, Lord, we would commune with thee.” The week is past, the day is done; We stand before our King.

Blest Sabbath day, thy precious hand Hath drawn me closer home; And, deeper thought! thy soft command Shall teach me not to roam. Speed thee, speed us, that glorious way, Till all the saints shall sing: “Holy, holy, holy! angels adore Thee, Casting down their bright crowns around the glassy sea; Thousands and ten thousands wor- ship low before thee, Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.” Then on that deathless Sabbath day We join our heavenly King.

Tucson, Ariz.