Sabbath Hymn by Roswell F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 11, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 19.

Sabbath Hymn

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Jehovah spoke the word, and it was done; He gave command, and countless worlds upsprung; Each system moved around its central sun; Angels beheld, and songs of rapture sung.

He planted earth with trees and herbs and flowers, To every living creature he gave birth; He placed the human pair in Eden's bowers, Gave them dominion over all the earth.

Six days were thus employed, as he thought best, Though all might have been finished in an hour, But he would consecrate a day of rest, In which to celebrate his love and power.

Hail, sacred Sabbath! thus for man designed, And separated from the working days, That from earth's labors he might lift his mind, And duly celebrate his Maker's praise.

All hail the power that spoke the worlds from naught. All hail the goodness that to man is shown! All hail the love that man's best good has sought! Let songs of thanks and praise surround the throne.

Though fallen man has lost his first estate, And sin has trampled on the day of rest, New heavens and earth Jehovah will create; All then will keep the Sabbath and be blest.

R. F. COTTRELL.