THE SABBATH IN PARADISE.
By R. F. C.
When first our world was brought to light By wisdom infinite, and might, What crowned the work with sweet delight? The Sabbath. When man in innocence and love Was sinless as the gentle dove, What gift was given from above? The Sabbath. Through paradise, his Eden home, In pure delights he free could roam, And hail with joy, when it should come, The Sabbath. So at the first, when time began, And all unruffled moments ran, That priceless boon was given man, The Sabbath. Had he not sinned, he ever might Have had God's presence day and night, And ever hailed with fresh delight The Sabbath. Though now from Eden man is driven, He still may keep the gift then given, The link that binds to hope and Heaven, The Sabbath. Redeemed by Christ, the living Word, Man and his paradise restored, He shall enjoy (thus saith the Lord) The Sabbath. God's Israel shall there remain, From month to month shall eat again Of life's fair tree, and still retain The Sabbath. R. F. C.