Scripture Verse

I heard…the voice of a great multitude. Revelation 19:6

Introduction

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James Montgomery (1771–1854)
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: James Mont­go­me­ry, Po­eti­cal Works, 1841. Ev­en­ing Song for the Sab­bath-Day.

Music: Hu­ron The Sab­bath Hymn and Tune Book (New York & Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: Ma­son Bro­thers & J. E. Til­ton, 1859), page 20 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

Millions within Thy courts have met,
Millions this day before Thee bowed;
Their face Zion-ward were set,
Vows with their lips to Thee they vowed;

But Thou, soul-searching God! hast known
The hearts of all that bent the knee,
And hast accepted those alone,
In spirit and truth, that worshipped Thee.

People of many a tribe and tongue,
Men of strange colors, climates, lands,
Have heard Thy truth, Thy glo­ry sung,
And offered prayer with holy hands.

Still, as the light of morning broke
O’er islands, continent, or deep,
Thy far-spread family awoke,
Sabbath all round the world to keep.

From east to west, the sun surveyed,
From north to south, adoring throngs;
And still, where evening stretched her shade,
The stars came out to hear their songs.

Harmonious as the wind and seas,
In halcyon hours when storms are flown,
Arose earth’s Babel languages,
In pure accordance to the throne.

Not angel trumpets sound more clear,
Nor elders’ harps, nor seraphs’ lays,
Yield sweeter music to Thine ear
Than humble prayer and thankful praise.

And not a prayer, a tear, a sigh,
Hath failed this day some suit to gain;
To those in trouble, Thou wert nigh,
Not one hath sought Thy face in vain.

Thy poor were bountifully fed,
Thy chastened sons have kissed the rod,
Thy mourners have been comforted,
The pure in heart have seen their God.

Yet one prayer more! and be it one,
In which both heaven and earth accord;
Fulfill Thy promise to Thy Son,
Let all that breathe call Je­sus Lord.