Closing Sabbath! Ah, How Soon

1Closing Sabbath!
Ah, how soon Have thy sacred moments passed:
Scarcely shines the morn, the noon,
Ere the evening brings thy last!
And another Sabbath flies— Solemn witness! to the skies!
And another Sabbath flies— Solemn witness! to the skies!

2What is the report it bears To the secret place of God?
Does it speak of worldly cares,
Thoughts which cling to earth's low sod?
Or has sweet communion shone Through its hours from God alone?
Or has sweet communion shone Through its hours from God alone?

3Could we hope the day was spent Prayerfully, with constant heart,
We might yield it up content—,
Knowing though so soon it part,
We should see a better day,
Which could never pass away.
We should see a better day,
Which could never pass away.

4God of Sabbaths! oh, forgive!
That we use thy gifts so ill;
Teach us daily how to live,
That we ever may fulfill All thy gracious love designed,
Giving Sabbaths to mankind.
All thy gracious love designed,
Giving Sabbaths to mankind.