Sweet is the day of sacred rest

Representative Text

1 Sweet is the day of sacred rest;
No mortal cares shall seize my breast.
O may my heart in tune be found,
Like David’s harp of solemn sound.

2 Then shall I share a glorious part,
When grace hath well refined my heart,
And fresh supplies of joy are shed,
Like holy oil, to cheer my head.

3 Then shall I see, and hear, and know
All I desired and wished below;
And ev’ry pow’r find sweet employ,
In that eternal world of joy.

Source: The Sacred Harp: the best collection of sacred songs, hymns, odes, and anthems ever offered the singing public for general use (1991 rev.) #48a

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Sweet is the day of sacred rest
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 6 of 6)

Original Sacred Harp Denson Revision 1987 Standard Melodies #48a

The Colored Sacred Harp, Third Revised edition #43

The Sacred Harp #48t

Text

The Sacred Harp #48a

The Sacred Harp #435

The Sacred Harp #556

Include 37 pre-1979 instances
Suggestions or corrections? Contact us