Softly Fades The Twilight Ray Poem by Samuel Francis Smith

Softly fades the twilight ray,
Of the holy Sabbath day;
Gently as life’s setting sun,
When the Christian’s course is run.

Night her solemn mantle spreads
O’er the earth as daylight fades;
All things tell of calm repose,
At the holy Sabbath’s close.

Peace is on the world abroad,
’Tis the holy peace of God;
Symbol of the peace within,
When the spirit rests from sin.

Still the Spirit lingers near,
Where the evening worshipper
Seeks communion with the skies,
Pressing onward to the prize.

Savior, may our Sabbaths be
Days of peace and joy in Thee!
Till in Heav’n our souls repose,
Where the Sabbath ne’er shall close.