To purest joys, and contemplations blest;—
The cares of this vain world put far away.
God said, "Let there be light:" and straight the play
Of varied hues all nature did invest:
Creation ended,—this was God's behest;—
"Let Sabbath peace return, while earth shall stay."
Once more, near thrice the hundred thousandth time,
The blessed light upon the world is spread,
And wakes an heav'nly flame in many an eye:—
Just emblem of that Sabbath day sublime,