DOCTRINES >> SABBATH
SDAH 384
Safely through another week
God has brought us on our way;
Let us now a blessing seek,
Waiting in His courts today;
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: Safely Through Another Week
Originally titled Saturday Evening, this hymn by John Newton (1774) was a reflection of Sabbath preparation, aligning with the biblical practice of beginning the day of rest “from even unto even” (Lev. 23:32). Its verses trace the transition from a week of labor to the joy and peace of Sabbath worship. Lowell Mason’s tune SABBATH (1824), written specifically for Newton’s words, beautifully supports the hymn’s prayerful gratitude for God’s preserving care and the sacred hours set apart for communion with Him.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
This hymn was written in 1774 by John Newton (1795-1807); see Biographies) and published in that year. Later it was collected in the Olney Hymns, by Newton and Cowper (see SDAH 107), 1779, as No. XL, Book II. It had five stanzas and was entitled “Saturday Evening,” which to Newton was the time immediately preceding the day of rest, in harmony with the Levitical custom: from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath” (Lev. 23:32). This is made clear in the original fourth line of stanza 1, which was “On the approaching Sabbath day.” Then line 6 of stanza 2 was “May we rest this night in Thee,” i.e., Saturday night! Hence the beginning of stanza 3: “When the morn,” i.e., Sunday Morning.
SABBATH was composed in 1824 and so named for the words by Lowell Mason (1972-1872; see Biographies).
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
Safely through another week
God has brought us on our way;
Let us now a blessing seek,
Waiting in His courts today;
Day of all the week the best,
Emblem of eternal rest:
Day of all the week the best,
Emblem of eternal rest.
2
While we seek supplies of grace,
Thro’ the dear Redeemer’s name,
Show Thy reconciling face;
Take away the sin and shame:
From our worldly cares set free,
May we rest this day in Thee:
From our worldly cares set free,
May we rest this day in Thee.
3
When the more shall bid us rise,
May we feel Thy presence near;
May Thy glory meet our eyes,
While we in Thy house appear:
Here afford us, Lord, a taste
Of our everlasting feast:
Here afford us, Lord, a taste
Of our everlasting feast.
4
May the gospel’s joyful sound
Conquer sinners, comfort saints;
Make the fruits of grace abound,
Bring relief to all complaints:
Thus may all our Sabbaths be,
Till we we rise to reign with Thee.
Thus may all our Sabbaths be,
Till we we rise to reign with Thee.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Heb 4:9
Author
John Newton (1725-1807), alt.
Year Published
1774
Hymn Tune
SABBATH
Metrical Number
7.7.7.7.7.7.
Composer
Lowell Mason (1792-1872)
Year Composed
1824
