DOCTRINES >> SABBATH
SDAH 388
Don’t forget the Sabbath,
The Lord our God hath blest,
Of all the week the brightest,
Of all the week the best;
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Don’t Forget the Sabbath
Though originally written with Sunday in mind, this beloved hymn by Fanny Crosby draws richly from Scripture, reminding us to honor the day God set apart. The message resonates deeply with Sabbathkeepers, who see in its lines a call to delight in the sacred hours of rest and renewal. Set to a cheerful gospel tune by William B. Bradbury, it’s a favorite among children and adults alike.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
These words intended to refer to Sunday, were written by Frances Jane Crosby (1820-1915; see Biographies). The hymn makes copious use of scripture, for example, Exodus 20:8-11; John 14:6; Revelation 21:6; Isaiah 58:13; and Ephesians 3:17.
The tune, unnamed was composed by William Batchelder Bradbury (1816-1868; see Biographies), and is characterstic of the gospel songs that era.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
Don’t forget the Sabbath,
The Lord our God hath blest,
Of all the week the brightest,
Of all the week the best;
It brings repose from labor,
It tells of joy divine,
Its beams of light descending,
With heavenly beauty shine.
Refrain
Welcome, welcome, ever welcome,
Blessed Sabbath day,
Welcome, welcome, ever welcome,
Blessed Sabbath day.
2
Keep the Sabbath holy,
And worship Him today,
Who said to His disciples,
“I am the living way;”
And if we meekly follow
Our Savior here below,
He’ll give us of the fountain
Whose streams eternal flow.
3
Day of sacred pleasure!
Its golden hours we’ll spend
In thankful hymns to Jesus,
The children’s dearest Friend;
O gentle loving, Savior,
How good and kind Thou art,
How precious is Thy promise
To dwell in every heart!
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Ex 20:9-11 (b) Ex 20:8; John 14:6; Rev 21:6 (c) Isa 58:13; Eph 3:17
Author
Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915)
Metrical Number
12.13.13.13.Ref.
Composer
William B. Bradbury (1816-1868)
