Quiet is the hour of even,
Ere the Sabbath from us part:
E’en as tho’ the ear of Heaven
Listened at earth’s beating heart.
Gently round the night is falling,
O’er the silent world abroad;
Liquid bells are sweetly calling
Footsteps to the house of God.

And God’s angel still doth linger
Ere he takes from earth his flight:
Pointing with his lifted finger
Up the starry path of light.
One by one they silent gather
Round the sprinkled mercy seat;
One by one they seek the Father,
Humbly cast at Jesus’ feet.

On the knee of deep contrition
Bends each soul in earnest prayer;
On the wings of strong petition
Wafts to God its every care.
Listen to the bell’s sweet calling!
Thus the holy Sabbath crown!
And as dews are gently falling,
Shall the peace of God come down.