Sweet Is The Sunlight After Rain

Sweet is the sunlight after rain

And sweet the sleep which follows pain;

And sweetly steals the Sabbath rest

Upon the world's work-wearied breast.

Of Heaven the sign, of earth, the calm;

The poor man's birthright and his balm;

God's witness of celestial things;

A sun with healing in its wings.

New rising in this gospel time,

And in its sevenfold light sublime,

Blest day of God! we hail its dawn,

To gratitude and worship drawn.

O naught of gloom and naught of pride

Should with the sacred hours abide;

At work for God, in loved employ,

We lose the duty and the joy.

Breathe on us, Lord! our sins forgive,

And make us strong in faith to live;

Our utmost, sorest need supply,

And make us strong in faith to die.

"Sweet Is The Sunlight After Rain"

(1867)

William Morley Punshon

(1824-1881)

English Nonconformist Minister