Charles Wesley - Welcome, Sweet Day Of Rest Lyrics
Lyrics
1 WELCOME, sweet day of rest,
That saw the Lord arise;
Welcome to this reviving breast,
And these rejoicing eyes!
2 The King himself comes near,
And feasts his saints to-day;
Here we may sit, and see him here,
And love, and praise, and pray.
3 One day amidst the place
Where thou, my Lord, hast been
Is sweeter than ten thousand days
Of pleasurable sin.
4 My willing soul would stay
In such a frame as this,
And sit and sing herself away
To everlasting bliss.
Video
Most Beautiful Hymns of Fanny Crosby, Isaac Watts & Charles Wesley 🙏🏼 Cello & Piano
Meaning & Inspiration
"Welcome, Sweet Day Of Rest" is a cherished hymn penned by the prolific English hymnwriter Charles Wesley. Celebrated for his profound theological insights and evocative language, Wesley captured the spiritual significance of the Christian day of worship in this piece. The hymn reflects a deep reverence for the day set aside for rest and communion with the divine, portraying it not merely as a cessation of labor but as a joyful spiritual event. Its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless message for believers across generations, finding new life even in modern interpretations and recordings.
The background provided references a specific release context: "Song Video Most Beautiful Hymns of Fanny Crosby, Isaac Watts & Charles Wesley 🙏🏼 Cello & Piano released on 2024-09-29". This indicates the hymn is included in a collection alongside works by other notable hymnists and presented in a contemporary instrumental arrangement featuring cello and piano, released on the specified date. This illustrates how classic hymns like Wesley's continue to be appreciated and reinterpreted through different musical forms, making their message accessible to new audiences while preserving their historical and spiritual value.
The hymn's meaning unfolds across its verses, beginning with a warm greeting to the "sweet day of rest" which is specifically linked to the Lord's resurrection, the event historically commemorated on the first day of the week. This day is depicted as a time of spiritual rejuvenation for the believer ("reviving breast") and a source of joy for their spiritual perception ("rejoicing eyes"). It establishes the day as holy and deeply personal, tied to the foundational event of Christian faith.
The second verse emphasizes the corporate worship experience, portraying it as a sacred gathering where "The King himself," referring to Christ, draws near and provides spiritual sustenance for His followers, described as "saints." Within the context of the gathered community, believers are encouraged to recognize Christ's presence, engage in mutual love and fellowship, and participate in acts of praise and prayer. This verse highlights the communal joy and spiritual nourishment found in corporate worship on this special day.
A powerful contrast is drawn in the third verse between the value of spending time in God's presence on this designated day and the allure of worldly pleasures. The hymn declares that even a single day spent "amidst the place where thou, my Lord, hast been" – referring to the church or the spiritual atmosphere of worship – is infinitely more valuable and desirable than "ten thousand days of pleasurable sin." This underscores the transcendent and soul-satisfying nature of communion with God compared to fleeting earthly enjoyments.
Finally, the fourth verse expresses a heartfelt desire for this state of spiritual connection and joyful worship to continue indefinitely. The believer's soul yearns to "stay in such a frame as this," wishing to perpetually experience the peace and joy found in God's presence. The imagery of the soul sitting and singing itself away to "everlasting bliss" points towards the hope of eternal life and the ultimate continuation of this joyful communion with God beyond earthly limitations.
Related scripture references enrich the understanding of the hymn's themes. The concept of a day of rest originates in Genesis 2:2-3 and the commandment in Exodus 20:8-11, though the hymn specifically links the Christian "day of rest" to the resurrection on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2). Christ's promise to be present among believers gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20) resonates with the idea that "The King himself comes near" during worship. The theme of spiritual feasting can be related to Christ as the Bread of Life (John 6) and the symbolic nourishment received in communion. The contrast between the value of godliness and the futility of sin echoes passages like Hebrews 11:25 and Proverbs 10:23. The ultimate hope of "everlasting bliss" aligns with biblical descriptions of eternal life with God (Revelation 21, 22). The hymn effectively weaves together these scriptural threads to create a tapestry of devotion centered on the blessedness of the Lord's Day and the joy of Christian worship.