Sweet Sabbath Bells

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List, to the chime, 'tis holy time

Author: F. E. Belden
Tune: [List to the chime, 'tis holy time]
Published in 4 hymnals

Representative Text

1 List to the chime, 'tis meeting time,
The joyous bells are ringing;
This is the day, they seem to say,
To meet for pray'r and singing.

Chorus:
Ring, ring, ring, ring,
Ring, ye joyous bells;
Ring, ring, ring, ring,
Ring, ye joyous bells.

2 Join with the throng and swell the song,
The Saviour's love confessing;
Offer a pray'r that you may share
The fulness of His blessing.

Chorus:
Ring, ring, ring, ring,
Ring, ye joyous bells;
Ring, ring, ring, ring,
Ring, ye joyous bells.

3 Learn of the way, and then obey
The truth so kindly given;
Thus, may you say, each closing day;
I'm nearer home and heaven.

Chorus:
On time, on time,
Answer to the chime;
On time, on time,
Always here on time.

Source: Christ in Song: for all religious services nearly one thousand best gospel hymns, new and old with responsive scripture readings (Rev. and Enl.) #272

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Author: F. E. Belden

Belden was born in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1858. He began writing music in his late teenage years after moving to California with his family. For health reasons he later moved to Colorado. He returned to Battle Creek with his wife in the early 1880s, and there he became involved in Adventist Church publishing. F. E. Belden wrote many hymn tunes, gospel songs, and related texts in the early years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Belden was able to rapidly write both music and poetry together which enabled him to write a song to fit a sermon while it was still being delivered. He also wrote songs for evangelist Billy Sunday. Though Belden’s later years were marred by misunderstandings with the church leadership over his royal… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	List, to the chime, 'tis holy time
Title:	Sweet Sabbath Bells
Author:	F. E. Belden
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Ring, ring, ring, ring
Publication Date:	1886
Copyright:	Public Domain