Down by the sea the morning breaks, And all the eastern sky is bright With shining radiance that wakes The world in rapture to the sight; And riding on to burning noon The golden sun in splendor beams Upon the dimpling, glistening waves, Half wrapt in soft, delicious dreams. Down by the sea the western sky Is all aglow with rosy light, The fiery monarch sinks to rest Enwrapped in fleecy garments bright; And out upon the crystal waves The sunset’s rainbowed, tinted dyes Reflect their glories to the soul, And charm it with a glad surprise. Down by the sea—the glorious sea— We watch the white-sailed vessels glide, Bearing their messages of cheer Far out upon the silvery tide; The shining waves caress the sand, And softly lie upon its breast, While all the happy peaceful sea Bespeaks the calm of holy rest. Down by the sea there sometimes comes A mighty current strong and deep That sweeps along the rolling tide, And wakes the waters from their sleep; The great green waves with snowy crests Come grandly rushing wild and free, Revealing depths of untold power, Down by the rolling, matchless sea. Down by the sea the love of God We feel in every breath we draw, We listen to His mighty tones In silent, reverential awe; The air is all alive with thoughts Of Him who rules both sea and land, And holds the deeply-flowing tides Within the hollow of His hand. COMING HOME. Drawing nearer to the portals Of the angels’ happy home, Lonely-hearted sighing mortals In their strength or weakness come Now their white sails in the distance, Gleaming on Life’s open sea, Catch a breath from heavenly breezes Richly scented, warm and free. Heavy clouds have gathered o’er them, Storms and tempests sometimes fell, Driving every sail before them, Through the water’s angry swell, Till again the morning’s splendor Bursts in triumph o’er each deck, Lighting up with touches tender Every trace of storm and wreck.