Songs for the Wilderness :: :: University of Virginia Library

Does the gospel-word proclaim
Rest for those who weary be?
Then, my soul, put in thy claim,
Sure that promise speaks to thee:
Marks of grace I cannot show,
All polluted is my best;
Yet I weary am, I know,
And the weary long for rest.

Burden'd with a load of sin,
Harass'd with tormenting doubt,
Hourly conflicts from within,
Hourly crosses from without;
All my little strength is gone,
Sink I must without supply;
Sure upon the earth is none.
Can more weary be than I.

In the ark the weary dove
Found a welcome resting-place;
Thus my spirit longs to prove
Rest in Christ, the ark of grace;
Tempest-toss'd I long have been,
And the flood increases fast;
Open, Lord, and take me in
Till the storm be overpast.

Safely lodg'd within thy breast,
What a wondrous change I find;
Now I know thy promis'd rest
Can compose a troubled mind:
You that weary are like me,
Harken to the gospel-call;
To the ark for refuge flee,
Jesus will receive you all;