Struggle and Rest

My life was overcast with care,
And doubt pursued me everywhere;
Still farther into gloom unknown
I wandered desolately lone,
Till, in the depths of self-despair,
The darkness deepened into prayer;
And lo! when hope was almost gone,
The midnight brightened into dawn.

* * * * *

Around my heart was drawn the coil
Of cheerless, unrelenting toil;
Nor any respite could I find,
Nor any comfort for the mind,
When His dear cross appeared to me,
Whose service is true liberty;—
The thought of Jesus brought me rest,
And meekness made my burden blest.